(Confidential) True copy. G.B. Otorohanga Decr. 6th 1870 My dear Friend, I drop you these few lines to inform you that I send two parcels of letters by this mail directed to yourself. I am sorry to state that all is in a rather excited state here about this sad case of poor Todd. There is a great division among the natives. Manga and mostly all the Ngati Maniapoto chiefs have bolted off to Whanganui, and left Waikatos to themselves. Tawhiao went back from here yesterday. I hear he had some idifference with his followers, their object was to fetch Whitiora from Hauturu and I hear that Whttiora has sent to Tapihana to come up from Kawhia to join those collected at Hauturu, but I hear that Tapihana will not consent he is after Hone Te One. I learn that the causes of this late disaster are two one is this the surveying of land which by them is prohibited also there is another cause they give is this that Manuhiri has a Store at Pahiko, selling grog etc. etc. under the direction of Reihana Porutu. We all know quite well the men who were connected with the murder - all Hauturu people. I think (from) what I hear, all the Ngatimaniapoto dont agree with this affair and Tawhiao feels it being left by Manga and others by himself at this critical moment. I trust that all will turn out well, but you may depend they will not consent to give up the murderers and this must not (be) passed over by the government without taking notice of that is my opinion. All the Waikatos are quite bouncable, and seem to be collecting, going about with their arms. I have had warning not to go about so much by myself All the natives have their stock of horses etc. etc. collected in readiness for a start. Of course the best disposed expect a raid from the Pakehas. P. S. I have just heard that the Hauturu natives are on the road to day to Orahiri, the principal actor has just arrived. I cannot form any opinion for certain at present, but I think it is necessary for the white settlement to use caution. I start for Alexandra myself today. I did intend to send the Boy off, but at present I have made up my mind to go myself. I enclose a few lines from Peata to Teni If anything should happen to myself I say farewell. My kind respects to all. In haste, Yours sincerely, (Sd.) Louis Hetet I will close this up when I get below. P. S. My dear kind Friend. Since I wrote the above lines I rode down here safe and received your last note. I am glad to hear that you are all well. I have received a note from Mr. Leaming inviting us to be down at Christmas. But I will have some talk when I get down and if possible I will let you know but at any rate I shall see you soon. In haste, Yours sincerely, (Sd) L. Hetet