Taranaki Wednesday Evening 7th March, 1860 Dear Maclean I send these few lines by the Governor's special Messenger. Things here look quite as well as could be expected. Possession has been taken of Teira's land by the Troops without opposition - Rumours of course have been rife of hundreds of the Taranaki and Ngatiruanui who were about to enter the Town, but they prove without foundation. Our real difficulty is in bringing the difference with King to a fair issue. Meanwhile his menacing position at Kairoa is keeping the settlement in a state of seige. The Waitara people are most anxious not to be the first to commence hostilities the Governor is of course desirous also to keep himself right - not only according to European but even according to Maori opinion. The settlers are behaving excellently well. Teira has burnt William Kings pa. The settlers have put up strong Block houses at Bell Block and Omata - The women and children are mostly in Town - Col.Gold is at Waitara with nearly all the Troops. The Niger went down with the Troops, and landed a party of her men, but has returned, and now lies in this Roadstead. Matters you see are not at present critical, but may at any moment become so. Poharama is strong in support of the Governor. E Waka also professes to be so. Tahana and Raniera want to keep themselves clear. Mahau seems all right. Ihaia is in town and evidently in earnest on our side. Nikorima has offered to come south and help Mahau to hold Mahoetahi - but the Governor has said ''not yet''. The Ngatimaniapoto would if Nikorima moved to Waitara occupy Nikorima's Place and it seems unwise to encourage any concentration of Natives at present. The Taranaki people are divided - Some wish to be neutral some wish to join W.Kingi. Probably all sympathize with him. Turton has started for Wellington 3/8 In haste, Yours truly, C. W. RICHMOND