Letter from Samuel Holmes, New Jersey to Robert Young

My dear Bob
John Buddle was a great Mining Authority and a Colliery Viewer together with Thos. Fenwick & Edward Steel. Year 1818 Northeastern (sic) Railway book Page 52.
So as I supposed he had nothing to do with Nova Scotia or the Nova Scotia Engines ‘Samson’ & ‘Albion’. Don’t omit reproducing the description cards of ‘Sanspareil’, ‘Samson’ & ‘Albion & please
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remember the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company is the oldest railroad in the United States chartered in Maryland and Virginia 1827. 4948 miles operated.
As I have said before never mind the opinion expressed. It is of no account.
I hope you are intending to insert at the end of the book as an Appendix the (sic) ‘ A Chapter in the History of Railway Locomotives reprinted from the Practical Mechanics’ Journal 1850’.
‘Memoir of Timothy Hackworth from Practical Mechanics Journal 1851’.
‘Appendix’ by the late John Wesley Hackworth, son of Timothy Hackworth’.
Have you got this in one volume or bound pamphlet form under heading


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Jubilee of the World’s First Public Railway (The Stockton and Darlington) 1875. I have a copy bound in red cloth.
This gives a comparison of dates of appearance of ‘Globe’, ‘Planet’ & ‘Liverpool’ all with inside cylinders supporting ‘Globes’ position with respect to Planet. In the Ledger giving costs of operation ‘Globe’ is No 10. Planet No 11. ‘North Star’ No 12.
This is evidence Globe was first out as she took a number ahead of Planet. This has never been overturned.
You will observe Uncle John simply pays no attention to Wm. Hedley he only alludes to Mr J Walters and the second Engineer Jonathan Forster. He refers to Hedley Colliery Viewer in reference to the
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‘Adhesive Principle ‘Puffing Billy’ or ‘Timothy’s Dillies’. I believe in the popular cry which was ‘Timothy’s Dillies’ or Dilly. In the detailed pages of T.H. inventions etc. etc. You will observe it announces Timothy Hackworth’s career in the development of the railway locomotive commences in 1811 at his native place, Wylam-on-Tyne, under the auspices of Christopher Blackett Esq Coal Owner etc.’
He sets Hedley aside entirely. Blackett was the Owner of the Wylam Colliery and was the man interested in the engines as it was a financial enterprise for the benefit of the colliery or the benefit of Mr Blackett. Page 24. I observe another Hackworth peculiarity which is like a ‘trade mark’. TH engines all have vertical cylinders at the side of the Boiler at the engine mans platform. The first engines worked up to a walking beam. Royal George inverted but in the same position so up to ‘Samson’ ^ & - Majestic & - Wilberforce inverted cyls. Page 387 etc etc ^(this in tiny writing above). The Albion was inclined, Globe horizontal inside Cylinder. Stephenson put his cylinders like Trevithick & Blenkinsop centrally inside the Boiler. These characteristics are interesting, I am well alive . SAMUEL HOLMES

I have written Jack Hackworth today & asked him to send you any letters or interesting items he may have found among his father’s papers. Thomas Hackworth was grandfather’s brother & Jack Hackworth’s father. He may have something. . S.H. You have his address . in the letter of his I . sent you. S.H.
(The last paragraph and signature is written at top of Page 1)