Turanganul Poverty Bay November 20th. 1868 My dear McLean, The ''Ahuriri'' having just arrived I send you a few lines. At 1 this morning the whole of the Native Contingent with Ihaka wonga's men starred in search of the enemy fully confident of success. Now, I wish them every luck and as Ihaka is with them I don't fear their getting a reverse, and they will do this much good, compel the enemy to retreat, or take refuge in a pa which is as good news as I expect. I am keeping open the communication by means of twelve mounted men forming connecting links between our advance and this position each man therefore will only have half a mile or so to ride. To have refused permission to the expedition would have been damping the ardour of the men. They can but try, and my commands to the chiefs were, run no risk, but steadily work to find the numbers of the enemy. If he (the enemy) is at all unprepared, great good will come of this expedition for a war party of 300 well armed natives ought to make itself felt. In my short speech to the chiefs I spoke of the heroes they would become if Te Kooti or Nununa fell before them and they certainly will try I think pretty hard. Theirs would be the glory if they succeeded in overthrowing Kooti. They started full of confidence and having such chiefs among them, they are bound to take great care of them. I shall continue steadily to push things forward so that when the time comes for action everything will be arranged. If you could possibly get me the assistance of Captain Bower, now at the Wairoa, I should be very thankful. He is a capital adjutant, thoroughly up to his duty and will be invaluable to me in organizing the Troops besides I know him very well, also Tuke who speaks very highly of his qualifications. I send you the Doctors report on Mrs. Wilson, also on a young native the wrethhes left for murdered in Tamihana's pa. I forgot to mention that Ihaka of Muriwhai will join forces with the Napier contingent at pa Tutahi the force therefore will be about 360 men well armed with Rifles. Thanking you for your valuable and powerful aid. Believe me, Yours faithfully, Chas. Westrup. Donald MCLean Esq. Napier.