Letter from Donald McLean, to the Honble, the Colonial Secretary dated 9th. November 1849. Relating to his being employed on the Wairarapa purchase. Taranaki 9th. November 1849 Sir, In acknowledging the receipt on the 5th. instant, of your despatch of the 2nd, ultimo, I have the honor to state that the several letters and instructions therein, alluded to in reference to my being employed on the Wairarapa purchase, have not yet come to hand. This, however, is accounted for, in your subsequent despatch of the 22nd, ultimo, which states that these letters are awaiting me at Mr. Duncan's, on the Manawatu. The first intimation I received of the Wairarapa purchase being placed under my directions, was on the 22nd. ultimo, in a Note I was favoured with from His Excellency, the Lieutenant Governor. I can assure you that it is my most anxious desire to resume the Manawatu negotiations, and undertake the Wairarapa purchase, as soon as possible; but I have felt the necessity of remaining here longer than I expected, from an accumulation of duties connected with Taranaki, that have, up to the present, demanded my constant attention; for instance, - I have had to settle several payments due for Blocks of land acquired from the natives since 1847, - to settle various differences throughout the district, some of them affecting the European settlement, - to encourage and countenance those natives favourable to the disposal of land; as their being overlooked might close up the field for future negotiations, - to keep up a general correspondence with the natives of this extensive district; and to arrange and leave such matters, as far as practicable, in such a settled state as would enable me on my return to the South, to give my undivided attention to the important negotiations there, with which I have the honor of being entrusted. By the last Overland Mail from Auckland, I received intelligence that Sir George Grey would shortly arrive here; and as there are various important matters connected with land and other native affairs, at this settlement, which I am anxious to bring personally under Sir George's notice, I hope I may be permitted to remain, to avail myself of this opportunity to do so. Should I however, hear by next Saturday's mail, that the Governor-in-Chief's visit is likely to be in any way delayed, I will proceed on my journey to the Manawatu next week. I have the honor to remain Sir, Your most obedient servant, (Signed) Donald McLean Inspector of Police. To:- The Honble, The Colonial Secretary.