Turanga 10th. July 1863. Donald McLean Esq. Napier. My dear Sir, I am sorry to say matters are far from improving in this District. On the return of Tamihana Ruatapu from Napier, he found Lazarus Rukupo and Andrew Matito had been successful in persuading many natives who had promised to give in their allegiance to remain , and others, to join the Hau Haus: in fact, we hear of daily perverts; and we could have no better proof of the side with which the greater portion of the natives sympathise than the fact that the report of Morgan having lost a pah was the occasion of great rejoicing among not only the Pai Marere, but others who heretofore expressed their firm determination to be true to us. I was informed a few days since by a native in whom I have ever placed confidence, that matters were so very grave that he did not consider it would be safe for the families of the settlers to remain here much longer. Further, Andrew Matito has said that should Horopapara direct a general massacre of all Europeans throughout these Islands, or rather, this Island, he sees no reason why it should not be carried into effect. The only hope for this part of the Coast, is I think, to keep Morgan well supported. Should he be enabled to crush the Hauhau party in his quarter (more particularly as those here talk of going to assist their brother fanatics) we may yet keep the place; otherwise, the war will spread along the Coast, until it reaches here, and Turanga will be the great battle-field. I have little, or no faith in the bulk of our Maori friends (?) here: and if we are not supported, Turanga will be another district added to those already lost by a wavering policy. Sydney has, I hear, got some hundred and thirty names ready to give in to you, when he hopes you will at once supply them with arms. To do so would be most injudicious. I look on the movement as merely an attempt to get supplied, as I also do his pretended quarrel with Lazarous. That his own people are disgusted with him, and have consequently withdrawn from him, is without doubt. It behoves us to be most careful in dealing with such a person. I should advise the ataff erected by Morgan, at Turanga, now to be , or you may at any moment, have the Hauhau in arms, from Bay of Plenty of Napier. We are, without doubt, sitting over the mouth of a Volcano, which may, at any moment break forth and hurl us all to destruction. Yours faithfully (Signed) J.W. Harris.