Napier, February 17th, 1870. My dear Fox, I heard last night from Roberts -- he had no fresh news but advised me that he had received my Telegrams directing him to open communication with McDonnell and was leaving yesterday morning to go towards the Rangitaike and endeavor to fall in with him. The transport corps was at Ohepe and would if Roberts found McDonnell take some supplies to Ahikereru for the force. Henare Tomoana is getting his people together but that rascally Doctor Carr has made him very ill with his mesmerism and nonsense and he will be 2 or 3 days yet before he gets away -- Since I got this far I have received a Telegram from Taupo from Sub. Insp. McDonnell of which I enclose a copy -- I cannot think that the information it contains is correct -- probably the Tapuaehararu Natives who are easily frightened have got up the story -- The Constabulary who were there had been temporarily moved by Roberts to Opepe to form part of the expedition that he had at one time intended to have taken to the Rangitaike to intercept Kooti -- and the Poihipi people want them back. It would be a pretty mess if it turned out that it was as McDonnell reports. I am just getting away to the country but shall keep things going through the Waipuku Telegraph office for the few days I shall be away. I have told Mr. Locke to report to you from Poverty Bay any information he has. I have not told him or anyone of young McDonnell's news it wd. unsettle the operations in progress. Excuse haste and hoping Mrs. Fox and yourself are having a quiet and pleasant voyage. Yours very truly, J.D.Ormond. Please say to McLean I had nothing fresh to write since yesterday and have been kept going all day with people.