May 16, 1860 Auckland My Dear McLean, Your messenger came in the day before yesterday without his letters which he says he lost at Mansel's Mission Station. He told so strange a story that I can make nothing out of him - We shall not proclaim Kawhia as a closed port until the settlers come in - I agree that a change is absolutely necessary in reference to the Maori Messenger but is Buller the man to do it well? I think not but I know no one who is. What do you think of Baker - I mean the young one in the office - Cl. Gold has done nothing, as you will see, but I believe there was nothing to be done - Richmond sends you what we propose to say to W. King - I do not like to attack him without giving him a chance of submission. I do not believe he will accept our terms but the having offered terms will place us in a proper light at Home. The Cordelia will go to Taranaki and then to Wellington tomorrow - From Wellington she will bring up sailors of the Pelorus to Taranaki, and the Pelorus will remain at Wellington with a short crew - As soon as the meeting at Ngaruawahia is either over or ends in smoke, I propose to send down the Victoria with the terms to be offered to King and with instructions to Gold to attack him if he does not accept them. Richmond will go and I should be very glad if you could go with him - Ministers are prepared to give pensions and act most liberally to Taranaki so that the Chiefs will have the choice between good and evil: between Cash with peace or war to the knife - We have strange reports from the Waikato but I need not trouble you with them - People seem to think you ought to be present at the meeting - I have just seen the Ngatipawa Chiefs from Taupo and the Thames they profess great friendship but I am inclined to think disaffection is spread far and wide. We shall look anxious to hear from you - Believe me Yours sincerely T. Gore Browne If you do not like the terms proposed to be offered to King send a Mem. of what you think ought to be offered.