The Rhode Island American, And General Advertiser

We understand that Mr. John Beath, an ingenious mechanick of this town, has invented a new weapon of warfare, which in the present state of our country promises to be of the greatest publick utility.

It is called the Spring Rocket And is intended principally to fire shipping. Viewing in this light, the Spring Rocket is supposed to be far superiour to the Congreve rocket, so celebrated, in the European world—the latter will pass through the rigging of a vessel without material injury while the former will fasten itself so effectually by the springs attached to it, that nothing but a miracle could save the vessel from destruction. We understand he can make them range from one to three thousand yards, and with a little variation they may be made equally as destructive on the land as they are contemplated to be on the water. From the acknowledged ingenuity of the inventor, we feel persuaded many improvements will be made such as will give them importance on board our national vessels, and in all our forts, and such as will entitle him to the gratitude, countenance and support of his country.