Napier May 3rd 1870 My dear McLean - I have not time to write you at any length, somehow my work seems to increase instead of diminish and just now what with the operations in progress and attending to the matters for the Provincial Council which meets on the 18th of the month, I have almost more than I can manage - I have sent you officially full information as to what is going on in the way of war operations and I hope this move on Waikaremoana will be a success. I do not doubt it if they only wait for Ropata, and the Wairoa's are such curs that I have little fear of over bravery or push on their part. Witty and the Mohaka's I am more anxious about but the movement they are trying to carry out will take quite time enough for Ropata to be up before they are near Tiki-tiki - As you will see I have directed Hamlin to support Witty all he can and I think if the weather will only keep favorable we have a good chance of dealing another crushing blow before the winter sets in - That information gathered from the Ngatiwhare the other day by Mair showed that