New Plymouth 26th March 1853 Dear Sir, I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th instant apprising me that Mr. Fitzgerald had applied to have me appointed to assist him in the Ahuriri survey, and to send you a copy of my reply to the offer of the appointment subsequently made by the Civil Secretary. For this I am aware that I am entirely indebted to your interest, and I cannot express how much I feel your kindness or regret that after having solicited employment in the Public --- service I should find myself declining it. The circumstances however