In reply to Douglas's anxious wish for gunboats, Newcastle reports that the Admiralty confirms that two Gun boats…were despatched and that Her Majesty's Government have ordered the Topaze and Clio to join the Squadron on the North West Coast of America.
No. 31
Downing Street
21 October 1859
Sir,
I observe in your despatch of the 23rd of August No 207 that
you express your anxious wish for the arrival of the Gun boats promised
for the service of British Columbia by my Predeccessor in his despatch of
the 10th of last March.
Having
Having made inquiries of the Admiralty on this subject, I learn
that the two Gun boats in question were despatched on the 28th of last
August—that they sailed from St Vincent on the 22nd ultimo, and
that they were then bound to the River Plate, with orders to the Admiral
on the Station to send them on as soon as he could spare them.
The "Termagant" (Screw Frigate) was to accompany them; but I
apprehend shewas was destined for the general service of the Station.
I take this opportunity of apprizing you that Her Majesty's
Government have ordered the "Topaze" and "Clio" to join the Squadron on
the North West Coast of America.
I have the honor to be
Sir,
Your most Obedient
Humble Servant Newcastle