Auckland, 22 October, 1865. My dear "Mr. Superintendent", I will not do you the injustice of supposing that you have thought ill of me, for not having sooner acquitted myself of the obligation to you under which I have lain for so long a period, but trust that you will have attributed it to the true and only cause, the want of the opportunity of discharging it sooner - That period has, however, at last arrived, and I lose no time in availing myself of it, and sending to you, enclosed herewith, a Draft on the Union Bank at Wellington for the same (£50) with which you so kindly came to my assistance in my difficulties, which I had little idea at that time would have provd so formidable. You will, I am sure, be glad to hear that they are now all and happily at an end, and I am certain you will rejoice at it on no account so much as on that of Lady Gibbes, who, you may imagine, has gone through much suffering of every description. We propose still living at Wangarei (not in our old quarters, but) in a small property which I have just bought from Mr. Bree, formerly belonging to Mr. Webbe, where I trust we shall be very comfortable, although I do not feel certain that I may not be tempted to launch once more on the sea of politics, but on this point I shall require much consideration and advice, from any of my friends who may be disposed to give it me, and on whose judgment I can rely. May I include amongst the number? You will doubtless be amused at the idea which appears to have taken possession of the good people in England, that things are settling, or settled, down, here into a state of peace and calm. Heaven grant that the prospect, for as yet it is a prospect, may soon be realized. With my renewed best thanks and gratitude for your kindness, believe me, my dear friend, Very sincerely yours, S. Osborne-Gibbes.