Oct. 22, 5 p.m. 1868 Dear McLean, The Star is back --- She brings no single line from Deighton or Tuke --- Only from a note from St. George does anyone here learn the position of affairs --- I gather that the information sent us has been grossly exaggerated and that Mr. Deighton has shewn himself thoroughly unfit for his position --- I have telegraphed the purport of St. George's letter to Haultain --- He writes that the position of the main body of the enemy is not known but that they never were nearer Clyde than Maru-Maru 12 or miles --- their scouts might have come closer. It wd. have been better if you and Richmond had landed at Wairoa and heard position of things before going to East Coast. Altho' the state of things has been exaggerated most shamefully --- yet so far as I gather the murder of the Scouts is still uncontradicted and we shall have to meet the enemy somewhere and now that you have Ngatiporou there the sooner we do so the better --- Of this however and of the general condition of affairs at Wairoa you will learn more on your arrival there and be better able to judge than is possible here without information - I have not time to re-open my letter to Richmond you can acquaint him with contents of this. In haste, Yours always J.D.Ormond