Paulet to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I have laid before the Secretary of State for War your letter of the
2nd instant together with its enclosure from the Foreign Office in
reference to the question of sending a Battalion of Infantry from
China to Vancouvers Island, to protect our interests there and in the
neighboring Colony of British Columbia.

In reply I am to request that you will acquaint the Duke of Newcastle
that Lord Herbert will raise no further objection to this measure,
and he has consequently requested His Royal Highness the General
Commanding in Chief to give directions for having the first available
Regiment despatched from China to Vancouvers Island.

I am to add that, in accordance with the suggestion contained in your
letter of the 4th January, steps will be taken for bringing away the
Royal Engineers at present serving in British Columbia under the
command of Colonel Moody; but that prior to their withdrawal they
will have to be employed in the construction of wooden Barracks or
Huts for the accommodation of the Regiment of the Line.

Colonel Moody will be instructed to consult with the Governor as to
the site to be selected for the erection of the Barracks.