Napier, January 16th, 1870. My dear McLean, The Rangatira is just coming in and may go on at once altho that is not likely, anyhow I will write in readiness. News from Taupo has come fast this last day or two First on the 14th the Wellington brought your letters with the word from Waikato that Kooti had bolted to Patetere. Yesterday Booth communicated his news which had come down the Wanganui river and was to the same effect. I enclose it herewith and you will see that Kemp and Topia have not given up the pursuit. Last night Telegrams reached me from McDonnell enclosing copy of a letter from Kemp to him. I also enclose these - the Evidence seems conclusive that Kooti has bolted Patetere way and has only a small force with him. The Taupo information names Waotu beyond Patetere as the place he was making for -- Immediately on receipt of your information, i.e. on the 14th I despatched instructions to McDonnell to move his whole force from Tokano to Tapuaehararu and thence to operate on Te Kooti in the Patetere district should he obtain information of his whereabouts. McDonnell's force when he gets to Tapuaehararu will be about 300 of whom nearly half are Constabulary. McDonnell would receive the instructions of the 14th yesterday soon after he sent me his news from Kemp and I have no doubt the force has moved by Canoe today to Tapuaehararu. At the same time, i.e.14th, I sent to Locke who was at Tapuaehararu to warn the Arawa of Te Kooti's movements which I hear from him he has done - Last night I sent further instructions to McDonnell which he will get today at Tapuaehararu directing him now Kemp has joined and his force is large enough to push right through after Te Kooti and I have no doubt they will go right through Patetere, and their route will be by Te Horohoro, as by going that way they will close Te Kooti's easiest way of getting to the Urewera Country. Kooti is almost certain to be supported by Hakaraia and it is to be hoped we may get a chance at Kooti Hereopa and Hakaraia at the same time. That tells you what has been done from this side. I am hopeful that we are about to finish the business at last. Altogether Kooti's bolting from Taumaranui has been very fortunate for us so far and if it ends well will settle many difficulties. One point of considerable importance is that our move to Patetere will smash up the Aukati that has so long stopped the roads between Taupo and the Waikato Military Settlements. We should take care that we keep the road open when we have opened it -- then Telegraph etc. will go through without difficulty -- You will gather from what I have written all that is being done from this side and I do not see that you need get much more force -- McDonnell men and the Wanganuis are more than enough to effect all that is wanted I have ascertained that there is a good deal of Native food along the line our force will move but steps should be taken to ensure supplies being at hand at Tauranga and Maketu in case they are required. Also it seems to me that care should be taken to block the road against Kooti's return to Waikato if that be done I think our Taupo force can do the rest. There is one point I have not yet taken into account and it is that before our force gets up, Kooti may have pushed right through to the Urewera country. He may have done this already if he has not I do not think he will manage it now -- But in case he has or should I trust we shall take immediate steps to follow him -- pray if you hear of his getting there send the Sturt at once down here so that Ngatiporou may be started after him Should it turn out that Kooti gets to the Urewera we should have to block the Taupo roads against his return and I feel satisfied Ngatiporou would do the rest. I hope we may get him at Patetere without this additional expense but if not there is nothing for it but to follow him up and the quicker it is done the more effective and economical it will be. Should Ngatiporou be wanted and you unable to come down to get them it will be best for you to write to them saying what has to be done and that they must do for a lump sum -- There will be no difficulty I think and with that help from you I could manage the rest -- I have other things to write you about but I will do so in another letter. Most sincerely do I trust that we shall succee this time in catching our enemy it appears to me that once settl'e that bad lot now together at Patetere and we may hope for the peace we want. I may have later news before this goes and shall add if I have. I will write to Pollen in case you may be absent. Always, Yours very sincerely, J.D. Ormond.