Copy Private My dear Pollen, I am much obliged for your private letters of the 15th and 18th Inst. I was fully impressed with the danger in which the settlements of the Bay of Plenty were placed since te Kooti moved in that direction and I urged that Ropata and the Ngatiporou should be sent there before he could gain time to take up a position at Waikaremoana or form a junction with Waikato. Ropata volunteered for the service and was ready to start at once for Whakatane 60 natives from here were willing to accompany him. The action taken by the Government is no doubt known to you and I refrain for the present from commenting upon it, I telegraphed the principal part of your information to the Governor, I would not think of giving it to the newspapers. I enclose copy of what was telegraphed to Wellington Mr. Richmond replied that the news had been already received. I remain, Yours very truly, Sigd. Donald McLean 23rd March, 1869