Of valuable stores in buildings recently constructed for their reception, and in which they have only just been deposited, I doubt if any reduction could be made in this Establishment.
His Excellency the Governor's profound Military Establishment is calculated only for defence, but when it is considered that Hongkong is within 500 yards of the mainland of China, and that the neighbouring islands are infested with Pirates estimated by the latest account at 96,000* in number, with arms and artillery of every description, and that there is no defensive fort of any description, I do not think I have over-calculated the Force requisite for defence.
Should the Hongkong Rifles be replaced by an equal number of British Troops, barrack accommodation will be required in Victoria, the amount of which the Ordnance authorities in England will be able to estimate when they know the exact amount of Troops that are to come out.
(Signed)
W. Staveley, M.Gent.
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