Godley to Merivale

With reference to the correspondence which has passed relative to the Force of Royal Engineers about to be dispatched to New Columbia, I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to transmit to you, for the consideration of Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, the accompanying copy of a letter from the Horse Guards, together with its enclosures, giving a Detail of the proposed Party, and of the Pay and Allowances to be granted to the Officers and men.
Major General Peel would recommend that the proposals of the General Commanding in Chief, should be sanctioned and approved, except as regards the Chaplain and Commissariat officer, which appointments Major General Peel does not consider the circumstances under which this Detachment is sent to the Colony, render necessary. The number of Women may be reduced to twenty.
I am also to transmit the accompanying Papers which have been received from the Inspector General of Fortifications, containing suggestions with regard to the Equipment to be provided for the Detachment, and Sir John Burgoyne has further recommended that a Photographic Apparatus should be added.
Major General Peel requests that you will inform him, at your earliest convenience whether, taking into consideration the nature of the Services on which the men will be employed, Sir E. B. Lytton is of opinion that the Articles of equipment specified in these suggestions, will be required.
I am to take this opportunity of requesting that you will impress on Sir E. B. Lytton that the entire charge connected with this Detachment, including the Pay of the officers, Non Commissioned officers and men, & the cost of the Store Equipment, must be defrayed from sources other than Army Funds, as this Department has no means from which this extraordinary and unforeseen expenditure can be defrayed.
It is requested that the enclosures in original, may be returned.