Camp Waitera, 23rd January, 1861. My dear Mr. McLean, Your note was not accompanied by the Extract of the letter you mention but from one sent to me by the Governor from Mr.Morgan, I see that the most absurd stories are circulating and believed at least for a time - the Waikato's made a most daring attack on my advanced position this morning, and as you will see have suffered great loss - these continuous shocks must tell soon I think upon them - and if I only had my reinforcements and heavy mortars this war would soon terminate - I am a little anxious for the Town though the force left there is large and the Mge. lies off ready to send her Crew on shore - but the Town is so straggling - that no amount of men can make it secure against a rush. You will see I have pursued the same humane course with regard to the Maori - and believing human nature to be the same under whatever skin - it must tend eventually to civilize the War no time to write more. Believe me, Very faithfully yours, J. S. Pratt.