Aug. 6th 1866 Napier My dear McLean, Your letter of the 4th inst. was too late to stop a messenger I had sent to Turanga to find the petition or get a new one - I am glad however - that in this case the journey and expense are useless, as you will be enabled to go into the matter at once with some chance of success - Good luck to your efforts in this direction - Wilson and the Judge are busy with the Court - Young Lebert has got off - just commenced the second case - I find the Steamer leaves at 3 p.m. and it is fast approaching that - I have been up all night with A. Chapman who has been and is very dangerously ill with laryngitis first and 2ndly, congestion of the lungs, so I am not in first rate cue for writing and was down late - Fanning too, is laid up with gout or cramp or something of the kind, but I have sent your letters up to him and requested an answer with some further enclosures which will be down in time perthe mail for Ahuriri today - His Honor the Judge is staying with Kinross - the only man, whose establishment could entertain him in Napier, during your absence - He looks as jolly as usual, and will not be killed with hard work this time as the calendar is very light. There is an official application from Major Fraser dated 2nd Aug. for a supply of Rum for his company stationed at Wairoa - He says they have not received their daily rations of rumto which they are entitled since 22nd May last, and urge the necessity of some stimulant for the men during the inclement season - Am I to send some rum up first opportunity? Indeed if an opportunity offers I may send a small supply pending your remarks thereon - as you told me nothing of these matters, and I do not know anything about them, as to whether they are entitled to rum or not - I have also a letter from Fraser covering cheque for £49.10.0 on N. Z. Bank Napier for rations supplied by him to H. Bay Volunteers - Also ration returns for Gascoign's company at Waiapu, which I forward to you, and if they are not required in Wellington you can send them back. I shall answer Frasers letter in due course and acknowledge receipt for the money - also J. Morrisons and others - I shall look for some decisive news from you on the 12th. Yours very truly Joseph Rhodes