Rough copy of answer to Major Whitmore's letter. Port Napier Hawkes Bay July 9, 1863 My dear Major I shall have much pleasure in forwarding your views in connection with the Mounted Corps to the best of my power, but I do not think the constitution of the Col. Defence Force would entitle either officers or men to treatment in a Military Hospital I feel sure that I would not be justified in admitting into Hospital any of your men without the authority of a General Order and such particular instructions from the Prin. Medl. Officer and Purveyor in Chief as would enable me to account in some regular manner for the expense entailed by the victualing and treatment of the Force. I would venture to suggest that in the interval of procuring the indispensable authority, you should procure some tents, pitch them in a convenient and sheltered position, arrange with the present Hospital Contractor to extend the advantages and conveniences of the Contract to the Force under your command, draw a requisition on Mr. Bridge the chemist for the necessary Medecines, and appoint a Cook, orderly and Non Comd. Officer in charge, when your Hospital wd. be established on an independant footing, and I would see the Sick every morning at eleven o'clock and at all other such times as might prove necessary. I have the honor to remain Ever truly yours Morgan Grace Major Whitmore Commandant Col.D.Force