I have a strong general objection to thanking public Departments
for any reports they forward
to to us for information.
In the first place it is their duty, and therefore they deserve
no thanks.
In the second place to write a letter to thank them wastes their
time and ours.
We never fail to send to the
Admiralty and all other Offices any
Colonial report which concerns them, and we expect no thanks.
I think that the letter should be put by.