Letter from T.G.B. to Donald McLean Esq. dated May 7th. (no year date.) 1860 My dear McLean, Your messenger did not reach until 10 p.m. on Saturday, 5th, May, though your letter is dated 30th. April. I send you official answers; and, long ere this, you will have had the Carbine at your disposal. The Bishop and his friends are leaving nothing unturned to do mischief, but have not yet succeeded. Militia goes on swimmingly, but we can get no arms from Sydney. It will not be wise to announce this fact, which might alarm people a good deal. We have no news from Taranaki; and the weather is so inclement that we cannot expect any. Carleton has now adopted the Missionary view, and we may expect a strong diversion in favour of the enemy from him. His appearance is however a signal for much warmer support from others, who have been hitherto indifferent. The Williams' in the North have also been doing their utmost to create disaffection there. All Exeter Hall is to rise against me in England, but I do not trouble myself much on that account. If you ever have idle time, think over what we ought to propose to the Chiefs when they meet on 2nd. July; for unless we propose some well-matured plan, the Meeting will end in table talk. Whittaker checks at the £100 for Nero, but I have sent another man to him, and I doubt not he will assent. Richmond and Smith are both ill and absent. I don't think there is any other news. Believe me, yours sincerely (Signed) T.G.B. May 7. P.S. The ''White Swan'' from Wellington is still due.The Bishop has got hold of Col. Smythe, who is sent out by Government to report on the Fijee Islands. He takes Smythe with him up the Waikato, and hopes to indoctrinate him with his views. If you meet Smythe you may as well tell him the truth.