Pennell to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)
1 February 1860
I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send you herewith for the information of Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies, an Extract of a letter dated the 12th May last, No 71, from Rear Adml Baynes, also of a further letter from that officer, dated the 14th November last, No 182 respecting the defences of the Harbour of Esquimalt, Vancouvers Island, in the event of Naval Establishments being formed there.
I am etc.
H.C. Pennell
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Merivale
I am not aware that we can do better with this letter & it's enclosures than communicate it to the War Office.
ABd 3/2
I hardly see why: it is only about a project for a naval hospital. Put by?
HM F 3
CF 4
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I hope the Admiralty will before long take into serious consideration some project for fixing our Naval Establishment for the Pacific in Vancouver's Island. When they do the C.O. must in conjunction with the W.O. render every assistance.
In the mean time nothing can be done on such vague reports as these.
N 6
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Extract, Baynes to [Admiralty], 12 May 1859, recommending the establishment of a naval hospital at Esquimalt, but expressing his reservations at making too hasty a decision.
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Baynes to Secretary to the Admiralty, 14 November 1859, advising that as no more suitable site had been found, and because the defensive arrangements at Esquimalt could be upgraded, that harbour appeared the best site for the hospital.