trade of Vermont to this commonwealth, and in time of war afford a secure communication from Boston to Connecticut, by water. Compared with some works of this kind in Europe, however extensive this plan may seem to be, it will appear on examination, limited and practicable; especially when it is recollected, that in England alone, the extent of their canals exceeds three thousand miles and it is well known that they have proved one of the principal sources of the prosperity of the United Kingdom.

The practice of other states in giving exclusive rights on rivers for a limited time, to encourage useful enterprize and improvements, and that of our own state in numerous grants of bridges and canals, would shew, if any doubt of it could exist, the constitutionality of this kind of appropriation of the waters of the commonwealth.

Your petitioner, therefore, prays that the encouragement and protection above mentioned, necessary to carry his improvenients in inland navigation into extensive operation and usefulness, may be grant ed.

And your petitioner, as in duty bound, will ever pray.

Boston, May 30, 1814.

A true copy, attest,

JOHN L. SULLIVAN.

A. BRADFORD, Secretary of Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

In the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifteen.

An Act granting to John L. Sullivan a term of time for the use of his patent Steam Tow-Boats, on Connecticut River, within this Commonwealth.

Be it enacted by the senate and house of representatives, in general court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That there be and hereby is granted to John L. Sullivan, his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, on the conditions herein contained, the exclusive right to Connecticut river, within this commonwealth, for the use of his patent steam tow-boats, and the improvements he may make thereon, for the space of twenty-eight years; being double the time allowed by the patent laws of the United States, from and after the expiration of his said patent, bearing date the 2d day of April, in the year 1814: Provided however, that the said Sullivan, or his heirs, associates or assigns, shall build, and put in operation on the said river, at least one steam boat within five years from the date of this act.

In the house of representatives, Feb. 3d, 1815-This bill, having three several readings, passed to be enacted.

TIMOTHY BIGELOW, Speaker. This bill, having had two several readings in senate, Feb. 3, 1815, passed to be enacted.

JOHN PHILLIPS, President.

Feb. 7, 1815-Approved,

CALEB STRONG.

Copy examined, by

A. BRADFORD, Secretary of Commonwealth.