A General Plan for a Mail Communication by Steam, Between Great Britain and the Eastern and Western Parts of the World
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James MacQueen >> A General Plan for a Mail Communication by Steam, Between Great Britain and the Eastern and Western Parts of the World
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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 deg., and the West Indian, from Cape Nichola
Mole, in about long. 70 deg. 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 L1500 L800
Pernambuco and Maranham, one 1500 800
Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Ayres, two 4000 2000
----- -----
Totals L7000 L3600
----- -----
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 deg.
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 L96,000 L24,800
Coals 27,750
-------
Yearly charges L52,550
-------
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.
[Footnote 2: Should the Colombian Government
obstinately and ignorantly oppose the transmission
of mails across the isthmus from Chagres to Panama,
or propose to shackle this point of communication
with unreasonable and inadmissible restrictions,
then in that case there remains a point, it is
believed, more practicable, safer, and more
eligible, where the communication could be
effected, namely, in the State of Guatemala, or
Central America, by the River St. Juan's and Lake
Nicaragua, both of which are navigable for vessels
of any size. The south-west shores of the lake in
question approach to within fourteen or fifteen
miles of the Pacific, and this distance, in one
place, through a valley nearly level throughout,
and at but little elevation above the level of the
sea. From Lake Managua, or Leon, the distance to
the sea is still shorter, being, in one place,
according to good maps, not more than eight to ten
miles. From this lake also, and the capital, Leon,
the distance north-west to Rialejo, a fine port on
the Pacific, is twenty-three miles, and through an
accessible, if not very easy country. The
Government of the Republic of Guatemala, or Central
America, would doubtless be ready to afford every
facility to open such a communication, which would
prove the greatest and most certain means of
improving their country. Moreover, if a ready
communication is once afforded, from any point on
the east coast of America, in the places alluded
to, it would speedily become the object and the
interest of the Chilian, the Peruvian, and the
Mexican Governments to watch and to see that the
communication with the world to the eastward should
not only be rendered secure, but be maintained.
Also, with a communication opened in this quarter,
such as it is believed can be opened, the commerce
and communications between North America and
Europe, and New South Wales, China, and all Eastern
Asia, would most certainly, as it could most
advantageously and expeditiously, be carried on by
it.]
Two powerful steamers would be sufficient for both stations, in order
to carry two mails each month. That steamer to run between Cuba and
Vera Cruz, would always be in time with the return mails for the
following packet from Europe; while that boat which runs between
Jamaica and Chagres would, by returning immediately by the route
afterwards pointed out, always be in time for the same packet at
Jamaica. To stop at Chagres for the mails from the Pacific would not
be advisable or proper, because the arrival of these mails at Chagres
could not be calculated upon with any certainty. If at Chagres when
the outward mail arrives, good and well, they would be immediately
taken up and carried forward; but if not, then they would be brought
forward by it on the next voyage, and in time for the following
European packet.
The mails for Honduras will be most conveniently forwarded from
Montego Bay, Jamaica. With the mails for the western parts of that
island they could be landed at Savannah la Mar, and thence carried by
land with the others, about twenty-five miles, to Montego Bay. From
thence a good schooner would proceed with those for Honduras and (p. 031)
Trinidad de Cuba; and having readied Honduras, return to Montego Bay
by Trinidad de Cuba. By this arrangement, Honduras rather gains more
than by the plan first proposed, to go from Batavano; and the letters
from thence will still and always be in excellent time for the
following packet, making every allowance for casualties during the
voyage. The steamer could then proceed direct from Jamaica to
Havannah, which would save one day each voyage, besides avoiding the
difficult navigation about Batavano. The coals saved yearly would be
1100 tons, 1475_l._, which would do more than pay the expenses for an
additional schooner for the Honduras communication; for, by this
arrangement, two schooners, instead of one, will be necessary. Their
route and time would be--Montego Bay to Trinidad de Cuba, 172 miles,
1-1/2 day; Trinidad de Cuba to Honduras, 520 miles, 3-1/2 days; back
to Montego Bay by Trinidad de Cuba, 692 miles, 10 days; stop at
Honduras 3 days; in all 18 days.
Bermuda being a great naval depot, a ready communication between it
and every part of the West Indies becomes an object of the greatest
importance. Under the general arrangement proposed, this communication
can be best effected from and with Cape Nichola Mole, Hayti; because
the downward steamer from Barbadoes, with the European and other
mails, will have passed St. Thomas before the steamer returning from
Jamaica, &c., comes up; by which means all the letters from Jamaica,
and every other place to the westward, would, were St. Thomas made the
starting point, be obliged to remain at that island till the arrival
of a following packet; whereas, starting from Cape Nichola Mole, the
mails, both from the eastward and the westward, and also those brought
from Europe, would go forward to a day. Moreover, owing to the winds
which prevail in those seas, vessels running between Cape Nichola Mole
and Bermuda would make passages equally quick, if not quicker, than
vessels running between St. Thomas and Bermuda could generally do. The
courses and distances stand thus:--
(p. 032)
Geo. Miles. Days.
St. Thomas to Bermuda. Nearly due N. 840 9
Cape Nichola Mole to do. N. 32 deg. E. 890 10
Nassau to Bermuda N. 57 deg. E. 800 7
Crooked Island to Bermuda 740 7
Ditto to Cape Nichola Mole S. 19 deg. W. 146 1
Ditto to Nassau 270 1-1/2
Cape Nichola Mole to do. N. 56 deg. W. 380 2-1/2
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