I have the honor to acquaint you, for the information of the
Duke of
Newcastle, that the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have
requested the Secretary of State for War to give directions for the
erection of a Powder Magazine in
Vancouvers Island, to receive the
ammunition necessary for the supply of Her Majesty's Ships on the
Pacific Station.
As the Officer's and men of the Royal Engineers, serving in that
Colony, were lent to the Colonial Department, and, as consequently
the War Department has no control over or cognizance of their
proceedings,
Mr Sidney Herbert has directed me to forward the
enclosed copy of an Extract from the Admiralty letter referred to,
dated
6th June 1859, in order that His Grace may give such orders
thereon as he may think fit.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale
I presume that the ans
r may be that the
Duke of Newcastle will,
through the Governor, order the erection of this building by the R.
Engineers as soon as he is provided with the necessary details for
giving the instructions.
The expense will devolve, I assume, on the Military Depts.
This should however be ascertained beyond a doubt?
Say, in answering the War Office, that we assume that they are
prepared to bear the expense?
Write according to
Mr Bs minute but with
Mr Ms addition.