a strong force now but that W. King is digging rifle pits and making his Pah very strong indeed. The Commodore wishes to return to Taranaki with all the men he can carry. I demur: if any thing can be done, he ought to take every man he can collect and go but if nothing can be done I doubt if we should denude Auckland of troops. On the other hand the Niger and perhaps the Fawn will soon be here. Now what do you think about the safety of Auckland? If I thought Auckland quite safe I would let him go with all