Napier, January 20th, 1870. My dear McLean, You are almost certain I expect to be at Tauranga when this reached Auckland and I have not a great deal of news to send you. Since I wrote by the Rangatira I have heard from Taupo that McDonnell's force reached Tapuaehararu on the morning of the 17th and left on the morning of the 18th for Patetere -- The force that advanced was about 250 strong as a. garrison was left at Tapuaehararu -- they took what rations there were at the port and arranged for the next convoy, two days later, should take on the loadings -- I trust this would suffice to take the force to Patetere where they know they have to feed upon the enemy -- McDonnell had communicated with Kemp and Topia and desired them to join him at Waimahana on the 19th If they have done so the united force is fully 700 strong -- if they did not reach