Napier Hawkes Bay, 21st. Decr. 1865. My dear Sir Osborne, I received you kind favor of the 22nd. Oct. enclosing an order on the Union Bank for fifty pounds. I can assure you I feel exceedingly glad to hear both on your own and Lady Gibbes account that all the difficulites to which you have been exposed are so happily removed. In reference to politics my own impression is that the country requires men of your experience and standing to take some part in public affairs, and if you can spare the time I should certainly advise you to devote some attention to politics. You are fond of an active life, well versed in all that relates to official routine, and I need not say that I as well as many others would be delighted to see you in the Assembly -- I mean the House of Representatives not the Lords. The little Province of Hawkes Buy a favorite place of yours, and the war on the East coast keeps me fully employed. I should have acknowledged your letter sooner, absence from home has interfered with my doing so. With very kind regards to Lady Gibbes. I remain, My dear Sir Osborne, Sincerely, Donald McLean.