Wairarapa, 21st Oct., 1853. My dear Bell, I received yours of the 17th Inst. and I am glad to hear you say notwithstanding the Scrip gentlemen that you will be able to procure funds for me, Five thousand pounds for the present negotiations at Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa would be very essential. I have mentioned to several of the settlers that you intend standing for the Wairarapa and I do not hear that you will meet with any opposition for my own part I almost entirely abstain from interference in political matters of that description although I feel a greater interest than most people do in seeing the country interest well represented and certainly the Wairarapa constituents are a most deserving and highly interesting Class. Capt. Smith will be here in an hour and I will hand him your letter. The negotiations here are going on very satisfactorily as I am pushed for time, I must refer you to official letters to Domett respecting the progress made I am now packing up for Hawkes Bay and shall leave with old Hapuka and party in an hour. I remain, Donald McLean. F.D.Bell, Esq.