| Ref No | DM1306/11/1/5/folio 271-273 |
| Title | Letter from John Bidder Junior to Isambard Kingdom Brunel |
| Description | Written from 1 Royal Exchange Buildings. The letter suggests Bidder's opinion that the failed launch of Brunel's Leviathan ship arose from the workmen misunderstanding Brunel's orders and therefore not allowing the check apparatus to work in concert. Bidder offers his suggestions that the failed launch may be corrected by the use of a governor to ensure that the two sides of the pulling apparatus may be made to work together and what precautions must be taken to ensure that it works properly. The letter comments on the injuries sustained by the workman and the subsequent death of one of the injured and his understanding that Brunel tried, as far as possible, to prevent injury. There is a sketch on Folio 273 illustrating Bidder's ideas. |
| Date | 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. |