My dear McLean, I read your letter with interest. I hope you will be as fortunate with the Rebels elsewhere as you have been with those on the East Coast, and I am persuaded you will have equal success so long as you grapple with them with equal vigour. I do not follow your reasoning about the Patea gorges however, and think unless for demonstration Tuke would be as well in Napier as at Kereru. Eventually I dare say his post may be a valuable position but unquestionably now the retreat of the rebels will be direct, either by Petane or Mangaharuru towards Taupo. There is a nest of ruffians at Pohui and Rangihiroa, Paul Toti, and others are there often though possibly not just now. Old Kiriwera and Whetu are both gone there from Mohaka and I think a post at Petane or Pohui would be a good move just now, unless you have information you rely on to the contrary. There are no natives from that to Maraetahaho and Kereru except on the plains and these I fancy are not to be feared. As to Patea that is a long way off. When Rebels collect there they will be about beat elsewhere. Meanwhile they have enormous plantations Pohui way and I feel quite sure you will find that if they fall back Southward, and not into the Uriwera territory it will be upon Mangaharuru. So much for my thought I do not mention it to a soul not even to my wife so no one can call me to account for alarming the Settlers - but think over it and do as you think right. I am at all times prepared to fight for my Station or to lead the Colonial Forces or anything which can be called my duty and you need not stand on any ceremony in calling upon me for that. Believe me, Sincerely yours, G. S. Whitmore. Rissington, 26 Dec., 1865.