New Plymouth February 8th. 1870 The Honble D. McLean AUCKLAND. Dear Sir, It was my intention to have sought an interview with you before I left Auckland, but upon enquiry, I found that you had left for the North. I believe that you have always felt an interest and a sympathy for the settlers of this Provincs, and this consideration now induces me to address you. It is 23 years since when conversing with you on the prospects of Taranaki, you advised me to remain here; and I am pleased to say that I have never regretted that advice. The Native outbreak in 1860, however, put a very serious check upon our prosperity. I have, from that period, struggled against wind and tide, and I may now say that I am fairly stranded -- the primary cause of my own reverse of fortune was the War. My case was one of hardship, and without precedent in any civilised country. The facts are these:- Mr. Watt and myself were carrying on a lucra- -tive business as Merchants in New Plymouth. When Mr. Com. Genl. Jones arrived he found no suitable place for Offices and Stores, but the premises we occupied, and which was our own Freehold. We were served with a Notice under Martial Law, to leave. It was in vain we remonstrated against such a piece of injustice. Our goods were taken out, placed under tarpaulins, and ultimately sent to Nelson. The effect of this was to destroy our business. Some of our customers failed, others left the Colony. I had to locate myself at Nelson. Mr. Watt got an appointment as Resident Magistrate at the Bluff. Our business was wound up, and we were heavy losers by this peculiar action under Martial Law. From that period to this precent, one calamity upon another has befallen me; and it is under this pressure that I am induced to write to you, and ask if you can, through the Government, assist me to an appointment either in the Post Office, Customs, Sherrif, or Resident Magistrate. I should be satisfied with a small emolument, and care not about locality. The General Government has been considerate to its people. and particular cases of hardship have generally been recognised by them. I can truly say no one in New Zealand has been a greater sufferer than myself. First, by depriving me of my means of living -- second- -ly, by being driven away from my place of residence; and thirdly, domestic afflictions by death and disease, resulting from over-crowded houses in the town. I trust you will consider the urgency of my case. An apology for intruding upon your time, and trusting that my appeal to your humane feelings may not have been made in vain. I am, dear Sir, Yours faithfully (Signed) James C. Sharland.