ABSTRACT

The voyage of the Enterprise was considered by many as showing that while the all-sea route might be practicable, it was not profitable for steam navigation. The interest of Calcutta in the all-sea route has already been alluded to in indicating the interest of Anglo-Indian merchants in a waterway which might be utilized for the purposes of steam trade as well as for purposes of communication. In 1827 James W. Taylor applied to the Steam Committee at Calcutta for compensation to offset the losses he had already incurred in the cause of steam navigation, but his claims were disallowed. The Steam Committee, while ready to support honest endeavor and worthy experiment, did not wish to be considered a philanthropical organization. Following this rebuff, Taylor transferred his attention to steam routes leading eastward from the Mediterranean, where his plans more nearly approached fruition.