Hamilton, 9th. August, My dear McLean, Not having had an opportunity of forwarding my letter, I have opened it, and re-commenced. The panic and the danger to this District are now past. But I now look forward with considerable anxiety to the future relations between the Waikatos and Ngatimaniapotos; though the latter have, during Te Kooti's presence here, adhered to Tawhiao. I fear that the long existing jealousy between them is on the increase; for I have again heard that Tawhiao and the Waikatos are talking of leaving their present abiding places, and retiring to Kawhia and the Coast; leaving to the Ngatimaniapotos, their own country. This, however, is only whispered amongst themselves. I must cordially agree with you in an entirely defence policy. A few men permanently stationed on the Waikato frontier, and utilized in the making of Roads, and other useful Public Works, would give present settlers confidence, and induce in a short time a great many more to settle down. A permanent force would prevent these constant panics (ruining us all); and I believe that in two years the district would be so well settled, and so thickly populated, as to no longer require any force. I speak feelingly on the subject; for my little all is embarked on the Waikato, and I do not intend losing it, if I can by any means avoid doing so. I cannot imagine from what source all these reports of the Waikatos! intentions to rise, etc, etc, spring from. I of course imagine that I am practically as well up in Maori matters,- particularly Waikato,- as most men; and yet I cannot hear a word of their intentions to rise and attack us. From the Maori King's private Councils, downwards, I obtain information; and on that information I have formed my opinions, and written my Officials; and thereby gave Mr. J.A. Wilson the opportunity of charging me with overweening confidence and culpable carelessness. I left Alexandra for Hamilton yesterday, for my regular work has got so behind-hand from my long stay at the former place, that I expect to get into all sorts of difficulties, if not attended to at once. I saw Captain Young, of the 18 R.I, at Ngaruawahia yesterday. He is now, I believe, busily planning out a Redoubt there. All I trust is that we shall not have more Redoubts than we have men to occupy. ever yours faithfully, (Signed) Will. N. Searancke. To;- D. McLean Esq. Wellington.