Letter from W.N. Searancke, to D. McLean Esq. dated 9th. September 1856. September 9th, 1856. D. McLean Esq. Dear Sir, Your brother, Mr. A. McLean, requested me, on my arrival home, to announce his safe arrival with his horses at his destination. We were seventeen days from Otawhao to the Ahuriri. The road, for the first 110 miles, is pretty good; rivers and swamps excepted. The last 50 miles is fearful, --- the steepest ascents and descents I ever saw; and numerous crossings of rivers; which, in rainy weather, would be quite impassable. We had beautiful weather, and rivers low; but the current is so swift and strong, and footing so indifferent, that a novice has but a small chance; in fact, we had a narrow escape, having to rope two of our party over one rivers for fear they would be carried away. Might I take take the liberty of requesting that you will bear in mind, if there is anything doing, or likely to be done; or if His Excellency should (as I hear from report) make a trip through the Interior this Summer. I shall be happy to offer my services, if you would mention my name as Interpreter, guide, or anything that is in my power; or if I could be of any assistance to you, should you be going out anywhere this Summer, purchasing land. I should be extremely obliged to you if you could put anything in my way. Mr. A. McLean expressed his determination to come through the Interior again in January, to Auckland, to return with his horses to the Ahuriri. I am, dear Sir, Yours obliged (Signed) Will. N. Searancke. Waipa. To:- Donald McLean Esq.