Glen Orchard-Tamaki 17 july 1871 My dear Maclean, You would receive by a late steamer the offer of the services of an Auckland Scottish Volunteer Corps, about 50 men, since made up to 100 I belive. It seems nothing will do but that I should take the Command; the same reasons would weigh with me for refusing as in the case of the Cavalry, but as I am convinced with a little trouble this corps eill be a success, nad having a strong clannish feeling in this matter, I intent to forego my own convenience. I am influenced too by the fact that no member of the Assembly from this place. takes any part or interest in volunteer matters and they are allowed to get on as they best can. As regards capitation allowance etc. it can do no harm to have a member, tho' only a actively identified with the force. My object in writing to you is to ask you to do for me what I mentioned on a former occasion-tto give me a step in the Militia. I need hardly say that as a Captain of 9 years standing and the only Civilian M.H.R. who turned out during the war, if the rank is worth having, I think I am fairly entitled to it, but another reason I have is that I may not, in now going into this Volunteer business, be placed at a disadvantage among officers to whom I have always ranked senior- I have already applied to be brought on the strength from unattached and it will afford a good opportunity for giving the step. We are having very stormy weather; never experience anything like it for a long time. I was astonished to meet for the summer weather. With kind regards believe me yours truly, Charles T. Taylor. Honble. Donald Maclean.