Napier, Jan. 24, /71. Dear McLean, Just a line about old Lambert - Do give him the command and adj. of the Southern H. Bay District with what pay you can - I know there is no vote, but you can manage it as it is a Prov. charge, and we need not raise any question - Many of your friends and mine have urged me to get you to do this - it is well known the old fellow has all he can do to struggle on and it is thought here you may well forgive him now his folly of former times - Moreover many of the Militia officers want to have some one appointed who can teach them their duty now the Militia is called out it is necessary - and old Withers has more on his hands than he can manage - If you will do it appoint him as soon as possible so that the Militia may get the benefit of his drilling - it is called out very soon now. Gollan goes to Auckland by next Steamer with his step-daughter and taking old Anderson with him - He will tell you the people here would consider it a gracious and kind act on your part to appoint old Lambert. I shall write on other subjects - Yours always, J.D. Ormond.