Jany. 14th. (1857) My dear McLean, Having danced attendance on the Ministry day after day I have at length got a definite answer about the R.M. ship. The letter which Gisborne wrote was, Mr. Stafford told me, premature, and when I verbally declined the offer, he said the Ministry would reconsider the matter, but that the necessity of making up Fenton's paym, left them with only £50 to spare out of the votes for R.M.'s. They did reconsider the matter, and this morning I have heard from Richmond that I must look upon the £50 offer as final. They, said I, you may look upon my refusal as final. I am sorry because the Ahuriri settlers wished me to take it, but glad for every other reason. I hope you will not think that I have delayed unnecessarily, I have been "wanted" almost every hour of the day about some question or another connected with the South. Now however that I have got all settled I am off at once. I enclose a mem. of the State of accounts between us and showing the balance that I owe you, which, as soon as I can get a rest to the sole of my foot I shall lose as little time as may be in remitting but there must be a truce to vagabondising before I can save any tin. I will now say adieu --- Rogan will tell for all about official matters. Hoping soon to see you at Ahuriri. I remain Faithfully your's G. S. Cooper.