Taranaki Febry. 27th 1861 Dear Sir I have just heard from Nelson that there is a great deal of uneasiness about the Natives at the Pelorus and Massacre bay. You of course will be in possession of the facts, and it would releive my mind greatly (if you could spare sufficient of your valuable time) to inform me as to whether there is any real ground for uneasiness I am the more anxious as my Wife and child are residing at Nelson for the present. Should there be any necessity for a Native Officer being sent there, I should esteem it an additional favour if you would allow me to go. You will have heard from Mr. Parris of the disaffection of six of the Puketapu Natives, I very much fear that more will go the same road. We cannot be said to be gaining ground under the present system of Military tactics. I have to thank you, which I do most sincerely, for your kind efforts to raise my salary, and although not successful it has added another to the many favours for which I am indebted to you. With sincere wishes for your health and many thanks for past favours Believe me to be Sincerely yours S. I.Atkinson