To:- Donald McLean Wellington. 10th. June 1869. Cavalry escort Bay of Plenty Volunteers left at Opepe was surprised on morning 8th. and 9 men killed. Numerous tracks seem as if a strong party had been moving from Urewera Country to Taupo Lake. First intelligence was conveyed by brothers Hallet, who were on their way to Napier. On arriving at Opepe on forenoon 8th. discovered two dead bodies of Europeans, who had been stripped. Seeing no Cavalry they immediately returned to acquaint St. John. Nothing was seen of the Hau Haus, but their tracks. None of the bodies mutilated. St. John and St. George went to Galatea yesterday. Te Kooti is supposed to have surprised the picket. (Signed) Fannin.