Letter from N. Hanson Turton, to Donald McLean Esq. dated November 22nd, 1859. COPY Auckland, November 22nd, 1859. My dear Sir, We are most happy to hear that you are now recovering, though slowly, from your recent attack of Rheu. fever. Surely it must have been occasioned by your generous, but reckless inattention to bad weather. Why not take things a little easier? I know, well enough, what the expectations of all the Provinces are; and that your services are desired and required at every place, and in all places at once. But then, as this cannot possibly be done, I certainly would not destroy my health in trying to satisfy such unreasonable expectations. Remember that yours is a valuable life, - all things considered, perhaps the most valuable of any in the Colony, because it cannot be superceeded or supplemented by that of any other; and hence the greater necessity of extra carefullness on your part, not to endanger its health and usefulness. Mata and I, with the boys, often talk about you being laid up with afflictions in such a sequestered spot as Castle Point; and without, perhaps, any lady to nurse you; for after all, the gentlemen are but poor substitutes in that affectionate capacity. Glad that Mr. Searancke is with you, for he is a dear soul, I have no doubt, and will do his utmost to assist you in your hours of pain and solitude. And yet, why say solitude? for is not our Heavenly Father always present in all places, and especially to them who believe and call upon Him? Fear not, therefore. All our afflictions, however severe, are but for a moment; but if properly received, will have a permanent effect on our future welfare. I would like, much, to be with you; but that cannot be. But you must come up again to Auckland as soon as possible, and recruit. From my two former letters you would learn something of my doings since you left us. I was five months away, at Coromandel, Thames, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Waipa, and Waikato; and have since been two months at home, busily engaged in writing, etc., all the time. So now I am off again, on another Circuit, including Coromandel, Tamaki, Thames, Piako, Waiheke, Arahurangi, Waitemata, and Manukao Districts. This will occupy me during the Summer; and then, I suppose, I shall have to take another Journey to Lakes, and Bay of Plenty. And by that time (end of March) my term with the Government will have ceased, and I shall be thrown on my own resourees. Mr. Halse has come up for the Waipa and Waikato, but to reside for awhile (his family I mean) in Auckland. At present he is assisting Mr. Smith. Hanson still remains at the office, but he has got the idea that Mr. Baker is doing his utmost to unship him, so as to make room for his own younger brother, who is employed as an Extra. My advice to him, is, to put up patiently with all annoyances, and do his duty carefully. His Excellency lately offered me the Resident Magistracy, of Lakes, and Bay of Plenty; but as residence at Tauranga, or elsewhere in the District was required, I was obliged to decline it; and partly, because I was very unwishful to bring up my family of girls amongst the natives. Mr. Smith thinks my present Circuit (as above) should be a separate District for a Resident Magistrate, as the people are otherwise altogether neglected, in respect of law; in which case the Government might possibly offer me the appointment; and then I could still be useful, whilst having my family resident in Parnell. I live in the green iron house, in Cooper's Bay road, (lately belonged to Mr. Griffiths. R.M. of Waiuku), just at the back of your former lodgings As to the past, I shall ever be grateful to you, and as to the future, I don't allow myself to be anorious or fore-casting; for a Colony like this, it is hardly possible for an active man to starve. Indeed, I never intend to starve, so long as my faculties are secured to me. Mrs. Dr. Wilson (our dear Mother, as she styles herself), is very anxious on your account, since she received a letter of your dictation. She and the Doctor are said to be looking older; which, of course we must expect. The Governor is just off in ''Niger'' from Manukao (when she arrives) to the South, -It is said, to Taranaki, Nelson, Wellington, and Canterbury. Mr. Kingi has been writing to Potatau about the Waitara; but I spent two hours in counter-influencing the effect of that possible plausible document. And now good-bye, for the present; and may God bless you, and restore you to your former state of health and comfort. Yours sincerely (Signed) H. Hanson (?) Turton. To:- Donald McLean Esq.