No. 21

With reference to Mr. Birch's despatch No. 54 of the 13th July
forwarding an application from Captain Holmes for guns, equipments and
 ammunition for the use of the British Columbia Artillery Volunteers, I
 have the honor to acquaint you that I am informed by Secretary
Lieutenant General Peel that the present state of the Store will not
admit of the supply of Guns of the nature demanded but that two 24
pounder Howitzers with the necessary side arms and Stores have been
ordered to be sent out to the Colony on loan under the usual conditions
with 200 rounds of ammunition for each Howitzer, on payment. The
conditions alluded to were communicated to British Columbia in the
Circular Despatches from this Office dated the 14th May 1862 and the
29th December 1863.

The 100 sets of Artillery accoutrements included in the application
will also be supplied.