covering letter mandatory?

Hi couple of questions,

1) Is it mandatory to upload a covering letter for ILR via Tier 2 route?
If so what should be the content.

2) There was no section in the form to tell what date did I received my first entry clearance (which forms the basis of 5 years -28 days eligibility) There was date of first entry which was a month later than entry clearance date. So would they have this data and hence not needed to enter in any form?

have a wonderful weekend.

1. No.

2. Date of entry is exactly that, date of entry. The question does not ask the date your visa was issued!! HO obviously do know the rules!!

Thanks much CROO1. appreciate your quick response.
I was bit nervous since I have switched my visa once so BRP has much later date so was confused where to mentioned 1st date.