Nelson 2nd February 1859 My dear McLean My Father and myself have just brought your brother up to see Major Richmond and whilst they are having a korero I shall just take five minutes to drop you a line to let you know of my movements - I have not been able to get away yet on account of the Census Forms for the Enumerators not having arrived till the last mail - I was pretty busy all last month with one thing and another, and I hope to start from Nelson about Monday next - I have received the letters about Whakatau, or rather I should say for him, but have not acknowledged them officially yet. I saw Stafford yesterday and he asked me whether I would accept the Commissionership of the Gold Fields, and I informed him I would, I suppose I may in a great measure consider you to be the cause of my getting the offer of this appointment, and I am exceedingly obliged to you for the interest you have always taken in me. I just came over in time to see Stafford, he goes today I believe - The diggings are going very well, and a good deal of Gold has been procured during the last week, if I have time I intend sending you a few specimens of gold bearing Quartz by your brother, but I hardly think I shall be able to do it now. Your brother paid me the sum of five pounds ten shillings, I intend speaking to Elliott about the other part of the account and see if I cannot get him to remember your payment of it at Auckland - I hear from your brother that Mrs.Gascoyne is likely to visit Nelson shortly, and that you intend coming with the Governor, I should very much like to see both you and Mrs. Gascoyne, but I expect I will be on the West Coast at the time you are here - Please remember me most kindly to Mrs. Gascoyne - and believe me Yours most sincerely James Mackay Jr. I dare say there are fifty mistakes in this note but there are as many people talking and laughing all round me.