Nov. 23rd 1858 Dear McLean There is really nothing to report from the office we are quiet enough --- I have been engaged in turning over a pile of unhappy papers of various dates ranging over a period of some three months which sadly want polishing off with your broad nibbed pen --- many letters are getting quite antiquated --- Old Patuone waited upon His Excellency yesterday to condole with him on the loss of his friends Col. Wynyard and the officers of the 58th Regt. --- The Governor is anxious to have back Fenton's paper on the Census with a minute on it from our office, I promised to look it up and send it on but cannot come across it in the office --- I am afraid it must await your return which I understand we are to look for at the end of the week --- Mr. Strang was in town yesterday with Douglas and called in at the office --- Baker has not been at office but is, I understand, engaged at home by your direction --- Having no excuse for spoiling more paper, I will not "enlarge" as our friend Fenton says --- Believe me Yours truly Thos. H. Smith D. McLean Esqr. JP.