Such is the excessive pride and vanity of man, that anything composed or produced by him, is, in his own estimation, considered as eminently superior to what it may, or is even entitled to be thought by others; who, from impartial judgment, would deem our attempts an assumptive arrogance to perpetuate; although receiving tacit approbation, proceeding from our erroneous and ill-founded ideas, of our being such immaculate objects in self-esteem .... Unworthy one, humble and abase thyself; aspire to nothing beyond thy reach and sphere; leave thy talents to improve and become developed by application and study; and never put too strong reliance on thy own insufficient powers, which are only the laughing-stock of those who know thy vanity; and that, as Ecclesiastics says, - "All under the sun is vanity." Taranaki 10th. January 1848 Mr. Peacocke, Sir, I have received by Mr. P. Harrington, your note enclosing a Bill for £2.1.6, which, to the best of my recollection, was settled some years ago; and it strikes me if your refer to your Books kept at Waiheke, you will find this to be the case. I shall examine mine to freshen my memory, as to the transaction; and shall again communicate with you on the subject. I remain Yours truly (Signed) Donald McLean.