Wellington, September 14th. 1857. Dear Maclean, I write this in case you should have gone to Napier by the Erin. I have not yet been able to come to terms with Featherston --- who as usual wants to have it all his own way. Therefore do not engage for the expenditure of another sixpence at present. I hear doubts expressed about the popularity of immediate success at Manawatu. Old Taratoa is said to be against sale, and to have written to you. I hope these Provincials will be reasonable --- an unreasonable hope you will say --- for I would look on it as a great evil were we prevented from striking whilst the iron is hot. I have been twice at Strang's and have seen your little Douglas. He seems a very amiable intelligent child and doated upon by his grandfather, He knows all his letters.