Jackson enters Frederick, Md., 1862
September Seventh
OF JAMES RUMSEY, INVENTOR OF THE FIRST STEAMBOAT
I have seen the model of Mr. Rumsey’s boat, constructed to work against the stream, examined the powers upon which it acts, been the eye witness to an actual experiment in running water of some rapidity, and give it as my opinion (although I had little faith before) that he has discovered the art of working boats by mechanism and small manual assistance against rapid currents; that the discovery is of vast importance; may be of the greatest usefulness in our inland navigation, and if it succeeds (of which I have no doubt) that the value of it is greatly enhanced by the simplicity of the works; which, when seen and explained, may be executed by the most common mechanic.
Given under my hand at the Town of Bath, County of Berkeley, in the State of Virginia, this 7th day of September, 1784.
George Washington
Sidney Lanier dies, 1881
September Eighth