Manuscript 'Memorandum' of 1883 by 'H. B.', headed 'Confidential', dealing with 'the reasons why the Officers of the Garrison Artillery should be separated from the Field Artillery, and why they should be more highly paid'. With 'Supplementary Memo:'

Texts of both items clear and complete. Both on grey paper, each leaf headed with an embossed governmental crest. The 'Memorandum' proper is of ten numbered folio pages, on ten leaves held together with a brass stud. The first page headed 'Confidential' and the last dated 'H. B. | 19th. August 1883' Begins: 'The separation of the N. C. Officers and men of the Garrison Artillery from the Field Artillery does practically exist - But no such separation exists as regards the officers & though there are convincing reasons in favour of a complete separation - | The duties of the Officer of the Garrison Artillery are of a different nature to those of the officer of Field Artillery, and require a different stamp of man, and a different education.' The 'Supplementary Memo:' (folio, 2 pp), also with the first page headed 'Confidential', carries the same date and initialling. Explains that 'this is only the first of the great reforms needed in this Arm of the Service'. Other reforms proposed include 'To abolish the distinctive uniform and higher pay of the Royal Horse Artillery, and place it on its proper footing as the least important class of Field Batteries'.