Letter is in reply to letter recommending Robert Philp as possible Postmaster General ; Barton's respect for Philp, and efforts to persuade him to accept ministerial appointment in Federal Government. Accompanied by Cowley's letter of 23 January 1901.
Accompanied by note from L.C. Fisher: Significant note in reflect of subject matter of above letters. Lord Hopetoun, 1st Gov. General of the Commonwealth gave his commission for formation of the first Federal Cabinet to Sir William Lyne, who offered a portfolio to Robert Philp. The honour was declined. When Lyne failed to form a ministry, the Gov. General sent for Edmund Barton. The portfolio was accepted by Sir James Dickson who died ten days after the Commonwealth was ushered into being on 1st January 1901. The Hon. J.G. Drake, a Queenslander, was invited to represent his state and he was subsequently allotted the post of Postmaster General.