When the planning to repair the 1859 cable was exhausted, McGowan suggested that perhaps a private contractor might be found to repair and operate the cable.
The following document was part of Appendix A in the 1861-62 Report of the General Superintendent of Electric Telegraph ... for the Year ending 31 December 1861. It outlines McGowan's ideas on conditions for leasing as well as the charges to be made and the probable costs to be incurred to restore the cable to working order.