Sunday 15th. Novr. 1868. My Dear Sir, On arrival I found Turanganui safe and the garrison in good heart Henare Potai had behaved splendidly in encouraging our fellows when events were occurring greatly tending to discourage so small a party. The females even wished to present him with an address. Too great praise cannot be accorded to Lieut. Gascoigne for his exertion during the very trying times, for his arrangement for defence etc. and the manly courage he instilled into the men. When we communicated with the Mahia from the steamer I found Ihaka Whanga had arrived from Te Wairoa and assisted on accompanying us to Poverty Bay and knowing as I did that he thought himself badly used by being dragged from one place to another as he quaintly said without knowing if his legs were his own I allowed him to come with 40 of his men and am pleased now that I did so for he is full of confidence and has sound judgment. Not the slightest sympathy is expressed with the Hau Hau cause by our Maori volunteers and all are eager to give them battle and if I had not been possessed of knowledge when they behaved in some cases without displaying a great deal of courage, I should at least have hung on their march and perhaps have prevented their design on Oweta Pa (Tamihana's) yesterday morning I sent a boat over to the Muriwhai Pai (Ihaka's) and Paratini's son Henarai Kokapunga with Tamihana Ruatapu to Oweta. The people of the latter place with Paratini received Te Kooti in their Pa the invading force marching between two lines of the Garrison, after a short address from Kooti he gave them some of his karakea and finished by saying that he would immediately proceed to kill those men who objected to join him Paratini got up to answer this when my informant left but I since hear they have killed three Renata whakari among them and that Paratini is tied along with seven others for sacrifice today a number of refugees have taken to the Pa at Muri whai and send over here for assistance, on talking the matter over with Ihaka Whanga and offering to let him go to their assistance or bring away the garrison he simply advises to let them stop if they choose, since I have sent vessels over twice to convey them here. He also thinks they can hold out there. The houses remaining in the Bay were burned last night including mine and Harris's. I should feel certain of a successful issue if I could attack the Enemy with 500 men. The opinion of the different chiefs here is that Te Kooti and Co. will remain here which accords with my opinion. If the Government will act with promptitude at this moment all will yet fo well and you have little to fear for your out Districts -- better spend a few thousands now than be compelled to vacate our Provinces. We want 40 stand of Arms and some Tents and ammunition (15,000 rounds) to render our armament complete. All in good health and spirits. I am not certain where the Enemy will fix his position but if we attack him those small Mortars I saw in Napier and a larger gun would render good service. Yours faithfully, Sigd. Chas. Westrup.