Storks to Merivale

I have laid before the Secretary of State for War your Letter of the 18th inst. in reference to the arrangement to be made with regard to the Detachment of Royal Engineers now under orders to proceed to British Columbia.
Major General Peel desires me to acquaint you in reply that no vote having been taken on account of this service, he regrets that he cannot consent to any portion of the charge being paid from Army Funds. Major General Peel considers that as the officers and men are required for Colonial and Surveying purposes, the Secretary of State for the Colonies should make arrangements with the Treasury for the payment of the whole of the expenses involved. He therefore requests a reconsideration of that portion of your Letter relating to this question.
In compliance with Sir E.B. Lyttons wish the General Commanding in Chief will be requested to despatch twenty non commissioned officers and men of the Detachment under the command of a Subaltern officer by the Mail Steamer of the 1st September via Panama, and the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have been so informed.
His Royal Highness will also be requested to select 1 Sergeant and 1 Corporal of Cavalry and 1 Sergeant and 1 Corporal of Artillery to accompany the Expedition.
With regard to the stores Major General Peel is unable to give any directions on the subject until he is informed of the decision at which Sir E B Lytton may arrive as to the articles of which the equipment should consist.