Societé d'Etudes du Canal de Suez London 30th Nov 1847 My dear Sir; Mr. P. Talabot having written to me, respecting the time of yourselves, & Mr. R Stephenson's proceeding to Egypt, I am desired by the letter to say, that it will be the end of this Year before he could leave the Conway Bridge(supposing everything to proceed in the most favorable manner) or have any chance of fixing on a time for the Journey in question - & as even then, something else unforeseen might arise to thwart the preconcerted arrangement, he prefers that Mr Talabot & yourself, should arrange between your two selves, the period for the start, hoping always he may contrive to join you. Nous L. Negrelli, Ingénieur & Chef des Chemins de Fer de l'Etat,  à Vienne- Autriche.

This is all he can say now- he is most desirous, that his own uncertainty should neither inconvenience yourself, nor Mr. Talabot- nor prevent such an arrangement for leaving, as might suit you conjointly(I mean Mr. Talabot and Yourself) if the time you name, should be such as will suit Mr. Stephenson to join you, I need not say how gratified he would feel in doing so. I wrote to you on the 23rd instant. I remain Dear Sir, Yours very Obediently  Edward F. Starbuck