Letter from T.G.B. to Donald McLean dated May 1st. (no date of year) 1860 My dear McLean, The General would like to know if it will be safe to withdraw the whole of the Troops from the Waitara, or whether we require the Block-house at the mouth of the river to be still occupied. You did not tell me if Haperona is to have charge of a block, -or whether you arranged that he shall hoist the Union Jack. I attach great import-ance to this last; and flags should be sent by next steamer, for all the Block-houses, if they have them not already. The Missionaries want to make compro--mises with the Waikatos, which will never do. We must have the right to make roads, and I will not admit a Maori flag under the Union Jack. Don't forget to let me have a short report on your negotiations up to the last moment, as I mention it in a Despatch which I shall like to shew you. Yours sincerely (Signed) T.G.B. May 1st. (no date of year.)