My dear McLean, I have heard privately tonight that Hadfield says I declared to him when I was at Otaki in 1859 that I would never move a Soldier against the natives at Taranaki without his advice. I can scarcely believe that my information is correct, for I have a letter from the Bishop of Wellington in which he says neither he or Hadfield knew of my speech at Taranaki in 1859. I cannot now remember whether you went with me to Hadfield's house at Otaki or not. Pray tell me whether you did so and if you heard what passed between us then. Fortunately Steward was with me and I need not say that he never heard me allude to the subject of troops at all. I only saw Hadfield once, as he did not call on me when I returned from Whanganui. Featherstone will (I am told) produce a map shewing that King has very large proprietory claims on the block of land. What answer should be given to such an assertion I have only heard this now (at my wife's musical party) and have not seen any of the Ministers but Tancred with whom it is of no use to talk over the subject. Richmond is very unwell and is not here but his wife tells me he is much put about at Sewell's notice of resolutions. He writes to me that he wishes to have the message about the conference sent down as soon as the house opens, so if you have not already sent your memo. or letter, send it by the boat. I have asked for a boat from the Iris. Reid writies in doleful dumps from the Waikato. Ever yours sincerely, T. Gore Browne Monday night August 6