Mount Herbert 6th. Nov. 1866. My dear Maclean, I feel that the inland settlers are being left so thoroughly unprepared to meet any attack from the Wairarapa fanatics, that I have some idea of calling a Meeting of the inhabitants of this District to consider what measures we ought to take for our defence. If any attack were to be made now where should we be? It is simply to be deaf to all warning to remainas we are now. There may be some plan of action but if there be I should consider myself exceedingly ill used to have it concealed from my knowledge; and therefore I conclude there is none. You know I am no idle alarmist and therefore I think that you will not consider that I am acting under any panic. I may tell you however that very little would create a stampede, and the mystirious reticence of the Government I admit is far from creating confidence in mens minds. In haste Yrs always H.R. Russell. Mr, Williams is now with me.