| Description | Written from Whitehall Gardens, London. The letter expresses Burgoyne's doubt in the quality of the workmen Brunel is using in the launch of the Great Eastern, based on a report in the Times of the failed first launch, and suggests that Brunel instead request the government lend him three hundred or so military engineers or sappers who would be able to help him and who would, Burgoyne is sure, be much better than civil workmen. |