I would therefore propose a meeting of His Majesty’s Ministers, Your Lordship, Lord Moira, Lord Henry petty, Lord Howick, Lord Erskine, Mr. Fox if his health will permit and Mr. Windham, or any other Gentleman whome it may be thought right to call in, And that before them the opinions shall be taken of Lord Kieth, Admiral Demet, Sir Even Nepene, Commodor Owen, Capt. Seccombe, Capt. Salt, Capt. Thos. Johnson of the nile Cutter, and Lieutenant Wm. Robinson—or such other persons as have seen the experiments and know most of the engines.
But should this mode be inconvenient a Committe of 12 Nautical men to examine and report on the plans which I have exhibited, by such means & such only Ministers can do Justice to the public and get a clear understanding of this subject And at Such committee if thought proper I will attend and explain my several modes of attack which will give gentlemen an opportunity to see what means they can devise to prevent your commerce being distressed and your marine by such engines were they in the hands of an enemy and practiced by them against this country,
There are many powerful reasons why such investigation Should be entered into.
First.
That if what I ascert be fact and Ministers refuse to take the rational and easy means here pointed out of being rightly informed and my engines should be practiced to the Injury of the commerce and fleets of England the people will not Suffer in silence but attach the whole blame to Ministers for wilfull neglect, therefore in as much as gentlemen regard their future reputation this Subject is of serious consequence to them.
Second.
If the Engines be harmless it certainly is important to be convinced on this head But will Ministers consent to be convinced on Vague reports and Vulgar opinions which accompany all new Inventions and not calmly sit down with nautical men and by examining principles penetrate into facts—? My Lord men of sense must penetrate into all the facts connected with this subject and that His Majesty’s Ministers may not have the least excuse, that they have not had a fair and timely warning on what maybe the consequence of these inventions I have Written this letter which I beg your Lordship to Communicate to His Majesty’s ministers.
In case of a Committe of investigation I conceive the principle points for consideration and to guard the interest of the nation will be as follows,
First
What is the present state of perfection of submarine navigation and attack,?