Dear McLean My time is so short on land and so stormy at sea that I write on any sort of paper and in any sort of a way an official you may amend and have written smooth if you like by your clerk. The gist is this --- I'll take my own line now for the coach requires a single and a resolute coachman --- But before doing so I want things to be in smooth train. You know yr. friends their homes and districts --- Pray post them as is most suitable I'll endorse all you do. Then publish my orders signed by me --- ("in the absence of Capt. Withers") --- if Withers does not arrive before it goes to press. Then be prepared for the following requests. 1. To call out all the Militia 1st and 2nd class. 2. For requisitions to have 4 or 5 small blockhouses that at Petane will be paid for by the Genl. Govt. There are to be armouries. 3. To throw in supplies to the Southern Districts, when the Stockade can be begun and if opposed Troops sent up to protect the erection who will not starve. H. Russell will give us storeage for some so wd. Rathbone. 4. Calling out then the Town Militia for service or 100 of them. 5. Removing if things go on badly the women and children to places of shelter. In haste Truly yrs. G. S. Whitmore 25 July