Fulton, Robert (1765-1815) to Oliver Evans
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04331 Author/Creator: Fulton, Robert (1765-1815) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 January 1812 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 25.1 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
Requests that Evans try out his engine against Watt's and promises that if Evan's's is in any way superior, there will be a good deal of interest in the engine.
Robert Fulton was an engineer and entrepreneur, often credited with inventing the steamboat. While Fulton did not invent any of the individual components of the steamboat, he did combine the ideas of many other men to make the most successful steamboat. He also owned and operated a number of steamboats.
Oliver Evans invented the high pressure steam engine, which weighed far less than earlier steam engines.
James Watt, 1736-1819, was a Scottish engineer who invented significant improvements in the steam engine. He also coined the term horsepower, and the unit of measurement Watt is named after him.
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