Havelock 25th May 1863 Monday Evening. My dear Maclean, I met at the Ferry this evening a young man who is the son of a gentleman at home, I believe - I dont know his name, but St Hill can tell you it, as he has some £500 to invest in sheep for him - who told me that on his way from Napier he met whom he knew in Waikato years ago, and who told him that he had come down with dispatches to the Chiefs here: My informant had been drinking a little but was not drunk, and he told me that he felt sure from what Matutaere's son said that it was intended to strike a blow in this quarter soon. I rather offended the man by telling him I didn't believe his story, and he said that he would write to you on the subject. It will do no harm to enquire if Matutaere's son is here. If he is I should say his object must be to get our Natives to join with them. I met one Policeman coming down to Napier with Letters from Cooper to you. Be sure to send me two lines p. his return saying what news the Steamer brings. The Policeman will wait till the Steamer arrives, he says, which he ought to do. I am in haste Yrs. always H. R. Russell