It appears from latest telegrams from Waikato that the Expedition under Topia has failed to catch Te Kooti; and that his whereabouts is not at present known. It appears also that the King desires to shelter him if he remains peaceable. Te Kooti having placed himself under the King's protection, I should be glad to have the views of the Honorable the Premier, and the Honorable the Colonial Secretary, as to the course which they deem it advisable to pursue in the existing state of our relations with Tawhiao, respecting Te Kooti; whether to negotiate with Tawhiao, for his surrender; to follow him up with a War Party; or let him alone till better opportunities offer for his apprehension. The chief question to determine is whether to engage in a new War, that will cause a rupture with many of Tawhiao's adherents, for the sake of Te Kooti, or not; as it seems to me that this must be the issue of any fighting at Waikato. Auckland 12th. January 1870 (Copy unsigned)