4
an attack by a small squadron of unarmoured ships would be best provided for by a battery for three 7-ton and three 64-pounder guns on Blockhouse Point, giving a fire on the channel outside and on the shore of the bay, on both sides of the entrance.
If these guns were backed by a second battery for three 64-pounders on Battery Point, looking seaward, the passage of the narrow channel leading up to the town and harbour would become an operation of very great difficulty, and Charlottetown would be secured from attack or bombardment. The battery on Blockhouse Point would have to be made self-defensible, and require a permanent garrison during war in consequence of its advanced position and distance from the town, in which it is presumed the local troops will be found.
It appears from the information telegraphed by the Governor-General that there are two batteries of artillery and two companies of infantry in Charlottetown, and four more companies of infantry in the vicinity. The Committee are not informed of the strength of these units, but it would appear that, allowing for casualties, about 150 artillery would be required for the service of the guns.
The Committee are not in a position to judge of the possibility of effecting a landing in the vicinity with a view to an attack upon the batteries, or to a movement upon the town, but they are of opinion it is desirable that in addition to a permanent garrison for the work on Blockhouse Point, which should be not less than 100 or 150 men, a sufficient force should he enrolled if possible to resist any attempts made by a column of 500 or 600 men landed in the neighbourhood.
It will be, however, for the Government to consider whether these defences might not be limited to the construction of a battery for two 7-ton and two 64-pounder guns on Battery Point, which would suffice to bring a heavy fire upon the narrow channel in front for a distance of 3,000 yards, and thus ward off any attack by a single unarmoured ship.
Considering that Charlottetown is not a strategical position of consequence, that any attack to which it is exposed is only one of a predatory nature; looking also to the fact that it is 100 miles within the Gulf of St. Lawrence, it might probably suffice to adopt the latter proposal, omitting the battery on Blockhouse Point.
In the former case the estimated cost would be as follows:--
For battery at Blockhouse Point-
Three 7-ton guns, complete
Three 64-pr.
++
Batteries, magazines, &c.
For battery at Battery Point-
Three 64-pr. guns, complete Battery, magazines, &c.
Total
In the latter case the estimated cost would be:-
Two 7-ton guns, complete
Two 64-pr.
Batteries, magazines, &c.
:::
:::
:::
:
::
:
:::
£
£
3,000
1,800
8,400
13,200
1,800
1,800
3,600
16,800
:::
£
1,200
2,400
5.
The Committee suggest this position upon examination of the Admiralty chart, without any special knowledge of the locality, considering that an advancing ship would necessarily pass slowly over the bar, having to change its course while on it, during which process she would be exposed to the fire of the battery, which she would find difficulty in returning; and also because an inlet of the sea, full of mud and weeds, extends inland from the boat harbour, which would be an obstacle in the way of an advancing force that might have landed to the southward with a view to attempting a coup de main upon the battery; and also because from the proximity of the railway and piers, it is presumed that men to man the guns would be available at this point.
Cole Point is a good position for a battery, both to prevent an enemy's ships from using the roadstead, or entering the river; but it has the disadvantage that from its prominent position, it would be open to attack at moderate range by ships in the roadstead, and would therefore require more guns; and that it is at some distance from the centre of the population who would have to supply the defenders, and would also appear to be more easily accessible by a force landed in one of the adjoining bays.
On the whole, the Committee are inclined to regard Moodie's Point as the most favourable position for a battery, although its fire will be slightly interfered with by the lighthouse.
According to information received from the Governor-General, there are six 32-pounders mounted, but the Committee are not aware of their position. Being smooth- bored guns they are inadequate for defence against modern artillery; but being powerful guns of their class, might be made use of until replaced by rifled artillery.
There is one battery of artillery and one company of infantry at Pictou. It is probable that the artillery will suffice for the few guns required, but it is desirable that the infantry force should be increased to the extent the resident population will admit.
The estimated cost of the proposed works is as follows:-
Three 7-ton guns, complete Three 64-pr.
11
Batteries, magazines, &c.
Total
3,000
1,800
3,600
8,400
(Signed)
ALEX. MILNE. HENRY BARKLY.
J. L. A.
SIMMONS.
Total
Pictou.
2,000
·
5,600
Pictou, in Northumberland Strait, is a place of considerable importance in con- sequence of the coal mines in the adjoining district, for which it is the port of shipment. The town, with a population of about 3,000 inhabitants, is situated about three miles from the roadstead on the north side of the Pictou River, on the banks of which there are numerous wharves and piers for loading coals; the entrance to the river being over a bar carrying 19 fathoms at low water.
The roadstead does not admit of being protected by defensive works on land in such a way that ships lying there would be secure against attack by hostile vessels. It will therefore be advisable that ships frequenting the port during war, should all pass up and anchor within the river. The entrance near the lighthouse is little more than 150 yards wide, and may be effectually secured by a small defensible battery on Moodie Point, which should mount three 7-ton and three 64-pounder rifled guns, so placed as to distribute their fire on the water between Cole Point and Mackenzie Head, and to prevent a landing in the boat harbour between the latter and the lighthouse.
No. 2.
The Right Hon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach, Bart., to Governor-General the Earl of Dufferin.
(Seefet.) My Lord,
Downing Street, May 23, 1878. I HAVE the bonour to transmit to your Lordship the accompanying copy of the recommendations of the Colonial Defence Committee for the defence of the principal Canadian Atlantic ports.
2. I request that you will inform me whether your Government is prepared to undertake the works and armaments proposed by the Committee. The maximum cost would be 50,600%. or 48,000l., according to which alternative is adopted for the defence of Sydney, subject to deductions if the existing batteries of Sydney can be utilized, and to a deduction of 11,2001. if the defences of Charlottetown are restricted to a battery for two 7-ton and two 64-pounder guns.
The expenditure would be further reduced if smooth-bore guns can be converted into rifled guns on the spot.
3. I shall be glad to be informed whether your Government desire that any guns should be provided from England. They would have to be manufactured, and a con- siderable time would elapse before they could be supplied from the Royal Gun Factory, but possibly they might be supplied with less delay, although at a slightly increased cost, from Sir W. Armstrong's works at Elswick, or from other private works.
4. The Colonial Defence Committee have not felt it to be within their province to advise upon the suggestion of your Government that fast armed cruizers should be provided for the defence of the Atlantic coast, but I have brought that suggestion under the consideration of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
M. E. HICK: BEACH,
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
TTTTT CO. 885
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO