Auckland 5-11-70 My dear Mr McLean I send you "Confidentially" a copy of a letter sent in by Hetet from Manuhiri to C.O.Davis - There is nothing particular in the letter but the idea of sending these peace messengers to Te Rawhiti I conclude that it must have reference to the rumour we have heard that Tawhiao is going to send messengers to te Kooti to counsel him to keep quiet. The peace party were very well received at Waikato as you will see by the several letters we have received. And seemed very well pleased with their visit. I do not go to Waikato till Monday, there was a question pending return Mr. Vogel and the Superintendent respecting the purchasing of land from Natives, and Mr. Vogel wished me to let my visit to Waikato stand over as he might wish to consult on the subject - I hope you will seriously think of the inexpediency of sending an armed party by way of Ahikereru through Ruatahuna in pursuit of Te Kooti. I am very much afraid that such a course would undo all that Mair has been doing for the past three months. If it were absolutely necessary it would be very different. But apart from the political difficulty the idea would be a mistake. The proven points of approach on this side - are either by the Waimenui valley to Maungapohatu, or by the Waioweka. I have consulted with Wiremu Kingi of the Ngaitae and he is quite of my opinion. Mair has written me a very strong private letter on the subject which unfortunately I have not with me or I would enclose it for your information. Matters are progressing so favorably that I would not have the Urewera disturbed for a good deal. We have never since 1860 had such a prospect of an universal peace. I do not like to write officially on the subject as I have no putake and it might Interfere with your plans, but I urge most emphatically what I have said. Yours very faithfully Hy.T. Clarke