Sept. 15th 1866 Napier My dear McLean, The Sturt is detained through stress of weather so I have sent down to the Spit to tell the Capt. to post the letter I wrote you yesterday by the Ashley - The Ashley has been laying off and on all night, and the weather is still stormy but I fancy she will be at the anchorage for her mail in an hour or so. 11 o'clock now - Enclosed are a number of letters Maorie and others - I have issued 15 stand of arms to Capt. Carr of Petane and told him to act as Capt. of the district for the present - This was at his and Richardsons request - Perhaps you had better get him gazetted as Capt. of Militia - There are now enough men there to form a company with the Titiokura bush men. I told you all the news in mine of yesterday and there is nothing fresh - Capt. Carr reports only 85 armed men at Petane and Rangihiroa not yet amongst them - We are getting very seasonable rain just now, and it was quite wanted - A few more good days rain this month and this season will be a favorable one. Yours always Joseph Rhodes