ADMIRAL, WALCOTTSir, I am induced to ask the question I have placed upon the paper from a personal experience which I have had of the great unhealthiness of the climate of Vera Cruz and the Fortress of San Juan d'Ulloa in, with slight exceptions, all seasons of the year. I make, Sir, no exception to the policy which directed the expedition to Mexico; but I shall lament beyond expression, if the fact be so, that, on the occasion of the French and Spanish troops marching into the interior, the English contingent be placed, not only in such a fatal, but in such an inglorious position as to remain in garrison of the places I have named, which will deny to that eminently distinguished corps the Royal Marines the opportunity of adding fresh laurels to those already gathered by long service. In a joint expedition all should share equality of fortune. I therefore ask the Secretary to the Navy, Whether the Royal Marines sent to act in conjunction with the troops of France and Spain upon service in Mexico were supplied with tents and field artillery; or whether their duties would be restricted to garrisoning Vera Cruz and the Fortress of San Juan d'Ulloa; and, in the latter event, whether due caution had been impressed upon the commanding officer to select a position where their health and sanitary arrangements could be best secured previous to their landing—Vera Cruz being surrounded with sandhills and pools of stagnant water?