Reprinted in "The Magazine of History with Notes and Queries", Extra Number 54 (1917).
Stevens, of course, could not convince the commissioners.

"The Communication from John Stevens, Esq.," was referred to a committee, who reported in March: "That they have considered the said communication with the attention due to a gentleman whose scientific researches and knowledge of mechanical powers entitle his opinions to great respect, and are sorry not to concur in them." Stevens, however, kept up the fight.

He published all the correspondence, hoping to get aid from Congress for his design, and spread his propaganda far and wide.

But the War of 1812 soon absorbed the attention of the country.

Then came the Erie Canal, completed in 1825, and the extension into the Northwest of the great Cumberland Road.
From St.Louis steamboats churned their way up the Missouri, connecting with the Santa Fe Trail to the Southwest and the Oregon Trail to the far Northwest.