New Plymouth February 11, 1861. My dear Sir, I have just returned from Waitara today consequently have not time to report officially the latest news, which you will get in the ''Herald'' forwarded herewith, melancholy in the extreme, for you and all of us, who were among the early settlers of this settlement. The death of poor Wm. King has cast a gloom over the settlement not soon to be removed. The miscreants of this horrible crime were the notorious European haters, that Section of the Ngati-ruanuis known as the Ngaruahines a branch of the troublesome Tribe of Puketapus. Two days before the unhappy event, I went to poor Kings and entreated of him not to continue visiting his place assuring him that if he did, he would be murdered -he promised me to discontinue the maniacal practice, but without a determination which resulted as I warned him in his death. Truly do I feel (as I know your kind heart also will) for the old people, whose dissolution cannot be far distant. J. C. Richmond proceeds to Auckland with a Memorial to the Governor - the propriety of which I rather doubt, as the intention is, to induce the Governor to interfere with the policy of General Pratt, who I positively believe is doing what he considers to be the best. Excuse this hurried communication. Yours very respectfully, Robert Parris. The report in the Extra of the 17 bodies found requires confirmation. R. Parris. Poor capt. Strange bled to death after being wounded. R.P.