Chapter VIII: Negotiations with Cabinet

Fulton begins to have doubts of accomplishment (1805).
Correspondence with Mr. Pitt and Lord Castlereagh reciting his
contract, rights and claims. Pitt dies (Jan., 1806) and Fulton
begins anew with Lord Grenville and Lord Howick.

By midsummer of 1805, Fulton was not making the progress that he had expected, and again we find him writing letters that could not have been helpful in advancing his cause.

Sackville Street Piccadilly No 13
July the 18th 1805

To the Right Honorable William Pitt
Sir

I have waited till you were releeved from the fateague of attending
Parliament before I would urge you on my particular business, on which
I have written to Lord Barham twice without an answer, which with
other circumstances have led me to believe that government do not
intend to prosecute my system of attack Whatever may be their decision
it is interesting for me to know it As I have other and previous
engagements of much magnitude which call for my attention, and do not
warrant my loosing time; hence I hope you will have the goodness to
mention an hour when I may have the honor to wait on you that a plan
of Acting may be arranged or the business as relates to me put into
such a train as to be speedily and finally setteled

I have made the machines and exhibited to Sir Home Popham all that I
know of them; the mode of using them and their effects, and if it is
thought proper to use them; it can be done as well without my aid as
with it As to the submarine Vessel my opinion ever has been that it
would not be good policy in this government to introduce it into
practice, consequently you will not want me to construct one, But I
have all the drawings to Shew that everything which has been said of
it is practicable and which drawings _according to contract_, are to
be delivered to such persons as you may think proper to name

Under these circumstances I wish to sail for America about the first
of September, I Shall therefore hope that you will have the goodness,
to appoint an early hour when I may have the honor to wait on you

I have the honor to be your most

Obedient ROBT FRANCIS

Before the year was finished the tone of his letters became more bitter. He was no longer giving the government advice upon how they were to treat Bonaparte, but was deeply engaged in fighting for what he considered his own rights. The stilted style gave place to a more simple and direct form, in which he made no attempt to disguise his irritation as is shown by two letters written to Lord Castlereagh:

London
Ibbotsons hotel Vere Street Oxford Road
December 13th 1805

Lord Viscount Castlereagh
My Lord

I have the honor to send you reflections without disguise with what I
conceive a fair and honorable proposal for a final settlement with
government you will have the goodness to consider them and let me have
the honor of your decision as soon as possible

With all respects I have the honor
to be your Lordships most Obedient

ROBT FRANCIS—

London December the 13th 1805

Lord Viscount Castlereagh
My Lord

At various times I have been necessitated to say much on the
importance of forming the Submarine mode of warfare into a regular and
permanent System, As there is now full proof of the powerful effects
of the carcasses, and the great execution which maybe done with them,
a well organized mode of acting should be adopted,

System in this business is the true and best Interest of government, I
must also beg leave to state that in System, I have a great and
important Interest, for without it there is little hope of my
acquiring the emolument from my invention which I have a right to
expect,

When I discovered this mode of destroying ships of war, I considered
it as the basis of an ample fortune, And every experiment I have made
has confirmed me in my opinion of its immense importance, and my high
interest In it, Therefore while I frankly give you my opinion on what
I conceive the best interest of government I must be excused if I
begin to insist on what I conceive my personal rights.

Lord Melville with whome I contracted was Very friendly to my
enterprise and I have now no doubt would have wrought it into a form
to produce the greatest possible effect, Since his leaving the
Admiralty I have waited from month to month, hoping Lord Barham would
follow Lord Melvilles measures, but I have reason to believe he
disapproves of the whole plan or is indifferent to it which is the
same thing in effect, however as to my private Interest and the
situation In which I Stand In this country I consider that of little
consequence, though it may be of some importance to the nation,

My contract states a certain reward for every Vessel of an enemy which
shall be destroyed by my engines in 14 years and His Majesty’s
Dockyards and Arsenals are to furnish me the necessary means of
applying the carcasses to the destruction of the enemy hence if they
do not give me reasonable and efficient means, government do not
fulfill their part of the contract, the enemy cannot be attacked nor
destroyed however good and simple the engines may be, and my time is
consumed to no purpose;

As a Neutral in this country I cannot have a command so as to direct
my own enterprise, nor do I desire it nor have I a right to press my
plans and opinions on the Admiralty, but I have a right to convert the
result of my studies to my own emolument And having demonstrated their
certain effects to the conviction of every reflecting mind I cannot
undertake to contend with opinions or prejudices nor wait the
indeterminate time which maybe necessary to produce a conviction of
their utility to this country, I must therefore in justice to myself
and in conformity to all my engagements with this government beg leave
to state my final resolution, The Submarine mode of warfare must be
organized so as to render it effecient, or I must abandon it and
direct my attention to other pursuits equally Interesting to me, The
principles on which I came to this country were changed from the first
week of my arrival I came by the invitation of Lord Hawkesbury to
satisfy ministers as to the truth of whether I had or had not invented
a destructive engine which might be wielded, either for or against the
fleets of this country, and on proving that the engine has powers
superior to the methods at present in practice, I was to receive an
adequate reward, leaving government to use or bury the invention in
oblivion as they might think proper,

After what has been done I hope that the power of the carcasses, and
the certain annihilation which must be the consequence of their right
application will not be doubted, arrangement and ordinary courage are
only wanting to produce the most brilliant success, and were it
prosecuted according to the terms of my contract, I should acquire an
immense fortune, the destruction of 30 Ships of the enemies line would
entitle me to half their Value or more than a Million Sterling, hence
were the System pursued to the annihilation of the enemies fleets, and
it should be practised to their annihilation or abandoned such would
be my reward, but I have no such Ambitious Views, tranquility and a
much less sum will content me

I have now directed the construction of a store of engines, shewn
their incalculable effects and the simple mode of using them,
arrangement time and perseverance are only necessary to destroy every
Ship of the Enemy, but as in this part of the business I can be of no
use I do not at present see that I can be of any further material
service In this system of warfare,

I therefore propose as the most equitable arrangement between his
Majesty’s Ministers and me to revert to the principles which brought
me to this country and finally settle with them,

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_

With this demand the following Ideas were associated, First that I
Should not exersise or be the cause of exersising this invention
against the fleets of great Britain, Second that by not Shewing the
Mechanism of the Submarine boat and adopting only a part of my plan,
this government might draw advantage from it. Government can now Judge
whether it is important that I should never be the means of using this
invention against the British marine whether it is their interest to
grant these my original terms and whether this proposal is extravagant
considering the demonstrations I have made and the power I possess to
render my invention Infinately more productive. In this proposal as it
Stands I See that Ministers Will have one difficulty which is a
Security that I Shall not be induced to use this invention against the
british fleets after having receeived the sum Specified, there is but
one way to give such security that is to put it in my power and make
it my interest to remain tranquil or occupy myself in other pursuits
equally honorable and important to my country for this purpose I
propose to receive Sixty thousand pounds and my present Salary of two
thousand four hundred pounds per annum for life, the Annuity to be
forfeited if I break the treaty—I have already receeved ten thousand
to be considered part of the above Sum.

My Lord I conceive this proposition fair you have the Interest of
England to consider I have my own. I love tranquility and science in
my chamber. As a man of honor my principle Is to fulfill my part of
all my engagements before writing this letter I have well considered
the subject on all its bearings and made up my mind to the general
principles here proposed.

And I assure you that great as this demand may appear to be I am not
much interested in its success, for by agreeing to let my invention
lie dormant I feel that I abandon a Subject in which there is the most
Philosophic and honorable fame and perhaps the interest of my country
which is dearer to me than all considerations of wealth. However I
hope America And England will so well understand their Mutual
Interest, that it will not be necessary for me to introduce my
Invention into practice for our own defence And I have no desire to
use it to the Advantage of any other Nation.

I am Sir & & &
R FULTON

Fulton was not content to submit his demands to Lord Castlereagh only, but as on other occasions he went over the head of his correspondent and appealed to higher authority. In this case he forwarded a copy of the letter with some additional thoughts to the Prime Minister, Mr. Pitt:

London Jany 6th 1806

Mr. Pitt
Sir

That you may have an opportunity before you come to Town, to Judge of
what I conceive my rights And the governments Interest, I have taken
the liberty to send you a Copy of my letter to Lord Castlereagh, you
will no doubt at the first thought consider my demand great, but there
is one reflection which Usually accompanies all negotiations, whether
between Nations or Individuals, that is the power which each possess
to support certain claims. Now in this business I will not disguise
that I feel the power which I possess which is no less than to be the
means if I think proper of giving to the world a System which must
from necessity sweep all military marines from the ocean, by giving to
the weaker maritime powers Advantages over the stronger which the
Strong cannot prevent, this power I felt before and when I came to
this country but I did not think right to insist upon it nor could I
expect ministers to believe it till I had given them sufficient
demonstration. This is a power which is not possessed by even
Bonapart. It is concentered in me and two friends who are governed by
my success in this country.

Hence on Such power I have a right to set what price I think proper,
but I hope I am not of a disposition to abuse the advantages which the
Arts have given me either by unreasonable demands or any illiberal
act. In my present terms I have not raised the Sum first proposal to
Lord Hawkesbury; And It must be observed, I did not come here so much
with a View to do you any material good as to Shew that I had the
power and might in the exersise of my plan to acquire fortune, do you
an Infinate Injury, which Ministers if they thought proper might
prevent by an arrangement with me,—

I did however Zealously attempt to be of Service, I have proved that
Infinate good or Injury may be done. I have written to Lord Barham two
letters without receiving any Answer. I can easy conceive he has not
had time to consider the position in which I Stand nor my Invention in
all its consequences and might not think An Answer of any importance,
However it is time that he Should See it in all its consequences and
Judge of the propriety of a fair and honorable arrangement with me,

Although Sir you will be overwhelmed with business on your coming to
Town yet I hope you will not let this escape your memory

I have the honor to be your most
Obedient and Very humble servant

ROBERT FRANCIS

The Right Honbl
William Pitt Bath

The letter to Lord Castlereagh is in the best form of any of Fulton’s communications to the government in spite of the thinly veiled suggestion of a threat in the closing lines, but Lord Castlereagh must have been amused to learn that the foreign inventor, then without fame or position, was “perfectly satisfied with the conduct of Lord Melville, Mr. Pitt and your Lordship.” He, whose conduct was approved and from whose decision Fulton practically appealed in advance without time being given to render it, was a most important character in British politics at that time.

Lord Castlereagh lived between 1769 and 1822. He was the son of the Earl of Londonderry, and as his father was still living during the period under consideration, the son was known by the courtesy title of Viscount Castlereagh. Instrumental in securing the union with Ireland he forfeited the King’s support by urging emancipation for Roman Catholics, and to such an extent that the resignation of the Pitt government was forced. Castlereagh accepted a position in the new cabinet and on Pitt’s return to power in May, 1804, continued in office, and in 1805 became Secretary for War. It was to that official, therefore, that Fulton wrote the above letters.

On the 23rd of January, 1806, Pitt died and was succeeded in office by Lord Grenville. This necessitated new approaches by Fulton. Charles Grey became First Lord of the Admiralty in the ministry then formed. His father, Sir Charles Grey of Howick, had served as a British General in America during the revolution and was raised to the peerage as Lord Grey of Howick in 1801. In April, 1806, he was created Earl Grey, when his son adopted the courtesy title of Lord Howick. Fulton’s letters, therefore, to Mr. Gray (misspelled for Grey) and to Lord Howick are to the same person.

During February, Fulton recommenced his efforts for a settlement by writing Mr. Grey. At the same time he enclosed copies of letters previously sent to Mr. Pitt, assuming that Mr. Grey, being new to the office, it was necessary to acquaint him with what had gone before.

Ibbotsons Hotel Vere Street Oxford
Road Feby 22d 1806

Mr. Gray
Sir

In my letters to Mr. Pitt the copies of which I had the honor to
present you there are some Assertions on the powers of submarine
attack which men in general will be inclined to doubt, few men will
believe that any plan can be carried to Such perfection as totally to
annihilate the present system of Military marines and maritime war.
And I presume most men in my Situation would endavour to conseal this
part of the Business from every member of a Government the consequence
of which depends on her marine.

But as I have been invited to this country to give Ministers full
information on the nature and powers of submarine Attack, I have been
disposed from the first candidly to explain every principle and mode
of practice which Occured to me on the subject, And then leave
Ministers to Judge for themselves Whether fleets can be destroyed by
my means, and how much of my System they may practice with safety, or
what part of it conseal from public knowledge I therefore conceive it
the most prudent and prompt measure, first to go into a full and
Satisfactory examination of the principles of Submarine navigation and
attack, their practicability and consequences and from such
investigation judge of what this nation has to hope or fear from the
System; and on what ground I found my Claims; such a mode of
proceeding will place this Subject clear before the mind. I therefore
Advise that you will have the goodness to Invite such of your friends
as you conceived best acquainted with Mathematical and Physical
Subjects. I will meet them and explain the whole Machinery and mode of
operating and from their decision ministers can Judge how to Act. This
I conceive necessary for every reason, first to Obtain a clear
knowledge of facts; Second to Judge of the policy of practicing my
System; and third whether My deamnds are reasonable; and which demand,
I presume must be setteled by the privy council council—

To go into the investigation it is not Necessary to have Many persons.
3 or 4 will be Suffecient for the less number who become acquainted
with the Mechanism of the submarine Vessel, the less it will be talked
of or become publicly known.

I hope Sir you will form such a committee as soon as possible and when
formed favor me with a line,—

I have the honor to be your
Most Obedient and Very
humble servant

ROBT FULTON

P. S. Would not Lord Sidmouth, Lord St. Vincent, Mr. Windham and
Yourself Suffice for the investigation?

The Right Honorable
Charles Gray
First Lord of the Admiralty
& & &

The duties of new office probably occupied Mr. Grey’s time to the exclusion of coming to a settlement with Fulton. At any rate the latter writes again:

March the 17th 1806

Mr. Gray
Sir

After the Various changes of Ministers and Measures which have kept me
in this country for near two years and the time fast approaching when
I must Absolutely sail for America you will excuse me for Urging that
my arrangements with this government may be finally Setteled. In the
copies of my letters to Mr. Pitt which I had the honor to present you
my Ideas of the powers and Consequences of Submarine navigation and
Attack are fully explained and without disguise the question therefore
between government and me appears to be Simply this: have I proved
Sufficient to merit the 40,000 mentioned in the contract? If there be
Still doubts on this point it is Stipulated to be setteled by
arbitration this is Justice founded on the contract, but added to
this: Is it not the Interest of government to finally settle with me
and then use my mode of attack as they think proper? I beg you will
have the goodness to mention an early hour when we may have a
conversation on this subject and fix a plan for a just honorable and
prompt Settlement, let it be morning or evening or any period most
convenient to you when there may be suffeceent time for ample
Explanations.

I am &
R FULTON,

Fulton’s impatience always inclined him to correspond simultaneously with more than one official, and particularly so if thereby he could reach one higher in authority. Although his negotiations begun through Lord Howick were apparently proceeding satisfactorily, he forestalled a submission by the latter to Lord Grenville by writing to the latter himself. As this letter gives a review of Fulton’s claims and forms the basis for arbitrators who were subsequently appointed, it is of peculiar interest.