Auckland, 7 Decr., 1846. My Dear McLean, I must return you thanks for the letters you sent me detailing your prospects with respect to peace with the natives in your neighbourhood I shewed your letter to the Governor who was much interested with it, and I have written one to you by his direction marked '''' in order to keep the contents unknown till he goes away, and which will not be entered on our records till then. When you meet him at Wanganui I expect you will find him disposed to place confidence in you which I have little doubt but that you will be able to secure. Let me however give you a hint respecting secrecy about which he is very particular. Pray do not let any one, even the most intimate of your friends, know what may pass between you and him nor be able to guess through you what may be his intentions. You will see that the present is an occasion in which you may do yourself credit and render good service to the Government. You not be afraid of anything haughty or unpleasant in his manner and you may safely speak to him unreservedly on every subject he asks you about. Your Commission as Inspector of Police is sent herewith. I have paid 10/- for it, the usual fee on all such documents now issued from our Office. You can refund me at your convenience that sum. We are still getting on very well in Auckland and I have little doubt that if peace could be restored throughout the island this would soon be a prosperous Colony. Provisions are tolerably dear but wages are proportionally higher so that the poor industrious man is well off. Should you fall in with any shells or any other curiosities to sand me pray give them to my friend Dr. Houghton of H.M. Steamer Driver if you shall be near that ship. I should be glad to forward any letters for you to your friends in Scotland. Perhaps I may go home myself after the Governor's return from the south when I should be happy to call on any of your friends you might wish me to visit. But pray do not mention this intention of mine to any one. I remain, My Dear Sir, Yours truly, A. Sinclair.