New Plymouth Aug. 9, 1854 My dear Sir, I will not give you the details of the horrid slaughter that has recently taken place here as you will receive them officially, it is sufficient to say that our eloquent and staunch friend Rawiri Waiaua has been shot down with his companions like dogs, while endeavouring to give land to Government, by that vile man Katatore and his lawless followers. We are deeply grieved at this shocking carnage and feel that we should be up and doing and sweep away the perpetrators of this black deed. The evil day has been delayed by a policy humiliating to a degree without effecting any advantage and thus we may continue on sufferance until it pleases Rawiri's murderers to make a descent upon the defenceless whites and serve them in like manner. This dastardly leader has deceived us, and terribly did he deceive our now silent friend, who never for one moment thought that advantage would be taken of his unarmed state. Experience however shews that the relentless savage will attack the defenceless and shun the armed and resolute for his mettle was tested when poor Rawiri was buried by the side of his murdered brother and fellow victims. The Devon Road is under tapu near poor Rawiris house, and on the beach as against natives only - mail men excepted - but what further steps the natives intend to take is not at present known. I hear a message has been sent to the Absentees at the South, probably for assistance as well as to fill up the vacancy caused by Rawiri's death. Hiriwanu goes on board the 'Cashmere' this day simply to get him out of hatatore's way, who declared in the most unblushing manner that in the event of Hiriwanus being liberated by the Judge, he himself would take his life. Is it not time that this blood thirsty monster should meet with retributive justice? In haste, Faithfully yours, H, Halse Original per 'Cashmere' Aug.9 - but owing to bad weather she put to sea - H. H.