Taranaki New Plymouth 20th. November 1860. My dear Mr. McLean, I thank you for yours of the 17th. inst. and for your very useful opinions on our late sucesses. You will think it strange when I tell you that though the affair at Kohiki was (though I say it myself) well managed cost much forethought since the troops march was successful it cost me the services of Captain Parting and a Segt. of Engineers, both most valuable officers - that neither the Governor, or his responsible advisers even thanked the Troops or even had the common courtesy to acknowledge the receipt of the Dispatches. I am very sorry indeed that the wits of Auckland signed the withdrawal not only of a portion of the Naval Brigade but just now of all times in the world of 400 of my most effective men - leaving me with 6 different positions to occupy with a Force which tho on paper some 1700 men, when analized is reduced by one fourth at least and thus when the Enemy can concentrate their Forces on any one point they please - they will always be superior in numbers however I am an old soldier and God has hitherto guided my measures and I think will do so still - and no doubt the truth will all ultimately come out and I will do my part that the truth shall become known. You will see from the letter sent by Bobby erangi (?) what an awful liar he is - but not a whit more so than many of his white compeers. There are some of them in Auckland Wellington and Nelson - who appear to me to sit and devise - and what awful lies they can and I never yet have seen an attempt on the part of the Ministry or any Member of the House to stand up for the Military and tell the truth. I am sending down old Pitama for our mails - as no attempt was made to send us on but from Auckland - and will be glad if you will write to me really what is going on and not what alarmists say. I suppose this war will assume daily more formidable dimensions if not put down by one last sweep - and if so, I see nothing for it but a large force from from Home - and a landing at Kawhia, Uriwera and Waimate simultaneously this prevents them uniting and punishing them in such a manner as that they will never rise again. Believe me Very truly yours G.T. Pratt.