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Here is a note from Cubitt relating to the blasting of the Round Down
Cliff at Dover referred to above:
GREAT GEORGE STREET,
Jan. 20th, 1843.
MY DEAR SIR,
Thursday next the 26th at 12 is the time fixed for the attempt to blow out the foot of the "Round Down" Cliff near Dover.
The Galvanic apparatus has been repeatedly tried in place—that is by exploding cartridges in the very chambers of the rock prepared for the powder—with the batteries at 1200 feet distance they are in full form and act admirably so that I see but little fear of failure on that head.
They have been rehearsing the explosions on the plan I most strongly recommended, that is—to fire each chamber by an independent battery and circuit and to discharge the three batteries simultaneously by signal or word of command which answers well and "no mistake."
I shall write to Sir John Herschel to-day, and remain
My dear Sir,
Very truly yours,
W. CUBITT.
G.B. Airy, Esq.