Auckland, 8 October, 1849. My Dear Sir, I have just received your letter of the 27th ult. and as the Mail is sent off in return immediately I have time to write you a few lines only. All the other letters will have to go on the present occasion unanswered. The Governor has returned from a visit to the North, where he was absent several weeks, and was present at a great Native feast at the Bay of Islands. All things passed off at the feast very well and the Governor and Lady Grey, with the Officers of the "Fly" were much pleased with the behaviour of the Natives and the shew that was then made. The Governor and Lady Grey will rommence their journey accross the country to New Plymouth about the beginning of November I believe, but they will be detained near Tongoriro some time whilst the bones of an old Chief "Oheoweo" I believe are to be thrown into the Crater. I am afraid I shall not be able to accompany them or to take any long journey till after the return of His Excellency to Auckland. In fact it is so difficult for me to get away that I am afraid to say when I may go, or to make preparation for a journey. We are getting on pretty well here although there are some people alarmed lest the place fall off from so many going away to the gold regions of California. Pray excuse brevity. I remain, Yours truly, A. Sinclair.