Wellington August 15/65 My dear McLean, I add a line as I hear the Steamer does not go for an hour or two to tell you one or two things I have heard since I wrote you yesterday. Grey tells me he has heard that Wi Tako was playing a double part at Turanga and that he had secret interviews with Patara. It appears to me to be of importance to find out if we can, whether we must expect such treachery from those we trust, as Wi Tako undoubtedly was trusted. Perhaps you will be able to find out something about this. I have got no money yet out of old Fitzherbert. Major Brassey's expedition to the East Coast will I fear be delayed more than I led you to expect. I hear now that Major Brassey has to return to Wanganui, get his force ready, and bring them down here. The Egmont will probably be employed to assist in taking them to their destination. The "Brisk" was going too. I hear now the force is to consist of 600 men of whom one hundred are to be Maories under MCDonnell who is now made a Major. A troop of Defence Corps men and the rest military settlers or Bush Rangers. Is there any country at Opotiki or Whakatane where cavalry can act? By next steamer you will hear what effect Fitzgeralds going into the Ministry will have upon the House. At present all that can be said is that it is universally condemned by both Northern and Southern island men. Yours always, J. D. Ormond