August, 8th. 1854. My dear McLean, This vessel is off in such a hurry that I hardly have time to close my official despatch, much less to write a long private letter as I had intended. I will write at full length by the steamer. I have been so harassed and occupied every moment since the occurrence of this unfortunate fracas that I have not sat down to write a line until today. However it is of the less consequence my not writing as I know that Halse and Flight have written at full length. Katatore is done for now, especially if he allows the tapu on the road to pass unnoticed. Mr. Turton has some apprehension for us, but I do not go quite so far as he does --- still we have a possible chance of danger. I fully agree in Mr. T. 's views about military occupation not for offensive operations but for a defensive garrison. I am aware that he has written to you at full length. I did not feel justified in touching on the subject in my official letter as it is out of my line. I have treated K.'s offer to sell the 360 acres with silence though I felt it my duty to mention it officially but my own opinion is we should not have anything to say to it and I think we shall get all Mangoraka as utu for the Blood. I must conclude Rogan is waiting to take the letter. Faithfully yours G. S. Cooper.