The Thames October 20, 1871 My dear Sir, Some time ago I addressed a letter to you officially enclosing application for N. Z. war medal. As you will remember I accompanied you to Puketakauere in 1860 we being the first pakehas in the rebel camp at Taranaki and through your negociations the war was ended. As you are aware there was great danger and we were under the enemies fire at No. 6 redoubt previous to the hoisting of the White flag by the natives when they heard of your arrival; so that I think I ought to be well entitled to the medal be kind enough to see about it for me. I should like the decoration in remembrance of our interesting journey. You are the only one who can certify as to the facts of the case of course I was under the Government and receiving pay at the time. I enclose copy of Mackay's letter to Guardian he seems very spiteful, told me you deserved what he had said and that you told so many "lies" in the House, he evidently is a disappointed man and fancies his talents are not sufficiently appreciated, he does more than (I should fancy). Dr. Pollean and Mackay have gone up to Ohinemuri in re Telegraph which will I have no doubt be all arranged satisfactorily. Mr. Mackay of course will take all the credit to wisdom and foresight. Puckey has been paying chief's money for miner's Rights there is an increase this quarter. Rapana still hangs on to his foreshore interest - I expect you will have to slightly increase the amount of total purchase money viz. £2000 that is if you wish to have all the native rights secured to the Queen, the town is extending very fast in fact Grahamstown is filling up, Buildings in Shortland are going up very fast so that now is the time it may possible be more difficult when the owner's find the price of land rising in value. Remember me kindly to Douglas I suppose he is with you at Wellington In haste, Yours very sincerely, McLintock (?)