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6. In your judgment, would a Railroad passing near that depôt afford considerable facilities for the purpose of the transport of military stores?
It certainly would afford very great facilities for the more rapid conveyance of military stores.
7. In your opinion, would that be beneficial to the public service?
Certainly; very beneficial.
8. With respect to troops, would it not, in cases of emergency, afford opportunity for the more rapid conveyance of troops?
In cases of emergency it would be very desirable to send troops by that mode of conveyance, which would be very rapid and safe; in cases not of emergency it is my opinion that troops should not be conveyed by either canal, or carriage, or Railroad, but that they should be made to perform one of the most efficient parts of military duty, to march. In cases of emergency, where bodies of military men require to be assembled suddenly for the public service on any given spot, then I should say that a rapid conveyance very desirable, and by Railroad certainly; I have practised it on the Railroad between Liverpool and Manchester with very great effect, and benefit to the public service.
9. If a Railroad was extended from London to Liverpool, do you imagine that that would be, in cases of emergency, of great importance to the public service?
Wherever the civil services require a body of troops to be assembled on any given spot, every facility that could be afforded to me to place them on that spot rapidly would be very desirable.
10. Such emergencies have frequently occurred?
They have occurred, and will in all countries not be of unfrequent occurrence.
11. On these occasions you have had recourse to the most expeditious communication you had?
Yes.
