Clyde Novr.12th 68 My Dear Sir, I cannot keep silence when I see plainly what the fearful consequences must be of allowing affairs to drift under their present management. What I intimated to you has turned out fearfully true; and you will scarcely credit that it is now proposed to denude this District of its defenders by sending Ngatiporo to Poverty Bay. This would be a wise step if done in the way I proposed to you that is if the rear of this place had been swept out, when the means of doing it was at hand -- I am almost certain that no large body of the enemy have gone to Poverty Bay as yet. 'Te Waru' accompanied Te Kooti with but a few followers not to attack, but to procure recruits for more extended operations -- The unprotected position of the District has been the immediate cause of the attack. The enemy by some inscrutable process knows everything that goes on -- I am certain that no inconsiderable force of the enemy is concentrated not far from the Putahi and that their scouts watch every movement. I wish until these troubles are over you would accept my services in some way that they might be useful. An end must be put to these things, and you really must take direct management of affairs -- Major Lambert has disgusted the natives and every ody else: we want Fraser here -- Believe me that the steps taken here, thought premature by many, alone saved this place from utter destruction. You must admit that my plans would have saved this last disaster -- If this place is attacked as I am sure it will be, and we have only our own natives to rely on, you will see such a disaster as will make the Colony stand aghast -- The natives here are in an extremity of apprehension and Lambert isn't the man to reassure them -- Westrupp and the women and children with him have not yet been heard of. I don't like to leave the District until I feel it is safe and that can hardly be yet awhile -- If you think there is any way in which I may serve you now, I shall only be glad to do so -- 'Henry Potae' holds the redoubt at Turanganui -- The greatest hope is that the success that has attended the 'Coup' already struck may induce all the enemy's strength to muster in 'Turanga' -- then this place may be weakened for a time. I beg to remain, Dear Sir, Your most obedt.servt. Geo.B.Worgan D. McLean Esq.