Chapter 3

Halifax to New York 520 3-1/2 New York to Havannah 1140 6-1/2 Stop at Havannah, say 2 Havannah to Halifax, by New York. 1660 10 ---- ------ Totals 3320 22

Two powerful boats would be perfectly sufficient to perform this work, giving two mails each month; first cost 48,000_l._, yearly charges 12,400_l._ Each boat would be at sea 20 days each voyage = 40 monthly = 480 yearly; coals daily, 25 tons = 12,000 tons yearly, at 25_s._ = 15,000_l._

The outward European mails would arrive at Halifax on the 20th and the 4th or 5th of every month, and at Havannah on the 31st or 1st, and 15th or 16th of each month. Leaving Halifax on the days above mentioned, the steamers, by way of New York, would reach Havannah on the 30th and 15th of each month, and, allowing two days at Havannah, return to Halifax by way of New York, on the 14th and 29th, eight days before the arrival there of the outward European packet, giving abundance of time to rest. This steamer will bring back from New York the answers to the letters received from Europe for the return packet from Halifax to Fayal. These letters would reach New York on the 23d and 8th of each month. The stoppage at New York by this steamer returning northward could not be beyond one or two days. To meet the West Indian and South American packets returning to the central point, Fayal, the steamer, with all the North American correspondence, must leave Halifax on the 29th or 30th, and the 13th or 14th of each month. Considering attentively the calculations here made, it will be (p. 020) found that they correspond accurately, and that in practice these will work admirably, and without confusion or delay--points, in an affair of this kind, of the greatest importance.

The other plan, by which the communication between North America and the West Indies can be opened up and carried on, is between New York and Jamaica, by the Havannah. After considering it, in all its bearings and details, the former will appear to be the most economical and eligible. Calculating the whole of the General Plan to be carried into effect, and by steam, the outward mails from Europe, _via_ Fayal and Halifax, would arrive at New York on the 7th or 22d, or the 8th and 23d, of each month; and those for the West Indies, _via_ Fayal and Barbadoes, at Cape Nichola Mole, Hayti, on the 11th and 27th, or 12th and 27th, and at Jamaica on the 13th and 28th of each month. The mails from the westward and southward of, and for Jamaica, would consequently return to that island on the 7th and 22d of each month. The distances and time taken in three ways between Jamaica and New York, by Havannah, would be--

(No. 1.)

Geo. Miles. Days.

New York to Havannah 1140 6-1/2 Havannah by Matanzas, to St. Jago de Cuba 630 4 St. Jago de Cuba to Kingston, Jamaica 170 1 Jamaica " 2 Jamaica to Cape Nichola Mole, by St. Jago 305 2 Cape Nichola to Havannah, by Matanzas 540 3 Havannah, Coals, &c. " 1 Havannah to New York 1140 6-1/2 ----- ------ Totals 3925 26

(No. 2.)

Geo. Miles. Days.

New York to Havannah, by Matanzas 1140 6-1/2 Havannah, Coals " 1 Havannah to Jamaica, round Cape Antonio 685 4 Jamaica, Coals, Mails, &c. " 2 Jamaica to Havannah, by Cape Antonio 685 3 (p. 021) Havannah, Coals " 1 Havannah to New York, by Matanzas 1140 6-1/2 ---- ------- Totals 3650 24 ---- ------- (No. 3.)

Geo. Miles. Days.

New York to Havannah, by Matanzas 1140 6-1/2 Havannah, Coals " 1 Havannah to Jamaica, round Cape Antonio 685 4 Jamaica, Coals, Mails, &c. " 2 Jamaica to Cape Nichola Mole, by St. Jago 305 2 Cape Nichola Mole to Havannah, by Matanzas 540 3 Havannah, Coals " 1 Havannah to New York 1140 6-1/2 ---- ------ Totals 3810 26 ---- ------

The latter route (No. 3,) will, for various reasons, be the preferable course. First, because while it embraces Havannah in the line, it renders it unnecessary for the steamers to run twice over the same ground that others do. Secondly, the steamer from Jamaica for the eastward being able to leave that island, with all the return Colonial mails from the westward and southward for North America, &c., at the times, or in the space of time, mentioned, would reach Cape Nichola Mole just in time to meet the downward steamer from Barbadoes, with all the Colonial mails to the eastward of that place for North America; and, consequently, could take in and proceed with these mails without delay; and it might, at the same time, take in not only the eastern Colonial mails for Matanzas and Havannah, but the outward European mails for these places also, by which means these towns would receive these two or three days earlier than they could by Jamaica. The Mexican mails might also be forwarded in the same way; but to do so would be of little use, inasmuch as the steamer for Vera Cruz could not leave Havannah until the steamer from Jamaica arrived.

Taking route No. 3 as the lines of communication between Jamaica (p. 022) and North America, then the arrivals at Jamaica would be on the 5th and the 20th of each month; and, allowing two days to stop at Havannah outwards instead of _one_ day, and _three_ days at Jamaica instead of two, the return steamers would leave Jamaica on the 8th and 23d of each month, and reach Cape Nichola Mole on the 25th and 10th, which place the steamer from Barbadoes reaches on the 11th and 27th, and the Havannah and Chagres steamers return to Jamaica on the 7th and 22d of each month; thus combining every movement requisite in a very clear and satisfactory manner.

The steamers on this route or station would be each 22 and 22 = 44 days each month = 528 days yearly at sea; coals, at 25 tons daily = 13,200 tons, at 25_s._ per ton = 16,500_l._; which is 1500_l._ more than the other. Moreover, the steamers (two) would be so closely pressed for time as not to have the necessary rest for examination and repairs, and consequently a third would be requisite, which would increase the capital 24,000_l._, and yearly charges 6200_l._ above the other plan.

The mails on this station may, moreover, be carried by sailing packets. By this mode of conveyance, however, the mails would be longer on their voyages; those to and from Halifax, &c., being always thrown behind one return mail for the steamer to and from Fayal with the mail for Great Britain, and consequently be obliged to wait at Halifax or New York for a succeeding one--but for which, however, they would always be in ample time. The course and time by sailing packets would be--

Geo. Miles. Days.

Halifax to New York 520 5-1/2 New York to Havannah 1140 10 Stop at Havannah, say 2 Havannah to Halifax, by New York 1660 15-1/2 ---- ------ Totals 3320 33 ---- ------

which will allow abundance of time to stop at New York, going and returning, and for meeting every possible contingency which may occur in the voyage; as, if within forty-five days, it would be in time (p. 023) to meet the corresponding packets to and from Europe. Two sailing packets would be sufficient to perform this work, giving two mails each month; prime cost, 9500_l._ each = 19,000_l._ and yearly charges 4200_l._ each, or 8400_l._ It may here be observed, that if all the mails were carried by sailing packets on the four great lines, that the times of their arrivals and departures would still connect and combine properly, but, as has already been remarked, be always fifteen days later in the course of the mails between the places mentioned than if these were carried wholly and everywhere by steam.

IV.

_Fayal and Brazil Department._

From Fayal steamers would proceed direct to Rio de Janeiro, calling at Pernambuco and Bahia, and landing at the former place the mail for Maranham, to be carried forward to that place, and brought back to Pernambuco, to meet the steamer on her return to the northward, by a good sailing vessel. The distance is 670 miles, which could be performed in four days and six days, backwards and forwards. At Rio de Janeiro the steamer will land the mails for Buenos Ayres and Montevideo, which will be carried forward by sailing vessels to the former place (distance 1060 geographical miles), and return from Buenos Ayres, by Montevideo, to Rio de Janeiro, the same distance, say in seventeen days, and in time to catch the following homeward-bound packet. One sailing vessel would be sufficient for the Pernambuco and Maranham station, and two of a superior class as at present for the Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Ayres department; for, at the outset, steam would be too expensive on the latter station, while it would take the homeward-bound packet too far out of her way to make her call at Maranham.

From Rio de Janeiro the steamer will proceed for Fayal, calling at Bahia and Pernambuco (distant from Rio 1000 miles), taking in the (p. 024) Maranham mail at the latter place, stopping one day there for a supply of coals, and then proceeding, reach Fayal in twenty days--including stoppages, forty-five days forwards and backwards--and which, accordingly, would bring the Brazil mails to Fayal to correspond with the arrival there of the steamers from both the West Indies and Halifax. The mails from the Brazils would, in this way, reach Fayal on the 10th and 25th of the month. The route and time of these steamers would be as follows:--

Miles. Days.

Fayal to Rio Janeiro 3900 19 Rio de Janeiro to Fayal 3900 20 Stop at Rio " 2 Do. at Pernambuco, &c., twice " 4 ---- -- Totals 7800 45 ---- --

Three steamers would perform this work in the time specified, giving two mails each month. Each boat would be actively employed, or at sea, 39 days each voyage = 78 monthly = 936 yearly; coals, at 25 tons daily = 23,400 tons yearly--which, at _25s_. per ton, will amount to 29,250_l._ Other charges, 18,600_l._

The mails on this station might also be carried by sailing packets, and at much less expense, but the time occupied would be considerably lengthened. Such sailing packets from Fayal to Rio de Janeiro would, both in going and returning, pursue the same course that the present packets do. The distance each way would be the same, and not materially different from the course which the steamers would take. The time occupied would be, twenty-seven days out, twenty-nine days back, and four days to stop at Rio, &c.; in all sixty days. Four packets would perform this service, giving two mails each month. The cost of these packets would be 38,000_l._, and their annual charges at 4200_l._ each = 16,800_l._ In the event of accidents, however, either on this or on the West Indian station, one spare packet would be necessary, and require to be stationed at Fayal: this would increase the capital laid out to 47,500_l._, and the yearly charge to 21,000_l._ Four packets on this station would, in fact, under this (p. 025) arrangement, give two mails each month; whereas, under the existing arrangements, it requires five or six to give one mail each month. In a few days, after leaving Fayal, it is well known that both the Brazil and West Indian packets would be into the trade winds when outward-bound; after which, the voyage is certain and secure. In like manner in returning, after getting clear of the trade winds, the Brazil, in about long. 38°, and the West Indian, from Cape Nichola Mole, in about long. 70° W., each could steer to the eastward for Fayal, with almost certainly southerly winds, and at all seasons of the year, in weather comparatively mild to that which is met with in more northern parallels.

By steam-boats the course of communication between Great Britain and Rio de Janeiro would be reduced to sixty days, and by sailing vessels, from Fayal to that place, to seventy-five days, making fifteen days more by the latter than by the former; but it may, however, here be observed, that arriving so much later at Fayal, would still equally correspond with the arrival of the West Indian and North American sailing packets at that place.

V.

_Fayal and Madeira, &c. Station._

Under the proposed general arrangement, the mails for Madeira and Teneriffe could be sent twice each month from Fayal. Madeira and Teneriffe, but more especially the former, have a good deal of correspondence with the West Indies; 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 Azores. The distance from Fayal to Madeira is 630 miles, and from Madeira to Teneriffe 240 miles. One superior sailing vessel would be sufficient to perform this work, giving two mails each month. It is well known that from the winds which generally prevail in those parts of the Atlantic, that a swift (p. 026) sailing vessel would almost always make quick and certain passages. The cost of such might be 1500_l._, and the yearly expense, say 800_l._ The expense for sailing vessels on this and the South American station may be taken as follows:--

Capital. Yearly Charge.

Fayal and Madeira, one £1500 £800 Pernambuco and Maranham, one 1500 800 Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Ayres, two 4000 2000 ----- ----- Totals £7000 £3600 ----- -----

From Fayal to Teneriffe, by Madeira, and back, a sailing vessel could complete the passage in fourteen days, and thus be always in time for the next return steamer from Fayal to Falmouth.

VI.

_Fayal and Barbadoes Station._

On the arrival of the steamer from Falmouth at Fayal, another steamer would start for Barbadoes, carrying with it all the mails for every place in the western Tropical World, from Demerara to Vera Cruz inclusive, and also for Panama, and other places on the coasts of the Pacific Ocean. The route from Fayal to Barbadoes is, course S. 47-1/2° W.; distance, 2265 geographical miles. A steam-boat would perform this, going chiefly through the trade winds, in twelve days. The period of her return to Fayal must be regulated by the time which she has to stop in the West Indies, and which will be more specifically shown when that department is taken into consideration; but it cannot be less, from Fayal to Fayal again, than forty-five days, of which this boat will be at sea each voyage thirty-seven days. Four steamers would do this work, having one, in fact, to spare, in the event of accidents, either on this or on the Brazil station, and to relieve alternately the steamers on either station; and this spare boat (p. 027) would probably be best stationed at Fayal, or perhaps Barbadoes. Three boats would, therefore, be actively engaged in performing the work alluded to on this station; each would be at sea 37 days each voyage--74 monthly, 888 yearly, which, at 25 tons of coals daily, will require 22,200 tons annually--at 25_s._ per ton, will amount to 27,750_l._

The time and course of these boats will be more specifically stated under the West Indian head.

The cost would be thus:--

Capital. Yearly Charge.

Four Steamers £96,000 £24,800 Coals 27,750 ------- Yearly charges £52,550 -------

The mails, also, on this station, might be carried by sailing packets, and which would require to be of the very first class. Their time from Fayal to Fayal again, would be, say nineteen days to Barbadoes; seventeen days to stop in the Colonies; and twenty-four days from Cape Nichola Mole to Fayal (2600 miles), together sixty days; and which brings the return of this sailing vessel to Fayal to correspond with the arrival of the packets from Falmouth, and of the mails from South America, and from North America, at that place. Four packets would be sufficient for this station, giving two mails each month. Their cost would be 38,000_l._, and their yearly expenses at 4,200_l._ each, 16,800_l._--considerably cheaper than steam, but lengthening, as has been seen, the communication between Great Britain and that quarter of the world, _fifteen_ days. A spare packet might be necessary, but the cost of that has been included, and stated under the South American head.

VII. (p. 028)

_The West Indian Station._

This station is one of the most important, and extensive, and complicated of the whole, and one where steam-vessels can be employed with the most beneficial effects. The prevailing winds and currents, however, render it necessary that the vessels employed should be of high power, in order to enable them to stem those winds and currents. Into the Gulf of Mexico, through the Windward islands, sets; first, the equatorial current; secondly, the prodigious current occasioned by the influx of the waters of the great river Maranon, and of the several rivers which flow through British, Dutch, and French Guiana; thirdly, the current occasioned by the influx of the waters of the great river Oronoque, through the Gulf of Paria, between the island of Trinidad and the mainland of South America. These united waters, directed by the trade winds, blowing always from the eastward, occasion a current of such force, running westward from the Windward Islands to the shores of Mexico, that it is frequently impossible for the best sailing vessels to make their way through it. Steam-boats, therefore, of at least 240-horse power, are indispensably necessary, in order that they may not only be able to stem these winds and currents, and carry a sufficient quantity of coals, but also to afford spacious and well-ventilated accommodation, both for the crews attached to them, and also the passengers which may travel by them. Without such, neither the one nor the other could ever enjoy health, nor could the despatches of Government, and the correspondence of individuals, be conveyed with that celerity and regularity which these could otherwise be, and which it is necessary that they should be.

In carrying a more general plan into effect, no reasonable or necessary expense ought to be spared by the country. In such a general plan it will be seen by the subsequent details, that the (p. 029) steam-boats of the power mentioned, assisted by nine sailing schooners (at present ten, are employed in less than half the work,) would be sufficient to convey the mails from Barbadoes to every place of importance in the western Tropical Archipelago, or connected with it. This force would give two mails each month to every island and colony from Demerara to Vera Cruz; taking in Laguayra, Carthagena, Chagres, Honduras, the principal parts of Cuba and Porto Rico. From Demerara to Havannah and Chagres, &c. inclusive, every colony and place would be able to reply to the letters received from Europe, or the Colonies, by the same packet which brought them; and still that packet remain in the West Indies a shorter period than the packets now do.

In this department there are two stations, however, of such vital importance, that the considerable additional expense which will be required to place steam-boats on them from the outset, ought not to be taken into consideration. These are, first, the station between Jamaica and Chagres; and, secondly, the station between Jamaica, Cuba, and Vera Cruz. The first goes to connect the Great Pacific Ocean, and the coasts thereof, with Europe and the eastern coasts of America, and on which former coasts a steam mail communication has been already concerted. Through the channel from Panama to Chagres will be concentrated, as it were, into a funnel the whole movements, travelling and mail communications and money transactions of the western coasts of America, from California on the north, to Valparaiso on the south, the whole of which again must converge to and diverge from Jamaica.[2] The second station, or that from Cuba to Vera (p. 030) Cruz, is little inferior in importance to the other, that town and Tampico being the great outlets of the trade and the commerce, but more especially the outlets of specie from the kingdom or empire of Mexico. A steamer on this station becomes indispensable, in order to secure the safe conveyance of specie, because small sailing vessels would be liable to be attacked and plundered by pirates. With steamers all would be safe.