BRUNEL, Isambard Kingdom (1806-1859). Civil engineer.
Autograph Letter Signed to J.H. Wyatt, 2 pages 8vo, the first with a single pen-stroke of cancellation, 7 April 1846. Asking whether Wyatt would accompany him on a visit to a duke [presumably the Duke of Beaufort] on railway business and mentioning a new engine house.

'I am going on Wednesday night to Troy House to meet the duke - about settling the direction of our line there - do you happen to be going about the same business if so will you go with me?
 'I enclose you an outline of an engine house of which we are beginning the foundations I believe I have written mem[orand]a sufficient for your guidance.'

The letter was written at the time that Brunel was engaged on the South Devon railway, which opened with trains to Teignmouth in the following month. It was originally intended that the railway would run on the atmospheric principle, but the scheme was eventually abandoned and steam-hauling was used from the outset except for some brief experiments.
 Troy House in Monmouthshire belonged to the Duke of Beaufort in the nineteenth century although it was not his principal residence.
[No: 24971]