Before I came to this country Ministers were desirous of knowing whether my invention was of a kind to be feared this has been proved in the affermetive, they have possessed themselves of it, may use it as they think proper and Averted all danger which might be apprehended this consideration alone is suffecient to justify ministers in granting me the terms which I shall propose and which being small compared, with the prospect of emolument before me will be infinately better terms for the nation than my existing contract
My Lord in making this statement I beg you to be assured that I am nowise discontented, with what has passed nor with the time lost. It has been caused by the natural Suit of Idea and demonstration necessary to open the mind to a new subject. And although I feel a high sense of my independence of the immense and incalculable consequences of my discovery, of the right which I have to dispose of it as I think proper and convert it to my own emolument or Ambition. In doing which I might change the whole politics of this country and even Europe* yet on a fair and honorable arrangement with this government there is nothing to be feared from me, I am perfectly satisfied with the conduct of Lord Melville, Mr. Pitt and your Lordship but Seeing that you have prejudices to combat and many difficulties to encounter, feeling also that I can be of no further use, and having other and previous engagements which I must In honor fulfill I wish a final and equitable settlement and on this business I beg to have the honor of seeing your Lordship and Mr. Pitt as soon as possible,
I have the honor to be your
Lordships most Obedient
Robt. Francis
*This will appear strong and extraordinary assertion for a simple individual, but if necessary I will prove such to be the natural consequence of the invention if prosecuted to the extent of its powers with the means which I possess. I alude to the Submarine boat or Vessel.
The following are the terms I propose the Sum and Conditions are Similar to those Specified in my letters sent by the agent of government from paris to Lord Hawkesbury
Terms
That for leaving France and coming to England I Should receeive ten thousand pounds
That for clearly demonstrating that Ships of war can be destroyed by my engines with more ease and less risque than by any method now in practice I demanded the Value of one first rate line of battle Ship or one hundred thousand pounds