Dear Mr. Colenso, I received yours of the 28th. ult, respecting the prisoners at Otago; and I have to thank you for your kind suggestions. When the Session is over, the whole subject of Native prisoners will be duly considered by the Executive. The subject has been one of anxious consideration to the Government. I need not assure you that my reply to Mr. Gillies, in reference to the Lexicon, was not by any means spoken in a tone that could have given you the slightest annoyance, had you been present. Mr. Ormond is going down, and will give you all the news. I remain, Yours very truly, (Signed) Donald McLean. August 8th. 1870.