§ MR. HEALYasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether a Circular was recently addressed from the office of the Commander in Chief in Ireland to officers 841 commanding regiments in that Country, to the following effect:—
It has teen represented to the Irish. Government that the presence of the troops being of direct pecuniary advantage to the inhabitants of a neighbourhood, it may be desirable, especially when cases of Boycotting have occurred, that all supplies for the use of the troops should be procured from a distance. You are requested to state your views, &c. &c.;and if the Government approve of the Circular; and by whose instructions it was issued?
§ MR. CHILDERSNo, Sir; no such Circular has recently been issued; but about six months ago confidential inquiries were made as to the best manner of victualling the troops in certain remote parts of Ireland, and some dishonest person has apparently made improper use of one of the confidential letters then written. I decline to give any further information as to confidential Papers.