Colonial Despatches

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of Despatch No 40, of the 17th of October last, upon the subject of my reports respecting the means taken to preserve tranquility in the Colonyduring during the period of a large influx of Indians into the neighbourhood of Victoria.

2. I am gratified to learn that the measures I adopted were such as to be in harmony with the views of Her Majesty's Government, and I feel much indebted for the advice and suggestions contained in the Despatch.

3. With respect to the latter part in which I am urged to encouragethe the formation of a volunteer force, I beg to assure Your Grace that I have not overlooked this matter. The desire exists on the part of the Colonists, but unfortunately one of the most essential requirements is wanting.

4. A Volunteer Rifle Corps has been formed amongst the coloured population, which I have fostered to the best of my ability by encouraging them to proceed, and byobtaining obtaining the services of a Drill Sergeant from Her Majesty's Ships; and so great is the esprit exhibited by them that they have built themselves a Hall, and pay the Drill Sergeant most handsomely for each instruction: but they want Firearms, and have applied to me to render them this assistance, which at present I am unable to do.

5. The most respectableof of the white residents are also fully prepared to enrol themselves as a volunteer force, the only drawback is a want of efficient Firearms. In fact, had I been capable of supplying these, a most valuable corps would have been formed at the time of the American occupation of San Juan.

6. The smallness of the Colonial Revenue and the infant state of theColony Colony will not admit of the necessary Firearms being procured by the Colony; I trust therefore that Her Majesty's Government will Extend their assistance in this matter, and if they will but furnish 500 stand of arms, I will engage on my part to form a volunteer force that I can safely assert will be no discredit to the Empire.