Royal Engineer, the Officer commanding the Royal Artillery, and the Principal Political Officer, which, I hope, will put you in possession of the information required, and allay any apprehension that may have been caused by reports from the Vice-Admiral Commanding, whatever they may be.
2. I should be rather interested to know what information the Admiral has derived from any source which would be of material assistance to him in the event of a hostile squadron, and which information was not equally well obtainable by observation from public thoroughfares, or ground, or boat in the vicinity. I fear the fortifications here can no more remain secret than in any of our large fortified places like Malta, Gibraltar, Portsmouth, Dover, Aden &c., where I have effected half-finished works, which a considerable part of my service has been passed.
3. Security against attack will...