Jany. 14, 1861 My dear Sir, The report about troops being stationed at Tongaporutu is unfounded, a ship of war went down to the White Cliffs at Parininihi to check the war party who were going on to Taranaki. It is to be regretted that even this should have been done as it may form a pretext for the Natives to attack any of the other European settlements. The general has been written to on the subject and while in the exercise of his military duties it is a delicate matter to interfere yet as the safety of the outsettlers particularly depends upon continuing the war to its present limits every caution must be used. Your letters to the Governor are most valuable in those oritical times. Hoping you are well, I remain, My dear Sir, Yours sincerely, Donald McLean