Gunninghill Berks. 26th. July 1860. My dear McLean, I had this pleasure last on 12th. May - since then the news from New Zealand have been of a very stirring nature, and I confess I have not been without anxiety about Auckland - as I felt convinced the Waikato Tribes would join the insurrection and if so the Force in New Zealand was altogether insufficient to put it down and so long as the Troops could only act on the defensive the rebel force would increase when I heard from you at Otago I thought you would not be long in finding your way up to the disturbed district of Taranaki, from all accounts it appears that the Soldiers have not distinguished themselves and the impression here is that Colls. Gold and Murray are not the men for the present emergency. This feeling is general both at the Colonial Office and by the Public. I am not inclined to magnify the present New Zealand difficulties as it would have a most injurious effect upon the Colony in putting a stop almost entirely to emigration to the Northern Island. Still it was necessary to do something towards getting an additional Force sent to aid the Colony in its apparently critical position, I felt satisfied that there was no danger of the Towns - but if the Settlers were driven in from the Country the Colony would be ruined, at all events the Northern Island whilst Canterbury and Otago would advance rapidly at our expence. A meeting of Colonists was accordingly called in London, when it was decided unanimously that a Deputation should wait upon Lord Palmerston to urge H.M. Government to send immediate aid. The Deputation was well received and listened to and His Lordship promised to bring the matter before the Cabinet meeting same day. His Lordship was not apparently then aware that a Regiment was under orders to embark at that very time. Two days afterwards I had a further reply from Lord Palmerston informing the Deputation that one Regiment had already sailed and that another was going, but I will enclose you a Copy of the note as it is very important. The Governor when these additional troops arrive will then be strong - and I sincerely hope and trust that no peace will be patched up only to last for 12 months. The King must be put down and the Land League done away with. I believe the King Movement is at the bottom of all the mischief and unlessthe authority of the Queen be now thoroughly re-established and the long pending Maori Land Question settled and settled for ever, there will be great difficulty at any future time in again getting so large a force collected in New Zealand. Now is the time to settle all disputes in the Taranaki case the Government are clearly in the right - hence there could not be a better opportunity for teaching your Maori friends a lesson which they should never forget. The lands of all rebel Natives should be forfeited to the Crown. The New Zealand Bill introduced by the Duke of Newcastle in the House of Lords and read a second time has been arrested in it s progress for a little until the documents from the Colony are printed. The Auckland Colonists are all in favor of the Bill with the exception of New man and Brodie and they have joined the Southern Colonists in petitioning for delay untill reference was made to the Coloney. Fitzgerald and the Southern people say that the Assembly should have the power of dealing with all Native questions. We say that the Maoris are not represented in the Assembly and that the Crown will not transfer the power of dealing with Native questions to the Assembly so long as the Home Government have to supply and pay for the Troops. I am still in hope that the Bill will be passed. I think under such a Bill that much could be done in individualizing the Titles of the Tribal Lands and furnishing them with alienable Crown Grants. This would make the Lands available and open the Waikato districts for colonisation where thousands and tens of thousands of European Population could be located. Of course Fitgerald and the Southern Island people don't care how long Auckland is kept in the background, what is our loss and ruin is their gain. I have already written you about Sheep at Otago and I hope you will keep this object steadily in view untill it is accomplished. I am anxious that the undertaking should be gone into without delay provided you can see your way to the management - before however entering upon any engagements as to the purchase of sheep etc. consult Wal as to my share of the funds required in case there may be any delay in realising my funds at present in the hands of Bain, Grahame and Co., you are no doubt aware that there must be changes in that Firm and my present determination is to withdraw the funds they have of mine as soon as this can be done without sacrificing. I have been much disappointed that this Firm have not succeeded better but they have never pulled well amongst themselves and the old Business is not what it was. I have advised my Brother to withdraw and after getting the Affairs of the Firm wound up to turn his attention to Sheep Farming. Walton will be in New Zealand about this time and no doubt will tell you of our contemplated sheep undertaking at Ahuriri, which need not at all interfee with what we propose to do at Otago - indeed if your have no objections he might be willing also to join in the Otago stations. This I leave for you and him to settle. I would have no objections whatever to such an arrangement. We made a mess of it in abandoning our former intentions of having Sheep Stations in Otago - don't let us make a second mistake. I am afraid the Maori war will prevent you coming Home this year - if so, perhaps you had better establish the the Station at Otago before leaving - and when you come home we might look out a few good Highland shepherda and dogs to send out. Also a few good Rams. I had a short tour in Aberdeenshire last month the Grampion hills - and the scenery about Braemar and Balmoral is most beautifull - we could have spent three months there with a great deal of pleasure but had to hurry home again to meet the children who were coming home to spend their holidays. I am glad to say Mrs. G. and children are all well - they desire to be kindly remembered to you. And with best wishes, I am Yours very sincerely, Wm. S. Grahame. Donald McLean Esq. P. S. I have been in a great hurry writing you. The mail is despatched today from London, and I must send this off immediately to catch it. Let me know what your movements are to be. Wm. S. Grahame.