92
2.
It does not appear that the complete formal assent of the Military Authorities has been given to the construction of that road.
It is true that Mr. Mercer in his despatch No. 906 of 31st December 1865 reports all objections of the War Department (No. 1759/65) as being happily withdrawn; but nevertheless I only find as authority for that statement amongst the enclosures to that despatch a private note from Colonel Stuart, Commanding Royal Engineers, stating that the road "would" not be objected to by the Home Authorities, "so that there appears to be no objection" to the proposition now being put into form.
On 15th December 1865, he merely acknowledges Mr. Mercer's announcement of the War Department having withdrawn their former objections. It does not, however, seem that any further action has since been taken to put the matter in the official form mentioned by Colonel Stuart.
Unfortunately, that officer is absent at present in Japan. Nevertheless, under the circumstances, it is quite clear that no objections do exist on the part of the War Department to the road - entirely apart from any question as to the actual extent of the Cantonments adverted, the extent of which is a matter to be decided in an official form.
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My despatch No. 56 of the 7th June 7494.
3.
In My Lord Cardwell's reply No. 34, 26th February 206, 1757/65.