Private Wellington July 3 1865. Dear McLean, I understand that you have been able to supply our natives on the East Coast with the arms they require. I may tell you confidentially that we shall take possession of Opotiki, with our Native and Colonial forces as soon as possible I had got our forces together last week without reference to the General close to Weraroa and Weraroa was on the point of being taken but the Military interfered and prevented it had this not been the case we should have had men on their way to Opotiki by this time -- as it is this must yet stand over till the Governor's return from Wanganui he goes there today -- but we shall no longer allow our Colonial troops to act with the Imperial ones The memoranda between Cameron and Grey are very long and very firm the memos of the Govt I am glad to say few short and I hope sweet. You must encourage your East coast men to hold their own till we can help them but perhaps it will be best not to allude to our going to Opotiki we have not force to do so till we take Weraroa unless there proves to be sufficient force of ours at Tauranga. Yrs ever Fred. A. Weld.