Unofficial Wellington Aug. 1, 1865 My dear Maclean, We shall send an expedition consisting of about 300 bushrangers etc. and about 200 Wanganui natives to Opotiki as soon as ever we can we expect to hear to day that they have driven the Hauhaus from Pipiriki if the latter have not already bolted after the licking Brassey gave them. The expedition will then be at once dispatched to Opotiki and Pipiriki garrisoned by regulars - about a regiment of regulars will also be sent for the present to Napier to act by "moral force" as we have done with the troops for active service but they may as well winter at Napier as elsewhere, till they go home this about the regulars is the Governors doing for we wash our hands of the troops and refuse to pay for them. You all seem to have done splendidly at the East Cape I am more proud than I can say of our colonial forces there and every where. Is it not a crow too for my policy. In great haste Yours faithfully, Fred. A. Weld. P. S. This of course will enable you to take a firm stand at the Pa Whakairo meeting. The Governor will probably go with the troops to Naplerand East Coast. We will not in future allow our forces to act with the regulars that is under their command.