90 Mr Miller on the Invention and Practice 
now accomplished, and evidently shewn to the world, the prac- 
ticability of this, by executing it upon a small scale. A vessel, 25 
feet long and 7 broad, was, on the above date, driven with two 
wheels by a small engine. It answered Mr Miller’s expecta- 
tions fully, and afforded great pleasure to the spectators. The 
success of this experiment is no small accession to the public. 
Its utility in canals, and all inland navigation, points it out to 
be of the greatest advantage, not only to this island, but to 
many other nations in the world. The engine used is Mr 
Symington’s new patent-engine.” The effect of these public 
notices was such as might have been expected, in stimulating 
my father’s ardour for further trial, on a larger and still more 
satisfactory scale. 
Accordingly, in the summer of 1789, he directed one of his 
'double vessels, of about 60 feet in length, to be carried to Car- 
ron, in order to be fitted up as a steam-boat, by furnishing her 
with revolving paddles, and a steam-engine suited to the sup- 
posed exigencies of the case. In this second experiment, he 
again availed himself of the zealous assistance of Mr Taylor, 
and again employed Mr Symington as the operative engineer. 
For this purpose, they were dispatched to Carron in the month 
of June 1789, and I have now in my possession the original 
letter sent by my father to the Carron Company, as introduc- 
tory to Mr Symington’s employment. It is as follows.: 
“ Gentlemen, Dunfermline , 6th June 1789* 
u The bearer Mr William Symington is employed by me 
to erect a steam-engine for a double vessel, which he proposes 
to have made at Carron. I have therefore to beg, that you 
will order the engine to be made according to his directions. 
As it is of importance that the experiment should be made soon, 
I beg also that you will assist him, by your orders to the pro- 
per workmen, in having it done expeditiously. I am ever, 
with great regard, Gentlemen, your most obedient humble 
servant, Patrick Miller. 
“ Carron Company, at Carron!* 
In spite of the anxious importance thus expressed by my Ja- 
ther for the rapid prosecution of the work, it was not till after 
