Steam Across the Pacific (1864)

Source: The Pacific Commercial Advertiser. Honolulu: Saturday, April 9, 1864.

We trust the day is not distant when we may chronicle the establishment of a permanent steam line between San Francisco and China via Honolulu, by Americans and under the patronage of the American Government. The line, about which so much has been said a year ago, appears to have been given up-why, we know not, unless it was because the vessels were found to pay better running between Chinese ports. In the Boston Commercial Bulletin of a late date, we find the following item. Capt. Forbes is one of the most enterprising Bostonians living, and it may be that the vessel he is building is to become the pioneer of a new line. As soon as the war is ended, American foreign commerce will receive a new and increased impetus, and will more than regain what was lost:

Capt. R.B. Forbes is having built for him a splendid propeller of about 1,500 tons. She is 254 feet long, 35 wide, 16 feet 4 inches deep, including 7 feet height of between-decks. Sje is of oak and is intended to run between San Francisco and China; but in her arrangements, she will be so constructed as to be readily converted into a sloop-of-war. She will be a full rigged ship, with Forbes' rig, having her topmasts ridded abaft the heads of the lower masts.