[247] “On my road to this place (Cosgarne) I stayed two days at Bristol in order to learn the particulars of Hornblower’s new engine erected in that neighbourhood, and I had the satisfaction to find that it is worse than a common engine, although made upon our principles; but from the various evasions introduced it is as bad as need be. Nevertheless I think we should stop it in order to stop the effects of the numerous lies they propagate in this county, and other mischiefs.”--Boulton to Watt, 30th September, 1782. Boulton had a long and disagreeable battle to fight with the adventurers on this point, which lasted for many months, during which the Hornblowers continued to stimulate them with the agreeable prospect of getting rid of the dues payable in respect of the savings of fuel by the condensing engines. Boulton resisted them at every point single-handed; the battle being, as he said, “Boulton and Watt against all Cornwall.”[248] He kept Watt fully informed from day to day of all that passed, and longed for more rapid means of communication,--the postal service being then so defective that no less than thirteen days elapsed before Boulton, at Truro, could receive an answer from Watt at Birmingham. On one occasion we find Watt’s letter eleven days on the road between the two places. The partners even had fears that their letters were tampered with in transit; and, in order to carry on their correspondence confidentially, Watt proposed to employ a shorthand alphabet, which he had learnt from Dr. Priestley, in which to write at least the names of persons, “as our correspondence,” he observed, “ought to be managed with all possible secrecy, especially as to names.” [248] “I don’t know a man in Cornwall amongst the adventurers,” he wrote, “but what would think it patriotism to free the mines from the tribute they pay to us, and thereby divide our rights amongst their own dear selves. Nevertheless, let us keep our tempers, and keep the firm hold we have got; let us do justice, show mercy and walk humbly, and all, I hope, will be right at last.”--Boulton to Watt, 2nd November, 1782.