'History of the Indian Navy. (1613-1863).' [‎46] (65/622)

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history of the indian navy.
much danger and difficulty, which had generally been looked
upon as impracticable, and which in all probability nothing but
British skill, intrepidity, and perseverance would have been
able to accomplish." " The actual distance of the voyage up
the river," continues the 4 Chronicle' "was eleven hundred
and thirty miles; the ascent occupied two hundred and seventy-
three hours, or about nineteen and a half days. The average
rate of sailing was three miles and seven furlongs an hour.
The Tigris and Euphrates have now been opened to vessels of
considerable burden, and the ascent and descent of these noble
streams may be made available for the purposes of commerce,
as well as of civilisation ; although the success of this splendid
experiment reflects honour on the British name alone, the
advantages which may be derived from it will be shared with
us by many nations, and, it is to be hoped, by the inhabi
tants of the once famous regions watered by the great rivers of
Mesopotamia. The behaviour of the crews was most exem
plary, and not a single casualty occurred during the whole
voyage."
Of this ascent of the Euphrates, the Right Hon. H. A.
Layard, who took a less sanguine view than Colonel Chesney of
its navigability, says in his " Nineveh and Babylon" (chap. xxi.
page 474), "The expedition under Colonel Chesney, and the
subsequent ascent of the Euphrates, by far the most arduous
undertaking connected with its navigation, but accomplished
with^great skill by Captain Campbell, of the East India Com
pany's Service, have proved that for ordinary purposes this river
in its present condition is not navigable, even in the lower part
of its course."
The following is a copy of the letter of thanks Lieutenant
Campbell received from the Secret Department of the Court of
Directors:—
" East India House, London, August 27,1841.
" Ihe President of the Board of Commissioners for the
affairs of India having transmitted to us a copy of your letters
of the 1st and 17th of June, and of the enclosure to the former
letter, we have to express to you our congratulations on your
achievement of the ascent of the Euphrates, and our satisfaction
at the whole of your conduct whilst engaged on this service.
" You will communicate to the officers and men our thanks for
the ability and goodwill with which they performed their
arduous duties.
u We are, your loving friends,
44 (Signed) " George Legatt,
44 J. L. Lushington.
"To Lieutenant C. d. Campbell, I.N".,
Commanding tlie Flotilla on the Euphrates."