In the 18th paragraph of the despatch it is stated that the work of converting the dock hospital into a General hospital has been completed, and a report upon it is promised, which M. Price however in a letter, of which I enclose a copy, states distinctly that the work has not even been begun. I am greatly dissatisfied at receiving these flat contradictory statements about a matter of plain fact and must request you at once to report fully and inform me what is the actual state of the case.
-9. The scanting explanation which has been given