Thu 2 Feb 1832
From John R Denyer
To James Gilbert Esq
West Bromwich, nr Birmingham
Two ways by which vessels pass along this Canal to arrive at same point, Abingdon. One leaves this Canal; 9 miles short of its destination by passing along Wilts & Berks Canal; the other by continuing to end of this Canal to Lechlade then down the Thames. By former route boats cannot exceed 70 feet by 7; by latter route not exceed 70 feet by 12 ft 4 inches, to go throughout. But from Severn to Brimscombe Port, vessels 70 feet by 15.6 inches can travel & from here to the Thames, 90 feet by 12.4 inches.
In most cases where coal intended for Abingdon, Benson or Wallingford the route via Wilts & Berks is usually adopted and beyond those places the Thames from Lechlade in either the larger or middle sized vessels.
