"In relation to the patent of Hussey, if my memory serves me, his patent
expired some time within the latter part of December, 1847. During that
month, and within some ten or twelve days before the expiration of his
patent, he applied to me as Commissioner of Patents for an extension. I
informed him, that inasmuch as the act of Congress prescribed the mode
in which patents should be extended; required a reasonable notice to be
given to the public in sundry newspapers, published in those parts of
the country most interested against such extension; and as the board had
decided that 'reasonable' notice should be a publication of the
application for extension three weeks prior to the day appointed for the
hearing, there was not time to give the required notice in his case; and
I advised Mr. Hussey not to make his application, and thus lose the fee
of $40 required in such cases, as he inevitably would, without the least
prospect of succeeding in his application--but to petition Congress for
an extension, which body had the power to grant it."

[Sidenote: An Able and Unanswerable Report]

"Washington, 5th Sept., 1854.

"Obed Hussey, Esq., Baltimore:--

"My Dear Sir: I have recently learned, with surprise and indignation,
that certain speculating harpies who fill their coffers with the
products of other men's brains, and who, in your case, seek to 'reap
where they sow not' are basely and unjustly endeavoring to prevent
a renewal of your patent for your Reaping and Mowing Machine,' upon
the ground [among others] that you and your agents have neglected to
press your Claim properly before Congress.

"I have been your Agent from the time the claim was first presented
to Congress, and know that the Charge is entirely unfounded.

"The facts according to the best of my recollection and belief, are
as follows: Your Claim for a renewal was presented to Congress at the
very first Session, after you ascertained that your application to the
Commissioner could not be acted upon under the rules of the Patent
Office. Every paper and proof necessary to establish your right to a
renewal of your patent, under the existing laws, was procured, and
promptly placed with your memorial, before Congress. No further proof
was required by the Committee on Patents, in the Senate, and your
right to a renewal was fully established by an able and unanswerable
report of