44? 071 the Navigation of the Mar anon or Amazons. 



the demand for and consumption of British manufactures would 

 not be increased by the market that would be created, whilst 

 what has hitherto been termed " Colonial produce"" would be 

 obtained at a cheaper rate in England, and West India slavery 

 would cease. 



There are, however, other productions in these regions than 

 those the West India Islands can furnish, as was proved by the 

 establishment of the British factory in Portugal, during the 

 zenith of West India influence, and in the time of the slave- 

 trade, and which was principally for the purpose of communi- 

 cating with Brazil. 



The most immediate point for the consideration of England 

 in regard to these regions appears to be, whether she will en- 

 deavour to avail herself of a portion of the advantages which a 

 communication may afford, or will leave them entirely to others. 



I am aware that the failure of many speculations in South 

 America, owing partly to false grounds of establishment, and 

 partly to mismanagement and over expenditure, has given a 

 check to the formation of companies ; but I nevertheless believe 

 that if a company were formed, to open a steam-communication 

 up the Maranon, it would, with proper management, both pay 

 the shareholders, and prove highly beneficial to the country, 

 whilst it would tend to extend the commercial relations to Great 

 Britain, by opening new markets for her manufactures. 



Let it not be supposed that what I now state proceeds from 

 interested motives. It would, I confess, be an object worthy 

 of any man's ambition to lead the first steam-vessel up the 

 Maranon, and thereby contribute to the development and im- 

 provement of such a country. It is a feat that will be related 

 in history, and handed down to posterity. I am not without 

 ambition, but I have already had more than enough of South 

 America, having incurred risks, and expended health and pro- 

 perty to meet but a sorry return. Still, I repeat, that the re- 

 gions of the Maranon possess immense commercial resources, 

 and should other persons choose to avail themselves of such 

 advantages, I offer them the information I obtained in the 

 country. 



Should a company be formed for the purpose of opening a 

 steam-communication up the Maranon, it would be necessary, 



