THE FRONT AT WANGANUL

New Zealander, Volume XXII, Issue 2382, 20 March 1865, Page 3

THE FRONT AT WANGANUL

[fkom our own coruespo.ndent] Head Quarters Field Force, 13th March, 1865 I now sit down, after the skirmishing action of this morning, to report for your information the events which preceded our victorious establishment upon the heights in rear of the native village carried this morning"by the 57th Regiment, about 9.30 a.m. To do any justice, however minor, I must retrace my description to the first orders issued yesterday (Sunday), the 12th instant, for the march at 6.30 a.m. to-day of the cavalry, composed of Military Train, and one weak troop of the Wanganui Volunteer Mounted Men. In compliance with the brigade orders issued on the evening referred to, the utmost activity prevailed this morning in striking and packing of tents and other articles of camp equipage (knapsacks being left at Patea under a sufficient escort from each corps), and procuring of cooked provisions for the day, which were to be carried by the men. Slightly after the hour appointed the force was formed up in front of the right centre of the original lines occupied by the 50th Queen's O.vn, right wing in contiguous quarter distance column in the following order : -Cavaky, Ist Infantry Battalion 57th Regiment, under command of Major Butler; 2nd Man try Battalion 68 th Light Infantry, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Morant; 3rd Infantry Battalion, 50th Qieen's Own, under command of Major Locke, the whole under the immediite command of Colonel Weare, 50th Regiment, in t!ie absence of Brigadier-General Waddy. After the customary formation had been gone through, the General commanding the forces in New Zealand and his personal aud divisional staff arrived upon the ground, composed of Colonel Carey, Deputy-Adjutant General ; Lieut.-Colonel Gamble, Deputy Quarter-master-General; Lieut.-Colonel M'Neill, V.C., Aidecamp; Lieut. St. Hill, Aide-camp (extra), and of the brigade staff; Captain Leach, Deputy-Assistant Adju-tant-General ; Major Greaves, Deputy-Assistant Quartermaster- General,and Mr. Broughton, interpreter attached to Seld force. On the arrival of General Sir Duncan Cameron the cavalry moved off by twos from the right along the roadway skirting the right of a small lake, distant about five or six hundred yards from tbe Patea camp, and covered with a mass of high weed, &c , with clear space to its right on the reverse flank of the route of march. The 57th (except one company) moved forward under Major Butler, followed quickly by the remaining corps as already derailed in mv letter." There is nothing peculiar about this portion of the country beyond its being skirted on the right at a distance of about four hundred yards with a sleeping range of hills, jutting prominently at slight intervals, with opening ravines disclosing almost impenetrable swamp, to the left of the lake in question outlying picquet sentries from Patea Camp were posted, having a good commanding view of our advance. No opposition was met with for some tim" l , until a slight rise in the track had been ascended and an advance made into a skirting plain at its base, when the 57th Regiment formed companies to their Irint from fours and closed to quarter distance on the leading company whilst the company of that gallant corps originally left behind swept by the flank of the Queen's Own and quarter par.'y of their battalion in perfect order ; the 50th and 6Sth made an attempt to form to their front, but the movement was checked, I presume, by the Acting-Brigadier, as they immediately fell back into their old formation of fours. The range of hills at the point now gained gradually break off in an undulating directiou to the north, exposing to a second range 450 yards to the right the head of any column debouching upon the proper track; to avoid this impending evil Major Butler extended

' one half of the 57th Kegiment to the right, which done thev crowned the hill, preserving themselves well from the"enemy's fire, whilst they exposed themselves sufficiently to attract his and obtain a pood view of their sable opponents. To the l»ft could he se?n, winding in order deserving of praise, the cavalry, whilst the reserve of the " die hards " was kept well in hand ready 'or the word to advance, though cool and perfectly collected, under the command of Major Hassard, s?th Regiment; the6Bth Light Infantry and 50th Queen's Own, were still in column. '■ he rebels first opened the ball by a quick discharge of musketry from the opposite range of hill*. WVils' 'he sharp crack of the 57th Rifles rcvrberan-d in comparative silence to the louder roai of the Royal Artillery guns, which were now supporting the. advance of the 57th on the left, and sweeping in the distance were the cavalry prepared for immediate use. When opportunity ofivred two companies of the 68th were already ordered up to support the left centre of the 57th Regiment, or, if necessary, prolong the extension of the line of skirmishers. Our fire had grown shek, seeing the enemy wavering as to whether he would hold the parallel chain of hills, the commanding officer of the gallant regiment who bore the brunt of the action immedintely directed an outward movement of his skirmishers to cover the flanks, whilst over a hill to the right he led his m ;n in person, who rushed forward with that determination and bravery inherent to the ' Die-hards." His left was quickly coming up, supported by cavalry, and rear well defended by three companies of the 57th under an officer of trie 1 merit (Major Hassard), whilst the 68th were lightly appearing on the crest to left of the hill he had just quitted. Only a few straggling shots now dropped from the rebels, projorma to keep us hesitating whilst they retired to the villages, but this ruse proved abortive. Amongst the foremost of the staff officers on the next plain crossed I discovered Colonel Car«y, C B, the Adj itant-General, and Colonel Weare, ActingBrigadier. A plain «f about 500 yards lay in front, and over it the 57th were advancing with a desultory and checking fire against them as coolly as if on a parade ground for inspection, their flanks well protected, their front clear and well covered with a line of men steadily extended, and their supports and reserve available for reinforcing purposes at any point; beyond this a deep gully, led to by a steep and irregular pathway or scrambling descent, now came in yiew, and here the chief part of the Maoris lay concealed in long flax and toi-toi. Had the parties already advancing und r Majors Hassard and Butler, been allowed to move as they were already doing under such effective commanders, I have no doubt but large numbers of these would have fallen in the swamps under a heavy fire kept up regularly ; it wou'd appear to me therefore wrong on the part of some person in authority, desiring the reserve under Mojor Hassard to charge down a steep descent in column, which completely disorganised all formation at the time, and intermixed the rear of the 57th and front of the 68th infantry in a party whieh could not easily be disentangled until a long range of irregular hiila and ravined had been traversed, the Maoris still flying towards the vi lage I have now the pleasure of wriiing from ; but merely I fancy to give warning to the women and children that the invincible British '•Cameron" advanced. Notwithstanding the Pai Marin superstition having been so much inculcated—to the right in chace of tne Maoris could be seen the advanced companies of the 57th Regiment C 2 I believe) which have crossed a gully to the right for the purpose of following up the enemy on the adjacent hills, and rig'it gallant'y they did their work, well worthy the name of a descendant from the old " Abbuera " die hards, like so many scattered sheep the enemy fled. Knowing I presume the stubborn gallantry of the corps now in pursuit,—whilst to their left in a slight level at the base of the hill leading to this viluge, and flanked on its left by another, the 57ch again formed column for attack, clouding their advance with skirmishers, and moving up the right face of the declivity, from the gully at foot by a single chain of cautious flankers. I can only regret the enemy fled from this without waiting to test the skill of the dispositions of- Major Butler, the Acting Brigadier was i also present, but dismounted, which was a hindrance in carrying out effectively the onerous and responsible duties of a victorious division of the army of which the advanced guard (57t'>) performed the whole with credit to themselves* and also the Brigade to which they belong. I must now beg to draw your attention to the situation of the village of kainga, as you advance on its front it is placed upon a slightly rising eminence, at first abrupt, but extending on gaining the top thus

it would have been possible for them it well provlueU with defensive means to keep the place for a length of time, galling any advance that might be made ; but it appears they judged discretion tbe better part of valor, and evacuated the place by a gully en their own left, followed by a sharp cross fire from the companies of the regiment extended on right of the gully, about 800 yards from this present position. But I must add, in justice to the gallantry of the 57th Regiment, that nothing could possibly have resisted the impetuous charge made by the " Die Hards" on coming in scent of the Maori strongh)ld (as I suppose it was considered.) At the same time they rushed in here with a thrilling cheer that rent the Heavens. Their comrades on the other side the gully had carried another smaller kainga parallel to it, but a few hundred yards in line to the rear. Large qnantities of potatoes, some spears, pig s living) Rn & other trophies, such as mats, were discovered, and gave the soldiers much amusement and a slight recompense for their dangers in the mornin o '. The 57th were formed up to the left of the kainga facing the gully shown in my tracing enclosed, whilst their other companies from the right bank of the gaily were gradually being drawn ia to the cheering s.mnd of the bugle calls of the " Die Hards.," and General Cameron and staff, with the 68th Light Infantry and 50th Queen's Chvn, gradually came up, after a close and careful examination of the route of march for the purpose of ascertaining that no dead or wounded were left expos dto the ruthless hands of the enemy. At the same time circling round the road to the rear of the Native village, and in our present front could be seen the baggage under Grant. The troops then formed contiuous quarter distance column, and deplowed into line on the leading company of the 50th. Encampment formed, as shown in rough, at rear of kainga, and outpost duties posted. The enemy's loss must have been about twenty killed besides wounded, as I believe thirteen dead holies were counted, including, I regret to say, one female. Two others have just now ben brought into camp as prisoners (one a boy) having been discovered by the picquet. It is with feelings of the utmost satisfaction I have to draw my letter to a conclusion, in acquainting you that we have only one man 57th regiment killed, and one severly wounded (arm amputated). One sergeant 68th Light Infantry also wounded siightly in the shoulder. Where ail performed duty with a perseverence and good will worthy of commendation, it would I fear be invidious to mention any corps in particular, but too much credit ca'-not be given to Majors Battler and Hassard, 57th regiment, and the corps under their respective commanders by wings, for their coolness in action, their steady advance under a heavy fire, and the rapidity of movoment, consistent with preservation of strength and stamina for attack. Whilst crossing a country thickly covered with hi<jh fern, impeding much their advance, the Queen's Own and 68th Light Infantry supported the 57th well, and would have rendered good service had they been called into action. The Lieut.-General and staff are now in eamp. The Patea is held-right bank, detachment 50th under Lieut.-Colonel Hamley, and 18th Royal Irish under Brevet-Major Inman, whilst the left bank is held by the original detachment of that corps. Al! quiet at hour of writing, 4 o'clock p.m., and no enemy visible, but sentries will require to be cautious throughout the night. Being very hurried in my report, as I have written it on the field in pencil for a great part, I must draw my letter to an end. I understand there are about 30 dead bodies of Maoris found. I enclose two letters found in one of the whares, which if wor'hy of note you can also publish. A Government Gazette, dated December, 1864, was also discovered, purporting to be a desire on part of the Government of New Plymouth for the natives to remain absent from the scene of strife at that period.

[The Maori letters referred to by our correspondent are not of any interest. < >ne of them refer* to a meeting held m 1860 about land-selling.—Ed. N. Z } Camp Waitotara, Feb. 27.

Yesterday (Sunday) was marked by no particular incident beyond the carrying out of the despach of the party mentioned in iny letter of the 25th instant. At 2 o'clock, p.m., the rorce detailed, and numbering 262 non-commissioned officers and men accompanied by Captains Thompson. 50th, Clark, 57th, and Tovey, 70th, Lieutenants Grierson and Huskisson, 7>>th, Minnitt, 18th, Churchill, 50th, and Ensign Campbell, 50th regiment, proceeded under command of Major Rutherford. 70th regiment, not as previously anticipated to reconnoitre, but to form a fl inking party for a detachment of the 68th Light Infantry expected in camp from Nukumaru ; it took the men upwards of an hou • to cross in the boats and raft, after which they proceeded in file underneath the redoubt on the opposite side of the river to the encampment, but seaward, after which their march was but short, being simply extended a? a flanking party so far as I could ascertain more to indicate the road than to form a protection, for the force which marched into camp was quite sufficient to defend themselves, supported as they were by the Volunteer Cavalry under Major llookes, who formed an advanced gu" ml, and came in sight about 6.30 p.m. on the hill opposite the camp. After crossing the river, which was shallow at the time, the tide being out, tha cavalry were picqueted on the left fa-e of the encampment, and at 7 o'clock, the 68th were drawn up on the opposite bank prepared to cross ; the flanking parties from the camp were now gradually being drawn in and closing up to the front, and by 7.30 all were safely across ; it was evident from the first that the light infantry were not intended to remain here, as no camp equipage was b ought with them.it having been sent to the front by steamer. The men had to sleep during the night upon fern collected by their comrades of the other corps in camp. It is upon s.ich occasion as the above that acts of kindness, no matter how trivial, find their way to the soldiers heart, and cause the better motives and sympathies of his nature to show themselves.

The 68th detachment marched off this morning for the Front, and presented, the b-au ideal of what a regiment of British troops should be under hardships and fatigues—light, airy, and cheerful. They carried no knapsacks but their necessaries rolled up in the great coat and blanket, and slung across the left shoulder, no unnecessary appendages impeded their progress, and we cannot but wish them every future success. As a crowning result to the high name the 68th have won already on many a proud fought field. The flag of truce, if I can so designate it, still waves about 600 yards from our right flank outlying sentries, but no person is visible near it. What future intention the enemy entertain would be hard to conceive. The ' Gundagai' steamer arrived here by 9 a.m. from Wanganui, and proceeded immediately afterwards to Patea ; a small mail for this port was brought by her, and some Comniissariit stores. I regret extremely having to remark the great loss we foel in irregularity of the mails ; surely if this place is to be kept on, proper provision shou'd be made for having regular communica ion direct with Wanganui. I know perfectly that several of your papers to my address have gone on to thj front, as I have seen none since the 17th instant, the latest to hand. I think if steamers cannot be spared for the separate service all letters should be landed and sorted here, and a responsible person paid for that duty. lam already tiwaro that my own letters to you must be detained somewhere, and therefore causes much inconvenience. 28ih February.

I now beg to acquaint you that no military movements have taken place since my communication of yesterday's date, beyond the departure of the Volunteer Cavalry, under Major Brooks, for Wanganui. The rebel sign of pocification, to wit a white flag, still remains at the point indicated in my previous letters, and which will be more clearly seen by the accompanying rough sketch, which I herewith enclose for your information. You will see by the same that our line is only defensible at two points, viz : our present outlying piequet lines and the more tenable position on the right bank of the river, which I have marked as a small redoubt, with a flagstaff built on an abru t eminence of about eighty feet above the river bank, and commanding the whole of the surrounding country. At low water, the river is fordable, but when the tide is in, it would be impossible for men accoutered to cross safely. I may here add, parenthetically, that the current impression is, the Natives simply used the stratagem ot the " flag " to withdraw a portion of their iorce from their fortified position beyond ns, to assist the rebel.who have been engaged up river from Wanganui, with the loyal Natives ; and it is surmised that only a very small force remained in the pa—had it been attacked, only such numbers as were sufficient to divert our attention. Be the opinion in question correct or otherwise, great achievements have been performed by the loyal Natives, (which 1 presume you have seen from the Chronicle), and we trust their praiseworthy conduct will meet its reward from tho Government.

The ' Gundagai' passed from the Front to Wanganui this morning without stopping here. A couple of small craft are at ihe mouth of the river. Nothing else of interest beyond the weather continuing fine, which is a great boon to the soldiers in carrying on their duties.

I have endeavored in the enclosure to mark distinctly the principal features connected with this place which may be interesting to your readers, and assist them in understanding the details furnidied from time to time I may, in conclusion, remark that at head-quarters, Patea, the General and staff have crossed the river and are encamped on the opposite bank from here, having, however, left a redoubt on its left bank occupied by 200 men or thereabouts of the 18th Royal Irish. Nothing else of any interest from the Front, and only occasionslly do we hear so much. March 1.

The proceedings at this post yesterday are not worthy of note, bein: .attended by nothing beyond every day occurrences with the exception of the arrival of the steamer from the Front, having on board a portion of the English mail, and also an Auckland one, for delivery here ; by the latter I am placed in possession nl your issues up the 24th ult Through the courtesy i>l a friend I have been enabled to add the following ! Rrticulars connected with that portion of the brigade ei,camped at the Patea river. , Whilst the troops were stationary on the left bank of the Patea a number of Maoris made their appearance upon the opposite bank of the stream, and so close tha one of our sentries, after taking a deliberate aim, fired with a certain success, as the man asserts that the horse of one of them fell, and the Maori was seen soon after to walk off with a bridle and saddle, supposing thereby that the horse must have been shot. This speaks well for the steadiness of the soldier who fired, as even the destruction of the horse was less or more of a loss to the enemy. The day following the occurrence the whole force in camp, except 150 men of the 18th Koyal Irish, removed to the opposite bank of the river, a much better position to prevent the enemy making his appnamnce so close to the camp without the possibility of immediate pursuit being impeded by the formidab'e check of a rapid stream. O.i the 26ih ultimo a strong party of Maoris snowed themselves on hills more than a mile from the head quarter camp. On the appearance of a party going out thev fired a few shots and decamped. At an early hour in the morning (6 o'clock, a.m.), the enemy showed himself in stronger force than on the hiils in front of the cam;), about two miles off, and commenced a regular feu-de-joi from right to lelt. Our men never fired, but showed themselves as much as possible, getting up on all the small hills in the vicinity of their posts, and there standing like so many targets for the harmless shots of the enemy