INTRODUCTION. XXV 
such strength and stability under sail as would enable 
her to be navigated in safety to the southern Atlantic. 
It had been proposed to send her out in frame, and to 
set her up in the river, but against this plan there were 
insuperable objections. 
Messrs. Watt and Bolton were put in communication 
with Mr. Seppings, in order that a proper steam engine 
might be fitted for the vessel. Unfortunately however, 
by some misconception, the engine with its boiler was 
heavier, or the vessel drew more water, than had been 
anticipated ; the consequence of which was, that at the 
highest pitch of the engine it would not propel her 
through the water at a greater speed than that of four 
knots an hour; and when lightened to the draught of 
four feet three inches, her rate of going never exceeded 
five knots and a half an hour. It was therefore so ob- 
vious that this rate of going never could compensate for 
the very great incumbrance of a machine that occupied 
one-third part of the vessel, that it was at once deter- 
mined to get rid of it altogether; a measure which was 
earnestly urged by Captain Tuckey, as he thereby 
would procure a most important addition for the stowage 
of provisions, and the accommodation of his crew. As 
the trial of this steam vessel, which had been constructed 
with the view of combining the opposite qualities of navi- 
gating the ocean by the power of the wind, and stemming 
. the current of a river by that of steam, had attracted a very 
considerable degree of curiosity, the failure brought for- 
ward a shoal of projectors, every one ready with his in- 
fallible remedy; and Messrs. Bolton and Watt were no 
Jess anxious to try the result of another engine with some 
e 
