Napier 27th December, 1858 My dear McLean A Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you. You must excuse me, old fellow, for not having written to you before this, but it appears to me that I am more guilty of this kind of negligence to my best friends than to ordinary acquaintances. Therefore you must put it down as a proof of my regard "A pretty proof", you will say, "rather a sign of your confounded laziness" --- I dare say you will have seen the correspondence in the Hawke's Bay Herald, on the subject of Domett's coming here to be our Superintendent. "Veritas" for his scandalous and libellous letter about Domett deserves to be kicked from Dan to Beersbeba, and I should be very much inclined to do so, but for the fact of my being Rt. Magte., which restrains my toe as much as my pen. The writer is that d- fellow Fitzgerald. It proceeds from nothing but low minded rancour, spite and envy, and from a well grounded apprehension that his presence will act as a severe curb and bit on their interested designs. Domett had signified his willingness to come, but I am afraid that now he will give up all idea of it in disgust. And then without him, it will be seen how we shall get on at the outset of our new Province, for unless you will come, we shall make a funny mess of it. For all those here that aspire to the Superintendency have very little ability and less honesty, and inspire no confidence, Newman is honest enough, but he is wanting in the upper works, and if he becomes Superintendent, I am sure he will be sorry for it, for he will make but a poor figure --- I would rather see you here than Domett, for independent of "moral" causes, you would suit us better --- What a cry about morality! and at the head of Tom Fitzgerald! But Tom like the Devil when it suits him can quote Scripture for his purpose. I have several times seen your brother Alick. Pleasant to meet such a good honest fellow among the set here. I have been very much indebted to him lately for his endeavours to serve me. I am going on in the same old style; poor as Job --- the only consolation a pipe and a glass of grog, which the sooner I enjoy in your company again, the better pleased I shall be. Yours very sincerely Jno. Curling D. McLean Esqre.