Gentlemen,In some observations on the utility of small canals, which I printed in the Star of July the 30th, 1795, and in which I called on you to state your objections to the system, the Printer, by mistake, having placed the words, whose merits I esteem, immediately after Mr. Whitworth's name, instead of inserting it after the names were treated, it might appear that Messrs. Outram, Miln, and Rennie, were excluded from that respect which ever feel for men of science. I therefore take this opportunity to explain the error, in order to rectify any bad impression which it might occasion; and I hope this will be deemed a sufficient apology.
At the same time I think it perfectly consonant to the nature of this Work, again to call on you, together with Messrs. Telford, Cockshot, Chapman, and Benet, to deliberately weigh the following pages on small canals, and favor me with your opinion, or transmit it to the public, in order that they may be put in the possession of the arguments for and against the system. In this request I conceive myself perfectly justified: First, because the improvement of canals is of national importance, second, it is the duty of every man engaged in public works, to investigate every plan which has the appearance of facilitating such works; third, many useful works remain unnoticed for age for want of immediate consideration fourth, by the discussion I propose, the useful or imperfect parts will be more immediately exhibited and the misapplication of the old mode will be detailed: hoping that this system, to its extent, will meet the most candid and liberal investigation, and be deliberately considered and compared with the old practice for the various canals in contemplation, or which may hereafter be constructed.
I remain, with all possible respect,
Gentlemen, Your most obedient, ROBERT FULTONLondon, March 1, 1796