With reference to your letter of the 
20 inst stating it to be the wish of the Secretary of State for the Colonies that a Force
               of Royal Engineers (Sappers and Miners) should be sent to 
New Caledonia, I am directed by Secretary 
Major General Peel to request that you will acquaint 
Sir E B Lytton that an officer of Royal Engineers will be selected for this duty and a company of
               Royal Engineers will be 

made up of 150 noncommissioned officers and men, and placed under orders to proceed
               on this service.