Chapter V: Fayal and Madeira, &c. Station

Under the proposed general arrangement, the mails for Madeira and Teneriffe could be sent twice each month from Fayal. Madeira and Teneriffe, but more especially the former, have a good deal of correspondence with the West Indies; all of which would be thrown into a more tedious and circuitous route if the communications with Madeira did not go and come by the Azores. The distance from Fayal to Madeira is 630 miles, and from Madeira to Teneriffe 240 miles. One superior sailing vessel would be sufficient to perform this work, giving two mails each month. It is well known that from the winds which generally prevail in those parts of the Atlantic, that a swift (p. 026) sailing vessel would almost always make quick and certain passages. The cost of such might be 1500_l._, and the yearly expense, say 800_l._ The expense for sailing vessels on this and the South American station may be taken as follows:--

Capital. Yearly Charge.

Fayal and Madeira, one £1500 £800
Pernambuco and Maranham, one 1500 800
Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Ayres, two 4000 2000
----- -----
Totals £7000 £3600
----- -----

From Fayal to Teneriffe, by Madeira, and back, a sailing vessel could complete the passage in fourteen days, and thus be always in time for the next return steamer from Fayal to Falmouth.