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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.

""

Batteries, magazines, &c.

Total

£

•

3,000

•

1,800

3,600

8,400

(Signed)

ALEX. MILNE. HENRY BARKLY. J. L. A. SIMMONS.

No. 2.

The Right Hon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach, Bart., to Governor-General the Earl of Dufferin.

(Secret.)

My Lord,

Downing Street, May 23, 1878.

I HAVE the honour 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 50,6001. 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.

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