Napier 17 June 1863 My dear Sir George I enclose for your own information copies of letters the originals of which were shown to me by three different Natives who do not wish their names to be known as supplying information. The aspect of affairs is not so promising as I till recently expected as you will probably notice in a letter of this date addressed to the Colonial Secretary. When the Natives realize more fully the loss sustained in the action of the 4 inst. and contemplate the probability of a series of such reverses there is no doubt, it will very much weaken although it may not. extinguish their resolution in favor of a general rising that they are strongly impressed with the idea of combining for one final struggle is very evident. I am quite aware that Native rumours and threats should be received in such a manner as to make full allowance for exaggeration but in what 1 have stated to Mr. Domett I have confined myself simply to facts as they have been related to me and those facts have been corroborated by persons who have had no interchange of ideas or connection with each other although all were equally well informed as to the object proposed by a large section of the Waikatos. I feel that it is quite as unwise to disregard as it is to give too much credence to Native reports but they cannot at present be accused of imparting much information as to their designs even while professing friendship. I remain My dear Sir George, Yours faithfully D. McL.