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Since the commandant is often required to receive foreigners of high military rank, who ought to be complimented in a suitable manner, it seems fitting that his colonial adjutants, the number of which might be settled at 2, most gracefully receive approval of their uniforms, which could be the same as that of the colonial adjutants at the governor general’s, with the difference that the epaulettes and the braids be of silver instead of gold, and that they be given rank in the army and ensign.-
For colonial adjutants with rank of first lieutenant, agent Christian Eckard and attorney H. H. Berg are proposed, both of whom currently perform adjutant service to the commandant to his satisfaction.-
Regarding St. Jan, the entire white force of which consists of 42 men, it is proposed, in accordance with the commandant’s attached presentation, that the matter remain in status quo, namely that the force be commanded by a titular captain Michelunder city militia commander Peter van Beverhondt, who in fact has rank of first lieutenant, and that, in the future, no captain be appointed separately, except for the city militia commander. Therefore, Louis Michel is most humbly proposed for rank of captain and in consequence thereof, the current city militia commander P. v. Beverhondt for rank of captain.
Regarding the city militia commanders, it is my most humble recommendation that the pay rank for the city militia commander on St. Croix be that of lieutenant colonel, and for the vice city militia commander on St. Croix and the city militia commander on St. Thomas, that of major, and for the one on St. Jan, in the future, when P. v. Beverhondt and L. Michel retire, that of first lieutenant. The reason why the rank of the latter, in this most humble recommendation, is so significantly lowered, is, that this officer, who, in the future will be stationed on St. Jan with a small detachment should not have rank higher than that of first lieutenant.
In conclusion, I dare most humbly to recommend, to Your Majesty, the accomplishments of the Buff. Company. At the takeover of the islands, all companies were found to be without weapons and equipment, except for the Buffs who were in a complete state of readiness; when the troops for Frederiksfort did not show up, this company performed effective garrison duty outside the wall for 10 months with precision, and on review recently, I have found the company completely equal to regular troops as regards drill. All of this is due to 3 men, all of the name Smith, relatives who are captain, first lieutenant, and second lieutenant in the corps. In my most humble opinion, as a reward for this company, it would be an encouraging example for the other citizens’ corps, if, in recognition of the good condition at the takeover and thereafter, Your Royal Majesty granted the officers thereof, who, besides the captain are first lieutenant |