The Mail arrived while I was writing this note which will account for the last paragraph. Te Wairoa Octr. 1st/63 D. McLean, Esq., Napier. Dear Sir, As Kipa intends starting tomorrow, I avail myself of this opportunity of sending you a few lines. Letters have reached Taupo for the purpose of preventing further reinforcements from starting, for the Waikato. The Natives there are much pressed by want of food and clothing. The Waikatos have gone to their Kaingas in the Bush, leaving the settlements by the River to be occupied by the Opes as they arrive. These strangers have emptied the "patakas" and Boxes of all the wearing apparel etc. belonging to the "tangata whenua". It is to be hoped that this may lead to squabbling and recrimination which can only have one end. About fifty of Te Uriwera passed my House about a Fortnight ago on their way to Waikato. They had 10 or 11 casks of Powder. They did did not molest me, although they had threatened (before starting) that they would try the temper of their "patiti" upon me if they met me on the road. I left everything quiet in Taupo, and am now on a short visit to Mrs. Law who is residing here for the present. Upon my arrival at Maketu (on my return from Auckland in July) I received numerous letters from Natives and also from my clerk, stating that a new Land purchase had been made by you from Paora Hapimana, and that consequently there was a great deal of excitement in the District. Acting upon this information I mentioned the matter in my letter to the Government, expressing my regret if true, that this should have happened at this particular time. At the same time I stated that I did not think it probable "that a Gentleman of Mr. McLean's experience would enter into a new purchase at this time" and this I am sorry to say the Government have conceived to be a criticism upon you. I need scarcely say that if I had received the letter which you sent by Paora, that the matter would never have been mentioned by me. Certainly I had not the slightest idea of censuring you in the most remote degree, and trust that you will not think that I have done so. I shall be very anxious to hear from you as I certainly think that the Government seem to put a meaning upon my letter which I can honestly state it was never intended to hear. I was very much pressed for time when I wrote the letter and cannot recall the exact expressions. Believe me, My dear Sir, Sincerely yours, George Law.