of a letter from H.B. White Esq., 18th. Sept./46 Police of Wellington and other news. Received on the 10th. October. To:- Donald Maclean Esq. Inspector of Armed Police Taranaki. Have the kindness to forward the enclosed. Wellington 18th. September 1846 My dear McLean, You must for a long time have thought that I had forgotten I had a friend named McLean; but ever since I left you at Wanganui, I have been actively engaged in the field, - either in pursuit of Rangi, or occupying Pa's and other places, where it was impossible to write to anyone. I am not, as you suppose, in the Police, but still in the Militia. During the last campaign I had a Sub-Inspector (Chatham) and twenty Police with some Militia, under my command; and that gave rise to the report that I had been appointed. I believe it is to take place as soon as the Governor returns. He has been very kind to me, and thanked me for several times. I have been very very fortunate in escaping as I have, without a scratch. I have been appointed to do duty in town, since the 13th; I suppose as a relief from the harder duties of the outposts; but at the same time three Officers were dismissed in a most uncorteou manner, by Richmond. They consequently resigned their Commissions altogether. I am therefore the only Officer doing orderly duty here, so I have the benefit of being continually on guard. Durie is at Waikanae. I have therefore not been able to communicate your message to him. I suppose he has given you the particulars respecting the arrangement of the force, dress, and so on. I think, if I were you, I should have one man measured by a tailor at Taranaki, and send it down to a tailor here to make the dress the same as Durie's men. The remainder could be made at Taranaki. The Officers wore black trousers red stripe, blue jacket, red cuffs and collar, sling belt and glazed cap. They look very well. I wish you could come here for a few days. You would see that it is impossible to communicate by writing. There is a Court Martial sitting at Porirua, on the rebels. We hear that one has already been hung, and one is to be imprisoned for life. Miss Wakefield is to be married on Thursday. A great ball is to be given in the evening. Of course all the Campaigners are going. After the fatigues of War there is nothing like a Ball to set all right. There has been a breach of promise affair between Clifford and Miss Fitzgerald; damages claimed £2,000; and she got £100, so you may imagine that all was not right, when a lady claims so much and gets so little. Remember me kindly to Brown and all friends at Taranaki. I shall be able to answer your letters more regularly now, write often; and believe me. my dear McLean, Yours truly (Signed) W.B. White. To:- Donald Maclean Esq. Inspector of Armed Police. Taranaki.