Auckland, 5th. August 1872. My dear Mr. McLean. Te Wanga Wanga brought me the enclosed letter from my brother-in-law, Spofforth, in answer to the one I wrote to him in June last, at your request, enquiring the price of young horses, up to 12 and 15 stone. The price Spofforth mentions with other matters, is over the sum I thought at the time you spoke to me; but light carrying horses are almost certain to command a good price in any market; and even the price mentioned is cheap to New Zealand prices. When I hear further, I will let you know. It is hard work doing nothing; but my present position will not let me do otherwise. I hope you received my report. I sent it through Dr. Pallem. There is no news I have heard, of interest to you, except that the flare up about Te Kooti appears to have ended in smoke. Very likely Rewi, who is no fool, will make capital of his "Mokai", and no doubt thinks it would be as foolish to give him up, as I think an expedition Just now, to capture him, might be. I will write further, if there is anything to tell. Yours sincerely, (Signed) Thos. McDonnell. To:- The Hon. D. McLean.