Telegram from D. McLean Esq. To Honble. Defence Minister Napier 10th. March 1869. 3--20 p.m. Have received no reply to telegram of this morning. Ropata pressing for reply and throwing himself on me for advice I could not in present state of the East Coast find it consistent with my view of my public duty to advise his going to West Coast and have told him so. Sigd. Donald McLean.