Auckland 19th September 1860 My dear General, I have not seen much of the Governor since my return to Auckland I explained the difficulties you had with the women and children, and the result of military operations at Taranaki which I regard in a much more favorable light than parties who have no responsibility, and but little knowledge of the subject, are disposed to admit. It would be quite out of the question to send troops to Raglan you have quite enough in hand already without involving the risk of a general war which would be the result, if troops were sent there, at least it would be general as far as Waikato is concerned. I have recorded my opinion on the papers relating to the subject to this effect. I told the Governor when dining there last night that there is no necessity for removing Drummond Hay. The plunder taken by the Waikatos from Taranaki is a question that we have some difficulty in meeting. Matters are quiet here at present, the assembly exhaust a gret deal of time in talking unanimity on any one subject is quite out of the question. I remain, My dear General, Yours faithfully, (Sd.) Donald McLean To:-- General Pratt