Langdon Hua 14 March 1846 My dear McLean, R. Brown one day some time ago brought a couple of muskets to this place and requested me not to give them up - Since this the Govt. has issued a proclamation imposing a trifling fine upon those who transfer arms. A high and mighty chieftain Kope came yestreen from the neighbouring fortress and insisted on my giving him the arms in question stating that he was in bodily fear of the Waikato tribes - I being in a more excruciating agony of terror at the pains and penalties vouchsafed to sinners by the new Ordinance refused to surrender them - we finally agreed to refer the matter to you though he said that living as he does out of H.M. territory (which extends over all parts of Fitzroy's block not wanted by niggers) neither the Gov. nor yourself could object to his being armed. Will you kindly write to him and explain the arms act I cannot conceive how they have been suffered to remain in ignorance of it. I am determined to obey the spirit of the Govrs. proclamation even if obliged to disregard the letter, so if compelled to give up the guns I shall 'plant' the locks - Very truly yours Walter Mantell Future Governor of N.Z. To D. McLean Esq. P.A. Ennui H. B. M. Territory