Napier Sept. 25, 1869 My dear Mr. McLean I have just had a most pleasant evening with Mr. Manning, going over a great variety of matters from the beginning of things. We at last got upon politics, and I gathered various little pieces of information, in confidence, which have made me very ''marama''. I looked back to the letter which I wrote to you on June 14, and I hope that there is a prospect of brighter days. In the first place there is increasing reason to believe that the Waikatos are anxious for peace. They have not only refrained from any overt act since Orakau, keeping quiet when they might have given us an infinity of trouble, but they have refused their countenance to Kooti. Then too it appears that there is a willingness to fall back upon Ngapuhi, and that Ngapuhi are willing to do their part. This is just what the great powers of Europe do. When there is a difficulty they are glad to avail themselves of a third power in order to soften down the difficulties which otherwise they could not get over. When I heard that you were going to Waikato I have felt full of hope, because I believe that you will do all you can to bring about the desirable result. Mr. Manning is the man to help you in this business, because he is a man of great caution and with wonderful tact. In my letter of June 14, I wrote as follows; ''If the most influential body of the king party can be brought to terms then those natives who are now giving so much trouble can be easily dealt with. But the only course by which we can expect Tawhiao and Rewi to give up their present attitude is, by making such concession as we may venture to do with a good grace. Why can we not say in regard to such confiscated lands as we have , we give them pack to you. To occupy them we know to be extremely difficult. But if we throw off that which is an encumbrance to us we may soon have a return of prosperity and recover our exhausted strength''. Many I know will say, we must not give up one acre of that which has been confiscated. I think you said as much in the house. If you were to be bullied out of any of that land by the demands of Waikato it would be a different thing. But to do this as an act of grace, and in accordance with the Wishes of Ngapuhi is no sign of weakness, but will enable you to achieve a great victory. I come now to another phase of this subject. When we had that religious service at Napier some months ago, you said to me the next day, Bishop, I am glad we had that service, it was a right step. Now I am of opinion that if that element had been allowed a place in the councils of those in authority we should have had peace long ago. Look at Isaiah 22.11. It was the fault of the Jews in those days that they did not look to God for his blessing. My opinion is that every precaution and every effort should be made in the way of warlike preparation, and at the same time that Gods direction and blessing should besought. This latter duty lies with me with you and with the community at large, and I believe that there are very many at this time who are endeavoring to help forward your efforts in this way. May you be guided in your present efforts, and may God grant to us a favorable result. Believe me, Most faithfully yours William Waiapu