Napier 19 th Novr., 1868 Dear Lambert, I am in rect. of yours of the 18th with reference to the Enemy there is no doubt the main body is at Poverty Bay fortifying, Westrup estimates the number at 500 -- 200 Natives went from here yesterday to reinforce Poverty Bay and I expect 200 more from the East Cape I chartered the Ahuriri and sent Hamlin up to get them. Ropata and Hotini are all important as leaders in an attack made by their tribe. I see Hotini enjoys your company at breakfast, I suppose the Government will not allow you to lose by that it is quite necessary to keep such men in good spirits. Captn. Carlyon is commanding here since the 3rd Class have been called out, the fact of the Natives of this place having volunteered for service at Turanga shows that they do not apprehend much danger here or at Wairoa. How do you find the Wairoa friendlies? The Chiefs must be handled very delicately and the less you interfere with them except where there is really something to do the better, and then they should do it on their own way and under the directions of their own Chiefs. Any attempt to have too much discipline would soon drive them off to their homes and it is not so easy to get them back again. I fear the Tuparoas are already manifesting a desire of this nature. No late news from the West Coast. I remain, Yours truly, Donald McLean