Taranaki 13 August 1852 My own dearest Puss Your letters of the 3rd inst have reached me and nothing can exceed the pleasure and thankfulness with which I sit down to acknowledge the receipt of them. It was very kind of David Hunter to give you notice that they were sending up a native to enquire for Mr Govett who I am glad to say is getting much better. I was asked to go out to an evening party tonight but your letters are a greater pleasure to me than all the parties I can attend at Taranaki. Each letter gives me additional proof of your affection and makes me feel more unhappy the longer I stay away from you. Taranaki, delightful a place as it is, has now lost most of its former attractions. I mean that the parties and entertainments I am asked to are so void of any pleasure without my own pet of whom I am constantly