Otaraia, Wairarapa, 21st Oct., 1853. Dear Featherstone, You will be glad to hear that the purchases here are going on very satisfactorily. I returned yesterday from the head of the valley having purchased Collins place and a large tract of country besides extending towards Manawatu including the forty mile bush, and various other plains of fertile land which it was generally supposed the natives would never alienate. To secure these lands I have paid the natives £1000 the only sum at present at my disposal, the final arrangements and total price for the whole will be settled after my return from Hawkes Bay, in the meantime I have instructed Capt. Smith to explore these districts ascertain the extent probable value native reserves and furnish a sketch of the whole for our guidance in completing the negotiations with the natives. Te Hapukv is with me and doing good service. At Hawkes Bay I shall also make large purchases and a few thousand pounds to close the bargains before I leave for Auckland will be very necessary say £5000 for the unpurchased parts of Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay. I may safely say that you will never have another opportunity of purchasing to such advantage. The people in the country are so apathetic about elections that as you desire to have Bell in your Council I do not suppose there will be much opposition. I leave today for Hawkes Bay and expect to return in about three weeks I trust Bell and you will send up £2000 at least for me to Capt. Smiths that I may go on purchasing at once after my return I shall afterwards take to Hapuka on with me from here to Wellington where we can arrange terms with him for the unpurchased lands at Hawkes Bay. I remain, My dear Dr. Featherstone with every wish for success in your new and important office, Yours, etc. (Signed) Donald McLean.