Copy of a Despatch from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Earl Granville, K. G.

The letter of which I enclose a copy herewith was written in September last by the Rev. John Whiteley, a venerable and respected missionary, who was one of the victims of the recent massacre in the Province of Taranaki, where he was cruelly murdered on the 13th ultimo by the Natives among whom he had been labouring for thirty-five years.

2. I am informed that much reliance was placed on Mr. Whiteley's opinions respecting the feelings of the Maoris, on account of his sober judgment, and of his long familiarity with them.