Stapleton Coromandel Septr. 12 1861 My dver dear Friend I have for some time past been wishing to write to you but was prevented by my hand from doing so it is a little better now therefore I trust that I shall be able to finish this before another Vessall sails from here which I think will be tomorrow as I see that the Bessy is now coming in. You will see from an official letter of mine that the Gold has again attracted the notice of parties many reports are about such as that 3 men on Monday got 3 or I believe that they got about 1/2 oz but they were but a short time at work had they continued the whole day with the same success perhaps they may have got that quantity I am very cautious in receiving reports I thought it my duty to give the information so that the Government may know the truth and not have to depend on flying reports on which they cannot depend I find from Walter who saw the gold that the three men were about 2 hours making their long Tom and washing the Gold they had to give up as the bushmen had let off the dam and there was too much water in the creek there are 2 or 3 men here who had had good experience in other diggins they will be disengaged in a few days when I believe that they will go to work There is also a party who are determined to go to work at the I have just seen a small nugget that was washed out yesterday of a dark yellow colour very heavy for its size all pure gold The men who have worked in California etc say that they have not any doubt that that plenty of gold will be found in this Harbour before long they are I beleive going to try to get up a Company to work it I will constantly report as I can ascertain facts but not rumers as they will only misslead I see from the last debates in the House that the present Government have determined to do away with the present Land Department after the current year and also that great changes are contemplated in the Native dept I think that in the Native dept some changes such as that suggested in my report is needed but from what I gather from Mr Ross speak he wishes to anialate both offices but he does not propose what would take its place But Sir G Grey will most likely devise his own plans when he arrives I trust that my salary may continue until something else opens or I do not know what I shall do as everything at present is in a bad state so far there has not been any return I have determined to give up the farm to my sons and let them make what they can of it as soon as I can get a Position so that I can make a comfortable living for Mrs P. and myself and be thereby able to help the boys until they get a return I trust that you will be able o do something for me with Sir George Grey by recommending me to a situation connected with the Natives I have never meet Sir G Grey but he knows me by name and I think is favourably impresed in my favour I put my services entirely at the disposal of the Government and would go to whatever part of the colony they chose for me I think that they may find my services of use to them. I have no doubt but that you will have great influence with Sir George Grey I shall be glad to hear from you I will prepare the sensus when the information which I have culled arrives. beleive me dear Sir to remain yours very truly James Preece D. McLean Esqr. Native land purchase office Auckland