Other prominent shipping houses were expanding their service and were launching noble packets until 1853.

Meanwhile the Cunard steamers were increasing in size and speed, and the service was no longer an experiment.
American capital now began to awaken from its dreams, and Edward K.
Collins, managing owner of the Dramatic line of packets, determined to challenge the Cunarders at their own game.

Aided by the Government to the extent of $385,000 a year as subsidy, he put afloat the four magnificent steamers, Atlantic, Pacific, Baltic, and Arctic, which were a day faster than the Cunarders in crossing, and reduced the voyage to nine and ten days.

The Collins line, so auspiciously begun in 1850, and promising to give the United States the supremacy in steam which it had won under sail, was singularly unfortunate and short-lived.

The Arctic and the Pacific were lost at sea, and Congress withdrew its financial support after five years.