H. M S. Blanche Dear Mr. McLean, I have landed sixty men and placed them in the Monmouth redoubt, if by doing so the colonial forces are more free to act I shall be much gratified, at the same time you must understand the landing my men may not be approved of by the authorities, so trust their services may not be required for many days -- My only excuse for landing men, is the distance my ship is obliged to lay from Te-papa -- a good reason in my opinion whatever others may think. The ''Luna'' made a good run down from Auckland as no doubt you know I got a message about her requiring coal which I could have assisted her in but she left without taking any. I do not see what confidence could be established by a visit of H.E. to the Waikato. Hoping to hear some good news about Te +Kooti before long. Believe me Yours truly John Montgomerie Tauranga January 27th 1870