Since receiving your notice to proceed with my Contract for the River Diversion - I have again tried all that lies in my power to hire a Dredger of sufficient power and length of Bucket Ladder suited to the size of Tides in the River - but up to this time have not been able to succeed - And as Mr Mitchell is now proceeding rapidly with his new and powerful Dredger and which he informs me will be ready for work in two months at furthest - I would therefore humbly beg that you would be so kind as to delay the work until then - when you may rely upon the Contract being complete in a superior manner, and in as short time as if an inferior machine was set at work at once.