Auckland July 7th. 1869. My dear McLean, There was a regular panic in Waikato yesterday; which has, however, happily subsided. It appears that Te Kooti, - or his double - has got through to the neighbourhood of Tokangamutu; and awaits the usual invitation to show himself to the King. I have taken every means to get information of what may pass, and have neglected no precaution for the safety of the district. Moule is very confident that he would be able to hold his own in any emergency. I have, myself, no apprehension of danger of an attack upon the settlements, because I cannot believe that men like the King's advisers, Manuhiri and Rewi, would let Kooti take the initiative in making war in their own neighbourhood. I believe it to be their interest, and they may know it, to keep the peace. They are likely to get more out of us by negotiation than by fighting; and whatever may be said, the ultimate results of the operations of Tito Kowaru, and of Te Kooti, have not been very favourable, or very encouraging to the Maori side. I have sent the original Agreements for the Thames Gold-fields. Mackay says that these documents are frequently required to be produced in the Courts here; and I think it would be well, when done with, that they should be sent back to me. I can send you the copies. Auckland is gone mad with gold-mining speculations. The yield of some of the claims at the Thames is becoming something fabulous; and the interests involved are becoming so large that you will require to walk very warily in dealing with them, if any legislation is about to be attempted this Session. I am, yours very truly (Signed) Daniel Pollen. To:- Donald McLean Esq. Wellington.