New Plymouth 26th May 1863 My dear Sir, Just after my return from Ngaruawahia where I was sent to convey the letter detailing the horrid murder which was committed by the Taranaki natives on the escort from Tatara on the 4th I received your letter enclosing the Hakes Bay paper, and the following morning before I had time to look round I was obliged to come on board the 'Eclipse', bound for this place, and have had no opportunity of writing to you since. After I delivered the report of my expedition to Waikato A small cutter which was at anchor here was chartered for Raglan and it was thought advisable that I should go there to ascertain the disposition of the natives. I found the Aotea Natives and Tainui had collected together and the same professions of friendship towards the settlers was manifested as of old when you met them three years ago - Naylor who was at Waipa had returned and recounted to me a conversation of a very satisfactory nature which he had with W. Thompson, who it appears is jealous of Rewi and disapproves of the conduct of Taranaki. He also stated to Nero that in the event of any attack being made on Kukutai or William he would join them with Ngatihaua. All this was satisfactory to the Govr. I intended to have gone on to Auckland overland but the journey frightened me and I came back here on Sunday morning last - Yesterday week an ambuscade was planted by our troops stationed at Tatara. One native was shot by 7 or 8 men and bayoneted afterwards several times at the south end of the block and some 4 or 5 wounded whether seriously or not is unknown, but they were seen being carried off on stretchers. Yesterday morning an expedition started off for the South 1000 strong with the usual train of carts etc. but any one who knew anything of the weather might see that it was a most unfortunate time to select I expect they will be all back again today half drowned. The 'Eclipse' went beyond Tataraimaka a few days ago and sent a few shot and shell in the midst of the natives who were assembled on the beach but I hear little damage was done and the natives will in future be more cautious. Carrington is here and out of employment, the Govt. through representations made by C. B. and the people hare have dismissed him without notice and it is said by those who dont know much of him that he has been badly treated. The Missis who I think designs you for one of the girls (by the way Mrs. Wilkinson is back again on her hands a widow) is anxious to try Hawkes Bay believing that you would be able to give him employment, but I dont see what you could do for him - Saturday morning June 6 63. Got back here by the Lady bird and the Eclipse followed us yesterday, with the news that the General commenced his work very successfully about 40 altogether were knocked over belonging to Ngarauru and Ngatiruanui - Now comes the great question, Will we have a general row or not. I am very glad indeed to hear from you by your two last letters that the Hawkes Bay natives are in a good frame of mind, I am afraid I am late for the post. You may expect to hear from me soon again. Yours very truly J. Rogan