Opotiki Feby. 3, 1871 My dear Mr. Clarke, Captain Porter of Ropata's party came in this afternoon with 80 men for Provisions, leaving Ropata with 100 men at Maraetai, he will remain for a few days, and join Ropata on tuesday 7th - they had in their march no opposition, but came across three clearings intended no doubt for plantings, but for some reason not worked on - it was not true that large cultivations were made at the head of the Motei, but near the junction of that river and the Maraeha, a large patch of ground had been cleared, and then left - the party have no knowledge of the whereabouts of Te Kooti altho' they have with them of his late best men as a guide. One of the four who were left behind by him at Tolaga Bay. Strange, the other 3 men of that party were in one of the whares, built by Te Kooti's people, on Ropata's line of march only a day or two ago. They had written their names on a board in the house, and were known by the 4th man, they evidently were Te Kooti, but had lost his trail. - Captn. Porter is writing to night through Col. Moule, he will give probably a full account of the expedition. Marsh Rangihaheke has just come to me to say that he and 20 of his men from Ohiwa are going to Ropata to assist in killing Te Kooti, from what Captn. Porter had told me I learned that Ropata did not want any from this coast so I told Marsh he had better talk to Captn. Porter before he told off his men to go. Ropata would like "Tomaikoewha" to go with him, but he only. I have got on very well with all my payments so far, and shall be in Tauranga I think by the 15th of this Month. truly and sincerely yours Rich. J. Gill