Part 2 (2/2)

_June 15._--On inspecting the face of the ground this morning I observed a breach in the front of Nos. 3, 4, and 5, where the ground has given way in the lower cell. This was truly alarming. I ordered iron staves to each floor in order to pin the ground, and thereby to counteract the slipping which would immediately take place.

_June 19._--The bricklayers left off work, but, on enquiring into the cause, I learned there was no other but to have a libation upon the new arrangement of piece-work.

_June 29._--Gave positive directions to cut only 4 to 5 inches thick at a time at the front of the top cells, instead of 9 inches, as they had done for some time.

_July 3._--The great question is, does the clay undulate at its surface? We should have some reason to apprehend that it does so, because at the beginning we had not proceeded many feet into the clay when we struck again into the gravelly stratum. The surface of the clay must therefore have sunk at that particular spot; which circ.u.mstance seems to warn one of the need of great vigilance and great prudence in the progress of the enterprise.

[Sidenote: Cofferdam burst at Woolwich.]

[Sidenote: Warning for us.]

_July 10._--A cofferdam burst yesterday at the works at Woolwich, having blown up from the foundation. How cautious this should make our men! The cofferdam may be repaired, and very easily too, but an irruption into the Tunnel--what a difference, particularly at this early period!

[Sidenote: Carelessness of the miners.]

_August 10._--Found the lowest cell of No. 1 left by the workmen _without a single poling against the ground_. This is indeed a most unjustifiable neglect.

_August 12._--At six this morning completed 205 feet.

[Sidenote: Observations on the bad effect and consequence of driving on as is done.]

_August 21._--This piece-work has not been productive of much effect as to quant.i.ty of work. As to quality it is very questionable. A work of this nature should not be hurried in this manner. Fewer hands, enough to produce 9 feet per week, would be far better than the mode now pursued _from necessity_, but not from inclination on my part. Great risks are in our way, and we increase them by the manner the excavation is carried on. The frames are in a very bad condition.

_September 5._--It is much to be regretted that such a work as the Tunnel should be carried on by the piece. Obliged to drive on, no time is left to make any repair, or to recover any lost advantage.

Isambard is most active. Mr. Beamish shows much judgment in his exertions, and zeal in his attendance.[14]

[Sidenote: Water breaking in at back of frames.]

[Sidenote: How to check it. Isambard's exertions.]

_September 8._--About 2 P.M. I was informed by Munday that water was running down over No. 9. I went immediately to it. The ground being open, and consequently unsupported, it soon became soft, and settled on the back of the staves, moving down in a stream of diluted silt, which is the most dangerous substance we have to contend with. Some oak.u.m was forced through the joints of the staves, and the water was partly checked. Isambard was the whole night, till three, in the frames. At three I relieved him. He went to rest for about a couple of hours; I took some rest on the stage.

[Sidenote: Things improving.]

_September 9._--Towards noon the stream changed its character. The clay, being loosened by the water, began to run, but it thickened gradually. It was late in the evening before the loosened clay acquired the consistency of a loose puddling, which covered the staves, and made them a complete s.h.i.+eld against further irruption, or rather, oozings of mud. If we consider that at this place we have at the utmost 9 feet between the top staves and the gravel, over which the river flows, it is most satisfactory and most encouraging to have this additional proof of the protection which the s.h.i.+eld affords. At nine o'clock at night Isambard sent me word that 'tout va a merveille;' indeed it was so, for it was like a stopper interposed between the river and the top-staves. Instructed as the men were by the first accident, they went on as usual in the irrespective occupations. Pascoe, junr., and Collins were remarkably active and persevering, and some other men equally so; while old Greenwell encouraged them by a speech of his own in high commendation of the security of their situation.

[Sidenote: Water more abundant. Is it from the river?]

_September 12._--The water, bringing with it a sort of clay broken in small particles, increased to an alarming degree. In consequence of this continued displacement of the silt and clay, a cavity had been formed above the staves. At about three, when I had gone to the Court of Directors, the ground fell upon the staves with great violence, causing a surge most alarming as to probable consequences. Isambard was at that moment in the upper frames, and he gave directions for increasing the means of security. On my return I found things much worse than I left them, but every means of security was judiciously applied. During the night in particular things presented a very unfavourable appearance. The men, however, were as calm as if there were no other danger to be dreaded than wet clothes or the splas.h.i.+ng of mud. I observed the men in the lower cells were _sound asleep_.

[Sidenote: Exertions by the men.]

[Sidenote: Slight improvement.]

_September 13._--Every means were resorted to in the course of the night and during the early part of the day to stop the water. The men have shown great zeal and good management in their respective avocations, and above all the utmost confidence. Isambard has not quitted the frames but to lay down now and then on the stage. I have prevailed on him to go to his bed, or rather, used my endeavours to induce him; but he has not since last Friday night (the 8th). Things were rather better at the close of the day.

_September 14._--Things upon the whole have a.s.sumed a more favourable aspect. The situation is nevertheless very critical.

Nothing but the utmost precaution in following up what has begun can bring us out of it. This has been a most eventful week!

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