132 Some LETTERS OF PATRICK MILLER. 
placing his protege, Captain Miller, in a very awkward posi- 
tion.’’24 
Miller at once wrote his son full instructions as to how 
to act should the Duke ask him to change his vote :—‘‘ Re- 
member in the present strange situation of public affairs to 
keep your sentiments to yourself.’’*° 
Like many other Whigs, Miller was opposed to the Con- 
tinental War. His attitude was much the same as that of 
Burns, but when in 1803 a French invasion of the country 
threatened, no one was more patriotic or public-spirited than 
Miller.’’26 But in the early stages of the war he was full of 
misgivings :— 
““ Before the war broke out no person in the Kingdom 
foresaw more clearly the consequences which would follow 
from it; but other persons have as good a right to enter- 
tain a different opinion, and therefore I never allow myself 
to engage in a dispute on that hand. The time will come 
when, I think, all the nation will be of the same sentiments 
on this subject, but it is not writing or speaking that will 
bring about that period. ‘The expense and events of the 
war must produce it.’’2! 
Miller had not long to wait to see his forecast coming 
true :— 
““The war has begun to have the effects which might 
have been foreseen. The Glasgow Arms Bank has stopped, 
and J. Dunlop of Garnkirk,?® reckoned one of the richest 
men in that town, has also stopt. . . . The country 
has been filled with an immense circulation of Paper on the 
faith of Capitals no way proportioned thereto, and has heen 
kept up by all ranks of men hastening to get rich.’’29 
The cautious and thoughtful ex-banker had already taken 
steps to arrange for what is now called a ‘‘ geographical dis- 
” 
tribution of investments If the country was faced with 
bankruptcy, some at least of his capital would be invested 
abroad. So in Kentucky, on the banks of the Green River, 
he bought a block of land, as Mr Pulteney and many others 
were doing. 
‘““ Such are my thoughts on Europe at present and of 
