Civil Commissioner's Office Tauranga March 9th. 1869. Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th. ultimo, informing me of a report (the truth of which has been too painfully verified by the murder of Mr. Pitcairn) that Te Kooti proposed to make a descent on Opotiki, Wairoa, or Turanga. Te Kooti is now at Whakarae, a pa situated on a commanding hill about a mile and a half from the head waters of Ohiwa harbour. The pa is visible from all parts of Ohiwa, and is about five miles from the sea. It is near the forest, and it is scarcely possible to take it by surprise. His force is said to consist of ten Chatham Islanders, and about two hundred Urewera natives. He has proclaimed that his Atua has given him the shores of that part of the Bay of Plenty to sweep as far as the East Cape. I believe he is intriguing with the surrendered Whakatohea, who number one hundred and eighty seven men at Opape. I have the honor to be Sir, Your most obedient servant. (Signed) J.A. Wilson A.C.C.