Ohinemutu Feby. 7th 1870 12 O'Clock (noon) My dear Mr Clarke This morning after the receipt of your letters I detached 50 men to the Taheke for the Kaharoa 60 for Puhirua and Mourea and 100 for Puraku and the Roria road to Hamaria. They had just started when Louis Baker came in to Ohinemutu with the news that Te Kooti was in the bush behind Paparata. I came up at once with all the fighting men leaving a small force in Puhirua the Prisoners I sent to Mokoia -- Some men and women went out to Paparata to get potatoes -- they have just been fired upon and one woman and child killed -- Te Kooti has lit large fires all along the edge of the bush -- I have told off all the old men for the pa -- have sent the Tuhourangi round in the Parekarangi road -- Ngatiwhakane up to Paparata and I am starting now with Hans Tapsel's people 50 strong -- The men are keen and if we only have luck I hope we shall do something -- I am determined to get up with him Baker says that he musters 240 men and 100 women has plenty ammunition but no caps. He did not leave a man behind but have all come, and are determined to get to Ruatahuna -- I wish I had more men. I will offer £10 to any man who will take a letter to Col. McDonnell. Yours, etc. (Signed) Gilbert Mair