August 8 1860 My dear McLean, No remark was made on my message about a renewal of the conference and the subject will not be debated until Friday. It is also very doubtful if any reply will be given this week. What is to be done? I doubt not that the House will accede but they will not reply at once. Deeply as I shall regret your absence I know well that it is absolutely necessary you should go to England and as soon as ever the war gives us a moments rest you shall go, with my earnest wishes for your health and happiness. Whether it will be desireable to make the chiefs aware of your intentions now is a matter which you alone understand. If we get the nominated Council I think you ought to be a member of it, even though you may not be present. Your name will carry great weight but we will talk over all this if we get the Council. Ministers will not support my plan but I doubt if they will oppose me strongly. They have behaved very handsomely indeed in the late debates. Williamson has also spoken up in your honour as he was bound to do, though he deprecates war. Featherstone (on the other hand) has made an attack upon you which (if I am correctly informed) will require notice. We have written to Parris to tell him to answer the charges so unfairly made against him. I hear Hadfield has my letter to the Bishop of W. which he thinks objectionable but which I sincerely hope he will publish. I have a copy of it which you have seen. The Taranaki news is worse and worse. I do not hear that the General will improve matters but we ought not to judge hastily. Farewell - I shall be glad when you are in town again and I shall be able to ''haver wi you'' Yours sincerely, T. G. B.