I have laid before the Secretary of State for War your letter of the
               
14th Ulto forwarding two despatches from the Governor of 
Vancouver Island requesting that 500 more Rifles may be supplied for the use of
               the Colonial Volunteer Corps, and two Field Batteries, with
               ammunition &c, complete.
               
 
            
            
               In reply 
Sir George Lewisdesires
 desires me to observe that, as it appears
               from the Governor's Despatch of the 
8th August, that the total
               strength of the Volunteer Force is not more than about 350 men, and
               that there is not among them any trained to the use of Artillery, the
               500 Rifles already supplied would seem to be sufficient for all the
               present requirements of the Colony.
               
 
            
            
               Under these circumstances,
the
 the Secretary of State must decline to
               comply with either of the Governor's request[s].