Auckland 7 Novr. 1866 My dear MacLean, I send you officially copies of letters received yesterday from Tauranga and this morning from Raglan. A large gathering of Hauhaus is no doubt taking place at Hangatiki but it is very difficult to form any opinion as to the objects they have in view. If an attack on Hawkes Bay is intended it is well that you should know from whence the readiest assistance can be obtained. The 12th regiment is concentrated at Tauranga with a view to its early removal from the Country and there would be no difficulty in obtaining from them a force if it should be required, but the troops can only be removed by the Governor and the General - the former was at Patea by the last account and the General is on his road to see him as he expects in Wellington. I am sending down ammunition for the Arawas with instructions to make all necessary arrangements with them if their services are required. You will observe that the Kawhia and Ragland letters are of later date than those from the Taupo natives. Searancke has just come on from Waikato he reports all quiet there but fully confirms the fact of a large gathering at Hangatiki. Nothing may come of all this, but I think it right to send you all the information so that you may judge for yourself. Yours very truly, Fred. Whitaker His Honor Donald MacLean Esq. NAPIER