Wanganui 16th. Oct. 1848. My dear Maclean, Your letter of the 30th. Sept. I duly received and beg to return you many thanks for the trouble you have taken with my concerns more particularly as I am aware how much your time is occupied at present. Will you be as good as store any things you may have got for us till an oportunity occurs to send them here that I think will not be long as King intends leaving very soon, I just heard that he has got his house let or sold to Government as an hospital this of course will hasten his departure and the oats, flour, chairs etc. can be sent by the vessel that takes him to New Providence - I fear you must have made a mistake when you say four pounds per acre for Lakeman section with houses and that would be less than he offered it for last year viz. £250 will you be so kind as to send me a statement of all the particulars at your earliest convenience, or if you should not be able to afford time for this perhaps my worthy friend Dr. Wilson would take that trouble. You are expected here immediately to purchase all the land between this place and Porirua from the settlers to select the compensation land from, so that I am not sure but this may pass you on the way here. I saw Mr. Skinner here on his return from Taupo (where he is to be stationed) he told me that Manaia was much dissatisfied and denied having received any payment for the land, otherwise we are very quiet. Be so good as tell Dr. Wilson that I would have answered his letter by this post but have been occupied all day getting signatures to the claims sent in by the settlers here to the Committee at Wellington. Give my best regards to Mr. Wickstead and say I shall look after his interest here and endeavour to dispose of his town sections. We had at 2 o'clock this morning one of the severest shocks of earthquake we have ever experienced here with the exception of one in 1843 which was rather more violent but not of such long duration. I never saw Mrs. C. so much afraid, the first shock was followed by 14 or 15 others more or less severe. I have not heard of any damage in consequence. Mrs. C. joins me in best regards to you and all our friends in paradise and I believe me ever My dear McLean, very sincerely yours, M. Campbell.