Previous publications dealing with this portion of Fulton’s career have inclined to the view that consideration of his plan for a submarine boat had been discarded soon after he came to England. From the postscript to the above letter it appears that Fulton was not informed that the submarine had been rejected until May, 1806, or two years after his arrival in England. Undoubtedly it was held under serious and secret consideration. Even if Fulton did not construct such a boat for the British Government, the latter reserved the right so to do until it was decided to drop all thought of adoption, or even of further investigation of any form, of under-water attack.
On May 14, Fulton again writes to Lord Grenville:
May the 14th 1806
My Lord:
Since writing to your Lordship on the 10th Inst Lord Howick has agreed to decide on my Contract by arbitrators, I now beg you Lordship will have the goodness to give orders that my accounts which are with Mr. King may be immediately setteld. They have no connection with the final decision on my contract they have been 4 months moving from office to office and now wait your Lordships decision
My Lord when I was Invited to this country I was led to believe that every reasonable attention would be paid to my demonstrations propositions and claims. I was therefore disposed from the first to do everything in the most liberal and open manner. I have uniformly acted on this principle And I have hoped for equal attention and liberality from each of His Majestys ministers with whome I may have to act. My Lord mine is no common Case; Tis my Sincere wish and the real interest of this government which I will hereafter explain that everything relative to this business may be setteled in the most friendly manner hoping to have the pleasure of arranging with your Lordship on this principle
I have the honor to be your Lordships
most obedient and Very humble Servant
Robt Fulton
The Right Honble