For his Excellency's perusal. Donald McLean Feby.28, 1861. Paparaumu Waikato February 18th 1861 Sir, I hope you wont construe my silence into lukewarmness I have nothing to communicate everything in the lower part of Waikato is quiet I attended a meeting of the natives at Tupekaruna a meeting of the influential below Ngaruawhari every thing went off very well and quietly no fiery speeches. The object of the meeting was to lay down a law amongst themselves for the maintenance of peace and order had I have not seen the Horohau there I should have made a point of writing I concluded you would hear all from him. There is a desire on the part of some of the lower Waikato to go to the Southld. but it is over ruled by the majority. I saw a little of John Baptists of Ngatihinetu to the lower Waikato Chiefs begging them to support W.King in the holding out of Huirangi if not personally to send arms and ammunition and I know that Hitaraka Murupainga came down our way collecting flints and what ever he could get to forward. If I should hear anything worth communicating I shall not hesitate to trouble you. I have the honor to be, Sir, Yours respectfully C.Marshall Donald McLean Esq. Native Secretary etc. Auckland