Taranaki Jan. 9th. 1861. My dear sir, After Christmas, I overtook the taua at Hangatiki and made the road with them a part of theway. They are about 220 besides whomen and children from Ngatihaua, Ngatimaniapoto, Ngatipaoa, one and another from Tuhorangi, one from Ngai te rangi about 12 from Ngatiraukawa about 20 from Ngatihou from Wanganui, but the Huinga of the last are coming by Kaitotara with Ngatiruanui. At my arrival at Huirangi where I stopped 4 days we had a great meeting composed from all the warriors at Taranaki. They received me with all kindness. I tried to persuade them to use humanity towards the wounded and prisoners to which they agreed, provided the soldiers would lay aside their arms in like manner for the travellers they will be saved provided they will have no arms, and carry a white flag. Still for the best part, there was a great opposition. They would exempt nobody except ourselves. Priests even the protestant minister is not exempted according to the opinion of a great majority. In mean time, they discussed the question of the steamers being at Parininihi. They came to the resolution that it was a declaration of war from the part of the Government in all New Zealand. So they were going to write to all the tribes to rise against Auckland, Ahuriri, Wanganui etc. etc. At my request they have agreed to do nothing until they should be sure that those steamers are at Parinihi by the order of the Governor, and I promised them that I would acquaint the Government about the case as that it was my opinion that the Governor is wishing to keep the war at Waritara only and not in another place. Really my opinion is that it is the best to do for the present. It is too soon to have a general war all over the Island. The natives are strong yet, plenty ammunition, good martial spirit. They can do great damage before they shall be overwhelmed. In the last battle only 7 men killed 2 wounded, hundred only were fighting in the redoubtes all the rest were idle pearing and looking about from the forest. They left Matakorikoriko in account they had no food and they could not bring it easily into the pah. The wounded are already well. Ngatiruanui with Gisborn are coming from the interior to Waitara, they intend passing by to freight New Plymouth. Within few weeks or months Torryeson and Tioriori as it is said with come at the head of a great party from Karikati and Nga iterangi. The mail going to close I remain, dear Sir, Your obedient servant, G.M. Gavoret.