Napier 17 Novr. 1864 My dear Sir George, I regret exceedingly the very sudden and unexpected reduction of the Military and Defence forces at Hawkes Bay, and I fear that the effects of it upon the Native question generally will be far from favorable. It has been my endeavour throughout to preserve peace in this province and along the East Coast the presence of troops enabled me to effect this, and the influence exerted has apread beyond the limits of the Province, this harmonious state of things has been bearing good fruit but it is not unlikely a reaction may take place which may cripple my exertions for the maintenance of peace on the East side of the island. If the removal of the troops is intended as a matter of military discipline to collect the 14 together I do trust this garrison may be reinforced by some other regiment, a state of war was imminent in this Province before the last reinforcements were sent here the timely arrival of troops prevented such a calamity and considering the importance of the position in every point of view and that the troops are not actively engaged elsewhere I really think it is most unwise to reduce the forces here - I have been lately making arrangements at the North end of the Province to enable me to establish Europeans settlements there and I fully expected to have such a population settled at N. Cape Nuhaka and the Wairoa as would prevent the possibility of an outbreak in that quarter this being accomplished I should take the earliest opportunity of reporting to your Excellency that this garrison might be reduced, but the present aspect of affairs will I fear impede these arrangements most seriously by emboldening and encouraging those Natives who are adverse to English rule. I remain, My dear Sir George, Yours faithfully Dond. McLean