Roscoe to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)
8 Bedford Row W.C.
London
June 1, 1868
Sir
The Captain & Members of the Victoria (Vancouver Island) Volunteer Rifle Corps have requested me, their Ensign now on a visit to this country, to ascertain if it is possible for them to procure (either as a gift or a loan) a set of Targets for Rifle Practice.
I therefore take the liberty of asking you if you could kindly make the necessary requisition to the War Office, or proper Military authority, to enable us to get these Targets, assuming that it is possible to do so. The Victoria (V.I.) Rifle Corps is the only Land force on Vancouver Island, & it has been maintained at considerable expensetoManuscript image to both officers & men. I would submit therefore that it is well worthy of any little assistance of this kind which Her Majesty's Government could bestow upon it. Mr Birch having been in the Colony would probably endorse this latter statement, and both he & Mr Holland are acquainted with the writer.
I remain
Sir
Your humble obedient
Servant
F.J. Roscoe
Sir Frederick Rogers Bart &c
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Birch
Can you give any information about this Volunteer Corps?
CC 2 June
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Mr Roscoe is correct in stating that the Corps has been maintained at considerable expense to the individual Members and any encouragement from the Home Govt would be well bestowed. TheManuscript image Corps is a very creditable & efficient one & Mr Roscoe a very active officer.
ANB 3/6/68
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Mr Elliot
It would be rather unusual to make such an application to the War Office unless it came thro' the Govr, but his GraceManuscript image may perhaps on Mr Birch's statement be disposed to make one.
CC 3 June
TFE 4/6
CBA 4/6
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To save time I think the applicn might be made but the fact will of course be communicated to the Govr and the grants if given can only be given through the Govr.
B&C 9/6
Other documents included in the file
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Rogers to Roscoe, 16 June 1868, advising that Buckingham would be in correspondence with the War Office regarding his request.
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Rogers to Under-Secretary of State, War Office, 16 June 1868, forwarding copy of letter and recommending favourable consideration.
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Draft reply, Buckingham to Seymour, No. 32, 16 June 1868 forwarding Roscoe’s letter “applying for a set of Targets for Rifle practice” and the Colonial Office’s letter to the War Department regarding Roscoe’s application.