26th. July 1861. My dear Son, I received a letter from Patricio yesterday in which he tells me that he is most anxiously waiting an answer from you to the letter I enclosed to you in my last. The poor lad is wishing to leave Wanganui for more reasons than one - he naturally wishes to get away from the Henwoods and then he finds that he cannot give satisfaction to his Father - this I really believe is the reason why he wishes to give up Newtonlees and I do not wonder at it, for I really think the "Gudeman" is too harsh upon him at times, I don't know the cause, but they never have agreed about Wanganui and this makes , do my dear good friend, do what you can for the poor lad, he is most willing to work for his family - and will thankfully accept situation - he feels the hope that you can give him something to do on one of your sheep stations - he writes me that he will not remain at Wanganui after Jany. next. Mr. Wilson will I hope take a trip round to Wanganui by the next steamer, as he intends selling all the Stock - as we are much in want of money - but we do not think of building yet until we see what you Auckland people are going to do with the Waikatoes. So the Bishop has managed to work his work after all but we must not give our opinion until we see what General Cameron intends doing. We are glad to hear that Governor Gore Brown is to remain with us - this shows that his policy is approved of by our dear Queen in spite of Bishops and Archdeacons! Why do you not give me a line now and then? I need some cheering up and few things would do it better than a letter from my own dear Son. That unfortunate man Ritchie goes on worse than ever - There is no hope of him. I have just got a letter from his poor Father about him - the old man is broken-hearted about him, and no wonder! All my succeeding letters will tell more and more dismal tales about the infatuated wretch - again begging you will kindly write to poor Pat and with love to dear Douglas believe me as ever your affectionate old Mother H.A. Wilson.