TI1K WATT AND THK TUKYITHK'K KMIINKS. 12!) 



the words in Mr. Watt's specification are enough to indemnify 

 him from my threats. We have had three counsels' opinions 

 on the subject, and they all agree that the patent is good. 

 Counsels Marratt and Gibbs principally treated on the con- 

 struction of the engine, more than on the principle ; but 

 Erskine was principally on the principle of the engine, and 

 said very little of its construction. They all say the words in 

 Mr. Watt's specification will have no weight whatever against 

 us. 



"I shall leave this place to-morrow for London to make 

 inquiry into those engines, and to get the business into court if 

 they will contend. I shall be at No. 2, Southampton Street, 

 Strand, and expect to be in town about five or six days, and if 

 you will be so good as to return here, from Oxford, with me, I 

 will call on you in ray journey down. It is but 50 miles from 

 Bristol, and not so much as 100 miles from Oxford, and the 

 coach passes very near this place. 



" There is a great deal of machinery and mining here, which 

 would engage your attention for a few days, and very pleasant 

 gentlemen about the neighbourhood. 



"If I had not been called to Swansea to put up the winding 

 engine, the road-engine would have been at work long since, 

 but in my absence very little was done to it. The work is 

 all ready, and a part of it put together. If I could tarry four 

 or five days longer I could set it to work before going to London. 

 They promise me that it shall be completed before my return. 

 I think there is no doubt of its being finished, as I have Frank 

 Bennetts here from Cornwall about it, and a plenty of hands to 

 assist him. 



"I have a thousand things to relate to you, too much for 

 paper to contain, therefore must request you to be so good as 

 to go down from Oxford with me, and I will promise, on 

 warrant, that the road-engine shall be finished before my return. 

 When it is set to work I shall return to Cornwall. 



" I remain, Sir, 



" Your humble servant, 



" RICHARD TREVITHICK." 



VOL. II. K 



