Taranaki, 17 March, 1860. Sir, From the present combination among the Native tribes around this settlement I feel it my duty to report to your Excellency that the present military force is not sufficient for the protection of the place. It is stated on good authority that the Ngatiruanui and Taranaki tribes mustering 1200 warriors are prepared to make an attack on the town while William King and his immediate followers at least 300 strong will fight to the last at the Waitara. Independent of this combination it is much to be apprehended now that the Natives have buried the hatchet among themselves and yielded allegiance to King Potatau that the powerful Waikatos several thousand