Wellington 3rd Sept. 1860 My dear Sir, In my letter (official) of the 30th ult. I referred to the case of Plans forwarded to Auckland, but not acknowledged and farther stating that I would in order that the enquiry respecting Mr. Duncans and Cooks claims be met at once forward (and did so to the Agent) the original Plan of the Awa hou survey, I now find that the White Swan is not returning to Auckland for probably ten days, I must consequently withdraw my promise to forward it at once, as it is far too valuable to run the risks of transhipment at Taranaki but will do so. (should receipt of case of Plans) not be acknowledged by next mail by the first direct Steamer to Auckland. My official letters go so fully into the different native matters that I have really no farther information to give you except that the exodus of natives from here is quietly going on that they are very well prepared for war however peaceable they actually appear to be. Wi Tako's natives have 200 cartridge boxes full of cartridges and large quantities of both powder and lead besides, all the Natives here are equally well provided with minutions of war. Wi Tako has written a letter which is in the local papers a most injudicious proceeding but the prevalent feeling here seems to be disloyal and a desire to thwart the Govt both in carrying on the war and the necessary acts of Government. I enclose you a notice taken from the Independent. It certainly does strike me (I may be wrong) that the more usual way in these matters is to convey the information to the officer himself before advertizing it in the newspapers I confess I feel much annoyed not so much at the fact as the way in which it has been conveyed to me but concluded that at least the usual courtesy of being directly informed will not be withheld in my case by the next Mail. The effect is this that I am quite at a loss what to do, of course the news has spread far and wide and very power is completely swamped. I will do what I can to complete unfinished arrangements here but no more. I trust that I shall hear from you the facts, reasons etc. I was unfortunately but too well aware of the feeling of the three F's before they left and when Mr. Fitzherbert told me previous to his leaving for Auckland (the evening previous) that he hoped to see more of me on the return, I then knew that my fate was settled. The disgraceful way also that Dr. Featherston has been playing with and courting the natives on the Sugar and Flour system has not escaped my notice. I am dear Sir, very truly yours, Will N. Searancke D. McLean Esqre AUCKLAND.