Struggle between Great Britain and United States for the Atlantic
carrying trade—English shipowners cleave to Protection—“Baltimore
clippers” and “American liners”—The _Savannah_, the first American
Atlantic steamer, 1819—The _Curaçoa_, 1829—The _Royal William_, 1833,
from Quebec—The _Sirius_ and _Great Western_, 1838—Successful voyages
of these vessels—Details of _Great Western_—The _Royal William_,
second of that name, the first steam-ship from Liverpool, 1838,
followed by the _Liverpool_—Origin of the Cunard Company—Contract
for conveyance of mails—Conditions—Names and particulars of
the first steamers in this service—The _Britannia_—Comparative
results of different vessels—Building (1839) and loss (1841) of the
_President_—Building of the _Great Britain_ in 1843—Advantages
of iron ships—American auxiliary screw steamer _Massachusetts_,
1845—American line of steamers to Europe, 1847—First ocean race
won by the English—Not satisfied with Cunard line, the Americans
determine to start one of their own—Reasons for so doing—American
shipowners complain justly of the “Protective” policy of their own
Government—Nevertheless adopted—Collins line established—Original
terms of subsidy—Dimensions of their steamers—Mr. Faron’s visit
to England—Details of the build of these vessels—Engines—Frame
sustaining engines and dead weight—Cost of steamers greatly
increased by demand for increased speed—Further details of competing
lines—Speed obtained and cost—Great competition, 1850-1852—Results
of it