have answered his letter by this post but have been occupied all day getting signatures to the claims sent in by the settlers here to the Committee at Wellington. Give my best regards to Mr. Wickstead and say I shall look after his interest here and endeavour to dispose of his town sections. We had at 2 o'clock this morning one of the severest shocks of earthquake we have ever experienced here with the exception of one in 1843 which was rather more violent but not of such long duration. I never saw Mrs. C. so much afraid, the first shock was followed by 14 or 15 others more or less severe. I have not heard of any damage in consequence. Mrs. C. joins me in best regards to you and all our friends in paradise and I believe me ever My dear McLean, very sincerely yours, M. Campbell.