Record

Ref No	DM1306/11/1/5/folio 257-259
Title	Letter from W. Fairbairn to Isambard Kingdom Brunel
Description	Written from Manchester. Fairbairn states his interest in Brunel's project and reminds Brunel that he has in the past given his opinions, based on his experience in iron construction and on the designs for the vessel which Brunel showed him, on various points relating to the design and construction of the Eastern Steam Navigation Company's ship and apologises for entertaining the smallest doubt as to the eventual success of the launch but suggests that Brunel might consider digging out the space below the keel, sinking the ship into this space and then allowing the inflow of water into the hollow to float her. Fairburn states that if he felt his experience would be in any way helpful, then he would offer his services but he has no doubt that Brunel's experience and the talent with which he is surrounded is so much greater than Fairbairn's that they will have no difficulties in solving on the fly any problems that occur during the launch and wishes Brunel all success in launching the Great Eastern.
Date	5 November 1857
Format	Manuscript volume
Extent	3 pages
Access Conditions	This material is held at the Brunel Institute - please contact the Brunel Institute to arrange access.

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