Lugard to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)
7 January 1862
With reference to that portion of your Letter of the 14th Ultimo, in which you state that the Duke of Newcastle is desirous that 1000 Rifles of a description superior to the Brunswick Rifles recently despatched to Vancouver's Island should be presented to the Colony for the use of the Volunteer Force—
I am to request that you will acquaint His Grace that the state of the Store will not admit of the full number recommended beinggrantedManuscript image granted, but that Sir George Lewis has given directions for the issue of 500 Stand of Rifles, Pattern 53, with a proper supply of ammunition.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Edward Lugard
Minutes by CO staff
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This is satisfactory in itself; but unless they will admit of being stowed in any man-of-war bound to that quarter of the world, I presume that they ought not to be sent in an ordinary Store Ship until it is placed quite beyond doubt whether we are to have peace or war. So remark to War Office?
TFE 7 Jany
N 8
Other documents included in the file
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Colonial Office to War Office, 8 February 1862, acknowledging the supply of arms to be sent to the colony, and seeking assurance that a safe method of transportation would be sought.
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Draft reply, Newcastle to Douglas, No. 87, 20 February 1862, advising that five hundred rifles "with a proper supply of ammunition" will be sent once transport is arranged.