New Plymouth December 29, 1860. Dear Sir, The purport of this is with reference to one of the Native Prisoners, by name, Wihona, from Mr. Reid's place Waipa, he has been in the Hospital at the Kawau Pa ever since he was taken, and has behaved remarkably well, but as it necessitates an extra guard the General is thinking of putting him in the Prison which I should exceedingly regret for the poor fellow appears to have been engaged with Wetene Taiporutu and on the morning of the engagement persuading them to return to Huirangi and was prevented by the arrival of the Troops from returning himself. Now, Sir, I know it is a delicate thing to propose, on an occasion like the present, when public feeling runs very high, but my opinion is, that if this man was sent back to Waikato, to his people, it would have an excellent effect upon them, for I feel convinced he would do his utmost to convince his people of the folly of the present state of things, and never more join the move himself. Mahau's brother's Wife (a Waikato Woman) went to Huirangi last week to see her friends, some of whom are amongst the rebels in that district. Whilst with them one of the Chiefs (I think Raurete) told her in confidence that a plan had been concocted, for the massacre of Wiremu Kingi, which Mahau believes will be done, the fulfilment of which would be followed by their abandoning the district. As the Chief Epiha is returning from the South with the Ngatiruanuis, the General wished me to stop in Town; with the greater part of the Native allies, 20 only have accompanied the expedition, Good and Wills are with them. I have recommended that we should meet them at Tata-raimaka, by marching from Town in the night without any carriages, which could follow at daylight. This the General has promised to do, should he be successful at Waitara, and return in time. I have a spy in the Taranaki district, watching for their approach. Please if possible favour me with your opinion respecting Wihona the Prisoner. Yours respectfully Robert Parris. Donald MacLean Esqre.