Te Haroto Raglan March 21st. 1871. Dear Mr. McLean, I am hoping to hear from you on the subject of my land grant? I cannot but think that my request for scrip is reasonable the grant having been recommended by two Grievance Committees, but of course this is for your consideration and if I am mistaken perhaps you will return me the Report of the Wellington-Committee. After long procrastination I have finished a commision - I received from London - to write a Maori story, as you may take an interest in suchan attempt the Maoris never having been drawn from a Military point of view I beg to enclose the Preface, which pleasepass on to our friend Mr. Mannin lately when writing the Notes (the scene is laid before the advent of the Pakeha and I religiously excluded politios from the book) I had ancasion to refer to the Report of the Waikato Committee 1860. Now considering the years of malignant hostilities I inourred from the evidence I gave at that Committee I cannot think that you will have put me to the expense of a journey to Auckland for nothing? When my book is published I hope that Messrs. Fenton and Co. will feel inclined to call quits. Yours very truly, J.C. Johnstone. The Thames Rifle Association request the honour of the Hon. Mr. Maclean's company at dinner on Thursday next, 23rd. inst, at 7.30 to meet the Southern Representative Riflemen, at the Pacific Hotel, Grahamstown. An answer by telegram is requested to be sent to Mr. F.A. Pullien, Secretary, T.R.A. Grahamstown. 21st. March 1871.