ABSTRACT
The British Government had thought in 1856 to substantiate their claim that the canal was impracticable from the engineering point of view by quietly despatching the corvette Tartarus, under the command of Capt. The representatives of other European nations were also beginning to announce the receipt of official instructions to promote the interests of the Canal Company. Extensive funds for the work were asked for from the Maltese Government, and the request was supported by a picture of the prosperity which would presently ensue from the piercing of the Isthmus of Suez and the considerable augmentation of shipping in the eastern Mediterranean. In March, 1859, after the formation of the Isthmus of Suez Canal Company, a new and complete exploration of the Isthmus was begun by De Lesseps and a few assistants preparatory to making a formal beginning on construction work.
