New Plymouth Aug. 9, 1854 My dear Sir, I will not give you the details of the horrid slaughter that has recently taken place here as you will receive them officially, it is sufficient to say that our eloquent and staunch friend Rawiri Waiaua has been shot down with his companions like dogs, while endeavouring to give land to Government, by that vile man Katatore and his lawless followers. We are deeply grieved at this shocking carnage and feel that we should be up and doing and sweep away the perpetrators of this black deed. The evil day has been delayed by a policy humiliating to a degree without effecting any advantage and thus we may