Hamilton. 3rd. August 1869. My dear McLean, I was delighted to get your note of 28th. ultimo, received this day; and though busy beyond description trying to make up the leeway resulting from my month's absence from my regular duties, will not deny myself the pleasure of at least trying to give you what information I have in my power to give. The last accounts of Te Kooti's doings you will receive officially. The why and the wherefore of his extraordinary conduct is shortly this, - that the poor devil does not know where to go, or what to do. His actual own followers are reduced to about 70 men. Rewi is still with him; and is a puzzle equally to the Waikatos and myself, as regards his intentions. Te Heu Heu, Te Raroa, and nearly the whole of the Ngatite tribe are also still with him. Te Kooti, on Saturday last, when my last messenger arrived, was at Mokau, near Whakatunatuna, completely hemmed in by the Waikatos and Ngatimaniapotos, - one road only open to him, viz. - Taupo. The scoundrell actually wants to go to New Plymouth, but was stopped by the White Cliff murderers. Do not suppose there is the slightest sympathy for him amongst the King's Party; there is not. I have this day forwarded to Rollins, a greenstone Htiki, belonging to Te Kooti, and presented by him to the Waikatos, and by them given to me. I have forwarded officially to Rollins, to be handed to His Excellency; addressing an Official to you through him, as Rollins, I know, loves me. I have no doubt he will make some bother about it; in which case, I shall simply reclaim it. I have always maintained that we have nothing to fear from the King's Party; and I am still of the same opinion; or what was to prevent them joining Te Kooti, and sweeping the Waikato from end to end. I have always, - for auld lang syne, - maintained the most friendly relations with the King's party; and I am convinced, must have heard, if anything hostile to this district was intended. From my own observations, I believe the true policy to be an entirely defensive one. If we had a certain number of the Armed Constabulary stationed on our frontiers, at Alexandra, Kihi Kihi, and Cambridge, - say 50 or 60 at each place; permanently stationed at these places, and utilized, I believe that confidence would again be restored on a sounder footing than ever; and confidence to us here means settlers able and willing, if once established, to defend themselves and the District. As it is, notwithstanding the close proximity of Te Kooti to us at Alexandra, - 18 miles only - only one family cleared out. I have, I believe, a slight influence with the settlers; and being there myself, nobody thought of leaving. As gards the Kupapas or Friendlies, or neutrals in the district, -, I am not of opinion that they are to be depended upon, except perhaps against a foreign enemy. Against the King's men, - certainly not. But against Te Kooti, - most decidedly they are. I am glad to hear that you purpose paying this part of the Island a visit; and for my part, I shall be heartily glad to see you again. But on this subject, I will, at a future day, write you further, I need hardly say that your name is still a Tower of Strength amongst the natives generally; and I will not fail to let you know my views fully, at some future day. Regretting that my time is so short, and my work so plentiful at present, preventing my writing further, - being compelled to be 25 miles off tomorrow by 11 o'clock, to try a Deserter, I am very faithfully yours, (Signed) Will N. Searancke. To:- D. McLean Esq.