For His Excellency's perusal. Donald McLean, 5 March 61. Hokianga February 19, 1861. Donald McLean ESQ., Auckland. My Dear Sir, Captain Clendon has written to say that you wished me to inform the natives that the Governor is not able to visit them at this time - I will do so so as to disappoint them as little as may be. I am sorry that having let it be known that the Governor was coming circumstances have prevented his arrival here -I ran from Auckland. like wildfire so as to be here first as I intended to have a grand review and turn out all the Queens men under arms for the inspection of his Excellency and a finer set of fellows there is not in New Zealand than the men who surround me and who I consider as my own particular - the worst of it all is the beautiful speeches which we had all got by hearn with so much pains will be clean thrown away - mine would have edified the ''native department''. Well it cant be helped - we shall perhaps do something better than yet if we get a fair chance. I have no news for you but hope for some good news soon from the south bye and bye. If you will ask the Governor he will tell you that I described exactly to him the night attack which was made on our troops some months before it took place. I am yours very sincerely, F.E. Maning.