| Description | Written from 18 Duke Street, London. The letter confirms that Blake's tender for the screw engines of the Great Eastern has been accepted, along with John Scott Russell's tender for the paddle wheel engines and hull and explains that there are certain reasons why the Directors of the Eastern Steam Navigation Company cannot enter immediately into contracts. The letter also describes the various provisions and conditions that might be included in the contract for the engines when it is finally drawn up. One of the conditions includes the possibility that part of the payment may be made in shares or the contract may entail the contractor taking out shares. |