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XD/8/2/4

LETTER: [W.A. Madocks] to John [Williams]. Complains of gross neglect re the delivery of J.W’s letters to the Post Office at Caernarfon. His last proposition is unquestionably the best, as it dispenses with some of the difficulties mentioned in previous letters, namely the nearness of the stony substances to the proposed new line of the embankment. To bring them all the way from the borough and by a canal to be cut did seem rather impractical in terms of time, labour and expense. He had hinted about the possibility of getting stone from Cerig Ddu [Cerrig Duon] but since it is essential that the embankment adopts a new line, he felt that they must come from the borough by canal. J.W.’s last idea has given great satisfaction therefore as to the clay next to the sand he thinks it the best idea. The pairing with stones will consolidate it, and should any additional strength be required then gravel can be used. The materials will not be bulky. It can therefore be done in less time; time is of the essence; the whole must be finished as soon as possible in the summer. Considers the direction of the new line, the slope size and height. Has always envisaged embanking the whole of the Traeth, either opposite Ynys y Towyn or lower down. He tells J.W. this in confidence, It will require an Act of Parliament. The new bank should take the shortest possible so there may be as little time and expense as possible in obtaining the proposed security. Looks on it as an excellent experiment with a view to the great bank. If the line slants gradually up from Ynys Cerig Ddu [Ynys Cerrig Duon] to the corner Portreudden [Portreuddyn] it will be less exposed to the force of the tide ?[page missing]. His idea is to make the whole line of the embankment resemble the angle of a fortification and Ynys Cerig Ddu [Ynys Cerrig Duon] the first point of angle that first meets and breaks the force of the sea. Map leaves the distance this should reach from the present embankment to J.W’s discretion. Time is the principal object. Should congratulate themselves on having the teams on such good order. It would be well to buy 3 more mares. Another consideration is to run out a monstrous strong bank from [Ynys Cerrig Duon] due east almost down to the river’s edge, this will enclose a great quantity of land. Advises him to make the bank larger than he thinks necessary. Remember how much the present bank lost when it came to settle. The slope can hardly be too great. Wishes to draw his attention to the pacing at the bridge over the embankment, The bank must be begun before 25 March and finished out of hand. This is his positive order and determination. If J.W. can agree with the man at Bronolla for his bank instead of some upland at [Pontreuddyn]. Document defective: incomplete. [Formerly W.A. Madocks Letters BJC/168/4].