Rissington, 4 Novr. My dear McLean, I send you Haultains letter to me, also Welds, and one from Newman of Auckland with one from Matthew Holmes of Dunedin which you will see all support us - These letters you can send back as soon as you can read them conveniently. To Haultains I reply that though a poor man, I still decline the salary he offers, as I wish to be on the same footing as other settlers, and do not think the state of the District requires a paid Commanding Officer when all are so hard up. I feel that the idea is to set me up as a paid officer as a kind of spy on you; and as I choose to be loyal in the course of action I laid down for myself when I returned from England, and told you that I would cordially support you, I do not intend to be made either a spy or a conflicting interest. When in former times you asked to have me placed under your orders I would sooner have resigned than submitted to what could not have been considered otherwise than a censure on my mode of performing my duties. I then differed with you on one point, and still maintain I was right; but though since then our views have approximated and you do not now hold contrary opinions to those I then entertained, still if you did still differ with me I should now feel bound to lay my irresponsible opinions on one side and co-operate with you, in all that you bearing the responsibility thought to be right. In fact no Ministry can do much to hurt either of us, or even to thwart us if we are really loyal, candid, and true to one another - and I am very glad I have the opportunity of proving that I for one will not be bought over at any rate to interfere with the Provincial Coach or coachman. I have desired Withers to show you one of my officials - I forget which - but one you ought to see. I notice that one of the bills for pack horses also has come to me, and Withers will show you the Voucher. I am asked extra-officially what distinction I can recommend for our Militia and Volunteers - I dont exactly know, but I propose to meet the officers in Town and ask them. I would suggest a plume to be worn in chacos or hats at will to commemorate the occasion - I don't know what else to propose. I mean to be in Port on Thursday as Carter has stuck up some of my land must against my wish, and I must look after it. By the bye as regards the compensation do what you like. The more one gives way the more liberties they take I see and the less one gets so I mean to press my claim. However if the Province gets all the land with this one charge on it, it will pay it fully. Henry Russells Run is part and his rent would be something if he would not give more at auction. Goodbye till Thursday, and believe me very sincerely yours, G. S. Whitmore. P. S. Very sorry you did not come up. Ill drive you up this week if you'll come. Many thanks for the different papers you sent me.