This might be be done easier than may be imagined, as the inhabitants are
quite accustomed to canal cutting for the purpose of irrigating the land.
A straight one of 25 of 30 miles, having its banks well dammed up, would
ensure a deep and safe passage, from which irrigating cuts might be made for the
cultivation of the adjoining grounds.
The advantages which would ensue from the establishment of a regular steam
communication on the Euphrates would, I am convinced, amply repay any outlay
and trouble which might attend the commencement.
The avidity with which the inhabitants of the different towns on the river
bought our Manchester woollen goods, &c., sufficiently proves that a great opening
is presented to our commerce. Aleppo, Baghdad, Basrah, and, should the
Karan be navigated, Ispahan, would soon become marts for British produce, and
the influence of the English name be thus increased and extended.
Taking these things into consideration, it appears to me that England would not
have cause to regret having made the Euphrates the high road to her Indian possessions,
even should it afterwards be found that letters and passengers might be
conveyed With more speed by the line of the Bed Sea.
It is almost needless to go into the question of the sea steamers, which will best
be decided by experience; but I should say at least two powerful steamers ought
to navigate between Bombay and Kiirnah; and the Mediterranean line should be
extended to Scanderoon or the Bay of Antioch.
The transport of letters and passengers could be easily managed by an agent at
Beles under the consul at Aleppo, and perhaps an agent or vice-consul at Antioch.
A splendid road might be made over the 100 miles which separate the Euphrates
from the Mediterranean: I should consider a railroad impracticable, but I think a
canal might be cut, incurring, however, a great outlay. This would complete the
communication by water of England with India by the shortest possible line.
I have the honour to be, &c.,
(Signed) J a s . F it z jam e s ,
Royal Navy.
Colonel Chesney, R.A.,
Commanding the Euphrates Expedition.
(L.)
Basrah, August 31, 1836,
S ir ,
A c c o rd in g to your desire I proceed to give you my observations upon the
capability of navigating the river Euphrates. These observations have reference
only to the season of high water, and may be comprised within very narrow limits;
since, I believe, that no difficulties present themselves in carrying out this important
object.
The whole line from Ja’ber to a little below Diwaniyah is a long course free from
impediments. There are some few places, where, to conduct a vessel safely and
surely it is necessary to be acquainted with the line of the deep channel, such as
at Karablah, ’A'nah, and two places above both, where rèefs of rocks stretch across
the river ; but where, I believe, a channel does exist sufficiently deep to float such
a vessel as thè “ Euphrates,” There are, along the line I have mentioned, many
projecting ranges of arches, formerly used in irrigating the neighbouring lands, and
there are so!me insulated rocks, but in no case offering impediments of a serious
nature when their positions are well understood.
Below the line I have mentioned, until arriving at the termination of the
Lamhim Marshes, the river is more difficult, owing to the very sharp windings and
the greater narrowness, so that in this part I do not consider that the “ Euphrates ”
steamer is suited for thè navigation. Yet there would be no difficulty for a shorter
vessel. From below the Lamhim Marshes to Basrah the river presents a fine,
wide, deep, and easy .course; and a still larger vessel than the “ Euphrates”
might easily perform the voyage.
The current never exceeds 4% or 5 knots, except in the most rapid places, and
the “ Euphrates” has found no difficulty, not only in stemming it, but in making
5 knots against it by the land.
Probably at the low season it would be found that the “ Euphrates” drew too
much water ; and I think that the vessel employed in making the voyages up and
down should not draw more than 22 or 24 inches; but of this I cannot so
well form an opinion, as I am not aware what depth there will be at the low
season.
With regard to fuel.—All the way from Ja’ber to a little above ’A'nah there is
abundance of jungle-wood at intervals. It is chiefly tamarisk, and was reported
by the engineer, upon our descent, to be well suited for the engines. The different
Sheiks engaged to collect supplies for us, and to cut it into lengths, so that
we might, in ascending, experience no delay. Probably we shall find, that they
will have failed in their engagements the first time ; but certainly, when they see
that the vessels return punctually and take their wood, paying a good remunerating
price, these Sheiks will be careful to have the depots regularly prepared. As far
as ’A'nah coal may always be carried up from Basrah, but it will be found Gheaper
to float down rafts from the jungle country to the places found convenient for
depots. The practice of floating down rafts is usual amongst the people of the
country as far as Hit.
The last point which requires to be mentioned is the disposition of the Arabs,
and I see no reason to form a less satisfactory opinion than upon the other points
I have already reported.
Perhaps it may be supposed that doubts regarding the intention of the steamer
in her descent, added to the alarm which certainly possessed the people to a great
extent, may have rendered our voyage more prosperous than would be the case in
future ; but I am not of this Opinion. The doubt and alarm which now exist
would no doubt subside, and finding that they experienced no evil from the peaceful
passage of the vessels, but on the contrary, that provisions were bought from them,
and services required for which they regularly received a proper hire, they would
be induced to look for the return of vessels with friendly feelings, and desire to