Auckland October 29th, 1869 Dear Sir, I feel exceedingly sorry for the difficult position in which you are placed. I must however get an absolute assurance that you will abstain from the use of all intoxicating liquors before I can. take up your case, and even then it would not be to reinstate you in your old office, which is not in my department. I remain etc. Signed, Donald McLean J. Grindell Esq., Napiur Auckland 29th October,1869 Dear, Hamlin, I got your letter some time ago and will talk to you about the bush land when I get to Napier. I am glad you are getting names to the Mortgage deed. Hoping you are well, I remain, etc. Signed, Donald McLean Auckland 29th October, 1869 My dear McDonnell, I need not tell you how delighted I am with your brilliant achievements at Taupo. Nothing could be better -I frequently think how fully you realised the hopes expressed by me during our conversations at Wellington when I advised you to feel your way quietly and you would soon have an opportunity of doing something to astonish your opponents and gratify your friends. I hear you are following up to Kooti to Manganui-o-te-ao a very rough country where I trust we may not be dragged into prolonged hostilities. Your own judgment will suggest what should be done, avoiding as much as you can any complications that may involve us with upper Whanganui or Maniapoto tribes. I am greatly pleased with the conduct of the forces both European and Native serving under you. I earnestly trust that by this time you have discovered te Kootis retreat I would not be surprised if he has gone to Maniapoto at their giving him up. His late defeat must dispel the awe and belief in his supernatural powers and this was required to place him in his true light before the imaginative Northern tribes. I do not suppose he has much sympathy now. I enclose a letter from Lucy Gray I wish you would ask her to send her letters through me that I may know what is going on. You may address me at Auckland for some time to come. I feel deeply vexed for Johnny St. George, he was a fine dashing fellow. Do not trouble yourself about writing as I know your time is fully occupied, but if you can now and again do so I shall feel greatly obliged. Officials will of course go through Ornond and I know you must have had many prejudices and difficulties to contend with. Your despatch on the engagement of the 4th was clear concise and above all, honest and truthful. Believe me to remain etc. Signed, Donald McLean Lieut. Col. McDonnell, Taupo Auckland November 2nd, 1869 Dear Colonel Rookes, I duly received your note yesterday but in consequence of having to leave Auckland for a few days I shall not have an opportunity of seeing you until my return when I shall be glad to have an interview with you at any time you may desire. I am etc. Signed, Donald McLean Colonel Rookes Auckland Auckland 16th Nov., 1869 Dear Sir, I have to acknowledge the receipt of your private letter of the 4th Inst, on the subject of the Goldfields and to thank you for the valuable information it contains. I remain, Yours truly, Signed, Donald McLean W. C. Brackenbury Esq., Auckland Auckland 16th Nov. 1869 My dear Sir, I am sending Hura and ten prisoners up to Rewi and Manuheri by Wiremu te PukaPuka in accordance with the promise made to them on the 9th instant. I cannot forget your kindness and attention but I refrain from saying much about it or making any acknowledgement for reasons you will understand, till some future time. Remember me kindly to Mrs.Lewis and all the children and Believe me to remain Yours very truly, Signed, Donald McLean Mr. Louis Hetit, Waikato Auckland, 16 Novr., 1869 My dear Fitzgerald, If you can find time I wish you would give me the benefit of your opinions on the course which ought now to be pursued with the King party. I know that we both differ and agree on many Native questions, but I have great faith in your views as to what should be done in the future and I am confident from the cordial manner in which we have worked together that you will give me the benefit of the long thoins of thought in which you indulge on this interesting subject. I now see my way to a settlement at Taupo -- if you still adhere to the intention of forming one there. If you wish, everything that takes place betweenus in native matters will be confidential. Always yours, Signed, Donald McLean Auckland 1st Decr., 1869 My Dear Sir, I enclose two letters for Manuhiri and one for Wite Pukapuka. I am glad to hear by your letters that matters are going on smoothly and trust the same state of things may continue. I suppose you will be in Town before Christmas. I should like to know what you intend to do with Henry or whether you would like him placed at a good school for a year or so. If you will permit my doing so the Government will gladly defray the expense. I saw some Waikato Hauhaus in town, they seemed to enjoy the visit here, they were hiefly from your neighbourhood and seemed jolly youngsters. Remember me kindly to Mrs.Hetit and all the family also the old Chief who resides near you. I remain, etc. Signed, Donald McLean Mr. Louis Hetit, Otorohanga Telegram. Auckland 1 Decr., 1869 To the Honble. McFox or Gisborne. In an article of the Southern Cross of the 29th November the following among other statements of a warlike nature appears. ''Meantime it has been resolved to carry on the survey of the land, if necessary'' By force and Mr.Buller the Resident Magistrate at Whanganui has proceeded to the Manawatu at the head of 100 armed Ngatiapas It is not very probable however, that fighting will be the result, the party of Natives opposing the is much weaker than the other'' From the progress of negociations with the Waikatos a few words from them would settle the Manawatu difficulty, not however, if the above course is adopted, which will be regarded as a direct violation of the compact recently entered into with them that fighting should cease. If the attainment of peace is to be frustrated by proceedings so utterly at variance with the professed non aggressive policy of the Government I cannot until I hear further from Wellington see my way to proceed with the negociations in which I am now engaged. My only hope is that the above report is unfounded. I cannot conceive that the Government at Wellington would decide upon a eourse involving fresh hostilities without reference to the Minister who is directly responsible for the conduct of Native affairs. Signed, Donald McLean Auckland 3 Decr., 1869 Dear Searancke, I am in receipt of your letter of the 29th ultimo in which you suggest it might be advisable to have a meeting of the King Natives at lower Waikato. I think it might be as well not to encourage a meeting for the present as it may be the means of exhibiting too great an anxiety to push matters forward, which are now going on as well as could be expected, and as Natives do not like to be hurried in anything they undertake to do, I have no desire to hurry them beyond their own inclinations in this instance. I remain etc. Signed, Donald McLean W.N. Searancke Esq., Waikato Auckland 18th Decr., 1869 My dear Mr.Williams, I received your long letter of the 12 ulto. in reference to the Manawatu question. I am always glad to have your opinions on Native matters and to consider any suggestions you may make, but I do not see that any advantage could be gained by prolonging a discussion on the merits of the Manawatu question after the case has been decided by the Court established for the purpose. My own impression is that the wisest course to adopt is to advise the natives to acquiesce in the judgment that has been arrived at, I should enter more fully on the subject but I am precluded from doing so as the steamer leaves in an hour. I remain etc. Signed, Donald McLean Auckland 17th December, 1869 My Dear Sir, I am sorry I was unable to call on you before leaving Shortland. I received your letter of the 15th instant intimating your desire to obtain a permanent appointment under the Provincial Government and asking me to interest myself on your behalf. I shall be very happy to do all I can to further your wishes and any application you may make to the Superintendent, if referred to me, will meet with my support. Yours etc. Signed, Donald McLean E. H. Power Esa. Auckland, 20th Decr., 1869 Dear Colonel Rooke, I received your official and private note enclosing letter from Captain Harrison applying for the New Zealand War medal for himself and his men The application will be duly recorded at the Defence Office and considered with others of a similar nature. I remain etc. Sgd. Donald McLean Extract. 23rd December, 1869 I hope you will not incur much expenditure on account of the £70.000 resolution except as part of an immigration scheme. I do not think our expenditure under this head should be large, or that the Colony should be at the expense of a recruiting office and staff in London. A few good men of the Artillery and Engineers with families might be useful, but be careful about choosing soldiers of the line, We have too many of them already and a great proportion of them are helpless except for fighting. In my opinion the great aim of the Commissioners should be to promote immigration and prepare to have it carried out on a large and comprehensive scale. I attach more importance to this than to all the other duties of the Commissioners. A part of the immigration should be from Germany but not selected at Hamburgh. I hope you will visit Germany for this purpose. There is land admirably suited to the requirements of the German peasant in all parts of both Islands. Depend upon that a Ministry that will not take an active part in immigration will not long possess the confidence of the Colony, better relations with the home Government are highly important, but to my mind immigration is the salvation of the country and if other Constituencies are like those of Auckland they will insist upon having it. Every house you enter, it is almost the first word that is spoken ''We have no servants. When are the Government going to bring out immigrants'' Men like Farmer are strong on this point and expect more from the action of the Commissioners in this direction than from anything else they can do. Immigration will secure peace, diminish our debt and place the Colony in a leading and prosperous condition. Urge this upon Featherstone. Troop question. I should like to be able to place them at Ngaruawahia. Not retained in large centre of population like Auckland people would grumble at paying for that Napier Whanganui Taranaki all right. Bear this in mind when negociating --- Requested Mr.Morrison to pay £12 to Messrs. Smith Elder and Co. and countermanding further papers. My dear Williamson, Any time will suit Vogel and myself that is convenient to you. I have not seen Vogel since I received your note, but I will arrange for a meeting at 11 a.m. tomorrow. I would have gone out this morning to see Mrs. Williamson and you but I have been up the whole of last night. Matters are working well at Waikato but the present is an anxious time. Mr. Vogel and I would be most ungrateful if we did not exert ourselves on your behalf. I remain always Yours sincerely, Signed, Donald McLean 25 January, 1870 Tauranga 20th January, 1870 Dear Captain Montgomerie, The late news from Auckland is to the effect that te Kooti is still near Patetere and that he is trying to make converts and get a larger stock of powder and ammunition professing that he does not wish to fight if he is not attacked. Of course the latter assertions may be taken for all they are worth. I go up to Auckland in the Tauranga tonight and I have asked Clarke and Fraser to supply you with any reports they may receive. I will endeavor to arrange for a combined attack, and matters are in fair progress, but it is not easy to arrange about transport when the work has to be done quietly, without creating alarm or giving the enemy notice. I should have called on board to see you but I have had a good deal of correspondence and conferences with Maories during the day. I remain etc. Signed, Donald McLean Auckland 22nd Jany., 1870 Dear Capt. Montgomerie, The force under McDonnell has marched from Taupo to attack te Kooti. I fear he may escape by Rotorua to the Uriwera Country, and although already warned I am sending the 'Favorite' to urge upon Clarke to get the Arawa to cut off his retreat. The Airedale arrived from Sydney yesterday but she brings no news of importance. I have sent to the Post office to enquire for your letters and if there are any will forward them - I remain etc. Signed Donald McLean True Copy Auckland, Feby.19th, 1870 My dear Clarke, Mr. Fox arrived yesterday and after a Cabinet meeting it was decided that the Uriwera expedition should be composed exclusively of Natives and that the European force should be stationed for the present at or near Maketu to be available fo for removal elsewhere. The plan therefore is to let the Arawa advance from their own district under the leadership of their own chiefs. The Whanganuis under Kemp and Topia, Ropata to advance from Poverty Bay side and Henare Tomoana from Wairoa, Hawkes Bay side, each party if they succeed in crushing te Kooti will receive instead of daily pay a lump sum for their services. This will effectually scour the Uriwera Country of the set of murderous bands that regard that district as their stronghold. McDonnell, I want to come to Auckland. Hay is dispensed with. If Gilbert Mair or his Brother is acceptable to the Natives they may either one or both go. You have now an outline of what we propose, you must fill up details and give the expedition your able co-operation. Ormond is on the alert and acting from his side. Ropata leaves in full fig to do his part and may good luck attend the expedition. As each of these several tribes will take an equally active part in apprehending te Kooti, Evenif only one of them succeed, yet in justice all who take part must share in the reward to be given and it is hoped they will cooperate and work in concert. I am inclined if te Kooti and Kereopa are caught or killed to give each of the four tribes engaged £5000 each, but no pay if work not done, this will have to be worked with care. The Government finding certain supply of Biscuit, and sugar and the necessary ammunition. Hawkes Bay people offer services without pay and are ready for work. With respect to the Tauranga Hauhaus my idea is to write to Manuhiri to ask him to cause these Natives to remain quiet. Tupare or Enoka should also write to them. If they remain quiet nothing should be done to them, a collision brought on in any way by us might embroil us with Waikato, in fact there is a desire to fight and regain Waikato, but the King does not consent. Te Kao Kao and the Mokau people are all in favor of it, We must distinctly make our acts appear as directed against te Kooti only, and his band of ruffians, any departure from this would be attended with much risk and you should avoid doing so as much as possible - You are aware that there is a quantity of stores at Maketu available if you require them. The Stores I am sending today per "Sturt" to Matata consist of 4 tons of biscuits 1 Ton Sugar, those are also at your disposal I wish you would go down by the "Sturt" to look after affairs at Maketu and Matata and to write to the Natives as I may not have written to the proper parties. I am sending letters open through you. I expect the Tauranga with official report of Kemp's affair before sending the "Sturt" yet I look at every moment as precious and wish was off. Yours, Signed, Donald McLean 17th Feby., 1870 My dear Sir, I received your letter of the 15th Inst. and I feel much obliged to you for the suggestions and information it cont ns. The conversation you had with te Hira shows that he is still obstinate but at the general meeting if he finds he is not well supported by the claimants I think he will give way. At least to such an extent as will let the majority deal with their own land. The news about te Kooti is likely to be correct, hoping to hear from you from time to time and with thanks for your letter. I remain etc. Signed, Donald McLean John W. Thorp Esq., Ohinemuri Auckland 5 March, 1870 My dear Sir, May I request that you will have the goodness to enquire into the circumstances connected with Aperahama Tamaeparea's visit to Waitotara. You will also do your utmost to prevent any ill-feeling or collision between him and the settlers. Mr.Fox who is up at Waikato with the Governor and all of us would be very vexed to hear of any interruption to the present progress of peaceful pursuits by any rush or inconsiderate action. I shall feel obliged by your sending me the latest Native news. Your last letter to Mr.Fox gave a very hopeful account of the state of affairs on the West Coast and I sincerely trust this may continue - I remain, Yours very truly, Signed, Donald McLean Walter Buller Esq., R. M. Auckland 5th March, 1870 My dear Major Noake, I observe by the late news from Whanganui that there is a disposition to create fresh difficulties and complications with the Natives. I refer more particularly to an article in the Herald respecting Ape visit to Waitotara of the 26th Feby. Any recurrence to hostilities would be fatal to the prosperity of the West Coast and would be much deplored By Mr.Fox and all of us. I expect Aperahama has gone back and that nothing need be apprehended on this account. Yet I deem it right to urge upon you not to sanction or countenance any action that may lead to hostilities unless the natives commit some outrage in the first instance. Mr.Fox has gone up the Waikato with the Governor. I expect him back in a few days. I remain, Yours very truly, Signed, Donald McLean Major Noake, Patea Cancelled Auckland 5th March, 1870 Dear Major Noake, I observe in the Whanganui Herald of the 26th Feby. a very intemperate article respecting Aperahama Tamaeparea's visit to Waitotara. In Mr.Fox's absence who has gone to Waikato with the Governor I abstain from making any public comment on the subject as the chief management of affairs on the West Coast have been in Mr.Fox's hands and I would rather that he should act in the matter. In Mr.Fox's absence I write to guard against your being led into any collision with the Natives until you receive definite instructions from Mr.Fox who with all of us would much deplore a recurrence of hostilities on the West Coast. I remain, Yours very truly, Signed, Donald McLean March 23rd, 1870 My dear Domett, I received your letter respecting the grant of land for St.George and I quite agree that it should be granted elsewhere than at Poverty Bay where the conditions are too stringent considering how the young fellow traveller lost his life on the field of battle. The Grant must be enlarged. I always felt that he was badly treated and on accession to office I immediately increased his pay. No one could feel his loss more than I did. I remain, etc. Signed, Donald McLean Auckland 23 March, 1870 My dear Capt.Palmer, I cannot tell you how deeply I feel the kindness and attention shown by yourself and your officers to the late Leut.Col.Fraser for whom I had a great personal esteem, although precluded from addressing you officially by the rules of the Service I do not the less feel the friendly and cordial feeling that you and your officers have displayed. May I ask of you to intimate privately if it can be done, to your officers, how very much their kindness on this occasion is appreciated by the Colonists. I remain etc. Signed, Donald McLean Auckland 18th May, 1870 Dear Mr.Williams, I have received your letter respecting Mr.Hopkins Clarke. Since my return from the North it was found necessary to make certain changes in the Bay of Plenty and other districts requiring the services of an efficient clerk and interpreter at Tauranga, where the resident Magistrate Lieut. Col. Moule requires such assistance as he is imperfectly acquainted with the Maori language. Mr. Clarke suggests himself to me as most suitable for this appointment, and after giving the matter every consideration I am of opinion that you ought to be able to carry on the affairs of your district with the occasional assistance of an interpreter when required. And I observed when last at the North there was no lack of persons possessing a full knowledge of the Maori language. I find that taking on fresh officers will be unnecessary as even should your duties be so much increased as to require greater assistance than an occasional interpreter, that assistance can be afforded by officers already in the Service. I need not assure you that I am perfectly satisfied with your proceedings and that Mr. Hopkins Clarke's removal is made on public grounds and with a view of inducing further economy. I remain etc. Signed, Donald McLean Maketu 24th May, 1870 Dear Preece, I am sorry I shall not have an opportunity of seeing you although I expect to be some days at Whakatane and Opotiki. The pay for your people has been ready for them for some time, but owing to Mr. Clarke's illness there has been some delay in paying it over. I am much pleased with the surrender of the Uriwera, I think the war may now be said to be broken up, if so you have done such good service that I intend to provide permanent employment for you as far as I am able to do so. Tamaikoha is back again to Ohiwa and is visited by the friendly natives. Keep me well posted with information while at Wellington. I am anxious to get the natives paid off as soon as possible and hope you will effect as economical arrangements with them as you can. I find the Taupo Natives have incurred debts at Tauranga I told Mr. Gill to write to you about this that deductions may be made to meet them. etc. etc. Signed, Donald McLean Nelson 25th September, 1869 My dear Mr. Wilson, I received yours from Canterbury just as I was leaving for Taranaki and Auckland. I quite agree with you that the Home opinions are undergoing a great change from what used to be the strong Exeter Hall feeling and the justice of punishing outrage and crime is more recognised, so far a good deal has been gained and while we adhere to the usages of civilised warfare England will be glad to let us alone as to the mode or means of conducting the war. I hope Fox and you will come to an amicable arrangement about going Home and that you will be able to secure on easy terms some of the modern war appliances which were procured for the Abyssinian Expedition and which are now in the possession of the Indian Government. I do not feel so sanguine as you do about the speedy settlement of the War, unless indeed we had a good many more imbued with your enthusiasm and spirit. At the same time the mission to England is clearly a step in the right direction and you should not on trifling grounds abandon it. In any case I trust that our friendship of many years will not be in the least impaired by any slight misapprehensions that may have arisen, I would write at greater length but I must get on board the Ashley or lose passage. Ever yours truly Signed, Donald McLean J. Cracroft Wilson Esq., C.B. Cashmere Auckland October 13th, 1869 My dear Parris, I expect you will have some trouble with the Flax Companies, but as you will perceive the same privilege is not to be conceded on the same terms in future. The inhabitants of Taranaki are fairly entitled to the first care and consideration, this they have received and future companies must in the interests of the Public be differently dealt with. I am cutting out plenty of work for you as you will perceive by officials transmitted by this mail. I am glad you have started for the Coast and hope to hear of a successful mission. You must not by any means give the slightest hope or encouragement to the settling of any friendly or returned rebels in the vicinity of Patea as they would run very great risks by doing so. Major Noake is in possession of the views of the Government on this subject and you will afford him every co-operation and assistance. Mr.Booth is not to return to Patea, several of his acts have been destitute of prudence and foresight. I hope you will find the Native board of very great assistance and advantage to you. I send you privately a rough outline of what I propose but of course it requires the concurrence of my colleagues before it is finally adopted. I have got so many matters to attend to that I cannot add more today. Tomorrow I leave with the Governor for Kaipara. Write frequently and fully, mark private when you desire it to be so, I trust you have a better prospect in store for you at Taranaki. Yours very truly, Signed, Donald McLean R. Parris Esq. Taranaki Auckland 13th October, 1869 My dear Mrs. Domett, I can assure you I feel most deeply for you under your present grief and severe trial. I know how much attached you were to your son who was most deservedly an universal favorite, and his loss not only as a personal friend but as a most brave and dashing officer will long be felt by myself and many others. Every effort will be used to have his remains taken to Wellington and his personal effects carefully preserved. I have written to Mr.Ormond on the subject. I remain etc. Signed, Donald McLean Mrs. Domett Auckland Auckland 14th October, 1869 My dear Colonel Elliot, By some accident I did not receive your letter of yesterday till today and I hasten to send a list of the articles that may be required by the Colonial Government, but I should like to have a list of the prices before concluding a purchase. I return the Book herewith and have to apologise for not replying earlier in the day. I remain &c. Signed, Donald McLean Colonel Elliot, Auckland Auckland, 26th October, 1869 My dear Manning, I send you rough sketch of the confiscated lands at Waikato. I find there is scarcely any land left on the banks of the river and the best even in the back country is selected and taken up. You will therefore see that we cannot give much land of any value, but some will be given for Potatau's family if it should appear necessary. I received yours from the Bay of Islands and feel most anxious to hear from you since you got to Hokianga. The Waikatos are nibbling but I am standing still till I hear from you, in the mean time I may take a cruise to the Waikato as I have various defence matters to look after. I saw your son a few days ago, he is quite well and looks forward to his trip north with considerable pleasure. Hoping you are in the enjoyment of your usual good sp spirits, I remain etc. Signed, Donald McLean When do you think I should visit the Bay?