The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 10
Appendix B
Appendix B.
Correspondence between W. Nero and Mr. Fox.
30 th March, 1864.
"O, friend ! O, Mr. Fox ! This is the cause of my thoughts which caused me to speak of our going to Wm. Thompson and the chiefs of Waikato, namely, their desire to come towards life (meaning to leave off fighting), also to give up their guns, cartouche-boxes, and other munitions of war. The only reason for delaying (carrying into execution) these thoughts is, fear lest, after having given up their weapons, Wm. Thompson and Matutaera should be seized and hung. That is their fear.
"Therefore I reflected, and said, Let me be let to go to inspect these words, that I may see the truth of their words, or the falsity. If I see that it is true (as stated), I will let you know.
"Wi Nero."
"To Mr. Fox.
"Auckland,31 st March 1864.
" Friend Wm. Nero,—I have read your letter in which you say that the road to life for Wm. Thompson and the chiefs of Waikato is stopped because they are afraid if they give up their weapons Wm. Thompson and Matutaera will be hung, and you ask that you may be allowed to go to tell them whether this thought is true or false.
Friend William, great is your love for Waikato, to save those men from destruction. This is good. The Government also desires that they should not perish. But that thought of theirs is wrong altogether. The word of the Government is that all will be spared if they lay down their arms and agree to live under the Queen's law. Their land will be gone to the Queen, but they will be allowed enough to live on well: a Crown grant will be for each. This word is for Matutaera, for Tarapipipi, for all Waikato: none are excepted but the murderers. Let not these men, then, be afraid. But let them be quick in giving up their arms, for otherwise the General will not be held in; he will go on till the arms of the rebels are laid down.
"This is a true word. Now if you like to go, go. If you will not go, that also is well. This is that your love for Waikato may save the lives of those men, of Matutaera, of Thompson, and the others.
From you loving friend,
"(Signed)Te Pakiha
William Fox."