Copy. Tauranga Feby. 1st. 1870. My dear Fraser, I was never more surprised in my life than to find Turner standing at my door this evening and to learn from him that you were at Oripa I had certainly concluded that you would be at Tapapa this morning. I cannot for the life of me see what could have occasioned such an alteration in the plan agreed upon. I went as I promised you I would do in the ''Sturt'' and have rushed up a force sufficiently strong to do what you are doing now i.e. preventing any attempt on the part of Te Kooti to get through to Maketu and the Arawa settlements on the Rotoiti. However you know best what ought to be done -- of one thing you may rest assured you will not meet Te Kooti on this side of the Ranges. He is still at Patetere and is giving McDonnell enough to do. The latest information up to last evening was that fighting was still going on. Te Kooti has taken up a position at a place called Rakaho. There are two lines of road open to you one by Te Tamerata through the forest to Patetere and the other by Te Tamerata to Paengaroa. Te Kahi entering the forest to the left, the latter road the Ngatipikiau know as they have been on it. It is possible you may meet with a few Tauranga hauhaus at Paengaroa and Kahi. The most you can do with them is to detain them and prevent their carrying information of your advance. I hope no life will be sacrificed as that would at once set this place all ablaze. I was just in time to catch the ''Jane'' to day. I have written to Mr. McLean and have enclosed your note of the 30th. written from Ohinemutu. I send you a letter I have received which will show you what he expects of us. I shall keep the East Coast Natives here until you have marched off when I will carry out our original plan and cover your rear. When once you are in the forest there is nothing to prevent Te Kooti still slipping down by way of Okaura te kawai and so on through Oopi. The pack horses will be sent on to Meanee with supplies under escort please to send the Ngaiterangis back from thence. The Bay of Plenty people will not be ready to move before tomorrow evening. Yours sincerely, Henry T. Clarke. I am so awfully tired I shall not be able to go up to see you. Wish you every good luck, I think you will have a splendid opportunity.