I have had the honor to receive your despatch No. 5 of
               the 
11 of May respecting certain arms and accoutrements
               left by 
Colonel Moody R.E. in charge of the Colonial Militia
               and Volunteers. It has not been reported to you that any such
               force exists in 
British Columbia, and I am directed to report
               on the best manner of turning the arms to the public advantage.
               
               2. I can hardly imagine the reason why my predecessor
               should
not
 not have reported that a respectable and well organized
               body of Volunteers numbering sixty three exists in 
New Westminster.
               They are armed with the rifles and revolvers left by 
Colonel Moody.
               I would however mention that in addition to this force, we have
               now upwards of one hundred men fully armed engaged in suppressing
               the rebellion of the Chilicoten Indians. Under these circumstances
               perhaps you will permit me to defer reporting on the disposal of
               these arms. I may, however, at once state my opinion that they
               ought not to be withdrawn
from
 from the Colony.