Colonial Despatches

With reference to Mr. Birch's despatch No. 54 of the 13th July forwarding an application from Captain Holmes for guns, equipments and ammunition for the use of the British Columbia Artillery Volunteers, I have the honor to acquaint you that I am informed by SecretaryLieutenant Lieutenant General Peel Lieutenant General Peel that the present state of the Store will not admit of the supply of Guns of the nature demanded but that two 24 pounder Howitzers with the necessary side arms and Stores have been ordered to be sent out to the Colony on loan under the usual conditions with 200 rounds of ammunition for each Howitzer, on payment. The conditions alluded to were communicated to British Columbia in the Circular Despatches from this Office dated the 14th May 1862 and the 29th December1863 1863.

The 100 sets of Artillery accoutrements included in the application will also be supplied.