Sat 28 Mar 1818
From John R Denyer
To Mr Dunsford
Canal Office, Swindo
The Stroud Canal Co have a Steam Engine for cleansing their Canal which is now at work. Not think it answers so well as anticipated notwithstanding it raises a very considerable quantity of mud but can only take from a certain width of the middle slopes preventing the machine approaching the sides of the Canal. Greatest advantage is Canal continuing navigable during operation. Had occasion to hire it & the people requisite for boating the mud etc for several days to cleanse entrance of this Canal, costs about £3 3s per day. The machine made by Mr Upton Engineer to the Glos and Berkeley Canal. There is a very clever man in this neighbourhood to whom would recommend the Wilts & Berks Committee if disposed to have a machine.
Not think any machine of the kind proper to use in such part of a canal where necessary to line it.
