| Description | The letter discusses Brunel's thoughts on the coaling of the ship, the quality of coal that should be used and the method of obtaining the coal. Brunel explains that he has done considerable research into the experiments carried out between North Country and Welsh coal. Brunel suggests that, on balance, it might be easier to get a good supply of Welsh coal and easier than making expensive, wasteful purchases of North Country Coal. The letter compares the favoured coal type used by the Peninsular and Oriental line, the West India Mail Boats, Cunard and Gibb & Bright and discusses the prices of coal, the availability of different sorts of coal and the different suppliers who might be able to source coal for the Great Eastern. |