25.11.1868. My dear McLean, You must excuse the peculiar style of my despatch writing. I should not write in the semi official way to the Defence Office, but I know you require information, and I believe I have mentioned every thing in my official. I cannot get at the enemy's number but they are numerous, probably 400 men -- from the encampment -- our position is unassailable -- but we must have My disappointment was great when I heard Ngatiporou from Wairoa had only started this morning. I am trying to get a guide from here to send to the Wairoa. The steamer people are in such a hurry (the weather boisterous) that I have hot time to write fully. Major Lamberts conduct is highly reprehensible in such a crisis as this. You will observe I was right in thinking the enemy would run to earth if followed up quickly. Yours ever faithfully, Chas. Westrup.