Poraite 4 July 1863 My dear McLean I have nearly half the Force at the Camp. I shall have more than half there tomorrow - I have had drays waiting for each Detachment and have carried all their supplies for them. All the worst men are now out of the Town and I hope we may manage to get the rest up next week. To show you the meanness of the Napier people I found that the Detacht. in waiting to move when I came here last night, had been told that I was taking them up the country to work for myself. One man asked me if this was true and I at once told the men that it was not only untrue but that I desired nothing from them except service for the country and that I would neither accept pay as their Commandant or take their labour for my own benefit. They were very savage with the fellow I heard afterwards and wished to kick him out of the mess to which he was posted, but this shows how viciously I am opposed by the very community I am striving at great cost and some inconvenience to serve. Being unable to go near my people I find that at each station they have grossly idled and to be safe I am compelled to discharge useful hands and stop necessary work as I have neither time nor opportunity to replace them. I send away my housekeeper and gardener today though £70 worth of trees lie waiting to be planted - but I have no choice they quarrel with my hands and I cannot get anything done. My dragmen won't submit to be bullied by them and as they are just now constantly at work for the Defence Force I must first consider the success of the Corps. I trust Mr. Grindell will be satisfied - As regards his request I have only to repeat what I stated before that I really cannot do what my conscience does not approve even to oblige my best friend. I have written to offer to keep a vacancy and pay the passage if I approve the man. Very truly yours G. S. Whitmore