Melbourne November 28th. 1868 My dear McLean, There are ten men on my Station, (including myself), able and willing to defend themselves; but though they are in the Militia, and obliged to attend drill, they have only four rifles among them. Now this is a serious affair, as I suffer the loss of their services, while it is a farce to call upon them to attend drill without arms. In the event of any attack, they would be able to defend this place if they had arms; while without arms, they could do nothing. I hope you will send us up arms and ammunition; as, of all others, it is but reasonable the out-settlers should be first supplied; and if the ammunition is only sparsely distributed, I will readily pay for an extra supply. I am glad to hear the Friendly Natives at Poverty Bay have been so successful; and sincerely hope the end of it will be that they will destroy these murderers and miscreants. Yours very truly (Signed) Robt. Stokes To:- His Honour D. McLean Esq.