Camp Mata Piro. 24 Feby. 1866. My dear McLean, I am quite aware that I was wrong in asking the why and the wherefore of the Govr. respecting the movement of my men. It was an act of diplomacy on my part. I was anxious and knew I should get an answer of some kind and I got a wiggin, which I fully expected. I am very glad to hear that Arthur has got his promotion. I must say I think he has well earnt it and both he and Biggs are a proof that civilian soldiers are quite as able to fight Maories as the most experinced and disciplined regulars. I am very glad that you think of sending me north I would sooner be there than here on my old run and which if every one had his rights would be mine still but it is of no use looking backwards. I hope you will send me where there is some thing going on. I want my promotion. I wish you would tell me as an old friend if you think there is any chance of my getting it. If not, I think seriously of leaving the Province for I don't see any chance of any other apointment now that Fraser has been put over my head as a civilian. I have written to Withers asking for 3 days leave, if you think there is any danger in my leaving the Camp, I do not much care about it. Brown is having this run surveyed under the new act. If all the run holders get bona-fide leases, the Natives will have no land to sell, so that the new Native lands Act will only benefit the runholders. Yours sincerely, Edmund Tuke.