细节
Autograph letter signed ("most affectionately your dear Father M. I. Brunel") to I. K. Brunel ("my dear Isambard"), 1¾ pages, 8vo with integral blank, 13th Decem. 1841.
Poling boards are no longer needed, the Shield has apparently penetrated one quarter of the circumference of the Wapping shaft without causing safety problems. However, the pumps provided by the Thames Tunnel Company are inadequate, and would be much better replaced by "Hague's apparatus."
"No polings now remain at the Extreme Frames, consequently none required any where. The opening for the Shield is very near one quarter of the circumference of the shaft which remains perfectly sound -- The Directors were satisfied today on every point. ---- However my dear Isambard, I should certainly prefer Hague's apparatus to any pump -- . The question with us is not the cheapest; but the most convenient according to our experience, we may expect expect to reduce the Influx to a very moderate rate lessening every year consequently ---- H's apparatus is the thing for us. I shall say nothing upon the subject on Wednsday (Board day).
The Rotherhithe Shaft will be finished Lining on Wednesday -- (9in Lining) Shall it not be necessary to give an additional Turn to the Stairs? to have as easy as the North stairs. Pray drop me a line that we may understand each other --"
Slightly soiled.
With a second letter to Isambard, one page, 8vo with integral blank, 13th Decem. 1841 [no place], alluding to a forthcoming Directors' meeting "when the question of Pumping will be among the first," and continuing his advocacy of "Hague's machine":
"I have requested Guppy, who is going, as you know, to Manchester to see the person who wrote the letter of the performance of Hague's machine, to know as much as can be obtained upon the subject. For my own part I see so much objection to any Pump and Pumping Apparatus that the sooner the point is settled the better." (2)
Poling boards are no longer needed, the Shield has apparently penetrated one quarter of the circumference of the Wapping shaft without causing safety problems. However, the pumps provided by the Thames Tunnel Company are inadequate, and would be much better replaced by "Hague's apparatus."
"No polings now remain at the Extreme Frames, consequently none required any where. The opening for the Shield is very near one quarter of the circumference of the shaft which remains perfectly sound -- The Directors were satisfied today on every point. ---- However my dear Isambard, I should certainly prefer Hague's apparatus to any pump -- . The question with us is not the cheapest; but the most convenient according to our experience, we may expect expect to reduce the Influx to a very moderate rate lessening every year consequently ---- H's apparatus is the thing for us. I shall say nothing upon the subject on Wednsday (Board day).
The Rotherhithe Shaft will be finished Lining on Wednesday -- (9in Lining) Shall it not be necessary to give an additional Turn to the Stairs? to have as easy as the North stairs. Pray drop me a line that we may understand each other --"
Slightly soiled.
With a second letter to Isambard, one page, 8vo with integral blank, 13th Decem. 1841 [no place], alluding to a forthcoming Directors' meeting "when the question of Pumping will be among the first," and continuing his advocacy of "Hague's machine":
"I have requested Guppy, who is going, as you know, to Manchester to see the person who wrote the letter of the performance of Hague's machine, to know as much as can be obtained upon the subject. For my own part I see so much objection to any Pump and Pumping Apparatus that the sooner the point is settled the better." (2)