I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint
you, for the information of His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, that
arrangements have been made by the Admiral in the Pacific for landing
two 68 Pd Guns at Vancouver, for the defence of Victoria or Esquimalt, as it appears there are no Guns there at present.
These two Guns will be furnished by H.M.S. "Bacchante" and "Topaze",
which are about to be supplied with ArmstrongGuns Guns; and their present
heavy Guns can therefore be appropriated to the Service of the Colony.
I am, Sir,
Your most obedient Servant W.G. Romaine
Minutes by CO staff
Sir F. Rogers
Acquaint the Govr & acknowledge this letter stating that the present
of these guns, as a means of defence, will no doubt be duly
appreciated by the Colony?
Fortescue to Secretary to the Admiralty, 24 March 1862, advising that
arrangements had been made to land the guns, and that the gift was no doubt appreciated
by the colony.
Draft reply, Newcastle to Douglas, No. 92, 21 March 1862 informing him that
the Admiralty has decided to present the colony of Vancouver Island with two
surplus 68 Pd Guns from HMS Bacchante and HMS Topaze to be used for the
defence of Victoria or Esquimalt, neither of which was protected by guns as
powerful at the time.