Chatham Islands 2nd. July 1867. My dear Sir, You will have probably been informed of how our prisoners are going on by Mr. Tuke, who has just returned again after an abscence of about 3 months. Mr. Hamlin is now returning who I am very sorry to lose - he has fully merited the terms you spoke of him to me in your letter. I should be glad if you could arrange it so, that he might return by the Steamer when she comes down again in Sept. I am glad wheat has been forwarded for the use of the Prisoners, it will save much expense. They have all been going on very well. Toenga, who promised Mr. Halse, when he was here, that he would agree to the Survey of the Islands, has been lately offering and amending his ideas - he is rather a nuisance by his pretensions - so it is perhaps doubtful whether the Land Court will sit here in the Summer. Hoping you are quite well, I remain My dear Sir, Yours very faithfully, W.E. Thomas, R.M. His Honor Donald McLean Esq. The Island is too full of desolation to write you a long letter. W.E.T.