Copy. Napier, 13th Sept., 1865. My dear Archdeacon, I have received your letter of the 4th inst. and it is very evident that matters are fast drawing to a crisis at Turanga. I am sending an officer and 26 Military Settlers by the Betsey as a tuara for the Europeans and friendly Natives. I regret that the force is so small but it takes all the available Colonial force men that can be spared. The effect may I trust be to decide Hirini and other waverers to join the Kawanatanga. Of course they must only act on the defencive and in concert with the friendly Natives. It will show the Hauhaus that the Govt. will not desert its own subjects or those of the Natives who declare their loyalty. Your letter to Tamihana Huata of events at Tokomaru has had a good effect at the Wairoa. The head quarters of the 70th Regt. arrived here this morning this is an accession of strength that will have a good Moral effect but it is not the policy of Ministers to use them for fighting, therefore they might not be available at Turanga, I am glad you are building near the beach. There are some arms going down to Turanganui, but they are not to be distributed except in a case of attack or emergency, in such case it wd. appear to me advisable to divide them equally between Hirini and Potote the Europeans must also be provided but I want the Military Settlers to be established before sending any quantity of Military Stores. I shall feel most anxious till I hear from you again and it is satisfactory to hear that you will be so close at hand for any vessel that may call. Your cousin S. Williams was here a day or two ago, he is quite of opinion that it is a step in the right direction to send a few men to Turanga. I remain, Yours faithfully, (Sigd.) Donald McLean. I have so much in hand with a war at the E. Cape and correspondence with those parts as well as with Wellington that I am not able to pay Turanga a visit. (Sigd.) Donald McLean. Archdeacon Williams.