Auckland 25th Septr. 1859 My Dear Sir, I received your letter from Napier dated 6 Septr. stating that you were about to leave for Wellington after having completed the extensive negotiations in the former place on which I congratulate you on your brilliant success - I returned from the bush last Wednesday after an absence of nearly two months for which I am not much the better in health but a little quiet will bring me to again - I mentioned in one of my letters that it was my intention to recommend young Percy Smith of N. P. for an appointment in the Native Dept., but you have made no allusion to it in your letter. However time passes, the spring is setting in, there is a great deal of work to be done and I have sent on a Mem. yesterday which will probably be approved, and in a month or so I hope to have him at work, but I should prefer having had your concurrence - I purchased the Waikeriawera and have arranged for the acquisition of more land at the back of Whangarei but I dont think much of it. Old Kiri is giving a great deal of trouble about Omaha and I received an official from Smith to investigate the matter but I cannot do much in it. I am afraid it will have to stand over for you. I have been so busy that it is out of my power to go and see your house just now but shall let you know about it before I leave again. I regret I was out of the way when Mr. Fitzgerald was here or I could have assisted him to one or two good Surveyors -Smith keeps the wheel going very well but he begins to look rather shakey in health - While at Whangarei I called on old Monro - who entertained me very well he is getting very comfortable and will soon have 25 cows in milk. He told me all about the Irishman robbing him of his daughter etc. and his last words were dont forget to remember me to Mr McLean - I have extensive operations in view in the shape of land Purchasing for the forthcoming summer in which I have some confidence of my success but I may be mistaken for all that - Ritchie has managed to scrape up a little more cash from the ashes and I am as usual worying myself about the remainder - There are no less than 3 large vessels in since yesterday with more 40 acre men, about 600 in all and theold settlers are quite lost in the crowd the changes which are taking place here are beyond all description. Some of the new hands are well satisfied and others again quite disappointed, some have actually gone back again by the Swordfish' I should like to have written you a long letter but I have to write a good deal for tomorrows mail so I will ask you to excuse this and Remain as usual John Rogan I suppose you heard of DeLaville bolting with Bacot and Fennessey the Frenchman turned out a barefaced rascal in swindling several people here, and a warrant is out for his apprehension. Saw W. Grahame last night who says your house is quite finished and Hay has some difficulties about planting shrubs etc. owing to sheep remains about the place but this can stand over till you come back. We expected H. Halse up but he has not shown yet. However it is no easy matter for a family man to pack up at a short notice -