Stapleton Coromandel Octr. 23 1857 My dear Sir Since I last wrote to you your letters of of Octr. 6th 12th and 14th with their enclosures all came to hand also a letter from the Under Secretary of date Septr. 21 I have not time but just to acknowledge them as it is but a few minutes ago that I heard of this opportunity and the native cannot waite I will attend to all your directions as soon as posible should there be another opportunity before I leave for Auckland I will write you please to excuse haste as the man cannot waite believe me to remain Yours very truly James Preece T D McLean Esqr. Auckland