Wellington 3rd. Decr. 1868. My dear McLean, I don't often write you in these times, because I know how wearied you must be by the number and variety of the communications which you are constantly receiving. When I heard a whisper of Whitmore's offer to go back to the East Coast having been accepted, I ventured to tell the Governor that from my own observation and information received at Napier, I felt confident that neither European nor Maori would work with him; and I was glad to receive a telegram from the Bishop of Waiapu and then another from Mr. S. Williams fully confirming what I had been saying at all events so far as the Natives are concerned. I understand that it was in consequence of those telegrams that Richmond has gone up -- to prevent Whitmore from meddling with the Maoris. I wish Whitmore had stayed away altogether -- but now there is nothing for it but to make the best of it, and of Whitmore. But if the Government are going to allow their to write to the Newspapers, as Whitmore is doing, the discerning part of the Community will form their own judgment as to the character of all the proceedings. There are people in the world -- but very few -- who would not be sorry to see Whitmore get laurels due to others -- but I know this will not prevent you from sticking to your work and straightforwardly carrying it through. I have a little fear that the public meeting of to-night will prove a failure and mistake in some respects -- affording evidence of a great diveristy of opinion among the Colonists which will more than excuse the non-intervention of the Imperial authorities -- even in emergency. The Governor feels that his own appeals to the Home people will have little weight unless backed by the opinions of deputation, petitioners or public meetings. He groans under the feeling of powerlessness -- and would much rather have a real and substantial responsibility than be irresponsible but fettered. I suspect he begins to understand his Ministers a little better than he did formerly. His position is a pitiable one -- and there seems no remedy. TheBlanche leaves today. I think you will like Capt. Montgomery. I have only seen him and Mr. Beaumont the 2nd. Lieut. who is a very pleasant gentlemanlike man. I do very much hope to hear of a good coup near Poverty Bay within a fortnight. You will see in the Independent that I said a work for the Napier Maoris in my charge to the Grand Jury on Tuesday. I think you will like the Charge. Hart is charged to the muzzle for this evening's meeting. Of course I shall not go. With kindest regards and very sincere wishes for your success, I am ever very truly yours, Alexander N. Johnston.