. Napier 23rd. December 1868 Dear Sir, Immediately on the receipt of the news in Wellington of the Massacre at Poverty Bay, I engaged a passage, and at once proceeded to Napier, when I reported my arrival to Your Honor, without an hour's delay. You kindly accepted my services, and the same day I was employed in collecting intrenching tools, and getting them on board the s.s. ''Ahuriri'', which went to sea that afternoon. While at Poverty Bay, my services were not required by Colonel Whitmore; but at the same time, were available if required. Consequently I had to return after being at considerable expense. Am now paid off at the rate of five shillings per diem, for fifteen days, amounting to the sum of £3.15/-. Will you kindly allow me a passage to Auckland? for, after paying my board here, out of what I have received, I have but little left. Hoping, Sir, that the object which prompted me to come to Napier may be such as to merit the boon I now seek. I beg leave to remain Your very humble and obedient servant (Signed) John Patterson late Royal Engineers. To:- His Honor The Superintendent Hawke's Bay.