Napier, Feby. 26th, 1865. My dear McLean, The steamer from the South arrived so late last night that we have not yet been able to hear how you got on as far as Wellington. I trust however that you stood the voyage well and that you are by this time much better - We are all very anxious to hear of you which I suppose we shall whenever the post opens - I shall direct this to Dunedin taking it for granted that you have gone direct. I am sorry to say that we are in some little state of anxiety about the Natives at present. As you will see by the Herald the Pai Mariri party are mustering strong under the Countenance of Te Hapuka who although he makes a faint attempt to deny it is yet charged by Renata and Karaitiana with having invited the Waikatos into the Province. There are now about 120 of them at his Pa and from letters which Cooper had yesterday from Renata Pukututu they announce 500 more as pressing to follow - They make no attempt to disguise their purpose which is the destruction of the Pakehas and any Maories who assist them - They are full of bounce and have armed sentinels posted who have been impudent enough to stop one or two travellers and detain them all night as prisoners - It is much to be feared that the defenceless position of this province will prove only too strong a bait to these wretches - Henry Russell stopped on his way down yesterday to see some of their ceremonies - he describes them as most absurd - However Hapuku's brother who had been busy erecting a flagstaff told him that theirs w was the only true religion adding "kahino Jesus Christ kakino the missionaries" On Cooper's asking Renata how it was that they did not turn these intruders out of the Province, his answer was I thought rather evasive "how can we do so when Te Hapuku has invited them to come". You will probably hear all this from Cooper who has informed the Govt. of these proceedings - I sent in a report to the C.C. also of all I could gather of t heir doings in the neighbourhood of Porokawa where I went the day after we got the news of their arrival. It would be well I think that the Militia should be placed on some more effective footing. I must finish this as the Mail closes at 9 o'clock I hope to hear good news of you when I take this to the port. The wife sends her kindest regards. Goodbye My dear McLean for the present take care of yourself. J. H. Campbell.