Ixxvi MEMOIR 



1 1 went down to Gateshead to discuss with Mr. Newall the 

 form which this tolerably simple idea should take, and have been 

 busy since I came here drawing, ordering and putting up the 

 machinery uninterfered with, thank goodness, by anyone. I 

 own I like responsibility ; it natters one and then, your father 

 might say, I have more to gain than to lose. Moreover I do 

 like this bloodless, painless combat with wood and iron, forcing 

 the stubborn rascals to do my will, licking the clumsy cubs into 

 an active shape, seeing the child of to-day's thought working 

 to-morrow in full vigour at his appointed task. 



May 12. 



c By dint of bribing, bullying, cajoling, and going day by 

 day to see the state of things ordered, all my work is very 

 nearly ready now ; but those who have neglected these pre- 

 cautions are of course disappointed. Five hundred fathoms of 



chain [were] ordered by some three weeks since, to be 



ready by the 10th without fail; he sends for it to-day 150 

 fathoms all they can let us have by the 15th and how the 

 rest is to be got, who knows ? He ordered a boat a month 

 since and yesterday we could see nothing of her but the keel 

 and about two planks. I could multiply instances without end. 

 At first one goes nearly mad with vexation at these things ; 

 but one finds so soon that they are the rule, that then it becomes 

 necessary to feign a rage one does not feel. I look upon it as 

 the natural order of things, that if I order a thing, it will not 

 be done if by accident it gets done, it will certainly be done 

 wrong : the only remedy being to watch the performance at 

 every stage. 



' To-day was a grand field day. I had steam up and tried 

 the engine against pressure or resistance. One part of the 

 machinery is driven by a belt or strap of leather. I always 

 had my doubts this might slip ; and so it did, wildly. I had 

 made provision for doubling it, putting on two belts instead of 

 one. No use off they went, slipping round and off the pulleys 

 instead of driving the machinery. Tighten them no use. 

 More strength there down with the lever smash something, 

 tear the belts, but get them tight now then, stand clear, on 



