Napier 16th June /69 My dear McLean There may be a chance of sending letters on friday morning so leave this note before I go out to night --- Locke will write fully on Friday and tell you his Maorie news and anything new that may occur between this and then --- We may have the enemy make an irruption into any part of the Province now any day --- and our army out of reach --- The situation is critical enough and our operations against the enemy are becoming too grand and far too much like the noble General Cameron's campaign --- We want light active moveable columns to make a dash here and there and stop long nowhere for some time to come. It would seem that the King has been expecting Te Kooti to join him some time past Mr. Locke will tell you --- I see only one way to meeting the enemy we are likely to have to fight next summer but by native allies. We must get them in good humour and win their confidence which is now all but lost. Every action here seems more and more to estrange the natives I find it difficult to write for Callers --- I have been at the office every day this week and shall have a day at home tomorrow --- Yours always Joseph Rhodes We shall expect the earliest intimation of the result of the want of Confidence motion --- I suppose about Tuesday next or this day week. Fine weather here and a glorious season. J.R.