Taranaki January 14th. 1861. Dear Mr. McLean, I am very sorry to be obliged to inform you and His Excellency about the sad misunderstanding between the Mayor General and myself. My prinicpal object for coming to Taranaki was to fulfil my sacred ministry among natives and to persuade them to use humanity and kindness towards the wounded and the captives. To accomplish such an important mission, I had to keep all influence possible upon them and not to show any partiality towards the Europeans. Consequently, for that reason, I came from Auckland to Taranaki by land, and went into the maori camp, having not the slightest idea of a law preventing a catholic priest to go into the native camp to fulfil his duties as minister of God, and principally an old hand as I am. Besides I did not know that the General was at Waitara then. The day after my arrival at New Plymouth I went to Waitara to pay a visit to the General and told him that I had been already into the native camp in passing by. He did not show any objection he treated me kindly although I had not the kind recommendations of His Excellency with me, on that moment. Soon after came the Revd. Wilson and and I am informed by good sources that he has said many things to the General against me, On Saturday last, I went again from New Plymouth to the Waitara to give the divine service to the soldiers for the following day. I was scarcely few minutes in the camp when the General sent me the order to leave the camp as if I was a dangerous enemy. I complyed at once to his request, but before to leave the camp I forwarded to him the kind letter of His Excellency the Governor Arrived at New Plymouth knowing then the law I wrote to the General to allow me to go to any place whatsoever my ministery as catholic priest is required, but he refused me to go among the natives. The Comodore Seymour likewise refused me a passage for Auckland upon a man of war. In consequence today I must begin again that long and tedious road to Auckland by land. I dare say the General will prevent me to cross Waitara, then if so, I am prisoner of war, and I hope he will give me a support and a lodging upon the Crown. revenue. Surely at my departure from Auckland I did not expect to a such trouble and to so many expenses by going back to Auckland by land. However, all those difficulties dont come from you neither from Hid Excellency consequently I think very little about it. I have the honor to be Dear Mr. McLean, Your humble servant, T. M. Garave V.G. Donald McLean Esq. Native Secretary, Auckland.