Wellington 26 Octr. 1866 My dear McLean I am going to ask a favor of you --- But first let me congratulate you heartily on the successful issue of your proceedings against the Hauhaus in Hawkes Bay. Nothing has been better done by anyone since the British Government has had to do with the natives. The decision, and promptitude of your actions was tempered to exactly the right degree by previous negociation and opportunity given to the rebels to come in and surrender without bloodshed. The story gives the idea of great vigor and determination, without the least passion or deficiency in humane consideration for the victims of fanaticism --- If the Government had always acted thus from the first, such a thing as a New Zealand war would never have been heard of. I hope you will be able to go through with it in the same style to the end should the Hauhaus presume to molest you further. I trust you are not relaxing in efforts to be well prepared against any thing of this kind. What I want you to do for me is to try and get some employment for my stepson Jack George --- I think you will allow, from what I have heard you say of him that he really is deserving of it. Indeed if I did not think sincerely he would do justice to you if you give him an appointment, I would not ask you for a moment to think of him --- I would prefer his getting a Civil appointment under your government if you have one or when you have one to spare. I know he is sharp enough intellectually speaking, and will be regular and attentive --- There is certainly little inducement to young fellows to go and risk getting shot for a public who kick them aside like worn-out boots as soon as they think they can do without them --- and therefore I should hardly advise anyone I have to do with to go into such a service, unless there were some chance of permanency of employment. Any recommendation of yours for his employment by the Genl. Govt. would have great weight --- But I would rather see him in a Civil apptmt. in either case. I saw Strang this morning going to office --- looking remarkably well. He is, I think luckily for him, getting rid of that insolent old Navvy --- Turner --- to whom indeed ruffianism is natural. I suppose he will look out for some 'douce Scotchbody' or 'bodies' in the place --- Believe me Yours very truly Alfred Domett