CONTENTS

1787 PATENT ENGINE

SYMINGTON’S LAND CARRIAGE

DEMONSTRATION OF THE MODEL LAND CARRIAGE IN 1829

PATRICK MILLAR’S 1788 STEAMBOAT TRIAL AT DALSWINTON

STEAMBOAT TRIAL IN 1789

STEAMBOAT TRIALS FOR LORD DUNDAS

JUNE 1801 TRIALS

1803 STEAM BOAT TRIALS

STEAM BOAT TRIAL ON 4 JANUARY 1803

THE SEMINAL STEAM BOAT TRIAL OF 28 MARCH 1803

WILLIAM SYMINGTON’S CHRONOMETER

WARSHIP INVENTION

WILLIAM SYMINGTON’S LETTERS TO THE EDITOR OF THE CALEDONIAN MERCURY 1827

1787 PATENT ENGINE

Newcastle Courant Saturday 24 January 1789 page 3

NEW PATENT STEAM ENGINE.

     WILLIAM SYMINGTON having completed his Experiments upon his new, improved Steam Engine, and laft fummer having erected one, with a 36 inch cylinder, upon the Lead Mines at Wanlockhead in Scotland, finds its properties to be as follows:

 1ft,  Acting by the pressure of the atmosphere, it works with a power equal to 12 lib. For each fquare inch contained in the piftons, and, when thus loaded, can with eafe perform 14 ftrokes, each ftroke 8 feet long, per minute.

2d,  By a new, but fimple method of condenfation, this power is produced, without alternately heating and cooling  the cylinder, as in the old Engine

3d,  Its consumption of Coal is little as that of any other Steam Engine whatever.

4th,  Being little more complicated than the common Fire Engine, it can be as eafily managed; and, at as little expence, kept in repair.

5th,  From the nature of its conftruction, Engines, erected on the principles of the old one, can be converted into thofe of the above plan, at little more than the expence of a fmall addition to the bottom of their prefent cylinders.

6th,  Being aided by his new and very advantageous method of applying the power of the Engine to rotatory motions, it can with more advantage and conveniency be adapted for the purpofes of drawing Coals from deep works, grinding, fawing, &c. than any Steam Engine yet known to the public.

     Hence the Inventor recommends it to the attention of the Gentlemen who have occafion to ufe fuch Machines, as, with confidence, he can affure them that this Engine poffeffes very great advantages over any other yet in ufe, and, when adopted, will fhew itfelf to be of public utility.

     Letters addreffed to “Mr William Symington, Engineer, Wanlockhead, by Edinburgh,” will be duly attended to.

 SYMINGTON’S LAND CARRIAGE

Northampton Mercury Saturday 22 July 1786 page 2 [1]

Extract of a Letter from Dumfries, July 11. 

     “George and William Symington, Engineers to the Wanlockhead Lead Mines, in this County, have lately invented a curious Machine, on approved Principles, that will be moft generally ufeful, and may be considered one of the moft capital Difcoveries of this Age; it is constructing on four Wheels, and will be moved in any Direction, with great Velocity, by the Power of a fmall Steam Engine. The Model, now making, which is nearly finished, is intended to carry 16 Cwt. befides the necessary Apparatus, with Coals, Water, &c. Five-pence worth of Coals will serve it 24 Hours, and the Velocity will be ten Miles in an Hour. If this Machine is brought into general Ufe, it will certainly reduce the Expence of Land-Carriage to a mere Trifle, and render Canals quite unneceffary. His Majesty’s Patent has already been secured to the Inventors, and there is no doubt but that their Ingenuity will amply rewarded.”

Also reported in the Edinburgh Evening Courant, 12 July, 1786, No. 10,683 page 3, column 1:

  “It is with pleafure that we inform the public, that  George and William Symington, engineers to the Wanlockhead Lead Mines, in this county, have lately invented a curious machine, on approved principles, that will be moft generally ufeful, and may be considered as one of the moft capital difcoveries of the age: - it is conftructing on four wheels, and will be moved in any direction, with great velocity by the power of a fmall fteam engine. The model, now making, which is nearly finifhed, is intended to carry fixteen hundred weight, befides the neceffary apparatus, with coals, water, &c. Five pence worth of coals will serve it twenty-four hours, and the volocity will be ten miles in an hour. -If this machine is brought into general ufe,it will certainly reduce the expence of land carriage to a mere trifle, and will render canals quite unnecessary- His Majefty’s Patent has already been fecured for the inventors and there is no doubt but that their ingenuity will be amply rewarded.

DEMONSTRATION OF THE MODEL LAND CARRIAGE IN 1829

Western Times Saturday 21 February 1829 page 3

     The Falkirk, Carron and Grahamston Mechanics’ Institution, says a correspondent, were upon Friday last much gratified by the first of series of lectures from Mr. William Symington, civil engineer, and the celebrated claimant for the discovery steam navigation. Mr. Symington exhibited and explained the model of the original carriage driven by steam, which he invented and submitted to the Professors of the Edinburgh University in the year 1787, when but a mere boy. It is well known that this coach suggested the idea of steam-boats, which Mr. Symington in conjunction with Mr. Millar, of Dalswinton, first put in actual movement. The hall was quite crowded, and marked attention seemed to value what was communicated, which no doubt must continue the spirited perseverance of that mechanics’ institution. —Scotsman.

CONTEMPORARY NEWSPAPER ACCOUNTS OF WILLIAM SYMINGTON’S STEAM BOAT EXPERIMENTS

THE 1788 STEAMBOAT TRIAL FOR PATRICK MILLAR [2]

The Edinburgh Advertiser 24 October 24 1788 page 270 [3] 

     The following is the refult of an experiment no lefs curious than new: - On the 14th inft. a boat was put in motion by a fteam-engine, upon Mr. Miller of Dalwinston’s piece of water at that place.  That gentleman’s improvements in naval affairs are well known to the public.  For fome time paft his attention has been turned to the application of the fteam-engine, to the purpofes of navigation.  He has now accomplifhed, and evidently fhown to the world, the practicability of this, by executing it upon a fmall fcale.  A veffel, twenty-five feet long and feven broad, was, on the above date, driven with two wheels by a fmall engine. It anfwered Mr. Millar’s expectations fully, and afforded great pleafure to the fpectators prefent.  The engine ufed is Mr. Symington’s new patent engine. 

The Scots Magazine Saturday 1 November 1788 page 566

     On Oct. 14. a boat was put in motion by a fteam-engine, upon Mr Millar of Dalfwinton’s piece of water at that place. That gentleman’s improvements in naval affairs are well known to the public. For fome time paft his attention has been turned to the application of the fteam engine to the purpofes of navigation. He has now accomplifhed and evidently shewn to the world, the practicability of this, by executing it upon a fmall fcale. A veffel, twenty-five feet long and feven broad, was, on the above date, driven with two wheels by a fmall engine. It anfwered Mr Millar’s expectations fully, and afforded great pleafure to the fpectators. The fuccefs of this experiment is fmall acceffion the public. Its utility in canals, and all inland navigation, points it out to be of the greateft advantage, not only this ifland, but to many other nations the world. The engine ufed is Mr Symington’s new patent engine.

Manchester Mercury Tuesday 4 November 1788 page 1 [4]

From the Evening Posts and Daily Papers, Oct. 28. 

LONDON, October 28. 

     Extract of a Letter from Dumfries, Oct 21. “On the 14th of this Month a Veffel 25 feet long and 7 broad, was fet in Motion on Mr. Miller of Dalfwinton’s Water, driven with two Wheels by a fmall Steam Engine. It anfwered Expectations fully, and afforded great Pleafure to the Spectators. The Succefs of this Experiment is no fmall Acceffion the Public. Its Utility in Canals, and all inland Navigations, points it out to of the greateft Advantage, not only to this Ifland, but many other Nations of the World. This Improvement in the Arts holds no inconfiderable Rank among the Inventions of modern Times; and, added his other Improvements, befpeaks how much Mr. Miller deferves of the Public. The Engine ufed is Mr. Symington’s new Patent Engine. The Method of converting the reciprocating Motion of the Engine into the rotatory one the Wheels is particularly elegant. It is in fact a Thing new in Mechanics, and which the World owes to Mr Symington’s Ingenuity.”

1790 STEAMBOAT TRIAL

The Edinburgh Advertiser February 23, 1790 page 125 [5]

Extract of a letter from Falkirk, Feb. 12.  

     “It is with great pleafure I inform you, that the experiment which fome time ago was made here, upon the great Canal, by Mr. MILLER of DALSWINTON, for afcertaining the power of the fteam engine, when applied to failing, has lately been repeated with very great fuccefs.  Although thefe experiments have been conducted under a variety of difadvantages, having been made with a veffel built formerly for a different purpofe, yet the velocity acquired was no lefs than from fix and a half to feven miles an hour.  This fufficiently fhews, that, with veffels properly conftructed, a velocity of eight, nine, or even ten miles an hour, may be eafily accomplifhed.  The advantages of fo great a velocity in rivers, ftraits, &c. and in cafes of emergency, will be fufficiently evident, as there can be few winds, tides, or currents, which can eafily impede or refift it; and it will alfo be evident, that, from a flower motion, the utmoft advantages muft refult to inland navigation.”

Derby Mercury Thursday 25 February 1790 page 4

     A letter from Falkirk, dated Feb. 12, fays, “It is with great pleafure I inform you that the experiment, which fome time ago was made here upon the great canal, by Mr. Miller, of Dalfwinton, for afcertaining the power of the Steam Engine when applied to failing, has lately been repeated with very great fuccefs.  Although thefe experiments have been conducted under a variety of difadvantages, having been made with a veffel built formerly for a different purpofe, yet the velocity acquired was no lefs than from fix and an half to feven miles an hour. This fufficiently fhews that with veffels properly conftrufted, a velocity, of eight, nine, or even ten miles an hour may be eafily accomplifhed. The advantages of fo great a velocity in rivers, ftraits, &c. and in cafes of emergency, will be fufficiently evident, as there can be few winds, tides or currents, which can eafily impede or refift it. And it will alfo be evident, that, from a flower motion, the utmoft advantages muft refult to inland navigation.” Every well-wifher to the extenfion of arts and commerce muft be highly gratified with the fignal fuccefs of this important experiment, which bids fair to introduce an improvement, which, by greatly facilitating, and rendering more eafy and fpeedy the intercourfe by means of Navigation, muft not only be highly advantageous to our country in particular, but to the commerce of the world at large, and to mankind in general.

STEAMBOAT TRIALS FOR LORD DUNDAS

JUNE 1801 TRIALS

TRIAL ON 24 JUNE 1801

Caledonian Mercury (Edinburgh), Saturday, June 27, 1801; Issue 12448 page 3, column 4 [6]

     A letter from Falkirk, dated June 24, fays: - “I had the pleafure this day of being on board a Steam Boat, which was, with eafe and difpatch, navigated from Carron-fhore to Grangemouth, which, in the courfe of the river, is from two to three miles. It is intended, by the power of fteam, to drag veffels up the Canal between Clyde and Grangemouth, which it appears well fitted to do. Whatever diminifhes the number of horfes, and performs the labour with equal advantage, muft always be of importance, and efpecially at this time, when the price of provifions is fo high. The nice and effectual manner in which the machinery is applied, is an additional proof of the merit of Mr SYMINGTON, the engineer, and the whole plan is highly honourable to Lord DUNDAS, the patron and promoter.

The Morning Post and Gazetteer (London), Wednesday, July 15, 1801; Issue 10259 page 2 [7]

     “Several successful experiments have lately been made upon the canal between the Clyde and Grangemouth with the steam-boat, under the patronage of Lord DUNDAS.”

DISCOVERY OF HULL

Falkirk Herald July 29, 1858 page 3, column 6

The article headed "Discovery of the Hull of a Steamboat" relates to this first boat built for Lord Dundas:

DISCOVERY OF THE HULL OF A STEAMBOAT. - The excavation for extending the Junction Basin proceeds as well as could be expected, considering the unfavourable state of the weather. In looking at the operations we were surprised to observe the workmen employed removing the stuff from, what appeared to us, a vessel, and, on enquiry, we were told it was the remains of the Experiment, the old ballast boat, and formerly the first steamboat built by the late Mr Symington, engineer, Falkirk, in which an engine was placed as propelling power for steam navigation, and successfully tried on the Forth and Clyde Canal in 1801, but afterwards interdicted by the Canal Company, on account of the surge injuring the banks. We were told that, previous to the vessel being submerged in the former Grange-burn, above twenty years ago, several bits of its timbers were sent to London and elsewhere, and, no doubt, converted into snuff-boxes and other nic-nacs. The timbers are as fresh as ever, although darker in colour; and it is likely as soon as the stuff is cleared away, and the vessel broke up, there will be many applicants again for bits of the timber to commemorate on one of the stupendous and successful events that has ever taken place, namely, the application of steam to the propelling of ships, by which the intercourse of nations has been so largely facilitated…

THE 1803 STEAM BOAT TRIALS

 STEAM BOAT TRIAL ON 4 JANUARY 1803

Glasgow Herald and Advertiser Friday January 7, 1803 [8]

     We are extremely happy to inform the public, that upon Tuefday the 4th Inft. an experiment of tracking veffels by means of a fteam boat, constructed by Mr. Symington, engineer, and patronized by the Right Hon. Lord Dundas, was made upon the Forth and Clyde Navigation, in a very fuccefsful manner, having on board his Lordship, the Hon. Capt. Dundas of the Royal Navy, [9] Mr. Spiers of Elderflie and feveral other gentlemen. Between the hours of one and two, the steam boat left Hamilton Hill [10] to meet the Active, Wm. Gow, mafter, one of the largeft veffels in navigation, burden 100 tons and upwards, which it took in tow near Stockingfield, and carried, with the greateft eafe and fafety, at the rate of 3 miles an hour, to the eaft end of Port Dundas, amidft a very large concourfe of people, who were exceedingly well pleafed with the performance. The general ufe of this contrivance will undoubtedly be advantageous to the country by greatly improving the mode, and leffening the expence of tracking veffels upon Canals and inland Navigation.

Caledonian Mercury 8 January 1803 page 4 column 2

Upon Tuesday 4th, inft. an experiment of tracking veffels by means of a fteam boat, confructed by Mr. SYMINGTON, engineer, and patronized by the Right Hon. LORD DUNDAS, was made upon the Forth and Clyde Navigation, in a very fuccefsful manner, having on board his Lordfhip, the Hon. CAPT. DUNDAS of the Royal Navy, Mr. SPIERS of Elderflie and feveral other gentlemen. Between the hours of one and two, the fteam boat left Hamilton Mill, to meet the Active, Wm. GOW mafter, one of the largeft veffels in the navigation, burden 100 tons and upwards, which it took in tow near Stockingfield, and carried, with the greatest eafe and fafety, at the rate of three miles an hour, to the eaft end of Port Dundas, amidft a very large concourfe of people, who were exceedingly well pleafed with the performance. The general ufe of this contrivance will undoubtedly be advantageous to the country by greatly improving the mode, and leffening the expence of tracking veffels upon canals and inland navigation.

The Times (London), Wednesday, 12 January, 1803 page 3; Issue 5616. [11] 

     An experiment of tracking veffels, by means of a fteam boat, patronized by LORD DUNDAS, has  been made upon the Forth and Clyde Navigation, in a very fuccefsful manner, having on board his Lordfhip, the Hon. Capt. DUNDAS of the Royal Navy, and feveral other Gentlemen. Between the hours of one and two, on the 4th inft. the fteam boat left Hamilton Mill, to meet the Active, Wm. GOW, Mafter, one of the largeft veffels in the navigation, burden 100 tons and upwards, which it took in tow near Stockingfield, and carried, with the greateft eafe and fafety, at the rate of three miles an hour, to the eaft end of Port Dundas.

Lancaster Gazette Saturday 15 January 1803 page 3

     We are extremely happy to inform the public, that on Tuesday se’nnight, an experiment of tracking vessels by means of a steam boat, constructed by Mr. Symington, engineer, and patronised by the Right Hon. Lord Dundas, was made upon the Forth and Clyde Navigation, in a very successful manner, having on board his Lordship, the Hon. Captain Dundas, of the Royal Navy, Mr. Spiers, of Elderslie, and several other gentlemen. Between the hours of one and two, the steam-boat left Hamilton Mill, to meet the Active, Wm. Gow, master, one of the largest vessels in the navigation, burthen one hundred tons and upwards, which he took in tow near Stockingfield, and carried, with the greatest ease and safety, at the rate of three miles an hour, to the East end of Port Dundas, amidst a very large concourse of people, who were exceedingly pleased with the performance. The general use of this contrivance, will undoubtedly be advantageous to the country by greatly improving the mode, and lessening the expence of tracking vessels upon canals, &c.

THE SEMINAL STEAM BOAT TRIAL OF 28 MARCH 1803

A triumphant demonstration of the  first effective paddle-steamer, the Charlotte Dundas, took place on 28 March 1803 and was reported as follows:

Edinburgh Advertiser April 1, 1803 page 206, issue 4096

The Steam Boat upon the Forth & Clyde Canal, answers extremely well. On the 28th ult it took in drag two loaded vessels, burden of both not less than one hundred and thirty tons, and carried them with great ease from Lock No 20, through the long reach of 18 1/2 miles to Port Dundas in nine hours and fifteen minutes although it blew most part of the day a strong breeze right a-head of them. We understand the expense of fuel for the engine and of wages for two men to conduct the operation during the above trip, does not exceed one-third of that which would be charged for doing the same work by horses. For the advantages which commerce will undoubtedly derive from a general use of this invention, the country is indebted to the Right Hon. Lord Dundas, by whose scientific knowledge and laudible perseverence in a series of costly experiments, we learn the undertaking has been brought to that state of utility to which it is arrived. 

Caledonian Mercury April 2, 1803 page 3, column 4 [12]

     It is with pleafure we have occafion to notice, that progrefs and improvements in the fteam boat upon the Forth and Clyde Canal.  That its power is great, and the favings arifing from the ufe of it would be very considerable, appear from the following account of its operation.  Upon Monday the 28th inftant, it took in drag two loaded veffels, burden of both not lefs than one hundred and thirty tons, and carried them with great eafe from Lock, No. 20, through the long reach of 18 1/2 miles, to Port Dundas in nine hours and fifteen minutes, although it blew moft part of the day a ftrong breeze right a-head of them.  We underftand the expence of fuel for the engine and of wages for two men to conduct the operation during the above trip, does not exceed one-third of that which would be charged for doing the fame work by horfes.  At a time when commerce is rapidly increafing, and trade fo much benefited by the great extention of canals which have taken and are daily taking place, it muft afford no fmall gratification to learn, that improvements are going forward which tend greatly to leffen the expence of tracking veffels in fuch conveyances.  The method of managing the drag flings while paffing fharp turnings in the canal (a thing entirely new to Mr SYMINGTON the engineer) we are informed, was fuggefted by the Hon. CAPTAIN DUNDAS of the royal navy, by whofe judicious inftructions that part of the procefs, once apparently difficult, is now rendered quite eafy and governable.  The very appropriate mode in which the machinery is conftructed, and the fimple yet effectual manner its power is applied in giving motion to the veffel, point out, in an eminent degree, Mr SYMINGTON’S knowledge in mechanics.  For the advantages which commerce will undoubtedly derive from a general ufe of this invention, the country is indebted to the Right Hon. LORD DUNDAS, by whofe fcientific knowledge and laudable perfeverance in a feries of coftly experiments, we learn, the undertaking has been brought to that ftate of utility to which it is arrived.

The same report appeared in Glasgow Herald & Advertiser Monday April 4, 1803,  and elsewhere. [13]

The Scots Magazine for April 1804 page 288 also reported:

"April 4. It is with pleasure we note the improvements of the Steam Boats upon the Forth and Clyde canal. It is more speedy than the draft by horses, and at one third the expence."

WILLIAM SYMINGTON’S CHRONOMETER

Oxford University and City Herald Saturday 8 November 1828 page 2 [14]

     New Chronometer. —Mr. Symington, engineer in Falkirk, has contrived a new chronometer, which, for simplicity of construction, and accuracy in the division of time, far surpasses any thing of the kind hitherto invented. Although we are not at present enabled to describe the manner in which the machinery is arranged and acted upon, we can so far state, that it will point out with the greatest precision the hours, minutes and seconds of time, independent of either pendulum, balance wheel, or pallet, their reaction being thus totally done away with, and the salient motion unavoidably produced in every time-piece at present in use, altogether avoided. In this way all the movements are rendered perfectly regular, tacit, and easy, so much so, that its component parts will sustain very little if any injury from tear and wear, although kept in motion for many years. The primum mobile, which we understand is regulated by the effect of reciprocal gravitation, will need to be replaced once in twelve months. 

-Stirling Advertiser

 DEMONSTRATION OF SYMINGTON’S CHRONOMETER

The Scotsman Wednesday 18 November 1829 page 6 [15]

… we see that the celebrated Mr. Symington has submitted his chronometer to the public in the Tally-ho Tavern here, where it is steadily revolving at a pace which is to continue for seven years.

INVENTION RELATING TO SHIPS OF WAR

Edinburgh Evening Courant Monday 28 September 1829 page 3 [16]

     Mr Symington, civil engineer, Falkirk, the gentleman, who, we believe, had the merit of first inventing the method of adapting steam to propelling vessels in water, or carriages on land, is at present engaged in a scheme for employing it to maneuver vessels of war, by which they will be made to proceed against both wind and tide, and recede or turn about at pleasure, without the smallest possibility of the enemy’s shot harming the machinery. Stirling Journal.

WILLIAM SYMINGTON’S LETTERS TO THE EDITOR OF THE CALEDONIAN MERCURY

WITH REFERENCE TO TESTIMONIALS AND DRAWINGS SUPPORTING WILLIAM SYMINGTON AS THE INVENTOR OF STEAM NAVIGATION

Caledonian Mercury Monday 4 April 1827 page 3

To the Editor of the Caledonian Mercury. 

Falkirk, 26th March 1827. 

SIR,

     Having read in your Mercury of the 15th current, a letter to you by W. Millar, late Major in the Royal Regiment of Horse Guards, accompanied by an extract of a letter said to be from the late Mr Millar of Dalswinton, dated 14th August 1814, to Mr Wight, Accountant in Edinburgh, in which he claims the invention of Steam Navigation, I hope you will also oblige me by inserting in your respectable paper, the following short notice, intended for those individuals who feel interested in this useful and important invention, viz. Steam Navigation. 

     It is not my intention at present to indulge in making remarks on the contents of Mr Millar of Dalswinton’s letter. The discerning public will judge for themselves, after they see statements I intend to publish in a few months hence, when a true account of the whole, and my connection regarding the invention of Steam Navigation, corroborated by an exhibition of the original drawings, with the testimonies of several gentlemen and respectable tradesmen, who were employed by me in making various experiments upon it, in the year 1788 and 9, also in 1801, 2, and 3, will be laid before them. -I am, Sir, 

Your most obedient humble Servant, 

(Signed) WM. SYMINGTON.

LETTER FROM WILLIAM SYMINGTON TO THE CALEDONIAN MERCURY SEPTEMBER 1827 

Caledonian Mercury Saturday 29 September 1827 Issue 16554 page 4

MR SYMINGTON, CIVIL ENGINEER, ON THE STEAM CARRIAGE AND STEAM BOAT. 

TO THE EDITOR OF THE CALEDONIAN MERCURY.   

     SIR- My connection with steam navigation has been lately canvassed in your paper by Major William Millar, and Patrick Millar, Esq. sons of the late Mr Millar of Dalswinton. 

     But before proceeding to notice the productions of these gentlemen, I think it proper to premise, that I was born at  Leadhills, in the year 1764, of not wealthy but respectable parents; that I was intended for, and partly educated with a view to the Church; but my natural turn for mechanical philosophy soon led me to direct my studies to the exercise of the profession of a civil engineer.

     Having commenced this pursuit, I made several improvements in the steam engine and in July 1786, I went to Edinburgh, and submitted to the Professors of the University, and other learned and scientific gentlemen, the model of a carriage which I had invented and intended to be moved on public roads by a rotatory motion produced by the steam engine. Upon this occasion I met the late Mr Millar of Dalswinton, who had been informed, not only of the model of my steam carriage, but my previous improvements on the steam engine, by Mr James Taylor, who had been my school and college companion, and who was then tutor to two of Mr Millar’s sons.   

     When Mr Millar called upon me in Edinburgh, at the house of my much respected friend, the late Gilbert Meason, Esq. Director of the Wanlockhead Mining Company, he was shewn the model of my steam carriage; and he mentioned that he had spent much time making experiments as to the propelling of vessels by using wheels in place of sails or oars; these wheels he had put in motion by applying the strength of men to the turning of a handle or winch. He said he had also attempted to work them by horses, but none of these powers had sufficiently answered the purpose, whereupon I stated that an engine might be constructed to propel boats, by communicating a rotatory motion to the paddles by the alternate action of two ratchet wheels, in the same manner as proposed in the model of the steam carriage then before him, which would render altogether unnecessary the  aid of a fly wheel to regulate and equalize the effects of the steam engine in turning the revolving cars.  

     The model then before Mr Millar, and the description I gave him of the manner by which I proposed applying the same power to a rotatory motion in his paddle wheels, seemed to convince him of the practicability of applying the steam engine to the propelling of boats, and he said with a becoming diffidence as to his knowledge in mechanical powers, that since I thought it possible to construct and work a steam engine with safety on board of a vessel, he would have an experiment made on a small scale so soon as I could attend to it, and he left it entirely to myself to devise the plan of the steam engine, the mode of producing rotatory motion, and the placing of the apparatus with safety in the vessel. I therefore proceeded in the erection of a small steam engine, having two cylinders of four inches diameter, each making a stroke of 18 inches, which was by my direction, and under my eye, fitted on board a double keeled vessel, then lying upon a piece of water near the house of Dalswinton; and this being done, an experiment was made by me in the autumn of the year 1788, in presence of Mr Millar and various other respectable persons, and the boat was propelled in a manner that gave such satisfaction, that it was immediately determined to commence an experiment on a more extended scale.

     The second experiment was made on the Forth and Clyde Canal. The machinery was executed at Carron Iron Works, under my direction, and was erected in a boat belonging to Mr Millar, which he had previously caused to be built and fitted with a paddle, for the purpose of making experiments to the effect of these wheels being turned by the labour of men or horses, as already described. The engine which I fitted into this boat, consisted of two cylinders, each 18 inches diameter, and making a three feet stroke; and in the month of October 1789, I took on board Mr Millar, the late John Adam, Esq. of Blairadam, John Balfour, Esq. of Pilrig, and Ambrose Tibbets, Esq. members of the Carron Company-also Mr Taylor, my school companion, and David Drysdale, an experienced sailor, to whom I gave the helm, and in the presence of hundreds of spectators who lined the banks of the Canal, the boat glided along, propelled at the rate of five miles an hour, and all parties interested declared themselves satisfied with the success of the experiment.   

     The expence of the machinery, exclusive of the cost of  the boat, that previously belonged to Mr Millar, amounted to L.368 10s. 10d. as certified by Joseph Stainton, Esq. Manager for Carron Company.

     These experiments having been completed, I continued to pursue my profession, and effected further improvements in the machinery of the steam engine, so that in 1801 I applied and obtained a patent for my invention. About that time I commenced, under the patronage of that distinguished and enlightened nobleman, the late Lord Dundas of Kerse, and  finally completed in 1803, a steam boat for dragging vessels along the Forth and Clyde Canal. The construction of this  steam boat cost upwards of L.7000, and although it was attended with the most happy results, yet the proprietors of the Canal were afraid that the, undulation of the water, would  wash down the banks, and steam boats, for the same reason are not even used now by the Company. My steam vessel was therefore laid up in the Canal near Bainsford Bridge, and while she was lying there, Mr Henry Bell from Glasgow, who had also witnessed the progress of the experiments at Carron in 1789, was frequently seen to inspect the machinery. 

     Having thus given you a short detail of my connection with steam navigation, it may not be improper for me to mention, that some years ago a son of Mr Millar of Dalswinton called on Mr Stainton at Carron, stating that he was going to make an application to Parliament for a pecuniary grant, but before doing so he wished Mr Stainton to use his influence with me to renounce my right to the invention; but that gentleman spurned at the idea of interfering, and dismissed the applicant with a severe reprimand. 

     Mr Editor, you must excuse the length of this statement. Mr Millar’s sons have frequently laid your columns under contribution to put me down, and you will therefore undoubtedly give me permission further to call the attention of the Public to the extract of a letter said to have been sent by the late Mr Millar to Mr Wight, accountant in Edinburgh, on 14 th Aug. 1814, and which was published in your paper, along with a letter from Major Millar in March 1827. The reason which the Major assigned for publishing that extract was that he had seen in the newspapers an article stating it to be the intention of a gentleman of the name of Bell, to make an application to Parliament for some pecuniary grant, in consideration of the loss he had sustained, and the share he had, in bringing the important invention of steam navigation into general use; but that could not be the Major's only reason; he knew that I had also made an application to Parliament; and what is more, the extract makes no reference to Mr Bell, but to me, and represents me as the hired workman of Mr Millar, constructing and fitting the machinery according to his direction, and consequently impugning my righteous claim to the invention. 

     The extract from which this letter is taken, was not in the hand writing of Mr Millar; he was at the time far advanced in years, and unwell, and unable either to dictate or to write. The thing must have been manufactured by his amanuensis, for I cannot allow myself to think that the document is a production of Mr Millar, or that he was capable of  doing me so much injustice. 

     Ist, Then, there was either a desire in the amanuensis to suppress facts, or if Mr Millar assisted in the dictation of  the letter, it shews an evident misgiving of his memory, since it makes no reference to our interview when he inspected my steam carriage at the house of Mr Meason, in 1786, for it was there that the principle was developed, and which I undertook to render available to the propelling of vessels. 

     2d, From the extract it would appear that Mr Millar had written a treatise as to the propulsion of vessels through water by means of wheels, by applying the strength of men and horses, which he published in the year 1787. Although  this happened more than a year after he had seen the model of my steam carriage, and while I was busily inventing and constructing the machinery for his boat, yet in Mr Millar’s alleged letter the following was quoted from said treatise, as having a tendency to shew that be had received some knowledge of the invention in 1787. “I have also reason to believe that the powers of the steam engine may be applied to work the wheels, so as to give them a quicker motion,  and consequently to increase that of the ship.” Now this quotation clearly proves, that Mr Millar was not relying on his own ingenuity, but was trusting to me to accomplish what I had explained to him, and confidently and ardently undertaken, and finally performed in 1788. 

     3d, I admit that Mr Millar furnished the boat, and defrayed the price of the machinery at this time, and also of  the second experiment at Carron in 1789. But I decidedly and pointedly refuse that Mr Millar ever remunerated me in any way for my personal trouble and expence; in fact, the experiments cost me more expence than they did Mr Millar, to say nothing of my anxiety and devotion to carry them into full effect. 

     I intended to have offered some remarks on an Extract from a Memoir, published by Patrick Millar, Esq. and which  appeared in your paper of the 3d current; but as I have already said so much, I will be as brief as possible. In this  

memoir, Mr Patrick Millar admits, that my experiments on his father’s boats were successfully made; and notwithstanding of that, he alleges that his father was disgusted at  me, and often regretted that he had ever employed me. –This is rather curious reasoning, and is palpably inconsistent, when it is considered that his father did not pay me one farthing for my trouble. 

     It is not true that I had pecuniary difficulties to contend with while making the experiments on Mr Millar’s boats; for, during all that time, I was in the service of the opulent  Wanlockhead Mining Company. No doubt I have latterly been unfortunate, and experienced pecuniary difficulties; nevertheless, that these are so much akin to genius, I dare say even the Messrs Millars will admit. Mr Millar’s name, however, by mere accident, is now associated with mine; therefore, if Messrs Millars consider themselves entitled to a pecuniary grant, it would be more handsome were they to submit their pretensions to the wisdom of Parliament, and cease running down my character and my indisputable claim to the inventions of propelling vessels by the power of steam. 

                                                   WILLIAM SYMINGTON. 

     Falkirk, 19th September 1827. 

     Since writing the foregoing I have seen a silly effusion in a Glasgow paper under the name of Mr Henry Bell; the following affidavit shews what credit should be given to Mr Bell’s statements:

 AFFIDAVIT. 

     Alexander Sclanders, boat builder, residing at Lock No. 16, on the Forth and Clyde Canal, in the county of Stirling, depones, that in the month of March eighteen hundred and three years, he was employed by William Symington, civil engineer, to be helmsman on board the Charlotte Dundas steam boat, in a trip made from Windford Lock along the summit level of the canal to Port Dundas, the distance being 19 ½ miles, and which was performed in six hours, dragging two loaded vessels, the Active and Euphemia of Grangemouth, Messrs Gow and Esplin masters, although it blew a strong breeze right a head while on the passage, so much so that no other vessels of any description could move to the windward on the Canal that day. 

                                                                   ALEXR. SCLANDERS.  

Sworn at Falkirk, in the county of Stirling, upon the twentieth day of September eighteen hundred and twenty-seven years, before me, one of his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace for the county of Stirling. 

                                                             WILLIAM COWBROUGH, J. P. 

[1] The same report was in Saunders's News-Letter (Dublin) Monday 24 July 1786 page 1

[2] First reported in Caledonian Mercury Thursday 23 October 1788 pages 2 & 3 "It is with the greatest pleasure we report…(digitised format not fully legible)

[3] Volume L, No. 2590, page 270, column A; also Scots Magazine, November 1788, volume 50, page 566; Dumfries Journal, November 1788; Manchester Mercury Tuesday 4 November 1788 page 1; Chelmsford Chronicle Friday 31 October 1788 page 2; Norfolk Chronicle Saturday 1 November1788 page 1 Note that James Taylor submitted this report to The Dumfries Journal, the Edinburgh Advertiser and Scot's Magazine (Woodcroft page 36)

[4] The same report was in the Chelmsford Chronicle Friday 31 October 1788 page 2, Norfolk Chronicle Saturday 1 November 1788 page 1 and Salisbury and Winchester Journal 3 November 1788 page 1

[5] Volume LIII, No. 2729, page 125 –cited by Woodcroft.  The text was prepared by Lord Cullen and James Taylor sent copies to the editors of the Caledonian Mercury, Evening Courant and Edinburgh Advertiser (Woodcroft page 38)

[6] The same letter appears in Glasgow Courier Volume X, No. 1538, June 27, 1801 page 2, column 3; Glasgow Advertiser, June 29; Hull Packet 7 July 1801 page 4 

[7] Also in The Morning Post and Gazetteer (London, England), Wednesday, July 15, 1801 Issue 10259.

[8] Glasgow Advertiser January 7, 1803 Page 2, column 3 (final paragraph); also reported in other journals including the Glasgow Courier, January 6, 1803, volume XII, No. 1777, page 2, column 4; Leeds Intelligencer Monday 10 January 1803 page 3; Lancaster Gazette Saturday 15 January 1803 page 3; The Newcastle Courant (Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England), Saturday, January 15, 1803 Issue 6588

[9] The Hon. George Dundas 1778-1834, fourth son of Lord Dundas. Obituary Gentleman’s Magazine 1835 Volume 157 page 359

[10] Hamilton “Mill” in the Caledonian Mercury report

[11] Also reported in Jackson’s Oxford Journal Saturday 15 January 1803; The Hampshire Chronicle, etc (Hampshire, England), Monday, January 17, 1803 page 3 Issue 1517; Exeter Flying Post 20 January 1803 page 2

[12] Caledonian Mercury April 2, 1803 page 3, column 4; first reported in the Glasgow Courier 31st March 1803 Vol. XII, No. 1813 page 2 column 4-page 3 column 1

[13] Glasgow Herald & Advertiser Monday April 4, 1803 page 3, column 2; Saunders’s News-Letter and Daily Advertiser Thursday 7 April 1803 page 1; Hampshire Telegraph 11 April 1803 page 4

[14] Also Manchester Mercury Tuesday 11 November 1828 page 1

[15] Also in Royal Cornwall Gazette Saturday 5 December 1829 page 4

[16] Also in Inverness Courier Wednesday 30 September 1829 page 2