Stapleton, July 23rd, 1856. My dear friend, Since I wrote this morning I have had some of the most influential natives here they are very dark about a letter that they received from the Government yesterday in which the expression that the Powder was to be returned on the day the note came to hand they interpret that as bad it being in their opinion a threat it has been better to have simply said that they were to make haste. The natives here wish for you to come over could you come I think that it would be well they say that you have promised them for some time they have a good deal to say to you about their Land should you come I trust that you will make our house your home whilst you remain here. In haste I must conclude Yours truly, J. Preece.