Civil Commissioner's Office. Napier July 23rd, 1863. Sir, I have the honour to lay before you, for your perusal, an extract from a letter I have to-day received from my father, as follows:- 11 July 1863. "There is a meditated attack upon Napier, by Waikaremoana natives and others beyond them, with all the Wahakiuta's here. I shall see a party about it to-morrow. These are to join Petane natives and others. Wednesday, "I have seen the said party, but have not been able to gain anything more about it. The King gave his orders to his people from Turanga on to East Cape, Bay of Plenty, to Tauranga - were to go and attack Auckland; and Taranaki on to Whanganui were with Waikato to keep the War at Taranaki, and attack Napier. But Waikaremoana natives and those mentioned above, say - let Waikato attack those nearest to them, and they will do the same here. Mangaruhe fellows are the most strenuous in the affair. "That there is a contemplated attack upon Napier seems pretty certain, but how many will join is difficult to say. We shall hear more about it shortly." The above being the whole of the abstract, referring to the circumstances I alluded to. I beg to conclude. I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient servant (Signed) F.S. Hamlin Clerk and Interpreter to Civil Commissioner. To:- His Honor The Superintendent of the Province of Hawke's Bay.