Colonial Despatches

I have the honor to forward Copies of a Correspondence which has passed between Rear Admiral Hastings and myself respecting the construction of a Dock of considerable sizein in this Colony.

2. I hardly like to place myself in opposition to Admiral Hastings in a matter of which his professional knowledge makes him a much better judge than myself. There is no doubt but that Esquimalt possesses an admirable harbour. My only objection to it was its extreme accessability. Day or night any ship might run in. But it is not even necessary to run in as avessel vessel lying outside might shell any buildings in the Dockyard or any vessel in the harbour.

3. Admiral Hastings appears to believe in the supremacy of the English fleet in the North Pacific under any circumstances. If such supremacy always exists Esquimalt is clearly the place most desirable for the Establishment of a Dockyard. I cannot but consider on the other hand,the the possibility of our being worsted. In such a case Burrard Inlet would have immense advantages, inasmuch as ships might run some 10 or 16 miles up the Inlet, having a certain number of men and guns at the entrance where a hill 180 feet high rises immediately over the deep channel. In Burrard Inlet are to be found abundance of fine timber and plenty of fresh water.

4. A Dock in Esquimalt or Burrard Inlet would however be equally valuable to the Colony in time of peace and I hope that no hesitation I may feel as to the wisdom of Admiral Hastings' suggestion may stand in the way of his recommendation.