Oct 1863 My dear Sir - You may wish to know how matters stand at the Seat of Government. Briefly then - The Assembly is about to meet and the Government will then explain the position in which it finds itself. All parties who know how the case stands, desire this. The moment is not suitable but the circumstances are imperative. These circumstances are 1st. The positive refusal of the Imperial Government to pay the Expence of further hostilities here. 2nd. The unavoidable necessity of now grappling with the Native difficulty and reducing to subjection all natives who are in arms or who defy the Queens authority. 3. The positive necessity of confiscating the lands of all natives now in rebellion to pay for the cost of the War, for which the funds of the Colony cannot otherwise be sufficient. This is the present position politically. In a military point of view the whole Province of Auckland is under arms. The Military Force (Regulars) is insufficient to hold its communications without reinforcements unless these are maintained by the settlers. The settlers have abandoned their homes and have fled into Drury Auckland etc. Two or three murders have been committed. The General until the Avon and another steamer have ascended the Waikato is standing still. Meanwhile he has returned to clear the Mangatawhiri Bush - and has already opened the campaign by one affair in a brilliant and successful manner. As regards ourselves it is absolutely necessary not to multiply the embarassments of the Government already taxed beyond its means. So long as our Natives are faithful to their allegiance, or even keep quiet it is our duty to avoid giving ground for rupture. But it is no less our duty to look the crisis in the face and to be prepared in case of outbreak to defend our Province. I will neglect nothing to this end but I trust I may not experience any disgraceful opposition in a matter where unanimity of action is the only true safeguard of the lives and properties of my fellow settlers. I can only add that I have done my utmost to obtain assistance and support for the Province and that though I could have desired to obtain more I have obtained a good deal that I required. I am Sir etc. G. S. Whitmore