Napier Thursday July 8th Ma chere frere Great disappointment at your letters being late for the steamer. Few are afraid of traitors down there but offcourse you are watchful. Wish Ormond were down with you. He is such [a] weasel, knows all their political tricks. Suppose Stafford is doing his utmost to form a strong opposition. Great anxiety felt as to the result of the native feelings since getting yr last letter. I am so uneasy, full of trouble and anxiety. Trust it may prove uncalled for. Shall be so glad when your speech is over. Thought here it would take place today. Seems as if I lived in W[ellington] for my thoughts and anxiety are constantly centred there. So much so that I long wistfully for the Session to be over. Hear of a number of office seekers going down. Tanner & Tuke etc. Hope you will be enabled to get good men about you as scribblers. Kate & Archy came down last night. Alick came to town with natives this morning. Not seen him but hear he looks well. The soldiers of the 18th to get a dinner. Nice idea of the people for they deserve notice for their good behaviour. The officers probably will get a ball. Not approved off Herrick attacking the enemy at present. He is not thought the fit man to do it. He is inexperienced but is anxious to make a dash but it is not wise to allow a man to make his reputation at so great a risk to others. Military matters want entire change of men and officers. The prayer of everyone here is that Whitmore will be entirely dispensed with. Great agitation as to who is to be appointed here. Carlyon hinted at but far from popular, I mean (in Lambert's place). Hope Kate is well. Three lines are enough from you but do make her give me all particulars. Yrs A McLean