In reply to yours of the 15th - I have to express my sorrow at the decision of the Directors respecting my Contract, and hope and trust that they will be to courteous enough to rescind it. Mr. Mitchell agreed to every part of the document submitted to him, with the exception of being bound to time, especially as a reason, that where machinery was employed such as Dredging that it was liable to breakdown - as most of your Directors are well aware of the employment of machinery less subject to strains by themselves - at the same time he promised to use all diligence and dispatch to get the Boat ready - (and which I assume you is progressing rapidly) and that the first work performed by her would be the completion of my Contract. Hoping that after your next meeting to have a favourable reply.