Societé d'Etudesdu Canal de SuezLondon 16th December 1847Dear Colleague;On Mr Robt. Stephenson's returnto London yesterday, I brought before him your valuedcommunication of the 8th instant, and I need not tell you,how gladly he would have accepted your proposition, had itbeen in his power to leave at the time you name, [viz]
the 15th February— but this is quite impossible.We have also a letter of the 8th instant, from MonsieurTalabot, and as he says—"Ce serait tout compromettre,"que de ne pas faire le voyage tous ensemble" – Mr RobtStephenson is of opinion, that the present suggestion ofMons. Talabot will meet the views of all- c.a.d.to postpone the departure for Egypt till the monthof October or November 1848— With Mr Talabot[he]Mons. L. Negrelli,Ingenieur& Chef de Chemins de ferde l'Etatà Vienne