I have received a reply from him, which together with it's Enclosure from Lieutenant Colonel Phillpots the Commanding Royal Engineer, I transmit for their Lordship's information,
3. So long ago as March last, having reason to think that the Engineer Department had it in contemplation to make some extensive repairs at Stanley, I proceeded to that Post with Major General Staveley and Lieut: Colonel Phillpotts; and as I thought it desirable, to prevent all unnecessary expense, to inform the Major General that I conceived
No 2. No 3. accommodation for 332 One Company of Troops with a proper proportion of officers would be at all times sufficient.
I confess I do not clearly comprehend Lieut: Colonel Phillpotts's explanation of the extraordinary misunderstanding that appears to exist between him and Mr Byham, nor is it necessary for me to attempt to explain it.. I therefore beg to report to Your Lordship that in my opinion Barrack accommodation at Hong Kong need not exceed what is requisite for One Company of Troops with officers proportionate thereto, about