The Hon. J. Vogel Sunday, Auckland. Jan 1870 My dear McLean, I hear you are back and send you all letters in my charge. One or two I opened amongst others letter from Super about Ohinemuri. I wrote him private reply to effect that you would I was sure write him immediately on your return. I have since seen him. He clearly thinks that we unnecessarily delay the matter and that if left to him he would open up Ohinemuri in a week. I enclose herewith letters from Fox with enclosure from Otago. Branigan saw me yesterday and represented imprudence of abandoning Te Papa - after well considering the matter I telegraphed to Moule to this effect - "Think Te papa should not be entirely abandoned without Defence Minister's instructions. If you do not think that McDonnell's movements will be delayed by Canning's absence let latter retain Te papa until Defence Minister instructs. Canning has accordingly received orders to hold Te Papa and yesterday he also received orders to join McDonnell. He is not likely to do latter without fresh instructions and you should telegraph this afternoon what you wish. Cannings instructions were sent here by Drummond Hay - I must without wishing to interfere protest most strongly against such a position as Drummond Hay seems to hold being given to such a person. It is a scandal. From all my conversation with Branigan I came to the conclusion that McDonnell is not fit for the post of Commander in Chief - but I will tell you of this when we meet. I hope you will not disapprove of what I did about Canning. It seems to me a pity to abandon Te Papa without due consideration - It may be best to do so but the decision should be with you not with McDonnell. I send you a lot of letters truly Julius Vogel You will see what Fox says about 15 days. I hope you have arranged for stopping all expeditions after a given date whether or not successful. I conclude from conversation with Govin about including liabilities all our money virtually spent