Mr. Parsons' place 20 October 1866 My dear McLean On my way from Pohui I got your despatches for which many thanks. They have wigged me for not writing direct to the Defence Office. Let them wig, I do not forget that when six weeks before I wrote to you at Wellington, stating the facts, and what I advised to be done, they treated my communication with insult. The results of the last few days are entirely due to the moral pluck you showed in taking the very heavy responsibility you accepted --- to the great energy you brought to bear in everything connected with the matter --- and to the John Bull pluck of our fellow settlers --- Under these circumstances, though I am gratified at Haultains private letter to me I am quite indifferent about his official censure. I took part with my fellow settlers in suppressing a native disturbance, at the call of our Superintendent. Each in the sphere he was thought most suitable to fill did his best, and all regarded it, as a Provincial affair in which nothing but the formal legalities required interference of the Gen. Govt. To me their praise was no inducement and none they can bestow will ever wipe out the insult Stafford dared to put on me, behind my back. Results have vindicated me, but the under-bred behaviour cannot be expunged. I hope all the credit may go to you, for I wish to be under no obligation to the present Govt. with whom if I live I shall be square yet. With much more promptitude than usual they have sent us ammunition etc. just too late. I send you my wigging which. I never intend to notice, as we are all in one boat in the matter to sink or swim together. I meant to take all blame I could if the steps taken by you had been repudiated and to have declared that it was my fault throughout. Had I not felt that to resign my command at such a time would have been wrong, I would have flung my Commission at Stafford directly I heard of his behaviour to you and Ormond when you sent my letter to him. And had the Military operations failed I should have of course taken my fair blame as well as I could, for I should have deserved it. I see you were anxious for letters from me. I sent you one every day, though one miscarried Weber took one from Waiparati to ease your reasonable anxiety; Bousfield (who is rather a nuisance in a camp, though brave enough in action) I sent in yesterday with final details I hope you will find the letters if they have not yet reached your hand. There is nothing to add to my former letter as regards news. La Serre has brought down the first reserve of ammunition and goes on with the second and first reserves from Pohui where I had the second. At no very great expence we were in the position last night of having three days supplies for all hands at Mohaka Church, a safe communication across the river and thence to Pohui where three or four days more were collected, and at Carrs there was at least ten days more. The pack horses arrived quicker than I expected complete in every respect, and really capital beasts. You did indeed send good ones and most quickly. Goodbye and believe me very truly yours G. S. Whitmore