According to the morning newspaper Herald asked the agent of Lloyd at
Gibraltar the commanding officer of the British squadron there to assist with
warships in towing the several merchant ships through the Strait which were
held up by contrary winds. Two war steamships towed 10 December six British
merchant ships through the Strait. The steamships stayed ready for more
service. The Herald regretted just like Mr. Cobden (1) and everyone else
every penny spent for the navy and wondered if the warships not better could be
used for the merchant trade shipping.
Note
1. Richard Cobden (Heyshott 3 June 1804-London 2 April 1865) is described as
a manufacturer and more important as a Radical and Liberal statesman, under the
name of Libra publishing letters in the newspaper Manchester Times dealing with
commercial and economic affairs. He became well know as an advocate for free
trade and peace and since he returns in England in 1846 the reduction of
defence expenses including for the Royal Navy.
