Chapter 8

Footnote 16:The time here is only ten days; but the calculation was made for a different division of the mails, and it has not been thought necessary to alter it.The time in which the different distances may be run has been here stated, but the necessary arrangements for the arrivals and departures of the mails will, in some instances, extend that time. These arrangements resolve the periods into—say 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, &c. &c. days. Thus, if the mails between Alexandria and Bombay cannot be back at Alexandria, as they really cannot be, within 30 days, the object to come up with the regular return Mediterranean mail for England is equally attained if it is back at Alexandria within 45 days; and the same principle applies equally to every other station.(Back)

Footnote 16:The time here is only ten days; but the calculation was made for a different division of the mails, and it has not been thought necessary to alter it.

The time in which the different distances may be run has been here stated, but the necessary arrangements for the arrivals and departures of the mails will, in some instances, extend that time. These arrangements resolve the periods into—say 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, &c. &c. days. Thus, if the mails between Alexandria and Bombay cannot be back at Alexandria, as they really cannot be, within 30 days, the object to come up with the regular return Mediterranean mail for England is equally attained if it is back at Alexandria within 45 days; and the same principle applies equally to every other station.(Back)

Footnote 17:The same remark regarding the cost of steamers, will apply here, that has been made in the Plan proposed for the Western World.(Back)

Footnote 18:From the mouth of the Chorera to the Bay Lemon, the distance is 27½ geographical miles. There is, however, reason to believe, that the distance from sea to sea is still less. Ulloa, who was an accurate and scientific observer, places, and from actual observation, Chagres in 9° 18' 40" N. lat., and Panama in 8° 57' 41" N. lat. Not being able to observe an eclipse of Jupiter's satellites, owing to the obscuration of the atmosphere, he was obliged to calculate the longitude from bearings and distances. In these, however, he could not be far wrong; and by these he places Cruces 21' east of Chagre, and Panama 9'30" east of Chagre, which, if he is correct, brings the breadth of the land from the Castle of Chagre to Panama, to be only 23 geographical miles!!Since the preceding pages were written, Captain Washington, secretary to the Royal Geographical Society, has favoured me with the longitudes of the places adverted to, as ascertained by Captain Forster, and in February 1837 by Captain Belcher, R.N. Porto Bello is in 79° 30' West long.; Chagre, 79° 55'; and Panama in 79° 29' 20". This gives the distance from Chagre to Panama 33 geographical miles. Porto Bello is in lat. 9° 32' North. From thence to the Pacific, a little to the east of Panama, is 30 miles. From Chagre to the mouth of the Caymito will be 30 miles. Ulloa's calculations of longitudes would thus appear to be wrong.(Back)

Footnote 18:From the mouth of the Chorera to the Bay Lemon, the distance is 27½ geographical miles. There is, however, reason to believe, that the distance from sea to sea is still less. Ulloa, who was an accurate and scientific observer, places, and from actual observation, Chagres in 9° 18' 40" N. lat., and Panama in 8° 57' 41" N. lat. Not being able to observe an eclipse of Jupiter's satellites, owing to the obscuration of the atmosphere, he was obliged to calculate the longitude from bearings and distances. In these, however, he could not be far wrong; and by these he places Cruces 21' east of Chagre, and Panama 9'30" east of Chagre, which, if he is correct, brings the breadth of the land from the Castle of Chagre to Panama, to be only 23 geographical miles!!

Since the preceding pages were written, Captain Washington, secretary to the Royal Geographical Society, has favoured me with the longitudes of the places adverted to, as ascertained by Captain Forster, and in February 1837 by Captain Belcher, R.N. Porto Bello is in 79° 30' West long.; Chagre, 79° 55'; and Panama in 79° 29' 20". This gives the distance from Chagre to Panama 33 geographical miles. Porto Bello is in lat. 9° 32' North. From thence to the Pacific, a little to the east of Panama, is 30 miles. From Chagre to the mouth of the Caymito will be 30 miles. Ulloa's calculations of longitudes would thus appear to be wrong.(Back)

Footnote 19:And 20 per cent. on neat proceeds.(Back)

Footnote 20:Appendix, 196, Report Steam Communication with India.(Back)


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