Octavius Hadfield
[extract from the diary of Octavius Hadfield]
Dec. 5th . . . Suffered all night from violent pains and asthma. Went about 3 in the morning to Mr. W's tent and took about 50 drops of laudanum and a little rhubarb, felt a little relieved. Made an attempt about noon to get up but was unwell. Determined, having no particular end in view, not to proceed to Wanganui. Propose proceeding when I have books. Mr. W. left about 2 o'clock on his way through the country. Continued suffering continual pain all day.