Letter from P. Wilson to Donald McLean dated 15th. August 1853 Henui 15th. August 1853 My dear Mac, I believe on this occasion all you tell me about your business occupations having stood in your way of your correspondence. But you know you have earned such a bad character, by post-time delinquency, that now-a-days suspicion attaches to your very name. We have had our election for Superintendent, when C. Brown, through the very disgraceful trickery of our old friend, Wicksteed, carried the day. Poor W. is indeed a sadly fallen man; and it must be admitted that your Captain Daniel quite appropriately designated him, on a late occasion, when he stigmatised his character with the epithet "unprincipled", --- and he might have added thereto, without risking the charge of exaggeration. I do not now notice the little blackguard; and I suspect he will find he is scouted by the respectable of all parties; so the sooner he is off to Wanganui the better for himself. His poor sister has felt the humiliation sadly, and readily admits that his conduct is indefencible. But enough of him. I took a warm interest in Halse's attempt, but in all that are to follow, I feel none; so cannot at this moment tell you who all the candidates are, except that Willie Baillie, and that worthy rascal Shute, constitute two of the number! I had a letter from Sir George on Saturday, regarding my Journal. He says he wishes to publish extracts from it, and as utility was the object in writing it, of course the more public its useful parts are made, the better. But, after all, self is at the bottom of it; for I hate the existence of bad roads, where I have a chance of travelling; and I am not altogether disinterested in wishing the populating of Wanganui, or the improvement of the Port. But I cannot rouse the folks at Wanganui to demonstrate a like passion; for their selfishness, as I have just written to Pat, is highly discreditable to any community, and more so to a young and struggling rising one, and looks very much as allied to that contemptible shortsightedness which dictates monopoly as the most profitable rule. If you can swing them out of this erroneous monomania, you will do a good turn to the place. Our old big enemy and next-door-neighbour died about a month ago; but not till he had, (I believe very sincerely), expressed his repentance both to Helen and myself. In my instance it was a very painful one to me; yet extremely satisfactory; and I do think that, had he recovered, he would have been a very different man. --- Our R.M. has not come up to my expectations, and is a better promiser than performer. He is literally a sleep-head, and sadly wants energy, and may thank his stars he got a man of the ability and activity of J.R. to sit at his right hand; for his capability for official duty is extremely limited; and as to his sincerity, it is at zero. Yet I like him on the Bench, in general, very much better than his predecessor; and certainly he has hitherto managed our elections remarkably well, and as one accustomed to the routine thereof. I need hardly say that my wife bids me to say you shall have a cruppie at the fire-side most welcomely, whenever you come. I reserve all my compliments till I see you. Please take a look at Pat and proceedings when you are at Wanganui; not as a spy, for I have full confidence in his industry and conduct; but he tells me next to nothing of his proceedings. His cousin has just made him a present of a gold watch; and Ritchie's father has kindly sent to him a capital case of cattle instruments, and a hat; so he has been in luck so far. Yet he is so odd a boy, and so little caring for presents, that I hardly expect he will say thank you for them. I am afraid Campbell will miss Cameron not a little; but John is a promising lad, and others are growing to be useful. I address this parti restante Wanganui, meaning it to be a treat to you on your arrival. With our united kind regards, I remain, my dear Mac, ever sincerely yours (Signed) P. Wilson To:- Donald McLean Esq.