Auckland, 21 Nov. /53. My dear McLean, I have expected you in vain here for a long time and as I have been directed to instruct you to purchase land at New Plymouth before you come up to Auckland I suppose I shall not have the pleasure of seeing you for another month. The Governor and the Bishop are now off on a cruise New Caledonia and will not likely be back for two or three weeks yet, but as it is intended they (the Governor and Bishop's party) should start for England in the last week of December you had best hurry thither if you wish to see Sir George before his departure which I suppose you do. I have a room all ready for you and shall be happy to talk over old stories with you. A good many Highlanders have come to Auckland lately who are looking forward to your arrival with much interest. There is also an inmate of my house who speaks Gaelic better than English and will be glad to say to you. We are getting on very prosperously and you will on your arrival be surprised agreeably to see how well off we are. Till then I remain, Yours truly, A. Sinclair.