Mount Albert, Monday morning. 23rd. Novr. 1868. My dear Sir, I got back from Waikato last week from a Native Land Court. How many times did I wish yesterday you were here having a quiet dinner with us. What a talk we should have had about the present state of matters in the North Island. I returned from Waikato on Friday last and do not like the report which was gathered from the Natives. The Plan is that a simultaneous attack is to be made on Alexandra, Te Awamutu, and Cambridge, which would drive the settlers in to Mangatawhiri. A large force is to be stationed at Rangirui secretly. You know Maoris can get there unobserved who will cut off men women and children, as they are retreating towards Auckland. I told this to Mate who says that if obliged to retreat he hardly knows what to do. I am very uneasy in mind about you. Remember to be cautious and deliberate in your movements about the Country now, the Native Hauhaus show no respect to persons. I shall send you a line from Kaipara. Yours very faithfully, J. Rogan. D. McLean, Esq. Napier.