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if used for that purpose, it is easy to conceive their being enticed away by a feint, or by false information.

14. A nucleus of 100 Royal Marine Artillerymen at Esquimault under naval authority would, with the assistance, in case of attack, of the volunteer militia, render this dockyard secure A most trifling expense, I submit, where such large interests are at stake. Such a body of marine artillery would be valuable for many duties now requiring expensive hired labour, and if consisting of a proportion of men skilled in trades, a portion of the cost of maintenance would be reimbursed by their workmanship in the dockyard.

15. I have nothing to add to Captain Bedford's Report relative to the employment of torpedoes, except to strengthen his opinion that they would be useless without specially trained torpedoists for their management, and to express my want of faith in any extem- porary and partial adoption of that means of defence. Nor do I see much occasion for resort to torpedoes to guard this small harbour, as an enemy, if not prevented by guns from approach, could attain his object without entering the harbour. I have, &c.

(Signed)

A. DE HORSEY, Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-chief.

Note to Paragraph 8.

The position marked B in Appendix No. 3 (the same as G in Captain Bedford's inclosed plan) although a good advanced situation for fire on approaching ships, is objec- tionable in one respect, the high rocks immediately in the rear of the battery would render it a "shell trap."

None of the other positions are open to this objection.

A. DE H.

Memo.

"Shah," at Esquimault," June 21, 1878. The defences of this port being now under consideration, and in part commenced under the superintendence of Lieutenant-Colonel de la Cherois T. Irwin, Inspector of Artillery, who has, I understand, been sent to Vancouver Island by the Canadian military authorities for that special service, you are to place yourself in communication with that officer, and to communicate freely with him as to the operations necessary for defence by submarine mines, or otherwise.

2. After examination of such points, as have been selected for guns, together with such other situations as you may think desirable for placing guns in position (having due regard to the probable number of men available for their preservation in efficient condition, and to their being situated where they would not be liable to suprise and capture by an enemy) you are fully to report to me your views on this subject, bearing in mind the primary importance of the safety of the naval yard, and taking into consideration that, whilst more extensive works may be desirable in the future, the immediate necessity is the best application of such resources as are now available.

3. In performing this service you are to take to your assistance Gunnery Lieutenant Charles Lindsay and Captain Alexander Burrowes, Royal Marine Artillery, and, in drawing up your Report, should either of these officers differ in opinion on any material point you will direct them to draw up a separate statement, showing in what respect the difference exists, and you will inclose it as an Appendix to your Report.

4. Having obtained the sanction of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, I propose lending such of the guns now in store at the dockyard as may not be required by Her Majesty's ships, and these, I believe, comprise the only guns available for the defence. of this place.

5. A statement of any necessary expenses incurred in visiting such positions as are not convenient for conveyance by ship's boats is to be subsequently furnished.

To Captain F. G. D. Bedford,

Her Majesty's ship "Shah."

(Signed) A. F. R. DE HORSEY,

Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-chief.

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