Page:Walker (1888) The Severn Tunnel.djvu/281

168 Several younger engineers were employed under Mr. Luke as assistants; but perhaps the most remarkable character on Sir John’s staff was his chief inspector, Mr. Isaac Jackson.

Mr. Jackson had been with Sir John Hawkshaw for a great many years, and Sir John had great confidence in him. A thoroughly practical man he was, able to go into every detail, and to keep every department in proper working order, the terror of any of the men who tried to deceive him. He was now and then known to give way to a little temper, when it was as well to give him as wide a berth as possible.

He had been inspector for Sir John Hawkshaw on the East London Railway, through all the most difficult part of the work; and after ten years’ knowledge of him, I believe that no man could be found of sounder practical judgment in his department than Mr. Jackson—willing to assist in any proper way, fertile in expedients, but determined to have things done properly, and his orders carried out to the letter.

Mr. Jackson had at one time eight other inspectors working under his orders, so that the execution of the work was carefully looked after.

To come to my own staff. This contract, being an exceptionally heavy one, was not entrusted to the charge of an agent with more or less independent authority; for, considering the magnitude and