July 13, 1863 My dear MacLean, From a conversation which I had with you the other day I learned that matters had not gone too far with regard to what had been offered me some time ago by yourself and any member of the Executive indeed Ormond in mentioning it to myself left the matter open as I then did not like to accept it - Times have changed since - My reason for not giving an answer in the affirmative arose firstly that I had been elected as an independent member and secondly that I thought my private work would enable me to live. Looking at the prospect of affairs and judging from my present business I know the latter supposition to be false and that I cannot possibly rely on it for support, with regard to the former I was induced from your own expressed desires, that I should be on the Council, to use any means in a fair way at my command to insure my election and therefore (what ever it might have been worth) your support I did so and succeeded - It is not my present intention to retain my place - I feel perhaps that I ought not to have sought after it but having done so, that I am free in resigning from the Council to do anything as regards my private interests. You can, therefore, if you will, act without objection of mine. I would have liked to have talked this over with you but I feel that I might trespass upon time which used not to be dealed out sparingly with me. Believe me yours Faithfully and truly M. Fitzgerald