172 TRANSACTIONS OF THE CANADIAN INSTI1UTE. | Vou. ILL. 
ship service was actually retarded by the ill-success of the attempt of 
1819. The mode of propulsion employed at intervals on the eastward 
voyage of the “Savannah” was abandoned and she returned to America 
under sail. Its partial use on the first voyage stimulated no effort to 
alter or improve the makeshift machinery used, or to introduce something 
more perfect and, more permanent on ships subsequently constructed. 
It set in motion no attempt to send to sea a second “ Savannah” to cross 
the Atlantic by steam power. The only other example on record of a 
vessel similar to the “ Savannah” is the “ Enterprise,” a ship which made 
a voyage in 1825 to India assisted by steam. Like the “ Savannah” 
she depended on her sails, using steam at intervals when there was no 
wind. This adventure, like that of the “Savannah,” was entirely barren 
of any beneficial results. Attention continued to be directed to the im- 
provement of ordinary sailing ships, and as a consequence there came 
into existence a magnificent class of vessels known as “clippers,” propell- 
ed only by wind and sail. It was not uncommon for ships of this 
class to cross the Atlantic in half the time occupied by the “ Savannah.” 
liiwe vexeept the “Royal “William °)’i71$33,' there! is mo /recordmen 
any ship, propelled in whole or in part by steam, having made the 
passage between any British port and any American port for nearly 
twenty years after the performance of the “ Savannah.” 
The “Royal William” exercised an influence of a directly opposite 
character. One result was to make clear that the transatlantic vessel of 
the future was to be a steam-ship. Sir Samuel Cunard with his two 
brothers were, as shareholders in the Quebec and Halifax Steam Navig- 
ation Company, part owners of the “ Royal William.” Cunard was a 
man of great business ability, rare shrewdness, and with much originality 
of character. The success which attended the experiment led him to 
foresee the possibility, nay the certainty of future triumphs. It became 
evident to his mind that sailing ships as mail packets were doomed. He 
at once grasped the situation, and determined the course which he subse- 
quently pursued. His effort was to obtain a contract with the British 
Government for carrying the mails, and after constant perseverance and 
great delay, he finally succeeded in 1838. The service agreed upon was 
fortnightly in the first place, and afterwards weekly. The “ Britannia,” 
the |“ Alcadia;’, the “Caledonia” and) the.“ Columbia,” avere (at@ence 
placed under construction, and these four vessels formed the beginning 
of the magnificent fleet of steamships which ever since have borne the 
honoured name of Cunard. 
Quite distinct from the action of Mr. Cunard, and while his negotiations 
were 1n progress, the British and American Steam Navigation Company 
