CO885-(1-2) — Page 65

WEST INDIES.

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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

سائن

Reference :-

C.O.

885

1 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO

BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.

The force stationed in British North America, in the Spring of the present year was distributed as follows:-

In Upper and Lower Canda, 12 Battalions exclusive of 500 Cavalry

7,600

In Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island-5 Battalions

being one more than the usual number

3,000

358

485

In Newfoundland-Veteran Companies and Artillery

In Bermuda-1 Battalion

In July, one regiment (the 73rd) was withdrawn from Nova Scotia for Upper Canada. In October, a second regiment (the 23rd) was detached from Nova Scotia to Canada, and by the dispatches last received, it appears that Sir John Colborne had requested Sir C. Campbell to send him a third regiment, and to hold himself in readiness to reinforce the troops in Canada to the utmost extent of his power.

The general tranquillity of Nova Scotia, might render it unnecessary to keep there a large force for the preservation of internal peace, but the position of Halifax as a garrison town containing Government Stores, and as the only Port in British North America, safely approachable in the winter, make its safety of the utmost consequence. In reporting in July last, that he had sent the 73rd regiment to Canada, Sir C. Campbell expressed his reluctance under existing circumstances, further to reduce his force and urged the neces- sity of replacing that regiment, in consequence of which the 48th regiment was immediately sent from the West Indies to Halifax. Since that time, however, two regiments as has been stated have been withdrawn from Nova Scotia.

In New Brunswick, there is no reason to fear internal disturbance, but the menacing proceedings of the State of Maine respecting the Boundary Question, render the presence of a considerable force indispensable. In reference to this subject, Sir C. Campbell stated in March last that should anything be apprehended from the aegocia- ❝tions now pending with the United States, I consider it would be but prudent ❝ to have a third Regiment in this province, (Nova Scotia) at my disposal to be made available for any sudden demand.” Subsequently to this despatch, the Legislature of Maine adopted resolutions for the immediate survey and settle- ment of the Disputed Territory, and sent persons to carry this resolution into effect, as far as the survey is concerned, though they nave not hitherto made any attempt at set- tlement. Sir J. Harvey indeed feels confident of his power to prevent any steps on the part of Maine derogatory to the rights and honour of England, and so long as he has at his command a considerable military force that confidence is no doubt justified, but if all the Troops were withdrawn, as was the case last winter, from Nova Scotia and New Bruns- wick, it may be doubted whether some parties in Maine would not endeavour to take ad- vantage of the circumstance.

In Prince Edward Island much agitation has lately existed on the subject of escheat, and associatious having been formed to resist the payment of rent. Sir C. Fitzroy, in January Last, was compelled to apply for a reinforcement of troops. The agitation, although in some measure lessened, has not yet disappeared.

In Newfoundland, discontent and dissention between the Executive Government and the Assembly have prevailed for some years, and frequent remonstrances against any reduc- tion of the military force have been received from Captain Prescott. In August last, these dissentions came to a crisis in consequence of the arrest by the Assembly of one of the Pusine Judges of the Sheriff and Jailer, for discharging out of custody an individual com- mitted by the Speaker of that House for a contempt. On that occasion Captain Prescott repeated his objection to any reduction of the force usually stationed in the Island, and arged its immediate completion to its full establishment, while the merchants resident in London, Liverpool, Bristol, and Poole made strong applications for an increase of force. In consequence of these communications, Sir C. Campbell was directed to fill up the va- cancies in the Newfoundland Companies by Volunteers from Nova Scotia, and Captain Prescott was authorized to apply to Sir C. Campbell for any further reinforcements which be might require.

Previously to 1832, the force stationed in Bermuda, was two Battalions. In that year, one Battalion was withdrawn for Jamaica, but on that occasion Sir S. Chapman, monstrated against the permanent reduction of the garrison, on account of the valuable nature of the works in progress. the political importance of the Colony, its proximity to the American Coast, and the possibility if it were insufficiently garrisoned, of its being carried by a coup de main before intelligence of the meditated attack could be conveyed to the neighbouring Colonies, or the Admiral on the Station.

In July last, on reporting the arrival of the political prisoners from Lower Canada, Sir

5. Chapman, repeated his recommendation of an increase of the garrison.

JAMAICA.

On the 13th August, 1838, Sir L. Smith addressed a despatch to Lord Glenelg on the subject of Barrack accommodation, in which he says, my proposal for a Peace Establish- ment would not exceed three regiments of the line and one black regiment. The present force is five regiments of the line and one black regiment.

In a Despatch of 10th September, 1838, he says "So confident am I of the peaceable conduct of the Negro Population, that I should immediately recommend a reduction of two regiments in the establishment of this garrison, were it not for a lawless Militia, officered by men who have been generally Slave-holders and are now burning with hatred and ven- gence against them for being free."

In a despatch marked "confidential" of the 13th October, he states his in- tention, in the session which was to begin on the 30th October, of preparing the Legislature for a reduction in the garrison of the Island, by her Majesty's Troops.

HONDURAS.

Colonal Macdonald, in a dispatch of 27th October, 1837, stated it as his "decided and well considered opinion, that for all the purposes of defence against any land at- "tack which can be imagined against this place for many years to come; the garrison of "Honduras need not amount to more than half of its present numbers, and that it should "therefore be reduced from four companies to two.”

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