Napier 16th. Novr. 1868. My dear Col. Beatson, You will have heard by this time that a number of settlers and friendly Natives have been massacred at Poverty Bay. It occurs to me that the Imperial Government could not possibly object to the Troops now at Auckland being placed in positions such as Clyde at the Wairoa where a party of the 12th. or 70th. was formerly stationed as a support to our Colonial forces of friendly natives. The General Assembly having by resolution applied for a Regt. and agreed to the conditions imposed by the home government it is only reasonable to expect that the Troops should be available for some service if not in the field at least to garrison certain points and I venture to hope this may also be your opinion should the Governor apply to you on the subject. I write merely as a private indiviidual and you will of course consider this communication to be altogether private. The present aspect of affairs is most critical but I hope and trust that this deplorable state of things will soon be brought to an end. With kind regards to Mrs. Beatson and the family, I remain Yours very truly, (sgd.) Donald McLean.