Auckland, 3rd October, 1846. My Dear McLean, I have just now known of an opportunity to write you and avail myself of it although only for a few lines. I have been rejoiced to hear you get on so well as you do and that your exertions meet with universal approbation. I am sorry however you have not had arms and other things essential for your force sent you yet and that a further delay must take place till the Victoria or some other vessel can be sent to New Plymouth. That I hope will take place very soon when you will have everything necessary to put your little corps on a respectable footing. The Legislative Council meets on Monday and we are just now all busy getting everything ready for the occasion. I have no late news to send you but I am happy to say the trade and revenue of this place are increasing fast and the people particularly the working classes are in a very prosperous state. I hope after the sittings of the Council are over to have a long incursion to the interior and I shall be very happy if I can stretch it towards any place where you may be. In the mean time excuse haste whilst I remain Yours truly, A. Sinclair.