Hauraki Feb. 4th. 1861. Private. My dear Mr. McLean, There is a very uneasy feeling in the Native mind here, which I think you should be informed of. I had a talk with an earnest minded man this morning, which joined with other observations I have made, and information I have received, convinces me of this. That the Natives are impressed with the idea that the Queen asserts the Sovereignty of the whole Island, and are determined to resist it. On this point they will not hear reason. Convincing arguments are replied to by, He ahakoa. The Natives here have written to recall Teruia from the Town, they do not approve of his going with the Governor. I had to write the note for them. When the Harvest is gathered in, a few of Whetini's nearest relatives will go to Taranaki. But the test say they will only join in the War, in event of its being carried into Waikato. In my absence the Native Teachers will not ask the the prayers for the Queen, but that is not a new thing. They say it is a good thing to die and not to be left hei takahanga ma te pakeha. The Chief to whom I spoke this morning said ''Katahi ano matou ka aroha ki o matou whaka Maori.'' Nui Tireni is now the word, that all should be one and resist the sovereignty of the Pakeha. They are up to the dodge, ''Divide et impera''. I boldly tell them that their best interests lie in their acquiescing to the Queen's Government who because she protests them from France and other countries, has the best right to be their sovereign and being herself the guardian of the lawsa will never use them unjustly, and that it is foolish to contend against so great a power. The answer is He ahakoa. I thank you for interesting yourself about a poney for me - Mr. St. George sold it on his way to me, but I have since bought one quite suitable for Willie. My thought about the war is that however it may have begun, the Maories themselves will not now suffer it to end till it has been seen which is master. I hope not they. I wish I could have had a little talk with you (just by our two selves) about the beginning of that war. It does not seem quite clear to me. I must now conclude. I have written this in a great hurry. I would not trust Te Karauna too much. He is the recaller (with his people) of Tiraia. Even a Maori Chief has to obey the popular voice and cannot always help himself beware of leaning on bruised reeds. The dea th of Relations drws others on to the war. Please to excuse these remarks and believe me Yours very truly, Thomas Lanfear. This is a private letter addressed to yourself.