Dedwood Auckland 8th Novr. 1859 My dear McLean I called at your office yesterday and saw Mr. Smith who told me that you had been laid up on the Road to Wellington with an attack of Rheumatic fever, but he seemed to a doubt about the source his news came from - I do hope it is not so, as from what I have seen of Rheumatic fevers, I think the pains are only exceeded, by being sawn asunder, or old nic's gridion. The reason ''Private'' is, on the corner is, because Tom McDonnell arrived from Sydney 3 days ago by the Moa Capt. Anderson and came up directly to this house, he told me that the Captn. of the Moa was in distress as he was afraid that he would lose the command, as the Brig was to be sold, Bain and Graham requiring to muster all the funds they can, , I was startled at this and found that the Captn. had told him this in confidence - I know that their Sydney partner Mr. Roberton is here and that lately they have sold off all their stock by auction - I know nothing more of the matter, nor have I nor will I repeat it to another soul, but I remember at Napier taking a letter of yours to the post directed to Walter Graham, and I think you said it was for him to draw money for you, but in either case, I think I should make you aware of the circumstance, as Credit is so delicate a matter that often a report of such a kind, forces on ruin, also there must be some sort of grounds for it, to have arisen, and you to act or not as you see fit you have any risk. You have been a long time absent and I hope you will soon return . The Governor leaves this for Nelson by H. M. S. S. Niger on the 20th inst. and returns immediately after which the Iris is to come from Sydney to take him to attend the Parliamentary session at Wellington, and he told Gold () that he thought he would not return as Governor to Auckland. Gold, you may have heard, had applied for the command at Melbourne as old Genl. McArthur is going to retire - and now by last post he has the offer from Wynyard of a command at the Cape when he would be made Majr.Genl. - I advise him to take it and both he and Mrs. Gold incline for it but do give this news as coming from me, as I do not know if he has made it known down South - altho no harm speaking - I am still you see at Dedwood - nothing to do and living a useless life, altho able to work with my head and hands at anything -If Queen knew the interests of this Colony she would make you Governor and me private Secy. etc. etc. etc. The on dits here, are that the Ministry will stand, but Wellington I suppose the contrary. Stafford has not returned from England. I am, My dear McLean Yours most truly Fred k.A. Bell