Mr. Hardie of Newport, who undertook a contract under you to make the excavation in the River Ely for which I sent you a Tender, have stated to me that he is willing to leave half the Contract ammount in your hands to be paid to me. If you will consent to accept me to finish his Contract.

I am now building a powerful Dredging Machine, therefore could not undertake to do it at once, but might safely do so if you could allow me four months to prepare.

It will take about 3 weeks or a month to do. And you may depend on its being completed to your satisfaction. Your answer to his proposal will oblige your obed't. (obedient) Servant. (signed) R. H. Mitchell