Decr. 14th, 1868 My dear Whitmore, Since your note of the 12th I trust you have had a successful engagement with te Kooti and his party and that by this time they are fairly routed. I certainly did not expect they would so soon repay a visit to Turanganui but I trust it will be their last. It occurs to me that a strong expedition from the Wairoa would be of great service, the Hau Haus cannot stand combined movements made against them. I am quite anxious to see the Poverty Bay land question settled but it is needless to attempt it till the enemy is conquered. There is no news today from the West Coast, Tito's whereabouts is not known except that he is in the bush somewhere inland of Whanganui. Rangitikei is quiet and so is Wairarapa. I cannot understand why the settlers have all left Palmerston our people seem to hold their ground much better than in most other places. I remain, Yours truly, (Sigd) Donald McLean