18, Duke Street, Westminster.
Great Western Railway
Decr 14th 1845
Dear Sir
The subject on which I proposed to see you was one in no way connected with law and but one on which this company’s <1> Solicitor could have nothing to say – the company having now placed themselves in a position to comply to the letter with the terms of their agreement with you I wished to know whether it was your desire that they shd proceed with an application to Parliament <2> for a deviation of a few yards – and I proposed to call upon you to explain anything you might wish to understand. I have no other object to attain than to procure what might hereafter appear to have been a very unnecessary measure arising fm a possible misunderstanding –
A reference to “the Solicitor” is generally understood to mean that there is no desire to settle anything peaceably – and as in this case there is no dispute to be settled by law (as the company never denied any liability) I shall be obliged to you to let me know whether that is your meaning –
If you desire it of course I shall have great pleasure in seeing Mr King <3> and asking him the question instead of yourself
I am dear Sir Yours very truly
I K Brunel
Notes:
1. The Great Western Railway Company, which intended to build a branch line, the Wiltshire, Somerset and Weymouth Railway, running across WHFT’s land.
2. See Doc. No: 05360 and Doc. No: 05407.
3. William Charles King, solicitor, London.