Colony, or for field Service.
The officers in command of these corps have had the advantage of personal and minute examination of all batteries in this neighbourhood.
They have had the advantage to us in case of a rupture with China, and they are consequently more qualified than a newly arrived officer could be, to take the forts and facilities the Madras boast, and total advantages from the high caste men, totally different from the hereditary soldiers of which the native portion of the East Indian Company's Artillery is composed.
In these corps too it must be considered that in case of sickness or death, officers cannot be replaced in this Colony, under many circumstances that any country may offer for defensive or offensive operations.
So far from reducing the Artillery, I should propose its augmentation to at least a company of British Artillerymen.
I have good authority for stating that the Young Saccars are not and never will be qualified for performing the duties of Artillerymen, either in garrisons or on the field.
They are merely fit for heavy work, being low-caste people recruited for Infantry, with some experience of the last year and previous years.
I should lay that not more than our numerical force be reduced, and I consider that it ought to consist of battalions of six Companies, one British battalion of ten Companies, and at least two Companies of the Beyton Rifles.
Respecting the proposed junction of the duties of Brigade Major and Fort Adjutant, I have to remark that on the