116 SYMINGTON. 



combined together for the first time those improvements which con- 

 stitute the present system of steam navigation. Although Henry 

 Bell and Fulton the American are both claimants for the above 

 honour, their inventions did not appear until some years afterwards, 

 Fulton establishing his steamboat at New York in 1807, and Bell 

 establishing one on the Clyde in 1811 ;* undoubted proof also exists 

 that both these gentlemen were well acquainted with the result of 

 Miller of Dalswinton's experiments, the ' Charlotte Dundas,' and 

 must have derived considerable advantage from such knowledge. 



After the successful experiment with the ' Charlotte Dundas,' a 

 proposal was made to the canal proprietors to substitute steam-tugs 

 in place of horses, but it was rejected on the ground that the undu- 

 lation created in the water by the paddle-wheels might wash away 

 the banks. Lord Dundas then introduced Symington to the notice 

 of the Duke of Bridgewater, who, although at first averse to the 

 project, ultimately gave Symington an order to build eight boats on 

 his principle. On this Mr. Symington returned to Scotland full of 

 hopes for the future, but these were suddenly frustrated by the 

 death of the Duke. His resources were now exhausted, and, unable 

 any longer to struggle against his misfortunes, Mr. Symington was 

 obliged, although with great reluctance, to lay up his boat in a 

 creek of the canal near Barnsford draw-bridge, where it remained 

 for many years exposed to the view of the public. 



Shortly after Bell's steamboat, the 'Comet,' had begun plying 

 upon the Clyde, notice was sent by Symington, not only to Bell, 

 but to all other proprietors following his example, that by so doing 

 they were invading his right ; and legal advice having been taken,f 

 an action for damages was commenced. Before, however, the cause 

 was settled, Mr. Symington's patent expired ; and although he had 

 given directions to institute an application to have it renewed, this 

 was most unaccountably neglected to be done, and he saw his hopes 

 expire, being reduced to much and severe distress through want of 

 money a state in which he continued more or less during the re- 

 mainder of his life. 



When in his last illness, the ruling passion of his life was strongly 

 exhibited. At one time the irregular form of his bedroom occa- 

 sioned him so much uneasiness, that, being slightly delirious, he 

 requested his son to reduce it to a square ; while his last act was 

 an imitation of winding-up and adjusting a newly-invented chrono- 

 meter, which he had lately completed. Stuarfs Anecdotes of the 

 Steam-Engine. London, 1829. Narrative by R. Bowie, proving W. 

 Symington the Inventor of Steam Land- Carriage Locomotion and of 

 Steam Navigation. London, 1833. Descriptive Catalogue of the 

 Museum of the Commissioners of Patents. 



* The 'Comet.' 



f John Clerk (Lord Eldin) pronounced the patent to be correctly drawn up, 

 and that no doubt existed of Mr. Symington's right to recover damages from its 

 invaders. 



