Auckland Decr.7th./62. My Dear McLean, I have been to Auckland where I hoped to have seen you but fear I shall not now. I have no news particular to tell you the natives down our way are as usual friendly but by neither new or old institutions can the law be enforced amongst them. I have seen the Governor and that is about I expect as much as any one can say, for I don't think any one can make out what he is thinking of but it does not much matter I should say for things will take their inevitable course either with or without him. The natives down our way feel sure we shall soon have war with the South or Waikato - they all think this but can give me no reason for thinking so - except that we shall be put out of patience by the aggressions of the Southern natives they may however be mistaken as the Governor is a stoic, by which I mean one who denies that misfortunes are an evil. I have just to please you written another book you told me to do so and so as it is written to order I shall hold you responsible for all the stupidities of said work. It will be out in a few days so you will be able to lay your hands on one when you arrive. I left another letter for you at Gilfillans or rather sent it to him for you from Hokianga. You will get it along with this. Since I heard from you our poor friend McCabe has departed and I am glad to hear that of his many acquaintances at least endeavoured to sooth his parting hours - had I been at Auckland I should have done what I could also. I very deeply regret poor McCabe. He was a man of a rare literary talent and a good fellow besides. We shall not soon see his like here again. Tell us what you think of the book. One thing I am sure of it will astonish the Cockneys and also if I am not mistaken bother the Maori Doctors a little I must here tell you that all the scenes and incidents related are quite true even those which might appear invention - are not so - but I need not tell you this either for you will recognise the Maori customs and manners as correct when you read the book. I should most particularly have wished to see you and to have had one good korero but fear as I shall be obliged to leave in a few days I shall not have the opportunity I hope my Dear McLean however that time has in store for us many pleasant meetings untill when I am yours ever sincerely, F.E. Maning.