Chesneys Euphrates expedition 1836 - 1838

[Hankwilliams]

Again I red book by german author Ursula Naumann "Euphrat Queen, Eine Expedition ins Paradies".
A fascinating book of Francis Rawdon Chesneys Euphrate expedition with two iron paddlesteamers "Euphrates" (102 feet long, 19 feet beam, 50 hp) and the smaller "Tigris" (70 feet, 16 feet beam, 20 hp).

Probably this was the first time, that iron boats were sended in parts far away to be assemblet again. In this case from Birkenhead (Laird Brothers) to Adana by ship and then by arabic carriers overland to Port William (south of Birecik) at the banks of the Euphrates. Transport of the disassembled boats was very expend. Background of the following dangerous and tragic river journey was the attempt to find a connection via Mediterranee and Euphrates to India.

"Tigris" got lost in a storm with loss of several men not far north of Faludja. "Euphrates" reached Basra after numberless obsticles and technical problems.
In later times, river Euphrates saw some steam navigation, but in opposition of Burma`s and India`s rivers there were only local steamboat lines and no continuous connection from the upper river to Persion Gulf.

There are some masterly lithographies preserved, made by Eastcourt, a member of the expedition. I was looking for some further materials of the steamboats, like plans and sketches - but without succes. Perhaps one of our members will have more success?

Thomas

[Hankwilliams]

Some further interesting lithographies of the expedition.