Waiuku. May 22nd. 1872. Dear Sir, I thank you for your kindness in commanding me to apply for the New Zealand medal. I had no indention of sending in an application, having found since I became a Colonist twenty years ago that every claim or request I have preferred to Government, however just or reasonable, has been conseqquentially resisted. Referring to the interview with which you favoured me on the 18th. ulto., on the subject of my claim on the General Government, to a grant of land, as a retired Military Officer, I beg to state that after careful consideration, I am confirmed in my intention of not again troubling the General Assembly upon the subject. Did I again obtrude my insignificant affairs upon the attention of the State Legislature, engrossed with the control of millions of money, and ask it to pass a second Act in my favour, I might deservedly receive some of the vituperation so unjustly bestowed upon me on the former occasion. However, this is not the Parliament, the E.......(?) Committee of which, two years ago, recommended me for a grant, and which Parliament passed an Act respecting the other Officers recommended by the said Committee; but in which Act Government forgot to insert my name. This omission is sufficient to shew that the Ministry has the power to make to make this grant of land, the justice of bestowing which, no one can call in question, the claim being now twenty years old, and recommended by two "E.........(?) Committes", those of the Auckland Provincial Council, and the House of Representatives. I shall therefore feel extremely obliged by your communicating to me the final decision you have arrived at respecting my claim. I am Dear Sir, Yours truly, (Signed) J.C. Johnstone. To:-The Honourable D. McLean.