7 things we can learn about Smeaton from his machine letters

Earlier this year, we shared a blog on the invention of the copying press, and how John Smeaton used it to produce his volumes of letters.

Now, thanks to our volunteer, Mervyn Carter, who has painstakingly attempted to read each page, we look at the contents of the letters to see what they reveal about Smeaton.

Smeaton had a long career and despite trying to retire several times, was working up until his death in October 1792.

Although these letters relate to projects, they often include comments about Smeaton’s health and other subjects which give us an idea of Smeaton’s life.

1. Smeaton preferred to take responsibility for his own work rather than delegate.

Writing in response to an enquiry about an opening for a pupil, he wrote: “I have never trusted my reputation in business out of my own hand, so my profession is as perfectly personal as that of a physician or councillor.”

He only had two assistants during his life: William Jessop and later, Henry Eastburn.

2. He had a great respect for fellow engineers

When Smeaton was asked to comment on another engineer's bridge design, he replied: “It is contrary to the usual practice of professional men to give their opinions upon each other's work…”

3. He was practical and could communicate easily.

When giving instructions for the Eddystone lighthouse, he directed the fillings “be done with a piece of mortar half-dryed, and broke into knobs the size of Hens & turkeys eggs”.

4. He tried to be fair to his clients

Although he had fixed rates for his work, he didn’t raise his consultation fees for 14 years between 1767 and 1782.

Even then, he allowed some flexibility with his charges.

Writing to the Carron Company, he enclosed his bill but wrote, “if there is ought there in that you feel charged too high, I beg you to make it agreeable”.

5. He had good relations with his clients

Smeaton often asked after his client’s and colleague’s families.

“Give my respects to your wife and family & remember me to John Gwyn,” he wrote.

Smeaton often employed John Gwyn as resident engineer for his projects.

6. His one major failure hit him hard

During Smeaton’s career, he only had one major failure, when Hexham bridge was destroyed by a flood of unexpected strength in 1782.

To be fair, a previous bridge had also failed as fast flowing water uncovered quicksand. However, Smeaton wrote to Jonathan Pickernell: “All our honours are in the dust!

“It cannot now be said, that in the course of 30 years’ practice and engaged in some of the most Difficult Enterprises, not one of Smeaton’s works has failed.

“Hexham Bridge is a Melancholy witness to the contrary.”

7. He suffered from poor health

Smeaton sometimes refers to his poor health which caused him turned down work or prevented him from travelling.

He explained he had suffered since catching a “violent cold which brought on an asthmatic complaint that still remains with me” in 1754 and which “ever since left me in an (sic) habit far too tender, and delicate for my profession”.

However, Smeaton later described himself as “in good condition for an old man in his 67th year”.