Wellington 19 March /69 My dear McLean, I happened to be passing through here today on my way to Auckland for a few days visit, when I saw the Gazette with Stafford's insulting notice about you -- At the risk of your considering it impertinent of me to notice it I cannot forbear from writing to tell you how disgusted I feel at such an insult being paid you -- Ill must it fare with the Colony when the head of its government can take such advantageof his position as to forget the services of a life time in the desire to gratify his feelings of petty spite. I am sure the whole colony and the Assembly will resent Mr. Stafford's insolence and that he will live to repent it. I am, Very faithfully yrs. Julius Vogel