Most of the despatches copied into these volumes take the form of the confidential reports. The range of subjects dealt with is very wide, and the freedom of expression given the Governor by this type of communication make this a particularly valuable series; no-one but the Governor and the Private Secretary had access to these letterbooks, and their contents were not normally subject to publication in England. Copies were not sent to the Governor-General. In the field of public affairs, subjects regularly referred to are: agriculture, mining, whaling, railways, public institutions, political questions, public disasters such as fires and floods, Federation, the Boer War, defence, parliamentary affairs. Other subjects include: recommendations for honours and matters personal to the Governor. In general, these despatches are thoughtful and dispassionate commentaries on Tasrnanian and Australian affairs. Enclosures, particularly when they are printed, are often included. The first volume (to 1877) contains a register of contents, including summaries of subjects.

These records are part of the holdings of the Tasmanian Archives