13th. August 1868. My dear McLean, After writing the notes last night, a messenger reached me at about 11.30 with the news I telegraphed this morning. I started at day dawn, and was in long before 8 o'clock; but I could not get the wires to work before 9.15 or so. The young man was out taking a walk before breakfast. However, the bad news would travel fast enough. Poor Carr, and Canning! brave fellows both; but for this serious loss, the action was a brilliant one, so far we at present know; for Whitmore was far out-numbered, although he did not know it. The privations the party must have suffered in such weather, and with want of food and shelter, must have been very severe; and shows, not-withstanding indomitable pluck in our people. What a pity the want of reinforcement and should mar and nullify all our efforts. When will New Zealand see the only way out of our difficulties, and raise by united efforts, sufficient men and money to root out these fanatics? These men will now probably attack Petane after recruiting a little, according to their original idea, and probably in formidable numbers. Our state is more critical now than two years ago. If prompt measures are not taken to follow up the fugitives at Tarawera and Taupo, they will surely attack us. Yours very truly, (Signed) J. Rhodes.