Tapuaeharuru October 15 1870. Capt. Preece. Te Teko or Galatea. I want to know the present state and condition of your force, and whether you are of opinion that Te Kooti could be taken at Te Wera. He is reported to be forty strong and may soon be on the move towards Waikato or Thames. Ngahruhru of Ohinemutu requested that no operations should take place till he went to the Urewera country. I now hear he has not gone, but has sent someone else, who is expected back daily. I do not wish Whenuanui, or any Urewera not actively with Te Kooti, and supporting him, to be interfered with; but I wish you to be ready for a movement to secure Te Kooti, if you feel sure it can be done successfully; also be on your guard against his return to Taupo, Thames, or Waikato. Get all the information for me you can on this subject, and let me know what prospect of success you have. In the meantime treat this telegram as strictly confidential. (Signed) Donald McLean.