DRURY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume I, Issue 6, 26 November 1863, Page 4

DRURY.

[FKOM OUII OWN CORRESPONDENT.] 25th NovemberAt about half-past four o'clock this morning we were awoke by numerous volleys fired in ths camp. Of course we are now used to soldiers discharging their rifles, and are not apprehensive of any danger; but the unusual hour aroused many, and enquiries were made what it meant. Two gentlemen have arrived at Brury from the Queen's Redoubt, and report the rebel prisoners on the road, having come part of the way with them. They are one hundred in number, and not secured by being tied or otherwise, but are marched between two files -and an advance and rear guard of the 18th Regt. of 200 strong, under command of Col. Chapman and the various officers. About the same force of t'.io 50th Regt., under command of Col. Weare, tako the relief of the 18th at Drury, and proceed on to Otahuhu. The Natives are a good sample of strong able fellows, of all ageß, many of them having unmistakeable expression of character, quite in keeping with their late savage acts. Some of them have been recognized: one man is represented as a printer previosly employed on the Maori Gazette or newspaper, very intelligent and a good tradesman ; another is well known to have worked at Messrs. Seccoinbe's brewery in Auckland; another to have been a servant to the Rev. Mr. Lawry. Some arerecognisedinvariousother ways, and many are neither unknown or unfamiliar faces. It is said they exhibited some fear this morning when brought ontfor the march ; seeing the soldiers' loading their rifles, they fancied they were about to be shot One native, having club feet, was brought part of the road, but being unable to proceed was sent back. The remainder arrived hero before 10 o'clock a. m. They made no resistance on the road ; they were cute enough for that, as otherwise they would have fared worso. There are a number of females who are taken in charge by the friendly Chief Te "YVhroro, to his pa. The greater part of the rebels are from Waipa, some are from the East Cape, and others from Lower Waikato. There are six Chiefs of note among them. William Thompson is known to have been in tho pah during the fight, but escaped during the night, and came with reinforcements in the morning, just in time to be too late. It would liave been better to have had his body than his mere, but he valued his liberty most. It is not true that white men were in tho engagement, a report having been spread abroad that one was shot, and another taken prisoner. The rebels have been well treated: have had plenty to eat, a good tent, blankets to sleep in, and enjoyed the solace of tho pipe. This latter Ido not mean to say was'supplied by the authorities, but as a kindness by the soldiers.

A flag of truce was sent to the General by a chief up the Waikato river, with a message requesting permission to look for the bodies of their slain which were expected to be lying in the swamp adjoining the

fortification. This was granted tc them. 50 bodio of the rebels were buried in one of their rifle pits' Our own bravo fellows, to the number of 38, were buried with military honours, each in a ip'avc by himself, on Saturday, in the ground of n church adjoining the fortification, and were placed in order side by side, the Rev. Archdeacon Maunsoll performing the fineral service. Flags of truce havo been sent to the General from various cliiefs up the Waikato river, with messages solicitous for peace. The General is said to have told them that peace rested with the Governor, that he should march forward, and gave thorn a caution not to attempt to impede his progress.