July 30th 1863 Tewairoa Hawkes Bay My dear Sir, Your letter of July 13th I duely received and now write a few lines relative to what we hear of the state of affairs here. There are many reports afloat of what the natives intend to do, the following, as far as I can learn, come nearest to the truth. Piripi Heuheu of Waikarimoana whom I mentioned in my last came to Mangaruhe natives. His objeet, as far as I can learn was to ascertain the mind of the natives in reference 60 a dispute about some land in the vicinity of Waikaremoana whether to fight about it or not. Two of Tamihana's party, Ruahouru and Matena Ruta said let there be no fighting amongst the Maories let the fighting be with the europeans. This turned the conversation in that direction of which I understand you have been informed. A party of Whakaki natives returned from a visit to Waikaremoana on Saturday last and in corroberation of what took place at Piripis runanga they state, that while they were there little else was talked of, night or day Sundays or other days, but the slaughter of europeans. Directions from Waikato were, that Waikaremoana natives with all whom they could get to join them, should go and attack the soldiers redoubt, at Teia in Waikato and that Waikato would attack Auckland and Napier and carry on the war at Taranaki. But the Wairoa natives counteracted this arrangement and proposed that Waikaremoana and all that joined them should attack the Whites about Titiokura, and that neighbourhood and they are only waiting for the return of the messenger from Tehapuku Tareha and others for their assent and they will be on their way. If they object to it the project will be given up: they will, as many as like, then go to Waikato to attack the soldiers Redoubt at Teia The Wakaki natives state that they heard nothing about an attack being made on the Whites of Mohaka but Piripi's Runanga particulary mentioned that if they made a move in that direction that all the Whites in land of that place would be slautered Tuatini Huruhuru and his sons are reported to be amongst the number who agitate an attack upon the Whites at Titiokura one of whom was appointed by Mr. Brown as assessor. Adidst all this it is strange to say that Tuatini himself told me that he intended to bring his vessel the Jannet, from Turanga to Tewairoa to trade between this and Napier!!! I believe myself that very few of the Wairoa natives will either go to Titiokura or Waikato. Probably about 20 or thereabouts of Mangaruhe gentlemen who have lost their characters may engage in such an enterprise with someothers like themselves. It seems it will depend altogether upon the natives of Heretaunga whether this side will be disturbed or not. It would not be wise to disregard these reports altogether. Should these natives make a move towards Titiokura it would be well for the inland settlers of Mohaka to be on their guard. The outside settlers I believe the natives will defend as long as they can. With all this talk going on the natives of Mangaruhe and other inland places on all occasions press me to visit them as often as I can though they fully know my mind on the subject. I am thankful to say my health is much better than it was at the northward I am able to do my full amount of duty. I held 4 services on Sunday last and walked 10 miles in addition. I am dear Sir Your obt. servant J. Hamlin