Despatch to London.
Minutes (8), Enclosures (untranscribed) (3), Other documents (1).
No. 54
13th July 1866
Sir,
With reference to my despatch No. 51 of 9th Instant
I have the honor to transmit copy of a Letter from Captain
Holmes requesting me to apply to the Imperial Govt for
Guns and Equipments for a Volunteer Artillery Corpshe he
has been selected to command.
2. It is worthy of remark that no application has been
made to me for pecuniary assistance by any of the several
corps now enrolled. All the men have come forward, purchased
their uniforms and pay a monthly subscription of half a dollar
each towards a Drill Instructor and other necessary expenses
incurred by the Corps.
3. I would propose, shouldHer Her Majesty's Government accede
to the enclosed application that the Guns and Equipments be
forwarded to Esquimalt by one of Her Majesty's Ships proceeding
to the Pacific Station as the expense of freight by any other
means would be considerable.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
humble Servant Arthur N. Birch
The Blue Book for 1864 mentioned only 63 volunteers at New
Westminster. I suppose that the numbers must have much
increased since that time.
I suppose that this should be sent to the W.O. for
consideration, and that if we knew enough it might be
recomended, but our information seems to be very scanty.
Perhaps Mr Seymour might be consulted before writing to W.O.?
When we do write, it should be with reference to our
letter of Feb. 1856 and previous correspondence upon the arms &
stores which were rendered available for rifle Volunteers in B.C.
Lord Carnarvon
See a letter from Mr Seymour now annexed, in which he
recommends compliance. Forward the despatch and also his
letter to the War Office for favorable consideration?
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Captain Holmes, Commanding New
Westminster Artillery Volunteer
Corps, to Officer Administering the Government, 13 July 1866,
requesting an application be forwarded to the imperial government
to supply certain arms and equipment required by the corps.
"List of Articles more immediately required for the equipment of
the Volunteer Artillery Corps."
Seymour to Elliot, 15 September 1866, recommending that the
equipment be forwarded to the colony.
Other documents included in the file
Elliot to Under-Secretary, War Office, 20 September
1866, forwarding copy of the despatch and enclosures for consideration.