Norman: "During the 1780s James Rumsey and John Fitch each invented a steam-powered boat, but Rumsey's was propelled by jets of water through the stern and Fitch's by paddles. Fitch was the first to publicize his invention, obtaining a fourteen-year privilege for the manufacture of steam vessels, but Rumsey claimed priority for his steamboat, for which he was granted an American patent in 1791. The ensuing controversy provoked pamphlets from both sides: Rumsey's Short treatise was an answer to Fitch's Original steamboat supported (1788) ... both men's boats turned out to be financial failures."