Hokianga November 1st. 1869. My dear McLean, I have just got your letter with the map -for which many thanks -- I told you when I saw you last that I had long been a prophet of evil and unfortunately a true one but that now I see signs of better things that is to say chances arising which by prudence caution and courage may under Providence lead to better things -- troubles of another kind are in the distance but they are of a nature which we Pakehas can manage better than those we have had hither to to encounter. I have thought much on our conversations as to the sort of front to shew and I think your idea of holding on to the land but making no aggressive war at all (except, against mere murderers like te Kooti) is the true policy if any land be given up it should be only as a grace and a favour not as a in a capitulation. You will find no trouble at all here arising out of the Ngapuhi peace making idea since I wrote to you last I have fully turned the matter over with the proper parties and the matter is in this position that you can use the Ngapuhi Chiefs when you require them or let the matter alone if you chose I have prepared them to take our view of any action to be taken whatever it may be there is no excitement of any dangerous or embarrasing nature on the subject at all. I have led the natives to expect you over here or to the Bay in a couple of weeks or so and I would advise you to come as soon as is convenient to yourself they seem desirous to see you. When you get to the Bay I dare say you will have plenty of time to let me know on what day to send a boat to meet you. My son will be able to let you know how to manage it if the post does not suit. I have not met one single pakeh since I have been here who has the most distant idea of the true meaning of the Waimate meeting you will be surprised at their opinions or rather their ignorance on the subject but after seeing the leading chiefs you will soon form your own opinion and I hope you will have no reason for dissatisfaction on the subject. I have the work of six or seven men to do writing besides brain work I have had twelve hours a day ever since I got home at the desk and have between sixty and seventy claims on hand several of which are far more difficult to manage in every sence than the Manawatu ever was or could be. I am however (to answer your kind inquiry) in good health and spirits and as strongaas a horse hard work agrees with me. I hope you are, as I saw you last, in the same condition and that I shall soon have the pleasure to welcome you to my ''peaceful cot'' at Onoke. I am my Dear McLean, Yours most sincerely, F.E. Maning.