New Plymouth 20th. Sept. 1857. My dear Sir, Receiving a letter (official) from you this morning I may hope this will find you in Auckland. Am I to congratulate you on the villainous attack made on you by the Editor in his mover of the Wellington Newspaper copied into Pheney's "Taranaki News" a fortnight age? Verily the poor fellow must have been sadly put to it when reviewing the official conduct of one who for so many years has had so difficult a part to act, as not to be able to find out more against you than that you did not go pick and choose whatever land you pleased and you have such choice bits from the Natives for the gratification of these Patriots. Verily mock philanthropy is bad enough but mock patriotism is more loathsome. These men seem to have no idea that anything more need be considered than how you may satisfy their greed. The well being of the Natives appears to have little or no weight with them. Now this to me always presents itself as of the first importance; and it is for this that I so ardently long to see an utter and complete alienation of the Native rights to land so that afterwards holding their individual pieces by Crown Grants they may have the proper foundation laid for amalgamation with our race. We should then find that they would feel the the necessity of conforming themselves to our laws, as they would find them neceesary to secure to the peaceable and quiet enjoyment of their persons and properties. The present appearance of things here is very encouraging and I trust every facility will be given and all assistance rendered to enable the Officers here to complete the land purchases which require only the prudence, caution and zeal already displayed to bring to a favourable conclusion. I have repeatedly wished for your presence during the negotiations which are going on for the obtaining land from the Natives as you know "a Prophet is not without honour save in his own country" and though Halse and Parris work well together, and I believe are arranging matters very well, yet your coming from headquarters and having so much the confidence of the Maoris.would be able to manage some of their jealousies better than anyone else in New Zealand. I should also feel very glad to have the pleasure of your company once more, and I assure Mrs. Flight and my daughters are often talking about your coming and putting the question, When will Mr. McLean come again? a question which I can only answer with a doleful, I don't know. I have to present their very kind remembrances to you and believe me to be, Dear Sir, Very truly yours, J. Flight.D. Mclean Esq.