Napier, January 20th, 1870. My dear McLean, You are almost certain I expect to be at Tauranga when this reached Auckland and I have not a great deal of news to send you. Since I wrote by the Rangatira I have heard from Taupo that McDonnell's force reached Tapuaehararu on the morning of the 17th and left on the morning of the 18th for Patetere -- The force that advanced was about 250 strong as a. garrison was left at Tapuaehararu -- they took what rations there were at the port and arranged for the next convoy, two days later, should take on the loadings -- I trust this would suffice to take the force to Patetere where they know they have to feed upon the enemy -- McDonnell had communicated with Kemp and Topia and desired them to join him at Waimahana on the 19th If they have done so the united force is fully 700 strong -- if they did not reach him McDonnell was going to push on and get some Arawas from Rotorua -- I have not heard from McDonnell since he left and as no news is good news I conclude he is going right through -- I have made all possible enquiry as to supplies on the line of advance to Patetere and there and I gather there is a fair supply on the road and abundance there -- the last of course has to be fought for but I trust they will make short work of that if they get the chance -- I heard today from Kepa Puawhe' the Arawa Chief who is on his way to rejoin McDonnell he writes from Taupo and says all the Arawa are congregating at Rotorua so I conclude you have arranged that movement. I heard from you by the Virago, as to your plans and altogether I think things are in good train -- If Kooti escapes us this time he should not -- and altho' the repeated disappointments of success have almost caused one to cease to hope I do think we have a chance this time -- This morning I received copy of a Telegram thro' Wellington from Pollen to the effect that Kooti was still at Patetere between Tauranga and Cambridge -- that he had sent a messenger to Mr. Firth who was at Matamata to meet him respecting terms on which he wd. surrender -- further that Mr. Firth had appointed Thompson's Monument as the place to meet Te Kooti -- I was perfectly wild when I read this Telegram. I at once communicated with Gisborne who assured me he disapproved thoroughly of what Mr. Firth was doing -- to-night I have a telegram from Fox in which he says he wd. rather have a ten years war than make terms with Te Kooti -- I feel sure your view will be the same but from Pollen's telegram I am half afraid he knows what firth is doing. It would simply be ruin to the Colony as well as to your Govt, that shd. be made with Te Kooti. Gisborne will be sure to send you his own and also Fox's view so that I need not. Directly I received Pollens telegram I sent off a telegram after McDonnell directing him in positive terms not to recognize Mr. Firth in any sense or shape and if he were meddlesome to take any measures he thought requisite to end his officiousness. If I were commanding a force against Kooti and caught a man like Mr.Firth tampering with them I wd. simply hang him on the first tree I found and chance the consequences. Pray if he is within your reach put him down with the strong hand. It is terrible to have these officious mischief makers to deal with in addition to the actual difficulties that have to be met. About supplies I led McDonnell to hope he wd. find some at or near Matamata please do what you can to have them there in case of necessity. We shall look anxiously for the next news from you McDonnell's force is clean away out of my reach now and will be I trust in communication with you -- If they succeed send back to Taupo the Constabulary part of the force as I want them for road works protecting Telegraph etc. and will use them if I get the chance. McDonnell if he works out to you need not be sent back as he wants to attend to his own concerns. There is no provincial news everything is quiet and going on right. Mr. Burton of Wairoa was at me today -- he wants to know what you wish done with some sheep of yours that were running with. Lockwood he has made you some offer about keeping them to which he wants a reply. The Commander of the Virago very nearly got into a mess the other day and quoted you as the authority for the mischief on her arrival she steamed up to the Govt, moorings cast off a Baue (American) that was fast to them and took possession. The Barque was the American vessel loading wool for Thuriss. There was a lot of talk about it -- fortunately I had gone out of Town that morning to see about some Road matters and was away through the excitement -- the next morning I smoothed things over and nothing was said abt. it. It certainly was a very arbitrary proceeding -- and unjustifiable I should think. The Virago left yesterday morning with the soldiers -- and the Women etc. go early tomorrow by the Phoebe -- Good night. I must close it is very late -- Pray squash Firth and press things on against North if not already dealt with. Always, Yours very sincerely, J. D. Ormond.