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English
Wellington, July 6th 1846. Dear McLean, Captain Campbell told me this afternoon that the Governor had decided on sending you once more to Wanganui - but this time as the Commissioner. An hour or two after I had penned my letter to you of the 3rd., Colonel Wakefield told me that in an interview he had with His Excell. it was proposed that you should be sent, but (although as the ''Carbon'' was not sailing the I kept my letter for a day or so) I did not peopen it to mention the proposition to you, not knowing how the matter might ultimately be arranged and thinking that you would not be much pleased at again visiting Wanganui where you have already been so much harrassed. However, the confidence reposed in you by the Governor and Colonel Wakefield cannot be otherwise than gratifying to you. From what the Colonel said to me I think he entertains an opinion that there is a strong necessity for the speedy settlement of the Wanganui affair - as, if left in abeyance, a bad impression may be created in the minds of the natives and that question be rendered still more difficult of adjustment. I hear that the compensation money will not be sent round for two months. As to surveyors, nothing has been said. I should have been pleased to act for the Company in finally adjusting the Wanganui business, especially after having already had so much trouble without any good result - Colonel Wakefield told me that he thought nothing more could have been done than was done by me, but as I am really only running the risk of getting into debt and, moreover, value my services at a much higher rate, there is no probability of any change taking place as to my intended departure for Otakou. I think that my report to Colonel Wakefield has been useful in preventing the dismemberment of the Wanganui settlement and that my explanation of the Colonial Secretary'S error (as to the natives who really prevented the complet. of the purch.) led to the belief that the matter might yet be settled. I hear that the Governor is determined to act with firmness as to the and will not allow of etc. You will of course receive full instructions. Believe me my dear McLean, I heartily wish you success - I will leave Memoranda at the office as to my late surveys and ''rangeings'' (to coin a word - I mean ranging the boundary line) at Wanganui - also my Field Book so that my landmarks may be found by any surveyor who may accompany you. The only unrecognised on our leaving Wanganui was the ''Ika Pirau'' - I would submit to you that instead of having it set off from the sea the surveyor should walk with the natives to the end of the survey lines the ''Waitotara'' - ''Great Western'' etc. as we did at Wangaehu there can then be no future misunderstanding or subterfuge. I have no doubt that by what Dr. Wilson in his letter calls ''a patient combatting'' of the natives demands, you will succeed. The natives respect you and I know your patience and firmness. Again wishing you every success and hoping you will send me a line by the return of the ''carbon'', believe me, Dear McLean, Very sincerely yours, Alfred Wills. P.S. Captain Campbell and Bell return in the cutter which sails tomorrow.

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