Upon the whole, the committee are of opinion that the contract entered into by Congress with the officers of the late Revolutionary Army, for giving them half-pay for life, has not been substantially complied with by the Government. They, therefore, recommend the following resolution:
Resolved, That the prayer of the petitioners is reasonable, and ought to be granted.
Friday, February 9.
Robert Fulton and Torpedoes.
The following letter was laid before the House:
"Kalorama, February 9, 1810.
"Sir: Having published a pamphlet explaining my experience on the practice and effects of torpedoes, I beg leave to present you, and each member of the House of Representatives, one copy. Should the House consider this subject of sufficient interest to merit further explanation, I shall be happy to give a lecture at such time and place as may be most convenient, in which I will exhibit the various modes of attack with torpedoes and harpoon guns, as prepared for action, with such models and demonstrations as will lead to a clear understanding of the subject.
"I have the honor to be, &c.,
"ROBERT FULTON.
"Hon. Speaker House of Reps."