"The reason for making the pumps so short, is on account of the extreme badness of the roads over the mountains, where these engines are to be conveyed, it being almost impossible to carry above five hundredweight in one piece. The West India engine is sold to send to Lima, but not to be conveyed over the mountains. I shall also bring drawings with me for one or two winding engines for the same place. Please write to me by return of post.
"R. T."
[Rough draft.]
"Camborne, near Truro, June 11th, 1813.
"Mr. Francis Uville,
"at Messrs. Campbell and Co.'s, London.
"Sir,—I have your favour of the 9th instant, respecting the weight of the largest parts of the engines. I will take care to reduce the weight if possible, so as to be carried on the backs of mules.
"By the time I receive your letter I shall have arranged the whole of the engine business, and intend to go immediately to Wales and Shropshire, to get the engagements executed for the performance of the work by the time proposed. I shall write to you again before I leave home, and as soon as I arrive in Wales will also write to you. I shall not stay in Wales above two days, but go to Bridgenorth in Shropshire, where I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you, as it will only be about twelve hours' ride out of your road to Cornwall.
"In the North I shall introduce you to the sight of a great deal of mining and machinery, and in about ten days from the time you arrive at Bridgenorth, shall be able to accomplish the business so as to return again to Cornwall.
"I would thank you to inform me as early as you can, of the number of engines you intend to get executed by the proposed time, because when I am in the North I shall be able to arrange with the founders accordingly. The smiths are all at work for you.
"R. T."