Waiapu May 27th. 1868. My dear McLean, I received your letter yesterday by Hotene. The non arrival of the Prince was I suppose a great disappointment to all who had been making preparations for his reception. Your trip to Auckland and visit to the Governors was a pleasant change. I hear that Auckland is beginning to look up a little owing to the gavourable aspect of the gold diggings. There is a vessel at present on the Coast here chartered by a Chief at Kennedy's Bay, taking in provisions of all kinds for the supply of the diggers at that place. We must hope that things will soon brightenn up a little, now that the Colony has got to so low an ebb - they generally do. I am sorry that you have been hearing such a bad account of Morgan as I believe it to be very far from the truth. There are many reasons which the Natives one and all give for objecting to the measures as announced to them by Biggs of taking possession of Blocks of Land irrespective of ownership Loyal or Hauhau, which I alluded to fully in my last letter to you a few weeks ago. They are only advocating their own view of the question. I could tell you a good deal more of the matter which I will not write. But be slow to believe anything predjudicial to Morgan unless you are well assured of the disinterestedness of your informant. A Requisition signed by some hundreds to Hotene requesting him to be a candidate to represent them in the Assembly was sent to me too late unfortunately to be of any use, as he was absent with you and there was no time to let him know of it. He is a very good man and would have done credit to the position. There is no man all along the Coast even up the Bay of Plenty who is held in higher esteem. The writer of the article in the H.B. Herald must have been Wood's brother in law who I believe corresponds with him - I have not seen it. I am glad to hear that Ferard has at last resolved to make himself publicly useful. He will be a valuable addition to your Council. We are all well. It would be a great kindness if you or Ferard would send us a fewpapers occasionally. Old Mrs. Keast is almost in despair with our desert life here. She and my wife join me in kindest regards to you and your sister. Yours ever J. H. Campbell. Remember us to Ferard and all other friends.