"Just to recall for all  of you, my conversation with Richard was on December 2lst . At that time ,following my comment that  I hoped we would have the complete assay results for Hole # 18 very early in the New Year, he replied "You'll have them by the 1st!" And I said "Really!" and he  said "Yes"!"

"By" would mean on or before.  Since the 1st is not possible it would have to be the 31st latest.... if we are to follow common understanding of the English language.  But then does it really matter?