The first successful steamboat was built by Robert Fulton, a native of Pennsylvania, and called the Clermont. Mr. Fulton made his trial trip on the Hudson River, from New York to Albany, and thousands of curious spectators thronged the shores to witness the failure of "Fulton the Fanatic." None believed, few hoped, and everybody jeered. An old Quaker accosted a young man who had taken passage, in this manner: ?"John, will thee risk thy life in such a con-cern? I tell thee she is the most fearful wild-fowl living, and thy father ought to restrain thee" But, on Friday morning, the the of August, 1807, the Clermont left the wharf, and went puffing up the Hudson with every berth, twelve in number, engaged to Albany. The fare was seven dollars. Fulton stood upon the deck and viewed the motley and jeering crowd upon the shore, with silent satisfaction. As she got fairly under way and moved majestically up the stream, there arose a deafening hurrah from ten thousand throats. The passengers returned the cheer, but Fulton, with flashing eyes and manly bearing, remained speechless. He felt this to be his long-sought hour of triumph. They were cheered all along the passage from every hamlet and town, and at West Point the whole garrison were out and cheered most lustily. At Newburg, the whole surrounding country had gathered, and the side-hill city swarmed with curious and excited multitudes. The boat reached Albany safely - 150 miles in 32 hours, and returned in 30. The Clermont was a success, and Robert Fulton was famous.