Hokianga 27th May 1873 Dear Sir, Since I last wrote you I have seen Mohi Tawhai, Wi Taua Papahia and other chiefs both Rarawa and Ngapuhi - Mohi has written you offering his services, he tells me should he go he would take Hone Heke's widow (Harriet) and then he says "who could count the number of my following" The Rarawa say if they are wanted they will go - But I sincerely trust they may not be wanted, as I much fear we should have our hands full when they came back - but beat Waikato they most certainly would or all die in the attempt I am in receipt of your letter informing me that I can take the entire duties of R.M. from 1st July next - I am afraid I shall have occasionally trouble you for costs of travelling similar to those caused by Mr.Williams as it is impossible to move here without a horse or a boat and sometimes both - Webster is on the point of selling his business, and will then I expect get into the house - tho' I hear that Mr. White of Mongonui is already in the field as a candidate in place of John McLeod - Mohi Tawhai told me a good thing the other day I was telling him that Patara of Taranaki was talking of coming to see him, and saying I did not think it good for the district for such men to mix with Ngapuhi - He agreed with me, and if he comes will give him a very cold reception, he said in December last a distant relative of his came from Waikato to beg him to assist the King party in case of emergency, and to cling to his own people in preference to the Pakeha, Mohi said, we have lived with the white men, sometimes fought with them, but never eaten them; but Waikato, Ngapuhi has fattened on Waikato, can we ever be friends - No - the natives name was Piripi - Excuse me for thus troubling you Yours very Faithfully Spencer von Sturmer