| Description | Written from 18 Duke Street, London. The letter announces Brunel's involvement in the building, for the Eastern Steam Navigation Company, of an extremely large ship and mentions that Brunel has been authorised to approach various firms who might be interested in tendering for part of the construction of the engine. The letter emphasises the need for confidentiality but also the importance of the project and its cooperative nature as well as the strength of the opposition they may well encounter. Brunel mentions his long and close association with the firm and asks for confirmation that Maudslay and Field would still be willing to undertake the manufacture of the engines for the projected steamship and hopes to meet with the firm to discuss the project in more detail. |