Final answer:
In 1850, a significant portion of cargo steamships would have been dedicated to carrying coal.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1850, coal was an important cargo carried by steamships. With the increasing need for coal as a fuel source during the Industrial Revolution, steamships played a significant role in transporting coal across the seas. While there is no specific percentage mentioned in the given information, it can be inferred that a significant portion of cargo steamships in 1850 would have been dedicated to carrying coal.