| Description | Written from London. This is the letter originally enclosed with DM1306/11/22/31. The letter explains that it is perfectly possible to build a sectional floating dry dock large enough to completely lift the Great Eastern out of the water for examination and repair in a very short time and without damaging any part of the ship. The letter expresses Botts' doubt at the being any method other than his of completing the task. The letter explains that Botts visited the Great Eastern and was conducted over the ship by Captain Harrison, who also explained to Botts that it was proposed to use a gridiron for lifting the Great Eastern out of the water for inspection. The letter explains what Botts feels are the disadvantages of the gridiron plan and his belief that the floating sectional dry dock offers several advantages over the gridiron. The letter explains the basis of the sectional dry dock plans as well as the potential for the dry dock to be divided up to accommodate various naval and merchant ships and moved to different locations and the consequent financial advantages of this dock to the company. The letter also explains how valuable the United States government have found the plan and how they have taken it up. The letter has been copied out in Brunel's letter books of Great Eastern correspondence as DM1306/11/1/5/folio 396-398. |