Wairoa 18th. Novr. 1868. Dear McLean, We are here as we where all on the look out but have no news of the enemies whereabouts this is bad it would be well to have good information I have done what I can for defence but have a bad lot of men, they some of them are McDonnell's men, a worthless lot indeed, I have written about the Natives at Whakaki. It will be well to bring them in from all I hear, some of the people here are alarmed, I have engaged six mounted men Natives as scouts, a fire has been seen up Wairoa, I am doing all I can but have poor tools I wish I had a good subt. officer who would obey and not drink. I had a meeting of the chiefs yesterday and had to order refreshment they looked for it Mr. Deighton was with me who is to pay for it Hotine the Ngatiporou Chiefs come nearly every day and look for something to eat, and I feel obliged to ask him this has to be done to keep themiin good temper. Believe me Yours truly, C. Lambert.