Feb. 26., 63 My dear McLean Your force is not forgotten - though I daresay you are beginning to fume - But the fact is the Governor Bell and I are off for Taranaki and when there it may be found necessary to establish at least of the Force there. In my opinion it should chiefly be in that Province as I told you - However there is an agreement that some shall be situated in Hawke's Bay - Only until we see precisely what is to be done at Taranaki we wish to wait about the other part of the Force. We (that is the Governor Bell and myself) shall have all this matter while at Taranaki. I take down with me all the applications for Commissions in the Force - I want as you know to get fellows of pluck and energy for offices - as all depends upon this being faithfully done - I hope you are getting on well - and will soon be in Provincial - heading the team - Bye the bye to go to private matters - will you ask Mr.T.A. Smith if he can get that statement from Mr.Bain, about our wool losses - Give my kind regards to Curling - when you see him - By this mail we got a letter from Crosbie Ward in which he says he saw Curling's brother (Commander of one of the steamers) at Alexandria and gave him some news of G. S.C. With remembrances to all old friends and acquaintances Believe me Yours very sincerely Alfred Domett D. Maclean Esqr.