LETTER FROM KINBLE BENT.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 379, 4 December 1878, Page 2

LETTER FROM KINBLE BENT.

Below will be fomul copy'o' a letter from Kimble Bent, which ho hiu addressed to Mr W. Williams,' Land Purchase Commissioner. Though Bent speaks English fluently, and though his hand-writing is good, his fourteen years amongst fho Mauris lias thrown In in somewhat out in the matter of composition, as will he judged by the letter, which is reprinted exactly as written : "Nov. 27, 1873. !! My Friend Williams, " Sir, — “ 1 take ray pen in hand at Hie presant tu write tu yoo tu give yoo the reasons that intendid tu write tu the Governor is to inquire if I would be takeing a prisoner for comeing among the natives of country 1h year I came tu th natives was in 18(55 June 12 day at the presaut it is 13 year’s and a half during this time that I have been with the nslives 1 know in my own mind that the while people do say that when the natives was in fighting I would go at light with them at the while men thanks he tu god during the time that I have been with the natives I never have liffited up a weapon in ray hand against the white men at the presaut that I have been with the natives I am tu say the white -I know in my own mind that thy all are voary vext tu me for sloping with the natives I can tell yoo thanks be tu allmight God I have nothing against the white men in this country the Chiexf name that I am stopping with his name is Tama Tana I will be very thank full tu yoo if yoo would inquire if they would be dainger for me tu go among the white men in this country please write tu me and Mr Tama Tana tu know that I am a free man or not this is from your friend among the Natives pleas answer this letter. " Directions tu wriie me tu “ Kimble Bent “ or Tama Tana “ Hika Tere i; Patea *• N. Z.”