New Plymouth 9th March 1869 My dear Mr. McLean, The diabolical manner in which our mutual, beloved friend Mr. Whiteley has come to his end here has carried my reflections back to a period when you were with us, and then labouring with him and other philanthropists for the elevation of the Native character: for the improvement in the social moral and spiritual condition of the Maoris; amongst whom In my belief we had no business to have come unless prepared to assist by our example at least in bringing about such improvement. There has been a very melancholy failure - Not total - I would feign indulge the hope that it is but partial - And I fully believe that we have in New Zealand patriots both among the Colonists and the Aborigines who if they were brought to act together might yet save this country from ruin - From an observance of the Native character especially in my dealings with them as a magistrate I have been led to the conclusion that it is very