Auckland Septr. 22, 1845 My Dear McLean - By return of Mr. Bolland I send you a line or two, though I have nothing particular to relate, excepting an event which has cast a gloom over all our spirits I mean the death of Mr. Skevington who fell down in Chapel last evening in an apoplectic fit and died almost immediately - This is a solemn warning to us all, to be also ready for "we know not the day nor the hour when the Son of Man cometh" - The poor widow will feel this most keenly I trust however she will be supported by Him who is peculiarly the help of the widows - Our public affairs are in much the same position as when Mr. Clarke wrote - The troops are