"Considerable.
As stated in my last letter the parties by whose order I have built these Boats have had no expectation to the limited number of Passengers likely to travel by them, that their returns will be either susceptible of considerable increase.
Considering the manifest public advantage which will arise upon their establishment, they must be essential to H.M. Govt. to be pleased to cause a liberal allowance for the Conveyance of Passengers, and thus assist in supporting from Public Funds an undertaking which is one rather of general utility than capable of being profitable as a speculation.
(signed)
"Jeage & Brackenridge
Keel.
258
Dimensions and Specifications of Steam Boats.
Dimensions
Length between Perpendiculars
Breadth extreme
Depth in hold
F. Buch Esq. 135.-6
19.6.
-10
Space in Engine Room
3 & Aft
Burther in Tons 350
se per ward
6
44
Specification
To be of English Oak
2
-
44
4
Amidship rock Elm 10 ins square, tapered forward and aft as usual - on a Frame - To be of English Oak fitted into Floor Heads the length of the Engine Room &c: Thence Forward & Aft parallel line with the Keel, to be sided in Engine Room at the Keel 8 inches forward and Aft - Joint at 1st Futtocks 7: forward and Aft - 7 ins, 2nd Futtock 7: forward & aft