Pakowhai Port Napier 25 Sept. 1857 My dear sir You will doubtless have heard officially ere this of the sad affray between the natives shortly after we left for Auckland --- I rather think it was quite unexpected on Hapuka's part --- As he sent some 10 of his people in to the bush for wood when the other party fired on them and killed one man the first volley --- After that there was a general skirmish which lasted most of the day in which nine men were killed and 21 wounded about equal numbers on both sides --- Piuka was shot dead through the head he was leading one of Hapuka's war parties --- My principle object in writing you is to state that there has been a petition got up to His Excellency soliciting military aid or protection of some sort to the settlers of the district from outrages that may be committed by a portion of the natives for the future --- Monganui has been in afrightful excited state ever since the fight in consequence of the victory and drink and I am told by Curling has behaved in a very outrageous manner to several settlers without the least impunity. If some hot tempered settler unfortunately resits him the consequences might be frightful --- Curling has written to Government a full statement of those cases which I need not detail --- Hapuka is and is most anxious that some force should be sent down for the protection of the place --- I need not say to you how friendly he is towards the Europeans. He is also most anxious as well as the other chiefs about here for your presence and all say if you had been here this business would not have occurred --- I would also say if I may presume to offer advice that I think the sooner you can possibly come down the better as I am fully aware there is not any person here just now that has much influence with the natives and they justly look up to you for advice and assistance on all difficult matters --- altho' they have suspended hostilities for the present both parties are making all the possible preparations they can for another brush, so that I would beg of you as one individual much interested in the place if you and Government should view the case as I do, not to lose any time in coming particularly as after these lives been lost there are many of the opposing party desirous of peace and you are the only person they would calmly listen to --- There are some of my private business with regard to my situation here which I need not enter into at present further than that I at one time thought of leaving here since I came down but the natives got quite indignant at the proposal and would not hear of such a thing so that I have been obliged to give in for some time further --- They have taken it into their heads that I can do a great deal for them which I am sure is not in my power at the same time I am anxious to keep them as right as possible. The horses got down quite safe. I have written to Grahame regarding his horse Bolivar --- In case you are not able to come be good enough to write me a line --- I yesterday posted a letter from Hapuka for you --- Waka Tomo --- stole from Taria's people and sold them all to settlers --- The horse I got from him was one of them. Hapuka came to my brother William when it was found out and the price of the horse to him. A good trait --- Taria's party swear that if Waka is ever found out of the Pah they will shoot him --- I am My dear Sir Truly yours James B. Ferguson D. McLean