100 MEMOIR OF FLEEMING JENKIN 



CHAPTER V 



NOTES OF TELEGRAPH VOYAGES, 1858 TO 1873 



But it is now time to see Jenkin at his life's work. 

 I have before me certain imperfect series of letters 

 written, as he says, ' at hazard, for one does not 

 know at the time what is important and what is 

 not ' : the earlier addressed to Miss Austin, after 

 the betrothal ; the later to Mrs. Jenkin the young 

 wife. I should premise that I have allowed myself 

 certain editorial freedoms, leaving out and splicing 

 together, much as he himself did with the Bona 

 cable : thus edited the letters speak for them- 

 selves, and will fail to interest none who love 

 adventure or activity. Addressed as they were to 

 her whom he called his ' dear engineering pupil,' 

 they give a picture of his work so clear that a child 

 may understand, and so attractive that I am half 

 afraid their publication may prove harmful, and 

 still further crowd the ranks of a profession already 

 overcrowded. But their most engaging quality is 

 the picture of the writer ; with his indomitable self- 

 confidence and courage, his readiness in every 

 pinch of circumstance or change of plan, and his 



