Bay of Islands, 27 April, 1860 My dear McLean, Allow me to congratulate you upon being once more amongst us and trust that you are now completely restored to health after so severe an illness. I have not had the pleasure of hearing from you for many months, and I scarcely hope to receive a line from you while affairs remain as they are. The Taranaki news came upon us somewhat suddenly but I am happy to be able to say that after the first burst of excitement was over, and with it a good deal of discussion, the natives generally speaking have taken a favorable view of the question at issue between Wiremu Kingi and the Government. They have I think come to a decision in their own minds that it would be a losing game to oppose the Government, notwithstanding some sympathy prevails, on the question of Land. This I think we might very reasonably expect to find under present circumstances. To counteract this as far as we may be able, will probably become our chief endeavor for some time to come. There are so many opinions on the Taranaki case, and the statements so conflicting, that it really is, after all, a difficult point for the natives to decide as amongst themselves, and of this, it is but right that we who reside at a distance should make the most, isolated as we are d - I donot mean by this to say, that we take an unfair advantage - Of one thing however, I think they are satisfied, that the Natives at Taranaki received a severe blow but at the same time are surprized at the very small loss on our side in proportion, many of them doubt the correctness of the Returns, and are inclined to treat it as a joke, than otherwise. The principal topics of conversation here are the calling out of the Militia, throughout the whole Colony, and the prohibition of Arms and Powder. With reference to the first, the question put by us has been Why should bear arms and not? To Wiremu Kingi they lay the blame of having stopped the sale of ammunition (a fortunate thing probably for us all) On this subject you will most likely be addressed when things become more quiet, or a s they say as soon as peace is made. I humbly trust that the restriction will not be removed again, for altho' I may say that every man and boy has become possessed of a Fowling piece within the last few months, their store of Powder is but very scanty, in this district, generally speaking. Every sixpence they had was spent for fire arms, and the natives are in consequence impoverished - Altogether I think, they have not improved by the indulgence, but on the contrary - You will be glad to hear that Tamati Waka has got over the annoyance given him thro' the columns of the Cross; you would have been delighted to have heard his earnest and sincere addresses to his countrymen at this particular time, and as he grows older, he seems to win the esteem and affection of both Races. To the Government, and to us, he is a very sincere friend and his influence is increasing throughout the district. I have within the last few days seen and conversed with many of the principal Chiefs, and as you will find from their communications addressed to the Governor, how favorably they are disposed, not excluding Marsh Browne Kawiti, to whom I paid a visit the other day. Everyone is anxiously waiting for news, and in the meantime, Believe me to remain Very sincerely yours, H. T. KEMP D. McLean Esq.