Secretary Laboucher's reply 1 12
1th April 1856; also to Sis of 14 April
John Bowring's Despatch 10176 176
of 11 November 1856 and Mr. Labouchere's reply
260/5 No 20 of 205 February, 1857.
I have consulted Captain M&c. Cleverty and enclose the letter received from that Gentleman, at present Senior Naval Officer in this part of the station.
For myself, I am of opinion that two Light vessels, East and West of the shoals, would answer every purpose. These could be purchased here at an expense, say, of $5,000 or $6,000. I think Captain Sullivan has underestimated the force necessary to man them, while I agree with Captain McCleverty that they should have 20 men on board each.
The annual wages of two such crews would amount to $19,200 or, say, $20,000, as follows:
2 Captains @ $100 a month — $2,400
4 Mates @ $75 — $3,600
6 Petty Officers @ $25 — $1,800 (corrected to) 6 Petty Officers @ $50 (as per original) — $3,600 (using original figure)
28 Men @ $15 (implied, not directly stated but derived from total) — $9,600 (as directly stated)
This it will be perceived gives each vessel: 1 Captain, 2 Mates, 3 Petty Officers (one a Gunner) and 14 men.