Lot Essay
Unexpected depressions in the bed of the Thames were a frequent cause of flooding and, before work could continue, had to be filled with bags of gravel dropped from the surface.
Details
Autograph letter signed ("affectionately yours M. I. Brunel") to I. K. Brunel ("My dear Isambard") at 18 Duke St., one page, 8vo, with integral address leaf dated Nov. [18]39 in another hand.
Evidently written during a period of recovery from a sudden "influx" or flood of water; this has been so bad that "a very good raft" is needed to reach the face of the tunnel. The "depression" in the river bed that has caused the flooding is being "filled" from the surface, though this process has been delayed by the movement of tug boats.
"The Water is now down to the Road way and is lowering very well -- The influx beyond the delivery is at high water for about half an hour, when the guage below remains at rest. They have been busy, yesterday and today, in clearing the Timber. We had but few hands yesterday. By tomorrow morning we propose to go as far as possible with a very good raft taking only 2 men the first run. Williams intends to go -- He is always cautious ---- The depression is nearly filled -- the Tugs prevented doing more."
With superscription: "Can you get me two three pages."
Piece torn from address leaf where seal removed.
Evidently written during a period of recovery from a sudden "influx" or flood of water; this has been so bad that "a very good raft" is needed to reach the face of the tunnel. The "depression" in the river bed that has caused the flooding is being "filled" from the surface, though this process has been delayed by the movement of tug boats.
"The Water is now down to the Road way and is lowering very well -- The influx beyond the delivery is at high water for about half an hour, when the guage below remains at rest. They have been busy, yesterday and today, in clearing the Timber. We had but few hands yesterday. By tomorrow morning we propose to go as far as possible with a very good raft taking only 2 men the first run. Williams intends to go -- He is always cautious ---- The depression is nearly filled -- the Tugs prevented doing more."
With superscription: "Can you get me two three pages."
Piece torn from address leaf where seal removed.