images of public domain material from the ,google ,print project47 ,a ,,general ,,plan ,,for ,a ,,mail ,,communication ,,by ,,steam1 ,,between ,,great ,,britain ,,and ,,the ,,eastern ,,and ,,western ,,parts ,,of ,,the ,,world2 ,,also1 ,,to ,,canton ,,and ,,sydney1 ,,westward ,,by ,,the ,,pacific2 ,,to ,,which ,,are ,,added1 ,,geographical ,,notices ,,of ,,the ,,isthmus ,,of ,,panama1 ,,nicaragua1 c4 ,with ,charts4 ,by ,,james ,m',,queen1 ,esq4 ,,london2 ,b4 ,,fellowes1 ,,ludgate ,,street4 #ahch4 ,startling as the subject of connecting ,china and ,new ,south ,wales 7p4 vi7 with ,great ,britain1 through the ,west ,indies1 may at first sight appear1 both as regards time and expense1 still few things are more practicable4 ,the labour and expense of crossing the ,isthmus of ,america1 either by ,panama or by ,lake ,nicaragua1 by a land conveyance1 is trifling4 ,with eight steam-boats1 ,,only ,,four ,,additional to the number already in the ,west ,indies1 added to the present sailing-packet establishment1 the whole ,plan for the ,western ,world1 extending it westward to ,china and ,new ,south ,wales1 can1 in the mean time1 as the following pages will show you1 be put into execution to the fullest extent1 with a very great saving in time1 and with very great regularity4 ,a water communication moreover will1 ,i feel convinced1 and at no distant day1 be carried through the ,american ,isthmus--say by ,lake ,nicaragua--when the sailing packets for the ,pacific may run direct between ,jamaica and ,sydney1 ,new ,south ,wales1 and ,canton-,china4 ,in the estimate for the cost of steam-boats to be employed in the service proposed1 ,i have been chiefly guided by1 and adhere to1 the statement made by that able and practical engineer ,mr4 ,napier1 of ,glasgow1 in his evidence to the ,post-office ,commissioners in #ahcf1 that steam-boats of #bdj-;horse power1 and #fbj tons burthen1 could be furnished at from #bd1jjjl4 to #be1jjjl4 ,at this rate the total yearly cost of mail communications by the aid of steam1 to every quarter which has been adverted to in the subsequent pages1 will 7p4 vii7 be as stated in the following brief summary4 ,reference ,no4 #a1 shows the expenditure1 keeping the ,red ,sea route confined to ,india only1 and extending the communication to ,china and ,sydney by the ,pacific1 from ,panama or ,rialejo4 ,no4 #b1 the expense1 confining the communication by the ,cape of ,good ,hope to ,india only1 and extending the communication to ,canton1 c4 across the ,pacific as before4 ,no4 #c1 shows the expenditure for the ,western ,world1 the work performed by steam in the ,west ,indies1 and steam from ,falmouth to ,fayal1 with sailing-packets for the remainder of the work2 and the whole expense1 by extending sailing-packets to ,china and ,sydney westward across the ,pacific1 but limiting the communication by the ,red ,sea to ,india only4 ,lastly1 ,no4 #d1 shows the expenditure of the communications made in a way similar to ,no4 #c1 limiting the conveyance by the ,cape of ,good ,hope to ,india only3 7see also ,appendix ,no4 #b1 p4 #abh47 ,no4 #a4 ,no4 #b4 ,no4 #c4 ,no4 #d4 ,western ,world #bgi1bej #bgi1bej #afa1fae #afa1fae ,east ,indies1 c4 #abh1hej #ahg1igh #abh1hej #ahg1igh ,pacific #fc1jjj #fc1jjj #fc1jjj #fc1jjj -------- -------- -------- -------- #dga1ajj #ecj1bbh #cec1dfe #dab1eic -------- -------- -------- -------- ,it is1 however1 to that portion connected with the ,western ,world that the immediate and particular attention of yourself and the other members of ,her ,majesty's ,government is particularly requested4 ,the other parts1 above alluded to1 may hereafter not be deemed 7p4 viii7 unworthy of your consideration1 and the consideration of the ,public4 ,carried into effect in a decided manner1 and as speedily as the nature and extent of the machinery required will admit1 it would produce great and lasting advantages to the ,british empire1 and confer great honour upon the ,british ,government and the splendid ,post-office establishment of this country4 ,permit me to observe1 that the speedy conveyance of mails outwards1 to any place1 is but a minor point gained1 unless the returns are made regular and equally rapid1 and so combined1 that while every place possible can be embraced in the line1 no place shall obtain any undue advantage over another4 ,these points can never be lost sight of in planning or arranging any mail communication1 but more especially a communication like that at present proposed4 ,no narrow or parsimonious views on the part of this great country ought to throw aside the plan particularly alluded to1 or leave it to be taken up and split into divisions by parties1 perhaps foreigners1 who will then not only command the channels of ,british intelligence1 but be enabled to demand what price they please for carrying a large and important portion of the commercial correspondence of this country4 ,the ,public1 moreover1 can only repose implicit confidence in a mail conveyance under the direction and the responsibility of ,government4 ,further1 it is scarcely necessary to point out1 or to 7p4 ix7 advert to1 the immense advantages which the ,government of ,great ,britain would possess1 in the event of hostilities1 by having the command and the direction of such a mighty and extensive steam power and communication1 which would enable them to forward1 to any point within its vast range1 despatches1 troops1 and warlike stores4 ,from ,falmouth1 letters might be at ,sydney1 ,new ,south ,wales1 in seventy-five1 and at ,canton-,china in seventy-eight days1 by employing sailing packets only1 to cross the ,pacific from the ,isthmus of ,america4 ,letters from ,falmouth1 by way of ,barbadoes1 ,jamaica1 and ,chagre1 could be at ,lima in thirty-five days4 ,to give greater security to the mails1 and comfort and accommodation to passengers1 c4 a class of sailing-vessels rather larger than the generality of those at present employed in the ,west ,indies1 ought to be engaged2 and for this purpose1 a larger sum annually must be allowed to defray the expense4 ,some of those at present employed1 such as the ,charib1 may do1 but sloops are too small for the service4 ,it is only within these few months that a mail communication1 and that very uncertain and irregular1 has been commenced with the ,british ,empire in ,hindostan1 containing #ajj1jjj1jjj of people4 ,with the rapidly rising colonies in ,british ,america1 containing #a1gjj1jjj enterprising inhabitants1 there is still but one ill-regulated mail conveyance1 by a sailing-packet1 each month4 ,such a state of things 7p4 x7 is neither creditable nor safe to a country like ,great ,britain4 ,the population of these colonies must be left far behind their neighbours in the ,united ,states in all commercial intelligence1 and the interests of the former must consequently suffer greatly4 ,the steam-boats to be employed in the service contemplated1 although of the high power mentioned1 need not be of the same tonnage as vessels of an equal power which are built for the sole purpose of carrying goods4 ,consequently1 a considerable expense in building the former will be saved4 ,mails never can be carried either with regularity or certainty in vessels1 the chief object and dependence of which is to carry merchandize4 ,the time which such vessels would require to procure1 take in1 and discharge cargoes1 would render punctuality and regularity1 two things indispensably necessary in all mail communications1 quite impracticable4 ,any attempt to resort to such a system1 more especially in a quarter where steamers would have so many places to call at as these will have in the ,west ,indies1 would throw every thing into inextricable confusion4 ,steam-boats carrying mails and passengers should be the mail-coaches of the ocean1 limited as mail-coaches on land are to cargoes1 and as near as possible to the tonnage pointed out in the following pages4 ,the steamers to be employed in the service contemplated should also be built broad in the beam1 of a light draught of water1 and in speed1 accommodation1 and 7p4 xi7 security1 must be such that no others of equal powers can surpass them4 ,the liberality of ,,mr4 ,,john ,,arrowsmith1 so well known for his geographical knowledge and geographical accuracy1 has enabled me1 without the labour of constructing it1 to present to you and to the public the ,chart of the ,world1 between #gj ,n4 lat4 and #fj ,s4 lat41 on ,mercator's projection1 which accompanies the present sheets4 ,on it ,i have laid down all the routes of both steamers and sailing-packets1 to every quarter of the world that has been adverted to2 and further added a ,chart of the ,west ,indies1 and of the ,isthmus of ,america1 drawn by myself1 and corrected by the latest authorities4 ,the timid and the interested will throw every doubt upon the success of such an undertaking4 ,what is going on in the world is the best answer to doubts and fears on this subject4 ,what takes place in other quarters will take place in the quarters alluded to1 namely1 success where failure was anticipated4 ,in a vast undertaking like the plan proposed1 the interests of the ,government and the general interests of the public must be specially kept in view and particularly attended to4 ,by attending closely to these interests1 the ,government will find that it best and most effectually consults the interests of individuals1 places and communities4 ,no partial or local interest or opposition 7such may 7p4 xii7 in this1 as in most other concerns1 appear7 ought to be listened to4 ,any such opposition can only proceed from prejudice1 or ignorance1 or self-interest2 and a little experience will satisfy the public1 and convince even such opposition1 that the fact is so2 and1 moreover1 that in the arrangements proposed1 no interest in any quarter has been neglected4 ,i have the honour to be1 ,sir1 ,your most obedient humble servant1 ,,james ,m',,queen4 ,london1 #adth ,feb4 #ahch4 ,a ,,general ,,plan ,,for ,,conveyance ,,of ,,mails ,,by ,,steam1 c4 c4 7p4 #jja7 ,,introduction4 ,the conveyance of mails and despatches from one place to another is of the utmost possible importance to individuals1 and to a country4 ,the rapidity and regularity with which such communications can be made1 gives to every nation an influence1 a command1 and advantages such as scarcely any thing else can give1 and frequently extends even beyond the sphere of that influence and that command which the direct application of mere physical power can obtain to any government or people4 ,much as ,great ,britain has already done1 in this respect1 to connect and to communicate with her very extensive1 valuable1 and important foreign dependencies1 still much more remains to be done1 to give her those advantages1 and that influence1 and that command which she might have1 which she ought to have1 which all her great interests require she should have2 and which the power of steam1 together with the late great improvements in machinery1 can and ought1 in a special manner1 to secure unto her1 her commerce1 her power1 and her people4 ,in no quarters of the world could the application of the power and the improvements alluded to prove so advantageous to the commercial 7p4 #jjb7 and the political interests of ,great ,britain as in the ,east ,indies1 in the ,west ,indies1 and in those places connected with these quarters2 and also in all those countries and places which afford the safest and the speediest means of connecting the chain closely which tends to enable her to communicate more frequently1 more rapidly1 and more regularly with these places2 and1 at the same time1 all these quarters1 and her own possessions1 with the parent ,state4 ,the object being a national one1 it ought to be carried into effect by the nation1 without reference to the mere question of pounds shillings and pence2 that is1 whether it is to become a directly remunerating concern or not4 ,while the important subject ought to be taken up in this manner by the ,government of ,great ,britain1 it may be observed that the plan requisite1 carried into effect in the most extensive manner1 will certainly remunerate fully the ,government or the individuals who may undertake the work1 either on the general or on the more limited scale2 but the higher1 the more the scale is extended4 ,in fact1 unless the plan is carried into effect on an extensive scale1 it will not prove a concern so remunerating as it would otherwise be1 because it is only by connecting different places in the line1 or within the sphere of communication1 that a greater number1 or rather a sufficient number1 of letters and passengers can be obtained2 and unless the communications are sufficiently frequent and regular1 both letters and travellers will continue to find private traders and ships in general the quickest mode of proceeding on and getting to the end of their journey1 or the place of their destination4 ,the position of the ,united ,states1 in the western world1 and the very extensive trade which these ,states carry on with every part of that quarter of the world1 and indeed with every quarter of the world1 gives the merchants of these ,states1 constituted as the packet arrangements and communications of ,great ,britain with foreign parts now are1 an opportunity of receiving earlier intelligence regarding the state of many important foreign markets than ,british merchants in general enjoy1 except such as are immediately connected with establishments in the ,united ,states1 and by which means both obtain decided advantages over the rest of the commercial community4 7p4 #jjc7 ,this ought not to be the case in a great commercial country like ,great ,britain4 ,it is a fact quite notorious1 that from almost every quarter of the western world the earliest intelligence is almost uniformly received through the ,united ,states4 ,the whole correspondence of the important ,british ,provinces1 the ,canadas1 comes through these ,states4 ,it is also notorious1 that1 by means of our own commercial marine1 intelligence is generally received from many foreign countries earlier than by ,government ,packets4 ,indeed1 it is not uncommon among merchants to return1 unopened1 to the ,post-office many letters in originals1 they having previously received the duplicates by private merchant ships4 ,besides1 it is well known that vast numbers of letters from ,great ,britain to ,foreign ,states are sent through the ,united ,states1 because these go earlier to their place of destination4 ,in these various ways a great ,post-office revenue is cut off1 while the mercantile world are put to a great inconvenience and uncertainty4 ,it is not befitting that the first commercial country in the world should remain dependent upon the private ships of another commercial and rival state for the transmission of commercial correspondence4 ,if such a deficient system is persevered in1 the result will most infallibly be1 that that country which obtains1 and which can obtain1 the earliest commercial information1 will1 in time1 become the greatest and most prosperous commercial country4 ,it is1 in fact1 quite impossible that the commercial interests of any country can ever compete with the commercial interests of another country1 unless the one have equally rapid1 frequent1 and regular opportunities and means of correspondence and conveyance with the other4 ,if the merchants of other countries have quicker and more frequent communications with any particular quarter of the world1 than the merchants of the ,united ,kingdom have1 it is obvious that the former will obtain a decided advantage over the latter1 in regulating and directing all commercial transactions4 ,the foreign trade of ,great ,britain1 besides forming an immense moving power for giving activity to every branch of internal industry1 trade1 and commerce1 becomes also1 from the correspondence to which it 7p4 #jjd7 gives rise1 and by which it can alone be carried on1 an immense and direct source of ,post-office revenue3 but the direct postage derived from the correspondence required in the foreign trade1 great as it is1 is small when compared to the addition which the correspondence in the foreign trade directly and immediately gives to the internal postages of the kingdom4 ,if it is examined narrowly1 it will1 it is not doubted1 be found that almost every letter of the moiety of those which come from the ,british transmarine possessions1 and from other foreign parts1 whether by packets or by merchant ships1 7of the latter1 it may be said1 a number equal to the whole which pay postage do1 because the very great number of letters directed to consignees come free17 produces1 perhaps1 ten letters1 on which the largest single internal postages are charged and paid4 ,this arises from orders sent to different places to tradesmen1 mechanical and manufacturing establishments for goods2 orders for insurance2 invoices sent2 payments1 in consequence1 by bills or orders1 and in bills transmitted for acceptances1 c4 c4 ,in all mail communications1 such as those which are about to be considered1 the point to be kept steadily in view1 and one which is absolutely indispensable1 is to connect and to bring the return mails and the outward together1 in such a manner as that every intermediate place shall have the full benefit of both1 without trenching upon the general interests1 or occasioning any unnecessary detention or delay4 ,this great and essential point is more particularly necessary to be attended to in the conveyance of mails by sea to distant parts1 especially if conveyed by steam4 ,in the quarters about to be noticed1 the point alluded to will be shown to be more than in any other quarter necessary4 ,without this is effected1 nothing beneficial is1 in fact1 effected2 and to secure the object1 a commanding power is obviously and indispensably necessary4 ,for various reasons1 which it is considered unnecessary here to state1 steamers of #bej-;horse power each1 will be found to be the best and most economical class of vessels to employ in the service contemplated4 ,the next and a still more important point to attend to1 and to 7p4 #jje7 keep in mind1 is to have always in readiness1 and at well-selected stations1 a sufficient quantity of coals to supply each boat3 without such are at command1 no movement can take place2 and unless the supply is ample1 and always at hand1 no regular communication can ever be carried on4 ,wood1 indeed1 may be procured in some stations in the ,west ,indies1 but not in all2 while even where it can be obtained1 it will be found to be dearer than coal4 ,the quantity also necessary for a vessel of large power1 and for a voyage of any considerable length1 would far exceed the room that could be afforded1 in a vessel of properly regulated tonnage4 ,a supply of coals1 moreover1 could be had at all the places to be brought into notice by care1 and foresight1 at moderate rates1 and at the rates taken in the subsequent calculations4 ,merchant vessels1 bound to all quarters1 so soon as they perceived that they were sure of a market1 would take a proportion of coals as ballast2 and others would be glad to take a portion even beyond that1 to aid them in completing their cargoes1 instead of remaining1 as vessels both at ,liverpool1 ,glasgow1 c4 frequently do1 some time1 till they can obtain a sufficient quantity of goods to enable them to do so3 while such vessels could at all times furnish in this way a sufficient supply of coals1 at moderate rates1 and still afford to them a fair profit2 such assistance in loading1 by enabling vessels to sail at short and regularly stated periods1 would become of the most essential service to the commercial interests of this country4 ,the time hitherto occupied by steamers in taking in coals1 in almost every place1 has constituted of itself a considerable drawback on steam navigation3 it may1 to a great extent1 be avoided4 ,let carriages1 such as are used on the railroads for carrying coals at ,newcastle1 c4 be constructed with iron handles4 ,these may be made to hold one and a half1 or two tons of coals 7either of these weights1 it is supposed1 might be hoisted into a vessel without difficulty71 and be all filled and placed on a raft or punt ready at each dept1 thirty to sixty in number1 according to its importance1 awaiting the arrival of the packet steamer4 ,the moment she comes into port1 the punt will be alongside1 and the whole will be hoisted in in a few hours1 the place for receiving them being always1 and during the voyage1 7p4 #jjf7 prepared for them4 ,in this way #abj tons of coals may be taken in within a very short space of time2 the buckets first emptied1 refilled1 and emptied again1 to a considerable extent1 in a period of no great additional time4 ,at smaller depts and ports1 the steamer might hoist in thirty or forty tons of coals during her shorter time of stoppage2 and thus steamers1 without any material delay1 would always have a sufficient and certain supply of fuel4 ,the coals at all the depts should be well covered and protected from the sun4 ,further1 on this head1 most of the small coal 7the best7 which goes to waste at the depts1 may be saved by the following simple process3--,let it be mixed with a little clay1 considerably diluted1 then made into small balls1 and afterwards dried in the sun 7a rapid process within the tropics71 and then taken on board with the others when wanted4 ,it burns with great force4 ,it is so used on estates in the ,west ,indies for ,stills4 ,the saving is great1 and the labour of making it up exceedingly light4 ,a child may almost perform it4 ,it is necessary to observe1 that steam-boats for the torrid zone must be fitted up and out in a manner considerably different1 more especially in their hatches1 from the best and most splendid boats in this country4 ,for the convenience and health of both the passengers and crews1 those for the torrid zone must1 in every part1 be more roomy and airy1 yet so constructed as to be closed in the speediest and securest manner in the event of a hurricane2 consequently they will require less expense in building1 and fitting up of cabins1 c4 than the crack boats in this country1 in order to make them so4 ,in all the distances stated1 there are1 be it observed1 included in the time allowed1 three or four hours to land and take in mails and passengers at every place where the steamers may have to touch2 and at the more important stations1 at least six hours beyond the longer periods allowed for stoppages for coals and mails1 c4 ,it will be necessary to give six or eight hours at ,barbadoes before the departure of the steamer1 that ,government despatches may be forwarded4 ,in fact1 the steamer should always1 and only leave that island at sun-rise on the day following that whereon the packet arrived from ,england1 7p4 #jjg7 because by doing so1 it would reach ,st4 ,thomas at daybreak on the second morning 7the navigation at that island is rather dangerous during the night71 clear it1 and reach ,st4 ,john's1 ,porto ,rico1 with daylight1 and in consequence ,cape ,nichola in daylight also1 on the second day thereafter4 ,the old ,galatea frigate might be carried up from ,jamaica and moored at ,cape ,nichola ,mole1 on board of which those mails and specie may be deposited1 that require to be disembarked from such steamers1 c41 as cannot be detained till the packet arrives to receive them4 ,this1 however1 will seldom be the case1 nor to any great extent2 as the homeward-bound packet1 whether steamer or sailing-vessel1 will almost always be at ,cape ,nichola before the steamer gets up from the leeward4 ,she may also be used to hold coals for a supply for the steamer to a certain extent4 ,let the fact be urged in the strongest manner1 that a communication once a month1 to any given place1 will never pay1 nor answer any great or good purpose4 ,mails1 or rather letters and passengers1 will not wait for such a length of time1 especially when these could1 as for example from the ,havannah1 almost be in ,england1 by way of ,new ,york1 in the interval that would elapse between the departure of one packet and another1 when there was only one packet in the month2 but give two each month1 and neither could ever be so4 ,the arrangements1 and the extent of the internal ,post-office establishments of ,great ,britain1 are upon the most splendid and efficient footing4 ,there is nothing of a similar kind in any other country1 either in management1 or combination1 or regularity1 that can equal or even be compared to them4 ,it is1 however1 much otherwise with all her transmarine mail communications4 ,they are all particularly deficient in combination1 limited in their operations1 and inefficient as regards the machinery employed to carry the mails4 ,this1 in a more particular manner1 is the case with the ,west ,indies3 the small sailing vessels there employed are generally very unfit for such a service1 and the steamers sent out to work them1 with the exception of the ,flamer1 being only of #ajj-;horse power1 and besides badly constructed1 are 7p4 #jjh7 wholly unfit for the service in any way2 and even the vessel named1 which is #adj-;horse power1 though much superior to any of the other three1 the ,carron1 the ,echo1 and the ,albyn1 is still too small to perform her work in proper and reasonable time1 or to stem the currents and trade winds1 to say nothing of tempests1 which1 as regards the two former1 constantly prevail in the seas in that quarter of the world4 ,it may also be remarked1 that to extend or to add to the number of post communications1 does not add proportionally to the machinery necessary for the conveyance of these3 in other words1 if the communications are doubled in number1 the machinery used for conveyance is not necessarily doubled1 nor the expense consequently doubled4 ,take1 for example1 the station between ,barbadoes and ,jamaica3 with two mails each month1 this could not be effected with fewer than three steam-boats2 but the same number of steamers will1 without inconvenience1 extend the communication to ,havannah1 and take in1 at the same time1 several important places extra4 ,a judicious and proper combination and regularity in all movements can1 with the same machinery1 and with but little additional expense1 perform1 in some instances double1 and in many instances nearly double work4 ,the objects for making ,fayal1 in the ,western ,islands1 a central point of communication1 are as follow3--,first1 it is directly in the course for the ,west ,indies2 so nearly so for ,rio de ,janeiro in the outward voyage 7in the homeward it is the best course71 that if not actually the best course1 as it is believed it really is1 the deviation1 as will afterwards more clearly appear1 is not worth taking into account4 ,it is also the proper course for ,new ,york1 and even not much out of the way from the direct line to ,halifax2 while1 considering the winds and currents1 the ,gulf stream1 for example1 which prevail in the ,atlantic1 steamers or sailing packets will make the voyage from ,falmouth to ,halifax by this route as speedily1 on an average1 as if they were to take the direct course4 ,it is well known1 that vessels bound to the northern ports of the ,united ,states1 go much to the southward of the ,western ,islands4 ,secondly1 it will save two steam-boats on 7p4 #jji7 the ,north ,american line1 and two more on the ,south ,american line1 for that distance 7not fewer than two would do for each line72 which1 with coals1 yearly1 would cost #da1fjjl4 ,this1 alone1 ought to determine the point4 ,these steam-packets should be allowed to carry parcels1 packages1 and light and fine goods1 which could afford to pay a considerable freight4 ,this ought to be limited1 however1 not to exceed forty tons in each vessel on each of the great lines 7except ,falmouth to ,fayal1 which may be #abj72 and the small sailing vessels in proportion4 ,these things1 without retarding the speed materially1 would produce a considerable return1 but from which must come port charges1 c4 ,if the steamers are allowed to become mere vessels of freight1 or for carriage of goods1 no regularity in their voyages could be expected4 ,to avoid delay1 these articles could be landed and taken to the ,custom-house in every island and place1 and delivered thence1 under the ,revenue laws1 to each owner4 ,the greater extent to which combination can be carried on in the mail circle1 and the wider that that circle can be extended1 so much cheaper the labour of conveyance becomes1 and the greater the returns therefrom4 ,further1 not merely the greatest possible speed1 but the greatest possible regularity1 is the desiderata in the conveyance of mails in any country3 the latter1 in particular1 is more essentially necessary than the former1 and is1 in fact1 the life-spring of all commercial communication4 ,the work to be performed1 in every quarter1 must not only be well done1 but done within a limited time1 in order to render it beneficial and effective4 ,powerful boats1 that can overcome the distance and the natural obstacles that present themselves1 can alone do this4 ,small-power boats can never accomplish the work4 ,numbers will not overcome the difficulties1 nor come1 as regards time1 within the limits required4 ,each packet steamer on each of the great lines1 could and should return unto ,falmouth alternately1 and the boats from ,falmouth be prepared to take the longer voyage in their stead4 ,the time each will have to stop at ,falmouth will always allow of time for any material 7p4 #jaj7 examination and the repairs that may be necessary4 ,without actual experience it is impossible to place before the public1 in a correct point of view1 the whole appearance and state of steamers employed in the ,west ,indian mail service1 as seen last year--when the whole extent of their voyages was travelled over in more than one of them3--imagine a small ill-contrived boat1 an old #aj-;gun brig1 as the ,carron is1 for example1 of #ajj-;horse power1 and thirty to forty tons of coals on her deck2 with a cabin about thirteen feet by ten1 and an after-cabin still smaller1 both without any means of ventilation1 except what two ill-planned1 narrow and miserable hatches1 when open1 afford4 ,imagine a vessel like this starting from ,jamaica1 with ten or fifteen passengers1 and a crew of thirty-seven people1 still more miserably provided with room and quarters1 to stem the currents1 the trade winds--7not to speak of storms17--which blow1 and the heavy seas which roll1 between that island and ,st4 ,thomas1 especially in the channel between the former and ,st4 ,domingo1 and indeed in all the ,west ,indies3 having the boiler immediately adjoining the cabin and sleeping berths1 and without any place to stow the luggage belonging to the passengers1--and with the numerous mail bags crammed into the small sleeping berths1 or under the table1--and the public will have a faint idea of a ,government steam-boat2 wherein1 under a tropical sun and a tropical rain1 the passengers and crews are1 with the hatches closed1 reduced to the choice1 while choked with coal-dust1 of being broiled or suffocated4 ,no human constitution can long stand this4 ,without meaning any offence1 truth must declare1 that such a state of things is a disgrace to ,england4 ,the most urgent haste and necessity can alone bring individuals to travel by such conveyances1 and none will do so whose time will allow them to look for other modes of conveyance and transport4 ,female passengers1 in particular1 without female attendants1 or room for them1 will never willingly undertake1 certainly never repeat1 a voyage under such circumstances4 ,it would seem that1 in this respect1 the vessels belonging to the most powerful1 enlightened1 and civilized ,government in the world1 are to be placed far below the level of 7p4 #jaa7 vessels belonging to their own subjects1 and those of other nations2 although such vessels are expressly appointed to convey passengers4 ,with these preliminary observations1 it is proposed to consider the details of a plan for the more extended conveyance of mails by steam-boats1 first to the ,,western ,,world1 under the separate heads into which such a plan1 necessarily and properly divides itself4 ,in doing this1 it will satisfactorily appear that the more the plan is extended1 the less in proportion will the expenses attending the same be1 and the greater the returns be therefrom4 ,i4 7p4 #jab7 ,falmouth and ,madeira1 or one of the ,western ,islands1 ,department4 ,either of the islands just named may be made central points of the greatest importance for connecting the mail communications between ,great ,britain and all the ,western ,world4 ,the ,western ,islands1 however1 become a central point1 more direct and convenient than ,madeira1 for all the outward and homeward ,west ,indian packets1 and still more so for all those which may be bound for ,new ,york and ,british ,north ,america4 ,in short1 the packets for neither of the latter places could go or come by ,madeira without great inconvenience and loss of time2 whereas1 neither would take place if ,fayal is made the point of arrival at and departure from4 ,the latter island is directly in the course of both the ,west ,indian and homeward-bound ,south ,american packets2 and it may be said with equal accuracy1 in the outward direct course of these packets also4 ,although a little further removed into the variable winds than ,madeira1 still it is well known that ,fayal once made1 the greatest difficulties in the voyages of the outward-bound packets are overcome4 ,the distance1 also1 from ,falmouth to either of these islands is not materially different3 from ,falmouth to ,madeira direct1 is #aagj geographical miles2 and from ,falmouth to ,fayal direct1 #abcj miles4 ,in the outward voyage ,fayal is #cjj miles nearer ,barbadoes than ,madeira2 and in the homeward1 from ,cape ,nichola ,mole1 #cjj also4 ,the distance between ,madeira and ,rio de ,janeiro1 and between the latter and ,fayal1 is not greatly different1 being 7taking in ,bahia and ,pernambuco7 for the latter #cijj miles1 and for the former #chjj2 but from the course which the homeward packet must take through the trades1 the distance to ,madeira1 as compared with the distance 7p4 #jac7 and course to ,fayal1 would be increased by #bej miles4 ,on the whole1 considering the advantages and disadvantages to arise from making either of these islands1 viz41 ,madeira and ,fayal1 the central points1 it would appear that the balance would considerably incline to be in favour of any one of the central ,azores1 say ,falmouth and ,terceira or ,fayal4 ,fayal being taken as the central point to which and from which the packets for the western world are to converge and to diverge1 the arrangements will run as follow3-- ,the steam-boats from ,falmouth to ,fayal would carry out all the mails from ,great ,britain to the ,western ,world2 viz43 for ,british ,north ,america1 for ,new ,york1 for the ,british ,west ,indies and all the ,gulf of ,mexico1 and for the ,brazils and ,buenos ,ayres1 as also for ,madeira and ,teneriffe4 ,from ,falmouth to ,fayal is1 course ,s4 #ee ,w4 distance #abcj geographical miles4 ,two steam-boats of #bdj-;horse power each would perform this work out and home1 giving two mails each month1 each boat returning with the mails for ,great ,britain from all the places mentioned1 to be brought to that island in a manner which will shortly and more particularly be pointed out4 ,in fine weather each boat would make the voyage within six days1 and in rough weather in seven days1--but say seven days at an average4 ,each boat would be at sea #ad days each voyage #bh days monthly #ccf days yearly2 #be tons of coal per day #hdjj tons yearly2 which1 at #bjs4 per ton1 is #hdjjl4 annually4 ,the yearly cost of the two boats for this station would therefore be3 7prime cost of two1 #dh1jjjl47-- ,two boats' wages and provisions1 c41 at #fbjj4 #ab1djj ,coals for do41 yearly #h1djj ------- ,total #bj1hjj ------- ,the stoppage at ,fayal would depend upon the arrival of the packets with the mails from the ,brazils1 the ,west ,indies1 c4 c41 but the arrangements for all these will be such as will bring the stoppage not to exceed one or two days1 and which will prove no more than sufficient to take in coals1 water1 c4 c4 ,despatched from ,london on the #ast and #aeth day of each month1 the steamers from ,falmouth1 with all the 7p4 #jad7 mails1 would reach ,fayal on the #ajth and #beth of each month1 from whence they would immediately be despatched to their ulterior destinations4 ,by this arrangement ,government would save at least three ,west ,indian or ,barbadoes packets1 one ,halifax and one ,rio de ,janeiro packet 7exclusive of six ,mexican packets saved1 but included in the ,west ,indian department71 after giving to the two quarters of ,america last mentioned two mails instead of one each month1 and which saving would1 at least1 be #ba1jjjl4 yearly4 ,the voyages also from ,england to every quarter connected with this arrangement would be greatly shortened1 even were the communications by steam to be carried no farther2 as every nautical man knows well that it is between the ,western ,islands and the ,english ,channel1 whether outwards or inwards1 that the greatest detention in every voyage1 whether it regards packets or any other vessels1 takes place4 ,in a particular manner the arrival of the outward packets at ,barbadoes would be more regular1 almost quite regular2 and thus extra steam-boats in that quarter1 on account of the irregularities in the arrivals as under the present system1 would be rendered unnecessary2 and the same thing may be said of every other quarter to which the plan and the chain of communication is intended to extend4 ,fayal4#a ,footnote #a3 ,the ,island of ,fayal is chosen as the point of communication in preference to ,terceira1 c4 because during the few months when one side is exposed to storms1 the other side is well sheltered1 and the distance is very short from the one side to the anchorage on the other4 ,as each of the steamers from the westward and southward will proceed to ,falmouth in her turn1 so if all the mails are up at ,fayal before the outward steamer arrives from ,falmouth1 the steamer whose turn it is to proceed on to ,falmouth1 will go forward with the mails without any delay1 except to take in coals4 ,all the outward mails from ,great ,britain to the western world1 having reached ,fayal1 they would be despatched from thence and return back to it1 under the following arrangements and regulations4 ,take them in order as follow3-- ,,ii4 7p4 #jae7 ,fayal and ,north ,america4 ,the rising importance of ,british ,america renders it highly desirable1 nay1 absolutely necessary1 that a more frequent and regular post communication should be established with it4 ,this might be done so as to secure all the ,post-office revenue derivable from the letters to and from that quarter of the empire with ,great ,britain2 and not only so1 but to draw from the ,united ,states unto ,england some of that postage and some of those passengers which belong specifically to those ,states4 ,to carry this into effect1 it must be done by steam-boats1 and ,fayal made the point of communication from which the mails are to diverge1 and to which they are again to return4 ,the point of communication with ,fayal should be either by ,halifax to ,new ,york1 or to ,halifax alone2 from which place the steamer to run to the ,west ,indies could carry the ,european mails to and from ,new ,york4 ,in each way the details will be as follow3-- ,fayal to ,new ,york1 by ,halifax4 ,from ,fayal to ,new ,york direct is #bjbj miles2 and from ,fayal to ,new ,york1 by ,halifax1 is #bafj miles4 ,if this course is adopted1 there would be no need for any stoppages at ,halifax1 except to land the outward mails1 c41 and pick up the inward1 or homeward-bound ,european mails1 c4 ,the steamers1 with the outward mails on board1 would proceed from ,fayal on the #ajth and #beth of each month1 and reach ,new ,york1 by ,halifax1 on the #gth and #bc;d of each month1 or in thirteen days4 ,leaving ,new ,york on the evening of the #ith or #ajth1 and the #beth or #bfth of the month1 with the return mails from the ,states1 and calling at ,halifax for all those from ,british ,america1 the steamer would reach ,fayal in thirteen days1 or on the #hth and #bc;d of each month1 exactly in time1 as will by-and-by be shown1 for the homeward-bound ,west ,indian and ,brazil mails coming up to the same place2 and two days previous to the arrival of the outward packet 7p4 #jaf7 from ,falmouth1 after allowing two days to stop at ,new ,york1 and having one day to spare1 in the event of severe weather on the voyage4 ,the course and time will be3-- ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,fayal to ,halifax #afdj #aj ,halifax to ,new ,york #ebj #c ,stop at ,new ,york #b ,new ,york to ,fayal1 by ,halifax #bafj #ac ---------- ,totals #dcbj #bh ---------- ,two steam-boats would perform this work1 giving two mails each month1 prime cost #dh1jjjl42 wages1 provisions1 c4 c4 #fbjjl4 each1 #ab1djjl4 ,each boat would be at sea #bf and #bf #eb days1 monthly #fbd yearly2 #be tons of coals daily #ae1jjj yearly1 at #bes4 per ton1 #ai1ejjl4 ,this would1 however1 be close work for two boats1 in the event of accidents2 and therefore a spare boat would be required1 at an additional expense of #bd1jjjl4 capital1 and #fbjjl4 yearly charges4 ,but two may be rendered quite sufficient by making ,halifax1 instead of ,new ,york1 the point of communication between ,fayal and ,british ,north ,america2 the communication with ,new ,york to be taken up1 and carried on1 by the steamers proposed to run between ,north ,america and the ,west ,indies1 as explained and stated under the next head4 ,fixing the communications in this way1 the details1 or the course and time1 would be3-- ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,fayal to ,halifax #afdj #aj ,rest there1 say #h ,halifax to ,fayal #afdj #aj ----------- ,totals #cbhj #bh ----------- ,two boats would be quite sufficient to perform this service1 and the advantage would be gained of having a ,british port as the port for trans-shipment4 ,each boat would be at sea #aj and #aj #bj days each voyage #dj monthly #dhj yearly2 coals1 #be tons daily #ab1jjj 7p4 #jag7 tons yearly1 at #bes4 #ae1jjjl4 ,the periods for the arrivals and departures of these ,halifax and ,fayal steamers will be found to agree well with the arrivals and departures of the steamers to run between ,halifax and the ,west ,indies1 by way of ,new ,york1 as minutely particularized under the next head4 ,halifax ought to be made the point from which1 and to which1 all the ,british ,north ,american1 foreign1 that is1 transmarine correspondence1 ought to converge and diverge4 ,it can be made to do so readily1 and with advantage1 as the following distances will show3-- ,distance4 ,geo4 ,miles4 ,new ,york to ,quebec ,n4 #ai ,east4 #cij ,new ,york to ,montreal ,n4 #d ,e4 #cje ,halifax to ,st4 ,john's1 by ,annapolis ,n4 #ga ,w4 #aaa ,st4 ,john's to ,quebec ,n4 #ff ,w4 #bcj ,quebec to ,montreal ,s4 #eh ,w4 #aaf ,thus it is obvious that ,halifax is nearer ,england three and a half days each way than ,new ,york2 that much time would1 by the above course of post1 between the mother country and all her ,north ,american possessions1 be saved1 while all the advantages of carrying these mails and passengers1 c4 would be gained by ,british shipping and ,british subjects4 ,the communications could be carried on between ,fayal and ,halifax1 c4 by sailing packets instead of steam vessels2 but then these sailing packets1 on account of the number of passengers which it is almost certain would travel by them1 would require to be packets of the largest size1 or first class4 ,their average voyages may be taken at sixteen days each1 with six or eight to stop at ,halifax1 which would bring the full voyage to forty days4 ,this would throw the return letters always one mail1 or fifteen days1 later for ,europe1 than if steamers were employed2 but1 at the same time1 it would bring their arrival at ,fayal to be regular1 and in sufficient time for the succeeding homeward packet from ,fayal2 for1 if they go beyond thirty days1 their return within forty-five days1 in this or in any other station1 would meet the central point at ,fayal equally well1 as to dates2 but such a detention would not only occasion so much loss 7p4 #jah7 of time to the course of correspondence1 but give letters a chance of reaching ,europe sooner from ,new ,york direct4 ,two sailing packets would perform this work in the unavoidably extended time mentioned1 giving two mails each month2 first cost #i1ejjl4 #ai1jjjl42 yearly charges #dbjjl4 each #hdjjl4 ,,iii4 ,north ,america and ,west ,indies4 ,the intercourse between these quarters of the world1 and also of each of these with the ,united ,states1 is already of great importance1 and will daily become more and more important1 while there is1 at present1 no mail communication between them4 ,a regular1 and frequent mail communication in that quarter has become indispensably necessary4 ,while this fact must be admitted1 it is of great importance to have as many of the points of combination under the ,british flag as possible4 ,keeping this desirable point in view1 it is necessary to observe1 that this must be done1 taking ,havannah into the line2 because1 if it is not included in the ,british line1 it will be forthwith occupied by parties from the ,united ,states1 and letters1 passengers1 c4 both for all ,north ,america and for ,europe1 from the ,west ,indies1 will go by these ,states1 ,new ,york for example4 ,the arrivals and departures of the steam packets on this line must also be calculated1 and fixed so as to agree with the arrivals and departures of the outward and homeward-bound mails by ,fayal1 for ,north ,america1 and also for all the ,west ,indies1 southwards to ,havannah and ,mexico4 ,the desirable object of bringing the most important central and trans-shipping points under the ,british flag1 can only be gained by making in this case the run of the steamers to be from ,halifax1 by ,new ,york1 to the ,havannah2 or from ,new ,york1 by ,havannah1 to ,jamaica4 ,while the various ways by which this latter could be effected are 7p4 #jai7 here stated1 still the former will be found to be the most economical1 certainly not the most inconvenient1 and1 on many accounts1 the preferable mode4 ,at ,havannah the ,north ,american steamer would meet in the most regular manner1 and to a day1 the steamers from ,havannah to ,vera ,cruz2 and from ,havannah to ,jamaica1 ,barbadoes1 c4 c4 ,the route and time of these boats would be as follows3-- ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,halifax to ,new ,york #ebj #c-a_/b ,new ,york to ,havannah #aadj #f-a_/b ,stop at ,havannah1 say #b ,havannah to ,halifax1 by ,new ,york4 #affj #aj ---- ------ ,totals #ccbj #bb ,two powerful boats would be perfectly sufficient to perform this work1 giving two mails each month2 first cost #dh1jjjl41 yearly charges #ab1djjl4 ,each boat would be at sea #bj days each voyage #dj monthly #dhj yearly2 coals daily1 #be tons #ab1jjj tons yearly1 at #bes4 #ae1jjjl4 ,the outward ,european mails would arrive at ,halifax on the #bjth and the #dth or #eth of every month1 and at ,havannah on the #cast or #ast1 and #aeth or #afth of each month4 ,leaving ,halifax on the days above mentioned1 the steamers1 by way of ,new ,york1 would reach ,havannah on the #cjth and #aeth of each month1 and1 allowing two days at ,havannah1 return to ,halifax by way of ,new ,york1 on the #adth and #bith1 eight days before the arrival there of the outward ,european packet1 giving abundance of time to rest4 ,this steamer will bring back from ,new ,york the answers to the letters received from ,europe for the return packet from ,halifax to ,fayal4 ,these letters would reach ,new ,york on the #bc;d and #hth of each month4 ,the stoppage at ,new ,york by this steamer returning northward could not be beyond one or two days4 ,to meet the ,west ,indian and ,south ,american packets returning to the central point1 ,fayal1 the steamer1 with all the ,north ,american correspondence1 must leave ,halifax on the #bith or #cjth1 and the #acth or #adth of each month4 ,considering attentively the calculations here made1 it will be 7p4 #jbj7 found that they correspond accurately1 and that in practice these will work admirably1 and without confusion or delay--points1 in an affair of this kind1 of the greatest importance4 ,the other plan1 by which the communication between ,north ,america and the ,west ,indies can be opened up and carried on1 is between ,new ,york and ,jamaica1 by the ,havannah4 ,after considering it1 in all its bearings and details1 the former will appear to be the most economical and eligible4 ,calculating the whole of the ,general ,plan to be carried into effect1 and by steam1 the outward mails from ,europe1 via ,fayal and ,halifax1 would arrive at ,new ,york on the #gth or #bb;d1 or the #hth and #bc;d1 of each month2 and those for the ,west ,indies1 via ,fayal and ,barbadoes1 at ,cape ,nichola ,mole1 ,hayti1 on the #aath and #bgth1 or #abth and #bgth1 and at ,jamaica on the #acth and #bhth of each month4 ,the mails from the westward and southward of1 and for ,jamaica1 would consequently return to that island on the #gth and #bb;d of each month4 ,the distances and time taken in three ways between ,jamaica and ,new ,york1 by ,havannah1 would be-- 7,no4 #a47 ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,new ,york to ,havannah #aadj #f-a_/b ,havannah by ,matanzas1 to ,st4 ,jago de ,cuba #fcj #d ,st4 ,jago de ,cuba to ,kingston1 ,jamaica #agj #a ,jamaica #b ,jamaica to ,cape ,nichola ,mole1 by ,st4 ,jago #cje #b ,cape ,nichola to ,havannah1 by ,matanzas #edj #c ,havannah1 ,coals1 c4 #a ,havannah to ,new ,york #aadj #f-a_/b ----- ------ ,totals #cibe #bf 7,no4 #b47 ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,new ,york to ,havannah1 by ,matanzas #aadj #f-a_/b ,havannah1 ,coals #a ,havannah to ,jamaica1 round ,cape ,antonio #fhe #d ,jamaica1 ,coals1 ,mails1 c4 #b ,jamaica to ,havannah1 by ,cape ,antonio #fhe #c 7p4 #jba7 ,havannah1 ,coals #a ,havannah to ,new ,york1 by ,matanzas #aadj #f-a_/b ---- ------- ,totals #cfej #bd ---- ------- 7,no4 #c47 ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,new ,york to ,havannah1 by ,matanzas #aadj #f-a_/b ,havannah1 ,coals #a ,havannah to ,jamaica1 round ,cape ,antonio #fhe #d ,jamaica1 ,coals1 ,mails1 c4 #b ,jamaica to ,cape ,nichola ,mole1 by ,st4 ,jago #cje #b ,cape ,nichola ,mole to ,havannah1 by ,matanzas #edj #c ,havannah1 ,coals #a ,havannah to ,new ,york #aadj #f-a_/b ---- ------ ,totals #chaj #bf ---- ------ ,the latter route 7,no4 #c17 will1 for various reasons1 be the preferable course4 ,first1 because while it embraces ,havannah in the line1 it renders it unnecessary for the steamers to run twice over the same ground that others do4 ,secondly1 the steamer from ,jamaica for the eastward being able to leave that island1 with all the return ,colonial mails from the westward and southward for ,north ,america1 c41 at the times1 or in the space of time1 mentioned1 would reach ,cape ,nichola ,mole just in time to meet the downward steamer from ,barbadoes1 with all the ,colonial mails to the eastward of that place for ,north ,america2 and1 consequently1 could take in and proceed with these mails without delay2 and it might1 at the same time1 take in not only the eastern ,colonial mails for ,matanzas and ,havannah1 but the outward ,european mails for these places also1 by which means these towns would receive these two or three days earlier than they could by ,jamaica4 ,the ,mexican mails might also be forwarded in the same way2 but to do so would be of little use1 inasmuch as the steamer for ,vera ,cruz could not leave ,havannah until the steamer from ,jamaica arrived4 ,taking route ,no4 #c as the lines of communication between ,jamaica 7p4 #jbb7 and ,north ,america1 then the arrivals at ,jamaica would be on the #eth and the #bjth of each month2 and1 allowing two days to stop at ,havannah outwards instead of one day1 and three days at ,jamaica instead of two1 the return steamers would leave ,jamaica on the #hth and #bc;d of each month1 and reach ,cape ,nichola ,mole on the #beth and #ajth1 which place the steamer from ,barbadoes reaches on the #aath and #bgth1 and the ,havannah and ,chagres steamers return to ,jamaica on the #gth and #bb;d of each month2 thus combining every movement requisite in a very clear and satisfactory manner4 ,the steamers on this route or station would be each #bb and #bb #dd days each month #ebh days yearly at sea2 coals1 at #be tons daily #ac1bjj tons1 at #bes4 per ton #af1ejjl42 which is #aejjl4 more than the other4 ,moreover1 the steamers 7two7 would be so closely pressed for time as not to have the necessary rest for examination and repairs1 and consequently a third would be requisite1 which would increase the capital #bd1jjjl41 and yearly charges #fbjjl4 above the other plan4 ,the mails on this station may1 moreover1 be carried by sailing packets4 ,by this mode of conveyance1 however1 the mails would be longer on their voyages2 those to and from ,halifax1 c41 being always thrown behind one return mail for the steamer to and from ,fayal with the mail for ,great ,britain1 and consequently be obliged to wait at ,halifax or ,new ,york for a succeeding one--but for which1 however1 they would always be in ample time4 ,the course and time by sailing packets would be-- ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,halifax to ,new ,york #ebj #e-a_/b ,new ,york to ,havannah #aadj #aj ,stop at ,havannah1 say #b ,havannah to ,halifax1 by ,new ,york #affj #ae-a_/b ---- ------ ,totals #ccbj #cc ---- ------ which will allow abundance of time to stop at ,new ,york1 going and returning1 and for meeting every possible contingency which may occur in the voyage2 as1 if within forty-five days1 it would be in time 7p4 #jbc7 to meet the corresponding packets to and from ,europe4 ,two sailing packets would be sufficient to perform this work1 giving two mails each month2 prime cost1 #iejjl4 each #ai1jjjl4 and yearly charges #dbjjl4 each1 or #hdjjl4 ,it may here be observed1 that if all the mails were carried by sailing packets on the four great lines1 that the times of their arrivals and departures would still connect and combine properly1 but1 as has already been remarked1 be always fifteen days later in the course of the mails between the places mentioned than if these were carried wholly and everywhere by steam4 ,,iv4 ,fayal and ,brazil ,department4 ,from ,fayal steamers would proceed direct to ,rio de ,janeiro1 calling at ,pernambuco and ,bahia1 and landing at the former place the mail for ,maranham1 to be carried forward to that place1 and brought back to ,pernambuco1 to meet the steamer on her return to the northward1 by a good sailing vessel4 ,the distance is #fgj miles1 which could be performed in four days and six days1 backwards and forwards4 ,at ,rio de ,janeiro the steamer will land the mails for ,buenos ,ayres and ,montevideo1 which will be carried forward by sailing vessels to the former place 7distance #ajfj geographical miles71 and return from ,buenos ,ayres1 by ,montevideo1 to ,rio de ,janeiro1 the same distance1 say in seventeen days1 and in time to catch the following homeward-bound packet4 ,one sailing vessel would be sufficient for the ,pernambuco and ,maranham station1 and two of a superior class as at present for the ,rio de ,janeiro and ,buenos ,ayres department2 for1 at the outset1 steam would be too expensive on the latter station1 while it would take the homeward-bound packet too far out of her way to make her call at ,maranham4 ,from ,rio de ,janeiro the steamer will proceed for ,fayal1 calling at ,bahia and ,pernambuco 7distant from ,rio #ajjj miles71 taking in the 7p4 #jbd7 ,maranham mail at the latter place1 stopping one day there for a supply of coals1 and then proceeding1 reach ,fayal in twenty days--including stoppages1 forty-five days forwards and backwards--and which1 accordingly1 would bring the ,brazil mails to ,fayal to correspond with the arrival there of the steamers from both the ,west ,indies and ,halifax4 ,the mails from the ,brazils would1 in this way1 reach ,fayal on the #ajth and #beth of the month4 ,the route and time of these steamers would be as follows3-- ,miles4 ,days4 ,fayal to ,rio ,janeiro #cijj #ai ,rio de ,janeiro to ,fayal #cijj #bj ,stop at ,rio #b ,do4 at ,pernambuco1 c41 twice #d ---- -- ,totals #ghjj #de ---- -- ,three steamers would perform this work in the time specified1 giving two mails each month4 ,each boat would be actively employed1 or at sea1 #ci days each voyage #gh monthly #icf yearly2 coals1 at #be tons daily #bc1djj tons yearly--which1 at #bes4 per ton1 will amount to #bi1bejl4 ,other charges1 #ah1fjjl4 ,the mails on this station might also be carried by sailing packets1 and at much less expense1 but the time occupied would be considerably lengthened4 ,such sailing packets from ,fayal to ,rio de ,janeiro would1 both in going and returning1 pursue the same course that the present packets do4 ,the distance each way would be the same1 and not materially different from the course which the steamers would take4 ,the time occupied would be1 twenty-seven days out1 twenty-nine days back1 and four days to stop at ,rio1 c42 in all sixty days4 ,four packets would perform this service1 giving two mails each month4 ,the cost of these packets would be #ch1jjjl41 and their annual charges at #dbjjl4 each #af1hjjl4 ,in the event of accidents1 however1 either on this or on the ,west ,indian station1 one spare packet would be necessary1 and require to be stationed at ,fayal3 this would increase the capital laid out to #dg1ejjl41 and the yearly charge to #ba1jjjl4 ,four packets on this station would1 in fact1 under this 7p4 #jbe7 arrangement1 give two mails each month2 whereas1 under the existing arrangements1 it requires five or six to give one mail each month4 ,in a few days1 after leaving ,fayal1 it is well known that both the ,brazil and ,west ,indian packets would be into the trade winds when outward-bound2 after which1 the voyage is certain and secure4 ,in like manner in returning1 after getting clear of the trade winds1 the ,brazil1 in about long4 #ch1 and the ,west ,indian1 from ,cape ,nichola ,mole1 in about long4 #gj ,w41 each could steer to the eastward for ,fayal1 with almost certainly southerly winds1 and at all seasons of the year1 in weather comparatively mild to that which is met with in more northern parallels4 ,by steam-boats the course of communication between ,great ,britain and ,rio de ,janeiro would be reduced to sixty days1 and by sailing vessels1 from ,fayal to that place1 to seventy-five days1 making fifteen days more by the latter than by the former2 but it may1 however1 here be observed1 that arriving so much later at ,fayal1 would still equally correspond with the arrival of the ,west ,indian and ,north ,american sailing packets at that place4 ,v4 ,fayal and ,madeira1 c4 ,station4 ,under the proposed general arrangement1 the mails for ,madeira and ,teneriffe could be sent twice each month from ,fayal4 ,madeira and ,teneriffe1 but more especially the former1 have a good deal of correspondence with the ,west ,indies2 all of which would be thrown into a more tedious and circuitous route if the communications with ,madeira did not go and come by the ,azores4 ,the distance from ,fayal to ,madeira is #fcj miles1 and from ,madeira to ,teneriffe #bdj miles4 ,one superior sailing vessel would be sufficient to perform this work1 giving two mails each month4 ,it is well known that from the winds which generally prevail in those parts of the ,atlantic1 that a swift 7p4 #jbf7 sailing vessel would almost always make quick and certain passages4 ,the cost of such might be #aejjl41 and the yearly expense1 say #hjjl4 ,the expense for sailing vessels on this and the ,south ,american station may be taken as follows3-- ,capital4 ,yearly ,charge4 ,fayal and ,madeira1 one #aejj #hjj ,pernambuco and ,maranham1 one #aejj #hjj ,rio de ,janeiro and ,buenos ,ayres1 two #djjj #bjjj ----- ----- ,totals #gjjj #cfjj ----- ----- ,from ,fayal to ,teneriffe1 by ,madeira1 and back1 a sailing vessel could complete the passage in fourteen days1 and thus be always in time for the next return steamer from ,fayal to ,falmouth4 ,,vi4 ,fayal and ,barbadoes ,station4 ,on the arrival of the steamer from ,falmouth at ,fayal1 another steamer would start for ,barbadoes1 carrying with it all the mails for every place in the western ,tropical ,world1 from ,demerara to ,vera ,cruz inclusive1 and also for ,panama1 and other places on the coasts of the ,pacific ,ocean4 ,the route from ,fayal to ,barbadoes is1 course ,s4 #dg-a_/b ,w42 distance1 #bbfe geographical miles4 ,a steam-boat would perform this1 going chiefly through the trade winds1 in twelve days4 ,the period of her return to ,fayal must be regulated by the time which she has to stop in the ,west ,indies1 and which will be more specifically shown when that department is taken into consideration2 but it cannot be less1 from ,fayal to ,fayal again1 than forty-five days1 of which this boat will be at sea each voyage thirty-seven days4 ,four steamers would do this work1 having one1 in fact1 to spare1 in the event of accidents1 either on this or on the ,brazil station1 and to relieve alternately the steamers on either station2 and this spare boat 7p4 #jbg7 would probably be best stationed at ,fayal1 or perhaps ,barbadoes4 ,three boats would1 therefore1 be actively engaged in performing the work alluded to on this station2 each would be at sea #cg days each voyage--#gd monthly1 #hhh yearly1 which1 at #be tons of coals daily1 will require #bb1bjj tons annually--at #bes4 per ton1 will amount to #bg1gejl4 ,the time and course of these boats will be more specifically stated under the ,west ,indian head4 ,the cost would be thus3-- ,capital4 ,yearly ,charge4 ,four ,steamers #if1jjj #bd1hjj ,coals #bg1gej ------- ,yearly charges #eb1eej ------- ,the mails1 also1 on this station1 might be carried by sailing packets1 and which would require to be of the very first class4 ,their time from ,fayal to ,fayal again1 would be1 say nineteen days to ,barbadoes2 seventeen days to stop in the ,colonies2 and twenty-four days from ,cape ,nichola ,mole to ,fayal 7#bfjj miles71 together sixty days2 and which brings the return of this sailing vessel to ,fayal to correspond with the arrival of the packets from ,falmouth1 and of the mails from ,south ,america1 and from ,north ,america1 at that place4 ,four packets would be sufficient for this station1 giving two mails each month4 ,their cost would be #ch1jjjl41 and their yearly expenses at #d1bjjl4 each1 #af1hjjl4--considerably cheaper than steam1 but lengthening1 as has been seen1 the communication between ,great ,britain and that quarter of the world1 fifteen days4 ,a spare packet might be necessary1 but the cost of that has been included1 and stated under the ,south ,american head4 ,,vii4 7p4 #jbh7 ,the ,west ,indian ,station4 ,this station is one of the most important1 and extensive1 and complicated of the whole1 and one where steam-vessels can be employed with the most beneficial effects4 ,the prevailing winds and currents1 however1 render it necessary that the vessels employed should be of high power1 in order to enable them to stem those winds and currents4 ,into the ,gulf of ,mexico1 through the ,windward islands1 sets2 first1 the equatorial current2 secondly1 the prodigious current occasioned by the influx of the waters of the great river ,maranon1 and of the several rivers which flow through ,british1 ,dutch1 and ,french ,guiana2 thirdly1 the current occasioned by the influx of the waters of the great river ,oronoque1 through the ,gulf of ,paria1 between the island of ,trinidad and the mainland of ,south ,america4 ,these united waters1 directed by the trade winds1 blowing always from the eastward1 occasion a current of such force1 running westward from the ,windward ,islands to the shores of ,mexico1 that it is frequently impossible for the best sailing vessels to make their way through it4 ,steam-boats1 therefore1 of at least #bdj-;horse power1 are indispensably necessary1 in order that they may not only be able to stem these winds and currents1 and carry a sufficient quantity of coals1 but also to afford spacious and well-ventilated accommodation1 both for the crews attached to them1 and also the passengers which may travel by them4 ,without such1 neither the one nor the other could ever enjoy health1 nor could the despatches of ,government1 and the correspondence of individuals1 be conveyed with that celerity and regularity which these could otherwise be1 and which it is necessary that they should be4 ,in carrying a more general plan into effect1 no reasonable or necessary expense ought to be spared by the country4 ,in such a general plan it will be seen by the subsequent details1 that the 7p4 #jbi7 steam-boats of the power mentioned1 assisted by nine sailing schooners 7at present ten1 are employed in less than half the work17 would be sufficient to convey the mails from ,barbadoes to every place of importance in the western ,tropical ,archipelago1 or connected with it4 ,this force would give two mails each month to every island and colony from ,demerara to ,vera ,cruz2 taking in ,laguayra1 ,carthagena1 ,chagres1 ,honduras1 the principal parts of ,cuba and ,porto ,rico4 ,from ,demerara to ,havannah and ,chagres1 c4 inclusive1 every colony and place would be able to reply to the letters received from ,europe1 or the ,colonies1 by the same packet which brought them2 and still that packet remain in the ,west ,indies a shorter period than the packets now do4 ,in this department there are two stations1 however1 of such vital importance1 that the considerable additional expense which will be required to place steam-boats on them from the outset1 ought not to be taken into consideration4 ,these are1 first1 the station between ,jamaica and ,chagres2 and1 secondly1 the station between ,jamaica1 ,cuba1 and ,vera ,cruz4 ,the first goes to connect the ,great ,pacific ,ocean1 and the coasts thereof1 with ,europe and the eastern coasts of ,america1 and on which former coasts a steam mail communication has been already concerted4 ,through the channel from ,panama to ,chagres will be concentrated1 as it were1 into a funnel the whole movements1 travelling and mail communications and money transactions of the western coasts of ,america1 from ,california on the north1 to ,valparaiso on the south1 the whole of which again must converge to and diverge from ,jamaica4#b ,the second station1 or that from ,cuba to ,vera 7p4 #jcj7 ,cruz1 is little inferior in importance to the other1 that town and ,tampico being the great outlets of the trade and the commerce1 but more especially the outlets of specie from the kingdom or empire of ,mexico4 ,a steamer on this station becomes indispensable1 in order to secure the safe conveyance of specie1 because small sailing vessels would be liable to be attacked and plundered by pirates4 ,with steamers all would be safe4 ,footnote #b3 ,should the ,colombian ,government obstinately and ignorantly oppose the transmission of mails across the isthmus from ,chagres to ,panama1 or propose to shackle this point of communication with unreasonable and inadmissible restrictions1 then in that case there remains a point1 it is believed1 more practicable1 safer1 and more eligible1 where the communication could be effected1 namely1 in the ,state of ,guatemala1 or ,central ,america1 by the ,river ,st4 ,juan's and ,lake ,nicaragua1 both of which are navigable for vessels of any size4 ,the south-west shores of the lake in question approach to within fourteen or fifteen miles of the ,pacific1 and this distance1 in one place1 through a valley nearly level throughout1 and at but little elevation above the level of the sea4 ,from ,lake ,managua1 or ,leon1 the distance to the sea is still shorter1 being1 in one place1 according to good maps1 not more than eight to ten miles4 ,from this lake also1 and the capital1 ,leon1 the distance north-west to ,rialejo1 a fine port on the ,pacific1 is twenty-three miles1 and through an accessible1 if not very easy country4 ,the ,government of the ,republic of ,guatemala1 or ,central ,america1 would doubtless be ready to afford every facility to open such a communication1 which would prove the greatest and most certain means of improving their country4 ,moreover1 if a ready communication is once afforded1 from any point on the east coast of ,america1 in the places alluded to1 it would speedily become the object and the interest of the ,chilian1 the ,peruvian1 and the ,mexican ,governments to watch and to see that the communication with the world to the eastward should not only be rendered secure1 but be maintained4 ,also1 with a communication opened in this quarter1 such as it is believed can be opened1 the commerce and communications between ,north ,america and ,europe1 and ,new ,south ,wales1 ,china1 and all ,eastern ,asia1 would most certainly1 as it could most advantageously and expeditiously1 be carried on by it4 ,two powerful steamers would be sufficient for both stations1 in order to carry two mails each month4 ,that steamer to run between ,cuba and ,vera ,cruz1 would always be in time with the return mails for the following packet from ,europe2 while that boat which runs between ,jamaica and ,chagres would1 by returning immediately by the route afterwards pointed out1 always be in time for the same packet at ,jamaica4 ,to stop at ,chagres for the mails from the ,pacific would not be advisable or proper1 because the arrival of these mails at ,chagres could not be calculated upon with any certainty4 ,if at ,chagres when the outward mail arrives1 good and well1 they would be immediately taken up and carried forward2 but if not1 then they would be brought forward by it on the next voyage1 and in time for the following ,european packet4 ,the mails for ,honduras will be most conveniently forwarded from ,montego ,bay1 ,jamaica4 ,with the mails for the western parts of that island they could be landed at ,savannah la ,mar1 and thence carried by land with the others1 about twenty-five miles1 to ,montego ,bay4 ,from thence a good schooner would proceed with those for ,honduras and 7p4 #jca7 ,trinidad de ,cuba2 and having readied ,honduras1 return to ,montego ,bay by ,trinidad de ,cuba4 ,by this arrangement1 ,honduras rather gains more than by the plan first proposed1 to go from ,batavano2 and the letters from thence will still and always be in excellent time for the following packet1 making every allowance for casualties during the voyage4 ,the steamer could then proceed direct from ,jamaica to ,havannah1 which would save one day each voyage1 besides avoiding the difficult navigation about ,batavano4 ,the coals saved yearly would be #aajj tons1 #adgel41 which would do more than pay the expenses for an additional schooner for the ,honduras communication2 for1 by this arrangement1 two schooners1 instead of one1 will be necessary4 ,their route and time would be--,montego ,bay to ,trinidad de ,cuba1 #agb miles1 #a-a_/b day2 ,trinidad de ,cuba to ,honduras1 #ebj miles1 #c-a_/b days2 back to ,montego ,bay by ,trinidad de ,cuba1 #fib miles1 #aj days2 stop at ,honduras #c days2 in all #ah days4 ,bermuda being a great naval dept1 a ready communication between it and every part of the ,west ,indies becomes an object of the greatest importance4 ,under the general arrangement proposed1 this communication can be best effected from and with ,cape ,nichola ,mole1 ,hayti2 because the downward steamer from ,barbadoes1 with the ,european and other mails1 will have passed ,st4 ,thomas before the steamer returning from ,jamaica1 c41 comes up2 by which means all the letters from ,jamaica1 and every other place to the westward1 would1 were ,st4 ,thomas made the starting point1 be obliged to remain at that island till the arrival of a following packet2 whereas1 starting from ,cape ,nichola ,mole1 the mails1 both from the eastward and the westward1 and also those brought from ,europe1 would go forward to a day4 ,moreover1 owing to the winds which prevail in those seas1 vessels running between ,cape ,nichola ,mole and ,bermuda would make passages equally quick1 if not quicker1 than vessels running between ,st4 ,thomas and ,bermuda could generally do4 ,the courses and distances stand thus3-- 7p4 #jcb7 ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,st4 ,thomas to ,bermuda4 ,nearly due ,n4 #hdj #i ,cape ,nichola ,mole to do4 ,n4 #cb ,e4 #hij #aj ,nassau to ,bermuda ,n4 #eg ,e4 #hjj #g ,crooked ,island to ,bermuda #gdj #g ,ditto to ,cape ,nichola ,mole ,s4 #ai ,w4 #adf #a ,ditto to ,nassau #bgj #a-a_/b ,cape ,nichola ,mole to do4 ,n4 #ef ,w4 #chj #b-a_/b ,the communication might still1 however1 be from ,st4 ,thomas1 the boat destined for ,bermuda stopping at that island1 when this was necessary1 one day1 until the boat from ,jamaica came up2 taking particular care always to be back at ,st4 ,thomas1 from ,bermuda1 before the steamers with the outward mails from ,europe came down from ,barbadoes1 in order that the letters from ,bermuda for ,jamaica1 and all places to the westward of ,st4 ,thomas1 may go forward by the steamer in question4 ,this department1 however1 for ,bermuda may1 it is conceived1 be best amalgamated and interwoven with the ,cape ,nichola ,mole1 ,nassau1 and ,crooked ,island 7the ,bermuda mail vessels going and returning by ,crooked ,island7 department2 as the practical working of the whole scheme may point out to be most advisable4 ,in the event of packets arriving from ,england at ,barbadoes within a day or two of each other1 as is sometimes the case under the existing arrangements1 then on the ,barbadoes and ,demerara stations1 let a good sailing vessel1 on the arrival of such packet1 take the place of the steamer for the voyage4 ,unless1 in case of calm weather1 this sailing vessel could do the work thus3--,barbadoes to ,demerara1 four days2 stop there two days1 forwarding the mails for ,berbice by land2 thence with the return mails proceed on by ,tobago and ,st4 ,vincents in five days1 to the packet at ,grenada1 found1 in such a case1 either waiting one day longer at ,grenada1 or else beating up to ,st4 ,vincents1 there to meet the ,guiana and the ,tobago mails1 and which the packet has time to do4 ,this would occasion little irregularity or delay1 because the cause of the detention1 should detention occur1 would always be known4 ,moreover1 the season of the year when the outward packets arrive at ,barbadoes the most irregularly1 is during the winter months1 from 7p4 #jcc7 ,november to ,march1 and in which period the calms--the greatest obstructions1 in many cases1 to sailing vessels amongst the ,windward ,islands--are almost unknown4 ,the same temporary substitute could be applied1 under similar circumstances1 on the stations between ,jamaica and ,chagres1 and between ,cuba and ,vera ,cruz4 ,even if these places were once or twice in the year to miss a return mail to ,europe1 it would not be of such great importance1 because each place having then two mails every month1 the detained mail would go forward by the next opportunity1 while it would save to ,government1 or to a contracting company1 a very serious expense1 which would otherwise be incurred if they were obliged to have additional steamers for this probable part of the service4 ,further1 in the event of any accident happening to any steam-boat on the great line from ,barbadoes to ,jamaica1 c41 a sailing vessel could always carry the outward mails westward1 when breezes hold1 with almost the same rapidity as steamers2 and in her course westward1 such a sailing vessel could scarcely fail to meet a return or a spare steamer at some of the stations1 to relieve it from proceeding further4 ,moreover1 it may be observed here1 once for all1 that by the conveyance of the mails from ,falmouth to ,barbadoes by steam1 or even only so far as from ,falmouth to ,fayal by this power1 the irregularity of the arrival of the mails at ,barbadoes1 which at present takes place1 would be nearly done away1 and consequently no such assistance as that alluded to would be necessary4 ,hence1 the advantages either way over the present system are clear and obvious4 ,before entering upon the particular details of the ,west ,indian department1 it is proper to observe here1 that the point of communication for the return mails from the ,west ,indies for ,europe1 so long as sailing packets are employed to the ,west ,indies1 cannot be altered or removed from ,cape ,nichola ,mole1 because1 by the general plan1 the outward mails from ,great ,britain1 by steamers1 would reach ,fayal on the #ajth and #beth of each month1 and the return mails to that place would reach1 from ,rio de ,janeiro1 on the #ith and #bdth2 from ,new ,york and ,halifax on the #gth or #hth1 or #bb;d or #bc;d2 and from ,barbadoes1 c41 allowing only sixteen days in the ,colonies1 on the #ajth and 7p4 #jcd7 #beth 7,app4 ,no4 #a472 if brought by sailing packets on dates to correspond2 so that there is not time to spare1 the ,west ,indian mail being the last to reach the central point1 and it would be very detrimental to have any detention of the general mails at this point4 ,to make ,jamaica the central point for the ,european mails1 would require several days additional2 for once at ,jamaica the packet would take eight or ten days to get up and through the windward passage1 which to a sailing packet1 notwithstanding this difficulty1 is still the best4 ,in fact1 if the mails from ,havannah to ,demerara are detained in the ,west ,indies more than sixteen1 or at most seventeen days1 beyond the time that these could1 by care and exertion1 be easily despatched from thence1 the transmission of letters by private ships to every quarter will most unquestionably be resorted to2 and thus the ,post-office revenue suffer severely4 ,the capital and expenditure in the ,west ,indian department under the combination and regulations just mentioned will be3-- ,capital4 ,yearly ,charges4 ,six ,steamers1 at #bd1jjjl4 #add1jjj #cg1bjj ,nine ,sailing ,schooners1 at #aejjl4 #ac1ejj #g1bjj ,coals for ,steamers1 #cj1jjj tons1 at #bes4 #cg1ejj ------- ------ #aeg1ejj #ha1ijj ------- ------ ,it is necessary here to observe1 that the calculation taken for the consumption of coals is founded upon the basis that the coals are of the very best quality1 and also that the machinery is of the best and most economical description and construction1 and for a vessel of #bdj-;horse power4 ,the time that the steamers are considered to be engaged in actual work is calculated to include the time passed in getting up the steam in each voyage1 and also to cover all temporary stoppages4 ,the time allowed on every route and station is1 on the average1 more than will be required4 ,steamers of the force mentioned will1 in good weather and light breezes and seas1 even when contrary1 run ten geographical miles per hour2 and1 within the tropics1 with trade-winds and currents in their favour1 at a still greater speed3 but the average performance may be fairly taken at #bjj 7p4 #jce7 geographical miles each twenty-four hours1 although in all the climates within the variable winds1 and in the tropics when going against the winds and currents1 the speed made good will be1 and is taken at1 much less4 ,moreover it is proper to observe1 on the point of outlay for coals1 that the work is everywhere1 as regards the quantity to be used1 calculated as if wholly done by steam1 while it is obvious that the assistance of sails may be had recourse to with advantage4 ,for this purpose1 those steamers which have to go into the torrid zone ought to be provided with large square fore-sails4 ,the assistance to be obtained by the use of sails would save a considerable quantity of coals2 or what is the same thing1 using them would expedite the steamer proportionally more on her voyage1 and bring it so much sooner to a close4 ,sails may fairly be calculated to impel a vessel at the rate of #b-a_/b miles per hour on a voyage1 and which will save either directly one-fourth the quantity of coals1 or impel the steamer so much sooner to the end of her journey than the time calculated1 where time is taken as if it were impelled by steam alone1 and thereby a proportional saving of fuel will be effected4 ,the saving effected on this ratio will1 on the ,general ,plan1 be #bg1jjj tons1 #cc1bejl42 on the ,west ,indian portion thereof #gejj tons1 #icgel42 and on the ,west ,indian and the ,falmouth and ,fayal department1 #ifjj tons1 #aa1dgel42 subject to #aj per cent4 deduction1 being allowance for wastage4 ,as regards the calculations made concerning the progress of steamers in the voyages to be made1 it is satisfactory to find1 from intelligence lately received1 that the ,berenice steamer1 of #bcj-;horse power1 made the passage from ,falmouth1 by the ,cape ,verdes1 ,fernando ,po1 the ,cape of ,good ,hope1 and the ,mauritius1 to ,bombay1 in eighty-eight days2 sixty-three at sea4 ,the course taken1 and distance run1 is about #ab1bjj geographical miles1 or at the average rate of #aid geographical miles per day4 ,her average consumption of coals was fifteen tons per day4 ,the ,atalanta of #baj-;horse power1 ran the same distance in #ajf days2 sixty-eight of which at sea1 under steam4 ,consumption of coals1 seventeen tons per day4 ,the ,flamer steamer1 of #adj-;horse power1 now in the ,west ,indies1 two voyages 7p4 #jcf7 in succession1 last autumn1 made the voyage from ,barbadoes to ,jamaica1 by ,jacmel1 ,hayti1 in five days2 which is fully nine geographical miles per hour2 and in returning she ran in one voyage from ,st4 ,lucia to ,barbadoes in twelve hours1 distance #ajj geographical miles1 with winds and current unfavourable4 ,adverting to these facts1 it is obvious that sufficient time is allowed for the progress of the steam-boats1 in every station1 under the ,general ,plan now recommended to be adopted1 in order to communicate with the different places in the ,western ,world4 ,the ,berenice's greatest run was #bef miles in twenty-four hours4#c ,footnote #c3 ,see also ,appendix1 ,no4 #a4 ,west ,indian ,station4--,details4 ,this is a complicated and important department1 and the working details thereof must be planned as follows3-- #a4--;,first ,packet for the ,month4 ,immediately on the arrival of this packet at ,barbadoes1 a steamer of #bdj-;horse power should start for ,st4 ,thomas direct 7#dcj miles71 with the mails from ,england1 c4 for that island1 ,santa ,cruz and ,tortola1 and for ,porto ,rico1 ,st4 ,domingo1 the ,bahamas1 ,all ,cuba1 ,jamaica1 ,carthagena1 ,chagres1 ,panama1 ,honduras1 ,vera ,cruz1 and ,tampico4 ,this boat could reach and clear ,st4 ,thomas in two days4 ,the steamer alluded to having landed the mails for ,st4 ,thomas1 ,st4 ,cruz1 and ,tortola1 should then proceed to ,st4 ,john's1 ,porto ,rico1 and there land the ,british and ,colonial mails2 to ,cape ,nichola ,mole 7,hayti71 and there land the ,british1 the ,colonial1 and the ,bahama mails2 to ,st4 ,jago de ,cuba1 and there land the ,british and ,colonial mails2 to ,kingston1 ,jamaica1 and there land the ,british1 the ,colonial1 the ,chagres and ,carthagena mails2 to ,savannah la ,mar1 ,jamaica1 and there land the ,british and ,colonial mails for all the western parts of ,jamaica1#d for ,trinidad de ,cuba and ,honduras2 and thence to 7p4 #jcg7 ,havannah1 with the mails for that place1 and ,vera ,cruz1 c4 ,footnote #d3 ,to touch at ,savannah la ,mar would scarcely take up one hour1 while doing so would be a very great accommodation to the western part of ,jamaica4 ,at the end of the second day this steamer may start on her return1 with the return mails from the ,havannah1 and the return mails from the preceding packet from ,vera ,cruz and ,tampico1 forwarded and brought up as after mentioned1 and1 proceeding1 call at ,savannah la ,mar for the same1 from the western parts of ,jamaica1 ,trinidad de ,cuba1 and ,honduras2 at ,kingston for the general ,jamaica mails1 and those from ,santa ,martha1 ,carthagena1 and ,chagres from the same packet1 and from ,panama1 c4 from the preceding packet2 at ,st4 ,jago de ,cuba for the return mails1 and thence to ,cape ,nichola ,mole1 where it will deliver the whole ,european mails to the packet arrived there1 as will presently be pointed out2 from ,cape ,nichola ,mole the steamer will proceed to ,st4 ,thomas1 calling at ,st4 ,john's1 ,porto ,rico1 with and for ,colonial mails1 and thence to ,barbadoes 7calling at all the ,islands going up1 and carrying up the ,british mail for ,tortola from ,st4 ,thomas1 left by the downward steamer7 to wait to receive a following mail from ,great ,britain4 ,on the arrival of the downward steamer at ,cape ,nichola ,mole1 from ,st4 ,thomas1 a fast-sailing schooner to be despatched to ,nassau with the ,bahama mails1 calling1 in going and returning1 at ,crooked ,island4 ,this schooner1 it is calculated1 could be back at ,cape ,nichola ,mole in time to meet the packet at her departure for ,england with the return mails2 if it could not1 then the packet could take ,crooked ,island in her way1 and there pick up the ,bahama return mails for ,great ,britain4 ,two schooners would be sufficient for this station for the ,bahama service1 should it be desirable that these islands should have mails twice each month4 ,on the arrival of the steamer at ,kingston1 ,jamaica1 with the outward mails1 another steamer to be despatched with the mails for ,santa ,martha1 ,carthagena1 ,chagres1 and ,panama1 calling at ,chagres first1 7p4 #jch7 and with the return mails from ,panama1 the ,south ,sea1 and ,chagres1 return to ,kingston by ,carthagena and ,santa ,martha4 ,one powerful steam-boat would be in time for the same packet2 thus3--to ,chagres1 #eej miles1 two and a half days2 to ,carthagena1 #bij miles1 one and a half day2 stop there one day2 to ,santa ,martha1 ninety miles1 one day2 to ,jamaica1 #dbj miles1 three days2 in all1 nine days4 ,the mails for ,honduras and ,trinidad de ,cuba by the outward packet having been brought up to ,montego ,bay1 ,jamaica1 as has been already stated1 a good schooner should proceed thence to ,trinidad de ,cuba1 #agb miles1 one and a half days2 thence to ,honduras1 #ebj miles1 three and a half days2 stop three or more days2 back to ,montego ,bay1 by ,trinidad de ,cuba1 #fib miles1 ten days2 in all1 eighteen days4 ,two schooners will perform this work1 giving two mails each month4 ,on the arrival of the steamer at ,havannah another steamer should be despatched with the outward mails for ,tampico and ,vera ,cruz1 and from thence return to ,havannah with the return ,british and ,colonial mails4 ,the course of this boat would be1--to ,vera ,cruz1 #hjj miles1 three and a half days2 to ,tampico and back1 #cfj miles1 stopping two days1 four days2 ,vera ,cruz1 back to ,havannah1 five and a half days2 in all1 thirteen days4 ,the route of the mail conveyance from ,barbadoes to ,jamaica1 c41 by steamers1 would therefore be3-- ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,barbadoes to ,st4 ,thomas #dcj #b ,st4 ,thomas to ,jamaica1 by ,porto ,rico1 ,cape ,nichola1 and ,st4 ,jago de ,cuba #ghj #c-a_/b ,jamaica to ,havannah1 by ,cape ,antonio #fhe #c ,stop at ,havannah #b ,havannah to ,jamaica1 by ,cape ,antonio #fhe #d ,jamaica1 ,coals #a ,kingston to ,cape ,nichola ,mole1 by ,st4 ,jago #cje #b ,cape ,nichola ,mole to ,st4 ,thomas1 by ,p4 ,rico #dhj #c ,st4 ,thomas1 ,coals #a ,st4 ,thomas to ,barbadoes1 calling at all ,islands #ejj #d ---- ------ ,totals #chfe #be-a_/b ---- ------ ,each steam-boat being thus twenty-two days1 each trip1 at sea4 7p4 #jci7 ,two powerful boats 7#bdj or #bej-;horse power each71 actively employed1 carrying passengers1 parcels1 and packages1 would do this work twice each month1 with the addition of one spare one stationed at ,barbadoes1 or ,jamaica2 perhaps the former4 #b4--,windward ,station4 ,one powerful steam-boat 7#bdj-;horse power7 to leave ,barbadoes immediately on the arrival of the outward ,british packet1 for ,demerara and ,berbice1 with the ,british and ,colonial mails1 and from the latter return to ,barbadoes1 having first carried the return mails to the packet at ,grenada2 thus3--,barbadoes to ,berbice1 #dej miles1 landing mail at ,demerara1 three days2 7the mail for ,berbice might be forwarded from ,george ,town1 ,demerara1 by land27 stop at ,berbice two days2 to ,grenada1 calling at ,demerara1 ,tobago1 and ,st4 ,vincent's1 for return mail1 #dij miles1 four days2 back to ,barbadoes1 #aej miles1 two days2 in all1 eleven days3 taking with her the return mails from the ,colonies at which she had called for ,barbadoes1 and having delivered the return ,european mails1 and others1 to the packet at ,grenada4 ,on the arrival of the ,british packet at ,barbadoes1 a fast-sailing schooner to be despatched with the outward mails for ,laguayra 7dropping at ,st4 ,vincent's and ,grenada the outward mails for these islands1 which would be little trouble to it71 and from ,laguayra to proceed to ,st4 ,thomas1 with the return mails for the packet1 as at present1 and thence return to ,barbadoes direct4 ,the route of this boat would be1--,barbadoes to ,laguayra1 calling first at ,st4 ,vincent's and ,grenada1 #eaj miles1 four days2 stop there three days2 and to ,st4 ,thomas1 #dij miles1 six days2 to ,barbadoes1 eight days2 in all1 twenty-one days4 ,two schooners would do this work1 giving two mails each month4 ,on the arrival of the ,british packet at ,barbadoes1 a fast-sailing schooner should be despatched1 as at present1 with the outward 7p4 #jdj7 mails from ,great ,britain for ,st4 ,lucia1 ,martinique1 ,dominica1 ,guadaloupe1 ,antigua1 ,montserrat1 ,nevis1 and ,st4 ,kitts4 ,the boat need proceed no further westward than ,st4 ,kitts1 because the steamer from ,barbadoes had carried forward the ,tortola mails4 ,from ,st4 ,kitts it will return to ,barbadoes1 calling at all the islands just enumerated1 for the return ,colonial mails4 ,the route of this boat would be1--,barbadoes to ,st4 ,kitts1 calling at the places mentioned1 #cgj miles1 four days2 and back to ,barbadoes1 six days2 together1 ten days4 ,on the eighth day after the arrival of the packet at ,barbadoes 7the despatch of this boat must always be so as to secure its arrival at ,st4 ,kitts before the packet71 a schooner to be despatched with the return mails and passengers from that island1 to pick up for the homeward-bound packet mails and passengers at ,st4 ,lucia1 ,martinique1 ,dominica1 ,guadaloupe1 ,antigua1 ,montserrat1 and ,nevis1 and give to or leave these for the packet at ,st4 ,kitts4 ,from ,st4 ,kitts this boat returns to ,barbadoes1 calling at all the islands enumerated for the return ,colonial mails4 ,this boat will be the same time out as the one which carried the outward mails1 namely1 ten days4#e ,footnote #e3 ,if the packet is a steamer1 these boats will be saved1 because the steamer would save so much time as to enable it to call at all the islands northwards1 to pick up the return mails4 ,two schooners will do the work on both the courses here pointed out as necessary1 with two spare ones at ,barbadoes1 in case of the arrival of sailing packets on the heels of each other from ,britain1 to forward the mails for all the places mentioned1 and for ,laguayra1 making in all eight schooners for this station4 ,there are at present ten1 or more4 ,instead of remaining at ,barbadoes nine days1 as at present1 doing nothing1 the packet herself 7whether steamer or sailing vessel7 should1 on the day after her arrival at that island1 proceed with the outward mails to ,tobago and ,trinidad1 delivering those for the former island1 and proceeding thence direct to ,trinidad1 in two days1 #bcj miles4 ,at ,trinidad remain six days1 thence with the return mails from it proceed to ,grenada1 where she will meet the return mails for ,europe1 brought there by the steamer from ,british ,guiana1 ,tobago1 and ,st ,vincent's4 ,with these collected1 proceed on the tenth day from 7p4 #jda7 ,grenada to ,st4 ,kitts1 #ccj miles1 two and a half days4 ,at that island pick up the ,european mails from the islands formerly enumerated1 and thence with the whole proceed to ,st4 ,thomas1 by ,tortola1 #adj miles1 one and a half day more2 in all1 fourteen days from her arrival at ,barbadoes to ,st4 ,thomas4 ,at ,st4 ,thomas1 having all the mails from the ,windward and ,leeward ,islands on board1 and having there got the ,european mail from ,laguayra1 c41 the packet will proceed1 on the fourteenth day1 to the westward1 calling at ,st ,john's1 ,porto ,rico1 for the return mail1 and thence go on to ,cape ,nichola ,mole1 ,hayti1 #dhj miles1 three days4 ,at this latter place receive all the ,european mails from the ,bahamas1 from ,jamaica1 ,cuba1 c4 c41 and thence1 with the whole1 on the seventeenth day1 proceed direct1 according as may be determined1 to ,fayal or to ,falmouth1 calling at ,crooked ,island to pick up the return mails from the ,bahamas1 if it shall be found that those cannot be got up in time by the sailing schooners to ,cape ,nichola ,mole4#f ,footnote #f3 ,whenever steamers are appointed to carry the mails from ,falmouth to ,barbadoes1 the arrival of the packet at that island will be so regular1 that ,jamaica might be made 7should this be considered advantageous7 the headquarters1 as it were1 for the steamers in that quarter of the world4 ,four would then be sufficient for the work between ,barbadoes and ,vera ,cruz2 two to run between ,jamaica and ,vera ,cruz1 by the ,havannah1 and two between ,jamaica and ,barbadoes1 by ,st4 ,thomas4 ,the latter two would be each fifteen days at sea monthly1 and the former two seventeen days1 exclusive of partial stoppages2 so that there would be abundance of time for rest and repairs4 ,further1 under such circumstances1 the packet with the ,european return mails would have time to run through the islands and pick up all the mails2 meeting1 on the second day after her departure from ,trinidad1 and on the ninth after reaching ,barbadoes1 at ,st4 ,lucia1 the steamer from ,guiana1 with the ,guiana1 ,tobago1 and ,barbadoes return mails2 and proceeding onward through all the islands1 to the northward and westward1 ,st4 ,thomas and ,porto ,rico included1 pass from that island through the ,mona ,passage1 and call at ,jacmel for a mail1 reaching ,jamaica in fourteen days4 ,from thence starting without delay1 and going by ,st4 ,jago de ,cuba and ,cape ,nichola1 leave the latter place on the seventeenth day for ,fayal1 exactly in the same time that it is calculated it could do under the other arrangement4 ,but such an arrangement would render it difficult1 perhaps impracticable1 to get up the ,laguayra mail to ,st4 ,thomas in time1 it having only ten days for that purpose2 and at the same time an additional expense for coals1 at least for three days each packet or voyage 7#ahjj tons1 #bbejl4 yearly7 would be required1 being the time taken between ,jamaica and ,cape ,nichola ,mole4 ,,the ,,second ,,packet of the month1 and all the steamers and schooners1 to proceed exactly in a similar manner4 ,according to the proposed arrangement1 these steam-boats would be actively employed thus3-- #ajjh days1 yearly--,jamaica station #aib ,demerara ditto4 ---- ,in all #abjj days1 yearly4 ,coals1 #cj1jjj tons4 ,advantages4 7p4 #jdb7 ,i4 ,there would1 by these arrangements1 be two mails each month to ,great ,britain from all places in the western ,tropical ,archipelago1 or connected with it1 which at present there are not4 ,,ii4 ,jamaica1 with the requisite alterations in her internal mail communications1 would have in all her western division seven and eight days1 and in all her eastern division eight and nine days1 to return answers by the packet with which she receives her ,european1 c4 correspondence1 of which she at present is deprived2 ,kingston and ,spanish ,town alone being able1 under the present regulations1 to do so4 ,,iii4 ,porto ,rico1 ,all ,cuba1 the more important parts of ,hayti1 and all the western coasts of ,south ,america1 would1 by these arrangements1 be brought immediately and completely within the range of the ,british ,post-office1 most of which places at present are not4 ,,iv4 ,by this arrangement all ,british ,guiana would be enabled to reply to all its ,european and ,colonial correspondence by the same packet1 but which at present they have it not in their power to do4 ,v4 ,the inhabitants of ,trinidad would get sufficient time to receive and to reply to their letters by the same packet4 ,from the ,naparima and other distant quarters they cannot at present do so4 ,,vi4 ,the whole of the ,british ,windward and ,leeward ,island ,colonies 7p4 #jdc7 would have regularly1 and nearly every week1 post communications with each other and with ,barbadoes1 instead of being1 as at present1 weeks together without such communications4 ,,vii4 ,this arrangement would be more agreeable1 convenient1 and advantageous to passengers from ,demerara1 c4 for the packet for ,england1 and also amongst the ,colonies1 and consequently more advantageous to all interested in the packets4 ,,viii4 ,the same may be said with regard to passengers in every part of the ,western ,archipelago4 ,the frequency and regularity of the conveyances would greatly add to the number of travellers1 and also greatly increase the number of letters sent and received1 and consequently augment the ,post-office revenue to an amount greatly beyond what it now is4 ,,ix4 ,by this arrangement the packet itself would always be out of any danger1 which1 it is well known1 she incurs by laying at ,barbadoes1 an unsheltered place at all times1 but peculiarly dangerous in the hurricane months4 ,in the route pointed out she would be nearly free from the sphere of all such dangers and tempests4 ,x4 ,by this arrangement the communications1 both to the ,government and to individuals1 would be more safe1 and regular1 and frequent than they now are with every quarter of the ,western ,world2 an object of great importance to all1 but more especially to the ,british ,government4 ,,xi4 ,by this arrangement six ,mexican packets1 which cost ,government1 say #dbjjl4 each 7#be1bjjl4 per annum71 would be wholly saved4 ,,xii4 ,departing from ,cape ,nichola ,mole1 instead of ,st4 ,thomas1 for ,falmouth1 does not increase the distance in the voyage to ,england above #caj miles1--about two days' sail2 moreover1 it may be remarked1 the packet at present scarcely ever leaves ,st4 ,thomas for ,england earlier than on the nineteenth day1 and sometimes even longer4 ,thus1--,steam-boat to ,jamaica1 eight days1 four days there1 and seven to ,st4 ,thomas even in favourable voyages4 ,,xiii4 ,great ,britain1 by thus possessing all the channels of communication in the ,western ,archipelago1 would thereby secure the principal political influence therein2 but which will otherwise1 and in a very short period hence1 go into the hands of the ,united ,states1 now earnestly looking about and proceeding to acquire and to 7p4 #jdd7 extend the same in that quarter of the world4 ,,xiv4 ,the expenses as regards this plan1 would1 for the ,west ,indies1 not be greater than for the present establishment in that quarter1 the ,mexican packets included2 while the communications with several places would be doubled4 ,,xv4 ,the whole correspondence of the ,united ,states1 with every quarter of ,america1 to the south of these ,states1 would be brought by the ,general ,plan within the range of the ,post ,office of ,great ,britain4 ,there would1 moreover1 be two mails each month between ,great ,britain and the eastern coast of ,south ,america4 ,,xvi4 ,a great and useful commercial correspondence1 between the ,united ,states1 ,british ,north ,america1 and all the ,west ,indies1 would be opened up1 but which at present does not exist4 ,,recapitulation4 ,in order to obtain a view of the ,plan1 brought into the narrowest possible compass1 without wading through the minute and multifarious details1 it is necessary to particularize the different stations and departments1 to which the numbers affixed immediately and only relate1 thus3-- ,no4 #a4 ,falmouth to ,terceira or ,fayal4 #b4 ,fayal to ,halifax4 #c4 ,halifax by ,new ,york to ,havannah4 #d4 ,fayal to ,rio de ,janeiro by ,pernambuco1 c4 #e4 ,fayal to ,madeira and ,teneriffe4 #f4 ,fayal to ,barbadoes4 #g4 ,west ,india ,department1 from ,demerara to ,vera ,cruz1 including ,chagres1 c4 #h4 ,expenses1 depts for coals1 and repair boats4 ,cost of ,plan by ,steam4 7p4 #jde7 ---------------------------------------- ------------------------- ,provi- ,number ,number ,fixed sions ,tons of,price of,cost of ,total ,number of of ,capital,wages1 ,coals ,coals ,coals ,expendi- of ,sailing ,station4 re- c4 ,yearly4per ton4,yearly4 ture ,steam- ,ves- quired4,yearly4 ,yearly4 ers4 sels4 ---------------------------------------- ------------------------- s4 #a #dh1jjj #ab1djj #h1djj #bj #h1djj #bj1hjj #b #b #dh1jjj #ab1djj #ab1jjj #be #ae1jjj #bg1djj #b #c #dh1jjj #ab1djj #ab1jjj #ae1jjj #bg1djj #b #d #gb1jjj #ah1fjj #bc1djj #bi1bej #dg1hej #c #e #g1jjj #c1fjj #c1fjj #d #f #if1jjj #bd1hjj #bb1bjj #bg1gej #eb1eej #d #g #aeg1ejj #dd1djj #cj1jjj #cg1ejj #ha1ijj #f #i #h #aa1cej --------------------- ---------------------------- #g #dgf1ejjabh1fjjajh1jjj #acb1ijjbgb1hej #ai #ac ,sub4 #cce1ejjaae1jjj #ch1djj #de1ijjafh1ejj #h #bf --------------------- ---------------------------- ,diff4 #ada1jjj #ac1fjj #fi1fjj #hg1jjjajd1cej #aa #ac ---------------------------------------- ------------------------- ,n4,b4--,the latter sum shows the difference of capital and expenditure betwixt the work done by steam1 and partly by steam and partly by sailing packets4 ,the reduction in coals by the preceding estimate will be #cc1bejl42 and1 allowing #aj per cent4 wastage on the whole quantity1 the real reduction in the expenditure will be #bj1jjjl4 ,footnote #g3 ,the cost of these steamers will1 to a considerable degree1 depend on the tonnage which it is considered most proper to adopt4 ,the utmost quantity of coals which any of them will require to carry1 will be 7,fayal to ,barbadoes1 and ,fayal to ,pernambuco7 #cjj tons4 ,airy accommodation for from fifty to sixty cabin passengers1 and twenty-five to thirty steerage ditto1 with the crew1 will be all that is requisite1 leaving a room for specie and the mails1 and space for from forty to one hundred tons of goods4 ,since the present calculation was made1 the price of machinery has risen considerably4 ,boats of the size necessary may now1 perhaps1 cost #bh1jjjl4 to #bi1jjjl4 ,in the latter case1 #gejl4 per annum 7five per cent4 insurance1 five per cent4 interest1 and five per cent4 ordinary tear and wear7 must be added to the yearly outlay1 as here stated4 ,the wages and provisions will remain the same4 ,iron boats can be had one-fourth cheaper than those built of wood2 moreover1 engines now made on the ,,expansive system1 require fully one-third fewer coals1 by which so much expense will be saved4 ,cost1 partly by ,steamers and partly by ,sailing ,packets4 7p4 #jdf7 ---------------------------------------- ------------------------- ,provi- ,number ,number ,fixed sions ,tons of,price of,cost of ,total ,number of of ,capital,wages1 ,coals ,coals ,coals ,expendi- of ,sailing ,station4 re- c4 ,yearly4per ton4,yearly4 ture ,steam- ,pack- quired4,yearly4 ,yearly4 ers4 ets4 ---------------------------------------- ------------------------- s4 #a #dh1jjj #ab1djj #h1djj #bj #h1djj #bj1hjj #b #b #ai1jjj #h1djj #h1djj #b #c #ai1jjj #h1djj #h1djj #b #d #dg1ejj #ba1jjj #ba1jjj #e #e #g1jjj #c1fjj #c1fjj #d #f #ch1jjj #af1hjj #af1hjj #d #g #aeg1jjj #dd1djj #cj1jjj #be #cg1ejj #ha1ijj #f #i #h #g1fjj --------------------- ---------------------------- #cce1ejjaae1jjj #ch1djj #de1ijj #afh1ejj #h #bf ---------------------------------------- ------------------------- ,subject on the total expenditure to reduction in coals to the amount of #aa1dgel42 less1 however1 #aj percent1 or #d1eijl4 for wastage2 giving the real reduction to be #f1hhel4 ,,general ,,remarks4 ,the mails conveyed from ,great ,britain by steam to the quarters mentioned would in their courses be due3-- ,london to ,halifax1 ,quebec1 and ,new ,york1 forty-six days2 from ,halifax to ,west ,indies1 according to the distance of the island or place2 ,havannah1 twenty-two days2 ,jamaica1 thirty-one days2 ,barbadoes1 fifty days1 c41 c4 ,london to ,rio de ,janeiro1 sixty-five days1 and ,buenos ,ayres1 fifteen days more2 ,london to ,madeira and ,teneriffe1 thirty-four days2 ,london to ,barbadoes1 and all the ,west ,indies1 from ,demerara to ,havannah1 and ,chagres inclusive1 sixty-five days1 and to ,honduras1 ,vera ,cruz1 and ,tampico1 fifteen days more4 ,if the mails are conveyed by sailing packets on the four great lines from ,fayal1 then the time for all would be fifteen days additional4 ,large as the above-mentioned sums are1 still the revenues of ,great ,britain and ,ireland1 and their ,colonial dependencies in the ,western ,world 7p4 #jdg7 7say #ee1jjj1jjjl4 yearly71 ought to defray the cost without feeling any embarrassment4 ,the cost1 however1 is nothing1 when compared to the benefits and the advantages which the nation and individuals would derive from it4 ,time saved and actively employed is every thing4 ,it is capital1 which1 if not employed at the moment1 can never be again employed--a capital which1 if suffered or forced to remain unemployed1 or to escape unemployed1 can never again be found or replaced4 ,the exports of ,great ,britain amount at the declared value1 and including freights and charges1 to #ge1jjj1jjjl4 per annum4 ,by employing steam-packets on even a portion of the present work1 instead of sailing-packets1 fifteen days would be gained in every line of communication4 ,remittances arriving fifteen days earlier would be a profit to the commercial interests of the country of #afg1gicl41 independent of the additional advantages which every merchant would gain when1 instead of his funds wandering on the ,atlantic1 or lying idle and unproductive on the other side of it1 he had these in hand1 to lay out to good account as opportunity might offer4 ,even ,government itself1 from the want of regularity and frequency of transmission1 lose1 in their money transactions in the ,west ,indies1 above #hjjjl4 yearly1 and much more in not being able to learn quickly and regularly the state of the exchanges in the great money marts in the ,western ,world4 ,moreover1 the ,plan above recommended1 conducted judiciously1 and carried into effect to the extent pointed out1 would amply repay either the ,government or the individuals who may undertake it4 ,travelling would be prodigiously increased4 ,some of the wealth of foreign countries would be drawn by it to this country and her dependencies4 ,everywhere activity and industry would be encouraged and increased4 ,the ,post-office revenue would be greatly augmented1--perhaps doubled4 ,the expenditure also would all be on ,british materials and labour4 ,cost of the ,new ,system and the ,present ,system4 ,in order to understand the subject fairly1 it becomes necessary to contrast the capital and the expenditure required under the 7p4 #jdh7 ,,new ,,plan with the capital and the expenditure required for the ,present ,system2 and also1 from data1 which1 though these in some points may not be perfectly accurate1 are at any rate sufficiently so1 to show the income which may reasonably be expected under the working of the ,plan recommended4 ,every one practically acquainted with the subject1 with the countries and combinations1 with the objects alluded to and brought forward1 will acknowledge the general accuracy of the data1 and the great superiority and advantages in every way1 and in every thing1 of the new plan over the present system4 ,i4 ,the portion relating to the ,west ,indian ,department1 shall separately and first be taken as a comparison4 ,yearly cost by the proposed plan #ha1ijj ,yearly cost by present system3-- ,six ,mexican packets at #d1bjjh #be1bjj ,four steamers and coals1 say #ci1jjj ,hire ten mail-boats1 ,west ,indies #f1jjj ,ditto mail-vessels1 ,nassau1 ,chagres1 c41 say #d1jjj ,assistance navy1#i equal to1 say #c1jjj ------- #gg1bjj ------ ,apparent increase #d1gjj ,but against this there is to be placed1 the proportion of saving in coals #e1fce ------- ,difference gained #ice ------- ,footnote #h3 ,see ,appendix ,no4 #a41 ,calculation of ,expenses of ,steamers and ,sailing ,packets4 ,footnote #i3 ,men-of-war frequently carry the mails from ,barbadoes to ,jamaica2 also in other places4 ,capital4 7p4 #jdi7 ,capital required by new plan #aeg1jjj ,by present system3-- ,six ,mexican packets1 at #iejj #eg1jjj ,four steamers1 above #bj1jjj1 say #hf1jjj ,ten mail-vessels1 ,windward ,islands1 #aejj #ae1jjj ,mail-vessels1 ,nassau1 ,st4 ,martha1 c4 #e1jjj ,aid men-of-war1#aj equal to #g1ejj ------- #agj1ejj ------- ,difference3 decrease #ac1ejj ------- ,footnote #aj3 ,this assistance is worth more in capital than this sum4 ,under the present system1 all ,demerara1 ,jamaica 7,kingston and ,spanish ,town excepted71 and a large portion of ,trinidad1 cannot reply to their letters by the same packet by which they receive them4 ,also ,nassau1 ,havannah1 ,tampico1 ,vera ,cruz1 ,honduras1 ,chagres1 ,carthagena1 ,santa ,martha1 and ,laguayra1 have only ,,one mail each month2 while all ,porto ,rico1 all the north side 7the most important part7 of ,hayti1 and all the south side of ,cuba1 are wholly left out2 while in all parts the system is imperfect1 irregular1 and uncertain4 ,by the new plan1 ,nassau1 ,havannah1 ,tampico1 ,vera ,cruz1 ,honduras1 ,chagres1 ,santa ,martha1 and ,laguayra1 would have two mails each month2 all ,porto ,rico1 the north side of ,hayti1 and the south side of ,cuba1 would be included1 and have two mails each month also2 and all ,jamaica1 ,trinidad1 and ,demerara1 would have time to reply to their letters by the same packet which brought them4 ,time would everywhere be saved1 and the whole system would be regular and certain1 and properly combined4 ,,ii4 7p4 #jej7 ,the ,general ,plan for the ,western ,world3-- ,capital required by new plan #dgf1ejj ,by present system3-- #bh sailing-packets1#aa at #iejj #bff1jjj #b do4 vessels1 ,s4 ,america1 #e1jjj #aj1jjj #d steamers1 above #bj1jjj #hf1jjj #aj mail-vessels1 ,barbadoes1 #aejj #ae1jjj ,mail vessels1 other stations1 at least #h1jjj ,aid navy1 as already stated #g1ejj -------- #cib1ejj -------- ,difference3 increase #hd1jjj -------- ,cost yearly by new plan #bgb1hej ,by present system3-- #bh sailing-packets1 at #dbjj #abf1jjj #d steamers1 and coals #ci1jjj #b vessels1 ,rio de ,janeiro1 c4 #d1ejj #aj mail vessels1 ,barbadoes station #f1jjj ,bermuda1 ,halifax1 ,nassau1 c4 c4 say #e1ejj ,aid navy1 equal to #c1jjj -------- #ahd1jjj -------- ,apparent increase #hh1hej ,but against this is to be placed1 first1 the coals saved by the use of sails1 #bj1jjjl42 secondly1 the sum of #aa1cejl4 allowed in new plan 7not taken into account in the present7 for the expense of coal depts1 and places for repairs2 together #ca1cej -------- ,real increase #eg1eej -------- ,footnote #aa3 ,according to ,parl4 ,pap4 ,no4 #bea1 of #ahce1 the following are the names and the number of the packets3-- ,eclipse ,lyra ,tyrian ,stanmer ,plover ,renard ,seagull ,nautilus ,swallow ,brisei ,cockatrice ,scorpion ,goldfinch ,reindeer ,hornet ,espoir ,mutine ,nightingale ,camden ,pike ,lapwing ,skylark ,duke of ,york ,sheldrake ,pigeon ,spey ,lady ,mary ,pelham ,opossum ,pandora ,lord ,melville ,astrea1 stationary ship at ,falmouth1 #ief tons4 ,the ,express1 the ,star1 the ,alert1 ,,new1 have since replaced some of the above4 ,remarks4 7p4 #jea7 ,by the present system1 there is no direct mail communication with ,new ,york2 no communication between ,north ,america and the ,west ,indies1 no mail communication with the north side of ,hayti1 the south side of ,cuba1 nor with ,porto ,rico2 ,havannah1 ,vera ,cruz1 ,tampico1 ,honduras1 ,nassau1 ,bermuda1 ,chagres1 ,carthagena1 ,santa ,martha1 ,laguayra1 ,rio de ,janeiro1 ,buenos ,ayres1 c4 c4 have only one mail in each month2 while all ,demerara1 most part of ,trinidad1 and all ,jamaica 7,kingston and ,spanish ,town excepted71 cannot reply to their letters by the same packet by which they received them4 ,further1 every thing is imperfect1 irregular1 and uncertain2 and1 moreover1 the four steamers in the ,west ,indies last spring are so utterly inefficient and worthless1 that they must forthwith be replaced by at least three good new ones1 to do the same limited work4 ,by the new plan there will be two mail communications with ,new ,york and ,halifax monthly2 two ditto between all the ,west ,indies and all ,north ,america2 there will be a mail communication twice each month with ,porto ,rico1 with the north side of ,hayti1 and the south side of ,cuba4 ,there will be mail communications twice each month with ,bermuda1 ,nassau1 ,havannah1 ,tampico1 ,vera ,cruz1 ,honduras1 ,chagres1 ,panama1 ,carthagena1 ,santa ,martha1 ,laguayra1 ,rio de ,janeiro1 ,buenos ,ayres1 ,madeira1 and ,teneriffe2 and all ,demerara1 ,jamaica1 and ,trinidad will be able to reply to their letters by the same packet by which they receive them4 ,the work everywhere will be well done1 and every thing will be regular and certain4 ,,iii4 7p4 #jeb7 ,if ,steam is employed between ,falmouth and ,fayal1 and in all the ,west ,indian department1 and supposing that all the remainder of the general plan for the western world is performed by sailing packets1 then the results will be3-- ,capital required by new plan this way #cce1ejj ,ditto employed under the present system #cib1ejj -------- ,difference ,,less #eg1jjj -------- ,yearly cost by present system #ahd1jjj ,ditto by new plan #afh1ejj -------- ,difference ,,less #ae1ejj ,but to this difference ought to be added the sum of #fhhel4 saved in coals by using sails1 and the sum of #gfjjl4 allowed in new plan but not taken into account in the present1 for the expense of coal depts1 and places for repairs1 #gfjjl4 together #ad1dhe -------- ,true difference ,,less #bi1ihe ,,iv4--,income4 ,profit on passengers in all quarters 7see ,appendix1 ,no4 #a47 #acb1bgd ,freights1 parcels1 packages1 fine goods 7see do47 #aag1ddj ,ditto specie1 #bd1jjj1jjj dollars1 at #a per cent4 dollar #ds4 #b;d4 #ea1abe #ab,transport troops1 stores1 c4 for ,government1 say #cj1gje ,saving coals1 as before1 by use of sails #bj1jjj -------- ,total #cea1edd ,yearly charges of whole done by ,steam #beb1hej 7p4 #jec7 #acaj per cent4 yearly to replace capital1 or #ej1jjj ,port charges1 say foreign ports1 c4 #ae1jjj ,sundry small charges for ,steamers1 at #fjjl4 yearly #aa1djj -------- #cbi1bej -------- ,gain besides clear post-office revenue #bb1bid -------- ,footnote #ab3 ,cost transport troops to ,government yearly-- ,jamaica command #d1cad #d #e ,windward and ,leeward ,islands #ad1adi #ag #i ,bermuda command #c1ihb #ah #aj ,british ,north ,america #f1bei #ac #h ,army vessels ,west ,indies #a1iih #ac #aj -------------- #cj1gje #h #a ,parliamentary ,papers1 ,no4 #eih of #ahcf4 ,footnote #ac3 ,in order to replace the original capital1 #aj per cent4 or #ej1jjjl4 yearly laid aside as a sinking fund1 is quite sufficient1 thus3-- ,principal4 ,interest4 #ast year #ej1jjj #j #j #b;d do4 #ej1jjj #j #j #b1ejj #j #j #c;d do4 #ej1jjj #j #j #e1abe #j #j #dth do4 #ej1jjj #j #j #g1hha #e #j #eth do4 #ej1jjj #j #j #aj1gge #f #j #fth do4 #ej1jjj #j #j #ac1had #j #f #gth do4 #ej1jjj #j #j #ag1jjd #ai #j #hth do4 #ej1jjj #j #j #bj1cce #j #f #ith do4 #ej1jjj #j #j #bc1hgb #ae #f #ajth do4 #ej1jjj #j #j #bg1eff #h #g --------------- -------------- ,capital #ejj1jjj #j #j #abh1hhh #ad #i ,interest #abh1hhh #ad #i ---------------- ,total #fbh1hhh #ad #i ---------------- ,a similar sum 7see ,appendix1 ,no4 #a47 of at least #fjjl4 per annum1 each1 ought to be charged as the capital necessary to replace the sailing-packets4 ,as regards the ,post-office revenue1 it is impossible1 in the absence of full official returns1 to state its present exact amount1 and1 consequently1 the probable future increase4 ,the revenue from the outward postages to the ,british ,west ,indian ,colonies1 ,honduras excepted1 is inserted in the ,appendix from official authority4 ,judging from it1 and other data1 also adduced from official authority1 the present amount there stated cannot be far wrong2 and the calculated increase under the arrangements proposed1 every circumstance considered1 is fair and reasonable4 ,besides the certain great increase in all the external postages in these countries and colonies and places1 the internal and coasting postages in these places will be augmented to a very great extent4 ,taking the outward postages at present to be1 to all the places mentioned1 #ajj1jjjl4--inwards as much1 #bjj1jjjl4--there may be added1 ,additions #ajj1jjjl42 7p4 #jed7 ,increase #gj1jjjl42 total #cgj1jjjl42 viz41 outwards #ahe1jjjl41 and inwards as much2 giving at the average postage of #bs4 #e;d4 the number of letters each way to be #a1eca1dfe4 ,as regards the ,harbour-charges1 in the ,british ,colonies1 these may be given up1 or reduced to a small sum for the trouble which the ,custom ,houses may be put to2 and in foreign ports it should be arranged by compacts with the respective governments1 that the port dues should be reduced to a small sum1 for two reasons1--because the vessels carry the mails1 and because they are on that account restricted to a small portion of the whole cargo1 which they could otherwise take4 ,the charges might be made proportionate3 there could not be much difficulty in arranging these points4 ,in some of the minor ports 7foreign71 the steamers would not even come to anchor4 ,,west ,,indies4--,,internal ,,post ,,offices4 ,the internal communications in the ,west ,indies by post are very inefficient1 even where they exist1 but in most colonies these are altogether wanting4 ,communication in the ,west ,indies on business1 and in the affairs of public and private life1 is principally carried on by correspondence2 and from the particular circumstances of these colonies1 more so in proportion than in other countries4 ,the way in which this extensive and general communication is carried on is by letter sent by servants or hired messengers4 ,these servants or messengers take days in a particular service1 according to the distance4 ,the latter mode is particularly expensive4 ,the other1 the most general1 is scarcely less so1 except that from the construction of ,west ,indian society1 there was beforetime felt no immediate outlay for the service required4 ,important supplies are required upon an estate for various purposes4 ,this is of very frequent occurrence4 ,a special messenger from that estate must be despatched with a letter ordering the same1 to a 7p4 #jee7 distance of twenty or thirty miles1 or more4 ,two or three days' labour are lost1 an expense of #ds4 or #es4 incurred1 while #as4 for letters by post1 if there was a post1 would accomplish the object4 ,this is merely one point brought forward in proof of the necessity of internal post conveyances in the ,british ,west ,indian colonies1 as in this country1 out of the multitudes that could be adduced for a similar purpose4 ,the state of society in the ,west ,indies is now on the eve of being completely changed1 and assimilated to the society in this country2 and consequently the duty of the ,government of this country ought to bestow on the population of the colonies the same facilities of communication which the population of the mother country enjoy4 ,when the ,negro apprenticeship comes to an end1 either partially or totally1 the expense to estates and individuals for servants or messengers to carry the correspondence absolutely necessary1 will be exceedingly great1 and a most serious burden2 and yet it must be borne1--or otherwise1 without internal post communications1 neither cultivation nor commerce can be carried on4 ,it is absolutely necessary for the future well-being of these colonies1 that internal post communications should be extended to1 and established in each of them4 ,jamaica 7and perhaps it stands single in this respect7 has an internal post communication once a week1 to and from ,kingston1 and other quarters of the island 7daily only with ,spanish ,town1 the capital72 still this weekly post is greatly inadequate to its present wants1 and will be much more so after ,august #ahch1 and ,august #ahdj4 ,in consequence of this restricted communication1 no other part of the island1 ,spanish ,town excepted1 knows of a packet's arrival until it is gone1 or till it is too late to write by it4 ,this important colony ought not only to have mails from ,kingston at least three times a week1 but the various post-offices throughout the island should have auxiliary post-offices1 after the manner of penny or twopenny post-offices in this country4 ,every one will be glad to pay a regular and reasonable postage1 rather than be at the very heavy expense1 after #ahdj1 of taking a labourer to convey the communications4 ,knowing the stated day for receiving and transmitting letters1 no one in 7p4 #jef7 the most distant parts could ever be at a loss2 and every one1 more especially on estates1 would benefit and save exceedingly thereby4 ,in like manner1 the smaller colonies ought to have posts twice or thrice a week from the capital2 the country offices placed at the most important villages1 and the auxiliary ones at hamlets the best situated for the purpose4 ,smaller merchants and shopkeepers in these places would be glad to do the duty at a moderate rate1 because it would otherwise serve them1 by drawing customers and correspondents to their places of business4 ,even in the smallest colonies such internal establishments would pay1 and1 in most of them1 more than pay1 the expenses they occasion2 while it is clear that such internal facilities would most materially add to the external or packet postage4 ,where the roads are good1 the mails1 travelling at the rate of five or six miles per hour1 may be carried in gigs1 as in this country1 drawn by horses or mules2 and where rugged or hilly1 on the backs of mules1 in proper portmanteaus4 ,it is worthy the attention1 and is in fact the duty1 of ,her ,majesty's ,general ,post-office1 to direct some person locally acquainted to proceed through the colonies1 to examine into situations1 and to establish such internal post conveyances4 ,in the smaller islands1 as has been stated1 they would defray1 and more than defray1 the expenses incurred2 while in the larger and more opulent colonies1 they would yield a fair revenue2 while the good they would do to every community will be incalculably great4 ,the ,west ,indies everywhere want a little ,european energy and regularity infused into them1--and this is one efficient1 perhaps the simplest and most efficient way to do it4 ,,pacific ,,department4 7p4 #jeg7 ,it has been already stated that a steam communication for the west coasts of ,america1 on the ,pacific1 has already been arranged1 and is about to be set on foot4 ,this important object has been concerted and arranged by that enterprising gentleman1 ,,william ,,wheelwright1 ,esq41 of ,valparaiso1 after almost incredible perseverance and labour1 and great expense2 and has obtained the official sanction and support of both the ,chilian and ,peruvian ,governments4 ,it will extend from ,panama to ,valparaiso on the south1 and to ,acapulco on the north2 and will1 as a matter of course1 for the interest of those concerned in carrying the plan into execution1 be so timed and arranged in the working machinery thereof1 as to correspond with the arrivals at1 and departures from1 ,chagres on the north1 or the ,atlantic side of the ,isthmus4#ad ,a road is about to be commenced between ,panama and the ,chagres1 which 7p4 #jeh7 when completed1 the communication from sea to sea may be made in half a day4 ,this point1 as regards the western coasts of ,america1 being thus arranged1 it becomes of vast importance to the whole plan proposed1 to extend from ,great ,britain to the eastern coasts of the western world2 and it now becomes of great consequence to show how readily and advantageously the ,west ,indian department can be made to connect itself outwards and inwards across the ,isthmus alluded to1 with ,sydney1 ,new ,south ,wales2 ,canton1 ,china1 c4 ,footnote #ad3 ,the following are the distances from ,panama to the different places alluded to3-- ,,south4 ,panama to ,guayaquil ,s4 #j4 #ca' ,w4 ,dist4 #fgj ,geo4 ,miles4 ,guayaquil to ,lima ,s4 #ae4 ,e4 #faj ,lima to ,arica ,s4 #de4 ,e4 #egj ,arica to ,coquimbo ,s4 #e4 ,w4 #fij ,coquimbo to ,valparaiso ,s4 #e4 ,w4 #aij ,valparaiso to ,fort ,carlos1 ,chiloe ,s4 #af4 ,w4 #eee ,from ,panama to ,valparaiso and back could be thirty days1 including three days for stoppages4 ,,north4 ,panama to ,point ,mala ,s4 #ae4 ,w4 ,dist4 #ie ,geo4 ,miles4 ,point ,mala to ,port ,damas1 ,quibo ,s4 #hi4 ,w4 #ig ,port ,damas to ,rialejo ,n4 #dh4 ,w4 #dej ,rialejo to ,acapulco ,n4 #fb-a_/b4 ,w4 #aahj ,acapulco to ,st4 ,blas ,n4 #dh4 ,w4 #dbj ,st ,blas to ,cape ,lucas1 ,california ,n4 #gc4 ,w4 #bgd ,from ,panama to ,st4 ,blas and back could be twenty-seven days1 including four days for stoppages4 ,this connexion may be made either by ,chagres and ,panama1 or by the river ,st4 ,juan's1 through the ,lake ,nicaragua1 to ,rialejo1 on the ,pacific4 ,the distances and courses by either are not materially different3 but there is the best reason to believe that the communication by the route last mentioned is the best2 and that1 in fact1 it may1 without a very great expense1 be effected by water4 ,to carry on the communication across the ,pacific1 from and to the places mentioned1 by steam1 would be unprofitable1 unadvisable1 and unnecessary4 ,to give two mails each month to the places specifically mentioned1 would require1 even fixing a central point in the ,pacific as in the ,atlantic1 thirteen steamers1 at a cost of #bbc1jjjl42 while no more than fifteen days could be gained1 compared to the time that the work could be performed by sailing packets4 ,these results have been obtained after calculations carefully made upon the same principles as the calculations for a similar purpose have been made in the preceding pages4 ,the whole can be proved by considering the winds which prevail in the quarters of the ,pacific alluded to 7elsewhere particularly noticed71 and by examining the bearings and distances inserted in ,appendix ,no4 ,,iii4 ,these matters being considered1 it follows1 that not only no additional expense will be required on account of the mails which are to cross the ,isthmus to the ,pacific1 until their arrival at ,panama or ,rialejo2 but that resources from 7p4 #jei7 the latter1 such as parcels1 packages1 and passengers1 will be drawn from the ,pacific department1 to increase the returns in the ,atlantic department4 ,with these observations1 it is now proper to advert to the courses and distances which must be taken1 and the expenses which will be required in this1 which shall be denominated the ,pacific ,department2 the work to be performed by first-class sailing packets4 ,owing to the winds which prevail in the ,pacific1 the passage outwards to both ,sydney and ,canton would be easy and rapid2 but in order to make the return mails from these places meet at a central point--thereby1 as in the plan for crossing the ,atlantic1 to save packets--which point should be so placed1 as that taking it in would not retard the progress of the mails1 or that only in the slightest degree possible--is now the point to consider4 ,beyond the parallel where the variable winds commence1 there is no island of importance in any position that would be an eligible and safe point for the return mails from ,sydney and ,canton to meet in their way to ,rialejo or ,panama4 ,to carry the outward mails from either of the latter places by ,otaheite1 the ,canton packet branching off there would be to bring it1 upon its return1 a vast distance out of its way 7to ,otaheite it must return in order to get the next outward mail for ,canton72 especially when the return mail from ,sydney must stand north through the trades to get into the northern variables4 ,it would be desirable that a good point should be found1 as much to the westward as possible1 and convenient to proceed to ,canton2 at the same time1 sufficiently to the eastward1 or1 as it may be called1 to the windward1 of ,new ,south ,wales4 ,owhyhee may be considered as taking the ,sydney outward mails considerably out of their course1 although by making that the point1 the time in both lines westward from it would be pretty equally divided4 ,the difference1 however1 and the delay it would occasion1 would not be so much as at first sight may be imagined2 while the short distance that this island is within the northern trade winds1 would render it neither difficult nor tedious for the return packet from ,canton to run down upon it1 and there meet the return packet from ,sydney4 ,christmas ,isle1 a little to the north of the equator1 7p4 #jfj7 might be made the central point at which the packets would separate1 and to which they would return2 the ,canton packets dropping at ,owhyhee the return mails1 to be picked up by the packet returning from ,sydney to ,rialejo4 ,this would bring the ,canton packet #ajjj miles into the trade winds to ,christmas ,isle4 ,from thence1 with the outward mails1 it could run rapidly westward to ,canton1 calling at ,manilla in the voyage4 ,there are no other places in the ,north ,pacific where packets could touch1 unite1 and command1 with the least inconvenience to the service1 the navigation to and from both places4 ,separate establishments for each line from the west coast of ,america may be considered too expensive1 if1 by concentration and combination1 the same work could be performed at less expense2 and then1 by that combination1 whatever letters1 passengers1 c4 there might be from ,sydney to ,canton1 or from ,canton to ,sydney1 would meet at either of the places mentioned1 and be forwarded in the quickest manner to their respective destinations4 ,the question is1 ,which of the places and plans mentioned is the best fitted for the objects had in view8 ,to determine this1 it will be best to consider the communication1 each of the three ways in which it may be taken1 thus3-- ,making ,owhyhee the central point of communication1 the routes1 distances1 and periods1 and expenses1 would be-- ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days ,rialejo to ,owhyhee #d1ajj #bb ,owhyhee to ,canton #e1bjj #bh ,stop at ,canton #b ,canton to ,owhyhee 7circuitous7 #e1ijj #ci ,owhyhee to ,rialejo do4 #d1gjj #bi ------ --- ,totals #ai1ijj #abj ------ --- ,eight boats would perform this work1 giving two mails each month3 cost1 #gf1jjjl42 yearly charges1 #cc1fjjl4 ,owhyhee to ,sydney4 7p4 #jfa7 ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,owhyhee to ,sydney1 ,n4 ,s4 ,wales #d1fjj #bd ,stop at ,sydney #c ,sydney to ,otaheite1 say #c1ijj #be ,otaheite to ,owhyhee #b1bej #ac ------ -- ,totals #aj1gej #fe ------ -- ,six packets 7one to spare7 would perform this work between ,owhyhee and ,sydney1 giving two mails each month3 cost1 #eg1jjjl42 yearly charges1 #be1bjjl4 ,admitting that the packets on the ,owhyhee and ,sydney line take longer time than is here stated1 they would still be in time to reach ,owhyhee by the time that the ,canton mail came up2 which in its course with ,owhyhee is calculated to be #ia days4 ,in fact1 there is thus time sufficient to allow the ,owhyhee and ,sydney packet time to communicate with ,hobart ,town1 and to call at ,otaheite in her outward voyage2 as she will do1 and1 in fact1 from the course which she must take1 she may and can do1 in her return voyage1 without any inconvenience or delay whatever4 ,the next plan is1 to consider the communications alluded to as to be carried on by making ,christmas ,island the central point of arrangement2 thus3-- ,rialejo to ,christmas ,isle4 ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,rialejo to ,christmas ,isle #djjj #ba ,christmas ,isle to ,sydney1 ,n4 ,s4 ,wales #cfej #bj ,stop at ,sydney #c ,sydney to ,christmas ,isle1 by ,otaheite #eajj #ce ,christmas ,isle to ,rialejo1 by ,owhyhee #ehjj #ce ------ --- ,totals #ae1ejj #aad ------ --- ,eight packets would perform this work1 giving two mails each month3 cost1 #gf1jjjl42 yearly charges1 #ce1fjjl4 ,christmas ,isle to ,canton4 7p4 #jfb7 ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,christmas ,isle to ,canton #ebej #bf ,stop at ,canton #c ,canton to ,christmas ,isle1 by ,owhyhee route #fijj #df ------ -- ,totals #ab1aej #ge ,eight packets would perform this work1 giving two mails each month3 cost #gf1jjjl42 yearly charges1 #cc1fjjl42 which shows that it takes one packet more by this arrangement than would be required by the other4 ,keeping the stations altogether separate1 the following would be the periods and number of packets required1 premising that the packets would return to the point of departure on the west coast of ,america1 nearly in the dotted lines which are laid down on the accompanying ,chart3-- ,rialejo to ,canton4 ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,rialejo to ,owhyhee #dajj #bb ,owhyhee to ,canton #ebjj #bg ,stop at ,canton #b ,canton to ,rialejo 7circuitous7 #aj1jjj #ei ------ --- ,totals #ai1cjj #aaj ,eight packets would perform this work1 giving two mails each month2 first cost1 #gf1jjjl42 yearly charges1 #cc1fjjl4 ,rialejo to ,sydney1 ,new ,south ,wales4 ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,rialejo to ,otaheite #dajj #bb ,otaheite to ,sydney #cdjj #ai ,stop at ,sydney #c ,sydney to ,rialejo1 by ,n4 ,point1 ,new ,zealand #hejj #ea ------ -- ,totals #af1jjj #ie ,examining attentively the three preceding routes of communication1 7p4 #jfc7 it is plain that1 in point of expense1 the last1 namely1 that which gives two establishments1 is not more than the most eligible of the other two1 while in point of time it is considerably the quickest4 ,the packets going out and returning twice each month1 or every fifteen days1 it follows that1 on every route1 their voyages divide into periods of that duration4 ,in the more distant1 such as the routes at present under consideration1 their voyages1 in order to coincide and to meet with the return mails at any given point1 will run1 say1 #ij days1 #aje days1 #abj days1 c42 and within the latter-mentioned number the mail from ,canton must return to ,jamaica1 to secure1 without extra loss of time1 a packet bound to ,england4 ,seven packets would perform this work1 giving two mails each month2 first cost1 #ff1ejjl42 yearly charges1 #bi1bjjl42 which is one packet more than the ,owhyhee plan requires2 but that station would require one spare packet1 making fifteen for the whole1 which thus makes both stations equal1 but without the combination which the ,owhyhee station gives4 ,this arrangement for the ,pacific would1 in whichever way it may be taken1 save the whole proposed steam communication from ,ceylon eastward to ,canton and ,new ,south ,wales2 which saving1 either on the ,mediterranean or ,cape of ,good ,hope lines1 would be1 eight steamers and one sailing vessel--capital1 #aii1ejjl41 and yearly charges about #acj1jjjl42 thus reducing very greatly indeed the cost of the subsequent plan projected for the ,eastern world4 ,even at the outset1 the mails1 parcels1 and passengers on the ,pacific station1 would1 it is believed1 pay the expenses as here stated3-- ,fixed ,capital4 ,yearly ,charges4 ,pacific ,departments #adb1ejj #fc1jjj ,,the ,,mediterranean1 ,,east ,,indies1 c4 c4 7p4 #jfd7 ,i4 ,falmouth and the ,mediterranean4 ,to extend the mail communications between ,great ,britain and all places in the ,mediterranean1 and more especially with the more distant parts of that sea1 which will go to connect more closely ,british communications with the ,east ,indies and countries situated still more to the eastward1 is now1 more than ever1 become a national object1 and1 it may be added1 a national duty4 ,france seems to be actively extending mail communications1 in that sea1 to all places1 as well to those under her immediate sway as to others2 and if allowed to do so without any rival1 it becomes obvious that1 with the command of all the channels of communication1 she will obtain such a monopoly of political influence as will give her the monopoly of political power also in that quarter of the world4 ,such a result cannot fail to prove highly injurious to all the great commercial and political interests of ,great ,britain2 and this result ought to be guarded against and prevented even at a considerable sacrifice1 if a sacrifice were necessary1 but which it is not4 ,two mails each month between ,great ,britain and the ,mediterranean are indispensably necessary1 otherwise the conveyance of both letters and despatches1 and passengers1 will generally be quicker by private ships and other similar conveyances which may offer4 ,the route can be from ,falmouth to ,alexandria direct1 by ,lisbon1 ,cadiz1 ,gibraltar1 ,palermo1 and ,malta2 at the latter place dropping the outward mails for the ,ionian ,islands1 ,athens1 and ,constantinople2 to be forwarded immediately by a branch steam-boat1 which will return to ,malta from 7p4 #jfe7 ,constantinople1 c4 with the return mails for ,england1 c4 c4 to be forwarded by the ,alexandria and ,falmouth steamers1 returning by way of ,malta1 ,palermo1 ,gibraltar1 ,cadiz1 and ,lisbon2 a good sailing vessel being employed to convey the outward and the inward mails to and from ,zante to the other ,ionian ,islands4 ,it would take the ,constantinople steamer from ,malta too much out of her way to call at any other of these islands but the one mentioned4 ,as the ,falmouth and ,mediterranean department is in every point of view a most important station1 so it may be rendered a profitable one2 because it will connect itself with the ,east ,indian communication1 and consequently a very great additional number of passengers1 letters1 parcels1 c4 will be obtained4 ,calling at ,lisbon1 ,cadiz1 ,gibraltar1 ,palermo1 and ,malta in the way out to1 and in the way home from ,alexandria1 steam-boats sufficiently powerful 7#bdj-;horse power7 would complete the voyage in #de days from ,london to ,london1 including all necessary stoppages4 ,three powerful steamers would do this work1 giving two mails each month4 ,the capital necessary to purchase these would be #gb1jjjl4 ,the annual expenditure for these three boats1 on this station1 would be--,wages1 provisions1 tear and wear1 c4 #f1bjjl4 each1 or #ah1fjjl42 and for coals1 #bj1djj tons1 #be1fjjl42 together1 #dd1bjjl4 ,thus each boat on this station would be actively employed #cd days each voyage #gd monthly1 #haf yearly3 coals1 #be tons daily #bj1djj tons at #bes41 #be1fjjl4 ,the route1 course1 and time1 from ,alexandria1 would be thus3-- ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,falmouth to ,alexandria1 by ,lisbon1 c4 c4 #bihe #ai ,alexandria to ,falmouth1 by ,malta1 c4 c4 #bihe #ai ,stop at ,alexandria #b ,london and ,falmouth1 including day of departure #eeb #e ---- -- #febb #de ---- -- ,n4,b4 ,seventeen days1 at #ahj geographical miles per day1 gives #cjfj miles--the real distance is #bihe4 #b4 ,malta and ,constantinople4 7p4 #jff7 ,from ,malta a branch steam-boat may proceed with the mails for the ,ionian ,islands1 and touching at ,zante to land these1 proceed thence to ,athens1 and thence to ,constantinople with the outward mails4 ,from ,constantinople this boat will return1 by ,athens and ,zante1 to ,malta1 with the return mails for the ,alexandria and ,falmouth packets4 ,the distance from ,malta to ,alexandria and back is #afej miles1 and by the course already pointed out1 the distance from ,malta to ,constantinople and back is not materially different4 ,consequently1 one good steamer would perform the work in the same time as is requisite to go to ,alexandria and return4 ,this boat would be1 each voyage1 ten days at sea2 stopping two days at ,constantinople3 which is #bj days monthly2 #bdj days yearly2 requiring #ejjj tons of coals1 #fbejl41 and #fbjjl4 more for wages1 provisions1 insurance1 tear and wear2 together #ab1dejl4 per annum4 ,,east-,,indian ,,department4 #c4 ,alexandria and ,suez4 ,the distance from the former to the latter place is #agj geographical miles4 ,this might1 under prompt and proper regulations1 be performed in two days4 ,the first portion of the distance is from ,alexandria to ,cairo1 about #ajj miles by water1 and the second is from ,cairo to ,suez across the desert1 about #gj miles4 ,what the expense of transporting mails1 passengers1 c4 over this distance would be1 it is difficult to state1 but let it be taken as an approximation at #ejjjl4 per annum4 #d4 ,suez to ,bombay4 7p4 #jfg7 ,the mail communications by steam might readily and with great advantage be extended to this quarter of the world1 and to this important portion of the ,british empire4 ,nor need the channel of communication stop at the ,east ,indies1 but proceed on until it includes within its range ,batavia1 ,china1 and ,new ,south ,wales4 ,the further the line is extended1 and the more its ramifications are combined and connected1 the greater will the advantages1 and the more ample the remuneration1 be to whoever undertakes the work4 ,the commercial and political concerns and interests connected with these vast portions of the globe1 are well known to be immense1 and of the first-rate importance1 while no ,european power is so much interested in these as ,great ,britain4 ,with these remarks the manner in which the communications alluded to can be effected and carried on remains to be pointed out4 ,the route1 periods1 and distances from ,alexandria1 would be as follows1 premising that the price of coals in all these ,eastern stations will be considerably higher than in the stations in the ,western ,world1 as these coals may have to be carried to the different places by the circuitous navigation of the ,cape of ,good ,hope4 ,still1 calculating the whole to be brought from ,europe1 these may be obtained at the average price of #djs4 per ton2 while #aj per cent4 additional1 for all supplies and wages1 may be added to the sum taken for expenditure in the stations in the western hemisphere1 as required in every place to the eastward of the ,cape of ,good ,hope4 ,and at these rates all the subsequent estimates are formed4 ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,alexandria to ,suez1 by ,cairo #agj #b ,suez to ,babelmandel1 by ,mocha #abje #f ,stop at ,mocha1 coals #b ,babelmandel to ,bombay1 by ,aden or ,socotora #afcj #h ,stop at ,bombay #b ,bombay to ,alexandria1 same route #cjje #ah ---- -- ,totals #fjaj #ch ---- -- ,three powerful steamers would perform this work1 giving two mails 7p4 #jfh7 each month--at sea #db days each voyage #dh monthly #ajjh yearly2 coals at #be tons daily1 #be1bjj tons1 at #djs4 #ej1djjl4 #e4 ,aden or ,socotora to ,mauritius4 ,the steamer for ,bombay could1 without material difficulty1 drop mails for the ,mauritius at ,socotora4 ,to do so at ,aden1 on the ,arabian coast1 would add to the distance #ejj miles1 which is a material objection4 ,from ,socotora to the ,mauritius is #ahej geographical miles4 ,two good sailing vessels 7brigantine class7 would be sufficient for the work of carrying the ,mauritius mails between ,socotora and that island4 ,the time each way may be fairly taken at #ae days1 and two days to stop at ,port ,louis1 gives #cb days for the voyage4 ,the cost of these vessels should be about #djjjl4 each1 and their expenditure1 say1 #bjjjl4 each1 or #djjjl4 per annum4 ,the time from ,london to the ,mauritius by this route would be #dh days1 and the same time to return1 making the mail communication between the two places #aje days4 #f4 ,bombay to ,calcutta1 by ,ceylon4 ,one steam-boat would carry all the mails for the ,east ,indies1 c4 from ,suez to ,bombay2 and from thence another steam-boat would proceed to ,calcutta by ,trincomalee1 calling at ,mangalore1 and other places in the west coast of ,hindostan1 and dropping at ,trincomalee the mails for all places more to the eastward4 ,going by ,bombay1 instead of going direct from ,babelmandel to ,ceylon1 only increases the distance about #bgj miles1 while the vast expense of having additional and separate boats is saved4 ,from ,trincomalee1 the steamer1 both in going to and returning from ,calcutta1 could1 without inconvenience or delay1 call at ,pondicherry and ,madras4 ,should the time occupied by the steamers from ,bombay to ,calcutta by this route exceed the time occupied by the post to travel from the former to the latter by land1 then in that case the ,european mails from ,calcutta could be forwarded by land1 7p4 #jfi7 while the passengers1 parcels1 c4 could go round by the steamer1 the difference1 in point of time1 being not above a day or two at most4 ,the route1 time1 and distance from ,bombay to ,calcutta1 would be thus3-- ,geo4 miles4 ,days4 ,bombay to ,trincomalee #abeh #g ,stop at ,trincomalee #b ,trincomalee to ,calcutta1 by ,madras1 c4 #ajaj #e ,stop at ,calcutta #b ,calcutta to ,bombay1 same route #bbfh #ab ---- -- ,totals #decf #bh ---- -- ,two powerful boats would perform this work1 giving two mails each month4 ,each would be at sea #bd days each voyage #dh monthly #egf yearly3 #be tons coals daily #ad1djj tons yearly1 #bh1hjjl4 ,cost of boats1 #dh1jjjl42 yearly expenses1 #fhbjl4 each1 #ac1fdjl42 together with coals1 #db1ddjl4 #g #h4 ,trincomalee to ,canton1 by ,batavia4 ,at ,trincomalee1 a steamer would take up the mails for the remainder of the ,eastern ,world1 both from ,europe and from ,india1 and proceed by ,batavia to ,canton4 ,at ,batavia1 this boat would deposit the mails for ,new ,south ,wales and ,singapore2 the former to be forwarded by other steamers1 and the latter by a good sailing schooner1 which could always accomplish her work so as to be in time for the return steamer1 and for the next outward mails2 the distance from ,batavia to ,singapore being #dge miles1 thus3 ,three1 or even four days1 out2 three to stop1 and four back2 together #aa days4 ,the nearest way to ,canton from ,trincomalee is by ,nicobar and ,singapore1 distance1 #bhhj miles2 whereas the distance by ,batavia is #cece miles2 but then it must be remembered1 that ,batavia is the most important station1 and #dge miles nearer ,new ,south ,wales than ,singapore4 ,hence ,batavia appears to be the most eligible point of 7p4 #jgj7 communication for the steamers4 ,from ,trincomalee to ,canton1 the route and time will be thus3-- ,geo4 miles4 ,days4 ,trincomalee to ,batavia1 by ,straits of ,sunda #agej #i ,stop at ,batavia1 coals1 c4 #b ,batavia to ,canton #ahcj #i ,stop at ,canton #b1 ,batavia #b #d ,canton to ,trincomalee1 by ,batavia #cehj #ah ---- -- ,totals #gafj #db ---- -- ,three boats would perform this work1 giving two mails each month4 ,each boat would be at sea #cf days each voyage #gb monthly #hfd yearly3 #be tons coals daily1 #ba1fjj tons yearly--#dc1bjjl4 ,at ,trincomalee1 a spare boat would require to be stationed1 in case of accidents1 which would make four for the station2 prime cost1 #if1jjjl41 and one sailing-vessel1 #b1jjjl4 ,the yearly charges for provisions1 wages1 c4 c4 will be #fhbjl4 each1 and #ajjjl4 for the sailing-vessel is #bh1bhjl41 which1 together with the expense of coals1 amount to #ga1dhjl4 #i4 ,batavia to ,sydney1 ,new ,south ,wales1 by ,swan ,river4 ,at ,batavia1 steamers could take up the ,european1 the ,indian1 and the ,chinese mails1 and proceed on to ,sydney1 ,new ,south ,wales1 by ,swan ,river and ,hobart ,town1 c4 thus3 ,geo4 miles4 ,days4 ,batavia to ,swan ,river #agde #i ,stop at ditto1 coals #b ,swan ,river to ,hobart ,town #aggj #i ,stop at ditto #a ,hobart ,town to ,sydney #egj #c ,stop at ,sydney1 coals1 c4 #c ,ditto at ,hobart ,town and ,swan ,river1 returning #c ,sydney1 by ,hobart ,town1 c4 to ,batavia #djhe #ba ---- -- ,totals #hagj #ea ---- -- ,three boats would perform this work1 giving two mails each month2 7p4 #jga7 but in case of accidents1 there would require to be one spare boat on the station1 to be stationed either at ,batavia or ,sydney4 ,the cost of the four would be #if1jjjl4 ,each boat actively employed would be at sea #db days each voyage #hd monthly #ajjh yearly3 #be tons coals daily is #be1bjj tons yearly1 at #djs41 #ej1djjl4 ,the yearly expenditure of each boat besides would be #fhbjl42 for four1 #bg1bhjl41 together with coals1 #gg1fhjl4 ,it is unnecessary to dwell on the immense advantages which such a plan of mail communications as this would give to the commercial world in general1 and to the commercial interests of the ,united ,kingdom in particular4 ,these would be incalculably great1 both to the governments and to the people4 ,to complete the scheme1 it would be requisite to have more than one station at which boats and machinery could be repaired4 ,these would require to be ,malta1 in the ,mediterranean1 ,bombay1 ,trincomalee1 ,batavia1 and ,sydney1 in all five places2 the salaries1 c4 for superintendents1 rents1 and rent coal depts1 could not be less than #bjjjl4 per annum at each1 or #aj1jjjl4 ,the expense for workmen and materials are included in the #e per cent4 allowed for tear and wear in the annual expenditure for each boat4 ,the yearly expenditure for the whole ,plan1 in all its parts1 would consequently be as follows1 and under the respective heads as here enumerated4 ,abstract4 ,no4 #a4 ,falmouth to ,alexandria1 by ,lisbon1 c4 #b4 ,malta to ,constantinople1 by ,zante1 c4 #c4 ,alexandria to ,suez1 by ,cairo4 #d4 ,suez to ,bombay1 by ,mocha4 #e4 ,socotora to ,mauritius4 #f4 ,bombay to ,calcutta1 by ,ceylon4 #g #h4 ,trincomalee to ,canton1 by ,batavia1 c4 #i4 ,batavia to ,sydney1 ,new ,south ,wales1 by ,swan ,river1 c4 #aj4 ,coal depts1 and stations for repairs4 ,expenditure by ,steam ,power1 c4 7p4 #jgb7 ---------------------------------------- ------------------------ ,provi- ,number ,number ,fixed sions ,tons of ,price ,cost of ,total ,number of of ,capital,wages1 ,coals ,coals ,coals ,expendi- of ,sailing ,station4 re- c4 ,yearly4 per ,yearly4 ture ,steam- ,ves- quired4,yearly4 ton4 ,yearly4 ers4 sels4 ---------------------------------------- ------------------------ s4 #a #gb1jjj #ah1fjj #bj1djj #be #be1fjj #dd1bjj #c #b #bd1jjj #f1bjj #e1jjj #f1bej #ab1dej #a #c #e1jjj #e1jjj #d #gb1jjj #bj1dfj #be1bjj #dj #ej1djj #gj1hfj #c #e #h1jjj #d1jjj #d1jjj #b #f #dh1jjj #ac1fdj #ad1djj #bh1hjj #db1bdj #b #g #h #ih1jjj #bh1bhj #ba1fjj #dc1bjj #ga1dhj #d #a #i #if1jjj #bg1bhj #be1bjj #ej1djj #gg1fhj #d #aj #aj1jjj #aj1jjj --------------------- ---------------------------- #dah1jjjacc1dfjaaa1hjj #bjd1fej #ccg1iaj #ag #c #fh1jjj #fh1jjj --------------------- ---------------------------- #dah1jjjacc1dfjaaa1hjj #acf1fej #bfi1iaj #ag #c ---------------------------------------- ------------------------ ,the return boat from ,alexandria ought not to leave that place until the ,eastern mails come up from ,suez4 ,the course of post under this arrangement between ,london and ,alexandria1 would be #de days2 between ,london and ,constantinople1 the same2 between ,london and ,bombay1 #ij days2 ,london and ,calcutta1 #abj days2 ,london and ,canton1 #aej days2 ,london and ,batavia1 #abj days2 ,london and ,swan ,river1 #aej days2 ,london and ,sydney1 ,new ,south ,wales1 #ahj days1 c4 c4 ,,ii4 ,,another ,,plan1 ,,by ,,way ,,of ,,the ,,cape ,,of ,,good ,,hope4 ,the above ,plan is attended with considerable risk1 inasmuch as convulsions in ,egypt1 and on the shores of the ,red ,sea about ,suez and ,mocha1 and war in the ,mediterranean1 might cut off altogether 7p4 #jgc7 the communications with the whole ,eastern ,world1 according to the route which has been laid down4 ,to prevent such a result is an object of great importance1 providing it can be effected without a serious sacrifice as to time1 or expenditure of money4 ,to have such vitally important communications as free from being disturbed by the march of war as possible1 is not only desirable1 but indispensable1 on the part of ,great ,britain4 ,this may be effected by going out by the ,cape of ,good ,hope4 ,adopting this route would connect all the ,eastern transmarine possessions of ,great ,britain in one chain1 with scarcely a link in the line of communication being dependent upon foreigners1 except one or two1 which the naval power of ,great ,britain could always command and control in case of emergency4 ,the course here alluded to would lengthen the course of post to ,bombay and ,calcutta1 c4 to a considerable extent2 but in every part of the proposed new line1 coals could always be procured more cheap and readily than in any quarter near the ,red ,sea4 ,the following details1 however1 will place the time and expense in a clear point of view1 and enable any one to contrast at a glance the two routes1 and the difference which in time and expenditure will exist and remain between them4 #a4 ,falmouth to ,cape ,verde4 ,the steam-boat with all the ,indian mails would go from ,falmouth by ,madeira to ,cape ,verde1 thus3-- ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,falmouth to ,madeira #aagj #f ,stop at ,madeira1 coals #a ,madeira to ,cape ,verde #aacj #f ,stop at ,cape ,verde1 coals #b ,cape ,verde to ,falmouth #bcjj #ab ,stop at ,madeira1 returning1 coals #a ---- -- ,totals #dfjj #bh ---- -- ,two steam-boats1 actively employed1 would perform this work1 7p4 #jgd7 giving two mails each month4 ,each boat would be at sea #bd days each voyage #dh monthly #egf yearly3--coals1 at #be tons daily #ad1djj tons yearly1 at #bjs4 #ad1djjl4 #b4 ,cape ,verde to the ,cape of ,good ,hope4 ,the route and time from ,cape ,verde to the ,cape of ,good ,hope will be-- ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,cape ,verde to ,ascension #aecj #h ,ascension to ,st4 ,helena #fee #c ,st4 ,helena to ,cape of ,good ,hope #agbj #i ,stop at ,ascension and ,st4 ,helena twice #d ,cape of ,good ,hope to ,cape ,verde #cije #bj ---- -- #ghaj #dd ---- -- ,three boats1 actively employed1 would perform this work1 giving two mails each month2 but in case of accidents1 it would be advisable to have one spare boat at ,st4 ,helena1 or ,cape ,verde1 making four at this station1 or six in all between ,falmouth and the ,cape of ,good ,hope4 ,the three boats actively employed would be at sea #dj days each voyage #hj monthly #ifj yearly4 ,coals at #be tons daily #bd1jjj tons yearly1 at #bes41 #cj1jjjl4 #c4 ,cape of ,good ,hope to the ,mauritius4 ,from the ,cape1 the steamers will proceed with all the mails to the eastward1 calling at ,algoa ,bay and ,bourbon1 and next to the ,mauritius4 ,from the ,mauritius it will proceed to ,point de ,galle1 where it will deposit the mails for ,bombay1 and afterwards proceed to ,trincomalee1 from whence it will return by way of ,point de ,galle to the ,mauritius1 with the return mails for ,europe4 ,it would take the ,bombay mails unreasonably out of the way to proceed from the ,mauritius direct 7p4 #jge7 to ,trincomalee4 ,the route1 time1 and distance for this boat1 would be as under3-- ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,cape of ,good ,hope to ,mauritius #bbhj #ab ,stop at ,mauritius #b ,mauritius to ,cape of ,good ,hope #bbhj #ab ---- -- ,totals #defj #bf ---- -- ,two boats would perform this service1 giving two mails each month2 each #bd days at sea each voyage #dh monthly #egf yearly4 ,coals1 #be tons daily1 #ad1cjj tons yearly1 at #djs4 #bh1fjjl42 other charges1 #ac1fdjl4 yearly2 cost boats1 #dh1jjjl4 #d4 ,mauritius1 to ,point de ,galle and ,trincomalee1 ,ceylon4 ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,mauritius to ,point de ,galle #bjhj #aa ,point de ,galle to ,trincomalee #bhj #a-a_/b ,trincomalee to ,mauritius1 same route #bcfj #ab-a_/b ---- ------ ,totals #dgbj #be ---- ------ ,two steam-boats1 actively employed1 would perform this work1 giving two mails each month2 but in the event of accidents1 there would require to be a spare boat on this station1 either at ,trincomalee or ,point de ,galle1 as may seem advisable1 and as assistance may be required for the ,mauritius1 ,bombay1 c4 line4 ,the two boats actively engaged would be at sea each on each voyage1 #bg days #ed monthly #fdh yearly4 ,coals daily1 #be tons #af1bjj tons yearly1 at #djs41 #cb1djjl4 ,three boats yearly1 other expenses1 #bj1fdjl4 ,this station will require three boats2 and one for the ,calcutta station--together four4#ae ,footnote #ae3 ,by making the four steamers on the route between the ,cape of ,good ,hope and ,ceylon1 run--two from the ,cape to ,mauritius1 and two from ,mauritius to ,point de ,galle1 the boats on the eastern side of the ,mauritius would regularly have eight days1 and those on the western side six days each month to rest2 and furthermore1 be always prepared to start whenever a steamer from either quarter with mails came up4 ,in a similar manner1 the boats which are to run between ,falmouth and the ,cape of ,good ,hope could be divided2 by which means1 besides being always ready when wanted1 they also would have more time to rest4 ,two may run from ,falmouth to ,cape ,verde1 #bcjj miles2 three from ,cape ,verde to the ,cape of ,good ,hope1 #chej miles2 with one1 the fourth1 to take by turns a voyage from ,cape ,verde to the ,cape of ,good ,hope1 and a voyage from ,cape ,verde to ,falmouth1 in order to relieve the others4 ,sufficient time for rest would thus be obtained4 ,moreover1 by combining the ,east ,indian ,department with the ,plan for the ,western ,world by ,fayal to ,pernambuco1 three steamers would be saved4 ,the ,indian steamers to branch off at the latter place for the ,cape4 ,the distance would1 in this way1 be increased about #ajjj miles2 but considering the winds and currents in the course which these steamers would take1 it would not make three days more1 if so much1 in the outward voyage1 and in the homeward voyage probably not so much2 while the advantages would be considerable1 and the saving great4 #e4 ,point de ,galle to ,bombay4 7p4 #jgf7 ,a steamer would proceed from ,point de ,galle to ,bombay1 calling at ,mangalore1 c4 and returning to ,point de ,galle by the same route with all the return mails4 ,the route and time would be-- ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,point de ,galle to ,bombay1 by ,mangalore #hhj #d-a_/b ,stop at ,bombay1 c4 #c ,bombay to ,point de ,galle #hhj #d-a_/b ----- ----- ,totals #agfj #ab ----- ---- ,one boat would do all this work1 giving two mails each month4 ,at ,sea each voyage #h days #af monthly #aib yearly4 ,coals #be tons daily #d1hjj tons yearly1 at #djs41 #i1fjjl4 ,other charges1 #f1hbjl4--together #af1djjl4 #f4 ,trincomalee to ,calcutta4 ,a steamer would proceed from ,trincomalee to ,calcutta and back1 calling in going and returning at ,pondicherry and ,madras4 ,the route and time would be thus3-- ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,trincomalee to ,madras #cjj #a-a_/b ,madras to ,calcutta #gce #c-a_/b ,stop at ,calcutta1 ,coals1 c4 #b ,calcutta to ,trincomalee1 same route #ajce #e ---- -- ,totals #bjgj #ab ,one steam-boat would perform this work1 giving two mails each 7p4 #jgg7 month2 at sea each voyage #ab days#af #bd monthly #bhh yearly4 ,coals1 #be tons daily #gbjj tons yearly1 at #djs41 #ad1djjl4 ,other charges1 #fhbjl4--together #ba1bbjl4 per annum4 ,footnote #af3 ,the time here is only ten days2 but the calculation was made for a different division of the mails1 and it has not been thought necessary to alter it4 ,the time in which the different distances may be run has been here stated1 but the necessary arrangements for the arrivals and departures of the mails will1 in some instances1 extend that time4 ,these arrangements resolve the periods into--say #de1 #fj1 #ge1 #ij1 #aje1 #abj1 c4 c4 days4 ,thus1 if the mails between ,alexandria and ,bombay cannot be back at ,alexandria1 as they really cannot be1 within #cj days1 the object to come up with the regular return ,mediterranean mail for ,england is equally attained if it is back at ,alexandria within #de days2 and the same principle applies equally to every other station4 ,from ,trincomalee eastward to ,batavia1 ,canton1 and ,new ,south ,wales1 the routes1 periods1 distances1 and expenses1 would be exactly the same as those which have already been pointed out in the plan of having the communications by the ,red ,sea1 under heads ,nos4 #g1 #h1 #i1 and #aj4 ,bringing the whole into one table1 the total amount is ascertained1 and the difference of expenditure in the one route over the other becomes distinctly known4 ,in order1 however1 to bring the whole into a tabular form1 it is necessary to recapitulate and particularize the different heads1 thus3-- #a4 ,falmouth to ,cape ,verde4 #b4 ,cape ,verde 7,mayo7 to ,cape of ,good ,hope4 #c4 ,cape of ,good ,hope to ,mauritius4 #d4 ,mauritius to ,ceylon1 ,point de ,galle4 #e4 ,ceylon1 ,point de ,galle1 to ,bombay4 #f4 ,ceylon to ,calcutta1 by ,madras4 #g4 ,trincomalee to ,canton1 by ,batavia4 #h4 ,batavia to ,singapore4 #i4 ,batavia to ,sydney1 ,new ,south ,wales1 by ,swan ,river4 #aj4 ,coal ,depts1 and places to repair boats4 ,expenditure by the ,cape of ,good ,hope4 7p4 #jgh7 ---------------------------------------- ----------------------- ,number,fixed ,provi- ,tons of ,price ,cost of ,total ,number,number of ,capital sions1,coals of ,coals ,expendi- of of ,sta- required,wages ,yearly4 ,coals ,yearly4 ture ,stea- ,sailing tions4 c4 per ,yearly4 mers ,ves- ,yearly4 ,ton sels4 ---------------------------------------- ----------------------- s4 #a #dh1jjj #ab1djj #ad1djj #bj #ad1djj #bf1hjj #b #b #if1jjj #bd1hjj #bd1jjj #be #cj1jjj #ed1hjj #d #c #dh1jjj #ac1fdj #ad1cjj #dj #bh1fjj #db1bdj #b #d #gb1jjj #bj1fdj #af1bjj #cb1djj #ec1jdj #c #e #bd1jjj #f1hbj #d1hjj #i1fjj #af1djj #a #f #dh1jjj #ac1fdj #g1bjj #ad1djj #bh1jdj #b #g--aj #aid1jjj #fe1efj #df1hjj #ic1fjjaei1afj #h #a ----------------------- ---------------------------- #agecj1jjj #aeg1ejjabg1gjj #bbc1jjjchj1dhj #bb #a #ga1ddb #ga1ddb ----------------------- ---------------------------- #ecj1jjj #aeg1ejjabg1gjj #aea1eehcji1jch #bb #a ,sub4#dah1jjj #acc1djjaaa1hjj #acf1fejbfi1iaj #ag #c ----------------------- ---------------------------- ,diff4#aab1jjj #bd1ajj #ae1ijj #ad1ijh #ci1abh #e #b ---------------------------------------- ----------------------- ,footnote #ag3 ,the same remark regarding the cost of steamers1 will apply here1 that has been made in the ,plan proposed for the ,western ,world4 ,the first deduction is the sum for the saving in quantity and price of coals1 as aftermentioned2 the last sum shows the difference of cost and expenditure of the route by the ,red ,sea1 as compared with the route by the ,cape of ,good ,hope2 bearing in mind1 however1 that the expense of the establishment from ,falmouth to ,alexandria would still remain1 admitting that the route by the ,cape of ,good ,hope was adopted4 ,in the preceding calculation of expenses1 the amount is taken calculating that the work is to be done wholly by steam1 and at the average rate of #bjj geographical miles per day4 ,the use of sails1 however1 will propel a vessel at the average rate of #b-a_/b miles per hour throughout a general voyage2 consequently1 one-fourth should be deducted from the quantity of coals used4 ,this will amount to 7p4 #jgi7 #ca1ice tons1 value #dd1ehgl41 less #aj per cent4 allowed for wastage on the whole1 is #ab1ggj tons1 #ag1giel41 which leaves the net saving of #bf1gibl4 ,next1 the value of coals supplied to the eastward of the ,cape of ,good ,hope is calculated at #djs4 per ton1 as received from ,europe4 ,but coals may be supplied in all places to the eastward of the ,cape of ,good ,hope at #cjs4 per ton1 thus3--,they can be purchased excellent1 and in abundance1 at #is4 per ton at ,sydney1 ,new ,south ,wales4 ,ships coming from that place to ports in the ,east ,indies1 and the ,mauritius1 for freight1 would carry these coals1 and be glad to convey and to sell them at #cjs4 per ton1 a profit of #bas41 instead of making nothing1 as at present4 ,a further deduction1 therefore1 of #ajs4 per ton1 or one-fourth in value1 on the quantity used to the eastward of the ,cape1 is to be made1 which will amount to #dd1fejl41 and which1 together with the above balance of #bf1gibl41 makes the sum of #ga1ddbl4 to be deducted from the total amount of expenditure4 ,next1 as to the rate of speed--it is calculated throughout the voyage1 at the rate of #bjj geographical miles per day4 ,in running before the wind1 and with the monsoons1 the vessels would make more1 and in working against them1 less2 still1 on the whole voyage1 or from the ,cape1 for example1 to ,calcutta1 and from ,calcutta to the ,cape again1 the time specified would be sufficient for the work and the distance2 while in taking a circuitous course to avoid the force of the monsoons1 the steamers would make up by increased speed for the increased distance4 ,the ,n4 ,e4 monsoon may1 at anytime1 be stemmed by a steamer of large power1 and such as is now recommended4 ,the ,s4 ,w41 which is the most formidable1 may be overcome by the boats on their return1--if by the ,red ,sea1 by making first a course to the southward1 and then standing ,n4 ,w4 with the monsoon on their beam4 ,by the ,cape of ,good ,hope1 the difficulty would be decreased in this respect1 as the boats running southward to gain the ,mauritius from ,ceylon1 would1 by keeping to the southward1 soon get out of their vortex2 while the steamers between ,bombay and ,ceylon have only to keep in shore to avoid the greatest force of the monsoon either way1 and from either quarter4 ,in crossing from the ,red ,sea to ,bombay1 the strength of the ,n4 ,e4 7p4 #jhj7 monsoon would be avoided by keeping in with the ,arabian1 and afterwards with the eastern ,asiatic coast4 ,taking the line of communication1 therefore1 between ,great ,britain and the ,eastern ,world1 by the ,cape of ,good ,hope1 the expense beyond that which the line of communication by the ,mediterranean and the ,red ,sea would occasion1 would be1 in capital1 #aab1jjjl41 and in yearly expenditure1 #ci1abhl4 ,the point to consider is1 will the advantages1 and the security to be obtained by taking the former in preference to the latter route1 prove a sufficient compensation for1 and a warrant to go to the additional and increased expense8 ,the answer1 minutely considering every circumstance1 will be1 that they are4 ,the obstruction which the land barrier between ,alexandria and ,suez offers1 and must always offer1 even when unobstructed by hostile force1 to the conveyance of parcels1 packages1 and goods1 is a great drawback indeed4 ,the competition1 also1 by steamers belonging to other parties and states1 would1 as regards all these1 be a great drawback on this line2 and to which must be added1 the increased difficulties and drawbacks which would arise in the event of hostilities taking place between any of the great powers connected with the affairs of the ,mediterranean4 ,on the other hand1 the free communication which would be had1--free also as it would be1 or nearly so1 from any serious competition by the ,cape of ,good ,hope1 the carriage of every thing being in almost every point and place under the ,british flag and revenue laws--would render this line much more profitable than the line by ,egypt and the ,red ,sea could ever be4 ,the coal depts for the lines by the ,first ,plan would be--,gibraltar1 ,malta1 ,constantinople1 ,alexandria1 ,mocha or ,socotora1 ,bombay1 ,trincomalee1 ,calcutta1 ,batavia1 ,canton1 ,swan ,river1 ,hobart ,town1 and ,sydney3 and for the lines by the second plan1 ,madeira1 ,cape ,verde1 ,ascension1 ,st4 ,helena1 ,cape of ,good ,hope1 ,mauritius1 ,bombay1 ,point de ,galle or ,trincomalee1 ,calcutta1 ,batavia1 ,canton1 ,swan ,river1 ,hobart ,town1 and ,sydney4 ,the course of post between ,london and the different places here stated1 taking the route by the ,cape of ,good ,hope1 would be--,london and ,sydney1 ,new ,south ,wales1 #aie days2 ,london and ,swan ,river1 #afe 7p4 #jha7 days2 ,london and ,canton1 #afe days2 ,london and ,batavia1 #ace days2 ,london and ,calcutta1 #ace days2 ,london and ,bombay1 #ace days2 ,london and the ,mauritius1 #aje days2 and ,london and the ,cape of ,good ,hope1 #ge days1 c4 c41 but in working the scheme some stoppages may perhaps be cut off4 ,income by the ,mediterranean4 ,passengers3--,falmouth to ,alexandria1 #dh voyages1 at #ej each1 #cjl4 #gb1jjj ,malta to ,constantinople1 #dh ditto1 at #ae each1 #ajl4 #g1bjj ,suez to ,bombay1 #dh ditto1 at #bj each1 #eel4 #ec1fjj ,ditto to ,calcutta and ,madras1 c4 #dh do4 at #be each1 #fel4 #gh1jjj ,ditto to ,mauritius1 #dh ditto1 at #aj each1 #eel4 #bd1djj -------- ,total #bce1bjj ,deduct finding ditto1 one-third #gh1djj -------- ,remain clear #aef1hjj ,freights--,parcels1 ,packages1 and ,goods1 say #eg1fjj ,freight--,specie1 suppose #bj1jjj ,government ,troops1 ,stores1 c4 #ce1jjj ,ditto1 carrying all ,mails and ,despatches #hj1jjj -------- #cdi1djj ,deduct expenditure #bfi1iaj ,sinking ,fund4 #aj per cent4 #da1djj -------- #caa1caj -------- ,balance gain #ch1jij -------- ,income by ,cape of ,good ,hope4 7p4 #jhb7 ,passengers3--,falmouth to ,bombay1 #dh voyages1 at #bj each #ifj1 at #hjl4 #gf1hjj ,ditto to ,calcutta and ,madras1 c4 #dh ditto1 at #be each #abjj1 at #ijl4 #ajh1hjj ,mauritius to ,calcutta ,madras1 c4 #dh ditto1 at #aj each #dhj1 at #fjl4 #bh1hjj ,east ,indies to ,batavia1 ,china1 c4 #dh voyages1 at #ae each #gbj1 at #djl4 #bh1hjj ,new ,south ,wales and ,falmouth1 #dh voyages1 at #aj each #dhj1 at #abj4 #eg1fjj ,madeira1 ,st4 ,helena1 ,cape of ,good ,hope1 and ,coasting voyages1 ,india1 #dh voyages1 and #dh ,ceylon and ,calcutta1 together1 say yearly #bh1hjj ,new ,south ,wales coastways1 #dh voyages1 at #aj each1 average #abl4 #e1gfj -------- ,total #cce1cfj ,deduct for finding one-third #aaa1ghf -------- ,balance gain #bbc1egd ,freights--,parcels1 ,packages1 ,fine ,goods1 #dh voyages1 #aej tons each1 average at #ael4 per ton of tonnage #ajh1jjj ,freight--,specie1 say #ce1jjj ,government ,troops1 ,stores1 c4 #ce1jjj ,ditto ,mails1 ,despatches #ij1jjj ------- #bfh1jjj ------- ,total #dia1egd ,deduct expenditure #cji1jch ,sinking ,fund1 to replace ,capital1 #aj per cent #eb1ijj ,sundries1 ,port ,charges1 c4 #bj1jjj ------- #cha1ich -------- ,balance gain #aji1fcf -------- ,,geographical ,,observations ,,on ,,the ,,isthmus ,,of ,,america1 7p4 #jhc7 ,,and ,,the ,,practicability ,,of ,a ,,communication ,,with ,,china ,,and ,,new ,,south ,,wales ,,westward ,,through ,,it4 ,a ready and safe communication with these important places1 and at the same time with all the most eastern parts of ,asia1 with all the ,islands in the ,pacific ,ocean1 and with all the western coasts of the great continent of ,america1 it will be readily allowed1 is of the utmost importance to ,great ,britain and to the whole civilized world4 ,through the isthmus of central ,america only1 a short1 safe1 and easy passage from ,europe to the eastern parts of ,asia and the ,pacific ,ocean1 can be effected4 ,that a passage over the ,pole exists1 is extremely probable1 nay1 it may be said1 is certain4 ,this passage1 when found1 will be obtained by standing north between ,nova ,zembla and ,spitzbergen1 and thence over the ,pole1 inclining first eastward above ,europe1 and thence westward for some distance1 to ,behring's ,straits4 ,but admitting that there is a passage open by this route1 it can only be so from the end of ,may to the middle of ,september1 and during this period only comparatively safe2 a period much too short to accomplish a voyage out and back from ,china1 and scarcely sufficient to perform the voyage out and back between ,great ,britain and her territories on the west coast of ,america situated to the north of ,columbia ,river4 ,moreover1 even if a passage this way was open for a period sufficient to enable the navigator to accomplish the voyage to either of the quarters alluded to1 still it will appear1 when the distances come 7p4 #jhd7 to be noticed and contrasted1 that1 considering the winds and the weather which ships would encounter in passing over the ,north ,pole into the ,pacific1 as contrasted with those which they would most certainly meet with in sailing westward through tropical seas1 by the ,isthmus of ,america2 that the latter route would1 upon the whole1 be the best1 and in all respects preferable and most expeditious4 ,a communication by the latter quarter may be advantageously and speedily opened up1 both for steamers and for sailing vessels2 and in the conveyance of mails1 both or either may be employed1 as shall appear to be most eligible and most advisable4 ,to lay open such a communication as this would prove1 is an object of the first importance1 worthy of the attention of any body of men1 and of any nation1 but more especially of a nation like ,great ,britain1 to support and to patronize in every way4 ,by this route1 all vessels1 mails1 and merchandise could reach the more distant and wealthy parts of ,asia and ,australasia1 sooner and safer1 and through seas comparatively always tranquil1 borne by winds scarcely ever varying1 and always favourable1 than these can do by any other course that is known1 or that remains to be discovered4 ,in an especial manner1 this would be the case as regards all the western coasts of ,america1 ,north and ,south1 the ,islands in the ,pacific1 ,new ,south ,wales and ,van ,dieman's ,land1 ,japan1 ,china1 ,eastern ,siberia1 c4 ,the perpetual trade-winds would bear vessels before them from ,madeira to ,canton1 and almost to ,sydney1 while in returning they would merely have to run through these trade-winds1 with a steady breeze on the beam1 until they reached the latitude of #cj to #cb north1 when the steady and certain1 and strong westerly and south-west winds1 would bear them in these parallels first1 to the west coast of ,america2 from which point winds off the land1 and north-easterly trade-winds1 would carry them1 in the second place1 to the point of communication with the ,atlantic1 through the ,isthmus of central ,america2 from which they1 in the third place1 would run to the north1 carried by the trade-winds and the ,gulf stream1 into and through the ,gulf of ,florida1 into the variable winds1 which would quickly bear them to all the eastern ports of ,north ,america1 and 7p4 #jhe7 to all the ports in ,europe1 or along the coasts of the ,mediterranean4 ,by this channel1 namely1 through the ,isthmus of central ,america1 the valuable1 but almost unknown1 ,british territory on the west coast of ,north ,america1 would be brought near1 and cleared1 and cultivated4 ,so also would the whole remaining western coast of ,america1 from ,nootka ,sound to the southern extremity of ,chili1 be brought near to the civilized world1 and become1 in consequence1 also peopled1 cleared1 and cultivated4 ,without such a communication is opened up1 these coasts1 and states upon them1 can scarcely ever be brought to this state1 but to which it is most desirable for the general interests of the world1 and of the human race in it1 that they should be brought4 ,situated as they are1 there is no produce of their soil which their inhabitants can raise that can bear the expense of carriage to enable it to come into competition in the general markets of the world1 with similar articles raised in other countries1 which are all more accessible and placed nearer markets2 and unless the soil of the western coasts of ,america and the islands in the ,pacific are brought into cultivation1 and peopled by people more civilized and industrious1 it is obvious that these countries and the states and population at present in them1 must remain in the poor1 ignorant1 miserable1 and uncultivated state and condition in which they are1 of little service to themselves or to the remainder of the world4 ,the points where the communication between the ,atlantic and the ,pacific are most feasible and practicable1 is at one point on the southern boundaries of the ,republic of ,mexico1 and the others within the territories of the ,republics of ,guatemala and ,venezuela4 ,the neck of land1 or isthmus1 which connects ,north and ,south ,america together1 may be taken to extend from #h ,n4 lat41 in the meridian of #gg ,w4 long41 to the parallel of #ah or #ai ,n4 lat4 in the meridian of #ajj ,w4 long4 ,narrow as the continent of ,america is in all this space1 but more especially in the southern portion of this space1 recent surveys have reduced it still more2 and it is not improbable that1 when the late surveys of the west coasts within the tropics are published1 that it will be found to be still narrower1 and more contracted than is 7p4 #jhf7 supposed1 or than the late accurate surveys by ,captain ,owen1 under the orders also of the ,british ,government1 of the shores of the ,gulf of ,mexico1 have shown it to be2 and consequently the communication between the ,atlantic and the ,pacific will be found to be still shorter and more easy than it has been1 or is even now considered to be4 ,the first two points within the limits above mentioned1 where communications are most practicable1 are the following3--,first1 in the territory of ,mexico1 from the mouth of the river ,guazacoalcos1 on the ,gulf of ,mexico1 to the mouth of the ,chimalapa1 in the ,gulf of ,tehuantepec1 on the ,pacific1 between the parallels of #af-a_/b to #ah-a_/b ,n4 lat4 ,the distance from sea to sea at this part is #ib geographical miles1 in a south-west direction4 ,the sources of the streams which flow1 the one eastward into the ,gulf of ,mexico1 and the other westward1 into the ,pacific1 come within the short distance of #bj miles of each other4 ,secondly1 ,the channel from the ,gulf of ,dolce1 which communicates with the ,gulf of ,mexico1 to the southward of ,honduras or the ,balize1 to ,trinidad1 situate on a bay in the ,pacific1 to the north of ,point ,remedios4 ,the distance of the ,gulf of ,dolce to the ,pacific1 at the point just mentioned1 is #fj geographical miles1 with the advantages of the courses of rivers which bend their courses to the opposite oceans4 ,but if it is correct that the ,river ,balize is1 as it has been stated to be1 navigable upwards in its course to a distance of #bjj miles1 then it must penetrate so deeply into the continent1 that its sources must approach to points still nearer to the ,pacific than the ,gulf of ,dolce1 or its tributary streams4 ,it is doubtful1 however1 if any canals could be cut in either of the lines mentioned1 because the land rises very considerably1 forming in the central parts what is denominated ,table ,land1 and is in general studded with ridges and high volcanic mountains1 while the ports on either shore are neither very commodious nor of safe approach4 ,there has been of late years also a tolerable good road constructed in the first-mentioned line1 which will tend greatly to facilitate the communication from sea to sea1 so far as the interests of ,mexico are immediately concerned4 ,these points adverted to are the only probable channels of 7p4 #jhg7 communication to the northward of the ,river ,st4 ,juan and ,lake ,nicaragua1 which1 like the last-noticed line1 are situated in the territory of the ,republic of central ,america1 the capital of which is ,san ,salvador4 ,for reasons which will subsequently be adduced1 the consideration of this important position is left until those points in the ,isthmus of ,panama and ,darien have been particularly noticed and examined4 ,the first points to examine are those which are situated to the southward and eastward of ,panama1 and which are immediately connected with1 and contiguous to1 the ,gulf of ,darien4 ,these are as follow3--,in the province of ,choco1 famous for its gold mines1 there is a ravine called ,rapsadura1 extending between a head branch of the ,river ,st4 ,juan1 which1 after a course from ,n4 ,e4 by ,n4 to ,s4 ,w4 by ,s41 falls into the ,pacific in lat4 #de' ,n42 and the river of ,quito1 one of the head branches of the ,river ,atrato1 which flows in nearly a due north course into the ,gulf of ,darien4 ,through the ravine just mentioned1 the parish priest of ,novita dug a small canal in #aggh1 which was navigable during the rainy season1 and by which canoes1 laden with coffee and other produce1 passed from one sea to another1 a distance of #bej miles2 as they found it requisite and convenient4 ,the next point1 and more to the north beyond ,cape ,st4 ,francisco de ,solano1 in about #gcj' ,n4 lat4 is1 from the mouth of the ,cupica1 or ,tupica1 as it is denominated in some maps1 along that stream1 which descends from the eastward into the ,pacific1 through a break in the mountains to the head of the river ,naipi1 a distance of from #ae to #bj miles only4 ,the latter river is deep and navigable1 and flows through a lake of considerable magnitude1 nearly due east1 into the ,river ,atrato1 a little below the village of ,zitara1 about #fj miles from the mouth of the latter stream1 in the ,gulf of ,darien4 ,the distance from the ,pacific to the ,atrato1 through the channels mentioned1 is only #fj geographical miles4 ,the ,atrato springs 7its farthest branch the ,rio ,chame7 in the rising ground1 in #edj' ,n4 lat4 and #ge #ae' ,w4 long41 and runs almost due north1 a distance of #bjj miles1 into the ,gulf of ,darien4 ,at this point1 the western and secondary chain of the 7p4 #jhh7 ,andes is broken and interrupted1 and there is good reason to believe that they continue to be so in several places more to the northward3 in fact1 that they cease1 and are succeeded through all the ,isthmus of ,darien and ,panama1 by a low range1 broken into fragments in different places4 ,at the point under consideration1 namely1 by the ,cupica and the ,naipi1 the ,spanish ,government had it in contemplation1 about forty years ago1 to open a communication from sea to sea1 by means of a canal2 but the events in ,europe1 and the decay of their power1 prevented the important enterprise from being undertaken4 ,the ,gulf of ,darien1 and the course of the ,atrato1 were rigidly guarded and concealed by the ,spanish ,government1 so much so1 that by special decrees the punishment of death was denounced against every one who should either permit or attempt the exploration of the country in these parts4 ,this showed clearly that their practical knowledge gave them to know1 that a communication between the ,atlantic and the ,pacific was easy and practicable in more places than one in this quarter of their dominions4 ,the next point where the communication is practicable1 either by water or a short distance by land1 where a canal could be cut1 or a road made1 is between the ,gulf of ,st4 ,miguel on the ,pacific1 to the bottom of the ,gulf of ,darien1 due east1 and also to the ,port de ,escoces1 or ,new ,edinburgh1 more to the ,n4 7,n4 ,e4 by ,e4 from ,st4 ,miguel7 in the upper part of the ,gulf of ,darien1 on the ,atlantic4 ,the distance from the head of the ,gulf of ,st4 ,miguel to the latter point is #cj miles1 and to the former #de to #ej miles1 but with river communications to within #af miles of the latter1 and #aj miles of the former4 ,the ,gulf of ,st4 ,miguel opens to the ,pacific from #hh' to #hag' ,n4 lat41 and runs ,e4 ,n4 ,e4 and ,n4 ,e4 by ,e41 fully #bb miles into the country1 its centre crossing the meridian of #gh ,w4 long4 ,as has been shortly adverted to1 the rivers which seem to form the ,gulf of ,st4 ,miguel run deeply into the country1 both to the ,s4 ,e4 and to the ,n4 ,e41 one particularly1 the ,chuqunaque1 with an extremely zigzag course between ridges of mountains1 is laid down to within #aj miles of ,new ,edinburgh2 which1 by the last ,admiralty charts1 drawn from the best ,spanish authorities1 is 7p4 #jhi7 placed in #h #ee' ,n4 lat4 and #gf #de' ,w4 long4 ,to the ,s4 ,e4 the source of streams which run into the ,gulf of ,san ,miguel spring within #ae miles of the mouth of the ,atrato1 while branches of each approach within half that distance of each other4 ,the land in this quarter is clearly low1 because1 for a considerable distance from its mouth1 the ,atrato runs through a very marshy and flooded country4 ,new ,edinburgh1 or ,port de ,escoces1 is an excellent port1 commodious1 and well sheltered1 and is the celebrated spot where1 in #afii 7one hundred and thirty-eight years ago71 the ,scotch colony1 under the direction of a ,scotch clergyman1 named ,paterson1 a most intelligent and enterprising man1 was established1 in order to open up a communication between both seas1 and which was afterwards so shamefully1 disgracefully1 stupidly1 and unguardedly abandoned by the then ,government of ,great ,britain1 spurred on to the act by the miserable and contracted commercial rivalry of ,england and ,holland2 and afterwards by the jealousies1 the fears1 and the representations of the ,government of ,spain1 which at that time had really no right to the country1 the natives thereof being independent of1 and at war with1 ,spain4 ,the ,gulf of ,darien is of easy entrance1 and penetrates southward to a little beyond the #h of ,n4 lat41 and to the southward of the principal mouth of the ,atrato2 the centre of the bottom of the ,gulf being in the meridian of #gf #ee' ,w4 longitude4 ,the next and last point to the southward and the eastward of ,chagre is by the river of ,chopo1 about #be miles to the eastward of ,panama4 ,narrow as the land in this quarter has been held to be1 still the charts and maps lately published by individuals1 and by the authority of the ,admiralty1 show that it is much narrower than what has hitherto been calculated upon2 and in the particular point under consideration1 very narrow indeed4 ,from the mouth of the ,river ,chopo1 opposite the little island ,chepillo in the ,pacific1 to the bottom of the ,gulf of ,st4 ,blas or ,mandinga on the ,atlantic1 is only about #bj miles 7some maps make it still less74 ,in this space1 the mountains to the eastward of the high chain ,s4 of ,point ,manzanillo and ,porto ,bello1 which give rise to the ,chagres1 and its tributary streams1 running first 7p4 #jij7 westward and then north-west into the ,atlantic1 are again1 according to ,captain ,lloyd1 interrupted and broken1 affording thereby a readier communication between the two great oceans1 the ,atlantic1 and the ,pacific4 ,in an apparently good ,spanish map of the ,isthmus1 upon a large scale1 the ,river ,chopo or ,bayano is represented as being formed by two branches1 one under the name of the ,rio ,canizas1 springing to the southward of the ,pico de ,carti1 a hill only four miles from the ,atlantic1 in the ,bay of ,mandinga2 the whole course of the river to the ,pacific on a general south bearing1 being only #bb miles4 ,the source of the ,chagres comes within #ae miles of the lower course of the ,chopo2 and some good maps lay down a river which joins the ,chopo1 near its mouth1 as coming from the ,n4 ,e41 its sources likewise being within a very few miles of the ,atlantic4 ,here1 certainly1 is a point from which1 and on which a communication could be opened up at any rate by a good road1 so as to afford a speedy conveyance for passengers1 mails1 and goods1 between the two seas2 while it is also exceedingly probable that1 even in this short space1 great facilities and assistance could be obtained by canal navigation1 and by the rivers just mentioned4 ,the points1 however1 where a canal could be cut of sufficient depth to admit the passage of large ships1 and thus save the delay and the expense which loading and unloading cargoes would occasion1 where roads of any description remain the only means of communication1 and where the approach on either coast is safe1 and interior water communication most abundant1 are1 certainly1 the points which should be fixed upon and selected1 in order to effect the object so important to the whole world4 ,the two points hitherto the best known1 and considered to be the best adapted for the purpose1 are1 first1 the line from ,chagre on the ,atlantic1 to ,panama on the ,pacific2 and secondly1 the line1 perhaps the best of the whole1 from the mouth of the ,river ,st4 ,juan on the ,atlantic1 by that river and ,lake ,nicaragua1 to ,rialejo1 or ,gulf ,papagayo1 on the ,pacific4 ,the ,panama line comes most properly the first point for consideration4 ,here the survey1 by ,lieutenant ,lloyd1 in #ahbi1 gives some certain data1 and some curious and important information4 ,he tells us 7p4 #jia7 pointedly1 from actual observation1 that which good ,spanish maps indicated1 and what was more vaguely told by others4 ,according to him1 on the eastern side of the province of ,veragua1 the ,cordillera breaks into detached mountains1 their sides exhibiting only bare rock1 almost perpendicular4 ,to these1 as approaching nearer ,panama1 succeed numerous conical mountains1 arising out of savannahs and plains1 and seldom exceeding from #cjj to #ejj feet4 ,finally1 says he1 between ,chagre on the ,atlantic side1 and ,chorera on the ,pacific1 these conical mountains are not so numerous1 having plains of great extent1 interspersed with occasional ranges of hills of inconsiderable height4 ,such is the ,isthmus of ,panama1 where the distance from sea to sea is1 even according to the present charts1 only #cj geographical miles1 and from the mouth of the ,chagre to ,panama1 #cc miles4#ah ,of this distance the ,chagre1 which has a circuitous course1 is navigable for #dj miles to ,cruces--distant from the sea in a direct line #ba miles1 and from ,panama #ad miles4 ,at its mouth the ,chagre is one-fourth of a mile broad1 and at ,cruces about #aej feet3 in its middle course the depth is #bd feet4 ,the current runs at the rate of from three to four miles per hour4 ,it is full of numerous1 constantly shifting sand banks1 and sunken trees1 which1 with the current1 render the navigation 7p4 #jib7 tedious1 difficult1 and even dangerous4 ,at its mouth the coast is very sickly1 as indeed the country through its course also is2 but when the land is cleared1 it will doubtless become more healthy4 ,when the current is very rapid1 it requires four or five days to reach ,cruces4 ,the height of the land which intervenes between ,cruces and ,panama1 has been accurately ascertained by ,mr4 ,lloyd2 and that portion of the country which he passed over in his survey along the old road to ,panama1 is certainly the most elevated of the whole1 as is shown in the following summary of his survey4 ,footnote #ah3 ,from the mouth of the ,chorera to the ,bay ,lemon1 the distance is #bg-a_/b geographical miles4 ,there is1 however1 reason to believe1 that the distance from sea to sea is still less4 ,ulloa1 who was an accurate and scientific observer1 places1 and from actual observation1 ,chagres in #i #ah' #dj ,n4 lat41 and ,panama in #h #eg' #da ,n4 lat4 ,not being able to observe an eclipse of ,jupiter's satellites1 owing to the obscuration of the atmosphere1 he was obliged to calculate the longitude from bearings and distances4 ,in these1 however1 he could not be far wrong2 and by these he places ,cruces #ba' east of ,chagre1 and ,panama #i'cj east of ,chagre1 which1 if he is correct1 brings the breadth of the land from the ,castle of ,chagre to ,panama1 to be only #bc geographical miles66 ,since the preceding pages were written1 ,captain ,washington1 secretary to the ,royal ,geographical ,society1 has favoured me with the longitudes of the places adverted to1 as ascertained by ,captain ,forster1 and in ,february #ahcg by ,captain ,belcher1 ,r4,n4 ,porto ,bello is in #gi #cj' ,west long42 ,chagre1 #gi #ee'2 and ,panama in #gi #bi' #bj4 ,this gives the distance from ,chagre to ,panama #cc geographical miles4 ,porto ,bello is in lat4 #i #cb' ,north4 ,from thence to the ,pacific1 a little to the east of ,panama1 is #cj miles4 ,from ,chagre to the mouth of the ,caymito will be #cj miles4 ,ulloa's calculations of longitudes would thus appear to be wrong4 ,this survey commenced from the eastern suburb of ,panama1 at high-water mark1 and ran along the old road to ,porto ,bello1 unto the point where it crossed the ,rio ,chagre1--a distance of #ahbh chains1 #bb-c_/d miles4 ,the highest land passed over was the ridge ,maria ,henrique1 #ab-c_/d miles from ,panama1 and #aj from the ,chagre4 ,its height is #fcc4cb feet4 ,the point where the road approaches the river1 is #afi4hdj feet above the level of high-water mark at ,panama2 and the bed of the river from whence the survey commenced downwards1 is #aeb4ee feet4 ,descending the river #aede chains1 #ai-a_/b miles1 ,mr4 ,lloyd came to the village of ,cruces1 after a descent of #aad4fj feet2 thus making ,cruces to be #cg4if feet above high-water mark at ,panama4 ,from ,cruces to ,gorgona #daj chains1 #e-a_/d miles1 the fall is #af4ac feet2 and thence to a small gravel bank1 named ,playa los ,ingenieros distant from ,cruces #acjb chains1 #af-c_/d miles1 the fall is #ba4hb feet1 precisely level with the high-water mark at ,panama4 ,at #bfhb chains1 #cc-a_/b miles below ,cruces1 ,mr4 ,lloyd first observed the effects of the tide from the ,atlantic1 the level of the river at this point being #ac4fe feet below the level of high-water mark on the ,pacific4 ,at #ejg chains1 #ab miles1 further down1 reached ,la ,bruja1 where the water became brackish2 the level of the surface of the river being #ac4ee feet below the high-water mark at ,panama4 ,from ,la ,bruja there was no perceptible descent to the ,atlantic4 ,the whole distance gone over in levelling from sea to sea1 was #hb miles4 ,the tide at the mouth of the ,chagre rises only one foot1 or #a4af feet2 but at ,panama the spring-tide in the ,pacific rises in a mean level 7p4 #jic7 to the height of #ba4bb feet1 though high winds and currents occasionally raise them to the height of #bg4dd feet4 ,at low water the sea sinks proportionally at ,panama below the level of the ,atlantic3 the reason for this difference is obvious4 ,the current towards the ,gulf of ,mexico1 and which afterwards forms the famous gulf stream1 carries off rapidly the waters in the ,atlantic2 while1 on the contrary1 the current which flows northward along the western coast of ,south ,america1 and the tide which flows into the bay of ,panama1 from the south-west from the ,pacific1 heaps1 as it were for a moment1 the waters into the bay and on the shores of ,panama1 and occasions the tides alluded to1 and differing so greatly from those which are seen in the ,atlantic at the short distance on the opposite coast4 ,from ,maria ,henrique to ,cruces is only about nine miles4 ,in the intermediate spaces are several savannahs1 and1 according to the ,spanish maps1 a very considerable river1 called ,rio de los ,laxas1 which enters the ,chagre a little above ,cruces4 ,this river flows westward from ,mount ,maria ,henrique2 while the principal branches of the ,rio ,grande1 which flows south into the ,pacific immediately to the westward of ,panama1 spring from the south-west side of the mountain already mentioned4 ,the branches of this river and of the ,chagre approach very near each other2 while savannahs1 according to ,lloyd's map1 fill up1 as between the ,rio ,grande and the ,obispo1 the most of the intervening space4 ,in this short distance1 and with the aid of these rivers1 a water communication1 were the country properly examined1 it is conjectured1 might be found4 ,from ,cruces the road1 for a short distance1 ascends considerably2 after which it runs along a ridge1 with a valley on each side2 that on the south the deepest1 being about #cjj feet1 and descends until it comes to a plain1 through which it stretches and runs to the city of ,panama4 ,it is by quitting the old ,spanish track or road1 and continuing along the savannahs and levels1 that it is believed the water communication adverted to could be effected2 and where the distance1 taking into account the short bends which may be necessary1 is so short1 probably not twenty miles6 ,these observations naturally call the attention to the consideration of a line of communication which may be had from the ,river 7p4 #jid7 ,trinidad to the ,pacific1 either at ,panama or a little to the westward of that town1 in the bay of ,chorera1 at the mouth of the ,rio ,caymito4 ,the condition of the country in that portion of the ,isthmus has already been generally described1 on the authority of ,mr4 ,lloyd2 and from what he has stated1 and which is in unison with other information1 not a doubt can remain that a water communication can be opened up in this quarter from sea to sea4 ,lines for railroads have already been chalked out in both places alluded to2 and considered so easy that the sum of #djj1jjj dollars is estimated as the whole expense necessary to complete either4 ,it is scarcely necessary to observe1 that wherever a rail-road can be constructed1 a canal may be made4 ,the ,river ,trinidad is a branch of the ,chagre1 which comes from the westward and from the south-westward1 and joins the latter at about eight miles due ,s4 ,w4 from its mouth4 ,the ,trinidad is navigable to ,embracadero1 and for some distance1 from its mouth1 is both broad and deep4 ,its branches penetrate a considerable way into the country1 and approach closely to the branches of the ,caymito1 a considerable stream1 which flows through a country1 in its lower course1 comparatively level2 while between its upper course and the ,trinidad the distance is covered with savannahs and small conical hills1 and in some places marshy plains--a complete proof of the level nature of the country4 ,the streams which rise to the westward of the line alluded to1 namely1 in the hills stretching to the province of ,veragua1 mostly flow into the ,chagre1 another proof of the direction in which the mountains in this quarter lay2 and that there is no continued chain1 as has been stated1 extending in the centre of the ,isthmus throughout1 and joining together the ,andes of ,north and ,south ,america4 ,from the junction of the ,trinidad with the ,chagre to ,panama is only #bf-a_/b miles1 and to the mouth of the ,chorera #bc miles6 ,short1 however1 as the distances just mentioned are1 they are considerably reduced1 when the navigation of the ,trinidad on the one side1 and of the ,caymito on the other1 are taken into account4 ,these reduce the greater distance at least one-half2 and in it1 as well as the lesser distance1 the nature of the country1 for a considerable 7p4 #jie7 portion of the distance1 if not throughout the whole distance1 overcomes almost every obstacle1 or rather renders every obstacle that may offer1 possible to be overcome4 ,from that portion of the ,river ,chagre1 which is level with high-water mark at ,panama1 south-westward to that city1 the country is interspersed with savannahs1 and consequently level4 ,indeed1 for a few miles inwards from ,panama1 the plains are below the level of the sea1 thus rendering the formation of a canal easy2 while1 on the north side of the most elevated spot1 the numerous streams which spring and flow to the ,chagre would afford an abundant supply of water for any canal that may be constructed1 however large that may be4 ,the distance1 therefore1 where any serious difficulty could occur1 must be reduced to a mile or two2 and in that distance1 should any of those conical mountains1 from #cjj to #ejj feet high1 or insulated ridges of inconsiderable height1 which ,mr4 ,lloyd tells us are here and there to be found in these places--should any such intervene1 they may be cut through without any great difficulty4 ,the excess in the rise of the tide in the ,pacific1 nearly #ba feet above its rise in the ,atlantic1 would tend greatly to accelerate the construction1 in this part of ,america1 of a water communication2 which water communication1 however1 be it observed1 must be sufficient to admit the passage through it of ships of the very highest tonnage1 and at all seasons2 otherwise it will not answer the general purpose1 nor interests of the world4 ,less might indeed suit for the conveyance of mails2 but any thing less would occasion such an additional expense in unloading1 transporting1 and again loading goods1 as would render the tedious navigation of ,cape ,horn preferable4 ,lake ,nicaragua1 c4 ,the next to be considered1 and perhaps the last and the best channel by which a communication between the ,atlantic and the ,pacific could be opened up1 and safely carried on1 is through central ,america1 or the ,republic of ,guatemala1 by means of the ,river ,st4 ,juan and the ,lakes ,nicaragua and ,managua1 or1 as the latter is more generally called1 7p4 #jif7 ,leon4 ,these lakes are connected with each other by a river1 and are navigable for ships2 ,nicaragua for ships of the line4 ,the ,river ,st4 ,juan forms the outlet of both into the ,atlantic ,ocean1 and is1 according to ,estella1 navigable throughout its course for ships of large burden4 ,the mouth of the ,st4 ,juan1 according to the late survey by ,capt4 ,owen1 lays in #ajec' ,n4 lat4 and in #hcdj' ,w4 long4 ,leon1 the capital of the province in which ,lake ,managua is situated1 and from which the name of ,leon is generally given to the latter1 stands1 according to the best ,spanish authorities1 in #abbj' ,n4 lat4 and #hfde' ,w4 long42 and its port1 ,rialejo1 on the ,pacific1 in #abbi'ej ,n4 lat41 and #hgf' ,w4 long4 ,from the mouth of the ,river ,st4 ,juan to ,rialejo1 in a bearing of ,n4 #ff ,w4 the distance is #bce miles2 and this bearing runs nearly through the centre of the lakes and the course of the ,river ,st4 ,juan4 ,from the point where the ,river ,st4 ,juan issues from the ,lake ,nicaragua to the point where the ,river ,lapita1 which issues from ,lake ,managua1 falls into the former1 the distance1 taken on the best maps1 is about #ie miles4 ,rialejo is situated on a river of the same name1 which is deep1 and capable of holding in the harbour #bjj sail of the largest ships4 ,the harbour is well protected from the force of the ,pacific1 and from storms1 by an island stretching out before it1 with two channels between it and the main land2 the one opening to the south-east1 and the other to the north-west4 ,the adjacent country is very fertile1 but the place itself is reckoned unhealthy1 owing to some swamps in the vicinity and to the southward2 but which1 it is believed1 might be drained and cleared1 which would render the climate salubrious1 or1 at least1 as much so as any tropical climate can be to ,europeans4 ,lake ,nicaragua1 in its broadest part1 is about #ce miles3 it has several considerable islands1 some of them active volcanoes1 and all of them fertile4 ,the country around its shores is stated to be very healthy and very fertile1 and studded with high peaks1 mostly volcanic1 and many of them1 on both sides1 volcanoes in activity4 ,at the point on its north-east corner1 where the ,river ,st4 ,juan issues from it1 there is 7according to some of our best maps7 erected the castle of ,st4 ,carlos2 and lower down1 about #af miles on the banks 7p4 #jig7 of the river1 is placed the castle of ,st4 ,juan1 which castle was taken by the ,english in #aghj4 ,alcedo says that this river is navigable for ships of large size2 but others add1 that during the dry season1 when the river is low1 in one or two places the navigation is obstructed by sand banks1 which1 however1 could easily be removed by a deepening machine1 such as that used for a similar purpose on the ,clyde4 ,lake ,managua in its western shore approaches in its southern portion to within #h to #i miles of the ,pacific2 and here the conical peak range appears to be discontinued and broken4 ,so also it is in the route from ,leon to ,rialejo1 a distance of #ba miles4 ,the next nearest point of communication is to the southward of the town of ,grenada1 situate on the upper part of ,lake ,nicaragua1 westward to the port of ,st4 ,juan1 which runs considerably into the country from the ,pacific4 ,here the distance from the lake to the sea is #aj miles4 ,the next point of communication is from the neighbourhood of the town of ,nicaragua to the bottom of the ,gulf of ,papagayo1 the distance being about #ae miles4 ,the river ,partido flows from the ,s4 ,e4 through a course of fully #fj miles1 and enters the ,pacific at the bottom of the ,gulf of ,papagayo4 ,at this point1 also1 the volcanic peaks and the ridge appear to be interrupted1 and very low1 thereby rendering a passage more probable and easy4 ,on the neck of land1 also1 between the upper part of ,lake ,nicaragua and the ,pacific1 there are situated in three different places between the ,pacific and the interior part1 three lakes1 which1 while it shows the low nature of the coast1 tends also to shorten very considerably in this otherwise very narrow neck 7#ab miles71 the space that intervenes between the lake and the ocean4 ,the ,american coast of the ,pacific is1 in fact1 bordered with an alluvial plain1 varying in breadth1 which tends still more to lessen the breadth of the high lands in every quarter4 ,between the bottom of the ,gulf of ,papagayo to ,lake ,nicaragua1 the distance1 the alluvial strip included1 is1 7see ,journal ,r4 ,g4 ,s4 vol4 vi471 only #bi1hhj ,english yards1 nearly #ae geographical miles4 ,the highest point of land that intervenes1 is only #acc-a_/b ,spanish feet 7the ,spanish foot is #j4ibfg ,english7 above the level of the sea1 and only #ai feet above 7p4 #jih7 the level of the lake4 ,the lake is very deep1 and at this point is said to be #ae fathoms4 ,the surface of the lake is thus #acc-a_/b ,spanish feet above the level of both oceans4 ,the tide in the ,pacific in the ,gulf of ,papagayo rises about #aa feet1 decreasing in its rise towards the north1 and increasing its rise towards the south4 ,when ,mr4 ,canning proclaimed that he had called a new world into existence1 he ought1 as he then might1 to have kept these places1 the key to both worlds1 in his power1 and in the power of his country4 ,some ,spanish authorities state1 that ,lake ,nicaragua has a communication with the ,pacific1 but at what point does not appear1 nor is it probable4 ,others state that it has a tide in it like the ocean2 and if so1 this certainly indicates a communication with it by some low and level channel1 where the tide from the sea drives back the flow of waters from the lake4 ,to ascertain these points are objects of great importance1 and well worthy the attention of the civilized world2 and the wonder is1 that it has not before this time been attempted4 ,all the old and best ,spanish writers1 who wrote either from access to the best materials1 or from practical information regarding the ,spanish territories in ,south ,america1 but more especially ,estalla and ,alcedo1 mention1 in the most pointed manner1 that1 by the places which have just been considered1 the nearest and the safest channel would be found1 nay actually existed1 whereby a communication could be opened up between the ,atlantic and the ,pacific2 and farther1 that the possession and the command of ,fort ,st4 ,juan and the river ,st4 ,juan on the one hand1 and of the port of ,rialejo on the other1 gave the holder and possessor of them the key to and the command of both oceans4 ,like the ,gulf of ,darien1 all entrance into or examination of this quarter of ,america by foreigners1 or travellers in general1 was prohibited by the ,spanish government1 under the punishment of death for a violation of the law4 ,the ,spaniards were particularly averse to and jealous of ,england1 or ,englishmen1 becoming acquainted with this portion of ,america4 ,in some one of the points mentioned1 and most probably from ,lake ,managua to ,rialejo1 or from ,lake ,nicaragua to the ,gulf of ,papagayo1 the best line for a communication between the ,atlantic and the 7p4 #jii7 ,pacific will be found4 ,the shores of ,lake ,nicaragua are tolerably well cultivated1 and it has several harbours4 ,numerous streams flow into it from all sides1 but particularly from the north4 ,the river ,st4 ,juan is a considerable stream--as large1 say the ,spanish writers1 as the ,guadalquiver in its lower course4 ,in a distance so short1 a canal1 fit to bear ships of the very largest tonnage1 could be cut1 at certainly no very heavy expense2 say1 at the rate of #cjj1jjjl4 for #aj miles4 ,even if the river ,st4 ,juan should not be found to be navigable1 and that it might be most advisable to cut a canal along its banks1 from the ,atlantic to the lake1 the distance is not very great 7#de or #ej miles71 and the country presents no insuperable obstacles to it2 on the contrary1 it is believed to be easy of access4 ,this distance might be cut for #fge1jjjl4--a small sum even joined to the other1 when the immense object to be attained is considered4 ,the choice of position1 after considering attentively every point1 will remain between ,chagre to ,panama1 and between ,st4 ,juan and ,nicaragua to ,rialejo1 as to which is the best line for a water communication2 for it is pretty clear that the lines to the eastward and to the southward of ,panama1 narrow although the neck of land certainly is in these parts1 can only be looked to as points for a speedy road communication in some1 and for small craft in the others4 ,the jealousy of the government of ,spain formerly sealed up every possible line of communication between the ,atlantic and the ,pacific1 in all the places mentioned1 from the rest of the world2 and it is probable that the jealousy1 and also the poverty and inability of the new governments lately started up in these parts may continue to do so1 if they are allowed to do so1 or if they remain unaided in the enterprise by foreign capital1 and not be impelled thereto by foreign1 but particularly ,european influence4 ,a glance at the map of these parts of ,america1 and at a map of the world1 and a moment's reflection and consideration bestowed on the great interests that depend upon it1 that would be laid open and connected by such a communication1 is sufficient to show the prodigious benefits which would therefrom flow to the human race1 and especially to the governments and the 7p4 #ajj7 people of ,north and ,south ,america1 and those fine but comparatively poor and miserable portions of this globe4 ,the treasures and the labours of nations would be well bestowed in completing such an undertaking4 ,laying open such a communication would do more to people1 to cultivate1 and to civilize the world1 than any other effort--than all other efforts made by the world at large1 when combined and brought together4 ,no nation in the world is so deeply interested in seeing a proper communication through the best of the channels pointed out laid open1 as ,great ,britain2 and no other nation could so well undertake it as she can4 ,the immense empire which is rising under her flag in ,new ,holland2 the large territory which she would thereby bring within the sphere of cultivation and civilization on the west coast of ,north ,america1 to the north of ,colombia ,river1 where both the climate and the soil are good2 the vast and important trade which she has with ,china1 and may yet have with all the beautiful islands in the ,pacific1 with ,japan1 and with all ,eastern ,siberia2 and the very great trade which she has1 and would have with all the shores of ,america on the ,pacific1--all render the attainment of the object contemplated peculiarly her interest1 and peculiarly her province to undertake1 support1 complete1 and protect1 in a way and on a scale worthy of the intelligence1 the enterprize1 the strength1 and the resources of her government and her people4 ,the number of people1 and the traffic which it would in time add to the present trade and population of the world1 exceed the powers of calculation4 ,taking ,lake ,nicaragua as the point for the communication between the two seas1 the calculations which have been made as to periods and distances connected with the conveyance of mails from ,europe1 in order to cross the ,pacific1 will not be materially different from those which would arise were ,panama to be chosen as the point of communication4 ,confining every thing to this route1 it is necessary to consider and to show what advantage trade and commerce would derive from it2 what extent of commerce would pass through this line of communication21 and what revenue could reasonably1 and with propriety1 be raised therefrom1 in order to prove a remuneration for the 7p4 #aja7 expense of the undertaking4 ,the official records of ,british trade and commerce1 and also the official records of the trade and commerce of the ,united ,states1 will enable us to estimate these points just alluded to1 for the present period1 with considerable accuracy4 ,from both records1 the following extent and amount of imports and exports1 and tonnage1 engaged in transporting these1 are selected2 premising that1 as regards both countries1 the value of each is1 without either freight or charges3 and as regards the former1 viz4 ,great ,britain1 the value taken is what is denominated1 in the ,customs return1 the declared value1 and which1 exclusive of freight and charges1 is considerably below the real amount4 ,the commerce of both states mentioned1 with all the countries about to be enumerated1 would most certainly pass through the channel already alluded to1 besides a considerable portion more from other countries1 but which is uncertain4 ,great ,britain with ,exports4 ,imports4 ,tonnage ,tonnage #ahcd #ahcc ,inwards4 ,outwards4 ,china #hdb1heb #c1ebh1fce #bi1cjh #h1hhg ,new ,south ,wales #gaf1jad #ab1djj #bi1efg ,java #daj1bgc #b1dce #d1bhi ,philippine ,islands #gf1fah #c1afc1jdi #a1ieh #gbh ,siam #ai1gdb #ccg ,e4 ,indies ,ceylon1 #a_/b #a1bhi1bhd #cg1gca #de1daf ,new ,zealand #icf #chb #c1fej ,chili #hif1bba #g1dae #f1ecb ,peru #bbi1bce #a1bdj1ceh #b1gfh #b1agf ,mexico1 #a_/d #aad1ijb #a1hde #a1dih ,whale ,fisheries1 #a_/c #ajj1jjj #aa1cec #aa1jjg ,guatemala1 #a_/c #aj1abb #aj1abb #acf ---------- --------- -------- -------- #d1fjf1aii #h1jdb1afd #ajg1gca #aad1jhg -------- ,freight charges1 c4 #iba1bce #ajg1gca ,foreign ,colonial #a_/d #a1cha1heh ------- ---------- #f1cjc1jic ,total tonnage #bba1hah ----------- ------- ,total ,british trade #ad1cde1beg ----------- ,exclusive of specie--the amount of which1 from the western coasts 7p4 #ajb7 of ,america1 cannot be less than #aj1jjj1jjj dollars yearly to ,great ,britain1 and perhaps half as much to the ,united ,states4 ,the value of ,british imports from ,western ,america is not given in the official tables in any tangible shape1 and therefore the imports are taken to be the same as the exports4 ,the amount of imports from ,china is taken correctly from the tables2 and the value of all the rest1 as near as possible1 from the same tables1 in proportion2 the whole being entered to all countries east of the ,cape1 ,china excepted2 but in this amount also the amount for freight and charges should1 it is thought1 be added4 ,the proportion of foreign and colonial produce1 c4 to ,british manufactures exported1 is1 according to the official tables1 as near as may be1 the proportion taken4 ,the value of the whole ,british trade to the places specified1 may therefore be fairly taken at #ag1ejj1jjjl4 exports and imports1 and exclusive of the profits thereon4 ,next comes the trade which the ,united ,states have with all these places4 ,in this there are more precise data1 as the value both of exports and imports is given in their tables2 but it may be observed1 that the amount1 both as regards imports and exports1 is given exclusive of freights and charges1 which in almost all the articles carried is greater in proportion1 as regards the ,american trade1 than in ,british produce and manufactures4 ,it may also be observed1 that the whole trade which the ,united ,states have with all countries to the eastward of the ,mauritius1 would pass through1 and return through1 the communication made in central ,america1 as the nearest and the best route for them4 ,the following was the trade and tonnage of the ,united ,states with the places specified in #ahce3-- ,united ,states with 7p4 #ajc7 ,imports4 ,exports4 ,tonnage ,tonnage ,inwards4 ,outwards4 ,british ,east ,indies1 dolls4 #b1bic1jab #djf1edc #g1djj #e1fee ,dutch ditto #ehb1aei #eha1adi #c1dig #h1ffi ,spanish ditto #bhc1fhe #ae1iai #b1fdg #bbb ,asia generally #cgg1hdb #dcd1jcg #dgi #b1eic ,china #g1hib1cbg #a1jaj1dhc #ae1eej #h1abc ,mexico1 #a_/b #d1jcc1jcd #e1bfe1jec #ah1bbe #ae1gfh ,chili #ghg1dji #a1dgf1cee #b1ece #i1aia ,peru #fah1dab #eh1hfc #dic #fhe ,south ,seas #bg1cdh #ig1afi #ci1ejf #bhj ,n4 ,w4 ,coast ,america #aah1hac #de1hhf ---------- ---------- -------- ------- #af1eie1bbh #i1dfd1chd #acf1bah #ea1baf #a_/d freights1 c4 c4 #d1abc1hjg #b1chh1jic #ea1baf ------- ---------- ---------- -------- #bj1gai1jce #aa1heb1dgg #ahg1dcd #aa1heb1dgg ---------- -------- ---------- ,total ,united ,states #cb1ega1eab ,ditto specie #e1jjj1jjj ----------- ,grand total1 dollars #cg1ega1eab--,sterling1 #g1hbg1cih at #ds4#b;d4 ----------- ,general ,trade and ,tonnage4 ,value ,trade4 ,extent ,tonnage4 ,british #ag1ejj1jjj #bba1hah ,united ,states #g1hbg1cih #ahg1dcd ----------- ------- ,total #be1cbg1cih #dji1beb tons4 ----------- ------- ,to the above should be added all the specie sent both by ,great ,britain and the ,united ,states to the ,eastern ,world1 particularly to ,china1 to purchase cargoes1 from the ,states alone about #g1jjj1jjj dolls42 also all the tonnage which goes1 or would go1 from one coast to another in the three republics of ,venezuela1 ,guatemala1 and ,mexico4 ,to these states1 such a communication would prove of inestimable value1 and tend very greatly to add to the revenue to be obtained from the 7p4 #ajd7 traffic by it4 ,there are other nations1 also1 besides ,great ,britain and the ,united ,states1 which traffic with the quarters of the world already specifically alluded to1 particularly ,france1 ,spain1 and ,holland2 but no accurate account of such trade has hitherto come in the writer's way2 though1 taken collectively1 it must be to a considerable amount4 ,moreover1 the whole trade between ,holland and ,java1 and between ,spain and the ,philippine ,islands1 would pass by the channel under consideration1 and the trade which both nations has with these places is well known to be very considerable4 ,such as it has been described is the trade at this moment2 a sure foundation upon which the magnificent undertaking under consideration would1 at the outset1 have to build4 ,the increased and increasing communications through the grand thoroughfare goes beyond calculation1 and would most certainly exceed every thing that ever has been seen1 or that ever can be witnessed1 in any other portion of this globe4 ,the trade of mighty empires would sink into insignificance1 when compared1 in all their present magnitude1 with what it would become one hundred years hence4 ,admitting that it cost #a1jjj1jjjl4 to complete the navigable communication1 7and there are good grounds to believe that it could be done for one-half of the sum17 the question or point next to be considered is1 what would the revenue be1 which could be derived from it8 ,to exact a per centage on the value of the commerce which passes through it would be uncertain1 and liable to evasion1 and consequently give much trouble1 and occasion much vexation2 and therefore it would be best to exact so much per ton1 the exact extent of which the register of each ship or vessel so passing through the canal would at once and readily determine4 ,the question is1 ,what should the sum so levied1 or the toll1 actually come to be8 ,ten shillings per ton would certainly be a moderate sum2 and taking it so it will be shown how it will pay at the outset4 ,cost and ,revenue4 7p4 #aje7 ,revenue #daj1jjj tons yearly1 at #ajs4 #bje1jjj -------- ,capital #a1jjj1jjjl4 interest #e per cent #ej1jjj ,dividend in ,stock #aj per cent #ajj1jjj ,expenses1 management1 and repairs #bj1jjj ,surplus fund #ce1jjj ------- #bje1jjj -------- ,thus affording from the outset a fair and profitable return1 and which may reasonably be expected to be doubled in a very few years afterwards4 ,conveyance ,mails and ,passengers4 ,hitherto the matter has been considered entirely as relates to the practicability and probable expenditure to be incurred in carrying the ,plan into effect1 and the remuneration to be obtained from the ,plan when completed4 ,it yet remains to show the advantages which will be obtained in the courses and distances by this route1 as compared with other routes1 and also with the route by the ,north ,pole--even were this latter practicable throughout the year1 but which it almost certainly is not4 ,it has elsewhere been shown how a communication across any part of this ,isthmus1 even by an ordinary road1 can be made to extend1 and to accelerate the mail communications between ,great ,britain and all the western coasts of ,america1 and more especially with the most eastern parts of the eastern world1 and her own rising empire in ,new ,holland4 ,nothing calls forth the enterprize and the energies of mankind1 equal to the rapidity and regularity of correspondence3 and without this1 no country can either improve or advance in cultivation or civilization4 ,the comparative distances by the several lines of communication will stand as follow3-- ,geo4 ,miles4 ,falmouth1 direct to ,rialejo #dfej ,rialejo to ,colombia ,river #cjjj ---- #gfej ---- ,london to ,icy ,cape1 over the ,north ,pole #chgj 7p4 #ajf7 ,icy ,cape to ,colombia ,river1 by ,oonoolashka #bgde ---- #ffae ---- ,london to ,icy ,cape1 over the ,pole #chgj ,icy ,cape to ,canton #dbjj ---- #hjgj ---- ,falmouth direct to ,gulf ,papagayo #dfej ,papagayo to ,canton1 by ,owhyhee #icej ---- #ad1jjj ------ ,london to ,icy ,cape1 over the ,pole #chgj ,icy ,cape to ,sydney1 ,new ,south ,wales #ffjj ---- #aj1dgj ------ ,falmouth to ,rialejo1 by ,jamaica #eecj ,rialejo direct to ,sydney1 ,new ,south ,wales #gdjj ---- #ab1icj ------ ,falmouth to ,colombia ,river1 by ,l4 ,nicaragua #hcde ,ditto ditto ,cape ,horn #ac1ajj ------ #dgee diff4 ------ ,falmouth to ,sydney direct1 westward #ab1djj ,ditto to ditto1 by ,cape of ,good ,hope #f1bje ,cape to ,sydney direct #f1dgj ----- #ab1fgj ------ ,falmouth to ,cape ,good ,hope #fbje ,cape ,good ,hope to ,trincomalee #dgbj ,trincomalee to ,batavia #agej ,batavia to ,sydney1 by ,hobart ,town #djhe ---- #af1gfj ------ ,falmouth to ,rialejo1 by ,fayal1 c4 #eecj ,rialejo to ,canton1 by ,owhyhee #icjj ---- #ad1hcj ------ ,rialejo to ,sydney1 ,new ,south ,wales1 by ,otaheite #gejj ,panama to ,sydney #gijj ---- #ae1djj ------ ,falmouth to ,cape of ,good ,hope #fbje 7p4 #ajg7 ,cape of ,good ,hope to ,trincomalee #dfdj ,trincomalee to ,canton1 by ,batavia #cehj ---- #ad1dbe ------ ,falmouth to ,rialejo #eecj ,rialejo to ,pekin #hjjj ---- #ad1acj ------ ,falmouth to ,cape of ,good ,hope #fbje ,cape of ,good ,hope to ,pekin1 by ,canton1 c4 #iffj ---- #ae1hfe ------ ,falmouth to ,port ,culebra1 by ,barbadoes1 c4 #eecj ,port ,culebra to ,jeddo1 ,japan #gbej ---- #ab1ghj ------ ,falmouth to ,cape of ,good ,hope1 by ,madeira #fbje ,cape of ,good ,hope by ,batavia1 c4 to ,jeddo #hcjj ---- #ad1eje ------ ,falmouth to ,rialejo by ,barbadoes1 c4 #eecj ,rialejo to ,manilla #hhfj ---- #ad1cij ------ ,falmouth to ,cape of ,good ,hope1 by ,madeira #fbje ,cape of ,good ,hope to ,manilla1 by ,batavia #fgbj ---- #ab1ibe ------ ,falmouth to ,rialejo1 by ,barbadoes1 c4 #eecj ,rialejo to ,kamschatka #fjjj ---- #aa1ecj ------ ,falmouth to ,cape of ,good ,hope1 by ,madeira #fbje ,cape of ,good ,hope to ,batavia #ebjj ,batavia to ,kamschatka by ,canton #decj ---- #ae1ice ------ ,london to ,icy ,cape1 over the ,pole #chgj ,icy ,cape to ,kamschatka #abhj ---- #e1aej ------ ,thus it is evident1 that were the passage over the ,north ,pole open 7p4 #ajh7 and practicable at all seasons1 but which it is not1 the route by it would be so much shorter for every part from ,europe to the ports in ,asia and in ,america1 situated on the ,northern ,pacific1 as to be vastly preferable2 but when it is recollected that this passage can only be open for a very few months in the course of the year--and also considering the winds and the weather which1 during that brief space of time1 would certainly be met with in the northern route1 and the utter impossibility that there would be of procuring any assistance in that route1 should accidents occur1--it is clear1 that vessels would almost as speedily1 and certainly much more safely1 run over the distances by the western route1 even to the places more near2 while1 as regards those which are more distant1 there can and need be no comparison drawn4 ,it will also from these references be observed1 that the distances to all the eastern parts of ,asia1 and the north-west coast of ,america1 are1 with a very few exceptions 7in these1 too1 the distances are nearly equal71 nearer than the distances would be1 either taken by the ,cape of ,good ,hope or ,cape ,horn1 the only routes always open2 while1 considering the winds and the seas which are met with in either of these routes1 it is plain that ships would run over the distance by the western route through central ,america1 even to the most distant parts in eastern ,asia that have been adverted to1 sooner and much easier than they could do by either of the former4 ,the saving of insurance alone in the route by the mild tropical climates1 and also of wear and tear in ships by the same channel1 compared to what all these would amount to in the navigation by the other routes1 to say nothing of the saving of time in voyages1 would be objects of great importance to commercial and nautical men4 ,,appendix--,no ,i 7p4 #aji7 ,places ,lat4 ,long4 ,falmouth #ej #h' ,n4 #e #a' ,w4 ,terceira1 ,azores #ch #ch' #bc -- #bg #ab' #dh -- ,halifax1 ,nova ,scotia #dd #ci' -- #fc #cc' -- ,new ,york #dj #db' -- #gd #b' -- ,bermuda1 ,town #cb #bb' -- #fd #cc' -- ,madeira1 ,funchall #cb #dg' #db -- #af #ee' #cj -- ,teneriffe1 ,st ,cruz #bh #bh' #jj -- #af #ae' -- ,lisbon #ch #bd' -- #i #ac' -- ,cadiz #cf #ca' -- #f #ah' -- ,gibraltar #cf #f' #bj' -- #e #bj' #ec -- ,nassau1 ,new ,providence #be #e' -- #gg #ah' -- ,turk's ,islands #ba #f' #ga #ae' #bj #ac' #fi #bh' ,crooked ,island #bb #dd' -- #gc #ed' -- ,havannah #bc #i' #bf -- #hb #bj' -- ,st4 ,jago1 ,cuba #ai #eg' #ci -- #gf #b' #de -- ,cape ,nichola ,mole #ai #di' #bj -- #gc #bg' #cj -- ,st4 ,john's1 ,porto ,rico #ah #bi' #aj -- #fe #ci' -- ,st4 ,thomas #ah #ba' #e -- #fd #eg' #ej -- ,kingston1 ,jamaica #ag #eg' #eg -- #gf #df' #aj -- ,vera ,cruz #ai #ab' #ae -- #if #g' #ab -- ,tampico #bb #ae' #ef -- #ig #eb' -- ,honduras1 ,belize #ag #bi' #bi -- #hh #aa' #ae -- ,chagre #i #ah' #dj -- #gi #ee' -- ,panama #h #eg' #cj -- #gi #bi' #bj -- ,carthagena #aj #bf' -- #ge #cg' #e -- ,laguayra #aj #cg' -- #fg #a' #ce -- ,demerara1 ,george ,town #f #di' -- #eh #aa' -- ,barbadoes1 ,bridgetown #ac #e' #cj -- #ei #dc' #ae -- ,antigua1 ,e4 ,h4 #ag #c' -- #fa #ej' -- ,trinidad1 ,port of ,spain #aj #ch' #db -- #fa #ei' #cj -- ,cape ,st ,roque #e #bh' ,s4 #ce #ag' -- ,maranham #b #bh' -- #dd #af' -- ,pernambuco #h #da' -- #cd #ea' -- ,bahia #ab #ee' -- #ch #cj' -- 7p4 #aaj7 ,rio de ,janeiro #bb #ed' #ae -- #dc #ae' #ej -- ,monte ,video #cd #ec' #cj -- #ef #af' -- ,buenos ,ayres #cd #af' -- #eh #bd' -- ,salt ,key1 middle1 ,turk's ,island #ba #bj' -- #ga #d' -- ,crooked ,island1 ,castle ,island #bb #g' #cj -- #gd #ah' #de -- ,trinidad de ,cuba #ba #dc' -- #hj -- ,cape ,antonio #ba #ed' -- #hd #eg' -- ,montego ,bay1 ,jamaica #ah #cb' -- #gh #b' -- ,st4 ,john's1 ,newfoundland #dg #cd' -- #eb #ch' -- ,st4 ,john's1 ,new ,brunswick #de #ae' -- #ff #b' #ai -- ,quebec #df #dg' #cj -- #ga #aj' -- ,montreal #de #df' -- #gj #ce' -- ,distances and ,bearings of ,places4 ,places ,geo4 ,miles4 ,falmouth to ,lisbon ,s4 #ad ,w4 #gcj ,ditto ,gibraltar ,s4 #d ,w4 #hbj ,ditto ,teneriffe ,s4 #bb ,w4 #adaj ,ditto ,madeira ,s4 #bg ,w4 #aagj ,ditto ,terceira ,s4 #ed ,w4 #aahj ,ditto ,new ,york ,s4 #gi-a_/b ,w4 #cjjj ,madeira to ,barbadoes ,s4 #fc ,w4 #bfjj ,terceira to ,barbadoes ,s4 #di ,w4 #bcdj ,ditto ,antigua ,s4 #ed ,w4 #bbjj ,ditto ,st4 ,thomas ,s4 #ei ,w4 #bcej ,madeira to ,st4 ,thomas ,s4 #gb ,w4 #bhjj ,ditto ,cape ,nichola ,mole ,s4 #ge ,w4 #cjjj ,terceira to ,cape ,nichola ,mole ,s4 #fe ,w4 #bgjj ,falmouth to ,barbadoes ,s4 #ej ,w4 #cejj ,ditto ,st4 ,thomas ,s4 #eg ,w4 #cejj ,ditto ,cape ,nichola ,mole ,s4 #fa ,w4 #chjj ,ditto ,fayal ,s4 #ee ,w4 #abcj ,fayal to ,barbadoes ,s4 #dg-a_/b ,w4 #bbee ,ditto ,cape ,nichola ,mole ,s4 #fd-a_/b ,w4 #bfjj ,ditto ,st4 ,john's1 ,newfoundland ,n4 #fc ,w4 #aahj ,ditto ,port ,praya1 ,cape ,verde ,s4 #aa ,e4 #aede ,cape ,verde to ,pernambuco ,s4 #bf ,w4 #aecj ,ditto ,rio de ,janeiro ,s4 #bg ,w4 #beej ,fayal to ,new ,york ,n4 #hf-a_/b ,w4 #bjbj 7p4 #aaa7 ,terceira to ,rio de ,janeiro1 by ,bahia1 c4 ,s4 #ac ,w4 #cijj ,ditto ,halifax ,n4 #gg ,w4 #agcj ,halifax to ,new ,york ,s4 #hc ,w4 #ebj ,new ,york to ,nassau1 ,n4 ,p4 ,s4 #aj ,w4 #iej ,nassau to ,cape ,nichola ,mole ,s4 #ef ,e4 #chj ,havannah to ,vera ,cruz ,s4 #gc ,w4 #hjj ,new ,york to ,havannah ,s4 #bb ,w4 #aadj ,jamaica to ,chagre1 direct ,s4 #ba ,w4 #eej ,chagre to ,panama ,s4 #ej ,e4 #cc ,kingston to ,river ,st4 ,juan ,s4 #df ,w4 #ehe ,river ,st4 ,juan to ,rialejo ,n4 #ff ,w4 #bce ,leon to ,rialejo ,n4 #ff ,w4 #ba ,madeira to ,rio de ,janeiro ,s4 #bd ,w4 #cgjj ,rio de ,janeiro to ,buenos ,ayres ,s4 #dg ,w4 #ajfj ,st4 ,thomas1 to ,cape ,nichola ,mole ,n4 #hj ,w4 #dgj ,ditto to ,crooked ,island ,castle ,n4 #fg ,w4 #ehj ,ditto ,turk's ,island ,n4 #fb ,w4 #chj ,turk's ,island to ,jamaica1 direct ,s4 #eh ,w4 #chj ,ditto ,havannah ,n4 #hj ,w4 #fcj ,ditto ,jamaica1 by ,st4 ,jago de ,cuba #hbj ,crooked ,island to ,cape ,nichola ,s4 #ai ,w4 #adf ,ditto ,jamaica ,s4 #bi ,w4 #bhe ,ditto ,havannah ,n4 #hb ,w4 #dde ,barbadoes to #dj miles ,e4 of ,alto ,vela ,n4 #fh ,w4 #gjj ,forty miles ,e4 of ,alto ,vela to ,jamaica1 direct ,n4 #he ,w4 #ccj ,add by calling at ,jacmel #ej ,jamaica to ,santa ,martha ,s4 #bj ,e4 #dbe ,santa ,martha to ,carthagena #ij ,carthagena to ,chagre #bij ,montego ,bay1 ,jamaica1 to ,trinidad de ,cuba ,n4 #dj-a_/b ,w4 #agb ,trinidad de ,cuba to ,honduras ,s4 #fa ,w4 #ebj ,kingston1 ,jamaica1 to ,cape ,antonio ,n4 #fc ,w4 #ebj ,cape ,antonio to ,havannah ,n4 #fc ,e4 #afd ,falmouth to ,st4 ,john's1 ,newfoundland ,s4 #hf-a_/b ,w4 #bjdj ,st ,john's1 ,newfoundland1 to ,halifax ,s4 #gc ,w4 #fje ,falmouth to ,halifax ,s4 #hb-a_/b ,w4 #beej ,fayal to ,halifax ,n4 #gg ,w4 #afdj ,halifax to ,st4 ,john's1 ,new ,brunswick ,n4 #ga ,w4 #aaa ,st4 ,john's1 ,new ,brunswick1 to ,quebec ,n4 #ff ,w4 #bcj ,quebec to ,montreal ,s4 #eh ,w4 #aaf ,new ,york to ,quebec1 direct ,n4 #ai ,e4 #cij ,ditto ,montreal1 direct ,n4 #d ,e4 #cje ,comparative ,distances of ,places4 7p4 #aab7 ,geo4 ,miles4 ,falmouth to ,terceira #aahj ,terceira to ,barbadoes #bcdj ---- #cebj ,falmouth to ,madeira #aagj ,madeira to ,barbadoes #bfjj ---- #cggj ,falmouth to ,teneriffe1 by ,madeira #adaj ,teneriffe to ,barbadoes #begj ---- #cihj ,falmouth to ,madeira1 by ,lisbon #abfj ,madeira to ,barbadoes #bfjj ---- #chfj ,falmouth to ,fayal #abcj ,fayal to ,barbadoes #bbee ---- #cdhe ,falmouth to ,fayal #abcj ,fayal to ,cape ,nichola ,mole #bfjj ---- #chcj ,falmouth to ,terceira #aahj ,terceira to ,st4 ,thomas #bcej ---- #cecj ,falmouth to ,terceira #aahj ,terceira to ,cape ,nichola ,mole #bgjj ---- #chhj ,falmouth to ,madeira #aagj ,madeira to ,st4 ,thomas #bhjj ---- #cigj ,falmouth to ,madeira #aagj ,madeira to ,cape ,nichola ,mole #cjjj ---- #dagj ,madeira to ,rio de ,janeiro #cgjj ,ditto1 by ,pernambuco and ,bahia #aji ---- #chjj ,terceira to ,rio de ,janeiro1 by ,pernambuco and ,bahia #cijj ,falmouth to ,gibraltar1 by ,lisbon1 c4 #ajbj ,gibraltar to ,alexandria1 by ,palermo and ,malta #aiee ---- #bige ,falmouth to ,gibraltar1 by ,lisbon and ,cadiz #ajej ,gibraltar to ,madeira #fjj ,madeira to ,barbadoes #bfjj ---- #dbej ,,calculation ,,of ,,yearly ,,cost ,,of ,,sailing ,,packets ,,and ,,steam ,,boats4 7p4 #aac7 ,i4--,sailing ,packets4 ,first cost1 #iejjl4--,interest1 #e per cent4 #dge ,repairs1 ordinary tear and wear1 at #g-a_/b per cent4 #gaj ,wages1 say #a1bgj ,provisions1 say #gcj ,insurance1 #aj per cent4 #iej ------ ,total #d1ace ,exclusive of yearly depreciation of capital--say1 last seventeen years1 is #eehl4 #afs4 yearly4 ,the per centage here taken for yearly supplies1 is below the true outlay4 ,the following sums1 in full details1 have been received from a very accurate and competent hand1 of the outfits of a new vessel of #bcj tons1 cost #djjjl41 for six successive voyages in the ,west ,indian trade1 during a period of #dh months4 ,it is considered unnecessary to insert the details at length4 ,the amount is given for each voyage3-- #ast ,voyage #if #aa #e #dth ,voyage #fdf #c #aa #b;d ditto #bai #ag #j #eth ditto #cdh #ab #h #c;d ditto #cja #a #d #fth ditto #bff #h #b #fag #i #i #abfa #d #i ,together #ahgh #ad #f ,average #cac #b #f ,nearly ,,eight per cent1 for each voyage1 or twenty-four per cent4 per annum4 ,the amount would also increase yearly with the age of the ship4 ,,ii4--,steam ,boats4 7p4 #aad7 ,value #bd1jjjl41 ,interest at #e per cent #a1bjj ,tear and wear1 do4 do4 #a1bjj ,insurance1 do4 do4 #a1bjj #c1fjj ,crews1 in all #dj4 ,captain per annum #djj #ast ,mate #aab #b;d do4 #fh ,master #aab #ast ,engineer #agc #b;d do4 #abb #c;d do4 #hh ,engineer ,extra #agc #c ,engineer ,boys1 average #ci #d ,apprentices1 at #ajs4 per month #bd #d ,stewards and ,boys1 aver4 #bes4 do4 #fj #ba ,seamen1 c4 c4 at #djs4 per do4 #ejd ,provisions1 at #cjs4 each1 per do4 #gbj #b1eie ,total #f1aie ,by an ,admiralty ,order1 dated ,august #ahcg1 it is directed that the pay of the following persons in steamers shall be as under1 but increased one-half of the sum when on service in the ,west ,indies3-- #ast ,engineer1 per month #i #ab #j #b;d do4 do4 #f #f #j #c;d do4 do4 #d #d #j ,engineer ,boys3 #ast class1 per do4 #a #ad #j #b;d do4 do4 #a #f #j #c;d do4 do4 #a #c #j #dth do4 do4 #j #ad #f ,and according to the ,report of the ,post-,office ,commissioners1 the pay of the following officers on some of the ,home ,steam-boat ,stations1 is3-- #ast ,mate1 per annum #gh #j #j #b;d do4 #de #aj #j ,master #gh #j #j ,captains from #djjl4 to #ejjl4 ,,iii4--,small ,sailing ,vessels4 7p4 #aae7 ,cost1 say averages #b1jjjl4--,interest at #e per cent4 #ajj ,insurance1 #ab per cent4 #bdj ,tear and wear1 at #e per cent4 #ajj ,crews1 #aj4 ,captain1 per annum #ajj ,mate #gj #h ,men and ,boys1 average #cjs4 per month #add ,provisions1 at #cjs4 per do4 #ahj #did ,total #icd ,,postages1 ,,probable ,,amount1 ,,increase1 c4 ,in the ,general ,post-office ,accounts for #ahcf 7see ,finance ,accounts1 #ahcg1 p4 #ee71 there is charged the sum of #i1djfl4 #gs4 #e-a_/d;d41 as the sum paid for ship letters4 ,for each letter received by a ship not a regular packet1 #b;d4 is paid by the ,post ,office at landing1 and which gives the number of such letters to be #a1abh1gfd yearly4 ,suppose #djj1jjj of these went by packets under the new arrangements1 the additional ,post-office revenue therefrom would be #af1ffel4 ,the sum just mentioned as paid for ship letters may be stated as principally attached to ship letters brought from all places in the ,western ,world4 ,according to a return to the ,house of ,commons 7see ,east ,india ,steam ,communication ,report1 #ahcg71 the number of ship letters from ,india for #ahcf1 was #aei1cfj4 ,the ,new ,york packet ships alone carry from #ejjj to #fjjj letters each4 ,twice each month the proposed packets to and from ,england would bear an equal1 perhaps even a greater1 number1 under the proposed regular and prompt arrangement3 certainly all the ,canadian correspondence will be very greatly increased4 ,this number1 however1 in four voyages each month1 backwards and forwards1 gives at the rate1 in round numbers1 of #bij1jjj each year4 ,at #i;d4 each letter1 the additional packet postage beyond the ship-letter rate1 would be #aj1hgel4 gained to the ,british ,post ,office4 ,in the ,accounts above referred to1 p4 #ed1 there is entered #ge1dhdl4 #ajs4 #h-a_/d;d41 charged on the postmasters in the ,british ,west ,indies1 and in ,british ,america4 ,this sum is doubtless for the 7p4 #aaf7 unpaid letters outwards1 and perhaps some internal postage4 ,the return postage from these quarters will exceed this sum1 because more double and treble letters come inwards than are sent outwards4 ,there is also a considerable sum paid in this country for letters sent by post to the ,british ,colonies4 ,in the same accounts there is entered1 p4 #ed1 #hc1fajl4 #ajs4 #e;d4 received by the window men1 c4 at the ,foreign ,post ,office4 ,a portion of this must be for the letters outwards to the ,brazils1 to ,st4 ,thomas1 to the ,french ,islands1 to ,honduras1 to ,mexico1 to ,havannah1 and all places in central ,south ,america1 for all of which places the postage must be paid before the letter can be forwarded4 ,how much of the above sum is for the purpose alluded to1 is not stated1 but let it be taken at #cj1jjjl4 yearly outwards1 and an equal sum from the same places inwards2 together1 #fj1jjjl4 ,next1 there would be the gain on the ,,new ,,line between ,halifax1 ,new ,york1 and the ,west ,indies2 or1 more correctly speaking1 between all ,north ,america and all the ,west ,indies1 from ,demerara to ,mexico inclusive1 and including also the shores of ,south ,america on the east1 and all its western coasts1 from ,valparaiso on the south1 to ,nootka ,sound on the north4 ,the exports and imports to and from these quarters1 with all quarters of the world1 amount1 in goods1 produce1 specie and bills1 and freights1 c4 to upwards of #hj1jjj1jjjl4 a year4 ,the letters to which this vast trade1 especially as the whole of it is carried on by means of correspondence1 must give rise1 will be immense3 and yet1 with the exception of the scanty mail communication afforded by ,britain to a few places1 there is none to be found4 ,the amount of the trade here stated1 includes of course the trade with all places in ,europe4 ,the portion which is exclusively ,colonial and ,american1 and which would of course be attached to the new line alluded to1 cannot be less in exports and imports than #cj1jjj1jjjl4 yearly4 ,the proportionate postage from this commerce1 even at the ratio of the present ,west ,indian postage1 to and from ,great ,britain and her ,west ,indian colonies1 would be #aaj1jjjl4 yearly2 but admitting that a sum equal to one-half only of this sum came from the letters sent through the ,british ,post ,office1 the sum gained on this station yearly would be #ee1jjjl4 ,to all these sums must be added a considerable sum in postages1 which would be annually drawn from the correspondence between all parts 7p4 #aag7 of the ,united ,states1 and ,maranham1 ,pernambuco1 ,bahia1 ,rio de ,janeiro1 ,montevideo1 ,buenos ,ayres1 c4 which would go by the ,british packets from all these places to ,fayal1 and thence on1 without any delay1 to ,new ,york4 ,what this will be1 it is impossible to estimate2 but taking the trade of the ,united ,states with these places as a basis1 it can hardly be less than #aj1jjjl41 or more probably #ab1jjjl4 per annum4 ,the postages derived at present from the packet intercourse with the whole ,western ,world is taken at #bjj1jjjl4 outwards and inwards4 ,it is not too much to estimate1 that under the new and extended communications and arrangements1 more regular and frequent1 this sum would be increased one-third1 or #ff1fffl42 together1 #bff1fffl4 yearly4 ,to this there is to be added the additions1 as are previously noted2 together #ib1edjl42 making the sum total at least #cei1bjfl4 per annum4 ,the estimated expenditure for conveying the whole of the mails by steam1 which are calculated to produce this yearly revenue1 is #beb1hejl41 or a gain of #ajf1cefl4 ,the present revenue barely pays the expenditure1 if so much1 of the establishment1 consisting of thirty sailing packets2 four steamers in the ,west ,indies2 ten mail boats 7#fjjjl4 yearly7 there2 some sailing vessels at ,halifax1 and very frequently1 a considerable assistance from ships of war besides6 ,postages and ,salaries in ,west ,indies1 c4--#ahcd-e4 ,postages received4 ,salaries and ,allowances4 ,jamaica #ag1bjc #ah #e #efb #aj #j ,bahama #adf #j #b #aibb #ai #f ,barbadoes #dgih #ac #g #ajj #j #j ,berbice and ,demerara #aeic #aj #h #aej #j #j ,bermuda #ej #j #j ,dominica #bee #h #a #ajj #j #j ,grenada #fje #ad #d #hj #j #j ,st4 ,vincents #fcb #ai #c #hj #j #j ,tobago #cie #ad #e #aige #aa #c ,trinidad #ica #aj #a #aej #j #j ,st4 ,lucia #cbj #ab #b #ej #j #j ,antigua #gha #b #a #hj #j #j ,montserrat #hj #c #f #aiae #c #aa ,footnote #ai3 ,and #bj per cent4 on neat proceeds4 ,postages received4 ,salaries and ,allowances4 7p4 #aah7 ,st4 ,christophers #edg #j #c #abj #j #j ,nevis #adf #af #h #fj #j #j ,tortola #aji #h #aj #ej #j #j ,british ,north ,america #db1jid #ag #aj #ieh #aj #d ,parl4 ,pap4 #eih of #ahcf1 and #fth ,report of ,post-office ,commissioners1 #ahcf1 p4 #cb1 c4 ,it has been stated 7see p4 #c7 that many letters by packets from foreign parts are returned unopened to the ,post-,office1 in order to save the postages1 because the originals or duplicates had previously been received through private channels4 ,it would be useful and important to ascertain the number of these4 ,in the ,finance ,accounts for #ahcg1 p4 #ed1 there is entered in the ,post-office deductions on account of ,,returned1 refused1 mis-sent1 and redirected letters1 over-charges1 and returns1 the following sums3-- ,england #ei1bhh #d #a ,scotland #aa1abi #ai #aj ,west ,indies and ,british ,n4 ,america #ae1ccg #ae #i ,window men1 ,foreign ,office #gcd #ae #aj-a_/b ------------------- #hf1dij #ae #f-a_/b ------------------- ,postages4--,mediterranean1 c4 ,letters for ,india1 year ending ,october #ahcf #iij #g #d ,ditto ,alexandria1 ditto1 ditto #abhe #a #a ------------ #b1bge #h #e ------------ ,postages of letters passing through ,falmouth by the ,mediterranean packet1 years ending ,october#bj-- #ahcd4 #ahce4 #ahcf4 ,to ,cadiz #hbj #aa #e #haa #ai #f-a_/b #gjc #h #c ,gibraltar #a1aad #ag #aa #a1fjc #ah #j #a1ebg #ad #h-a_/b ,malta #edi #ai #b #fgj #d #aa-a_/b #fid #b #f-a_/b ,corfu #cjj #i #h #dba #ai #aj #dhf #h #aj ------------ ---------------- ---------------- #b1ghe #ah #b #c1ejg #ag #d #c1daa #ad #d ------------ ---------------- ---------------- ,footnote #bj3 ,appendix1 #aif1 ,report ,steam ,communication with ,india4 ,,arrivals ,,and ,,departures ,,of ,,packets ,,calculated4 7p4 #aai7 ,the arrivals at1 departures from1 and the returns to ,fayal1 of the packets for all quarters1 will correspond so well with the arrival outwards of the steamers from ,falmouth1 that no material delay on the part of the steamers bearing all the return mails to ,falmouth will be occasioned or required4 ,but because ,february has only twenty-eight days1 the mails1 to make all coincide more nearly1 should be made up in ,london1 instead of the #ast and #aeth of ,february1 on the #cjth of ,january1 and #acth of the former month4 ,the following1 however1 taking the despatch of the mails from ,london according to the days in each month1 will show the periods of the whole3-- #a4--,west ,indies4 ,mail of ,arrival at ,fayal4 ,return to do4 ,january #a ,january #aj ,february #be #ae #be ,march #ac ,february #a ,february #aj #bh #ae #be ,april #ab ,march #a ,march #aj #be #ae #be ,may #aj ,april #a ,april #aj #bf #ae #be ,june #aj ,may #a ,may #aj #be #ae #be ,july #aj ,june #a ,june #aj #bf #ae #be ,august #aj ,july #a ,july #aj #be #ae #be ,september #i ,august #a ,august #aj #be #ae #be ,october #aj ,september #a ,september #aj #bf #ae #be ,november #aj ,october #a ,october #aj #be #ae #be ,december #aj ,november #a ,november #aj #bf #ae #be ,january #aj ,december #a ,december #aj #be #ae #be ,february #i ,thus showing that1 by the time the steamer was ready to return to 7p4 #abj7 ,falmouth1 the ,west ,indian mails would be up at ,fayal2 and1 as regards the other quarters1 the mails from thence would have some time to spare for the voyages in case of accidents1 and still be in time at ,fayal1 thus3-- #b4--;,brazils4 ,mail of ,arrival at ,fayal4 ,return to do4 ,march #a ,march #aj ,april #bd #ae #be ,may #i ,april #a ,april #aj #be #ae #be ,june #h ,may #a ,may #aj #bd #ae #be ,july #h ,june #a ,june #aj #be #ae #be ,august #h ,july #a ,july #aj #bd #ae #be ,september #i ,august #a ,august #aj #bd #ae #be ,october #i ,september #a ,september #aj #be #ae #be ,november #h ,october #a ,october #aj #bd #ae #be ,december #i ,november #a ,november #aj #be #ae #be ,january #i ,decembe #a ,december #aj #bd #ae #be ,february #h ,january #a ,january #aj #bd #ae #be ,march #i ,february #a ,february #aj #be #ae #be ,april #i #c4--;,fayal and ,halifax ,department4 ,mail of ,arrival at ,fayal4 ,return to do4 ,march #a ,march #aj ,april #g #ae #be #bb ,april #a ,april #aj ,may #h #ae #be #bc ,may #a ,may #aj ,june #g #ae #be #bb ,june #a ,june #aj ,july #h #ae #be #bc ,july #a ,july #aj ,august #g 7p4 #aba7 #ae #be #bc ,august #a ,august #aj ,september #g #ae #be #bb ,september #a ,september #aj ,october #h #ae #be #bc ,october #a ,october #aj ,november #g #ae #be #bb ,november #a ,november #aj ,december #h #ae #be #bc ,december #a ,december #aj ,january #g #ae #be #bc ,january #a ,january #aj ,february #g #ae #be #bb ,february #a ,february #aj ,march #aj #ae #be #be #d4--,north ,american and ,west ,indian ,department4 ,mail of ,at ,barbadoes ,at ,cape ,nichola ,return to do4 ,march #a ,march #bb ,march #bg ,april #bd #ae ,april #f ,april #aa ,may #i ,april #a #bb #bg #be #ae ,may #g ,may #ab ,june #i ,may #a #bb #bg #bd #ae ,june #f ,june #aa ,july #i ,june #a #bb #bg #be #ae ,july #g ,july #ab ,august #i ,july #a #bb #bg #bd #ae ,august #f ,august #aa ,september #i ,august #a #bb #bg #bd #ae ,september #g ,september #ab ,october #aj ,september #a #bb #bg #be #ae ,october #g ,october #ab ,november #i ,october #a #bb #bg #bd #ae ,november #f ,november #aa ,december #i ,november #a #bb #bg #be #ae ,december #g ,december #ab ,january #i ,december #a #bb #bg #bd #ae ,january #f ,january #aa ,february #h ,january #a #bb #bg #bd #ae ,february #f ,february #aa ,march #aa ,february #a #bb #bg #bg #ae ,march #i ,march #ad ,april #aa ,the following will be the periods of the steamers between ,halifax 7p4 #abb7 and ,havannah1 from which it will appear how well the whole will work as regards all ,north ,america and all the ,west ,indies2 and also how regularly and pointedly the return steamer from the ,havannah 7bringing the ,havannah and ,tampico mails1 should any accident have happened to the ,jamaica steamer71 will call at ,new ,york for the replies to the letters by the packet from ,europe1 arrived at that city two days before her2 and carry these forward to ,halifax 7giving two days to stop at ,new ,york7 in time to get the steamer with the homeward ,british mails from that place to ,fayal4 ,arrivals and ,departures of the ,london ,mails of the following dates4 ,mail of ,arrive at ,leave ,arrive at ,return to ,havannah ,halifax ,havannah ,halifax ---------------------------------------- ---------------------- ,january #a ,january #ca ,january #bj ,january #cj ,february #ac #ae ,february #ae ,february #d ,february #ad #bh ,february #a ,march #c #bj ,march #b ,march #af #ae #ah ,march #g #ag ,april #a ,march #a #ca #bj #cj #ac #ae ,april #ae ,april #d ,april #ad #bh ,april #a ,may #a #bj #cj ,may #ac #ae #af ,may #e ,may #af #bi ,may #a #ca #bj #cj ,june #ac #ae ,june #ae ,june #d ,june #ad #bh ,june #a ,july #a #bj #cj ,july #ad #ae #af ,july #e ,july #ae #bi ,july #a #ca #bj #cj ,august #ac #ae ,august #ae ,august #d ,august #ad #bh ,august #a #ca #bj #cj ,september #ac #ae ,september #ae ,september #d ,september #ad #bh ,september #a ,october #a #bj #cj ,october #ad #ae #af ,october #e ,october #ae #bi ,october #a #ca #bj #cj ,november #ac #ae ,november #ae ,november #d ,november #ad #bh ,november #a ,december #a #bj #cj ,december #ad #ae #af ,december #e ,december #ae #bi ,december #a #ca #bj #cj ,january #ac #ae ,january #ae ,january #d ,january #ad #bh ,sailing packets in these stations would depart and arrive at corresponding periods1 being able to be1 if any thing1 earlier forward to ,fayal2 but always #ae days more on their respective voyages than the steam-boats4 ,the steamer outwards from ,barbadoes could land1 and the homeward 7p4 #abc7 bound packet take up the ,haytian mails at ,cape ,henry1 when the return packet goes by the north side2 and the return ,haytian mails could be picked up at ,jacmel1 if the packet1 when a steamer1 calls1 as she may do1 at that place on her voyage to ,jamaica1 preparatory to her return by way of ,st4 ,jago and ,cape ,nichola to ,fayal or ,falmouth4 ,the distance and time of communicating between ,barbadoes and ,halifax with steamers1 by ,jamaica and ,havannah1 would be1-- ,geo4 ,miles4 ,days4 ,halifax to ,havannah #aaaj #f-a_/b ,havannah to ,barbadoes by ,jamaica1 c4 #aife #ac ,stoppages #b ,barbadoes to ,halifax by ,jamaica1 c4 #cjge #ae-a_/b ,stoppages1 suppose 4 4 4 #c ,total #faej #dj ,speed1 c4 of ,steam ,boats4 ,in the ,sixth ,report of the ,post-office ,commissioners1 p4 #bha1 it is stated that the ,malta steamers average #g-a_/b miles per hour1 and have done so for a period of two years4 ,the ,dublin and ,liverpool ,steam ,post-office packets average also #g-a_/b miles per hour1 or #ahj miles daily4 ,in the same ,report1 p4 #bfe1 ,mr4 ,napier states1 that he built the steamers which run between ,dundee and ,london2 and that during a period of eighteen months they have averaged #aa-a_/b miles per hour4 ,this1 it is believed1 means ,british miles1 or #aj geographical miles4 ,at the latter rate they run #bdj miles per day4 ,during the period above mentioned1 these boats have not cost their owners #ahl4 for repairs to the machinery4 ,a steam-boat of #bdj-;horse power would at that time 7#ahcf7 cost #bd1jjjl4 to #be1jjjl41 burden #fbj tons4 ,a contractor1 to keep them in repair1 would require #a1jjjl4 per annum4 ,according to accounts lately received from the ,east1 the ,berenice1 with only one engine1 the other having been broken1 ran from ,socotora to ,suez1 a distance of #ahjj miles1 in #i-a_/b days4 ,the ,leith and ,london ,steamers1 such as the ,monarch1 of #bjj-;horse power1 run the distance1 #dae geographical miles1 in #de hours1--the average of voyages during the year2 and frequently the distance is run in #dj hours1 and even less4 ,estimates for ,passengers on each ,station4 7p4 #abd7 ,demerara steamers1 #dh voyages1 #bj each1 #ifj per annum1 at #cj dollars #bh1hjj #ast ,leeward station--,barbadoes to ,havannah1 through all the islands1 #dh voyages monthly1 #ej each1 is #bdjj1 at #gj dollars average #afh1jjj #b;d ,leeward station--,havannah to ,vera ,cruz1 and ,jamaica to ,chagre1 ,panama1 c4 c41 #if voyages1 at #bj each1 is #aibj yearly1 at #dj dollars #gf1hjj ,packets and sailing-vessels in all the points1 #abj voyages1 average #aj each1 is #abjj1 at #be dollars #cj1jjj ,total dollars #cjc1fjj ,at #ds4 #b;d4 per dollar1 is sterling #fc1bej ,falmouth to ,barbadoes1 #dc voyages1 #bj each1 at #djl4 #ch1jjj ,falmouth to ,rio de ,janeiro1 #dh voyages1 #aj each1 at #eel4 #bf1bjj ,falmouth to ,halifax1 #dh voyages1 #bj each1 #ifj yearly1 average #cel4 #cc1fjj ,halifax to ,west ,indies1 by ,new ,york1 #dh voyages1 #bj each1 is #ifj1 at #bfl4 #bd1ifj ,falmouth to ,madeira and ,teneriffe1 #bjj yearly1 at #bjl4 #d1jjj ,rio do ,janeiro to ,buenos ,ayres1 #bdj yearly1 at #ael4 #c1fjj ,pernambuco to ,maranham1 #abj yearly1 at #abl4 #a1ddj ,west ,india ,islands to ,bermuda1 ,nassau1 c4 c4 #bhj yearly1 at #abl4 #c1cfj #ace1afj ,total #aih1daj ,deduct expense1 finding one-third #ff1acf ,amount gained #acb1bgd ,the cost of finding passengers is here estimated at #d dollars per day4 ,in the ,house of ,commons ,report about ,steam ,communications with ,india1 the cost of finding passengers to that quarter of the world is estimated by experienced captains of ships at #ajs4 sterling per day4 ,the charge made in steamers in the ,west ,indies for cabin passage money1 by orders of the ,admiralty1 is #agl4 sterling1 ,barbadoes to ,jamaica2 #ajl4 sterling1 ,jamaica to ,st4 ,thomas2 and #ajl4 sterling1 ,st4 ,thomas to ,barbadoes4 ,income3--,parcels1 ,packages1 and ,fine ,goods4 ,steamers to be 7p4 #abe7 restricted to #dj tons ,weight in all4 #bdj voyages on the four great lines yearly1 #bj tons each1 at the rate of #ajl4 per ton over all #dh1jjj ,second ,class ,lines1 ,barbadoes to ,havannah1 ,havannah to ,vera ,cruz2 ,jamaica to ,chagre1 c2 ,barbadoes to ,demerara1 #aib voyages yearly1 #bj tons each1 average #ajl4 #ch1djj ,suppose ,third ,class ,lines by ,sailing-vessels everywhere--#chh voyages1 average #h tons #ca1jdj ,total #aag1ddj -------- ,but ,port ,dues remain to be deducted--uncertain1 say1 #ae1jjjl4 ,,appendix1 ,no4 ,,ii4--,,eastern ,,world4 ,places4 ,latitudes4 ,longitudes4 ,falmouth #ej #h' ,n4 #e #a' ,w4 ,lisbon #ch #bd' -- #i #ab' -- ,cadiz #cf #ca' -- #f #ah' -- ,gibraltar #cf #f' #bj -- #e #bj' #ec -- ,malta #ce #ec' -- #ad #cj' ,e4 ,zante #cg #dg' -- #bj #ed' -- ,athens #cg #eg' -- #bc #dc' -- ,smyrna #ch #be' -- #bg #f' #de -- ,constantinople #da #ab' -- #bh #ei' -- ,alexandria 7light7 ,egypt #ca #ab' -- #bi #eb' -- ,cairo #cj #c' -- #ca #ah' -- ,suez #cj #j' -- #cb #bh' -- ,mocha #ac #bj' -- #dc #bj' -- ,babelmandel1 ,isle #ab #ch' -- #dc #bj' -- ,cape ,guardafui #aa #da' #d -- #ea #ab' #bd -- ,socotora1 ,galanscea road #ab #dc' -- #ec #ah' -- ,cape ,aden #ab #df' -- #de #aj' #cj -- ,bombay #ah #ee' -- #gb #ed' -- ,colombo1 ,ceylon #f #eg' -- #gi #eg' -- ,point de ,galle1 ,ceylon #f #a' -- #hj #ah' -- 7p4 #abf7 ,trincomalee1 ditto #h #cc' #cj -- #ha #bj' #ae -- ,madras #ac #d' #aj -- #hj #ba' -- ,calcutta #bb #cd' -- #hh #bf' -- ,cape ,comorin #h #d' -- #gg #da' #cj -- ,mauritius1 ,port ,louis #bj #i' ,s4 #eg #bh' -- ,bourbon1 ,st4 ,dennis #bj #eb' -- #ee #bf' -- ,madagascar1 ,cape ,st4 ,mary #be #ch' #ed -- #de #a' #db -- ,ditto ,tamatave1 ,e4 ,c4 #ah #aj' #f -- #ai #bc' #ah -- ,amsterdam ,isle #cg #eb' #j -- #gg #eb' -- ,st4 ,paul's1 ditto #cd #db' -- #gg #eb' -- ,great ,nicobar ,isle #f #de' -- #id #j' -- ,singapore #a #ab' ,n4 #ajc #cj' -- ,batavia #f #j' ,s4 #ajf #ea' #de -- ,canton #bc #g' #aj ,n4 #aac #ad' -- ,swan ,river #cb #d' #ca ,s4 #aae #f' #dc -- ,hobart ,town #db #ec' #ce -- #adg #bh' -- ,sydney #cc #ej' #dj -- #aea #ad' -- ,madeira1 ,funchall #cb #dg' #db ,n4 #af #ee' #cj ,w4 ,cape de ,verde1 ,port ,praya #ad #ec' #dj -- #bc #cd' -- ,ascension ,isle #g #ee' #ef ,s4 #ad #bc' #ej -- ,st4 ,helena ,isle #ae #ed' #dh -- #e #de' #bj -- ,cape of ,good ,hope #cd #bb' -- #ah #bd' #bd ,e4 ,rio de ,janeiro #bb #ed' #ae -- #dc #ae' #ej ,w4 ,pernambuco #h #d' -- #cd #ea' -- ,distances and ,bearings of ,places4 ,geo4 ,miles4 ,falmouth to ,gibraltar ,s4 #d ,w4 #hbj ,ditto to ,madeira ,s4 #bg ,w4 #aagj ,madeira to ,cape ,verde ,s4 #ai ,w4 #aacj ,gibraltar to ,malta1 direct ,s4 #a ,e4 #ggj ,malta to ,zante ,n4 #fi ,e4 #cbj ,zante to ,athens1 round ,cape #bfj ,athens to ,constantinople ,n4 #ea ,e4 #caj ,malta to ,alexandria ,s4 #gj ,e4 #hbe ,suez to ,babelmandel #abje ,babelmandel to ,bombay #afcj ,cape ,verde to ,ascension ,s4 #bb ,w4 #aecj ,ascension to ,st4 ,helena ,s4 #dg ,e4 #fee ,st4 ,helena to ,cape of ,good ,hope ,s4 #ej ,e4 #agbj ,rio de ,janeiro to ditto ditto ,s4 #gh ,e4 #cbej ,cape of ,good ,hope to ,mauritius ,n4 #ch ,e4 #bbhj ,mauritius to ,swan ,river ,s4 #gg ,e4 #caej ,mauritius to ,colombo1 ,ceylon ,n4 #ch ,e4 #bajj 7p4 #abg7 ,ditto to ,point de ,galle ,n4 #di ,e4 #bjhj ,point de ,galle to ,bombay ,n4 #bi ,w4 #hhj ,madras to ,calcutta ,n4 #ci ,e4 #gce ,trincomalee to ,car ,nicobar ,s4 #hb ,e4 #gge ,nicobar to ,singapore ,s4 #fj ,e4 #ffe ,singapore to ,batavia ,s4 #be ,e4 #dge ,singapore to ,canton ,n4 #bd ,e4 #addj ,batavia to ,canton ,n4 #ah ,e4 #ahcj ,trincomalee to ,batavia ,s4 #fj ,e4 #agej ,batavia to ,swan ,river ,s4 #ah ,e4 #agde #afde_/ajj ,swan ,river to ,hobart ,town ,s4 #ff-a_/b ,e4 #aggj #afbj_/aej ,hobart ,town to ,sydney ,n4 #ah ,e4 #egj ,cape of ,good ,hope to ,hobart ,town ,s4 #he ,e4 #fjjj ,pernambuco to ,cape of ,good ,hope ,s4 #fb ,e4 #ccjj ,fayal to ,pernambuco ,s4 #g ,w4 #bhjj ,sydney to ,canton ,n4 #cc ,w4 #dajj ,canton to ,swan ,river1 by ,e4 ,coast ,borneo #ccjj ,fayal to ,cape ,verde1 ,port ,praya ,s4 #aa ,e4 #aede ,there never having been heretofore any regular packet conveyance to and from ,india1 there are consequently no accurate returns of the postage received1 or letters that are conveyed backwards and forwards between ,england and the vast countries to the eastward of the ,cape of ,good ,hope4 ,the number1 however1 from the extent of the trade1 must be very great2 and not a doubt can remain1 that if regular and speedy conveyances were established1 the numbers would be very much increased4 ,in a communication from ,col4 ,maberly1 ,secretary to the ,general ,post ,office1 printed by order of the ,house of ,commons last year1 along with the ,evidence taken before the ,committee appointed to consider the propriety of establishing a ,steam ,communication with ,india1 that gentleman gives the whole amount of postage outwards for #ahcf to ,cadiz1 ,gibraltar1 ,malta1 and ,corfu1 at #cdaal41 and reckons the amount inwards at the same sum4 ,he estimates the whole postage outwards and inwards1 including sea postage between ,england1 ,ceylon1 ,india1 and the ,mediterranean1 at #dg1jjjl4 ,even this sum1 which certainly by no means includes every letter to and from the places mentioned1 would1 under the arrangements proposed1 be doubled1 independently of all the postages which would be obtained from the ,new ,south ,wales1 ,china1 and ,batavia1 c4 c4 trade4 ,the coasting or internal postages of ,hindostan would certainly be greatly increased4 ,in the ,finance ,accounts of #ahcg1 p4 #ee1 there is charged the sum 7p4 #abh7 of #ad1bafl4 #ais4 #aa;d4 for transit postage through foreign countries4 ,much of this is doubtless from letters which come through ,france1 c4 from the ,mediterranean1 and countries near that sea4 ,under the proposed regular and frequent packet arrangement1 the letters from which much of this sum is obtained would come directly through the ,british ,post ,office4 ,the amount of postage to be obtained through the vast range of countries which the ,new ,plan proposes to embrace1 can only be conjectured by considering the immense trade which is carried on with them and by them4 ,as it is very great1 so must the correspondence to which it gives rise be4 ,mauritius and ,socotora4 ,an error has been committed in stating the expense on this station 7see page #fh47 ,three sailing-vessels1 instead of two1 will be required2 thus adding #djjjl4 to the capital1 and #bjjjl4 to the yearly expenditure4 99 99 99 99 99 ,including the ,mediterranean1 the yearly cost of the present ,foreign ,packet conveyances1 limited1 uncertain1 and irregular as the whole is1 cannot be less than #cej1jjjl41 exclusive of any sum set apart to replace the capital engaged in it4 ,if the ,east ,indian communication is amalgamated with the plan for the ,western ,world to ,pernambuco by ,fayal1 as it may readily be1 then a considerable further reduction of expenditure in the former can be made 7including the sailing-vessels between ,rio de ,janeiro and ,buenos ,ayres7 in capital #ajf1jjjl4 and in direct yearly charges #de1jjjl42 and nevertheless extend the steam conveyance to ,buenos ,ayres by ,rio de ,janeiro from ,pernambuco4 ,this desirable object could be effected with the saving mentioned1 and without creating any additional delay in the communication2 because1 if the communication by this route between ,falmouth and the ,cape of ,good ,hope can be effected1 as it may be1 within #ge days1 then no delay in the course of the mails takes place1 while a considerable expense is saved1 and important additional accommodation is afforded to the public1 and to the commercial world4 ,the distance from ,falmouth to the ,cape of ,good ,hope by ,fayal and ,pernambuco1 is #gccj geographical miles4 ,this could be run in #ge 7p4 #abi7 days3 thus--#cf days outwards1 and #cd days inwards3 #bae geographical miles per day in the latter1 and #bjc geographical miles in the former4 ,,appendix1 ,no4 ,,iii4--,,pacific ,,ocean4 ,longitudes and ,latitudes1 ,places1 c4 ,places4 ,lat4 ,long4 ,river ,st4 ,juan1 mouth of #aj #ec' ,n4 #hc #dj' ,w4 ,kingston1 ,jamaica #ag #eg' #eg -- #gf #df' #aj -- ,port ,culebra #aj #db' -- #he #cg' -- ,leon #ab #bj' -- #hf #de' -- ,rialejo #ab #bi' #ej -- #hg #f' -- ,colombia ,river #df #ai' -- #abc #ej' -- ,port ,illuluk ,oonoolashka #ec #eb' -- #aff #cb' -- ,nootka ,sound #di #cd' -- #abf #bh' #cj -- ,icy ,cape #gj #ag' -- #afa #dj' -- ,christmas ,isle1 ,pacific #a #eh' -- #aeg #cb' -- ,owhyhee #ai #dc' #ea -- #aee #g' #aj -- ,otaheite #ag #bi' #ab ,s4 #adi #bh' #df -- ,melville ,island1 ,port ,dundas #ab #ac' -- #acf #df' ,e4 ,sydney1 ,new ,south ,wales #cc #ej' #dj -- #aea #ad' #aj -- ,canton1 ,china #bc #g' #aj ,n4 #aac #ad' -- ,pekin #ci #ed' -- #aaf #bf' -- ,jeddo1 ,japan #ce #dj' -- #aci #ej' -- ,kamschatka #ef #ae' -- #afb -- ,manilla #ad #cf' -- #aba #b' -- ,chagre #i #ba' -- #hj #d' #e -- ,panama #h #eg' #cj -- #gi #bi' #bj -- ,point ,mala #g #be' -- #gi #ed' -- ,port ,damas1 ,quibo #g #bf' -- #ha #ca' -- ,acapulco #af #ej' #bi -- #ii #ec' #dg -- ,st4 ,blas #ba #cb' #bd -- #aje #ah' #bg -- ,cape ,st4 ,lucas1 ,california #bb #eb' #bh -- #aji #ej' #bc -- ,guayaquil #b #ab' #ab ,s4 #gi #ci' #df -- ,lima #ab #b' #cd -- #gg #h' #cj -- ,callao #ab #c' #de -- #gg #ad' #aj -- ,arica #ah #bh' #ce -- #gj #af' -- ,coquimbo #bi #ec' #dc -- #ga #ah' #dj -- ,valparaiso #cc #a' #ee -- #ga #dj' #be -- ,fort ,st4 ,carlos1 ,chiloe #da #ea' #ej -- #gc #ec' #ej -- ,bearings and ,distances of ,places4 7p4 #acj7 ,places4 ,miles ,falmouth to ,sydney1 direct westward ,s4 #ff ,w4 #ab1djj ,london to ,icy ,cape #c1gge1 add circle #ajj ,n4 ,s4 #c1hge ,icy ,cape to ,canton ,s4 #dh ,w4 #d1bjj ,ditto to ,sydney1 ,new ,south ,wales ,s4 #ai ,w4 #f1fjj ,ditto to ,port ,illuluk1 ,oonoolashka ,s4 #h ,w4 #iie ,port ,illuluk to ,colombia ,river ,s4 #ge ,e4 #a1gej ,christmas ,isle to ,sydney1 ,new ,south ,wales ,s4 #ed ,w4 #c1fej ,ditto to ,canton ,n4 #gf ,w4 #e1bej ,owhyhee to ,otaheite ,s4 #h-a_/b ,e4 #b1bej ,falmouth to ,panama direct ,s4 #ef ,w4 #d1dej ,ditto ditto by ,barbadoes and ,jamaica #e1bhe ,port ,culebra to ,manilla ,n4 #hi-a_/b ,w4 #i1jbb ,cape of ,good ,hope to ,batavia ,n4 #ga ,e4 #e1bjj ,batavia to ,canton ,n4 #ah ,e4 #a1hcj ,canton to ,pekin #a1ddj ,batavia to ,manilla ,n4 #ce ,e4 #a1eaj ,canton to ,kamschatka ,n4 #dg ,e4 #b1ijj ,ditto to ,jeddo ,n4 #fb ,e4 #a1faj ,kingston1 ,jamaica1 to ,port ,culebra ,s4 #ej ,w4 #fhj ,ditto to ,river ,st4 ,juan ,s4 #dd ,w4 #ehe ,river ,st4 ,juan to ,rialejo ,n4 #ff ,w4 #bce ,falmouth to ,port ,culebra1 direct ,s4 #fj ,w4 #d1fej ,ditto to ditto by ,barbadoes1 ,jamaica1 c4 #e1cde ,jamaica to ,chagre ,s4 #ba ,w4 #eej ,chagre to ,panama ,s4 #eb ,e4 #cc ,panama to ,point ,mala ,s4 #ae ,w4 #ie ,point ,mala to ,port ,damas1 ,quibo ,s4 #hi ,w4 #ig ,port ,damas to ,rialejo ,n4 #dh ,w4 #dej ,rialejo to ,acapulco ,n4 #fb ,w4 #a1ahj ,acapulco to ,st4 ,blas ,n4 #dh ,w4 #dbj ,st4 ,blas to ,cape ,st4 ,lucas ,n4 #gc ,w4 #bgd ,panama to ,guayaquil ,s4 #cj ,w4 #fgj ,guayaquil to ,lima ,s4 #ae ,e4 #faj ,lima to ,arica ,s4 #de ,e4 #egj ,arica to ,coquimbo ,s4 #e ,w4 #fij ,coquimbo to ,valparaiso ,s4 #e ,w4 #aij ,valparaiso to ,fort ,carlos1 ,chiloe ,s4 #af ,w4 #eee ,rialejo1 direct1 to ,sydney1 ,new ,south ,wales ,s4 #fh ,w4 #g1djj ,panama to ,sydney ,s4 #ga ,w4 #g1hej ,ditto to ,canton ,n4 #he ,w4 #i1gjj ,ditto to ,owhyhee ,n4 #hb ,w4 #d1fej ,ditto to ,otaheite ,s4 #fi ,w4 #d1dej ,rialejo to ,canton ,n4 #hf ,w4 #i1agj 7p4 #aca7 ,ditto to ,owhyhee ,n4 #hd ,w4 #d1ajj ,ditto to ,otaheite ,s4 #fd-a_/b ,w4 #d1aej ,ditto to ,christmas ,isle ,s4 #ha ,w4 #d1jjj ,christmas ,isle to ,otaheite ,s4 #bb ,e4 #a1aij ,owhyhee to ,canton ,n4 #hh ,w4 #e1bjj ,ditto to ,sydney ,s4 #df ,w4 #d1ejj ,otaheite to ,sydney ,s4 #gi ,w4 #c1djj ,rialejo to ,manilla ,n4 #hi ,w4 #h1hfj ,ditto to ,st4 ,peter and ,st4 ,paul1 ,kamschatka ,n4 #ff ,w4 #f1jjj ,ditto to ,pekin ,n4 #gi ,w4 #h1fjj ,ditto to ,jeddo1 ,japan ,n4 #gi ,w4 #g1cjj ,colombia ,river to ,canton ,s4 #gg ,w4 #f1bjj ,icy ,cape to ,kamschatka ,s4 #di ,w4 #a1bhj ,rialejo to ,port ,illuluk1 ,oonoolashka ,s4 #eg ,w4 #d1eej ,rialejo to ,colombia ,river ,s4 #dg ,w4 #c1jjj ,jeddo to ,canton ,s4 #fb ,w4 #a1faj ,manilla to ,canton ,n4 #da ,w4 #fhj ,batavia to ,jeddo ,n4 #ec ,e4 #c1ajj ,cape of ,good ,hope to ,hobart ,town ,s4 #he ,e4 #f1jjj ,the course of mails from ,falmouth to ,canton1 by ,isthmus of ,america1 by ,rialejo1 will be #agc days2 and to ,sydney1 by the same route1 #aeh days4 ,isthmus of ,america4 ,the appearance of the ,isthmus of ,america1 from ,darien to the borders of ,mexico1 indicates1 in a very forcible manner1 that this portion of the earth is a fragment of a larger portion1 which had1 at some important epoch1 been to a great extent submerged around it1 and that the present ,isthmus is the remains of a wider continental tract4 ,in several places within the limits mentioned1 the ridges are broken1 and the country abounds--in fact1 is studded--with high peaks1 isolated1 yet greatly elevated4 ,to the southward of ,lake ,nicaragua1 between #i and #aj ,north latitude1 about ,cortago or ,carthage1 the land1 or rather ridge1 is so elevated1 that although within thirty miles of the ,pacific on the one hand1 and forty miles of the ,atlantic on the other hand1 yet during the winter months1 from ,november to ,march1 frost and ice abound4 ,the climate everywhere1 in the interior parts1 is represented as being very healthy1 and the country fruitful and pleasant4 ,chagre and ,panama4 7p4 #acb7 ,long4 ,chagre1 according to ,capt4 ,forster1 from ,greenwich1 in time1 #e;h #ai' #di4bg ,observatory of ,panama1 ,east of ,fort ,lorenzo1 ,chagre1 according to ,capt4 ,belcher1 in time #a' #eb4h ,gorgona1 ,east of ,chagre #a' #h4g ,panama1 ,east of ,gorgona #dc4g ,porto ,bello1 according to ,capt4 ,forster1 from ,greenwich1 ,west1 in time #e;h #ah' ,,the ,,end4