Auckland Septr. 22, 1845 My Dear McLean - By return of Mr. Bolland I send you a line or two, though I have nothing particular to relate, excepting an event which has cast a gloom over all our spirits I mean the death of Mr. Skevington who fell down in Chapel last evening in an apoplectic fit and died almost immediately - This is a solemn warning to us all, to be also ready for "we know not the day nor the hour when the Son of Man cometh" - The poor widow will feel this most keenly I trust however she will be supported by Him who is peculiarly the help of the widows - Our public affairs are in much the same position as when Mr. Clarke wrote - The troops are still at Waimate, Kawiti is in a new strongly fortified pa at "Ruapekapeka" and Heke at Hikurangi, the object of the expedition when they set out I believe was to crush Kawiti - but what they intend doing now I cannot say. Some say peace will be made! Two hundred more soldiers are expected from Sydney, but have not yet arrived - I fear matters have gone so far now that nothing but a complete and decisive victory over the rebel will restore tranquility to the Island. I perceive by the rules forms sent by your last report that you are out of forms. I therefore send you some - We have no Maori papers to send you, we have too busy to get this Month through the press - but when that is accomplished will send you some - You must excuse the hasty unconnected nature of this epistle - as I am very busy, and shall therefore close by remaining Yours very truly Thomas Forsaith D. McLean Esqr.