Fulton, Robert

Autograph letter signed ("Robt Fulton"), 2 pages (9 1/2 x 7 3/4 in; 241 x 197 mm), [New York], 25 February 1813, to John D. Delacy, an agent hired by Fulton to start a steamboat line between Norfolk and Richmond, docketed integral autograph address leaf with autograph postscript at head of page; seal remnant stain and tear, repair to horizontal folds at margins only, some light spotting and browning.

Autograph letter signed ("Robt Fulton"), 2 pages (9 1/2 x 7 3/4 in; 241 x 197 mm), [New York], 25 February 1813, to John D. Delacy, an agent hired by Fulton to start a steamboat line between Norfolk and Richmond, docketed integral autograph address leaf with autograph postscript at head of page; seal remnant stain and tear, repair to horizontal folds at margins only, some light spotting and browning.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Fulton fires a barrage of questions to his hired agent, John D. Delacy, regarding the apparent failure of a business rival, Oliver Evans.  Originally friendly and cooperative, relations between Fulton and Evans turned sour, and Fulton's inquiries might have stemmed from genuine scientific interest or from malicious competitive curiosity. The inventor instructs Delacy: "In passing through Richmond, please do send me the name of the gentleman for whom Mr. Evans made the steam engine ... and all the particulars of the failure of the engine ..." Fulton presses his agent for more information: "What was the cause was it because there was not sufficient steam, how was the boiler made ... what [was] the diameter of the cylinder ... how much was paid for the engine, where is it now, was it to pump water? If so from what depth and how much was required to be raised ... Did he not fail in two engines in that neighborhood ... " Fulton closes his letter with yet another order: "These particulars are so important to me that I wish you to go a day or two to the coal works to get exact and incontrovertible details ..."

Fulton's confidence in Delacy was ill-placed. A greedy and devious attorney, Delacy soon began to work for his own interests, in concert with another Fulton associate turned rival, Nicolas Roosevelt. Delacy racked up a substantial debt with Fulton and eventually went to prison.