Escocia

James Dickson of Edinburgh inventor. Autograph Letter Signed 'Jas Dickson' to the Bank of Scotland requesting funds in order to capitalise on the successful trial of his 'Patent Water Engine'.

ref. 13964 — 29 Gilmore Place Edinburgh. 14 August 1820. 1p. 4to. 26 lines closely and neatly written. Good on disbound leaf of aged and worn paper. The letter begins: 'Gentlemen The Patents Models Advertising and plates &c of the engine to which the accompanying descriptions not present refer and which the note in the Edinburgh Philosophical Journal shows how the first trial succeeded has been much more expensive than I calculated on or had any idea of - From the number of enquiries however the chances of a tolerable return are considerable; but like all other things much different from established custom it will require time before it can be known and adopted to reimburse me.' As it would prove expensive to borrow 'by bills at short dates the money that may be still necessary to enable me to appear as the respectable profession of an Engineer requires and also to defray the expence of the further promulgation of the machine' he asks for a loan of £400 with Sir Alexander Jardine Bart. of Applegarth as guarantor. He believes he can 'fill it up by Martinmas 1822'. He concludes: 'I am not known to many in this town and intimate only with three who were schoolfellows of mine and should you wish any reference I have no doubt you will consider the report of any of them above suspicion'. From a collection of papers from the Bank of Scotland. Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine carried a report on Dickson's 'patent Water Engine' in its issue for September 1820 praising its 'great convenience' for those who 'wish a small power for useful purposes exercise or amusement'. 29 Gilmore Place, Edinburgh. 14 August 1820. unknown