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Houghing have been under the consideration of the War Office in England during several years past; but that, as yet, no decision has been announced. It will be recollected, moreover, that Victoria is an open town, defended only by a few open batteries; and that there is no Fort, or Citadel, here, as in our other strongholds abroad (such as Malta, Gibraltar, Aden, Bermuda, Mauritius &c.), in which even our small garrison of less than eight hundred (800) regular troops, might be able to maintain itself against a hostile attack for a considerable period, and until relieved by the English Fleet. The late Lord Derby, when Secretary of State for the Colonies, informed the first Governor of Hongkong that "the construction of a Fort, or Citadel," of the kind referred to was an essential part of the policy towards this Colony of Her Majesty's Government, but his far-seeing views
* Taking into account the sick, and other casualties, there are never more than 600 English Troops, on an average, really available.
* Lord Stanley to Sir H. Pottinger. No. 2 of November 15, 1845.