Title
Letter from Andrew Vivian to Richard Trevithick concerning patent and business controversies
Reference
MS/1156/4
Production date
01-07-1805 - 01-07-1805
Creator
- Vivian, AndrewBiographyBiography
Andrew Vivian (1759-1842) was a Cornish mechanical engineer, inventor, and mine captain of the famous Dolcoath Mine in Cornwall. Andrew Vivian was born in 1759 at Vellansaundry as the second son of John Vivian and his wife Anne. His younger brother was Henry Vivian. Andrew was the cousin of engineer Richard Trevithick (1771 - 1833), the inventor of high pressure steam engines.
In 1790 Andrew Vivian was in business of supplying candles, leather and other mining requirements. In 1795 he became the manager of Stray Park Mine near Camborne. He persuaded the shareholders of Dolcoath Mine to re-open the mine in 1798 with Richard Trevithick. In 1801 Richard Trevithick completed his first full-sized road locomotive in Camborne, demonstrating it to the public on Christmas Eve with Vivian at the controls. In March 1802 Vivian financed the production of the first steam carriage and was granted a joint patent for high pressure engines for stationary and locomotive use in partnership with his cousin Richard Trevithick. A second locomotive was tried in Camborne and at the beginning of 1803 in London. In May 1805 Vivian sold his patent. He retired in 1806 from Dolcoath Mine and by 1811 he was the manager of Wheal Abraham mine.
Vivian had at least two sons, who died in 1805 and 1809. Andrew Vivian died in 1842.
Scope and Content
Vivian commiserates with Trevithick over his distresses, including a dispute with Mr Davey. Whilst Vivian is happy for the dispute to go to court again, he would rather see the dispute made up than see Trevithick kept in town. Davey should however 'pay very hansom for your false imprisonment'. Vivian comments that he is not sorry that Rabey has given up a trial related to the patent and proposes that the business of his demand should be referred to one, two or three respectable persons. He suggests Trevithick ship 'the Gig' from Felton onboard one of the Falmouth or Penryn traders. In a postscript, Vivian asks if Trevithick could approach Sir William Curtis about buying Vivian's share of the patent now that Rabey has given up thoughts of attacking the patent.
Extent
2 pages on 1 sheet
Language
English
Level of description
FILE
Repository name
Science Museum, London
Conditions governing access
Open Access
Conditions governing Reproduction
Copies may be supplied in accordance with current copyright legislation and Science Museum Group terms and conditions