Letter from Robert Parris, to Donald McLean Esw., Chief Commissioner, dated 3rd. February 1858. New Plymouth 3rd. February 1858 Dear Sir, Being pressed for time, please excuse my writing privately, for I am out with the natives every day for the present critical crisis. By the last Overland Mail you were furnished with particulars up to that time, by Mr. Halse. On Saturday last, the 30th. ult., Ihaia came out of his pa, with most of his followers, and located themselves seaward of the Ikamoana on the Puketapu plain, their opponents having advanced from the Waitana, and erected one pa within gun shot, and thrown up a breastwork further in advance; from which they kept up a constant fire into the Pa. On leaving the Pa, they were seen by their assailants, when a party proceeded to intercept them, and opened fire upon them. This was returned by the Ikamoana people, which resulted in about one hour's skirmishing at long range; and one on each side slightly wounded; night having closed in, the firing was kept up, in the direction