. Napier 26th. 1863 My dear McLean, The "Ashley" is just in with the Southern mails, and "Sturt" at 1 to-morrow. The prevalent opinion here is that the "Rangatira" is detained in Auckland to bring the Members down. If so, no doubt you will be with them; but I fancy the heavy Southerly gales give reason enough why she has not yet arrived. Everything is quiet here as yet; but I have been in town two or three days now attending to various matters. There are several letters from Natives and Europeans; some of importance, particularly one, from Nikora, (Tarawera), stating that 300 Ngatimaniapoto's are to invade us very soon, and plunder and destroy. Karaitiana has communicated to Whitmore, information to the same effect, with sundry embellishments, such as, - he, the said Karaitiana, and tribe, are very much alarmed at Hapuka and the invaders, who act in concert, it is said; talk of building a pah, or taking ship to some quiet spot of earth while the war lasts. Mr. Law, the C.C. Taupo, communicates the same news, and implicates Hapuku. Mr. Morgan and Mr. Hamlin inform us that 8 natives of bad character have returned to Wairoa from the war, and cooly propose to commence murdering the Europeans there. This latter is what I fear much more than any threatened invasion. In fact, I suspect Mr. Karaitiana of some ruse in this matter; and it would be a happy day if the whole blessed tribe would take ship for anywhere. Major Whitmore has taken such steps as he could to guard against surprise; and I have started as a scout Northwards to pick up any news amongst the natives that he can. All these particulars have been furnished to Major Whitmore, and forwarded by him to General Cameron and the Defence Officer, asking for reinforcements, etc., etc., for this Province. This question of reinforcements for Napier and country, I hope you will press upon the Government, if this letter finds you still in Auckland. This Province, with its Northern and Western frontiers so much exposed, alsolutely invites murderers and robbers, of whom there will no doubt be any quantity roaming about the forests, after their very partial discomfiture on Waikato. This is our darker. We hear the "Himalaya" is in; so hope for some troops here very soon. Your sisters and son are quite well. Yours very truly (Signed) Joseph Rhodes To:- D. McLean Esq. Auckland.