MY LORD

The war in which, in conjunction with our Allies, England is engaged with Russia, has led the people of this country, as your Lordship is aware, to make extraordinary exertions in order to supply Her Majesty with the means of prosecuting it with vigour and efficiency.

A large British force has been landed in Turkey, and is engaged in important military opérations in the East.

(1) Commons Papers, Canada, Vol. XV, page 361.

(2) Commons Papers, Canada, Vol. XV, page 357.

It has been raised by the additions readily voted by Parliament to the ordinary strength of the army, and partly by the withdrawal of troops from their usual stations in différent parts of the United Kingdom, their place, when necessary, having been supplied by régiments of militia, embodied for that purpose.

Reinforcemenis, however, continue to be required, and, dcsirous of meeting thèse demands, lier Majesty's Government have turned their attention to the practicability of bringing home some of the régiments which are on service in the North American and other colonial possessions of the Crown. Fortunately, the character of the war renders this resource available without risk to the security of the colonies against externat aggression. Her Majesty's Government fully recognize the dnty and responsibility of affordingr to them protection against any such aggression, and the strength of the empire would be put forth in defence of any part of it which might be placed in jeopardy from such a cause. But the blockade of the great maritime outlets at the opposite extremities of Russia has intercepted her fleets. and disabled her from injuring the foreign possessions of the Crown, while the friendly relations subsisting between Her Majesty and ail other foreign powers forbid the appréhension of attack from any other quarter.

Her Majesty's Government, therefore, think it expédient that that portion of the army which is now in the colonies should contribute its quota to the forces actively employed in the présent war.

I am informed by the Duke of Newcastle that he personally consulted with your Lordship during your récent résidence in England on the proposed withdrawal of a portion of the troops from Canada, and that he had the benefit of your views respecting it.

It is his Grace's intention to send orders to General Rowan for the retum to England of three régiments of infantry and three companies of artillery. Upon their withdrawal, the regular force in Canada will consist of the Royal Rifle régiment, one régiment of infantry, to be maintained at a strength of 850 men, and two companies of artillery, and will be distributed between the two fortified positions of most importance, namely, Kingston and Québec, the Rifles being stationed at the former place.

This arrangement, as you will remember, is in accordance with the gênerai intention expressed by Lord Grey in his despatch to your Lordship of the 14th March 1851, and there appears to be nothing in the présent condition of affairs to require the continuance of a more extended military occupation.

Her Majesty feels that the internai tranquillity of the province may be safely confided to Her Canadian subjects. Their addresses to the Throne on the occasion of this war have expressed the most gratifying assurances of loyalty and attachment, and I entertain no doubt that they will cheerfully acquiesce, as far as they are concerned, in those measures which are thought requisite by Her Majesty's Government for the common interests of the empire and for the attainment of a safe and honourable peace.

I have, &c,

(Signed) G. GREY.

Dépêche de Lord Elgin à Sir George Grey (*)

(Extraits)

Copy of a Despatch from the Earl of ELGIN and KINCARDINE to the Right Hon. Sir Geo. GREY, Bart.

(No. 64) Government-House, Québec, December 18, 1854.