Mr. Hunter to Sir F. Bruce
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 19th instant, informing me, at the instance of Earl Russell, that the labors of the fishery commission would probably be completed by the 1st of March, 1866, the time of the termination of the reciprocity treaty, and that the climate and circumstances have heretofore prevented the commissioners from prosecuting the work with that despatch which they would have desired. In reply, I have the honor to inform you that the department is aware of the difficulties which have existed, and it feels assured, by the statement of Mr. Howe, that he will employ every opportunity to accomplish the end for which the commission was organized.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. Sir Frederick W. A. Bruce, &c., &c., &c.