116
I shall be prepared to telegraph to Hong Kong on hearing from you the amount of ammunition, &c., required.
The Commandant,
Straits Settlements.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
WILLIAM C. F. ROBINSON.
Inclosure 6 in No. 224.
Summarised Recommendations of the Defence Committee.
THE Committee advise that 68-pounders be placed in the following positions
Two 68-pounders at Tanjong Kutong.
Three 68-pounders at Mount Palmer.
Two 68-pounders at Mount Faber (lower battery).
The Committee further recommend that the carriages of all guns to be placed in postion be thoroughly overhauled, and any necessary repairs made forthwith. Further, that the guns to be removed from Fort Canning be replaced by such serviceable 8-inch and other guns as may be available, to be ready to meet with any local disturbance that might arise.
TheCommittee consider that no time should be lost in placing these guns (68 pounders) in the positions indicated.
(Signed)
C. A. S. DICKINS, Colonel, Commanding 28th Regiment,
Straits Settlements.
CHAS. F. HOTHAM, Captain, R.N.
J. F. A. McNAIR, Colonial Engineer.
Singapore, April 17, 1878.
Colonial Engineer,
I forward to you copy of a letter which I have addressed to the Commandant with reference to carrying out the recommendations of the Defence Committee. You will be so good as to co-operate with the military authorities in the matter and render all such assistance as it may be in the power of your Department to afford.
Government House, April 19, 1878.
(Signed) WILLIAM C. F. ROBINSON.
L
117
Inclosure 8 in No. 224.
Dear Sir William Robinson,
Friday, April 19, 1878. I INCLOSE you a return of the quantity of powder required at 100 rounds per gun; six of the 68 pounders are fit for immediate service, and site for the other should be ready for it when burned, the apparatus for doing which might be telegraphed from Hong Hong at the same time as the powder. The mortars I do not rely much on, but they would be useful for signalling. I will direct the Officer Commanding Royal Artillery, Straits Settle- ments, to communicate with Major McNair as to the best means of removing and reassuring the named positions. In thinking over the Tanjong Kutong position, I am not sure it would not be as well to have two 8-inch guns to protect the flanks in cases of boats landing and attempting to turn it, but as I have never been there I am unable to say for certain.
His Excellency the Governor, Straits Settlements.
I remain, &c. (Signed)
Inclosure 9 in No. 224.
AMOUNT of Powder required.
C. A. S. DICKINS.
No. of Guns.
Size.
No. of Rounds.
Quantity of
Powder.
Remarks.
Lbs.
7
68 lbs.
100
8
8 inch
100
11,200 8,000
In metal-lined
cases.
4 thortars
13 inch
100
6,000
In 16-Ib. bags,
800
25,000
My dear Sir William,
Inclosure 7 in No. 224.
April 18, 1878.
I WAS in hopes you would have seen Captain Curtis, R.A., this morning, as he said he was going to call; he could have given you all the information as he is in charge of warlike stores, and is now inspecting them here; there are seven 68-pounders here, I believe, serviceable, as to bore one wants reventing, and apparatus for that must come from Hong Kong. Captain Curtis, R.A., is the best man for guns we could have, as all guns, naval and army, have to pass through his Department. He is now, I think, at the fort, but as soon as he returns I will find out from him the amount of powder required and let you know without delay.
Sincerely yours, (Signed)
C. A. S. DICKINS.
P.S.-Impressions of the vents of the guns could soon be taken, but I should think
if the bore is sound, as they seem to be, the vent is of a secondary consideration except in very accurate firing.
His Excellency the Governor,
Straits Settlements.
C. A. S. D.
(Telegraphic.)
Inclosure 10 in Ko. 224.
The Governor, Singapore, to the Governor, Hong Kong.
BE good enough to send me if you can 700 68-pounder cartridges of 16 lbs. each, made up if possible, otherwise in loose powder with empty cartridges. Also 14,000 lbs. of R.L.G. powder in 15 lb. bags, and 800 8-inch empty cartridges of 10 lbs., all to be packed in metal-lined cases if possible. We likewise require a venting apparatus complete if one can be spared.
(Telegraphic.)
Inclosure 11 in No. 224.
The Governor, Hong Kong, to the Governor, Singapore.
I HAVE pleasure in sending all the powder and most part of the cartridges you
mention
Sir,
Inclosure 12 in No. 224.
Government House, Singapore, April 29, 1878. REFERRING to previous correspondence on the subject of the defence of Singapore, I have to forward to you a letter which I have received from the Officer commanding the Royal Artillery in China and Straits Settlements, and which I shall feel obliged by your bringing to the notice of the Committee.
The Commandant,
Straits Settlements.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
WILLIAM C. F. ROBINSON.
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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
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Reference :-
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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
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