Turanga, 16 October, 1865. Donald McLean, Esqre. My dear Sir, Yours of 9 Inst. to hand on Saturday. I am glad to say matters are still quiet here a little excitement now and then but nothing further, as for instance the arrival of 170 men from Opotiki was reported on 7 Inst. but dwindled by next day to some 50 men women and children from East Cape. Again 200 were sent for to Wairoa and then arrived on 11 Inst. some 20 men I hear they intend taking te Whaka Parahuka's bones away with them when they return. The arrival of the accession to our force under Captn. Lavere has had a most beneficial effect. I have heard some of our friends (?) of Sydneys tribe looked excessively when they were landed. The troops can now hold their own without fear of natives endeavouring to the Magazine, which I firmly believe they entended doing had they have seen the least chance Lieut. Wilson deserves great credit for his firmness. He appears to have much tact in dealing with Natives. I believe our friend wrote for Troops under the belief that they would not be sent, but that rifles and amunition would, the greater part of which would by this time have been in the hands of the and in all probability Martin his brother and others of his tribe would have openly joined them and as a natural consequence the settlers would have fled at once. has lost Cast with both parties, the distinctly say he was one of them and that he has deceived them, and the have closely watched him in the daily expectation of seeing him join openly. There is no doubt he left no stone unturned in his endeavours to obtain possession of the Amunition etc. on its first arrival. I do not yet dread any immediate outbreak without or should come this way, to take for their people killed by these people. There is no doubt that men of te have from time to time left for one or other of the battlefields, proof is some of them are admitted to have been slain on these excursions. This being the case it appears to me has a perfect right to make a raid, in this quarter if he feels disposed to do so of course the will join their fellows and our side must help him, which will start the game at once. There will be doubtless much loss of property but I fancy the Valley would soon be clear of our friends. I am glad you agree with our idea of appropriating the £100 you kindly placed at our disposal in the manner proposed i. e. in the erection of a building within the stockade for the accomodation of the Settlers if forced to abandon their homes and to be used in the interim as barracks for the troops. I have drawn on you for £50 on a/c in favour of for timber etc. supplied - and for a further sum of £8.2.6 on a/c (as per enclosr.) of provisions furnished to Natives by myself. I know not the usual methods of dealing with the Govt. Will you send me blank Vouchers with instructions and I will fill or draw up as may be desired. You will have heard those settlers who had sheep grazing up the Valley above Waerenga a hika, have considered it necessary to bring them away I was pleased to find the natives did not object to their removal. intends visiting you some of these days probably when the St. Kilda calls here. Strange we are without news either from East Cape or Opotiki I cannot conceive the reason we have had no messenger over land from one or both. With kind wishes believe me Very faithfully, J. W. Harris.