Letter from Robert Stephenson, Liverpool to Timothy Hackworth, Railway Office, Darlington

My Dear Sir,

Will you be kind enough to let me know by post, the result of the experiment which was to be made upon Brandeth’s waggons and a common waggon, running down an inclined plane. The Bolton Engine arrived quite safe, and will be tried in a few days. I will let you know the results.
The directors having heard here by some channel or other, not favourable to the Locomotive Engs. that there has always been a great number of horses on the Line and also that the horses were beating the Engines off.
In answer to this, I understand you to say that at one time you had completely run the horses off but in consequence of the late accident and the heavy Engine being laid aside, you had been obliged to employ horses again – Was this not the sole cause of the horses being employed? and was there not an instance a little while ago of the horses being entirely removed from the line of road.
Please write me by return of post, or at all events at your earliest convenience answer to these queries. I cannot wonder at the travelling Engines having so much to contend when I come in contact with enemies to them every hour, and they prove to be enemies without reason, they oppose the Engines merely because certain things have been said against them.

Yours very sincerely,
Rob. Stephenson.

July 7th 1828
Rob. Stephenson Mr. Timothy Hackworth
Liverpool Railway Office
Darlington
Private