Wellington Nov. 19, 1855 My dear Drury, I was delighted to receive your letter from Auckland of the 17 ult. The Governor had most beautiful weather during his three days stay at Taranaki and he seemed much pleased with the place and people, he did not see many of the natives and considering their belligerent state it was quite as well, he issued a proclamation for calling out the militia but the people do not appear very anxious to perform military duties, Katatore was losing his supporters and both parties were becoming tired of the conflict, the settlement was altogether in a satisfactory state when we left. Nugent was anxious to get back to Auckland, but considering the expense of sending troops and erecting barracks it seemed impolitic to send them back until the feud was terminated, consequently they will be retained there for a fewmonths longer, then the placewill be garrisoned by 300 of the 65 Regt. At Nelson we had very bad weather the Governor lived at Mr.Taylor boarding house and declined going out to any parties excepting once or twice privately to Richmonds, both he and Mrs. Brown are very much liked in these settlements. The Zingari has gone to Canterbury leaving the Governor here until she again returns from Auckland, he is very anxious to go to Ahuriri but whether he will be able to accomplish it in time to go back with you to Auckland is uncertain I wish he had availed of your offer to come round in the Pandora. Domett was elected after a keen contest by a considerable majority for the town of Nelson and he will now be in his proper place as one of the new ministry that will be formed next session. Bell and Ludlam have been elected for the Hutt. Featherstone Clifford and Fitzherbert for Wellington also Ward the lawyer. Mr.Brown is going to give evening parties here every tuesday. I am leaving today for Whanganui to settle some questions there and shall return here in 10 days when I shall again rite to you about the Governors movements. The boy we left here with Strang is a very fine active lad I intend to put him on my staff as interpreter but he seems to like his present situation too well to desire a change - the sum you left with Strang I shall invest either in cattle or land for him. I trust Mrs.Drurie enjoys herself at the Archdeacons she could not be at a nicer place or with a more pleasant family when you see her give her my very kind regards. Mr.Strang is always enquiring for her and frequently alludes to his early school acquaintance with her father. They have spared no pains in making govt. house comfortable for His Excellency and suite, in this respect they play their cards much better than the Auckland people. We have no important European news - a small vessel of 40 tons 12 horse power has arrived from Melbourne with English news to the 27 July - Lord John Russell has resigned and is not likely to resume office again in a hurry. The disclosures in reference to the Vienna conference are fatal as regards his future political career Sir William Molesworth is likely to be Colonial Minister. Your friend McLeverty does not look at all well althouh he moves about as actively as ever. All your other Wellington acquaintances are quite in their usual no earthquake shocks felt of late. I remain, My dear Drury, Yours very sincerely, Donald McLean Richmond has got his new house nearly finished he and Miss R. frequently spoke of both Mrs.Drurie and yourself and I heard him speakin very high terms of your worship to His Excellency I only wish if it did not interfere with your promotion that we could keep you in New Zealand altogether. Have you been to the Priests as yet and how do affairs get on at Ahuriri I am glad to have had an opportunity of being so much our new ruler I like him so far very much indeed. D.McL.