Clive Grange Nov. 14th 1863 My dear McLean, Your note only reached me last night late, and as I am in the midst of shearing I could not undertake anything that would compel my absence from home every day - I will be glad to assist you in the way you wish or any other way, providing that a visit to Port once or twice a week will suffice, and I do not suppose there is much pressing business that could not wait a week or two save perhaps money matters - I see the General Government have provided that 2,000 Military Settlers shall come here and I sincerely trust that road making will commence at our end as well as above at once. The spade and pick will prove the only Maorie conquerors. This is a work of time so better commence at early as possible. I enclose some accounts for No. 3 Co Militia - which I suppose you will pay as was talked of Yours truly Joseph Rhodes