Note (Back) — PACIFIC DEPARTMENT.
Reading edition
Two steam-boats, actively employed, would perform this work, giving two mails each month; but in the event of accidents, there would require to be a spare boat on this station, either at Trincomalee or Point de Galle, as may seem advisable, and as assistance may be required for the Mauritius, Bombay, &c. line. The two boats actively engaged would be at sea each on each voyage, 27 days = 54 monthly = 648 yearly. Coals daily, 25 tons = 16,200 tons yearly, at 40s., 32,400l. Three boats yearly, other expenses, 20,640l. This station will require three boats; and one for the Calcutta station—together four.[15]