Transcript for document 2/1

Messrs Watt and Boulton
Liverpool 9th Novem 1790
Sirs,
I have been considering of the conversation Mr Galton & I had respecting the merits of the Steam Engine as I am going to have some Sugar Works erected in the Island of Trinidad. Wish to have your Ideas & the opinion of experienc'd people how far it would be practicable to erect them on that plan: the Want of Wind & Water the principle on which they are at present work'd, retards the progress so very much, particularly in crop time, that if an Engine could be invented with a certainty of its answering the purpose, the Rolers so contriv'd that if possible to have a greater effect in the pressing of the Cane than what is at present used but I must observe to you that without Wood fire will answer the same purpose as coal, the undertaking would be very hazardous, Coals could not be laid in at that island for less than 71/6 pr Chaldron, the duty being 15/6.I shall thank you to give me every information of the practicability of this scheme for could it be made to answer, a large field would be open in that quarter of the Globe, the King of Spain having granted a Loan of a million of Dollars to the Inhabitants of Trinidad for the purpose of erecting Sugar Works & purchase of Slaves which I am to have the supplying of. Should be happy to give every encouragement in the introduction of such a plan with yourself & I can engage the Governor will do the same. your reply will oblige
Sir Your assd Hbl Servt
John Dawson

Could it not be contriv'd that the waist Fire assist in the boiling house by a damper to stop it occasionally

B&W/ Box 4/ 3/12