True copy. Thursday Morning, 16 January, 1845. My Dear Sir, I received your kind letter of this morning for which and your good advice I feel exceedingly oblidged. I believe there can be but one opinion as to the hostile party being completeley at a loss how to take themselves away from here with good grace. I have not seen any of the principals of the tribes since you left yesterday. I think it is much better that they should now come to us for advice as we have visited them so often and conversed so much with them from time to time to be distant for a few days may have a good effect. I have spoken to Messrs. Skevington and Turton on this subject and they are also of the same opinion and will avoid communicating with them at present. Should they themselves (Heu Heu and party) make any proposals or appear desirous to bring this affair to a termination I will be ready to hear what they have to say, but will wait upon the Bishop and yourself for advice before entering into any negotiations. I remain, Dr. Sir, Yours faithfully, D. McLean. The Revd. R. Taylor, Wanganui.