TELFORD, Thomas (1757-1834). Engineer.
Autograph Letter Signed to Thomas Eyre Lee, solicitor of Birmingham, 1½ pages 4to with address-leaf (small tears and trace of former mounting), Newport, 16 July 1832. Arranging to meet Lee's father to survey the works [of the Birmingham and Liverpool Junction canal].

'I have examined the Canal from the Junction to this place [Newport, Shropshire], and propose proceeding along it in a Boat to Nantwich tomorrow.
 It has occured to me, that it would be too much for your father to walk the distance proposed, and I know nothing more disagreeable to a stranger than traversing Canal works in an unfinished state ... I have there arranged that Mr William Wilson who lives of Breewood, shall wait for the Rob Roy Coach (which passes that place between 8 and 9 oClock) with a safe Horse. ...'

Thomas Eyre Lee was engaged by Telford on surveys and calculations for the new canal, which was intended to link the Staffordshire and Worcester Canal with the Ellesmere and Chester at Nantwich and thus create a link between Birmingham and Liverpool in opposition to the proposed railway. 'It was destined to be the last victory of the canals of the all-conquering railway, the last trunk canal route to be built in England, and Telford's last great engineering work ... he was to die before the canal was finished.' [Thomas Telford, by L T C Rolt, 1958/86, page 183].
 William Wilson was probably one of the sons of Telford's assistant, John Wilson, a skilled mason, who had been engaged by the engineer in the early 1800s and was associated with all his great works until his death on 9 January 1831.
[No: 6951]