Autograph Letter Signed ('Geo. A. Forsyth | Harbour Master') to Lieutenant G. Bowery [sic, for 'Bower'], H.M.S. Conflict.

Four pages, foolscap (33.5 x 20.5 cm). In a bifiolium. Text clear and complete. Good, on lightly-aged paper. Light staining at foot of second leaf (not affecting text). Apparently written in reply to a request from Bower regarding the number of men able to bear arms within the territory. On 24 May 1800 Bower had interceded 'in a dispute between Wesleyan missionaries and the captain of the recruiting schooner Ninafow at the Duke of York Islands', and on 12 June 1880 (a week after the writing of this letter) he would, as officer in charge of the frigate HMS Raleigh report 'conflict between English and German trading companies in the Duke of York Islands'. He has not been able to provide Bower with the 'information required', 'owing to a protracted tour of inspection to the various Outposts and Lighthouses of the Colony'. He proceeds to answer Bower's questions, providing information regarding registered steamers at Freemantle, registered seamen, watermen, wharf labourers. Provides a 'list of Volunteer Corps &c.' which might assist Bower, giving the number of members of nine groups. Explains that he is commanding officer of the Naval Artillery Volunteers Freemantle, which has 'only lately been formed, and our side arms are not yet to hand'. Mentions the 'Enrolled pensioner force, or Convict Guard' and the 'Freemantle armed force of water police'. 'The Police force in the Colony is about 120 men but scattered over a large extent of country'.