Napier 13 January 1863. My dear Bell, Thanks for your kind note of the 6 inst. With regard to the superintendency there is a general desire that I should accept that office. In the event of being elected I shall have no hesitation in resigning my present appointment although I did not clearly perceive from the relations subsisting between the Govt. and myself that I came within the disqualification act. If such however is the case the matter can be easily settled before the council meets or before any action is taken by me involving reference to the supreme court. The council will not meet till February. In the mean time I shall continue my present duties and shall feel obliged by your arranging the amount of compensation you will allow for past services in lieu of pension. I am well assured that my case could not be in better hands than in those of the present ministry, consequently I have every confidence that my claims will be fairly recognised. It is quite evident that a large responsibility in managing Native question in this Province must devolve upon me even if I am elected Supt. I shall be glad to devote all the time I can spare to such question subject to some arrangement as suggested by you respecting them. The Natives here are beginning to offer land for sale and it may become necessary to obtain authority to negotiate for the acquisition of land for the Province. I have disposed of several outstanding questions and I find the Natives are regaining confidence and working more smoothly than I at first anticipated in fact I am surrounded by them at all hours although previous to my arrival it was quite a novelty to see any number of them in town. I am going up the country today but intend to be back in time to write more fully to you by the mail steamer. I remain, My dear Bell, Yours sincerely, Donald McLean.