. Wallingford. Thursday evening. (no date). My dear McLean, Yours with the sad, sad news for Poverty Bay, is just to hand. It is difficult to write calmly, and advise clearly, after receipt of such intelligence. After all. something like what we felt was imminent, has occurred. As you say,-- it makes one almost mad to think that all this might probably have been averted, had we not been foiled in our efforts, by those who ought to have upheld us. Undoubtedly, without the antagonism of Lord Henry and Whitmore, we should have had Frazer back, and a force on the East Coast; and that would have dealt with the enemy before this. They shall answer for it yet. But it is no use directing one's thoughts to that now. You seem to be doing all that you can do to meet the difficulties of the situation. I should advise you to press the Government at once to send back Frazer to command on the East Coast. Tuke is a gallant fellow. But I doubt he has not head enough. Insist that it is of the utmost importance to have a man the natives know, and will work with. I dread their being mad enough to send that little ass Whitmore. Tell them again the natives would not work with him. My advice is,-- press for Frazer and his force; and on the Friendly natives we must rely. Fortunately your hold upon them is great; and you can work them. You must have a capable military head, though; and I know no one so suitable as Frazer. He, with Richardson, would be of immense service at this juncture. You seem to have taken all the precautionary measures that are open to you; and I do not see at the present moment that I could serve you by coming down. If, however, there is any way in which I can help, I will be down in 24 hours after I hear from you. If indeed things keep dark, I would like to come down and discuss matters with you, even though it were only for a short visit. I shall rely on your letting me know if you would like to have me; and it will be a pleasure to give any help I possibly can. I have a good manager here; and can leave in such an emergency as this, easily. You will, I know, give me early information of any further intelligence. That I shall be anxi- -ous, you can well understand. I will not add more; and wishing your work on behalf of the Colony, in this great difficulty, may be rewarded,-- Yours always, My dear McLean, Yours most truly, (Signed) J.D. Ormond.