New Plymouth 17th. August 1861. Many thanks my dear Son for your interesting letter of the 3rd. Inst., so highly interesting that even the "Don" declared that it was actually worth paying the for it! The glorious news of the appointment of our old and worthy friend Sir George Grey to he once more our Governor has in truth cheered our hearts and given us spirits to "be up and doing". Many of the fools of this "little Pedlington" make me very angry, by the folly they give way to about him - my advice is, do not be prejudiced for or against him, but wait and judge for yourselves by his deeds - as you may suppose, we both long to see him once more on our shores well knowing that by the end of 1862 New Zealand will again enjoy the blessings of Peace and with it happiness and prosperity. Mind, I do not mean by this to insinuate that any fault is, or can be attached to Governor Brown - quite the contrary - a better man could never be in all respects - he has had a hard game to play - and two many snakes in the grass to fight against - my sincere prayer is that Sir George may come out with such powers that will enable him to set the ! for as long a period as he may think proper - and also that he may give the Ngatiruanuis what they richly deserve at our hands! - it is very trying to our tempers to see the Warea natives coming to town and buying everything they require while we dare not send a post through their land. The Don just before he heard about Sir George had written to Patricio and Gudgeon to prepare to sell Newtonlees and "Lochend", as he intended to invest in the Middle Island. Now! the "change has come over his dream" and he will not take any money for his Land and intends tomorrow to give orders to that effect. Thanks for the remarks you make about the "Gudemans" increase of salary - it is rather curious that it has remained for Sir George's consideration a second time, and that tooo, after a second burning! Now I will just tell you of a thought that has crossed my brain since I heard that so kind a friend would may be have it in his power to aid us. Sir George might not like to give him an increase of pay for the Native Hospital! - but there is a situation which I think would just suit him - that of "" to which a pay could be attached - but then full power must be also given, to enable him to act free from the controle of the present fools who compose our council!!! not that would mind them mush, for they seem to be rather afraid of him - he is now, and has been for long, acting the part of Health officer and has done a great deal of good - but now and then he is stopped by some wise Donkey saying "What right have you to say I shall not keep Pigs in the Town? You are not appointed by the Governor". He has been working for the Public Health since the beginning of the war without pay and few thanks - so I do think he deserves a little of each. Now I leave it in your hands well knowing that it will ball "Kapai" I hope you will write me as soon as Sir George arrives and let us know how he is in health - and do not forget to remember us very kindly to him and tell him how glad we feel at his coming again among us. Thank you kindly and sincerely for your promise of interest for Patricio - I do not know if the change of affairs will alter his ideas of leaving Wanganui - he is a great admirer of Governor Brown's policy and may feel vexed at his removal - but when the "Wonga" comes in we shall be better able to judge. I find that Mr. Parris has not lost his passage so I must have patience about my old Beooch which you have so kindly got mended for me. I did not write you by the "Harrier", for I was busy paying visits! a crime I have not committed for the last ! thanks to our Roads, which have been , that Mrs. Sam. King and I had not met for that period until last Sunday. The Takuta feels proud of the honorable mention of him at the court of King Potatau 2nd. and in consequence expects (at least) to be made a Basha of three tails!!! I do not know how I can write in such good spirits, seeing as we do the misery around us in consequence of that dreadful disease dipththeria making such ravages amongst us - for a long time it kept only to children from four to ten years of age - but in this the last fortnight it has begun to attack young persons, a very fine young girl of 19 - one of the Miss Morsheads died last week after only 8 or ten days illness and now an elder sister is dangerously ill with the same complaint. Strange it is, that no men die of it - only women and children. I say - it is because men have the throat better protected from the cold. The Takuta has written you a good long yarn on the subject of Diphtheria andwhich if you do not answer very carefully, just look out, and prepare yourself for a pretty "shindy" from him. We both of us quite rejoice to think that old "Bunyan" has done you so much good - it was a happy thought of mine to send it. Don Pedro tells me that I have only time to say God bless you and my dear Grandson Ever your affection old Mother H.A. Wilson. Ritchie goes on worse than ever - more about him next time - kiss the boy for old Granny.