| Ref No | DM1306/11/1/2/folio 419-422 |
| Title | Letter from Isambard Kingdom Brunel to Captain Harrison |
| Description | Written from 18 Duke Street, Westminster, London. The letter expresses Brunel's pleasure at hearing from Mr Betts that Harrison has been appointed captain for the Eastern Steam Navigation Company's ship and explains that Brunel will begin to consult Harrison for all the information which Brunel believes he lacks. Brunel promises to prepare for Harrison a memorandum of all the things that he would like Harrison to take note of on his next voyage in his current ship and promises to send it by rail. Brunel requests Harrison visit the harbour in Portland to gather some specific information to allow the Eastern Steam Navigation Company to negotiate with the Railway authorities to remedy any defects in the harbour and to ensure that the harbour is suitable for docking the ship and to this end reminds Harrison of the ship's dimensions. Brunel particularly asks Harrison to ensure that the harbour really is the safest and most proper harbour to dock at on the first voyage and offers various possibilities for making the harbour suitable. Brunel also mentions the amount of work that must be done before the ship is ready for her first voyage. Brunel suggests that he might also ask Harrison to make some experiments with Massie's sounding lead and suggests the broad form the experiment should take. Brunel also requests Harrison see if he can get some copies of all the new charts of the East Coast of America. |
| Date | 22 November 1855 |
| Format | Manuscript volume |
| Extent | 4 pages |
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| Access Conditions | This material is held at the Brunel Institute - please contact the Brunel Institute to arrange access. |