While in Glasgow, I had endeavoured to assist the Messrs.

Bibby in the purchase of a steamer; so I was now intrusted by them with the building of three screw steamers the Venetian, Sicilian, and Syrian, each 270 feet long, by 34 feet beam, and 22 feet 9 inches hold; and contracted with Macnab and Co., Greenock, to supply the requisite steam-engines.
This was considered a large order in those days.

It required many additions to the machinery, plant, and tools of the yard.

I invited Mr.Wolff, then away in the Mediterranean as engineer of a steamer, to return and take charge of the drawing office.

Mr.Wolff had served his apprenticeship with Messrs.