The Macdonald index describes Hodgson (no dates of birth and death) as a barrister and solicitor and a partner in Leslie Hills, Hurunui District. This letter relates that he lives 120 miles from town; presumably then Hurunui. The letter, which reveals a rather unsavoury character, also says that he came out to New Zealand in 1854. In 1857 Hodgson married Katherine Mary Walker at St. Michael's Church. In 1858, when their daughter Katherine Elizabeth Mary was born, Hodgson is described as a gentleman, living in the Nelson District.