Enclosure: Copy of a letter from Colonel Richards in which he informs that the Board of Ordnance has received orders to equip 6 Bomb Vessels and has taken steps to comply. Accordingly he has met with Commissioners of the Navy and has been informed that the vessels will be ready in a week's time and that the Commissioners have proposed the use of some newly cast mortars, one in each vessel. He points out that it will not be possible to install traversing mortars in the time allowed and that consequently a greater number of Men will be required aboard the vessels in order to bring them to bear. He states that he has a number of old mortars which could be fitted but that will require fresh Orders to be given to the various Yards.