Poverty Bay November 25th. 1868 My dear Sir, The ''Ahuriri'' has just arrived, and only gives me a few minutes for scribbling, as they are in a great hurry to be off. I am glad to hear that the expedition from the Wairoa has started, and can sympathise with you in the annoyance, which I am sure you must have felt, at your plans being disarranged by other people's stupidity. It is, as far as we can see, a matter of the utmost importance that something should be done from the Wairoa side, while the Hauhaus are left at bay here by the Ngatikahungunu. You will have, I know, a full report of what is doing at the front, from people who are better informed than I am; and therefore I will not say anything about that. As far as I can gather, our people seem to be in good spirits; and command, from their position, the road to the Wairoa, or rather to Puketapu. God grant that our efforts may be successful. I remain Yours very truly (Signed) W.L. Williams To:- D. McLean Esq.