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POST-OFFICE DEPARTMENT. 



who directed the Crescent City, then running to Chagres, 

 to adopt Kingston as a coaling depot. She made her first 

 visit to the island in the month of December, 1848. 

 Shortly after, the more splendid steamer Empire City, of 

 2,000 tons, was completed and put upon the line, since when 

 there has been an uninterrupted semi-monthly communi- 

 cation. Almost immediately after this line was established, 

 our government contracted with the proprietors, for the 

 carriage of the mails between the two ports ; since when, 

 the intercourse between the United States and the British 

 West India islands has been growing daily more intimate. 



Two more first-class steamers have been placed on this 

 route, by Messrs. Howland & Aspinwall, of New York, 

 within the past year, making four in all, by which a sure, 

 safe, and punctual conveyance between the two countries is 

 always at command. The fare in these steamers, either 

 way, for first cabin, $100 ; for second cabin, $80 ; and for 

 steerage, $50. 



The voyages average about six days. No instance has 

 yet occurred, I believe, of any steamer being over seven 

 days in going either way. 



POST-OFFICE DEPARTMENT. 



There is a general post office in Kingston, and there are 

 forty-two other provincial offices. There is but one daily 

 mail, and that is crrried between Kingston and Spanish- 



