The industrial use of steam power started with Thomas Savery in 1698. He constructed and patented in London the first engine, which he called the "Miner's Friend" since he intended it to pump water from mines.
In 1776 this new government, the Continental Congress formed a committee to tell People why the colonies wanted to be free. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to be the head of this committee. He was an excellent writer. Jefferson wrote a paper that became known as the Declaration of Independence.