Napier Octr. 6th 66 Dear Sir, After careful review of the subject of your expressed wish that "I should write a history of the past 30 or 40 years of the East Coast" - I have come to the conclusion that it is both possible and desirable to do so but on a more extended plan than a mere newspaper article or series of articles. A work something in style and size resembling Mannings 'Old New Zealand' would be of sufficient present interest to pay or nearly pay the expence of publication, and would furnish material also towards a future History of N.Z. - I am bold enough to think the task not beyond my strength, and will undertake it provided sufficient facilities be afforded me. The foremost difficulty is the old one "That endless want of pence which troubles public men" - It cannot be done without some expence, as well as labour - The latter I will furnish the former I am unable to. At the same time it appears easy to furnish me with some ostensible mission or employment that whilst supplying my necessities should leave me with sufficient leisure for the object in view, and did I not feel that I was earning sufficient for the support of my wife and children, my pen would lose half its vigor - I know that you will not regret affording me the so earnestly desired opportunity of bettering my position, and by doing it in the way of my profession. You would escape, the possible risk, of being charged with employing a man to write what must necessarily involve no inconsiderable portion of the History of your own career, whilst I on the other hand maintaining my independence, should yet be bound to you by the strongest ties of gratitude - When thus employed I could still find time for my usual newspaper articles which will be no dis-service to you, and of value to the public. The plan of my book I have mentally sketched out, and will submit to you. In the meantime, awaiting your answer, I beg to remain Your obedient servt. Geo.B.Worgan Donald McLean