No. 48

I have had the honor to receive your despatch No. 5 of
the 11th 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 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ought not to be withdrawn from the Colony.