Dear Sir, I am much obliged for the information in your letter of the 12th. By last accounts from Poverty Bay the Enemy was fortifying at Patutatu and other positions close to that place. Your predictions respecting Poverty Bay have come too true and I agree that the steps taken have saved the Wairoa I should be glad if you would give me your opinion as to whether you think it would be now safe to remove the Ngatiporou to Poverty Bay. 200 Natives have gone from here and 200 more are expected from the east Cape Westrup will then be in a position to take the field but Ropata and Hotini are much wanted to lead the Ngatiporou. I will do my best to find something for you to do, what is most wanted at present is information and I hope you will supply that by every opportunity. Your mother sent me a small slip of a note from you for which I am much obliged, my feeling is that all should unite at present with one accord to extricate the Colony from its unfortunate position and I trust by united efforts that this can be accomplished. I remain yours very truly, Sigd. Donald McLean Napier 19th Nov. 1868