Hillthorpe Bay of Islands 16 Sepr. 1866 My dear McLean Allow me to thank you for your very kind note, which after a somewhat long delay, came safely to hand; I felt sure that you had not forgotten me, altho' I had not the pleasure to receiving very many replies from you, and time has insensibly passed away. I have indeed often thought of paying you a visit at Hawke's Bay, but never could manage to do so with the two fold view of again seeing you, and the country, spacious as I hear it is, by which you are surrounded. The approaching end of the Session will no doubt be quite a relief to you. The downfall of "Separation", The defeat of Ministers, and The Accrueation of more are no small matter to be dealt with in a single Session. I was not aware that my Brother had written on a subject upon which you would I know feel interest, and when I hear further from the Govt. I will lose no time in giving you the result of their deliberations. Accept my kind Regards, and best thanks, and believe me to remain Your faithful friend H. T. Kemp D. McLean Esqr.