December 30th. 1860. Dear McLean, Respecting the conveyance mentioned in your telegram, it arrived, as you know, when George was absent at Sydney; and he was so busy and bothered with things that it escaped both him and me. I have forwarded it by post this day to him with instructions. Would not have it known to the local powers that be, in this Province, that you are willing to operate on the West Coast. The Government is not the only body jealous of you. It is a comfort to know that events have forced a recognition of your services, and that their voluntary effertand earnest character have stopped the mean spirited titlegramic notices, which were like mosquitoes -- could annoy though they could not damage. Time permits me to add no more. Hard at work these holidays, as Schiller, in the ''Lay of the Bell'' says, ''Work for Master never ceasing.'' Kate joins me in love and kind regards and wishes of all manner of good to you, and Annabella, and Captain, and Mrs. McLean, and Alick. and I remain Yours very truly (Signed) Rob. Hail. Mr. Moffitt, 11 months in the Colony. Tomos son is with me he has a letter from Wm. King 3rd. Jany. wants powder 750 men to leave by tomorrow, they know Mr. Chanon I have told him some things. Gave me some wheat 200 bushels wheat for my wife shewn me 14 casks of powder wooden hoops, 2 Maories who came to see Mr. McLean and went up the river 14 days ago -- they had a meeting with the Natives, they have many meetings always held at night. 60 rifles landed by a French vessel used at last engagement. I can destroy all the powder, it took an hour and 20 minutes to get from the last river to where the powder is stored, French aid expected, war with England soldiers go home leave the Maories to fight the English. 5 Frenchmen training Natives -- I American carpenter Chips I do not know his name, and making cartouch. Heu Heu is to be down a letter went to him. King sent 10 men to bring Weoro up from Mr. Maunsells if his Koerero was good all night if not he was to be taken to Ngarua wahia and hung. Mangatawheri creek to Paparoa road for taua 11 Pahs. Ngaruawahia 1 a Pah on the road I went to see where the powder was has 4 tons of flour in it. Another Pah on the range opposite Mr. Ashwell only 3 European settlers on the line of road betwixt the Pahs and the coal mines. Cross to a point near a church where there are some canoes -- Natives there to help them. Letters being written to the North for a general, rise, King, Tomo Takerei Wm. Nera Reihana Wharepu -- leading men in this affair, Whare has a letter from Wm. King to King at Ngaruawahia. Mr. Cowell, a Frenchman supplied them with powder very recently -- 11 rifles at Paetae -- flint muskets -- plenty of powder short of caps and nipples. Pahs constructed ingeniously -- take powder from Auckland when there are few soldiers. No good the natives near Ashwell destroy these Natives and Ashwell. Mr. Armitage not safe to go back. All the Europeans to be driven out and the plunder divided between the Maoris and the french, Nera Thompson and another are going to the Thames. Mr. Haslitt at Raglan is in danger. A priest Kapai Karawera. 2000 at Paetae 5000 could muster Ministers very good to talk to the old women and children will not listen to them. French at Caledonia -- powder from Caledonia -- o for wheat at 2/- a bushel. No person at Waikato to sell wheat except for Powder, plugs being made for bas by Chips low stout man, George Skidmore to be buried in town. Mr. Marshall not to know more. Mr. Morgan no good. Mangere Natives very good. 2 mills for grinding, 1 at Paetae Skidmores - Takereis mill - Governor very bad Wm. very bad Takerei good Strawberry wiwi sold caps and powder tobacco from American whalers - Pokeno Native this week or next to have a runanga paid by Nama £40 when I go back. Expect more large guns blasting powder can be purchased, pebbles to be used, guns from a whaler, American vessel supplies grog for the King Takerei and others also tobacco in exchange for produce. Repairing mills To stay in the bush near Drury dark moon a night attack - aid from Wairoa. Ihaka Kapai Tophia came with letter to Mangere - taihoa an mohia te korero Ihaka - he would not get guns or blankets but got a whaleboat. 7 Maories 200 pakehas killed Kings letter give guns powder nipples. Take tobacco for Toma. Wiremu Toe toe very good. Ha nui te pai te wiwi Americans very good.