. Turanga December 20th. 1868. My dear McLean, We have made no sort of military progress up to the present time, except getting stores forward, and Redoubts built at Patutahi, and a place 6 or 7 miles forward, we call Golgotha. The former Redoubt is christened Fort Fraser; the latter, Fort St. John. Fraser is out in Waikohu, a stream which enters the main valley of the Big River a few miles above Wairengahika. The head of Waikohu is not very far from the valley you go up to Makaretu and Ngatapa. Young Goldsmith was out scouting, and looking up sheep yesterday, and met four horses with ropes, which had evidently been ridden. He is clear the Hau Haus were out on the forage. He brought in the horses. Ngatiporou sent down 88 men to replace those that went home. Ropata will come again, if asked, on the 26th.. I shall send for him to occupy his land, if we can make no forward move. There is almost a certainty that Kooti is making Ngatapa his head-quarters. The place is nearer to the sheep, and other hopes of food; and his experience of Ropata's attack seems to have given him confidence. He has little food, and little ammunition; and the party down at Arai on Wednesday was intended to bring up some kegs of the latter, planted by his people in the long bush behind Harris' place, which the Friendlies had found and removed. They probably did not expect to find any people about, and it was not a planned murdering party. Their retreat was very precipitate. Things have been found, which they dropped, for a long way up the valley. The cession of the land is going on favourably. Do not let old Rahami come back yet to intrigue. Wyllie has given his most zealous aid. Tamihana Ruatapu, Hori Karaka, H. Kakopongo, have signed; and the Deed is on its way to Muriwai. It will enable us to place the Defence Force, - Ropata and Henare Tomoana, without delay. Please see the enclosed requisition for medicines attended to by return. Also send a couple of good large boxes with lock and key, for the hospital stores. If more good biscuit can be got, let it come by return. The ''Sturt'' should coal up as full as is right, so as to replenish the ''Ahuriri.'' I am very anxious for news from Whanganui. Yours truly (Signed) J.G. Richmond.