Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch from London
Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes to Douglas, James 9 November 1861, LAC RG7:G8C/2, 576.
Abstract
Despatch from London.
Newcastle informs Douglas that the Secretary of State for War
has denied Douglas's request for
500 more Rifles and two Field Batteries.
No. 74
Downing Street
9 November 1861
I duly received and referred to the Secretary of State for War your
despatches Nos. 51 and 57 of the 8th and 26th of August, requesting
that 500 more Rifles and two Field Batteries with ammunition complete
may be supplied for the use of the Colonial Volunteer Corps.
Secretary Sir George Lewisinforms
informs me that as it appears that the
total strength of the Volunteer Force is not more than about 350 men,
and that there are not among them any trained to the use of Artillery,
the 500 Rifles already supplied appear to him to be sufficient for all
the present requirement of the Colony and that he must therefore
decline to complywith
with your request.
informs me that as it appears that the
total strength of the Volunteer Force is not more than about 350 men,
and that there are not among them any trained to the use of Artillery,
the 500 Rifles already supplied appear to him to be sufficient for all
the present requirement of the Colony and that he must therefore
decline to complywith
with your request.