THE RAGLAN EXPEDITION. (FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.)

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIX, Issue 2015, 31 December 1863, Page 6

THE RAGLAN EXPEDITION. ( FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.)

Upon my arrival at Oneliunga on Saturday afternoon, I found this usually quiet place full of business and bustle, in consequence of the embaroation of about 300 troops of the 50th Begt. lor Raglan. The embarkation took place under the superintendence of Colonel Gamble, who had arrived early in the day to make the preparatory arrangements. I found the wharf completely blocked up with stores, tents, ammunition, &c, which were awaiting shipment in the little steamer ' Lady Barkly lying alongside the wharf, for conveyanc^^O^Ue ' Alexandra ' and ' Kangaroo,' roth of which ! were engaged -tor-eoavGf -tliis expedition to [-Haglan. By six o'clock nearly the whole of the ammunition and baggage had been safely placed on board the 'Lady Barkly,' and all was ready for the embarcation of the men then on their way from Otahuhu. At the same time 63 horses and a quantity of hay were put on board the ' Kangaroo' from the Bluff, under the superintendence of Mr. Cook, of Onehunga. The ' Kangaroo' is in command of Captain Bell, and is admirably adapted for this service. At halfpast six, the men who had left Otahuhu shortly after five o'clock were seen approaching the Wharf, and in a few minutes the whole of them — numbering 300 — arrived at the foot of Princesstreet. They then received orders to halt, were formed into line, and told off, and, after resting a short time, one half of them advanced arid went on board the 'Lady Barkly,' the others ' awaiting their turn, some little delay was here caused in consequence of the tide being too far out to allow the ' Lady Barkly,' with her heavy freight to float, and it was not until past nine o'clock at night that she was able to leave. This little drawback being remedied, the men, baggage, &c, were soon transhipped to the ' Alexandra,' and the ' Lady Barkly returned again to the wharf for the remaining 150. It was not until a late hour that all the arrangements were completed, and so far as the embarcation was concerned with the greatest succsss. The whole force was under the command of Colonel "Waddy, accompanied by Colonel Hamley, Major Tupper, Captains Barnes, Branburyjfcuiompgon, and Doran : Lieutenants King, "Turner, and Wilson'; Ensign* 'Dovoton, Grant", Worthington, and Eolleaton ; Field- Adjutant Leach, and Dr. Fraser. At daybreak yesterday morning, the • Alexandra' "(in. command of Captain Williams) had 'steamed up, left the harbour, and was Boon, out of sight. The ' Kangaroo ' got tip steam shortly afterwards, and by eleven,o'cloek she tripped he* imdhor and followed in the

direction of the ' Alexandria.' Upon being informed that a number of the Waikato Militia were orderod also for Eaglan, and that they were on their way from Kerikeri'and Papakura to Otahuhu, lat oncce started for that place, and arrived there about twelve o'clock yesterday morning. I was then informed that the men had not yet arrived, but were expected shortly. In the meantime I ascertained that orders had been issued for the head-quartern of the 2nd Waikato Militia^ to proceed m company with the Waikato Volunteers to Eaglan, and that about 130 men would be ready to start tis morning. The following officers wore to accompany the party; Captain. Peacock, Lieutenant Eye, Ensign Perry, Captain and Adjutant Picken, and Captain and Quarter-master- Tisdale. About one o'clock, Ensign Bell (late of the Auckland E.V.( received orders to proceed immediately to the Whau blockhouse, with a detachment of twenty men of the 3rd company, to replace the same number of the 2nd company, who were to proceed to Eaglan this morning. At half-past one o'clock 260 men, taken from companies Not. <L, 5, and 9 of the Waikatos, arrived at the camp, and were placed under the command of Captain Freer. The men left Kirikiri ut half-past five yesterday inorning, passing Burton's at eleven, and reaching the camp at half-past one. They were then discharged for the day, and were under orders to start off at daybreak this morning for Onohunga, and eutbark on board the 'Alexandra,' which is expected to return during the day. The following officers will be of the expedition : — Captain Freer, Lieut. Abbott, and Ensign White (No. 4 company), Lieut, Johnson (So. 5), Lieut. Stouey, and Ensign Speedy (No. 9), Dr. Stewart. Colonel Haultain will be in command of the whole of tho colonial forcos despatched to Eaglan. —"Daily Southern Cross," Dec. 28.