An Abstract of the Proceedings of the Select Committee of the House of Commons, Appointed Session, 1849, to Inquire Into the Contract Packet Service

by Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company; Great Britain. Parliament. House of Commons. Select Committee to Inquire into the Contract Packet Se

2263. But at that time it was not the opinion of the East India Company, and they refused it?—Yes. If you will allow me to explain, I will show that there is a wide difference between the mail contract and the engagement made with the Peninsular Company.

2264. In your opinion the Admiralty, making the mail contract on behalf of the public, were bound to accept a vessel that was not good enough for the East India Company?—I never said so; but perhaps you will allow me to put in an explanation of the horse power; I have taken great pains in preparing it.

2265. This vessel, whatever be her merits, was rejected by the East India Company in 1841, though tendered by the Peninsular and Oriental Company at that time?—She was rejected in a different way——

2266. She was rejected, whatever the mode of rejection?—The mistake is this: you fancy me to have said that the nominal horse power was fixed by the East India Company or by the Government; now that is a mistake; neither the one nor the other fixed it.

2267. Can you answer the question whether the vessel was or was not rejected by the East India Company?—She was rejected because the Peninsular Company had proposed the condition with regard to 500-horse power.

2268. Was the steamer “India” tendered to the East India Company at the suit of the Peninsular and Oriental Company in the year 1841, and rejected by the East India Company?—I was not in this country at the time, but it must be in the records of the Company.

2269. Do you believe that your answer to question 2216 was a true answer?—Yes, it was a true answer.

2270. And your case now against the Admiralty is, that they rejected in 1844 the same ship which the East India Company had rejected in 1841?—I cannot see that they have any reference to each other.

2271. Do you complain of the steamer “India” being rejected by the Admiralty in 1844?—Yes.

2272. She having been rejected by the East India Company in 1841?—It was not for the same service, but for a very different service; but she was, in fact, employed upon the line.