Tauranga 24th. January 1870 6 a.m. My dear Sir, May got in this morning about day-break; and at the same time a letter came for you from McDonnell, which I have enclosed herewith. Mr. Clarice and I have concluded to send the ''Sturt'' to Auckland for the rifles and ammunition. Clarke goes himself to Maketu, to rouse the Arawa, 200 of whom will be ordered to come here; and on return of the ''Sturt'', I will march by the nearest way, I think, as at present, advised by Kaiwai (?), to make a junction with McDonnell. The Arawas will be warned to guard the roads well; and I trust, this time, we will catch the brute. Our latest news of Te Kooti is that he was at Ohineroa, but that he intended making a stand at Okawa (?) a place about 18 miles from it. He is represented by having been joined by the late Wm. Thompson's people. It is a pity. I cannot communicate with McDonnell. The natives say it is not safe for an Orderly to go where he is; and have turned one back which I sent yesterday. McDonnell, as you will see by his letter, has about 618 men with him, -- quite enough to eat Te Kooti up. If the latter will only fight. There is no contract here for rationing, so it would be better to send down some biscuits by the ''Sturt''. Lindon's were advertised for some time ago by Gordon, but none of the tradesmen would tender. My force, when I move, will be at least 350 men. As it is by far the smaller of the two, I shall be very cautious, and not run any risk, unless I see something of importance may be gained. Yours very sincerely (Signed) James Fraser.