Turanganui 22nd. Nov. 1868. My dear McLean, Your assurances of support are very gratifying to myself and Arthur Tuke. I must take you on your word and ask the indulgence of writing briefly. Everything leads me to hope the enemy will find himself in a trap. That a very successful bow will be struck against the Rebels if they are not already beyong a point Ngatiporou would have a chance of cutting them off at. I dont think the Wairoa party will fall in with any large party untill they hit the line the Rebels have retreated by. I feel certain we shall not fail in our Transport Service, but the Officer Commanding at the Wairoa should send on enough provisions to ration the Native Napier Contingent on their arrival and junction with Ngatiporou. Fortunately the force is a native one and their shifts for food are many, but it is our duty to provision them well if circumstances will allow it. The sleeping places found on the road are as large again as those seen after occupation by the exprisoners on their line of escape. Henare te Moana also writes me. The enemy before us contains all, everyone, none are left behind. I hope soon to report something decisive. I shall be thankful for Bowers assistance. Believe me, Yours very faithfully, Chas. Westrup. D. McLean Esqr.