Autograph Letter Signed to William Smith.

Statesman (1771-1851); First Lord of the Admiralty, 1812-27, after whom Melville Sound was named. Three pages, quarto. Very good if a tad grubby. 'Although it was deemed necessary, when the Revenue Cruisers were placed some years ago under the orders of the Admiralty, strictly to prohibit the employment of those Vessels in the conveyance of private passengers or as Yachts for amusement, (practices which were supposed to have been too prevalent,) it was not intended to interdict their being used occasionally, if the circumstances of the case should appear to justify or require it, for other public purposes than those immediately connected with the prevention of smuggling, & for short periods. [...] If therefore you should at any time feel disposed to re-visit the Fishing Stations, or if Mr. MacLeay will employ himself in that manner, or any other Director of the Fishery equally competent to such inspection, I shall be happy to give the necessary directions to Rear Admiral Otway [Sir Robert Waller Otway, 1st Baronet, 1770-1846, then commander-in-chief at Leith] [...]'. Signed 'Melville'.