Letter from George Stephenson, Liverpool to Timothy Hackworth, New Shildon
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Letter from George Stephenson, Liverpool to Timothy Hackworth
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Possibility of laying off locomotive engines, use of bellows. This is the 'blast pipe' letter or 'Stephenson' letter purported to prove that Timothy Hackworth invented the blast pipe as Stephenson was still using bellows at this time. This letter is frequently discussed later in the archive by members of the family and other interested parties.
Referenced in Robert Young, Timothy Hackworth and the Locomotive (London: Locomotive Publishing Company, 1923), p. 220.
Details
- Extent:
- 1 item
- Identifier:
- HACK/1/1/11
- Transcription:
-
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July 28th 1828
Dear Timothy,
Brandreth has given a report that you are going to buy off the Locomotive Engines. Is it so? It was a great pity that these accidents took place with the tubes. It appears Brandreth has got my plan introduced for the horse to ride, which I suppose he will set off as his own invention. It is more that two years since I explained this to Brandreth. Canterbury was the place where I meant to have it put to use, but as that Company have now determined to work the line by Steam Power, it will not be wanted.
We have tried the new Locomotive Engine at Botton, which works beautifully, there is not the least noise about it. We have also tried the blast to it for burning coke, and I believe it will answer; there are two bellows worked by eccentrics underneath the tender. The line will be opened on the 1st August. Is it too far for you to come, or I should be glad to see you. Write me about the Engines by return post if you can.
Yours Truly
Geo. Stephenson
P.S. John Dixon and every Director at Canterbury can speak of my plan of carrying the horses, which I mentioned to them two years ago, but I never considered it ought to be tried at Darlington, as then I considered the Locomotive Engines a better thing. – G.S.