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 LewisinformsManuscript image 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 complywithManuscript image with your request.
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your obedient Servant,
Newcastle