Wed 25 May 1836
From John R Denyer
To W P Richards
8 Wellington Street, Strand
Repair of Tunnel. Shortage of bricklayers. Opening of canal by time Wilts & Berks Canal is ready. Repairs below Siddington will allow boats to pass from Thames via Lechlade to Cirencester every alternate day. No delay to Cheltenham trade. Goods from there always forwarded by land carriage from Cirencester.
Stroud Canal and T&S to reopen in a fortnight.
Too dangerous for small boats to pass tunnel during repair of roof.
Mr Dunsford’s letter forwarded to me. 5 of 7 boats had passed before its receipt and closing work would throw vast number of men out of employment and interfere with arrangements of all Carriers on Canal.
2 cargoes of iron for bridge at Bath, at reduced tonnage, have passed along Canal. Boats will return, with grain from W&B Canal, for a further quantity. Nett tonnage £10.13.11.
Fully aware of need to shorten period when Canal is shut.
