Letter from George Stephenson, Newcastle to Timothy Hackworth, Darlington

Newcastle May 3d. 1836


Dear Timothy

Will you have the goodness to send me an account how the new Engine pleases you: and whether we can make any improvements in the one which we are now finishing; and which is in all respects at present the same as the last.
How do the brass pistons answer? How many miles a week would this new Engine travel; if it were kept constantly moving and waggons ready to hang on at both ends of the line; so that the Engine should not have to stand at any part; except while taking in Water.
Could such an experiment be made; without inconveniancing the Company & Trade: it would be very desirable to be done: as it would shew to the Public the correctness of my former statements. The other Engine will be sent off next week. You will excuse me coming over ‘till that time.
Do you think the Rope would lay better on the Roll at Brusselton if the moving pulley was shifted 20 feet nearer the Bank-top. This could be easily done, by putting the sheave into the end of a piece of Timber 20 feet long, with its fulcrum in the middle and the other end moved by the Rack. Think on this by the time I come over.
If the Roll should be put across the Road; the Railway would be too low several feet. I hope to hear from you in the course of a day or two.
I am dear Sir Yours truly

Geo Stephenson
turn over

P.S.
I wish you could by any means get Brandereths carriage to work next week,
as he is expected to be here at that time.
I suppose it wants a broake [brake?] put it on and charge me with it. Could you not
use it for carrying lead or anything so as to get it to work
G S