Wellington Sepr. 22 1870 Mrs.Bull's, near Union Bank, Willis Street The Hon. D. McLean, Dear Sir, Understanding that a Steamer will convey His Excellency, early next week to New Plymouth, and that the Government occasionally gives passages, I venture to ask for your good offices in procuring me one. Having alluded to Sir George Grey's good feeling toward me, I beg just to give the words in wh. he expresses it. In a letter from him of Jan. 20 '70, He says - ''I am very glad to hear you intend returning to New Zd. In another letter of Jan.1 He says this: Belgrave Mansions Grosvenor Gardens. My dear Sir, ''I received, as a New Years gift this morning, the very interesting present of your two Pamphlets. I wish you many happy returns of this day. Faithfully yours, (Signed) G. Grey. Sir Charles Clifford, in one of his letters to me, does me the honour to say - ''I am persuaded that there are few people to whom New Zealand owes more than to yourself. Your Works are ''Household Words''; and have saved me an infinite amount of trouble, for I recommend all who apply to me for information to read them''. Yours truly, C. F. Hursthouse