[Rough draft.]"Camborne,September 12th, 1815."Sir,"I received a letter dated the 20th of August, from Mr. Davies, in which he did not mention the name of Herland castings. On the 24th of the same month I wrote to you, informing you of the same, and requesting to know what state of forwardness the castings were in. On the 30th of August I received another letter from Mr. Davies, not saying what state of forwardness the castings were in, nor when they would be finished, only that they would set their hands about them, and that I might expect a letter from you stating the particulars, which has not yet come to hand. I have waited so long that I am quite out of patience. You will know that it is now nearly double the time that the castings were to have been finished in, and you have not yet answered my letters as to the state of the castings nor when they will be finished. I must again request you to write to me on this subject, otherwise I must immediately remove the orders to some other founders that may be alittle more attentive to their customers. I must be informed in the positive, whether the castings will be at Bristol by the next spring-tide, as a vessel is engaged for the purpose of taking them to Cornwall."Yours, &c.,"R. T.."Mr. John Rastrick,"Chepstow, South Wales."
[Rough draft.]
"Camborne,September 12th, 1815.
"Sir,
"I received a letter dated the 20th of August, from Mr. Davies, in which he did not mention the name of Herland castings. On the 24th of the same month I wrote to you, informing you of the same, and requesting to know what state of forwardness the castings were in. On the 30th of August I received another letter from Mr. Davies, not saying what state of forwardness the castings were in, nor when they would be finished, only that they would set their hands about them, and that I might expect a letter from you stating the particulars, which has not yet come to hand. I have waited so long that I am quite out of patience. You will know that it is now nearly double the time that the castings were to have been finished in, and you have not yet answered my letters as to the state of the castings nor when they will be finished. I must again request you to write to me on this subject, otherwise I must immediately remove the orders to some other founders that may be alittle more attentive to their customers. I must be informed in the positive, whether the castings will be at Bristol by the next spring-tide, as a vessel is engaged for the purpose of taking them to Cornwall.
"Yours, &c.,"R. T..
"Mr. John Rastrick,"Chepstow, South Wales."
Rastrick, whom he had known at the Thames Driftway, had become the managing engineer at the Bridgenorth Foundry.
[Rough draft.]"Camborne,September 29th, 1815.""Mr. George Cowie,"I received your favour of the 20th, and on the 23rd called on Mr. Wm. Sims, your engineer, who went with me to Beeralstone Mine the same day. We arranged on the spot what was necessary for the engine. I hope it will be at work in good time, before the winter's floods set in. Nothing can prevent it, unless the castings are detained by contrary winds. The boilers are nearly finished in Cornwall. The castings at Bridgenorth are in a forward state. I intend leaving this evening for Bridgenorth, to ship the castings, both for Herland and Beeralstone. It was the wish of the agents on the mine that these castings might be sent to Swansea, and taken from thence to the mine with a freight of coal. I shall, if possible, get the Herland castings in the same ship. The workmen making your boilers want an advance of cash to enable them to finish. They provide both iron and labour, for which they are to receive 42l.per ton for the boiler when finished; the weight will be about 8 tons. You may send this money to Mr. Sims or to me, or otherwise you may direct it to Mr. N. Holman, boiler-maker, Pool, near Truro. 100l.will satisfy them for the present. I hope to be in London this day week, and will call at your office."Yours, &c.,"R. Trevithick.".The pole-engine was not only used in several mines shortly after its first introduction, but Mr. Sims, the leading engineer of the eastern mines, not generally favourable to Trevithick, advocated its application in the traditional Watt district.Scarcely had he smoothed the way with one opponent than another sprung up in an unexpected quarter. His brother-in-law, Harvey, with his once friend, Andrew Vivian, then a partner with Harvey, opposed his plans at the Herland. They were annoyed at Trevithick's sending his orders for castings and machinery to Bridgenorth, and may have had doubts of the success of the new inventions. They had authority in the mine, probably as shareholders, a position generally acquired in Cornwall by those who supply necessary mine material, as well as by the smelters who buy the mineral from the mines. The Williamses and Foxes, controlling the eastern district of mines, were also shareholders and managers, supplying machinery and buying the mine produce.[Rough draft.]"Penzance,13th December, 1815.""Sir,"Yesterday I was at Herland, where I was informed that Captain Andrew Vivian had been the day before, on his return from Mr. Harvey's, and discharged all the men on the mine, without giving them a moment's notice. Before the arrival of the castings the pitmen, sumpmen, carpenters, and smiths were very busy getting the pit-work ready; at which time H. Harvey and A. Vivian were exulting in reporting that the iron ore was not yet raised that was to make the Herland castings. The day that they heard of their arrival they discharged all the labourers, and ordered the agents not to admit another sixpence-worth of materials on the adventurers' account, or employ any person whatever."The agents sent a short time since to Perran Foundry[33]forthe iron saddles and brasses belonging to the balance-bob, the property of the adventurers; but they refused to make them, with a great deal of ill-natured language about my engine."I am determined to fulfil my engagement with the adventurers, and yesterday ordered all the smiths, carpenters, pitmen, and sumpmen to prepare the adventurers' pit-work, and ordered the agents to get the balance-bob and every other thing that may be wanted at my expense, so as to fork the first lift, which I hope to have dry by Monday three weeks. The engine will be in the mine this week, and in one fortnight after I hope the engine will be at work, and in less than a week more the first twenty fathoms under the adit will be dry."In consequence of the Perran people refusing to send the saddles and brasses for the balance-bob, we will make shift in the best way we can without them. The brasses I have ordered on my own account at Mr. Scantlebury's. The coals for the smiths I have also ordered, and the same for the engine to fork the first lift. This is very uncivil treatment in return for inventing and bringing to the public, at my own risk and expense, what I believe the country could not exist without. I am determined to erect the engine at all events and upset this coalition before I leave Europe, if it detains me one year to accomplish it."I remain, Sir,"Your very humble servant,"Rd. Trevithick."Mr. Phillip,"George Yard, Lombard Street."P.S.—I should be glad to hear from you what is going forward respecting an arrangement of the shares."[Rough draft.]"Penzance,23rd December, 1815.""Gentlemen,"I have received the Herland castings, and am very seriously sorry to say, after we had fixed together the castings on the mine and made the joints, on attempting to put the plunger-pole into the case it would not go down; neither would either of the rings go to their places into the cylinder and on to thepole; therefore the whole engine must be again taken to pieces and sent to a turning and boring mill to be newly turned and bored. How to get this done I cannot tell, for the founders here will not do it because they had not the casting them. Already great expenses have been incurred by delays, and now to send them back to Bridgenorth at an immense loss of time and money will be a very serious business indeed. I think that either the cylinder is bored crooked or the plunger-pole turned crooked, or both, as it will sink farther down into the cylinder on turning it round on one side than it will on the other. The whole job is most shamefully fitted up, and was never tried together before sent off. Write to me by return of post and say what I am to do in this dilemma."Yours, &c.,"Richard Trevithick."Hazeldine, Rastrick, and Co.,"Bridgenorth."The new engine-work from Bridgenorth on arrival was found to be so inaccurately made that the pole would not go into the pole-case. Henry Phillips,[34]who saw the engine make its first start, says:—"I was a boy working in the mine, and several of us peeped in at the door to see what was doing. Captain Dick was in a great way, the engine would not start; after a bit Captain Dick threw himself down upon the floor of the engine-house, and there he lay upon his back; then up he jumped, and snatched a sledge-hammer out of the hands of a man who was driving in a wedge, and lashed it home in a minute. There never was a man could use a sledge like Captain Dick; he was as strong as a bull. Then, he picked up a spanner and unscrewed something, and off she went. Captain Vivian was near me, looking in at the doorway; Captain Dick saw him, and shaking his fist, said: 'If you come in here I'll throw you down the shaft.' I suppose Captain Vivian had something to do with making the boilers, and Captain Dick was angry because they leaked clouds of steam. You could hardly see, or hear anybody speak in the engine-house, it was so full of steam and noise; we could hear the steam-puffer roaring at St. Erth, more than three miles off."By the end of January, 1816, the engine was ready for work, and after ten days of experience, he thus described the result:—"Penzance,11th February, 1816.""Mr. Davies Giddy,Sir,—I was unwilling to write you until I had made a little trial of the Herland engine. It has been at work about ten days, and works exceedingly well; everyone who has seen it is satisfied that it is the best engine ever erected. It goes more smoothly than any engine I ever saw, and is very easy and regular in its stroke. It's a 33-inch cylinder, 10½-feet stroke. We have driven it eighteen strokes per minute. In the middle, or about two-thirds of the stroke, it moved about 8 feet per second, with a matter in motion of 24 tons; and that weight returned thirty-six times in a minute, with 2 bushels of coal per hour. This of itself, without the friction, or load of water, is far more duty than ever was done before by an engine. I found that it required about 80 lbs. to the inch to work the engine the first twelve hours, going one-third expansive, twelve strokes per minute, 10½-feet stroke, with 24 bushels of coal. The load of water was about 30,000. This was occasioned by the extreme friction, the plunger-pole being turned, and the plunger-case bored, to fit so nicely from end to end, that it was with great difficulty we could at all force the plunger-pole down to the bottom of the plunger-case. This is now in a great degree removed, and since we went to work we have thrown into the balance-box 4 tons of balance, and it would carry 3 tons more at this time. We must have carried that load in friction against the engine, therefore, if you calculate this, you will find it did an immense duty, going twelve strokes per minute, 10½-feet stroke, with 2 bushels of coal per hour. The engine is now working regularly twelve strokes per minute, with 60 lbs. of steam, 10½-feet stroke, three-quarters of the stroke expansive, and ends with the steam rather under atmosphere strong, with considerably within 2 bushels of coal per hour. I would drive her faster, but as the lift is hanging in the capstan rope under water, they are not willing to risk it. Ihave raised the steam to 120 lbs. to the inch, the joints and everything perfectly tight. I took the packing out of the stuffing box and examined it, and found that the heat had not at all injured it; the packing is perfectly tight, not a particle of steam is lost."I have offered to deposit 1000l.to 500l.as a bet against Woolf's best engine, and give him twenty millions, but that party refuses to accept the challenge. I have no doubt but that by the time she is in fork she will do 100 millions, which is the general opinion here. The boilers are certainly the best ever invented, as well as the other parts. The draught is the best you ever saw; I have only one-quarter part of the fire-bars uncovered, yet from one-quarter part of the fire-place that I first made, I find plenty of steam. The greatest part of the waste steam is condensed in heating the water to fill the boiler; what escapes is a mere nothing. The engine will be loaded, when in fork, about 52 lbs. to the inch. Now suppose I raise the steam so high at the first part of the stroke as to go so expansive as to leave the steam, at the finish, only atmosphere strong, shall I, in that case, use any more coal than at present? The materials and joints will stand far more than that pressure; 500 lbs. to the inch would not injure them. When the engine gets on two lifts, I will write to you again, and in the meantime please to give me your thoughts on the engine. Every engine that was erecting is stopped, and the whole county thinks of no other engine."Your very obedient servant,"Rd. Trevithick.The new pole puffer-engine worked so satisfactorily and its movements were so manageable that the length of the stroke was increased by the spare 6 inches, which had been allowed as a margin in case of its overrunning its intended stroke. It would bear being worked at eighteen strokes a minute, while the Watt 72-inch engine did not exceed nine strokes a minute; with steam in the boiler of 80 lbs. to the inch it performed its work when the steam supply was cut off at two-thirds of the stroke, completing it by expansion. It alsoworked well with steam of 120 lbs. to the inch; but the want of strength in the pump-rods and the requirements of the mine caused the regular working pressure of steam to be reduced to 60 lbs. on the inch, and to be cut off when the pole had moved through the first quarter of its stroke. The excellent draught causing the fire-bars to be reduced to one-quarter of their original surface, and the heating the feed-water by the waste steam in this powerful pumping engine, indicate the use of the blast-pipe as at that time worked in the Welsh puddling-mill engine. Watt's engine was for a moment forgotten, that he might challenge Woolf to a trial, giving him as a help twenty millions, or the understood duty of the Watt engine. This non-condensing pole-engine, with 20 tons of pump-rods, moved at a maximum speed of 8 feet a second, and was equal to its work with a steam pressure of 52 lbs. on the inch. Trevithick contemplated extending the expansive principle even further than he had done in the Wheal Prosper pole condensing engine, so that at the finish of the up-stroke the steam should only be about the pressure of the atmosphere, or say from 1 to 10 lbs. on the inch, having commenced it with steam of from 100 to 200 lbs. on the inch, and cutting off the supply from the boiler when the pole had gone but a very small part of its upward stroke, more or less as the mine requirements admitted of it. The principle of expansive working and momentum of moving parts was of necessity modified in its application to pump-work."Eastbourne,February 15th, 1816."Dear Trevithick,"I have been called here by the decease of my wife's uncle, and consequently your letters of the 11th did not reach me till this day."The account you give me of your new engine has beenextremely gratifying. The duty performed by the engine in giving a velocity of 8 feet in a second, thirty-six different times in a minute, to 24 tons of matter, by the consumption of 2 bushels of coal in an hour, is indeed very great, amounting to about fifty-seven and three-quarter millions. So that when you obtain a proper burden, and the extraordinary friction arising from the too close fitting of the plunger-pole and case is reduced, there seems to be no doubt of your engine performing wonders."I am of opinion that the stronger steam is used, the more advantageous it will be found. To what degree it should be applied expansively must be determined by experience in different cases. It will depend on the rate at which the engine requires to be worked, and on the quantity of matter put into motion, so that as large a portion as possible of the inertia given in the beginning of the stroke may be taken out of it at the end."Some recent experiments made in France prove, as I am told, for I have not seen them, that very little heat is consumed in raising the temperature of steam. And if this is true, of course there must be a great saving of fuel by using steam of several atmospheres' strength, and working expansive through a large portion of the cylinder. I have really been impatient for a week past to receive some account of your machine, having learned nothing about it, except from a paragraph dated Hayle in the Truro paper of last Saturday week, and somehow or other the next paper has not reached me,"I hope to be in London about Tuesday next, but at all events direct to me there, as my letters are regularly forwarded."Believe me, dear Sir,"Yours ever most faithfully,"Davies Giddy."[Rough draft.]"Bromsgrove,8th March, 1816.""Mr. John Adams,"Sir,—I received your favour of the 12th February, but did not answer it in due course, because I was then erecting an engine on the new plan, which is now at work, and performs exceedingly well. It is equal in power to a 72-inch diametercylinder, double power of B. and Watt's. The expense of erection, and the consumption of coals in this engine, are not one-third of a B. and Watt's to perform the same work. I am the same Trevithick that invented the high-pressure engine. I have sent out nine steam-engines to the gold and silver mines of Peru. I intend to sail for that place in about a month or six weeks, but shall appoint agents in England to erect these engines."No publication or description whatever has been in circulation, neither is it required, for I have a great many more orders than I can execute."I have not seen anything of Mr. Losh's patent engine, or Mr. Collins'."If you should go to London I advise you to call on Mr. Jas. Smith, Limekiln Lane, Greenwich, who is an agent for me, and will soon be able to show you an engine on this plan at work."I remain, &c.,"R. Trevithick.Unless the foregoing letters are based on error, the only conclusion to be drawn is that Watt, on the expiry of his patent right and of twenty-eight years of labour, having erected his masterpiece in Cornwall, was within a few years so beaten that Trevithick, in his challenge to Woolf, offered to throw in the Watt engine as a make-weight, and with such odds to bet him two to one that his comparatively small and cheap high-pressure engine should beat the two big ones, both in power, in first cost, and in economical working. The Watt engine was one of his largest, with a 72-inch cylinder. Its power was equal to Trevithick's 33-inch pole-engine, when worked with steam of 34 lbs. to the inch; but the latter also worked with three times that pressure of steam, whereby its power was increased threefold. The first cost of these engines was probably in inverse proportion to their power. Trevithick's cost 700l., whilethree times that sum would not pay for the Watt engine. The reported duty of Watt's Herland engine was twenty-seven millions; and if the trial was with his ordinary bushel of 112 lbs. of coal, the duty would only be equal to twenty millions with 84 lbs. of coal, which constituted the Cornish bushel.Trevithick's pole high-pressure steam-engine did fifty-seven millions; in other words, performed the same work as the Watt engine with less than half of the daily coal. This large economy led to orders for many engines, on his promise that they should cost much less than those of Watt of equal power, and should perform the work with one-third of the coal. Some believed him, though others were stony-hearted, and as obstinate as donkeys.[Rough draft.]"Penzance,8th March, 1816.""Mr. Phillip,"Sir,—I long since expected to have heard from you that my agreement with the Herland adventurers was executed. I have in every respect fulfilled my part of the engagement with the adventurers, and expect that they will do the same with me. The engine continues to work well. Every person that has seen it, except Joseph Price, A. Vivian, Woolf, and a few other such like beasts, agrees that it is by far the best engine ever erected. Its performance tells its effects, in spite of all false reports."Joseph Price and A. Vivian reported that the engine was good for nothing, that it would not do four millions, and that at the next Tuesday meeting they would turn it idle. On the evening before the meeting they met at Camborne for that purpose."Captain A. Vivian did not attend the meeting. I could not help at the meeting threatening to horsewhip J. Price for the falsehoods that he with the others had reported."I hear that he is to go to London to meet the London committee on Monday. I hope the committee will considerJ. Price's report as from a disappointed man. It is reported that he has bought very largely in Woolf's patent, which now is not worth a farthing, besides losing the making my castings, which galls him very sorely."The water sinks regularly 20 fathoms per month, including every stoppage. On Monday next I expect they will be putting down the second lift. The water rises about 8 inches per hour when the engine is idle, and when at work will sink it again at the same rate, showing that the engine is equal to double the growing stream. When drawing from the pool the sinking is not much above 4 inches per hour, which shows that the water drains from a great distance from the country. The engine is going fourteen strokes per minute, 10-feet stroke, 14½-inch box. When Herland worked last they drew a 14-inch box, 7-feet stroke, twelve strokes per minute in winter, and seven strokes per minute in summer. Therefore it appears that the winter water is about from seven to eight strokes per minute, and the summer water from four to five strokes per minute for this engine."The engine has forked faster the last week than she did before. I think that the great quantity of water that was laying round the mine at the surface is nearly drawn down, and that as we get down to a closer ground the drainage will not be so much. If we have dry weather the water will, at the next shallow level, fall off two strokes per minute before the next lift is in fork. If it continues the same we can continue to sink 20 fathoms per month, exclusive of the time it will take to fix the lifts. As we get down the house of water will lessen considerably. The expense of the engine is about 100l. per month. The sumpmen and others attending on the forking the water, about 100l.per month more. They have all the materials on the mine for the pit-work, therefore a very trifling sum will bring the water down to the 60-fathom level, when the mine will pay her own expense."I will thank you for an account of the meeting."Your obedient servant,"R. Trevithick.Mr. Phillip was the financial managing shareholder—more particularly with the Londoners—at that resuscitation of Herland Mine; and though the new engine was comparatively cheap, both in its first cost and in its consumption of coal, and satisfactorily reduced the water in the mine, payment for it was withheld because the currents of self-interest were against Trevithick. Mr. Joseph Price was the manager of a steam-engine manufactory at Neath Abbey, in South Wales, and had been in the habit of supplying castings for Cornish mines. Arthur Woolf was then striving to bring into use his patent double-cylinder engine, and patent high-pressure steam-boiler, which Trevithick looked on as copies from Hornblower and himself. This, added to Woolf's sarcastic manner of speech, roused Trevithick's anger.Putting aside the words of the disputants, the fact is stated that the pole-engine, with a reduced steam pressure, worked a pump 14½ inches in diameter, 10-feet stroke, fourteen strokes per minute; while the largest and best engine by Watt in Cornwall, placed on the same mine, with a 72-inch steam-cylinder, gave motion to a pump of 14 inches in diameter, 7-feet stroke, at twelve strokes a minute; being in round numbers just one-half the amount of the work performed by Trevithick's comparatively small engine, which had not a single feature of the Watt engine in it.[Rough draft.]"Penzance,March 7, 1816.""Captain Joe Odgers,"Sir,—I have your favour of the 27th February, and requested Mr. Page to send to you a sketch of the agreement. On seeing him yesterday, I found that he had neglected to send it to you. He will leave the country for London in a few days,and intends to call on you at Dolley's as soon as he arrives. I do not know that the agreement matters much for a few days up or down. The terms are well understood between us, which is that the adventurers and I equally share the advantages that may arise from this new engine over Boulton and Watt's. When you have fully arranged with your adventurers about the engine, please to write me, and I will immediately proceed to order the engine; and in the interim the agreement will be drawn up by Mr. Page, and executed either here or in London, just as may suit."I remain, &c.,"R. Trevithick."P.S.—Herland engine goes on better and better. Your adventurers will get a satisfactory account by applying in town to Mr. Wm. Phillip, No. 2, George Yard, Lombard Street. He is the principal of the London adventurers."Trevithick believed that mine adventurers would agree to pay him one-half the saving caused by his engines, as compared with the cost of fuel in the Watt engine. The duty performed by the latter was understood and agreed to generally; persons were chosen by the adventurers to experiment and report on the duty of Trevithick's pole-engine, that the amount of payment might be ascertained in proportion to the saving effected."Penzance,April 2, 1816.""Mr. Giddy,"Sir,—I have long wished to write to you about the Herland engine, but first wished to see the engine loaded with a second lift, and a trial made of the duty. Yesterday was fixed on, before ordering another engine for the eastern shaft."The persons attended. The arbitrators gave the duty as forty-eight millions, and said they had no doubt the engine would perform above sixty millions before getting to the bottom of the mine."They were much within the duty, but I did not contend with them, as they said it was quite duty enough."The engine worked 9¼ strokes per minute, with 2 bushels of coal per hour for the whole time, 10-feet stroke. There were two pump-lifts of 14½-inch bucket, making 43 fathoms, and 26 fathoms of 6-inch for house-water."The steam was from 100 to 120 lbs. to the inch. The valve open while the plunger-pole ascended 20 inches, then went the remainder of the 10-feet stroke expansive."It went exceedingly smooth and regular. Some time since, by way of trying the power of the engine, we disengaged the balance-bob. The engine worked twenty strokes per minute, with 17 tons of rods, &c., and drew 14½-inch bucket 23½ fathoms, and a 6-inch bucket 26 fathoms, 10-feet stroke, twenty strokes per minute."This was about 45,000 lbs. weight, with the speed of 200 feet per minute, which makes the duty performed more than the power of three 72-inch cylinders, single, of Boulton and Watt, say of 8-feet stroke, 10 lbs. to the inch, nine strokes per minute, which is more than these engines will perform. I have all the orders for every engine now required in the country, which is not to be wondered at, for one-tenth part of the expense in the erection will do, and the duty is not less than three times as much as other engines. This will be proved before we get to the bottom."The engine now works at about two-fifths of the load which she will have when at the bottom. When the next lift is in fork I will write to you again."I am, Sir, your humble servant,"Richard Trevithick.Independent examiners reported that the Herland pole-engine did forty-eight millions of duty, under various pressures of steam, up to 120 lbs. to the inch, working five-sixths of the stroke expansively, with a speed of twenty strokes a minute, or double the speed of the Watt engine; and the importance of those facts deserves the scrutiny and close study of youthful engineers. A small cheap engine, of 33-inch cylinder,similar in general construction to the Wheal Prosper pole-engine, but still more simple from the absence of air-pump and condenser, did as much work as three of Watt's largest engines with cylinders of 72 inches in diameter. This great stride in the useful value of the steam-engine was forced on the public by Trevithick's single-handed energy, when every man was against him, even Henry Harvey, his brother-in-law and friend, his former partner, Andrew Vivian, and his once carpenter and assistant, Arthur Woolf. As a closing attempt to finally crush him, he was made personally responsible for the payment of an engine erected for the benefit of others. This was the great trial test of the power and economy of the purely high-pressure expansive steam-engine as compared with the Watt low-pressure vacuum engine applied to large pumps."Hayle Foundry,18th April, 1816."Sir,"I was at Herland to-day. Captain Grose received a letter while I was there, signed by Captain William Davey and Joseph Vivian, requesting him to appoint others to attend the trial of the engine, as it would not be convenient for them to do it."Captain Samuel Grose, jun., brought down the drawing for your engine. He said he had taken off the working gear only. If you would wish it, we will make the working-gear and all the wrought-iron work on the drawing for the two engines ordered, and will take on a man or two immediately for that purpose. You will let me know about this before you set off, and also if any alteration is to be made in the beam for Wheal Treasure engine, since you have altered the size of the pole. We had cast the case, but I suppose it will suit some place else."Your obedient servant,"Henry Harvey."Mr. Richard Trevithick.""About 1815 or 1816 I was employed by Captain Trevithick to erect various pole-engines, one of them at Saltram Stream. It had worked at Tavistock; it was a horizontal high-pressure pole puffer. Captain Samuel Grose was then erecting for Captain Trevithick a 24-inch high-pressure pole-engine at Beeralstone, on the Tamar, to drain a lead mine. I assisted Captain Grose. The stroke was about 8 feet. It worked with cross-head and side rods. There were two wrought-iron boilers about 3 feet 6 inches in diameter and 40 feet long. The fire and flues were outside. The steam pressure, 60 lbs. to the inch. I also erected a similar engine with a 20-inch pole at Wheal Treasure, now called Fowey Consols Mine; and one at Logassack, near Padstow. Those two had brass poles. It was found that the poles cut and wore in their passage through the stuffing box, the middle wearing more than the ends, causing steam to escape. A similar pole of Captain Trevithick's erecting was then working at Wheal Regent, near St. Austell."In 1818 I saw working at Wheal Chance Mine, near Scorrier, an old 60-inch cylinder Boulton and Watt engine. A pole of Trevithick's was fixed between the cylinder and the centre of the main beam. High-pressure steam was first worked under the pole and then expanded in the cylinder."[35]The late Mr. William Burral, for many years manager of the boiler-making department at Messrs. Harvey and Co., at Hayle, said:—"About the year 1815 or 1816 I helped to erect at Treskerby Mine an engine for Captain Trevithick. Mr. Sims was the engineer of the mine. The engine had the usual cylinder, and close to it one of Captain Trevithick's poles was fixed. The boilers were Captain Trevithick's high-pressure. The steam was first turned on under the pole. When she had finished her up-stroke the steam passed from under the pole on to the top of the piston in the cylinder. There was a vacuum under the piston. The steam-cylinder was 58 inches in diameter, about 9 or 10 feet stroke. The pole was 36 inches in diameter, and a lessstroke than the piston, because it was fixed inside the cylinder, nearer to the centre of the beam. There was a pole-engine then working at Wheal Lushington, also at Poldice, and at Wheal Damsel.""Captain Artha recollects at Wheal Alfred Mine in 1812 the 66-inch cylinder pumping engine used a pole air-pump; one or two whim-engines on the same mine also used them. Wheal Concord pumping engine, in 1827 had a similar air-pump. Old Wheal Damsel, near Treloweth, used one as late as 1865. The condensing water and air passed through a branch with a valve on it near the top of the pole-case, just under the stuffing box There was a foot-valve at the bottom of the pole-case."[36]The writer has had the pleasure of personal acquaintance with each of those three gentlemen, who as young engineers commenced their labours in the erection of Trevithick's engines.No sooner had Trevithick perfected the pole condensing engine and then the pole puffer-engine, than he, in conjunction with Sims, who had just taken part in the erection of one of his high-pressure steam pole-engines for working the pumps at Beeralstone Mine, combined the pole with the ordinary Watt vacuum engines, supplying them with steam from his high-pressure boilers, in other words, converting them from their original form of low-pressure vacuum engines to high-pressure expansive compound steam-engines.The old 60-inch cylinder Boulton and Watt engine, at Wheal Chance (one of Watt's favourite engines), was in 1818 transformed into a high-pressure engine, with Trevithick's pole placed between the centre of the main beam and the steam-cylinder. The high-pressure steam from Trevithick's new boilers was turned under thepole for the up-stroke, after which it was expanded in the old and much larger cylinder on the top of the piston causing the down-stroke; it then, by its passage through the equilibrium valve, allowed the piston in the large cylinder to make its up-stroke, by equalizing the pressure of steam on its top and bottom, while a fresh supply of strong steam from the boiler admitted under the pole gave power to the up-stroke; and finally, the comparatively low-pressure steam under the large piston passed to the condenser and air-pump to form a vacuum for the down-stroke, as in the Watt engine.Sims, the engineer at Wheal Chance, one of the mines in the eastern or Watt district, was converted and became in 1815 or 1816 a partner with Trevithick, and erected, at Treskerby Mine, Trevithick's high-pressure pole of 36 inches in diameter, as an addition to the old Watt engine working with a cylinder 58 inches in diameter.Watt, then, within a year or two of his death, was too old to any longer take part in the contest; his engine in the hands of others was converted and became a high-pressure expansive engine.Trevithick, as a further proof that he could do without the Watt patent air-pump bucket, with its piston and valves, removed it from a Watt engine at Wheal Alfred Mine in 1812, replacing it by one of his poles, answering the same purpose, but different in construction. Many other mines used them; one remained at work in Old Wheal Damsel in 1860. They have also been used in steamboat air-pumps.Having traced during a period of five or six years the rise and progress of the high-pressure expansive pole condensing-engines, the high-pressure expansive pole puffer-engine, and the combined pole and cylinder high-pressure engine, their value in a commercial sensemay be further tested by the public acts of the time. Lean, an authority on such matters, and certainly not given to unduly praise Trevithick, spoke as follows on the duty of those particular engines at various periods; and not the least noteworthy is the fact, that Herland, Poldice, and Treskerby, that were prominent in the early use of the Watt engine, threw off their allegiance but shortly before the last days of the great engineer, and converted his low-pressure steam vacuum engines into Trevithick high-pressures."In 1798 Messrs. Boulton and Watt, who on a visit to Cornwall, came to see it—'the Herland engine'—and had many experiments tried to ascertain its duty; it was under the care of Mr. Murdoch, their agent in the county. Captain John Davey, the manager of the mine, used to state that it usually did twenty millions, and that Mr. Watt, at the time he inspected it, pronounced it perfect, and that further improvement could not be expected."In 1811 the average duty of the three engines (Boulton and Watt's) on Wheal Alfred Mine was about twenty millions. These engines were at that time reckoned the best in the county."In 1816 Sims erected an engine at Wheal Chance, to which he applied the pole adopted by Trevithick in his high-pressure engine. This engine attained to forty-five millions; and in 1817 it did 46·9 millions."In 1814 Treskerby engine is reported as doing 17·48 millions.—Wm. Sims, engineer."In 1820 Treskerby engine, to which Trevithick's high-pressure pole had been adapted, had reached 40·3 millions."[37]The Herland engine of Watt in 1798 did twenty millions; in 1816 Trevithick's high-pressure pole puffer in the same mine did forty-eight millions. In 1820 his high-pressure pole-engine was combined with aWatt low-pressure engine, thereby more than doubling its economical duty.In 1813 Trevithick wrote:—"That new engine you saw near the sea-side with me (Wheal Prosper high-pressure pole condensing engine) is now lifting forty millions one foot high, with a bushel of coal, which is nearly double the duty that is done by any other engine in the county. A few days since I altered a 60-inch cylinder engine at Wheal Alfred to the same plan, and I think she will do equally as much duty. I have a notice to attend a mine meeting, to erect a new engine equal in power to a 63-inch cylinder single."[38]In the four or five years from his return to Cornwall in 1810, to his leaving for South America in 1816, he doubled the duty and the power of the steam-engine. Watt once said he had received an oblique look from Trevithick, sen. The time was now come for Trevithick, jun., to return the compliment; his improved engines having made their way into the eastern mine district, which Watt once looked upon as his own.Trevithick was short of money and on the point of leaving England for South America, when Mr. Sims, in the employ of Messrs. Williams and Co., favourable to low pressure, was sent to negotiate for the purchase of a share in Trevithick's patent of 1815 for the high-pressure steam expansive pole-engine.[39]"18th October, 1816.—Agreement between Trevithick and Mr. William Sims, prepared by myself and Mr. Day, solicitor for Mr. Sims, or for Mr. Michael Williams, under whom Sims acted, recites, that in consideration of 200l.paid by Sims, he was to have a moiety of the patent for Cornwall and Devon, and that I should have power to act and make contracts whilst Trevithick was out of England."The day after contract signed, Trevithick sailed in the'Asp,' Captain Kenny, for South America. I was on board when the ship sailed."I see among my papers, in May, 1819, in reference to the patent, is the following note:—'Mr. Michael Williams said it was verbally agreed that Captain Trevithick should have one-quarter part of the savings above twenty-six millions.' This, I believe, was the average duty of the engines at that time."I had several assurances relative to Trevithick's claims, and much correspondence, but no allowance was made from any mines but Treskerby and Wheal Chance; though Trevithick's patent and boilers were used throughout the county without acknowledgment; and the duty of the engines had soon increased from twenty-six millions to about seventy millions."In 1819 I attended at the account-houses of Treskerby and Wheal Chance, of which the late Mr. John Williams, of Scorrier, was the manager, in consequence of some of the adventurers objecting to continue the allowances on the savings to Captain Trevithick, when Mr. Williams warmly observed, that whatever other mines might do, he would insist, as long as he was manager for Treskerby and Wheal Chance, the agreement made should be carried into effect."I remain, my dear Thomas,"Your very affectionate father,"Rd. Edmonds.The agreement with Mr. Sims, or rather with Mr. Michael Williams, late M.P. for Cornwall, who exercised large authority in Cornish mines, was that he should have for 200l.one-half of the patent for the high-pressure pole-engine, as applied to Cornwall and Devon.Trevithick had desisted from securing a patent for the large high-pressure steam-boilers and expansive working, on a verbal understanding that he should receive one quarter of the saving from the reduced consumption of coal by those two particular inventions, twenty-six millions of pounds of water raised one foot high by a bushel of coal of 84 lbs., being the duty of the best Watt engines, to be taken as a starting-point for the payment. Treskerby and Wheal Chance paid for the pole-engine, but the Trevithick boilers suitable for high steam, and the simple methods of working it expansively, had been made so generally public, that people professed to think they had a right to them, when but a few years before they had thrown the inventor off his guard by saying "everybody knows that the Cornish boiler is your plan, and as it cannot be denied, a patent will be of no service."Mr. John Williams[40]stated "that whatever other mines might do, he would insist, as long as he was manager for Treskerby and Wheal Chance, the agreement made should be carried into effect." The Williamses paid to Trevithick 300l.for the saving of coal by the pole patent engine, as an "acknowledgment of the benefits received by us in our mines;" but no payment was made for the greater invention of the high-pressure steam-boilers then in general use.In 1814 the Watt Treskerby engine did seventeen and a half millions. Trevithick's boiler and pole were applied, and the duty was increased to more than forty millions. In 1816 the same changes were made in Wheal Chance, and the duty rose to more than forty-six millions. The consumption of coal was reduced to one-half, amounting in round numbers to a gain of 500l.a month in those two mines alone."Trevince, nearTruro,5th January, 1853."Dear Sir,"I am favoured with your letter of the 31st ult., enclosing also one from Mr. F. Trevithick, of the 24th idem, and have much pleasure in complying with your joint request to the best of my ability. I was well acquainted with the late Mr. Rd. Trevithick, having had frequent occasion to meet him on business and to consult him professionally; and I am gratified in having the present opportunity of bearing testimony to his distinguished abilities, and to the high estimation in which the first Cornish engineers of the day then regarded him. I need scarcely say that time has not lessened the desire in this county especially to do him justice. As a man of inventive mechanical genius, few, if any, have surpassed him, and Cornwall may well be proud of so illustrious a son."At this distance of time I can scarcely speak with sufficient exactness for your purpose of the numerous ingenious and valuable mechanical contrivances for which we are indebted to him, but in reference to his great improvements in the steam-engine I have a more particular recollection, and can confidently affirm that he was the first to introduce the high-pressure principle of working, thus establishing a way to the present high state of efficiency of the steam-engine, and forming a new era in the history of steam-power. To the use of high-pressure steam, in conjunction with the cylindrical boiler, also invented by Mr. Trevithick, I have no hesitation in saying that the greatly-increased duty of our Cornish pumping engines, since the time of Watt, is mainly owing; and when it is recollected that the working power now attained amounts to double or treble that of the old Boulton and Watt engine, it will be at once seen that it is impossible to over-estimate the benefit conferred, either directly or indirectly, by the late Mr. Trevithick, on the mines of this county. The cylindrical boiler above referred to effected a saving of at least one-third in the quantity of coal previously required; and in the year 1812 I remember our house at Scorrier paying Mr. Trevithick the sum of 300l.as an acknowledgment of the benefits received by us in our mines from this source alone. Mr. Trevithick's subsequent absence from thecounty, and perhaps a certain degree of laxity on his own part in the legal establishment and prosecution of his claims, deprived him of much of the pecuniary advantage to which his labours and inventions justly entitled him; and I have often expressed my opinion that he was at the same time the greatest and the worst-used man in the county."Amongst the minor improvements introduced by him, it occurs to me to notice that he was the first to apply an outer casing to the cylinder, and by this means prevent, still further than Watt had succeeded in doing, the loss of heat by radiation."As connected with one of the most interesting of my recollections of Mr. Trevithick, I must mention that I was present by invitation at the first trial of his locomotive engine, intended to run upon common roads, and of course equally applicable to train and railways. This was, I think, about the year 1803, and the locomotive then exhibited was the very first worked by steam-power ever constructed."The great merit of establishing the practicability of so important an application of steam, and the superiority of the high-pressure engine for this purpose, will perhaps more than any other circumstance serve to do honour through all times to the name of Trevithick. The experiment which was made on the public road close by Camborne was perfectly successful; and although many improvements in the details of such description of engines have been since effected, the leading principles of construction and arrangements are continued, I believe, with little alteration, in the magnificent railroad-engines of the present day. Of his stamping engine for breaking down the black rock in the Thames, his river-clearing or dredging machine, and his extensive draining operations in Holland, I can only speak in general terms, that they were eminently successful, and displayed, it was considered, the highest constructive and engineering skill. As a man of enlarged views and great inventive genius, abounding in practical ideas of the greatest utility, and communicating them freely to others, he could not fail of imparting a valuable impulse to the age in which he lived; and it would be scarcely doing him justice to limit his claims as a public benefactor to the inventions now clearly traceable to him,important and numerous as these are. From my own impressions I may say that no one could be in his presence without being struck with the originality and richness of his mind, and without deriving benefit from his suggestive conversation. His exploits and adventures in South America, in connection with the Earl of Dundonald, then Lord Cochrane, will form an interesting episode in his career; and altogether, I am of opinion that the Biography which you have undertaken will prove highly interesting and valuable, and I wish you every success in carrying it out."Believe me, my dear Sir,"Yours very faithfully,"Michael Williams."E. Watkin, Esq.,"London and North-Western Railway,"Euston Station, London."
[Rough draft.]
"Camborne,September 29th, 1815.
""Mr. George Cowie,
"I received your favour of the 20th, and on the 23rd called on Mr. Wm. Sims, your engineer, who went with me to Beeralstone Mine the same day. We arranged on the spot what was necessary for the engine. I hope it will be at work in good time, before the winter's floods set in. Nothing can prevent it, unless the castings are detained by contrary winds. The boilers are nearly finished in Cornwall. The castings at Bridgenorth are in a forward state. I intend leaving this evening for Bridgenorth, to ship the castings, both for Herland and Beeralstone. It was the wish of the agents on the mine that these castings might be sent to Swansea, and taken from thence to the mine with a freight of coal. I shall, if possible, get the Herland castings in the same ship. The workmen making your boilers want an advance of cash to enable them to finish. They provide both iron and labour, for which they are to receive 42l.per ton for the boiler when finished; the weight will be about 8 tons. You may send this money to Mr. Sims or to me, or otherwise you may direct it to Mr. N. Holman, boiler-maker, Pool, near Truro. 100l.will satisfy them for the present. I hope to be in London this day week, and will call at your office.
"Yours, &c.,"R. Trevithick.".
The pole-engine was not only used in several mines shortly after its first introduction, but Mr. Sims, the leading engineer of the eastern mines, not generally favourable to Trevithick, advocated its application in the traditional Watt district.
Scarcely had he smoothed the way with one opponent than another sprung up in an unexpected quarter. His brother-in-law, Harvey, with his once friend, Andrew Vivian, then a partner with Harvey, opposed his plans at the Herland. They were annoyed at Trevithick's sending his orders for castings and machinery to Bridgenorth, and may have had doubts of the success of the new inventions. They had authority in the mine, probably as shareholders, a position generally acquired in Cornwall by those who supply necessary mine material, as well as by the smelters who buy the mineral from the mines. The Williamses and Foxes, controlling the eastern district of mines, were also shareholders and managers, supplying machinery and buying the mine produce.
[Rough draft.]"Penzance,13th December, 1815.""Sir,"Yesterday I was at Herland, where I was informed that Captain Andrew Vivian had been the day before, on his return from Mr. Harvey's, and discharged all the men on the mine, without giving them a moment's notice. Before the arrival of the castings the pitmen, sumpmen, carpenters, and smiths were very busy getting the pit-work ready; at which time H. Harvey and A. Vivian were exulting in reporting that the iron ore was not yet raised that was to make the Herland castings. The day that they heard of their arrival they discharged all the labourers, and ordered the agents not to admit another sixpence-worth of materials on the adventurers' account, or employ any person whatever."The agents sent a short time since to Perran Foundry[33]forthe iron saddles and brasses belonging to the balance-bob, the property of the adventurers; but they refused to make them, with a great deal of ill-natured language about my engine."I am determined to fulfil my engagement with the adventurers, and yesterday ordered all the smiths, carpenters, pitmen, and sumpmen to prepare the adventurers' pit-work, and ordered the agents to get the balance-bob and every other thing that may be wanted at my expense, so as to fork the first lift, which I hope to have dry by Monday three weeks. The engine will be in the mine this week, and in one fortnight after I hope the engine will be at work, and in less than a week more the first twenty fathoms under the adit will be dry."In consequence of the Perran people refusing to send the saddles and brasses for the balance-bob, we will make shift in the best way we can without them. The brasses I have ordered on my own account at Mr. Scantlebury's. The coals for the smiths I have also ordered, and the same for the engine to fork the first lift. This is very uncivil treatment in return for inventing and bringing to the public, at my own risk and expense, what I believe the country could not exist without. I am determined to erect the engine at all events and upset this coalition before I leave Europe, if it detains me one year to accomplish it."I remain, Sir,"Your very humble servant,"Rd. Trevithick."Mr. Phillip,"George Yard, Lombard Street."P.S.—I should be glad to hear from you what is going forward respecting an arrangement of the shares."
[Rough draft.]
"Penzance,13th December, 1815.
""Sir,
"Yesterday I was at Herland, where I was informed that Captain Andrew Vivian had been the day before, on his return from Mr. Harvey's, and discharged all the men on the mine, without giving them a moment's notice. Before the arrival of the castings the pitmen, sumpmen, carpenters, and smiths were very busy getting the pit-work ready; at which time H. Harvey and A. Vivian were exulting in reporting that the iron ore was not yet raised that was to make the Herland castings. The day that they heard of their arrival they discharged all the labourers, and ordered the agents not to admit another sixpence-worth of materials on the adventurers' account, or employ any person whatever.
"The agents sent a short time since to Perran Foundry[33]forthe iron saddles and brasses belonging to the balance-bob, the property of the adventurers; but they refused to make them, with a great deal of ill-natured language about my engine.
"I am determined to fulfil my engagement with the adventurers, and yesterday ordered all the smiths, carpenters, pitmen, and sumpmen to prepare the adventurers' pit-work, and ordered the agents to get the balance-bob and every other thing that may be wanted at my expense, so as to fork the first lift, which I hope to have dry by Monday three weeks. The engine will be in the mine this week, and in one fortnight after I hope the engine will be at work, and in less than a week more the first twenty fathoms under the adit will be dry.
"In consequence of the Perran people refusing to send the saddles and brasses for the balance-bob, we will make shift in the best way we can without them. The brasses I have ordered on my own account at Mr. Scantlebury's. The coals for the smiths I have also ordered, and the same for the engine to fork the first lift. This is very uncivil treatment in return for inventing and bringing to the public, at my own risk and expense, what I believe the country could not exist without. I am determined to erect the engine at all events and upset this coalition before I leave Europe, if it detains me one year to accomplish it.
"I remain, Sir,"Your very humble servant,"Rd. Trevithick.
"Mr. Phillip,"George Yard, Lombard Street.
"P.S.—I should be glad to hear from you what is going forward respecting an arrangement of the shares."
[Rough draft.]"Penzance,23rd December, 1815.""Gentlemen,"I have received the Herland castings, and am very seriously sorry to say, after we had fixed together the castings on the mine and made the joints, on attempting to put the plunger-pole into the case it would not go down; neither would either of the rings go to their places into the cylinder and on to thepole; therefore the whole engine must be again taken to pieces and sent to a turning and boring mill to be newly turned and bored. How to get this done I cannot tell, for the founders here will not do it because they had not the casting them. Already great expenses have been incurred by delays, and now to send them back to Bridgenorth at an immense loss of time and money will be a very serious business indeed. I think that either the cylinder is bored crooked or the plunger-pole turned crooked, or both, as it will sink farther down into the cylinder on turning it round on one side than it will on the other. The whole job is most shamefully fitted up, and was never tried together before sent off. Write to me by return of post and say what I am to do in this dilemma."Yours, &c.,"Richard Trevithick."Hazeldine, Rastrick, and Co.,"Bridgenorth."
[Rough draft.]
"Penzance,23rd December, 1815.
""Gentlemen,
"I have received the Herland castings, and am very seriously sorry to say, after we had fixed together the castings on the mine and made the joints, on attempting to put the plunger-pole into the case it would not go down; neither would either of the rings go to their places into the cylinder and on to thepole; therefore the whole engine must be again taken to pieces and sent to a turning and boring mill to be newly turned and bored. How to get this done I cannot tell, for the founders here will not do it because they had not the casting them. Already great expenses have been incurred by delays, and now to send them back to Bridgenorth at an immense loss of time and money will be a very serious business indeed. I think that either the cylinder is bored crooked or the plunger-pole turned crooked, or both, as it will sink farther down into the cylinder on turning it round on one side than it will on the other. The whole job is most shamefully fitted up, and was never tried together before sent off. Write to me by return of post and say what I am to do in this dilemma.
"Yours, &c.,"Richard Trevithick.
"Hazeldine, Rastrick, and Co.,"Bridgenorth."
The new engine-work from Bridgenorth on arrival was found to be so inaccurately made that the pole would not go into the pole-case. Henry Phillips,[34]who saw the engine make its first start, says:—
"I was a boy working in the mine, and several of us peeped in at the door to see what was doing. Captain Dick was in a great way, the engine would not start; after a bit Captain Dick threw himself down upon the floor of the engine-house, and there he lay upon his back; then up he jumped, and snatched a sledge-hammer out of the hands of a man who was driving in a wedge, and lashed it home in a minute. There never was a man could use a sledge like Captain Dick; he was as strong as a bull. Then, he picked up a spanner and unscrewed something, and off she went. Captain Vivian was near me, looking in at the doorway; Captain Dick saw him, and shaking his fist, said: 'If you come in here I'll throw you down the shaft.' I suppose Captain Vivian had something to do with making the boilers, and Captain Dick was angry because they leaked clouds of steam. You could hardly see, or hear anybody speak in the engine-house, it was so full of steam and noise; we could hear the steam-puffer roaring at St. Erth, more than three miles off."
"I was a boy working in the mine, and several of us peeped in at the door to see what was doing. Captain Dick was in a great way, the engine would not start; after a bit Captain Dick threw himself down upon the floor of the engine-house, and there he lay upon his back; then up he jumped, and snatched a sledge-hammer out of the hands of a man who was driving in a wedge, and lashed it home in a minute. There never was a man could use a sledge like Captain Dick; he was as strong as a bull. Then, he picked up a spanner and unscrewed something, and off she went. Captain Vivian was near me, looking in at the doorway; Captain Dick saw him, and shaking his fist, said: 'If you come in here I'll throw you down the shaft.' I suppose Captain Vivian had something to do with making the boilers, and Captain Dick was angry because they leaked clouds of steam. You could hardly see, or hear anybody speak in the engine-house, it was so full of steam and noise; we could hear the steam-puffer roaring at St. Erth, more than three miles off."
By the end of January, 1816, the engine was ready for work, and after ten days of experience, he thus described the result:—
"Penzance,11th February, 1816.""Mr. Davies Giddy,Sir,—I was unwilling to write you until I had made a little trial of the Herland engine. It has been at work about ten days, and works exceedingly well; everyone who has seen it is satisfied that it is the best engine ever erected. It goes more smoothly than any engine I ever saw, and is very easy and regular in its stroke. It's a 33-inch cylinder, 10½-feet stroke. We have driven it eighteen strokes per minute. In the middle, or about two-thirds of the stroke, it moved about 8 feet per second, with a matter in motion of 24 tons; and that weight returned thirty-six times in a minute, with 2 bushels of coal per hour. This of itself, without the friction, or load of water, is far more duty than ever was done before by an engine. I found that it required about 80 lbs. to the inch to work the engine the first twelve hours, going one-third expansive, twelve strokes per minute, 10½-feet stroke, with 24 bushels of coal. The load of water was about 30,000. This was occasioned by the extreme friction, the plunger-pole being turned, and the plunger-case bored, to fit so nicely from end to end, that it was with great difficulty we could at all force the plunger-pole down to the bottom of the plunger-case. This is now in a great degree removed, and since we went to work we have thrown into the balance-box 4 tons of balance, and it would carry 3 tons more at this time. We must have carried that load in friction against the engine, therefore, if you calculate this, you will find it did an immense duty, going twelve strokes per minute, 10½-feet stroke, with 2 bushels of coal per hour. The engine is now working regularly twelve strokes per minute, with 60 lbs. of steam, 10½-feet stroke, three-quarters of the stroke expansive, and ends with the steam rather under atmosphere strong, with considerably within 2 bushels of coal per hour. I would drive her faster, but as the lift is hanging in the capstan rope under water, they are not willing to risk it. Ihave raised the steam to 120 lbs. to the inch, the joints and everything perfectly tight. I took the packing out of the stuffing box and examined it, and found that the heat had not at all injured it; the packing is perfectly tight, not a particle of steam is lost."I have offered to deposit 1000l.to 500l.as a bet against Woolf's best engine, and give him twenty millions, but that party refuses to accept the challenge. I have no doubt but that by the time she is in fork she will do 100 millions, which is the general opinion here. The boilers are certainly the best ever invented, as well as the other parts. The draught is the best you ever saw; I have only one-quarter part of the fire-bars uncovered, yet from one-quarter part of the fire-place that I first made, I find plenty of steam. The greatest part of the waste steam is condensed in heating the water to fill the boiler; what escapes is a mere nothing. The engine will be loaded, when in fork, about 52 lbs. to the inch. Now suppose I raise the steam so high at the first part of the stroke as to go so expansive as to leave the steam, at the finish, only atmosphere strong, shall I, in that case, use any more coal than at present? The materials and joints will stand far more than that pressure; 500 lbs. to the inch would not injure them. When the engine gets on two lifts, I will write to you again, and in the meantime please to give me your thoughts on the engine. Every engine that was erecting is stopped, and the whole county thinks of no other engine."Your very obedient servant,"Rd. Trevithick.
"Penzance,11th February, 1816.
""Mr. Davies Giddy,
Sir,—I was unwilling to write you until I had made a little trial of the Herland engine. It has been at work about ten days, and works exceedingly well; everyone who has seen it is satisfied that it is the best engine ever erected. It goes more smoothly than any engine I ever saw, and is very easy and regular in its stroke. It's a 33-inch cylinder, 10½-feet stroke. We have driven it eighteen strokes per minute. In the middle, or about two-thirds of the stroke, it moved about 8 feet per second, with a matter in motion of 24 tons; and that weight returned thirty-six times in a minute, with 2 bushels of coal per hour. This of itself, without the friction, or load of water, is far more duty than ever was done before by an engine. I found that it required about 80 lbs. to the inch to work the engine the first twelve hours, going one-third expansive, twelve strokes per minute, 10½-feet stroke, with 24 bushels of coal. The load of water was about 30,000. This was occasioned by the extreme friction, the plunger-pole being turned, and the plunger-case bored, to fit so nicely from end to end, that it was with great difficulty we could at all force the plunger-pole down to the bottom of the plunger-case. This is now in a great degree removed, and since we went to work we have thrown into the balance-box 4 tons of balance, and it would carry 3 tons more at this time. We must have carried that load in friction against the engine, therefore, if you calculate this, you will find it did an immense duty, going twelve strokes per minute, 10½-feet stroke, with 2 bushels of coal per hour. The engine is now working regularly twelve strokes per minute, with 60 lbs. of steam, 10½-feet stroke, three-quarters of the stroke expansive, and ends with the steam rather under atmosphere strong, with considerably within 2 bushels of coal per hour. I would drive her faster, but as the lift is hanging in the capstan rope under water, they are not willing to risk it. Ihave raised the steam to 120 lbs. to the inch, the joints and everything perfectly tight. I took the packing out of the stuffing box and examined it, and found that the heat had not at all injured it; the packing is perfectly tight, not a particle of steam is lost.
"I have offered to deposit 1000l.to 500l.as a bet against Woolf's best engine, and give him twenty millions, but that party refuses to accept the challenge. I have no doubt but that by the time she is in fork she will do 100 millions, which is the general opinion here. The boilers are certainly the best ever invented, as well as the other parts. The draught is the best you ever saw; I have only one-quarter part of the fire-bars uncovered, yet from one-quarter part of the fire-place that I first made, I find plenty of steam. The greatest part of the waste steam is condensed in heating the water to fill the boiler; what escapes is a mere nothing. The engine will be loaded, when in fork, about 52 lbs. to the inch. Now suppose I raise the steam so high at the first part of the stroke as to go so expansive as to leave the steam, at the finish, only atmosphere strong, shall I, in that case, use any more coal than at present? The materials and joints will stand far more than that pressure; 500 lbs. to the inch would not injure them. When the engine gets on two lifts, I will write to you again, and in the meantime please to give me your thoughts on the engine. Every engine that was erecting is stopped, and the whole county thinks of no other engine.
"Your very obedient servant,"Rd. Trevithick.
The new pole puffer-engine worked so satisfactorily and its movements were so manageable that the length of the stroke was increased by the spare 6 inches, which had been allowed as a margin in case of its overrunning its intended stroke. It would bear being worked at eighteen strokes a minute, while the Watt 72-inch engine did not exceed nine strokes a minute; with steam in the boiler of 80 lbs. to the inch it performed its work when the steam supply was cut off at two-thirds of the stroke, completing it by expansion. It alsoworked well with steam of 120 lbs. to the inch; but the want of strength in the pump-rods and the requirements of the mine caused the regular working pressure of steam to be reduced to 60 lbs. on the inch, and to be cut off when the pole had moved through the first quarter of its stroke. The excellent draught causing the fire-bars to be reduced to one-quarter of their original surface, and the heating the feed-water by the waste steam in this powerful pumping engine, indicate the use of the blast-pipe as at that time worked in the Welsh puddling-mill engine. Watt's engine was for a moment forgotten, that he might challenge Woolf to a trial, giving him as a help twenty millions, or the understood duty of the Watt engine. This non-condensing pole-engine, with 20 tons of pump-rods, moved at a maximum speed of 8 feet a second, and was equal to its work with a steam pressure of 52 lbs. on the inch. Trevithick contemplated extending the expansive principle even further than he had done in the Wheal Prosper pole condensing engine, so that at the finish of the up-stroke the steam should only be about the pressure of the atmosphere, or say from 1 to 10 lbs. on the inch, having commenced it with steam of from 100 to 200 lbs. on the inch, and cutting off the supply from the boiler when the pole had gone but a very small part of its upward stroke, more or less as the mine requirements admitted of it. The principle of expansive working and momentum of moving parts was of necessity modified in its application to pump-work.
"Eastbourne,February 15th, 1816."Dear Trevithick,"I have been called here by the decease of my wife's uncle, and consequently your letters of the 11th did not reach me till this day."The account you give me of your new engine has beenextremely gratifying. The duty performed by the engine in giving a velocity of 8 feet in a second, thirty-six different times in a minute, to 24 tons of matter, by the consumption of 2 bushels of coal in an hour, is indeed very great, amounting to about fifty-seven and three-quarter millions. So that when you obtain a proper burden, and the extraordinary friction arising from the too close fitting of the plunger-pole and case is reduced, there seems to be no doubt of your engine performing wonders."I am of opinion that the stronger steam is used, the more advantageous it will be found. To what degree it should be applied expansively must be determined by experience in different cases. It will depend on the rate at which the engine requires to be worked, and on the quantity of matter put into motion, so that as large a portion as possible of the inertia given in the beginning of the stroke may be taken out of it at the end."Some recent experiments made in France prove, as I am told, for I have not seen them, that very little heat is consumed in raising the temperature of steam. And if this is true, of course there must be a great saving of fuel by using steam of several atmospheres' strength, and working expansive through a large portion of the cylinder. I have really been impatient for a week past to receive some account of your machine, having learned nothing about it, except from a paragraph dated Hayle in the Truro paper of last Saturday week, and somehow or other the next paper has not reached me,"I hope to be in London about Tuesday next, but at all events direct to me there, as my letters are regularly forwarded."Believe me, dear Sir,"Yours ever most faithfully,"Davies Giddy."
"Eastbourne,February 15th, 1816.
"Dear Trevithick,
"I have been called here by the decease of my wife's uncle, and consequently your letters of the 11th did not reach me till this day.
"The account you give me of your new engine has beenextremely gratifying. The duty performed by the engine in giving a velocity of 8 feet in a second, thirty-six different times in a minute, to 24 tons of matter, by the consumption of 2 bushels of coal in an hour, is indeed very great, amounting to about fifty-seven and three-quarter millions. So that when you obtain a proper burden, and the extraordinary friction arising from the too close fitting of the plunger-pole and case is reduced, there seems to be no doubt of your engine performing wonders.
"I am of opinion that the stronger steam is used, the more advantageous it will be found. To what degree it should be applied expansively must be determined by experience in different cases. It will depend on the rate at which the engine requires to be worked, and on the quantity of matter put into motion, so that as large a portion as possible of the inertia given in the beginning of the stroke may be taken out of it at the end.
"Some recent experiments made in France prove, as I am told, for I have not seen them, that very little heat is consumed in raising the temperature of steam. And if this is true, of course there must be a great saving of fuel by using steam of several atmospheres' strength, and working expansive through a large portion of the cylinder. I have really been impatient for a week past to receive some account of your machine, having learned nothing about it, except from a paragraph dated Hayle in the Truro paper of last Saturday week, and somehow or other the next paper has not reached me,
"I hope to be in London about Tuesday next, but at all events direct to me there, as my letters are regularly forwarded.
"Believe me, dear Sir,"Yours ever most faithfully,"Davies Giddy."
[Rough draft.]"Bromsgrove,8th March, 1816.""Mr. John Adams,"Sir,—I received your favour of the 12th February, but did not answer it in due course, because I was then erecting an engine on the new plan, which is now at work, and performs exceedingly well. It is equal in power to a 72-inch diametercylinder, double power of B. and Watt's. The expense of erection, and the consumption of coals in this engine, are not one-third of a B. and Watt's to perform the same work. I am the same Trevithick that invented the high-pressure engine. I have sent out nine steam-engines to the gold and silver mines of Peru. I intend to sail for that place in about a month or six weeks, but shall appoint agents in England to erect these engines."No publication or description whatever has been in circulation, neither is it required, for I have a great many more orders than I can execute."I have not seen anything of Mr. Losh's patent engine, or Mr. Collins'."If you should go to London I advise you to call on Mr. Jas. Smith, Limekiln Lane, Greenwich, who is an agent for me, and will soon be able to show you an engine on this plan at work."I remain, &c.,"R. Trevithick.
[Rough draft.]
"Bromsgrove,8th March, 1816.
""Mr. John Adams,
"Sir,—I received your favour of the 12th February, but did not answer it in due course, because I was then erecting an engine on the new plan, which is now at work, and performs exceedingly well. It is equal in power to a 72-inch diametercylinder, double power of B. and Watt's. The expense of erection, and the consumption of coals in this engine, are not one-third of a B. and Watt's to perform the same work. I am the same Trevithick that invented the high-pressure engine. I have sent out nine steam-engines to the gold and silver mines of Peru. I intend to sail for that place in about a month or six weeks, but shall appoint agents in England to erect these engines.
"No publication or description whatever has been in circulation, neither is it required, for I have a great many more orders than I can execute.
"I have not seen anything of Mr. Losh's patent engine, or Mr. Collins'.
"If you should go to London I advise you to call on Mr. Jas. Smith, Limekiln Lane, Greenwich, who is an agent for me, and will soon be able to show you an engine on this plan at work.
"I remain, &c.,"R. Trevithick.
Unless the foregoing letters are based on error, the only conclusion to be drawn is that Watt, on the expiry of his patent right and of twenty-eight years of labour, having erected his masterpiece in Cornwall, was within a few years so beaten that Trevithick, in his challenge to Woolf, offered to throw in the Watt engine as a make-weight, and with such odds to bet him two to one that his comparatively small and cheap high-pressure engine should beat the two big ones, both in power, in first cost, and in economical working. The Watt engine was one of his largest, with a 72-inch cylinder. Its power was equal to Trevithick's 33-inch pole-engine, when worked with steam of 34 lbs. to the inch; but the latter also worked with three times that pressure of steam, whereby its power was increased threefold. The first cost of these engines was probably in inverse proportion to their power. Trevithick's cost 700l., whilethree times that sum would not pay for the Watt engine. The reported duty of Watt's Herland engine was twenty-seven millions; and if the trial was with his ordinary bushel of 112 lbs. of coal, the duty would only be equal to twenty millions with 84 lbs. of coal, which constituted the Cornish bushel.
Trevithick's pole high-pressure steam-engine did fifty-seven millions; in other words, performed the same work as the Watt engine with less than half of the daily coal. This large economy led to orders for many engines, on his promise that they should cost much less than those of Watt of equal power, and should perform the work with one-third of the coal. Some believed him, though others were stony-hearted, and as obstinate as donkeys.
[Rough draft.]"Penzance,8th March, 1816.""Mr. Phillip,"Sir,—I long since expected to have heard from you that my agreement with the Herland adventurers was executed. I have in every respect fulfilled my part of the engagement with the adventurers, and expect that they will do the same with me. The engine continues to work well. Every person that has seen it, except Joseph Price, A. Vivian, Woolf, and a few other such like beasts, agrees that it is by far the best engine ever erected. Its performance tells its effects, in spite of all false reports."Joseph Price and A. Vivian reported that the engine was good for nothing, that it would not do four millions, and that at the next Tuesday meeting they would turn it idle. On the evening before the meeting they met at Camborne for that purpose."Captain A. Vivian did not attend the meeting. I could not help at the meeting threatening to horsewhip J. Price for the falsehoods that he with the others had reported."I hear that he is to go to London to meet the London committee on Monday. I hope the committee will considerJ. Price's report as from a disappointed man. It is reported that he has bought very largely in Woolf's patent, which now is not worth a farthing, besides losing the making my castings, which galls him very sorely."The water sinks regularly 20 fathoms per month, including every stoppage. On Monday next I expect they will be putting down the second lift. The water rises about 8 inches per hour when the engine is idle, and when at work will sink it again at the same rate, showing that the engine is equal to double the growing stream. When drawing from the pool the sinking is not much above 4 inches per hour, which shows that the water drains from a great distance from the country. The engine is going fourteen strokes per minute, 10-feet stroke, 14½-inch box. When Herland worked last they drew a 14-inch box, 7-feet stroke, twelve strokes per minute in winter, and seven strokes per minute in summer. Therefore it appears that the winter water is about from seven to eight strokes per minute, and the summer water from four to five strokes per minute for this engine."The engine has forked faster the last week than she did before. I think that the great quantity of water that was laying round the mine at the surface is nearly drawn down, and that as we get down to a closer ground the drainage will not be so much. If we have dry weather the water will, at the next shallow level, fall off two strokes per minute before the next lift is in fork. If it continues the same we can continue to sink 20 fathoms per month, exclusive of the time it will take to fix the lifts. As we get down the house of water will lessen considerably. The expense of the engine is about 100l. per month. The sumpmen and others attending on the forking the water, about 100l.per month more. They have all the materials on the mine for the pit-work, therefore a very trifling sum will bring the water down to the 60-fathom level, when the mine will pay her own expense."I will thank you for an account of the meeting."Your obedient servant,"R. Trevithick.
[Rough draft.]
"Penzance,8th March, 1816.
""Mr. Phillip,
"Sir,—I long since expected to have heard from you that my agreement with the Herland adventurers was executed. I have in every respect fulfilled my part of the engagement with the adventurers, and expect that they will do the same with me. The engine continues to work well. Every person that has seen it, except Joseph Price, A. Vivian, Woolf, and a few other such like beasts, agrees that it is by far the best engine ever erected. Its performance tells its effects, in spite of all false reports.
"Joseph Price and A. Vivian reported that the engine was good for nothing, that it would not do four millions, and that at the next Tuesday meeting they would turn it idle. On the evening before the meeting they met at Camborne for that purpose.
"Captain A. Vivian did not attend the meeting. I could not help at the meeting threatening to horsewhip J. Price for the falsehoods that he with the others had reported.
"I hear that he is to go to London to meet the London committee on Monday. I hope the committee will considerJ. Price's report as from a disappointed man. It is reported that he has bought very largely in Woolf's patent, which now is not worth a farthing, besides losing the making my castings, which galls him very sorely.
"The water sinks regularly 20 fathoms per month, including every stoppage. On Monday next I expect they will be putting down the second lift. The water rises about 8 inches per hour when the engine is idle, and when at work will sink it again at the same rate, showing that the engine is equal to double the growing stream. When drawing from the pool the sinking is not much above 4 inches per hour, which shows that the water drains from a great distance from the country. The engine is going fourteen strokes per minute, 10-feet stroke, 14½-inch box. When Herland worked last they drew a 14-inch box, 7-feet stroke, twelve strokes per minute in winter, and seven strokes per minute in summer. Therefore it appears that the winter water is about from seven to eight strokes per minute, and the summer water from four to five strokes per minute for this engine.
"The engine has forked faster the last week than she did before. I think that the great quantity of water that was laying round the mine at the surface is nearly drawn down, and that as we get down to a closer ground the drainage will not be so much. If we have dry weather the water will, at the next shallow level, fall off two strokes per minute before the next lift is in fork. If it continues the same we can continue to sink 20 fathoms per month, exclusive of the time it will take to fix the lifts. As we get down the house of water will lessen considerably. The expense of the engine is about 100l. per month. The sumpmen and others attending on the forking the water, about 100l.per month more. They have all the materials on the mine for the pit-work, therefore a very trifling sum will bring the water down to the 60-fathom level, when the mine will pay her own expense.
"I will thank you for an account of the meeting.
"Your obedient servant,"R. Trevithick.
Mr. Phillip was the financial managing shareholder—more particularly with the Londoners—at that resuscitation of Herland Mine; and though the new engine was comparatively cheap, both in its first cost and in its consumption of coal, and satisfactorily reduced the water in the mine, payment for it was withheld because the currents of self-interest were against Trevithick. Mr. Joseph Price was the manager of a steam-engine manufactory at Neath Abbey, in South Wales, and had been in the habit of supplying castings for Cornish mines. Arthur Woolf was then striving to bring into use his patent double-cylinder engine, and patent high-pressure steam-boiler, which Trevithick looked on as copies from Hornblower and himself. This, added to Woolf's sarcastic manner of speech, roused Trevithick's anger.
Putting aside the words of the disputants, the fact is stated that the pole-engine, with a reduced steam pressure, worked a pump 14½ inches in diameter, 10-feet stroke, fourteen strokes per minute; while the largest and best engine by Watt in Cornwall, placed on the same mine, with a 72-inch steam-cylinder, gave motion to a pump of 14 inches in diameter, 7-feet stroke, at twelve strokes a minute; being in round numbers just one-half the amount of the work performed by Trevithick's comparatively small engine, which had not a single feature of the Watt engine in it.
[Rough draft.]"Penzance,March 7, 1816.""Captain Joe Odgers,"Sir,—I have your favour of the 27th February, and requested Mr. Page to send to you a sketch of the agreement. On seeing him yesterday, I found that he had neglected to send it to you. He will leave the country for London in a few days,and intends to call on you at Dolley's as soon as he arrives. I do not know that the agreement matters much for a few days up or down. The terms are well understood between us, which is that the adventurers and I equally share the advantages that may arise from this new engine over Boulton and Watt's. When you have fully arranged with your adventurers about the engine, please to write me, and I will immediately proceed to order the engine; and in the interim the agreement will be drawn up by Mr. Page, and executed either here or in London, just as may suit."I remain, &c.,"R. Trevithick."P.S.—Herland engine goes on better and better. Your adventurers will get a satisfactory account by applying in town to Mr. Wm. Phillip, No. 2, George Yard, Lombard Street. He is the principal of the London adventurers."
[Rough draft.]
"Penzance,March 7, 1816.
""Captain Joe Odgers,
"Sir,—I have your favour of the 27th February, and requested Mr. Page to send to you a sketch of the agreement. On seeing him yesterday, I found that he had neglected to send it to you. He will leave the country for London in a few days,and intends to call on you at Dolley's as soon as he arrives. I do not know that the agreement matters much for a few days up or down. The terms are well understood between us, which is that the adventurers and I equally share the advantages that may arise from this new engine over Boulton and Watt's. When you have fully arranged with your adventurers about the engine, please to write me, and I will immediately proceed to order the engine; and in the interim the agreement will be drawn up by Mr. Page, and executed either here or in London, just as may suit.
"I remain, &c.,"R. Trevithick.
"P.S.—Herland engine goes on better and better. Your adventurers will get a satisfactory account by applying in town to Mr. Wm. Phillip, No. 2, George Yard, Lombard Street. He is the principal of the London adventurers."
Trevithick believed that mine adventurers would agree to pay him one-half the saving caused by his engines, as compared with the cost of fuel in the Watt engine. The duty performed by the latter was understood and agreed to generally; persons were chosen by the adventurers to experiment and report on the duty of Trevithick's pole-engine, that the amount of payment might be ascertained in proportion to the saving effected.
"Penzance,April 2, 1816.""Mr. Giddy,"Sir,—I have long wished to write to you about the Herland engine, but first wished to see the engine loaded with a second lift, and a trial made of the duty. Yesterday was fixed on, before ordering another engine for the eastern shaft."The persons attended. The arbitrators gave the duty as forty-eight millions, and said they had no doubt the engine would perform above sixty millions before getting to the bottom of the mine."They were much within the duty, but I did not contend with them, as they said it was quite duty enough."The engine worked 9¼ strokes per minute, with 2 bushels of coal per hour for the whole time, 10-feet stroke. There were two pump-lifts of 14½-inch bucket, making 43 fathoms, and 26 fathoms of 6-inch for house-water."The steam was from 100 to 120 lbs. to the inch. The valve open while the plunger-pole ascended 20 inches, then went the remainder of the 10-feet stroke expansive."It went exceedingly smooth and regular. Some time since, by way of trying the power of the engine, we disengaged the balance-bob. The engine worked twenty strokes per minute, with 17 tons of rods, &c., and drew 14½-inch bucket 23½ fathoms, and a 6-inch bucket 26 fathoms, 10-feet stroke, twenty strokes per minute."This was about 45,000 lbs. weight, with the speed of 200 feet per minute, which makes the duty performed more than the power of three 72-inch cylinders, single, of Boulton and Watt, say of 8-feet stroke, 10 lbs. to the inch, nine strokes per minute, which is more than these engines will perform. I have all the orders for every engine now required in the country, which is not to be wondered at, for one-tenth part of the expense in the erection will do, and the duty is not less than three times as much as other engines. This will be proved before we get to the bottom."The engine now works at about two-fifths of the load which she will have when at the bottom. When the next lift is in fork I will write to you again."I am, Sir, your humble servant,"Richard Trevithick.
"Penzance,April 2, 1816.
""Mr. Giddy,
"Sir,—I have long wished to write to you about the Herland engine, but first wished to see the engine loaded with a second lift, and a trial made of the duty. Yesterday was fixed on, before ordering another engine for the eastern shaft.
"The persons attended. The arbitrators gave the duty as forty-eight millions, and said they had no doubt the engine would perform above sixty millions before getting to the bottom of the mine.
"They were much within the duty, but I did not contend with them, as they said it was quite duty enough.
"The engine worked 9¼ strokes per minute, with 2 bushels of coal per hour for the whole time, 10-feet stroke. There were two pump-lifts of 14½-inch bucket, making 43 fathoms, and 26 fathoms of 6-inch for house-water.
"The steam was from 100 to 120 lbs. to the inch. The valve open while the plunger-pole ascended 20 inches, then went the remainder of the 10-feet stroke expansive.
"It went exceedingly smooth and regular. Some time since, by way of trying the power of the engine, we disengaged the balance-bob. The engine worked twenty strokes per minute, with 17 tons of rods, &c., and drew 14½-inch bucket 23½ fathoms, and a 6-inch bucket 26 fathoms, 10-feet stroke, twenty strokes per minute.
"This was about 45,000 lbs. weight, with the speed of 200 feet per minute, which makes the duty performed more than the power of three 72-inch cylinders, single, of Boulton and Watt, say of 8-feet stroke, 10 lbs. to the inch, nine strokes per minute, which is more than these engines will perform. I have all the orders for every engine now required in the country, which is not to be wondered at, for one-tenth part of the expense in the erection will do, and the duty is not less than three times as much as other engines. This will be proved before we get to the bottom.
"The engine now works at about two-fifths of the load which she will have when at the bottom. When the next lift is in fork I will write to you again.
"I am, Sir, your humble servant,"Richard Trevithick.
Independent examiners reported that the Herland pole-engine did forty-eight millions of duty, under various pressures of steam, up to 120 lbs. to the inch, working five-sixths of the stroke expansively, with a speed of twenty strokes a minute, or double the speed of the Watt engine; and the importance of those facts deserves the scrutiny and close study of youthful engineers. A small cheap engine, of 33-inch cylinder,similar in general construction to the Wheal Prosper pole-engine, but still more simple from the absence of air-pump and condenser, did as much work as three of Watt's largest engines with cylinders of 72 inches in diameter. This great stride in the useful value of the steam-engine was forced on the public by Trevithick's single-handed energy, when every man was against him, even Henry Harvey, his brother-in-law and friend, his former partner, Andrew Vivian, and his once carpenter and assistant, Arthur Woolf. As a closing attempt to finally crush him, he was made personally responsible for the payment of an engine erected for the benefit of others. This was the great trial test of the power and economy of the purely high-pressure expansive steam-engine as compared with the Watt low-pressure vacuum engine applied to large pumps.
"Hayle Foundry,18th April, 1816."Sir,"I was at Herland to-day. Captain Grose received a letter while I was there, signed by Captain William Davey and Joseph Vivian, requesting him to appoint others to attend the trial of the engine, as it would not be convenient for them to do it."Captain Samuel Grose, jun., brought down the drawing for your engine. He said he had taken off the working gear only. If you would wish it, we will make the working-gear and all the wrought-iron work on the drawing for the two engines ordered, and will take on a man or two immediately for that purpose. You will let me know about this before you set off, and also if any alteration is to be made in the beam for Wheal Treasure engine, since you have altered the size of the pole. We had cast the case, but I suppose it will suit some place else."Your obedient servant,"Henry Harvey."Mr. Richard Trevithick."
"Hayle Foundry,18th April, 1816.
"Sir,
"I was at Herland to-day. Captain Grose received a letter while I was there, signed by Captain William Davey and Joseph Vivian, requesting him to appoint others to attend the trial of the engine, as it would not be convenient for them to do it.
"Captain Samuel Grose, jun., brought down the drawing for your engine. He said he had taken off the working gear only. If you would wish it, we will make the working-gear and all the wrought-iron work on the drawing for the two engines ordered, and will take on a man or two immediately for that purpose. You will let me know about this before you set off, and also if any alteration is to be made in the beam for Wheal Treasure engine, since you have altered the size of the pole. We had cast the case, but I suppose it will suit some place else.
"Your obedient servant,"Henry Harvey.
"Mr. Richard Trevithick."
"About 1815 or 1816 I was employed by Captain Trevithick to erect various pole-engines, one of them at Saltram Stream. It had worked at Tavistock; it was a horizontal high-pressure pole puffer. Captain Samuel Grose was then erecting for Captain Trevithick a 24-inch high-pressure pole-engine at Beeralstone, on the Tamar, to drain a lead mine. I assisted Captain Grose. The stroke was about 8 feet. It worked with cross-head and side rods. There were two wrought-iron boilers about 3 feet 6 inches in diameter and 40 feet long. The fire and flues were outside. The steam pressure, 60 lbs. to the inch. I also erected a similar engine with a 20-inch pole at Wheal Treasure, now called Fowey Consols Mine; and one at Logassack, near Padstow. Those two had brass poles. It was found that the poles cut and wore in their passage through the stuffing box, the middle wearing more than the ends, causing steam to escape. A similar pole of Captain Trevithick's erecting was then working at Wheal Regent, near St. Austell."In 1818 I saw working at Wheal Chance Mine, near Scorrier, an old 60-inch cylinder Boulton and Watt engine. A pole of Trevithick's was fixed between the cylinder and the centre of the main beam. High-pressure steam was first worked under the pole and then expanded in the cylinder."[35]
"About 1815 or 1816 I was employed by Captain Trevithick to erect various pole-engines, one of them at Saltram Stream. It had worked at Tavistock; it was a horizontal high-pressure pole puffer. Captain Samuel Grose was then erecting for Captain Trevithick a 24-inch high-pressure pole-engine at Beeralstone, on the Tamar, to drain a lead mine. I assisted Captain Grose. The stroke was about 8 feet. It worked with cross-head and side rods. There were two wrought-iron boilers about 3 feet 6 inches in diameter and 40 feet long. The fire and flues were outside. The steam pressure, 60 lbs. to the inch. I also erected a similar engine with a 20-inch pole at Wheal Treasure, now called Fowey Consols Mine; and one at Logassack, near Padstow. Those two had brass poles. It was found that the poles cut and wore in their passage through the stuffing box, the middle wearing more than the ends, causing steam to escape. A similar pole of Captain Trevithick's erecting was then working at Wheal Regent, near St. Austell.
"In 1818 I saw working at Wheal Chance Mine, near Scorrier, an old 60-inch cylinder Boulton and Watt engine. A pole of Trevithick's was fixed between the cylinder and the centre of the main beam. High-pressure steam was first worked under the pole and then expanded in the cylinder."[35]
The late Mr. William Burral, for many years manager of the boiler-making department at Messrs. Harvey and Co., at Hayle, said:—
"About the year 1815 or 1816 I helped to erect at Treskerby Mine an engine for Captain Trevithick. Mr. Sims was the engineer of the mine. The engine had the usual cylinder, and close to it one of Captain Trevithick's poles was fixed. The boilers were Captain Trevithick's high-pressure. The steam was first turned on under the pole. When she had finished her up-stroke the steam passed from under the pole on to the top of the piston in the cylinder. There was a vacuum under the piston. The steam-cylinder was 58 inches in diameter, about 9 or 10 feet stroke. The pole was 36 inches in diameter, and a lessstroke than the piston, because it was fixed inside the cylinder, nearer to the centre of the beam. There was a pole-engine then working at Wheal Lushington, also at Poldice, and at Wheal Damsel.""Captain Artha recollects at Wheal Alfred Mine in 1812 the 66-inch cylinder pumping engine used a pole air-pump; one or two whim-engines on the same mine also used them. Wheal Concord pumping engine, in 1827 had a similar air-pump. Old Wheal Damsel, near Treloweth, used one as late as 1865. The condensing water and air passed through a branch with a valve on it near the top of the pole-case, just under the stuffing box There was a foot-valve at the bottom of the pole-case."[36]
"About the year 1815 or 1816 I helped to erect at Treskerby Mine an engine for Captain Trevithick. Mr. Sims was the engineer of the mine. The engine had the usual cylinder, and close to it one of Captain Trevithick's poles was fixed. The boilers were Captain Trevithick's high-pressure. The steam was first turned on under the pole. When she had finished her up-stroke the steam passed from under the pole on to the top of the piston in the cylinder. There was a vacuum under the piston. The steam-cylinder was 58 inches in diameter, about 9 or 10 feet stroke. The pole was 36 inches in diameter, and a lessstroke than the piston, because it was fixed inside the cylinder, nearer to the centre of the beam. There was a pole-engine then working at Wheal Lushington, also at Poldice, and at Wheal Damsel."
"Captain Artha recollects at Wheal Alfred Mine in 1812 the 66-inch cylinder pumping engine used a pole air-pump; one or two whim-engines on the same mine also used them. Wheal Concord pumping engine, in 1827 had a similar air-pump. Old Wheal Damsel, near Treloweth, used one as late as 1865. The condensing water and air passed through a branch with a valve on it near the top of the pole-case, just under the stuffing box There was a foot-valve at the bottom of the pole-case."[36]
The writer has had the pleasure of personal acquaintance with each of those three gentlemen, who as young engineers commenced their labours in the erection of Trevithick's engines.
No sooner had Trevithick perfected the pole condensing engine and then the pole puffer-engine, than he, in conjunction with Sims, who had just taken part in the erection of one of his high-pressure steam pole-engines for working the pumps at Beeralstone Mine, combined the pole with the ordinary Watt vacuum engines, supplying them with steam from his high-pressure boilers, in other words, converting them from their original form of low-pressure vacuum engines to high-pressure expansive compound steam-engines.
The old 60-inch cylinder Boulton and Watt engine, at Wheal Chance (one of Watt's favourite engines), was in 1818 transformed into a high-pressure engine, with Trevithick's pole placed between the centre of the main beam and the steam-cylinder. The high-pressure steam from Trevithick's new boilers was turned under thepole for the up-stroke, after which it was expanded in the old and much larger cylinder on the top of the piston causing the down-stroke; it then, by its passage through the equilibrium valve, allowed the piston in the large cylinder to make its up-stroke, by equalizing the pressure of steam on its top and bottom, while a fresh supply of strong steam from the boiler admitted under the pole gave power to the up-stroke; and finally, the comparatively low-pressure steam under the large piston passed to the condenser and air-pump to form a vacuum for the down-stroke, as in the Watt engine.
Sims, the engineer at Wheal Chance, one of the mines in the eastern or Watt district, was converted and became in 1815 or 1816 a partner with Trevithick, and erected, at Treskerby Mine, Trevithick's high-pressure pole of 36 inches in diameter, as an addition to the old Watt engine working with a cylinder 58 inches in diameter.
Watt, then, within a year or two of his death, was too old to any longer take part in the contest; his engine in the hands of others was converted and became a high-pressure expansive engine.
Trevithick, as a further proof that he could do without the Watt patent air-pump bucket, with its piston and valves, removed it from a Watt engine at Wheal Alfred Mine in 1812, replacing it by one of his poles, answering the same purpose, but different in construction. Many other mines used them; one remained at work in Old Wheal Damsel in 1860. They have also been used in steamboat air-pumps.
Having traced during a period of five or six years the rise and progress of the high-pressure expansive pole condensing-engines, the high-pressure expansive pole puffer-engine, and the combined pole and cylinder high-pressure engine, their value in a commercial sensemay be further tested by the public acts of the time. Lean, an authority on such matters, and certainly not given to unduly praise Trevithick, spoke as follows on the duty of those particular engines at various periods; and not the least noteworthy is the fact, that Herland, Poldice, and Treskerby, that were prominent in the early use of the Watt engine, threw off their allegiance but shortly before the last days of the great engineer, and converted his low-pressure steam vacuum engines into Trevithick high-pressures.
"In 1798 Messrs. Boulton and Watt, who on a visit to Cornwall, came to see it—'the Herland engine'—and had many experiments tried to ascertain its duty; it was under the care of Mr. Murdoch, their agent in the county. Captain John Davey, the manager of the mine, used to state that it usually did twenty millions, and that Mr. Watt, at the time he inspected it, pronounced it perfect, and that further improvement could not be expected."In 1811 the average duty of the three engines (Boulton and Watt's) on Wheal Alfred Mine was about twenty millions. These engines were at that time reckoned the best in the county."In 1816 Sims erected an engine at Wheal Chance, to which he applied the pole adopted by Trevithick in his high-pressure engine. This engine attained to forty-five millions; and in 1817 it did 46·9 millions."In 1814 Treskerby engine is reported as doing 17·48 millions.—Wm. Sims, engineer."In 1820 Treskerby engine, to which Trevithick's high-pressure pole had been adapted, had reached 40·3 millions."[37]
"In 1798 Messrs. Boulton and Watt, who on a visit to Cornwall, came to see it—'the Herland engine'—and had many experiments tried to ascertain its duty; it was under the care of Mr. Murdoch, their agent in the county. Captain John Davey, the manager of the mine, used to state that it usually did twenty millions, and that Mr. Watt, at the time he inspected it, pronounced it perfect, and that further improvement could not be expected.
"In 1811 the average duty of the three engines (Boulton and Watt's) on Wheal Alfred Mine was about twenty millions. These engines were at that time reckoned the best in the county.
"In 1816 Sims erected an engine at Wheal Chance, to which he applied the pole adopted by Trevithick in his high-pressure engine. This engine attained to forty-five millions; and in 1817 it did 46·9 millions.
"In 1814 Treskerby engine is reported as doing 17·48 millions.—Wm. Sims, engineer.
"In 1820 Treskerby engine, to which Trevithick's high-pressure pole had been adapted, had reached 40·3 millions."[37]
The Herland engine of Watt in 1798 did twenty millions; in 1816 Trevithick's high-pressure pole puffer in the same mine did forty-eight millions. In 1820 his high-pressure pole-engine was combined with aWatt low-pressure engine, thereby more than doubling its economical duty.
In 1813 Trevithick wrote:—
"That new engine you saw near the sea-side with me (Wheal Prosper high-pressure pole condensing engine) is now lifting forty millions one foot high, with a bushel of coal, which is nearly double the duty that is done by any other engine in the county. A few days since I altered a 60-inch cylinder engine at Wheal Alfred to the same plan, and I think she will do equally as much duty. I have a notice to attend a mine meeting, to erect a new engine equal in power to a 63-inch cylinder single."[38]
"That new engine you saw near the sea-side with me (Wheal Prosper high-pressure pole condensing engine) is now lifting forty millions one foot high, with a bushel of coal, which is nearly double the duty that is done by any other engine in the county. A few days since I altered a 60-inch cylinder engine at Wheal Alfred to the same plan, and I think she will do equally as much duty. I have a notice to attend a mine meeting, to erect a new engine equal in power to a 63-inch cylinder single."[38]
In the four or five years from his return to Cornwall in 1810, to his leaving for South America in 1816, he doubled the duty and the power of the steam-engine. Watt once said he had received an oblique look from Trevithick, sen. The time was now come for Trevithick, jun., to return the compliment; his improved engines having made their way into the eastern mine district, which Watt once looked upon as his own.
Trevithick was short of money and on the point of leaving England for South America, when Mr. Sims, in the employ of Messrs. Williams and Co., favourable to low pressure, was sent to negotiate for the purchase of a share in Trevithick's patent of 1815 for the high-pressure steam expansive pole-engine.
[39]"18th October, 1816.—Agreement between Trevithick and Mr. William Sims, prepared by myself and Mr. Day, solicitor for Mr. Sims, or for Mr. Michael Williams, under whom Sims acted, recites, that in consideration of 200l.paid by Sims, he was to have a moiety of the patent for Cornwall and Devon, and that I should have power to act and make contracts whilst Trevithick was out of England."The day after contract signed, Trevithick sailed in the'Asp,' Captain Kenny, for South America. I was on board when the ship sailed."I see among my papers, in May, 1819, in reference to the patent, is the following note:—'Mr. Michael Williams said it was verbally agreed that Captain Trevithick should have one-quarter part of the savings above twenty-six millions.' This, I believe, was the average duty of the engines at that time."I had several assurances relative to Trevithick's claims, and much correspondence, but no allowance was made from any mines but Treskerby and Wheal Chance; though Trevithick's patent and boilers were used throughout the county without acknowledgment; and the duty of the engines had soon increased from twenty-six millions to about seventy millions."In 1819 I attended at the account-houses of Treskerby and Wheal Chance, of which the late Mr. John Williams, of Scorrier, was the manager, in consequence of some of the adventurers objecting to continue the allowances on the savings to Captain Trevithick, when Mr. Williams warmly observed, that whatever other mines might do, he would insist, as long as he was manager for Treskerby and Wheal Chance, the agreement made should be carried into effect."I remain, my dear Thomas,"Your very affectionate father,"Rd. Edmonds.
[39]"18th October, 1816.—Agreement between Trevithick and Mr. William Sims, prepared by myself and Mr. Day, solicitor for Mr. Sims, or for Mr. Michael Williams, under whom Sims acted, recites, that in consideration of 200l.paid by Sims, he was to have a moiety of the patent for Cornwall and Devon, and that I should have power to act and make contracts whilst Trevithick was out of England.
"The day after contract signed, Trevithick sailed in the'Asp,' Captain Kenny, for South America. I was on board when the ship sailed.
"I see among my papers, in May, 1819, in reference to the patent, is the following note:—'Mr. Michael Williams said it was verbally agreed that Captain Trevithick should have one-quarter part of the savings above twenty-six millions.' This, I believe, was the average duty of the engines at that time.
"I had several assurances relative to Trevithick's claims, and much correspondence, but no allowance was made from any mines but Treskerby and Wheal Chance; though Trevithick's patent and boilers were used throughout the county without acknowledgment; and the duty of the engines had soon increased from twenty-six millions to about seventy millions.
"In 1819 I attended at the account-houses of Treskerby and Wheal Chance, of which the late Mr. John Williams, of Scorrier, was the manager, in consequence of some of the adventurers objecting to continue the allowances on the savings to Captain Trevithick, when Mr. Williams warmly observed, that whatever other mines might do, he would insist, as long as he was manager for Treskerby and Wheal Chance, the agreement made should be carried into effect.
"I remain, my dear Thomas,"Your very affectionate father,"Rd. Edmonds.
The agreement with Mr. Sims, or rather with Mr. Michael Williams, late M.P. for Cornwall, who exercised large authority in Cornish mines, was that he should have for 200l.one-half of the patent for the high-pressure pole-engine, as applied to Cornwall and Devon.
Trevithick had desisted from securing a patent for the large high-pressure steam-boilers and expansive working, on a verbal understanding that he should receive one quarter of the saving from the reduced consumption of coal by those two particular inventions, twenty-six millions of pounds of water raised one foot high by a bushel of coal of 84 lbs., being the duty of the best Watt engines, to be taken as a starting-point for the payment. Treskerby and Wheal Chance paid for the pole-engine, but the Trevithick boilers suitable for high steam, and the simple methods of working it expansively, had been made so generally public, that people professed to think they had a right to them, when but a few years before they had thrown the inventor off his guard by saying "everybody knows that the Cornish boiler is your plan, and as it cannot be denied, a patent will be of no service."
Mr. John Williams[40]stated "that whatever other mines might do, he would insist, as long as he was manager for Treskerby and Wheal Chance, the agreement made should be carried into effect." The Williamses paid to Trevithick 300l.for the saving of coal by the pole patent engine, as an "acknowledgment of the benefits received by us in our mines;" but no payment was made for the greater invention of the high-pressure steam-boilers then in general use.
In 1814 the Watt Treskerby engine did seventeen and a half millions. Trevithick's boiler and pole were applied, and the duty was increased to more than forty millions. In 1816 the same changes were made in Wheal Chance, and the duty rose to more than forty-six millions. The consumption of coal was reduced to one-half, amounting in round numbers to a gain of 500l.a month in those two mines alone.
"Trevince, nearTruro,5th January, 1853.
"Dear Sir,
"I am favoured with your letter of the 31st ult., enclosing also one from Mr. F. Trevithick, of the 24th idem, and have much pleasure in complying with your joint request to the best of my ability. I was well acquainted with the late Mr. Rd. Trevithick, having had frequent occasion to meet him on business and to consult him professionally; and I am gratified in having the present opportunity of bearing testimony to his distinguished abilities, and to the high estimation in which the first Cornish engineers of the day then regarded him. I need scarcely say that time has not lessened the desire in this county especially to do him justice. As a man of inventive mechanical genius, few, if any, have surpassed him, and Cornwall may well be proud of so illustrious a son.
"At this distance of time I can scarcely speak with sufficient exactness for your purpose of the numerous ingenious and valuable mechanical contrivances for which we are indebted to him, but in reference to his great improvements in the steam-engine I have a more particular recollection, and can confidently affirm that he was the first to introduce the high-pressure principle of working, thus establishing a way to the present high state of efficiency of the steam-engine, and forming a new era in the history of steam-power. To the use of high-pressure steam, in conjunction with the cylindrical boiler, also invented by Mr. Trevithick, I have no hesitation in saying that the greatly-increased duty of our Cornish pumping engines, since the time of Watt, is mainly owing; and when it is recollected that the working power now attained amounts to double or treble that of the old Boulton and Watt engine, it will be at once seen that it is impossible to over-estimate the benefit conferred, either directly or indirectly, by the late Mr. Trevithick, on the mines of this county. The cylindrical boiler above referred to effected a saving of at least one-third in the quantity of coal previously required; and in the year 1812 I remember our house at Scorrier paying Mr. Trevithick the sum of 300l.as an acknowledgment of the benefits received by us in our mines from this source alone. Mr. Trevithick's subsequent absence from thecounty, and perhaps a certain degree of laxity on his own part in the legal establishment and prosecution of his claims, deprived him of much of the pecuniary advantage to which his labours and inventions justly entitled him; and I have often expressed my opinion that he was at the same time the greatest and the worst-used man in the county.
"Amongst the minor improvements introduced by him, it occurs to me to notice that he was the first to apply an outer casing to the cylinder, and by this means prevent, still further than Watt had succeeded in doing, the loss of heat by radiation.
"As connected with one of the most interesting of my recollections of Mr. Trevithick, I must mention that I was present by invitation at the first trial of his locomotive engine, intended to run upon common roads, and of course equally applicable to train and railways. This was, I think, about the year 1803, and the locomotive then exhibited was the very first worked by steam-power ever constructed.
"The great merit of establishing the practicability of so important an application of steam, and the superiority of the high-pressure engine for this purpose, will perhaps more than any other circumstance serve to do honour through all times to the name of Trevithick. The experiment which was made on the public road close by Camborne was perfectly successful; and although many improvements in the details of such description of engines have been since effected, the leading principles of construction and arrangements are continued, I believe, with little alteration, in the magnificent railroad-engines of the present day. Of his stamping engine for breaking down the black rock in the Thames, his river-clearing or dredging machine, and his extensive draining operations in Holland, I can only speak in general terms, that they were eminently successful, and displayed, it was considered, the highest constructive and engineering skill. As a man of enlarged views and great inventive genius, abounding in practical ideas of the greatest utility, and communicating them freely to others, he could not fail of imparting a valuable impulse to the age in which he lived; and it would be scarcely doing him justice to limit his claims as a public benefactor to the inventions now clearly traceable to him,important and numerous as these are. From my own impressions I may say that no one could be in his presence without being struck with the originality and richness of his mind, and without deriving benefit from his suggestive conversation. His exploits and adventures in South America, in connection with the Earl of Dundonald, then Lord Cochrane, will form an interesting episode in his career; and altogether, I am of opinion that the Biography which you have undertaken will prove highly interesting and valuable, and I wish you every success in carrying it out.
"Believe me, my dear Sir,"Yours very faithfully,"Michael Williams.
"E. Watkin, Esq.,"London and North-Western Railway,"Euston Station, London."
Arthur Woolf shortly after that time (1811) erected his double-cylinder engines in Cornwall. The late Captain Samuel Grose, when giving the writer his recollections of Trevithick, said:—