Opotiki 31st Oct. 1865 My dear Mr. McLean The Sturt has just returned bringing the 31 Natives accused of the Fulloon Murders Mr. Mair Mr. Smith as also Mr. Clarke have arrived, I consider it of the utmost importance that the Govt. should get the letters from here as soon as possible I have written to the Govt. stating that I had requested you to send on the Sturt, it is nearly all U.P. with the fighting the only natives in Arms against us here, that I can find out are sections of the Whakatohea Name of the place Maunga Hara - Names of Chiefs Hira - Te Popo, Mio Te Whare Nui Rawiri Makawe, Haimona probable number of fighting men Fifty, it is a very difficult place to get at up a Gorge, they have promised to come in, but on the 29th Teranapia was coming from there and met Eparaima and about 30 followers going there Patera is also there and two others of the Volkner Murderers, Hira Te Popo is very angry at Awanui and others giving in without as he says telling him, and complain that they have murdered him and his people - Wiremu Kingi tribe Nga 1 Pai. Te Patana tribe Whanau apanui - and Heremia tribe Nga i Tawarere these Chiefs have been in and want me to send McDonnell to administer the Oath but in consequence of having no vessell I could use it has not been done, the names of the places on the Coast the above people reside at is Te Kaha and Rawhiti probable number of men 120 - here I am Commander in Chief I shall have lots of Court Martial work as I find I have plenty of Evidence to go on with the Fulloon Murderers I have to send them on to the Governor for final approval in case a prisioner is sentenced Death I hope you will send on the Sturt. Believe me to remain Yours truly S. Stapp