Letter from T.G.B. to Donald McLean Esq. dated 11th. April (no date of year) 11th. April 1859 (no year date) My dear McLean, I write you a line to tell you that the ''Iris'' and the ''Elk'' Brig of war, are both in the harbour. I propose, D.V., to go to Wellington in the ''White Swan'', and to come back in the ''Elk'' touching at Napier. We give the Ball usually given on the Queen's birthday, on the 25th. April; and the Brig is to leave for Wellington after that as soon as she pleases. Under all the circumstances, I shall land quietly at Wellington; so do not be surprised if you do not see the flag up. Say nothing of this to others. We may as well go on to Wanganui as soon as we can; and I can do anything required of me at Wellington on my return. Carleton keeps up his agitation for the next purchase of land; but although he thinks success certain, I learn there is a great difference of opinion on the subject. Tomati Wake is here, and I am to see him to-morrow. Turton has got his instructions, and is to return in 3 months, via the Waikato. There is an ugly report that three Europeans have been murdered in the Waikato, but I do not believe it. I have had various lengthy interviews with Sewell, and have (I trust) made him see Native affairs in a different light from that which he saw them when I arrived. I know you will like to hear that we are all alive again, through the brats have had the croup, and I picked up a sort of influenza. You will have heard of the sad death of Mr. Lloyd's eldest boy. It was very