Edwardson, sent from Sydney in the "Mermaid" to investigate the prospects for a flax-industry, explained Māori truculence in terms of their "vindictive", "crafty" and "lying" character which, he opined, made them "sensitive to the slightest offence". But Edwardson realised that the Māori wanted to trade. With the assistance of Caddell, whom he took to Sydney, he negotiated a truce with the Māori. The attacks and lower prices for skins had dampened the trade, but the restoration of peace saw its brief revival.