Hawes to Under-Secretary of State
30 June 1859
I have the honor to acquaint you, for the information of the Duke of Newcastle, that the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have requested the Secretary of State for War to give directions for the erection of a Powder Magazine in Vancouvers Island, to receive the ammunition necessary for the supply of Her Majesty's Ships on the Pacific Station.
As Manuscript image
As the Officer's and men of the Royal Engineers, serving in that Colony, were lent to the Colonial Department, and, as consequently the War Department has no control over or cognizance of their proceedings, Mr Sidney Herbert has directed me to forward the enclosed copy of an Extract from the Admiralty letter referred to, dated 6th June 1859, in order that His Grace may give such orders thereon as he may think fit.
I have etc.
B. Hawes
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Merivale
I presume that the ansr may be that the Duke of Newcastle will, through the Governor, order the erection of this building by the R. Engineers as soon as he is provided with the necessary details for giving the instructions.
The expense will devolve, I assume, on the Military Depts.
ABd 1 July
This should however be ascertained beyond a doubt?
HM Jy 1
Manuscript image
Say, in answering the War Office, that we assume that they are prepared to bear the expense?
CF 1
Write according to Mr Bs minute but with Mr Ms addition.
N [date cut off file]
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Draft, Merivale to Under-Secretary, War Office, 16 July 1859, stating Douglas would be instructed to construct a powder magazine provided the expense would be borne by the War Department.
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Manuscript image
Extract, Admiralty to War Office, 6 June 1859, asking that orders be given for the construction of a powder magazine at Esquimalt.