via Panama 3 Adelaide Place King Wm. St., London 1 Decr. 1866 My dear Sir By this mail I have written Colonel Whitmore and sent him the Pedigrees of the sheep which Mr. Smith purchased from Mr.Kirkham. I have also informed him of the arrangement I had made to send them by the Montmorency, so that I hope every thing has been done to secure the safe arrival of the sheep. They will be under the entire charge of the Captain who has been given to understand what he may expect if he lands them at Napier, and from the energetic manner in which he id interesting himself about the sheep I am hopeful you will see the sheep arrive in good condition. One of the animals (No.4) has been used this season by Mr. Kirkham for his own flocks you may gather from that it is a good one - I shall be glad to have your opinion of them. The impression among some of the leading manufacturers is that Leicester or even Cheviot makes a better cross with Merino. I was surprised to hear Mr. Ackroyd say so, but I mean to ask him to go down and see the Lincolns on board the Montmorency - You have been informed about the Emigrants Miss Rye is sending out. It gave me much uneasiness to have to assent to the alteration in the rate of passage money. I fully explained to her before I consented to carry out the Governments instructions, what the Emigrants would be required to do, but as I have before mentioned many who are going to Napier were engaged by her to go to Victoria and as they were offered passages to the latter Colony at £14, it was out of the question to expect they would pay £18 to go to Napier so that Miss Rye was in a measure bound and but for this I certainly should never have taken upon myself to set aside the Government instructions in so material a manner, but it was very apparent to me had I refused to grant passages unless they signed and agree to repay £18 each adult I should have put Miss Rye in a very unpleasant position. I therefore unwillingly had to become a party to the transaction but in no degree was I responsible for it. It is very difficult to deal with a Lady in business transactions, but I am confident that in the the case of the Montmorency, Miss Ryes wishes have been studied and carried out to the minutest degree. I trust the people will prove a serviceable lot. It is unwise of Miss Rye arguing that the rate of Passage Money to New Zealand should not be more than to Australia. If we could boast of as large a trade and as many people going there might be some plea for it but when the Emigration Commissioners require even extra stores to be supplied to all N. Z. ships, beyond what is deemed sufficient for an Austrlian voyage, it is very evident that the distance is greater and consequently the price of passage money must be different. However the lady does not seeit and if the Government encourage her to send further people I hope it will not admit of so great a reduction in the passage money. The Mail from N. Z (October) is overdue. The Steamer is telegraphed at Southampton but there is little chance of our getting our letters tonight when the present mail closes. Yellow Fever is on board. This is the third vessel in which it has broken out on the homeward voyage. Ship and Passengers are in Quarantine. It will be a drawback to the Panama route being a favorite passenger line if it continues. I may observe that I have applied to the General Government for leave of absence from the duties of this office to allow me to visit the Colony. However persevering I may be in reading up the Blue Books etc. connected with the provinces it is evident a personal inspectionof them will do more to improve my knowledge of the rapid progress which the Colony is making than anything else, so I have decided, if I am permitted, to go to the expense and labour of a trip through each of them. In my absence I shall arrange for my father in law who has nothing else to do to be daily at the office and see that the duties are carefully carried out, for the same staff of clerks will be there to do the work. I have a strong opposition in my family circle to my going, especially once this outbreak of Yellow Fever has appeared, but if I get leave and am spared, I hope to havethe pleasure of seeing you next year. I should like to start so as to be with you in the spring and summer time but I may leave in May so as to go through the West Indies before much of the hot season - You may rest assured that any matter, either official or private, shall be carefully attended to during my temporary absence. I am, My dear sir Faithfully Yours John Morrison His Honor Donald McLean Esq.