LETTERS, &C. 31

dress to me at the Albyn Club, Princes Street,, where1 shall be for a few days, previous to my return toDalswinton.—I am, Sir, your most obedient servant,(Signed) Patrick Miller.

To Mr William Symington.

9. From the Eight Honourable Thomas Dundas toMr Symington, Civil Engineer.

Dear Sir, —I was extremely sorry to hear that youhad been at the house while I was from home ; I begto explain the cause of my absence, and the step Ihad taken to meet the chance of your arrival; and Imust first state that, not having heard from you, Ihardly thought you were able to accept the appoint-ment I had made. Having accepted an invitation tosleep at Dunmore, on Friday, I came over here dur-ing that day, and requested my son’s tutor to receiveyou in the event of your coming to breakfast. MrSimpson, however, was not aware that you had beenat Carsehall, or he would have done all in his power tomake up for my absence, and, if possible, would haveinduced you to remain till my return.

It was well known to me that you were the firstperson who propelled boats by steam ; and I well re-collect the trial-boat lying near the Drawbridge ; thepresent model is a different one from that possessedby you ; but I do not know if Mr Bell used at firstthe ‘ ‘ eccentric ” now in common use.

The “ Auletic Wheel ” I do not understand, but Iwill have the pleasure of calling upon you on Wednes-day, when I shall be happy to receive your lecture,how much or how little of it may be within mysphere of comprehension.—I am, dear Sir, yourobedient servant,

(Signed) Thomas Dunbas.