Tuesday morning. 10th. November 1868. The Hau Haus are on us - Matawhero was attacked this morning. Major Biggs and Capt. Wilson killed. - Women and children arriving every minute, bare-headed, bare-footed, and some of the children just as they were taken from their beds. I expect before this reaches you the whole place will be destroyed. I can see the smoke of as I write this. (Signed) John G. Sleddy. Post Master. over ''Forward this news along with all dispatch.'' N.B. The original letter has been handed over to The Hawke's Bay Museum - 1936.)