in all these matters it is well to remember that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, that except the Lord keep the city the watchman waketh but in vain, let us trust that He will turn from us the voice of war and bloodshed. I cannot yet tell by what means I shall return to Auckland whether by sea or land certainly not by land if I can help it but I must be guided by circumstances - I send one of the Notices which we circulated here toallay the fears of the Natives at the warlike preparations which are making, drilling etc. and I hope it will have the effect of convincing them that so long as they remain peaceable, they need fear nothing - the guilty only being objects of punishment - and that we shall not like themselves think of wrecking an indiscriminate revenge. Remember me kindly to Mrs. and Mr. Turton I have not time to write them, also to Webster and family, and other friends if I have any there and believe me, Yrs. truly, Thomas Forsaith.