Time is Money: English packet boats between Falmouth and Brazil in the first half of the 19th century

Abstract

In 1808, monthly mail ships began operating between Falmouth, Madeira Island, Rio de Janeiro, and Bahia. The system functioned with few modifications until 1850, after which the sailing ships were replaced by steamships. During this period, not only were fast and regular communications guaranteed between London, the Atlantic islands, and the eastern coast of South America, but, from the second half of the 1820s, also to the Rio de la Plata region. Based on various sources, this article seeks to show that: a) given the financial deficiency of the system, its implementation and expansion did not have fiscal objectives, but sought to meet broader geopolitical purposes, aimed at stimulating trade and consolidating the English presence in the South Atlantic; b) even though the preponderant objectives were those of the British, the packet boats also served the interests of the Portuguese and Brazilian authorities and traders.