missions to do, and then by losing the favourable moment we los our chances altogether. Emigrants are going in shoals to other places, we are having none out. However, by next mail I dare say Featherston or I will be able to make some suggestion for the Assembly to with. We tried to do so by this mail, but it is literally true that we have not had a moment up to the main question of the troops, and have not been able to go and see a single relation or friend. I was greatly shocked to hear of poor Paterson and Balfour's deaths. No two men could have been worse spared. Mrs. Bell is pretty well, but this awful fog and and cold hasn't been pleasant. Ever yours, F. D. Bell Hon, W. Gisborne