Hokianga,
August, 1898.

H.E. Partridge,
Auckland.

My dear Mr Partridge,

I have yours enclosing photo of the old Bay of Islands Chief Pomare. He sympathised with Heke in the war of 1845. I was taken prisoner, as a precautionary measure, and converged on board one of the Men of War Tagons off Opua. I was visiting the fleet with a friend of mine, Lt St Aubyn, and we saw the old Chief, then in his prime. He was sitting on deck forward under charge of two marines. I shook hands with him and never saw him again. From what I remember the photo is a faithful likeness but more than half a century has passed since those days and old memories are now like dreams.

I have not been well lately but considering I am now in my eightieth years must expect to be getting in light of the last milestone

With kindest regards believe me

Yours sincerely,
John Webster