Taurarua 29 Novr. 1860 My dear Mr. McLean I have directed this note to be left at your house, though I trust you are no longer confined to it by any ailment. Many thanks for the papers, which I will read through when the Mail is gone. After much consideration I made up my mind to have no part in the proposed Council, and wrote yesterday to the Governor accordingly. If any good at all can be wrought out of such an Act, it appears to me that it will only be through such an amount of labour and contest as I have not physical strength to undertake. But you may be assured that, if you decide to become a Member of the Council, you shall receive from me all the aid which it may be in my power to render. I am much concerned to hear a report that Mr.Smith is not mending and even that an abscess is forming. Overworked as he has been for some time past, the drain of an abscess will be a severe trial to his system. I hope you may be able to cheer him by a visit, whenever business may leave you time enough. I remain, My dear Mr. Mclean Very truly Yours Wm.Martin