Several sites occupied or reserved for such Batteries; namely, fifteen on the North face of Hong Kong extending miles in a straight line, five over a length of seven on Kowloon and three on Stone cutter's Island. I need hardly point out the inconveniences that must inevitably result in the establishment of Garrisons at each of these, or the absolute impossibility of keeping up any satisfactory communication between them in case of attack. I need not enter into any calculation of the expense these would involve, nor whether it would not be more conducive to the security of Hong Kong and Kowloon to dispense altogether with such a scheme as that now in embryo.
I cannot pretend to advance any plan which in my opinion would be sounder in principle than that now before His Excellency, but I can assert that I have frequently consulted Artillery Officers upon some of the questions affecting these sites, and they have been universally condemned; I am therefore now desirous that the appropriation of those which materially interfere with Hong Kong should be specially enquired into: upon the general discussion regarding those which may be determined upon for Kowloon and Stone cutter's Island.
Wellington Battery does not interfere with the city any more than the Cantonment itself within which it is situated; I may, however, explain that it is reported as useless and it is in advance of the Hospital;
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