Brooklands, Dec. 18, 1856. Dear McLean, I have been a letter in your debt for a considerable time, but have partly delayed answering it that I might get Willy to act as my amanuensis, as my cramped fingers give me so much trouble in writing. All the excitement which you mention as caused by the meeting of the assembly must have subsided by this time, to be probably renewed again next session. You have of course heard our political news, and that Cutfield has consented to be put in nomination for Superintendent --- R. Brown, the old Doctor and Norris are at the bottom of it. No better time than the present could have been chosen for the dissolution of the council and consequent re-election of Superintendent