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Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The fcllowing diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent itre filmto A das taux de rMuction diff^rents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul clichi, II est film* A partir da Tangle supArieur gauche, de gauche A droite, et de haut en iMs, an prenant la nombre d'images nAcessaira. Les diagrammas suivants illustrant la mAthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 r ! / R^EPoprs'li ] ox VALENCIA HARBOUR, AS A WESTEBN PACKET STATION. 4"\ By Mr. WALKER, ENGINEER TO THE ADMIEAI-TY. AND By captain WOLFE, 'ft. N., TO THE HYDROGKAP^KR OP THE NAVY. TOGETHER WITH EVIDENCES' AND OPINi6nS OF VARIOITS NAVAL AND SCIENTIFIC AUTSORIlriES ON THE SAM^ SUBJECT. ' -- S " LONDON: MESSRS. COPE, 7, KING WlSLlAM ST., STRAND. t. 1858. ^fshf»^.. m»i W ' 4 ^f-^-^^-^ ^5^^ ^ ^--~ REPORTS c^ ^ y^ ON VALENCIA HARBOUR, AS A WESTERN PACKET STATION. J By Mr. WALKER, ENGINEER TO THE ADMIRALTY. AND By captain WOLFE, R. N., TO THE nYDKOGRAPHER OF THE NAVY. TOGETHER WITH BVIDENCES AND OPINIONS OF VARIOUS NAVAL AND SCIENTIFIC AUTHORITIES ON THE SAME SUBJECT. LONDON: MESSRS. COPE, 7, KING WILLLiM ST., STRAND. 1868. • rif,:r.-ti- /vtl: *•.,'*l )!l 30 Ocean, and a vessel can adopt either tack, on quitting the Harbour. It is now decidedly known, that vessels crossing the Atlantic, prefer the latitude of the Great Skellig, both on their departure and return. Captain Hoskins in the " Great Britain," passed within two miles of Valencia, on the 13th of September last, but gave Bantry a " wide berth," as they could barely distinguish his smoke from the hills near Berehaven. It is impossible that the approach to any harbour, could be better marked, than that to Valencia. The Great Skellig is one of the most unmistakeable objects in the Ocean ; it rises like a sugar-loaf above 700 feet, in 34 fathoms water. Its remark- able double lighthouses lead to the harbour-light of Valencia, placed on the verge of the Ocean itself. Any approach to the western coast of Ireland, could be quickly descried from the Skelligs ; and it is worthy of consideration, in what space of time, by the Electric Telegraph, the intelligence could be conveyed to London. Valencia being six degrees west of Brest, and immediately on the Ocean, gives it great advantages over the French Ocean-ports. It is also west of Cape Finistere, and therefore, of every Spanish and Portugese harbour. The anchorage in Valencia, is perhaps, the finest in the world ; and from the nature of each entrance, the harbour may be rendered easily and cheaply secure from all attacks, either by sea or by land ; neither would the harbour require any expenditure of public money, save the blasting of some rocks, which may be done for a few hundreds of pounds ; the effect of which would be, to increase the north or principal entrance, by one half, and thus obviate the particular objection to Valencia. The S.W. and the E.S.E. winds, which are prevailing winds on our coasts, are leading winds out of Valencia. 31 To Steamers there can be no difficulty, under any circumstances, of entering or leaving the Harbour; H.M. Brig "Lynx," repeatedly worked in against wind, and sailed through the Harbour, during the last winter. With all these merits Valencia would seem, at least, to stand on an equal footing with Bantry, and it would seem, an extra- ordinary preference, in adopting Bantry, to embarrass an establishment, with 5,848 miles of dangerous coast navigation in the year, involving serious con- siderations, as to loss of fuel, time, and great wear and tear of Vessels, &c., &c. In another point of view, place yourself at Dublin, and you find that Bantry might be on the line to Madeira but not at all on the line to New York ; whereis, as one of the greatest of modem Geographers has remarked, " if you describe an arc of the globe, from Dublin to New York, it will pass over Valencia " ; — thus geometrically proving it the shortest possible line. A line from Dublin to Bantry would be a line along Ireland, on the way to the Bay of Biscay, and not across Ireland, on the way to Halifax. With respect to the other western harbours, as Galway or Tarbert, it would be preposterous to compare them to Valencia, for the purposes enumerated. To release a vessel stationed at Tarbert, from the Shannon, requires a navigation of twenty-five miles, before clearing *' Loophead," and the navigation of the Lower Shannon, is of a peculiarly dangerous description. The anchorage at Tarbert is of b most uncomfortable nature, from the rapid current, called the " Race of Tarbert," within which, large vessels frequenting that port must lie. Any works to remedy these evils, would, according to the judgment of the most experienced persons, be quickly filled up. Tarbert may form a suitable military position, for interior purposes, but never 8S can form an outlet for departure for the west, and for watching the western coast of Ireland. Valencia with the prevalent S.W. winds, is 90 miles windward of Tarbert, andl40 miles windward of Gal way, — both of the most dangerous description of coast navigation. Miles. The distances from Halifax to Valencia 2400 „ Bantry 2437 „ „ Tarbert 2448 ,/ „ Galway 2462 „ „ Falmouth 2642 m 38 EVIDENCES AND OPINIONS OP VARIOUS NAVAL AND SCIENTIFIC AUTHORITIES ON VALENCIA HARBOUR. Letter from Commander Fox, of H.M.S. " Hecate," to the Right Honourable the Knight of Kerry : — "Ventry Bay, Jan. 23rd, 1845. Sir, " As we about to leave this part of the station, for the Shannon, and I believe afterwards to Cork, I take this opportunity of writing to you ; and as the document relative to the Harbour of Valencia, and the Inner Harbour or Foot, was mentioned to me by Mr. Oldmixon, on his coming on board, the night of the 21 st, should any value be placed on the remarks that I have made relative to them, by you, I trust you will not hesitate, in giving them to any authorized paper, or journal for publicity. I am well a^are of the position the Harbours on this Coast hold, and how they are generally regarded. As a master in the Navy, 1 do not hesitate in stating Valencia Harbour to be the best, and most secure, on this part of the coast. I should have been glad to have stated this personally." N. B. — The original of Mr. Fox's Soundings was sent to Admiral Beaufort. C I '' K •J... ■>'■', f h 34 Extract of* Letters from the Hon. Capt. Pliinkett, (now Lord Dunsany,) of H.M.S. " Stromboli," dated 22nd February, 1846 :— "As to limited extent, I conceive an injustice done to Valencia : its area is greater than many fii st-rate anchorages, including Port8mouth| itself. ' For a Harbour for men of war, I think Valencia unexceptionable ; indeed, it is the only harbour from Berehaven to Connemara. Tarbert, in the Shannon, is a bad anchorage.' As opposed to Liverpool, I think the claims of Valencia very strong ; and as a point of departure, Valencia seems incomparable." * " Sherborne, Northleach, " Sir, " In reply to your letter of the 26th ult., respecting the capacity of Valencia Harbour to contain large Steamers, I am able to inform you, that there is ample room, for more than a dozen of the largest class, and that by laying down moorings, a still greater number might be accomuduted, in perfect safety. I remain, Sir, Your obedient, E. Plunkett." To John Symons, Esq.,* 33, Old Jewry, London." From Commander Driver, R.N. " H.M. f team Vessel, *• Dee." Woolwich, July 17th, 1847. "Sir, '* In reply to your letter of the 16th instant, relative to the capabilities of Valencia Harbo.r as an American Steam Packet Station, I beg to state, that it is very superior to any other on that part of the Irish coast ; and having been in command of the " Dee " four years, and into every port between Sligo and Dublin, (capable of admitting so large u * The late John Symons, Esq., was the energetic and highly respectable Solicitor to the Killaruey and Valencia Railway Company. 35 vessel, I must give Valencia the decided preference : there is plenty of water and room for double the number of Steam Packets that would be employed, e?en in the event of a wur. It has two entrances, and I do not hesitate for a moment running for the Harbour in the night ; the ground is good. I never drove, although I have rode out heavy gales of wind very many times. •* Berehaven or Bantry would not be preferred by any nautical man, to Valencia, who has any knowledge of this part of the coust ; there Is also plenty of excellent fresh water easily procurable. *• Yours, &c., "TnoMAS Deiver." To John Symons, Esq, &c. &c. From Commander Wingrove, R.N. "H.M.S. 'Blazer' '* Cove of Cork, July 20, 1847. " Dear Sir, ' "The Blazer's absence from Cork, must be mv apology, for not sending an earlier reply to your note of the 14th instant, relative to the capacity. &c., of Valencia Harbour, to accomodate large Steamers. " I should say, that Valencia, taking it altogether, is the best Harbour I have visited, on the west Coast of Ireland, — and I am aquainted with every port between Cork and Galway. It is capacious, and capable of holding more large Steamers, than are ever likely to be put into it : it is so well sheltered from all winds, that no sea can get up, of any consequence ; and the depth of water, and holding ground, are remarkably good. The approach is also good, for with the Skellig'a Rocks, (on the outer of which there are two lights,) on one aide of Dingle Bay, and the Blaskett Isles on the other ; I do not see how any vessel could mistake her port. C2 36 11! ■Vi " At the same time, I must observe, that the best entrance to Valencia (for there are two) is narrow, even for a Steam Vessel, in a north west gale,* when there is always a heavy sea at the mouth of the Harbour, sufficient at times, to effect the steerage of any ship, on account of a dangerous sunken rock,-|" about one-third across the channel. I am a{ opinior. that it would be extremely desirable to remove this danger ; and I understood the Knight of Kerry to say, that an eminent Civil Engineer had given an opinion, that it was quite prac- ticable : in that case, I think a Steamer might take the Harbour, with safety at all times. " I beg to remain, faithfully yours, " Henry Edw. Wingkove. " To John Symons, Esq." From Coinmander Roberts. H.M.S. *' Myrmidon," July 24th, 1847. " Dear Sir, ' * " In reply to your letter of the 14th instant requesling me to give my opinion as to the capacity and safety of the Harbour of Valencia, I would state, that I consider it a most safe and commodious Harbour for almost any number of large Steamers, there being plenty of room, a good depth of water, and perfect shelter from all winds ; the only drawback is the entrance, which is too narrow I think for a long Vessel to run for in a gale of wind, with a heavy following Sea ; — this may be remedied, by removing the rock at the Eastern side of the entrance, which I have been informed can easily be accom- plished by blasting." Your faithful Servant, " Edward F. Roberts." To John Symons, Esq. * " Btit if the Western I'^ntrance Ih' lighted, nnd iniiik(;il, it may bo taken when the Nortli Entrance is tlillieult." — Mr. Walker's IJeport, ji. 9. f Mr. Walker reconniiends its removal. 37 Admiral Sir Robert Otway — " Strongly recommends Valencia, for an American Packet Station." Letter of Commander Lapidge, H.M.S. " Cylop,'" to the Knight of Kerry. March 17, 1846 :— "I should be delighted to find, that your snug and safe Harbour, (Valencia) has been brought into notice, as so suitable fiom its position, and so well adapted, either for a protective station on the coast, or rendezvous for large Steam Vessels » the leading to its entrance being so well marked, and its ingress and egress at all times so easy and safe." In 1836 Captain (now Admiral) G. Evans — "Visited Valencia, being employed under the Post Office in an enquiry into the severnl Western Harbours of Ireland. Packet Stations were then only considered as for Sailing Vessels — after stating to the Knight of Kerry the objections he entertained to Valencia as a Station for Sailing Packets, he said " were it a question of Steam, I not only never have seen but I could not imagine a Harbour better suited to the purpose than Valencia." John Sicot, Master of the Barque (Elvira), of Halifax : — writes thus : — •*ln the Summer of 1814, he sailed in a large Convoy from the Harbour of Cork, and after plying to the westward, for the best part of a week, the wind being from S.W. to W., we succeeded in reaching Bantry Bay ; where the Fleet brought up, and remained a fortnight, the wind still S.W., W.S.W., andW. " Now the writer states, without hesitation, that had this Fleet sailed from the Harbour of Valencia- on the day on which they left Cork, with the prevailing winds, they would have made, at least 15 degrees of longitude, which would have given them an opportunity of standing on, on either tack, as 1 . 38 It they could have nothing to fear from any quarter. Tlie writer therefore question? any person, having the good of the Country, or the mercantile, and shipping interests at heart, to calculate the loss to the Nation, in consequence of such detention and delay, of a Fleet, consisting of five or six hundred Sail. •* The writer having observed, that some opposition has been raised by the Merchants of Cork, with regard to the con- Tenience, and practicability of the Harbour of Valencia, for the establishment of a Packet Station ; and their expatiating at some length, on the superior facilities afforded by Cove, as nn outlet. He begs to remark, that the prevailing winds in the winter season, being, almost invariably, from S.W. to West, gives Valencia, in this particular, (which is a very prominent one), a decided advantage. " Another fact known to practical men, is, that the dis- solving of the snows on the mountains of Spain, together with the great rivers, which disembogue themselves into the Bay of Biscay, causes a strong current to the N.W., known by name of ' Reynolds Current,' which sometimes runs, at the rate of from one to two knots an hour, for about ten leagues to the northward of the Cape, where it is almost imperceptible. This together with the very heavy sea, which a southerly and S.W. wind makes on the south coast of Ireland, often drives vessels, in thick weather ( when they have not the advantage of a Meridian Observation), as far to the northward as the filasketts, and is sufficient to bewilder the most experienced. *' In coming home from the West Indies, in the year 1817, being some days without an observation, and bound through the English Channel, judging ourselves off Cape Clear, and making large allowance for lee way, currents, &c., to our astonishment, we found ourselves to the northward of the Blasketts. "These few remarks, hastily drawn up, are respectfully submitted to the public." 39 Admiral Francis Beaufort, Hydrographer to the Admiralty, examined : — " Was all his life in the Naval Service, and in almost every part of the world. Knows Valencia Harbour, and states, it is the most Western Port of Europe, and of the British Islands ; it offers peculiar advantages for communication over sea, with the other parts of the world, upon the principle I have stated ; and it would not only be a very advantageous Harbour, as a Packet Station, but equally flo in time of war, for ships resorting to it. It enjoys the advantage which I have attributed to Spithead, of having a two-fold exit." Admiral Beaufort dwells on the advantages of embarking military supplies from Valencia, and mckes the following ingenious suggestion : — " Should we ne again in active hostilities in the Peninsula, or in the Mediterranean, the benefits from such an arrangement would be incalculable : even the regular reliefs, which sail during peace, would feel its advantages : — recniits would naturally move across England and Ireland ; — their health and discipline would be improved by escaping the large sea ports, and their embarcation might immediately follow their arrival 11 the Coast. This may also be put in another point of view : a ' *i"ge force would then be kept in Ireland, gradually moving on uie point of embarcation, readily detachable in any direction, and effectually occupying that Country, without having the appearance of being a garrison." Sir Pulteney Malcolm, H.M.S. " Donegal,' mander of the Fleet at Cove, writes : — Com- " They talk of Crookhaven, as competing with Valencia, but although it is more accessible from England, Valencia is more accessible from the open Ocean." 40 k' i r. 1 I $ Letter from Admiral Sir Thomas Ussher, to the Right Honourable the Knight of Kerry. " Portsmouth, March 29th. "My Dear Sir, '• 1 return you with ray hest thanks, the papers relative to Packets, which you did me the favour to send for my perusal, I can only say, that in my very humhle opinion, if your plan was carried into execution, there would he an incal- culahle saving, not only of expense to the Government, hut cf time to individu i^s* I have no hesitation in saying so from my own experu/ ; ad which I took the liberty of stating, when you did h, ae honour to ask my opinion, but the thing is so self-evideijt, it does not require the opinion of Officers of the Navy. My own opinion, humble as it may he, is, that our Colonies, and even Ireland, would be in a far greater state of security, if your jdan was adopted, than they are at present. Should anything further take place on this subject, I hope you will do me the favour to write me a line at Bermuda." Extract from the I^etter of an eminent Engineer, (Sir William Cubitt), reporting his opinion, given to the Kingstown Railway Company (March 10, 1835), in answer to their oncjuiry, a.s to the best line of extension through Ireland : — " Happening to state incidentally in company last evening, that if I were required to propose a plan, for the amelioration of the South and S.W. of Ireland, and bring them into more immediate connection with England, it should be, by making a most perfect line of road possible ( say, if you please, a railroad) from Kingstown Harbour to Valencia, making the latter, the outpost Packet Station, for America, the West Indies, the Mediterranean, Spain, Portugal, &c. getting entirely clear of the chops of the Channel, and all delays attendant thereon, either for outward or homeward hound vessels ; and being the most westerly point of His Majesty's dominions, within fifty hours distance from London, were this 41 place and Holyhead selected, it would be the shortest and best sea passage, for dispatches and communications from Liverpool, for all whom it might concern ; that such road of railway, should be carried in such direction, as should make it most perfect as a road ; and tliat all the towns near which, or by which, it should pass, should branch on to the Main line ; and which, I think, would comprehend all the places of any note, in the counties of Kerry, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Kilkenny, Queen's, and Kildare ; and thus bring a district 200 miles long, and nearly 50 wide, into direct communica- tion with both the Capitals — London and Dublin. The sub- ject was seized on with avidity by some parties present, and I have had the Question put seriously to me to-day, to know, for how small a sum, I would view the whole line and country to Valencia, inclusive, and make a Report, preliminary to an absolute survev." Letter from C. D. Archil )a]^, Esq., a Gentleiiian of large Property in Nova Scotia, to the Editor of the " Halifax Morning Post." " Sir. At a time when Transatlantic communictUion is engag- ing the attention of all the great maritime nations of the world, and when three or four great lines of transit are In actual progess of equipment, it becomes most important to determine, which are the most suitable ports of embarcation. Cteteris paribus, those harbours should naturally be selected, which are, geographically, the most approached to each other, and, as if for once to favorr reason and co;nmon sense, it does so happen that the two salient points, separated by tlie smallest interval of Ocean, present, on either side, the two most secure and commodious havens, upon the shores of the Atlantic. These two harbours, are moreover, both situated within the British dominions ; and nothing but a wilful dis- regard of the gi-eat facilties and advantages tliey offer, can prevent Great Britain from retaining the Lion's share, of the gigantic traffic of the Ocean, between the eastern and western Hemispheres. Valencia, on the southwest coast of Ireland, 42 I'i-i' is the westernmost harbour in Europe ; nnd, as regards facility of approach and departure, safety and convenience, is second to Halifax alone. These two are the natural tetes du pont of the great passage of the Atlantic, and nothing but the jealousy, and undo influence, of the great commercial cities of England, could have so long deprived them of that position, which they are destined soon to attain. The superiority of Halifax, over every other harbour upon the American Continent, is uni- versally admitted ; but the advantages of Valencia are not so generally known. I beg therefore to direct your attention to the accompan)nng report, from Mr. Walker, the well known Government Engineer, as well, as to a letter from the Knight of Kerry, to the Earl of Ellenborough, late First Lord of the Admiralty ; which, at the present moment, will probably be read with interest. The distance between Halifax and Valencia, is 2,400 miles, and, with Ocean-going steamers, of a size and power which those harbours would admit, might be performed in seven day?. Connect with such a scheme, a railroad communication with Quebec, and the great western region, stretching towards the Pacific ; and Halifax becomes a First Class station on the great highway of nations. Halifax, September 7th, 184(). Sir John Macneill, C.E., L.L.D. Extract from his Report of 4th September, 1847 : — "The Great Southern and Western continuation to Cork, will go near many of the principal inland towns, and through one of the richest agricultural districts in the Empire, besides forming a communication (by means of other Railways) with Kilkenny Waterford and New Ross, on the South-east, and Limerick and Killamey on the South-west, and nntimately with Valencia, for which a Bill was obtained last Session by another Company, and which when made, will certainly ensure the American traffic to the Great Southern and Western Railway, /or there can scarcely be a question that Valencia is the proper situation for a Western Packet Harbour. »i^ 43 Major General Sir Howard Douglas, Bart., Governor of New Brunswick, North America, examined before the "Commissioners of Revenue Inquiry," August 1834. "I should think the point of departure should be the westernmost part of the United Kingdom ; for, notwithstanding the improvements daily efFecting in steam machinery, with a view to diminish the consumption of fuel, and so to increase space for freight and passengers, it is of the first importance, that the voyage from land to land, be made the shortest possible. Steam vessels starting from Liverpool or Bristol, for America, and returning, would call at the western port, and there take up what may oflfer, and likewise replenish their stores of coal. For these reasons it appears to me, that the Harbour of Valencia, would be an important point for depar- ture and arrival. The subject has excited intense interest in America, and is looked to with very great solicitude in all the provinces. The starting point being Valencia, shortens the voyage so much, that I should say, it is obvious there would be great advantages in every respect, in establishing that Port, as the point of arrival and departure for the Atlantic voyage." The Right Honourable Maurice Fitzgerald, Knight of Kerry, examined at the same time. "The Americans entered into the subject (Steam com- munication between New York and Valencia,) with avidity. They held out expectation of our co-operation and support at New York, and almost every American with whom I conversed, (and they are the majority of the persons who cross the Ocean), expressed their wishes to avail themselves of such a passage, considering, that the greater part of the delay, and almost all the danger of the passage, was, between the west of of Ireland and Liverpool." 44 " I lai'i some statements before the heads of the different departments at home, which obtained their attention to the subject. His Royal Highness the Duke of York acknowledged his sense of the great benefits that would be derived to the military communication, f n m such an establishment, and his disposition to promote it. The Duke of Wellington was at the head of the Ordnance, His Grace took the subject into consideration, and expressed his conviction of the great public utility of such an Establishment, if it could be formed. I referred the subject to several other Cabinet Ministers, Lord Liverpool, Lord Harrowby, Mr. Canning, and Mr. Peel, who all concurred in the public advantages likely to arise from such a communication as was proj)Osed. Lord Liverpool said to Mr. Macgillivray and myself, that, " sooner or later, that Western Harbour, (Valencia) must be the point of departure." " I consider, that by due selection of the best western Harbour, you will command tlie commercial correspondence of the Continent of Europe. At present there are va ious lines of communication, especially from Havre, and another from Bourdeaux ; but if you create a Steam navigation, which, foi passengers or for letters, must be the most rapid ; then it will attract to it all the Continental correspondence of Europe, with America, as well as, all your own domestic communication ; because the same principle of rapid correspondence, applies to the interest of all parties engaged in commerce, in all parts of the world. The Swedish Ambassador tuld me, in the year 1826, "that the proposed communication from the west of Ireland, had created a great interest in the north of Europe ; and that persons who had business with America, contem- plated crossing from Hamburg to Hull, and by Liverpool, to Dublin and Valencia, as a new and decided convenience, of which they should all avail themselves, keeping the land as far as possible.' " 45 Commodore Sir H. Blackwood and Sir P. Malcolm, With many other distinguished Officers, zealously espoused the project for a communication from Valencia to America ; and in order fully to bear out their judgement on the subject they called for the opinion of the man, whom they deemed the most experienced and judicious practical seamen in the Navy, and for twenty years at the head of the Transport service, viz. — Commissioner Bowen, Captain of the Fleet in Admiral Christian's Expedition to the West Indies: — ** He described the delays as extending over five months before they clear the coast of Ireland, during the last two of which, after all was ready, they were shut up in Cork. Being asked what the difference would be, if they sailed from Valencia instead of from Cork, he said " we would have been therein three weeks, and Guadaloupe would have bekn SAVED." On the question, whether, generally speaking, em- barcation should take place on the Ocean, instead of the Channel, he answered, " No man in his senses could doubt it. His Royal Highness the Duke of York, Commander in Chief — In the course of the last war, after consulting the military authorities, notified his strongest approbation of embarking the Troops for Foreign and Colonial service, from a Harbour on the Coast of the Ocean, he particularly adopted Valencia ; and obtained the consent of the Cabinet to announce himbelf as Patron of that harbour. 46 If His Grace the Duke of Wellington, Master- General of the Ordnance : — *' Your views (addressing the Knight of Kerry) are quite correct— the best proof of them will be found in my Penin- sular Campaigns ; I seldom could get any thing I wanted for the Army for two months after it was promised me, through delay arising from embarcation, within the channel. The most serious inconveniences arose. I have been obliged to stop the march of the Army. If the embarcation had taken place at Valencia they would have been with nie in four days." In 1825, a project was submitted to the Government for the conveyance of Mails, and to facilitate intercourse by means of Steam vessels from Valencia to Halifax, which was 80 favourably received, that an Act of Parliament was then obtained." Mr. Cunard, Contractor for the West India Mails, " Said, if he was not controlled by commercial influence and merely considered the quickness, safety, and economy of transit, he would go from Valencia." Richard Cobden, Esq., M.P., In his clever pamphlet, '* England, Ireland, and America," — Quotes from American publications, a decided opinion, as prevailing in the United States, in favour of Valencia ; and he powerfully recommends the selection of such westerly harbour, and the formation of a Railroad to that point ; expressing at the same time his conviction, that such a project, if com- pleted, would secure the preference of voyages to all parts of North America, not only from Britain, but from every quarter of Europe; and would confer incalculable advantages upon Ireland, by introducing capital, and stimulating industry and enterprise. 47 Charles Why Williams, Esq. — In an interesting Essay on the " Importance of Internal Navagatiou in Ireland," — adopts tbb same view as Mr. Cobden. Messrs. Cruger and Goodhue, a Deputation from Capitalists of New York — Exauiined the harbours of Ireland, with a view to an American Packet Station, and specificially recommended Valencia, as the best. Messrs. Nimmo, Cubitt, and Vignolles. Amongst Engineers, Mr. Nimmo, for a series of years zea- lously urged the recommendation of Valencia, his excellent chart of Valencia Harbour is published by the Admiralty. — Mr. William Cubitt, and Mr. C. Vignolles, exressed their conviction in the same way. The latter Gentleman dwelt much on the peculiar combination of advantages possessed by Valencia, for a Packet Station, and Railway Termmus. Mackenzie says of Valencia : — "This Harbour is good ground, well sheltered, and capable of the largest ships. Tlie best entry to it, is at the east end of Valencia Island, where the best anchorage also is." The Protector Cromwell, — When he had subdued the south-west of Ireland, and ex- pelled the Spaniards from Valencia,— established a Station there for Frigates Hnd Troops, erected Forts at the entrances, and placed a garrison on the Isknd, considering it the most unassailable and convenient point of defence on the Western Coast. 48 M. Clicviiller, Author of an able Work on French Statistics, writes: — " That Valencia, from its position, must become the ulti- mate Port of European departure for America, and dwells upon the great results likely to arise therefrom, by facilitating and increasing the interchange of business between the two Continents." The Stutgard " Quarterh/ Review" " Expresses an opinion prevailing in Germany, that Valencia will become the chief Port of intercourse, betv\een Europe and America." An able Work on North America, by Mr. McGregor. " Points out and recommends the communication between Valencia and Halifax, as highly important to the Mother Country, and the Colonies.'' !l Uailway liegister^ ylpril, 1847. "ENGLISH AND IRISH RAILWAYS. " The projects for the new lines of Railway in England and Ireland, rest on quite different grounds : in the former, they adapt themselves to existing traffic, connect the richest and most productive markets, and grow out of the exhuberance of existing wealth. Ireland may be considered for such purposes, as a 'tabula rasa,' a clear field, or. which the engineer may lay out his lines, by abstract reference to the interests and wants of the country, in such a manner as to suit the natural features of the ground, and develop in the most effectual manner its lalent resources. Such seem to have been the views of the original Railway Commissioners; they proposed 49 to traverne Ireland by a system of main trunks, terminating at the points most favorable to foreign intercourse, and affording branches to suit existing internal intercourse. They felt the importance of turning a tide of foreign transit through Ireland, which requires such aids, to sustain its railways. In the present session it will be incumbent on the Government , and the Parliament, to view all projects in this light, whether they are likely to attract foreign support ; several claim such advantages, and considerable competition has arisen between the claims of different localities. These respective claims are espoused with much enthusiasm, and it is right that they should be all dealt with, in a spirit of perfect impartiality. We own that one of them strikes us, as carr3nng with it, a weight of extraneous and independant authority, which it is impossible to resist — ^we mean the line of railwp having its terminus at Valencia Harbour. We cannot shut our eyes to the fact, that the Americans, who must be quite indifferent as to local interests, have, after careful enquiry, given a preference to Valencia, as a point of departure for their Continent. This has been announced in American publications, and adopted by various men of science on the continent of Europe. In fact, geographically speaking, the case of Valencia cannot be doubted. It would be preposterous in such a case, to raise the question of existing traffic ; there may be little or no traffic, but it does not follow, that if vent be given, and a fecUity for foreign intercourse afforded, great sources of commercial wealth may speedily arise — ^new channels of trade be opened — and industry be spread through a population, hitherto placed in the back settlements of the world. Such, at least, seems to be the well-founded lucubrations of the best statistical philosopher of France, respecting the harbour in question. Nothing can be grander than the contemplation of combining at one point, the vast tides of intercourse between Europe and America. The Americans desire eagerly, to multiply and confirm their relations with Ireland ; they are D ' 50 Hi w Bi'i li,. lit. I much more conscious than we are at this side of the Ocean, how near the western coast of Ireland is to New York, and how much the increasing facilities of ocean intei urse approximate those points. If the Government will not avail itself of what nature points out, as the rational policy in this respect, it will stultify itself in the c/es of Europe. Continen- tal nations look on the point .f western departure nearest to America, as interesting, with respect to personal safety, rapidity of transit, and security of property. This it) not a period, m which, to straggle against nature, to disregard obvious sources of National security and prosperity, or to leave to casual accomplishment, by secondary means, those great objects of Imperial interest, which ought to command the patriotic attention of our own Government. The late Administration very wisely adopted Kolyhead, though a barren point, as a link for connection with Dublin. The railway system is bbout to extend its rapidity of action to the extreme west of Ireland; and a sort of locomotive miracle will be obtained, in the transfer of a traveller, to a distance of lOi degrees west of London, in IS hours, and embarking him, free from all the delays and dangers of our Channel navigation." m TO THE Right Hon. THE LORD JOHN RUSSELL, FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY &c. &c. Ac. THE MEMORIAL of the Nobility, Gentry, Clergy, and others. Landowners of the County of Kerry. Shewethy That Memorialists beg respectively to impress on your Lordship, the expediency of adopting the Harbour of Valencia, in the County of Kerry, as a Packet Station, for intercourse with the United States, and our North American Colonies, with the sanction and support of Government. That Memorialists make this application, not merely on local grounds, concerning the relative merits of that Harbour, but also on NATIONAL grounds, comprehending the largest interests of the Government and the Empire, That a most respectable, wealthy, and spirited Company, is proceeding in Parliament, to obtain an " Act "* to carry into effect a Eailway between Killamey and Valencia, completing thereby, the connexion between the best Harbour for American intercourse, and the Metropolis of Ireland. That Sir Robert Peel announced, in answer to the Grand Jury of Kerry, that a Railroad would form an " element " in the selection of a Packet Station, — such element will be furnished by the Company in question. ihat as it has pleased Providence to place Ireland between England and America, she claims the right, to be made the medium of intercourse, between England and that great •Royal Assent given June 1847. i mm #' 52 Continent ; with the interests of which, our own, are becoming from day to day, more and more identified. If Ireland is deemed an integral part of the home Empire, the claims of her Western Harbours, can no longer be overlooked, and it is a paramount duty on the part of the Government, to ascertain, which of those Harbours is best entitled to be preferred, for such important National purposes. That, whilst Memorialists solicit your Lordship's serious attention to this vast National object, they feel authorizedi fi-om what has already occurred, to assume, that the question of competition between Harbours is already settled, according to the common sense of mankind. In the course of last summer, an examination was instituted, under the authority of a former Admiralty, through their eminent Engineer Mr. Walkkh, for the selection of a preferable Harbour for American intercourse, who, in his official report, states, " that in an Engineering view, his opinion of the capabilities of Valencia, for an American Packet Station, was very favorable, and that, that project, as well as the prosecution of a Railway leading to it, were very deserving of Public support." That Memorialists considering Mr. Walker the chief maritime authority, consulted not only by the Admiralty, but by the Treasury, — that it was to his judgment, Sir Bobert Peel referred the long disputed contest between Porth Dinlleyn and Holyhead, and founded upon it, his ultimate decision in favor of the latter, — ^it is not unreasonable to say, that from that opinion, there need not be an appeal ; but if such appeal be deemed requisite by your Lordship, Memorialists confidently hope, it will be to some authority likely to decide the question, by the light of impartial science, and the ablest practical and professional skill. Mr. Walker reports, that he finds in Valencia Harbour, 600 acres of deep water anchorage and that by a very moderate expenditure, that quantity of deep water anchorage may be doubled ; and except a Harbour, better and nearer to America, can be discovered. Memorialists 53 venture to urge on the Government, the paramount claims of Valencia, as the most westerly, and the finest Harbour, in the United Kingdom. ON NATIONAL GROUNDS. CLONCURRY FITZWILLIAM BERESFORD INGESTRE, M.P. JOHN ATTWOOD, M.P. RICHARD SPOONER, M.P. CECIL LAWLESS, M.P. JAMES HENRY ATTWOOD Landowners, CLEaav, and others, Co. KERRY. KENMARE, Lieut, of Kerry. DANIEL O'CONNELL, M.P. MAURICE O'CONNELL, M.P., MORGAN J. O'CONNELL, M.P. WILLIAM BROWNE, M.P. HENRY A. HERBERT. D.L., A. L. SAUNDERS, J. P. RICHARD HERBERT, Rector. DANIEL CRONIN, Chairman of the Poor Law Guardians JAMES HICKSON, D.L. THE KNIGHT OF KERRY, D.L W. D. GODFREY, Bart., D.L. ROBERT HEWSON, Curate JAMES DONOVAN, M.D.,R.N. PARICK TRANT, J.P. WM. H. BLENNERHASSETT. T. O'SULLIVAN, P.P. JAMES GODFREY, J.P. EDWARD RAE, J.P. OWEN O'SULLIVAN, J.P. RICHARD T. DE MOLE YNS, J.P BART. W. O'CONNOR, P.P. ROBERT W. SANDES, Clerk. WM. MEREDITH, J.P. RICHARD MEREDITH, J.P. JOHN SEALEY, J.P. MAURICE J. O'CONNELL, J.P. STEPHEN FITZGERALD. JOHN PRIMROSE, J.P. F. R. MAUNSELL, Rector. CORNELIUS MOYNEHAN, P.P A. MACKINTOSH, Rector. J. O. LEARY. P.P. THOMAS HERBERT, Rector. WM. TALBOT CRUSBIE, D.L. EDWARD M. DENNY, Clerk. JOHN O'CONNELL, Chairman. Relief Co ittee. ARTHUR L.:SA!^DERS,Hon. Sec DENIS SHINE LAWLOR, J.P. KEAN MAHONY, J.P DENIS McCARTIE, J.P. DANIEL CRONIN, Jun. . P. RICHARD MURPHY, J.P. JOHN L. CRONIN, J.P. WHITWELL BUTLER, J.P. CHARLES O'CONNELL, J.P. JOHN G. DAY, Clerk. ARTHUR D. WALSH, M.D. THOMAS TAYLOR, J.P. JOSEPH TAYLOR, J.P. ADRIAN TAYLOR, J.P. WILLIAM GODFREY, Rector. TIMOTHY McCarthy, m.d. CHARLES P. THOMAS, Curate. FRANCIS T. NESBITT, C.E. ALEX. BROCK, Postmaster &c. &c. &c. 54 « .P.. P.S. — ^While the foregoing has been in the Press, there has occurred in October and November one of those periods of con- tinuous Easterly winds, amounting at times to severe gales, which are experienced more or less every year, and which cause such severe distress, and occasionally such heavy disasters to shipping from the Ocean, bound for the Channel. Under these circumstances vessels seeking to double Cape Clear, are often driven out to sea again and again. Provisions run short — crews become exhausted — and in the kind of life and death struggle, which ensues to reach the land, the great advantage of a Harbour in the most westerly position is stroEgly felt. Accordingly, at such times Valencia is greatly resorted to by homeward bound vessels which have vdnly struggled to get up the Channel, and which, though having there no call of business to attiact them, use it as a Harbour easily reached, and one from whence they can most readily proceed on their after destination ; shewing further that a Port thus frequented, with winds the most adverse, and with crews and vessels often in a disabled state, cannot be so difficult of access as has sometimes been represented. Among the many vessels, which in the last month there took refuge, were two— the Russian Screw Steamer " Oudalique," and the ship " Tngleborough," — from the Masters of which certificates are annexed ; the latter had been 162 days at sea, and both vessels had long struggled in vain to get up the Channel, and only succeeded in reaching Valencia, in so exhausted a state in point of provisions and health of crews, that if they had been obliged, for even some hours longer, to contend against the flasterly gale, the consequences would in all probability have been disastrous. December, 1858. 55 Report of Master of the Ship " Ingleborough," from Korio Morro to Cork for orders. " I was compelled partly by strese of weather and partly by my crew being sick of scurvy, to make for this Harbour. The ship turned in under Double reefed topsails, against a strong Gale from S.S.E. (a slight quarter flood,) I find that the harbour is easy of access, and with a leading wind may be run for at any time of tide. Good and safe Anchorage where there is not the slightest fear of parting or bringing your anchor " Home." (Signed) J. TREVERTON. Valencia^ 3rd December, 1858. Transport k Vapeur '' Oudalique" apartenant k la Compagnie Russe d'Odesse. '* Moi Capitaine sousign^ je declare que j'ai mouill6 dans le port de Valencia, et que j'ai tronv€ la place de mouillage excellent, et que les autorit^s font tout pour soulager les peines des etrangers, a raison de quoi j'ai I'honneur de recommander ce port a qui que ce soit. (Signed) S. De VIENNE." 3, D^cembre, 1 358. ^ LONDON : MESSBS COPE, FBINTBBS, 7, KINO WILLIAM STREET, WEST STBAND, W.C. msm* TSfm --*-i!S~ tvi- ■I r I .^ ■P 1 ■ v*> •• ■*-— ' ^.■to..aafc>«. ..p»»y^j^- . AflfUi/i'r 7r/f 3iO o .^^"^ r^TT-' ^ ; \^ 5, , ^ ......4 ;• \^ ^ r' ^''-..^sA y^ r Ti'UlMdI'dRn VA I4RN 'I'J A I W >>jj , ^-^SM. 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