| Description | Written from Liverpool. The letter regrets that Brunel has paid no more attention to Rowett's ideas than to add them to the pile of general suggestions that he has received and reiterates the great value that Rowett's ideas would have in providing a speedy, and comparatively inexpensive, solution to Brunel's difficulties. The letter also comments that Rowett has heard of another ship that has failed to launch and is awaiting hydraulic rams and screw pressure to launch her, when they only need Rowett's system of levers. Rowett explains that Brunel has, through the launch of his ship, become a symbolic representation of national skill and ingenuity and remarks that he would have been satisfied with the briefest confirmation that Brunel had considered his plan and either proposed to use it or had decided that it was a bad plan but was most disappointed with a mere acknowledgement of receipt. |