VI

PREFACE.

In order to attain these objects, I have published the corre-spondence which took place between the parties engaged in theundertaking, in connection with a simple statement of facts andoccurrences. It appeared to me, that the publication of thiscorrespondence, with the narrative, would not only give a higherinterest to the work, but would also convey to the mind of thereader, the most faithful account of each person’s share of theintellectual labour evidenced in the construction of these greatworks. The whole correspondence has been printed almostentirely in its original form, those passages only having beenstruck out which did not bear upon the subject, or whichappeared to have been written under circumstances of excite-ment, and consequently calculated by their reproduction toengender feelings of pain and regret.

I have approached this portion of the work with that hesita-tion which a just diffidence in my own powers could not fail toinspire; but the extent of the correspondence, taken in con-nection with the experimental researches which follow, will, it ishoped, speak for the industry and closeness of application withwhich the subject has been pursued; and also, for the activeand unflinching exertions which have characterized my officialconnection with the undertaking.

I cannot venture to flatter myself that, in my engagement withthe Chester and Holyhead Railway Company, I have adequatelysatisfied the various conditions under which I was placed, oravoided the dangers of an unpleasant controversy with some ofmy contemporaries. I however cherish the hope, that theperusal of this correspondence will establish the fact, that it was