Dedwood 27 March 1860 My dear McLean I hear that you are one of the big wigs at Taranaki, which in my exceedingly humble opinion, at least so my dim sight not behind the scenes, makes me think that knowing the immense influence you have with the tribes, you should have been kept in petto for negotiation and control elsewhere and not have been known as taking an active part in this row: however I suppose you are well aware that I am not the Governor and that my opinion is worth exactly its value -- You answer ''jist sae ma freend''. Well you must be better in health, and the Rheumatism must have gone -- its weel awa gin it bide but tak tent, I would add dont tak but live in a house at this season of mist and cold nights. The report Tom McDonnell told me which I repeated to you, was too premature, altho I know that there has been a great weakness and they have had a hard pull to keep the boats head to the wind. I fear you have no intention of returning here soon, as I hear that Withers the Qr. Master of the 65th your new built house which I am sorry for without you intend building on a beautiful site I could give you at Dedwood with a view and fresh air not to be equalled besides, Stuart the new Engineer a clever fellow from Edinburgh is now busy taking levels and making estimates for a Bridge of boats accross from my land to Stokes point on the North shore and he makes no hesitation at saying it must and will do: every one likes the idea, also we have now good roadsand bridges all the way from the city, to this. The news of Col. Golds progress and storming an empty Pah and gaining sundry kits of potatoes, is severely handled here by many and a man here pretty well up in the Govt. says the effect will be most damaging, and people saying where were the mounted escort as scorts, why was not one person got who knew the whole country and of the gully concealed by the Pah, why were not spies, and native spies employed to go round and round the Pa night and day and see if there was an outlet, and set careful watches all the night? why did they not remember Heke's slaughter of 120 men in at Taiamai Pa in 1845? How was it they made 3 places of attack and took from noon till dark with 1300 men 3 guns and rockets 80 men natives being in the Pah and no guns or rockets? How came it that amunition was short? How came it that it was not known by Mr. Paris that a gully was on the land he purchased? Such ase the remarks and many much worse and more bitter calling the leaders 2 old women -- well it is a bad job a little more vigour on the 1st onset and a proper look out with a division of troops to watch and prevent escape perhaps might have gained important prisoners when all would have ended; but now they say blood for blood and not put an end by pushing at the bud of war others may join costing treasure and lives -- let us hope for the best-- I have letter from Fitz and he appears to have had some badgering about being with you -- however it will blow over. There has been a discussion in the Council about J. P's for the town as Curling has no one to delegate to but honest Jamie Anderson and they have desired the Supert. to ask the Govr. to make 6 new ones -- John Curling wants Fitz for one, and Fitz wishes to have it, but the deputy. Govr. wont act, and I cannot do anything, and the Govr. himself would not heed me . Fitz certainly is a suitable person and from his old services and knowledge of the native language I think he is entitled to it, and would prove very useful -- The Govr. when he leaves here in May for Wellington does intend to return to Auckland his time was up in Feby. last -- If you should hear any whispers about who is to succeed him pray let me know -- I am, My dear McLean Yours most truly Fredk. A. Bell