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
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