N. L. Office, 23 Decr. /57. My Dear Sir, Immediately on my return to the office, after having an additional glass of beer after parting with you, I found old Isaac with Smith who half promised to advance a sum of money to him for some land on the Waikato, and knowing well your views regarding in general and Isaac in particular I took the liberty of opposing with all my might the advance in question, and although I rather