I therefore told Lucy it would not suit, as I was trying to obtain a particular lady as a wife. I pointed out to her also that if she served the government, I could serve her interests better, by her not being my mistress. She turned it off, that the natives were only joking. But next time I saw her, Blake had returned and she told me that she could not assist me any further, as Blake told her that he required all her influence and assistance to enable him to retain his appointment. By this time my courtship was knocked on the head, and I thought it well to tell her so. For if it is necessary for the acquisition of the plains, no woman shall be left out in the cold; only, they must catch me before I get another wife. I promised Lucy that I would recommend her services for remuneration, I transmit the voucher in due course, and hope it will meet your approval. Now that Blake is off I think it will prove a useful retainer of her services. It is for last quarter, nothing in the present one.