Auckland. February 1st. 1866 My dear Mr. Colenso, Many thanks for your kind letter of the 21st. December, with its accompanying enclosures. I have read Mr. Fitzgerald's answer to the natives with great interest. I shall bring in portions of it in the Maori newspaper, whever some other matter now in hand is disposed of. I know well how Renata must have been prompted when he made such a speech. It is much to be regretted that clerical influence is turned to such a very bad account. I feel much indebted for the assistance you are affording in the Maori Question; and shall order - indeed I have already done so - additional numbers of the Messenger for you. The last success at Taranaki, in which the natives sustained, are ascertained, loss of 50 killed, and the English only 5, and 12 wounded, will be a lesson to the poor deluded fanatics, who are rushing to their own destruction. The General, and the Troops under him, are behaving admirably. Now that they understand Maori tactics, it is to be hoped they will soon bring the war to a termination. The English Press is with us, and quite against Ecclesiastical interference. The "Saturday Review" takes Hadfield's part. I am sending a book that Dr. Knight handed to me for you. I should be at Napier by this time; but the critical state of affairs so near the scene of King making and disaffection prevents my leaving. I start with the Governor to the Bay of Islands, Ahipara, and Hokianga on Monday next. I shall be always glad to hear from you. Yours very truly, (Signed) Donald McLean. To:- Revd. W. Colenso.