No. 61.
Apihai
Te
Kawau to His Excellency the Governor
In
Chief.
Friend Governor Grey,—
Ongarahu, 27th January, 1863.Salutations! My love for you is very great. Friend! I have heard of the work of the people who have been speaking to you about my lands Orakei, Okuhu, and whakatakataka. These are my lands. I will not allow any person or persons to talk (negotiate) to you about my lands. Those places are to remain a residence for myself and my children, that we may be near you to guard you all and our town (Auckland). My mind is always with you. I will never depart from the good understanding which has always existed between us. My thoughts are still fixed on you, and will always remain so until I depart (die) from your presence. These are all my words to you.
From your loving friend,
Apihai te Kawau
His Excellency the Governor, Auckland.