No. 12
Downing Street
18 February 1863
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 55 of the 1st of December enclosing a copy of a letter addressed to you by Mr. Begbie on the subject of a Report which was in circulation that he had purchased an interest in a Mining claim.
I regard Mr Begbie'scompleteManuscript image complete denial of the truth of this report as satisfactory. At the same time I also entirely approve of your declaration of the right of the Executive Government to inquire at any time into a question of property which might cause the private interests of public servants to conflict with the duedischargeManuscript image discharge of their public duties.
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your Obedient Servant
Newcastle