Wainui. March 8th, 1845. Dear McLean, I received a note from you by "Haera" the day before yesterday at Otaki but it was so ancient that it contained no news as it must have been written before I saw you at Wanganui and this morning meeting "Matiu" on his way to Taranaki where I believe he intends taking up his quarters I detain him while I scribble a few lines. I have no particular news to communicate, the North at present seems to be the theatre of interesting events. You will have heard about "Heke's" proceedings, and the Governors sending for military aid. This is the all absorbing topic of conversation here, and as anybody nowadays is a politician there is no little diversity of opinion, some exulting, some jeering, and some saying what they think ought to be done, but I hope the Governor will be wise enough to follow his own plan, without attending to the discordant clamors of the public, for do what he may he cannot please all, and if he were to attempt it it would be something like the fable of the old man his son and the ass. I am waiting anxiously for the next intelligence because I am convinced the future quietude of the Colony very much depends upon the measures that are adopted in the present crisis. I have been down the coast in consequence of a rumour that was brought to Port Nicholson stating that Taraia had made a descent upon Manawatu, and butchered the inhabitants of a Pa called Patea some distance up the interior, three individuals only escaping - but I am happy to say that the rumour appears unfounded I can gather no satisfactory intelligence substantiating such a fact, and therefore conclude it is a "ngutu tere" for had such a thing really happened the natives along the coast would not have remained so long in ignorance, or doubtful of its truth. I am therefore on my way home again, home I say, but Port Nicholson I mean, I wish I were going home for I am heartily sick of this wandering unsettled life, and if there is much probability of its continuance I shall begin to think seriously of leaving the Department. The Hutt question about which there has been so much trouble I trust will be settled after all without strife. Rauparaha is decidedly on our side, and Rangihaeta hitherto the greatest obstacle is turning, and therefore I think we shall have no difficulty but that which will arise out of the dilatory nature of their movements for they have no idea of the value of time - When you see Mr. Turton give my kind regards to himself and family - remember me also to Mr. and Mrs. Webster with any other enquiring friends if I have any in your neighbourhood? Did George Clarke take his book on with him, left by me at your home "Natural History of Enthusiasm". I think I mentioned it in a former note if not send it either to me, or to Auckland - I must now close my untidy scrawl, which you will please excuse as it is written at the "Kainga Maori", and wishing you every blessing, Believe me, Yours very truly, Thomas Forsaith.