My Dear McLean, I have received your letter and read it with great pain - The Bill might doubtless be better than it is but your refusal to take a seat in the Council removes all hope of success - Without you it will want the confidence both of the Assembly and of the Maoris. Let me ask you to sleep on this one night more before you decide. The Commodore and I are going out to see you tomorrow: he wants to say good bye and I to see how you are. I think it would be better in every way if you were to forward your protest to the Secy. of State (in terms as strong as you please) and conclude by saying that if (after he has considered what you say) he still thinks it right to recommend the bill for her Majesty's consent, you will not refuse to assist the Govt. even though you do not approve the plan proposed - Your refusal will oblige me to ask Smith to take a seat in the Council which will deprive the Native Office of his valuable Services - Ministers will then have no alternative than to apply to Fenton - Would you aid in bringing this about? Believe me, My Dear McLean, Yours sincerely T.G.B. Your letter in answer to Hadfield shall appear in the Appendix to my Despatch which is to be printed - I hope it will be in time for the mail. I sent it to Bell for that purpose the moment I had read it.