Copy letter from Peter Puget, Naval Commissioner's Office, Trincomalee to the Navy...

Copy letter from Peter Puget, Naval Commissioner's Office, Trincomalee to the Navy Board. Report on the good progress of works here. By January he expects the large storehouse to be ready to receive canvas, cables and cordage. It does not appear possible in the present crowded state of the yard to stow away the remaining articles left at Madras and brought here by order of the late Rear Admiral Sir George Burlton. There is likelihood of some canvas and rope being damaged by the monsoon. If Trincomalee were declared a free port, it would better use the island resources. There would be opposition due to its effect on trade in India. Unless duties on importation and exportation of goods are removed for a term of years, we cannot expect that the object in the view of HM Government, as I was given to understand by the late Vice Admiral Sir Samuel Wood, will be carried into effect.

Enclosure.