Militia Office Shortland 4th. August 1869 My dear Dr. Pollen, I send you a letter from Mr. Thorp, of Opuheka, near Ohinemuri, relative to movements of Te Kooti's people. Reports of a more serious nature are going about here; but I believe the purport of this letter is the only foundation for the reports. Of course we must expect any quantity of these reports, but we ought to be ready for anything that may turn up. I am sending in a requisition for ammunition, so as to be able, if necessary, to give our men 60 rounds each. There is now a safe place for the ammunition at Shortland. I consider Puriri to be the most dangerous place in this district, where there are any number of people; but they are so situated there, and so badly provided with proper places in which to keep their arms, that unless a small Redoubt were built there, in which to keep the arms, it is a question if it is judicious to arm the men, or the natives might make a raid on the place, merely for the sake of the arms. At present there is a rush to Coromandel, and the diggers are very interested. Believe me yours very truly (Signed) J.W. Cooper.