the same as Liverpool. It was intended to visit the former town at some future period, but the illness and death of Mr. Bell put an end to that idea. At the suggestion of several gentlemen, who have read and strongly approve of them, we are induced to abridge two articles which were written respectively to the nobility, gentry, merchants, engineers, &c. of Manchester and London, in 1829, and published in the journals of those great towns, the emporium of commerce, and the seat of Royalty.

"DOWNING STREET, LONDON, June, 1829. "MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

"IT would be a waste of words, and a misapplication of time, to dwell upon arguments and illustrations to show the vast importance of steam-navigation to all the interests of Great Britain, and the world. Its advantages are self-evident on every navigable river, in every sea-port, in every channel, where our merchandise arrives and departs, and where our merchants no longer need to wait for favourable winds and friendly tides, but

are wafted against both, with more speed and safety than the best mail-coach could ever accomplish. Without pretending to the spirit of prophecy, we may adopt the words of an eloquent writer, who justly observes, that 'no man can yet anticipate the extent of comfort, wealth, and power, which may accrue from this discovery to our nation, and to the world at large.' We know that several valuable experiments, by different engineers, were made prior to Mr. Bell's, but they were only ingenious attempts,-they ended in no practical good. Henry Bell gave us the first sea steam-boat in 1811, the Comet.'

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It has been justly observed by a philosophic writer, that to the world the value of an invention lyes entirely in its practical use. Apply this remark to Bell's case, and how conclusive does it appear! The Almighty has in various ages, and in all nations, raised up great and ingenious men, as the common benefactors of their species; hence we read of the worthies of Israel of the sages of Egypt of the moralists and philosophers of Greece and Rome; hence we read of the mighty of our own

land-our glorious island home! whose names are encircled with a radiance which will never fade. And, my lords and gentlemen, may I not say that the poet and historian who shall relate the deeds of a Newton, a Locke, a Franklin, a Priestley, a Playfair, and a Watt, will not forget Henry Bell, whose ardent genius 'many waters could not quench.' The Lord Provost of Glasgow; James Ewing, Esq.; Dr. Cleland; William M'Gavin, Esq. and other influential gentlemen of that city, having commenced a subscription for Mr. Bell, and given their names, with other gentlemen of public celebrity, in a document which will be affixed to this article, it is hoped, that Manchester and London will do something for the introducer of the steamboat into Britain."

The following short note from him to the author, will be in place here, and tend to enlighten my countrymen :

British government neglecting my claims so long, I consent to a subscription, as proposed by my friends in Glasgow, and thank you for your determination to carry my memorial into execution. I highly approve of all the preliminary steps you have taken, in conjunction with, and the kind aid of, the honourable Alexander Garden, Lord Provost of Glasgow, James Ewing, Esq.; Dr. Cleland, William M'Gavin, Esq. and other distinguished persons, and do hereby authorise you, in my name, to raise subscriptions agreeably thereto, in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool, London, Bristol, Dublin, Belfast, and other places, where you may think there is a chance of success. I hope that the conveners and sheriffs of the counties will exert themselves in my behalf, as they are all interested in the encreasing importance of steam navigation.

"To Mr. E. Morris, Glasgow.

« I am,
"Yours sincerely,

" HENRY BELL."

The following note will show the reader how strong were the claims of my friend, as

the names it embraces are amongst the most illustrious in our nation, for science, learning, experience, wealth, and moral worth. These gentlemen, in addition to their own private subscriptions, were ever ready to tender their advice to Mr. Bell's friend in his exertions, in the different places in Scotland, England, and Ireland, which he visited:

"WE, the undersigned, feeling solicitous for the success of the subscription in behalf of Mr. Henry Bell, the practical introducer of steam-navigation into Great Britain, do hereby respectfully recommend Mr. Edward Morris, who is appointed to carry into effect Mr. Bell's printed memorial, (written by Mr. James Ewing, of Glasgow), to the noblemen, gentlemen, or any public bodies to whom he may apply for subscriptions; and also to the leading magistrates, and other influential persons, of the different towns, where it may be thought advisable to make an appeal, to promote this patriotic object. Signed by the honourable Alexander Garden, Lord Provost