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the Colonial Office before I finally accepted my appointment and is moreover a material alteration in the terms which I hold it; with this strong protest I am content that the matter should remain until I know from England what my position really is.
I have never for one moment questioned that I was the responsible head of the department nor should it be supposed that the question was capable of being raised had not His Honor distinctly informed me that you were not responsible and that unsuccessful efforts had been made to render you so.
Upon this question I never entertained a doubt and now beg further most respectfully and emphatically to deny ever asserted that I was not a subordinate officer of the Supreme Court.
With regard to the returns enclosed in your letter, I will lay them before Mr. Barff the Accountant for his acknowledgement. I must submit that it is the first occasion which I can discover on which such a certificate has been required.
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