Auckland 3rd June 59 My dear Maclean, I have but a moment to acknowledge your private letters from Wellington of April 25th and from Napier of May 25th. The Governor is in expectation that you are about to make a Veni Vidi Vici campaign on the Straits. I earnestly hope it may be so, and we will vote you a Colossal Statue on Kapiti -- when you shall for ages overlook the field of your triumphs. My expectations are, I confess, somewhat more chastened by painful experience of what, in the best of hands, land purchasing operations prove. At all events we have provided the needful both at Napier and Wellington and trust you will do the best with it. As regards the purchase of land in the vicinity of Napier it must be recollected that napier and Wellington dip into the same dish as regards land purchasing operations, and that it would be unfair to Wellington to sink too much in the purchase of suburban land at Napier. It appeared absolutely necessary to give you and Fitzgerald carte blanche in this particular case. I trust to your using it with fairness as regards the old province. If you should succeed in the Straits you will fall with great force on William King when in your progress N. you reach Waitara. I do not expect he will yield till he has unequivocal proof that the Governor is in earnest. Such proof, after his experience of threats, will be somewhat difficult to give. Wishing you success, I am dear McLean, Yours truly, C. W. Richmond