Worth 7th. July 1872. My dear McLean, I need not tell you with what real regret I heard of the majority secured by the Opposition. I am more sorry than I can express, and I think a more miserable lot of creatures never voted on one side before in any House of Representatives I ever heard of. They are guided by no principle, no policy, mere factions of position and greed of office, and now they have a majority, where is their Ministry? I must confess I am entirely at a loss how to pick out men fit for office, from the ranks of the "Ayes", and unless some of you of the "No's" will consent to Join, I say farewell to good government for a time. I can quite understand your feelings against taking office with them. There must be a great repugnance in your mind to going in with those who have banded to overthrow your friends and coadjutors; I hope and trust that you will reconsider your determination, and for the good, I may say the safety of the Colony, consent to fill that office which you have filled heretofore so splendidly. I am sure everyone hopes you may, and so I feel sure your late brother Ministers entertain such hopes. You ought to be a proud man, when you see how all sides oling to the hope that through you the Native Question and Defence may be governed so as to ensure the success which we all know will attend your efforts. If you leave that position, I tremble to think of what may take place. I do wish it were possible that ----- (?) and you might take office. Native matters and Public works, are, in my opinion, the whole turning point of this Colony. Well, my good friend, whether you continue in public, or go into private life, you will take with my very best wishes, and I very much congratulate myself that circumstances hare so happened as to make us the friends I trust we may ever continue to be. Mrs. Leslie joins me in all my sentiments and best regards to you; and believe me, my dear McLean, most sincerely (Signed) P. Leslie.