To:- E.W. Stafford and Donald McLean Wellington. July 16th. 1868. Copy of a letter from Mr. Deighton, 15th. inst., Wairoa Wednesday 15th, 1868. "Sir, I have despatched a special messenger to inform you that the Hau Hau prisoners have all eseaped from the Chatham Islands, I have enclosed Mr. Biggs' letter to me on the subject. I thought it better to send you the intelligence without losing any time, as you might be better prepared on the arrival of the vessel mentioned by Mr. Biggs. I have in the meantime sent ammunition to Ihaka Whanga who has started for Whareongaonga with all his people, and I intend sending as many natives from here as can be done with safety, as from what I can gather from Ihaka Whanga, it would appear that it must be a concerted scheme among the Hau Haus generally to effect risings in different parts of the Island simultaneously. At the same time, as I am inclined to think Te Waru and his people might be inclined to be treacherous, I shall want all the Military settlers to come to camp for a time, and the Company of Volunteers here ubder Capt. Saunders, will, I have no doubt, be ready at a moment's notice should anything occur here. I have also warned the natives at Mohaka, who, although not numerous, are thought to be relied on. Should anything further occur I will at once give you notice all." I am, Sir, Your most obedient servant (Signed) S. Deighton R.M. To:- General Govt. Agent Napier (Signed) G.S. Fannin Superintendent's Clerk.