London, 14th Sept. 1843.[3]
HENRY WISE,
13, Austin Friars.
P.S.—Oct. 9th. The arrival at Suez on the 16th ult. of the H.C.S. Akbar, in forty-six days from Hong Kong, after accomplishing the passage down the China seas, against the S.W. monsoon—unassisted also by any previously arranged facilities for coaling, exchange of steamers at Aden, and other manifest advantages requisite for the proper execution of this important service, confirms the correctness of my estimate for performing the voyage from Hong Kong to Suez, or vice versâ, viz. forty-three days, including stoppages.
[1] The Borneo coal-mines would also serve to keep the Hong Kong, Singapore, and Pinang stations supplied with fuel for Steam Vessels carrying the Mails between Hong Hong and Suez direct.
[2] Receiving at Ceylon the Outward Overland Mail from England, and returning therewith to China.
[3] Date of submitting the above proposed route and estimate to her majestyʼs Government for consideration.