CONTINUATION OF JOURNAL OF EVENTS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 413, 30 June 1860, Page 2

CONTINUATION OF JOURNAL OF EVENTS.

Saturday, June 23. — We omitted to mention in last week's journal that the light company of the 65th — Col. Murray's company — relieved, on Monday last, the 40th at Henui, removed to Waitara. The troops are housed in a large hut, constructed of raupo and thatched with toetoe, and are comparatively comfortable. Lieutenants Urquhart and Whitbread are in charge of this detachment. We also omitted ro mention that Lieut. Chevalier was thrown from his horse on Wednesday last, when riding on the beach, and- broke his collar-bone. We are glad to hear that he is progressing favorably. Private P. Flannigan, 65th Regt., died at Tataraimaka yesterday from gastric fever. An escort went down to-day to bring the body up to town for interment in the Roman Catholic cemetery. The Airedale arrived this morning from the South, but without the English mail. The Lord Ashley, after waiting for several days in Sydney, had come down without it ; and it was supposed that some detention had occurred to the mail steamer between Aden and Melbourne. Weather changed to- wind from the N.E., and rain. The Airedale steamed against a strong gale, and will have a rough passage to Manukau. Firing heard at Waitara during the day — artillery and small arms. It was also telegraphed from the Bell Blockhouse that firing was going on at Waitara. The weather, we fearovill prevent the steamer from 'coming up and reporting.

Sunday. — It blew very hard last night from the N.E. and N.W., but lulled this morning. Mrs Ashton, aged 85, died today. The Rev. Mr Whiteley came in today from Waitara, and we are informed that a skirmish had taken place between the 40th and the rebels on the Government land. It appears that a number of natives came on to our land, when Major Nelson sent out a party to reconnoitre. The troops were fired upon by the natives, which was returned, and a fire kept up for some time, and the natives were ultimately driven off the land. No casualties ascertained on either side. We hope to have full particulars by the steamer.

Monday. — Weather wet and gloomy. Wind S.E. The Tasmanian Maid arrived from Waitara at 3 p.m., and confirms the news brought up ovcilatid by Mr Whitelcy. We aie told that on Saturday a party of natives were seen from the camp coming down to a bush on the Government land, about GOO yards in rear of the camp, in detached parties, supposed to be coining for timber for their pa at Puketakaueie. A party (50) of the 40th, under Captain Messenger, ami 8 natives, including Teira and Ilemi, proceeded to reconnoitre, when they were fired upon by some natives in ambush. The troops fired and retreated, hoping to induce the rebels to come up nearer to the camp. The natives chased the soldiers till they got within 250 yards of them ; when a shell was fired from the camp, which was seen to fall amongst them and disperse them in all diiections. It is supposed that some rebels were killed by the explosion. A bullet struck a soldier's rifle, hitting it near the muzzle, and carrying away about an inch of the barrel. A bullet glanced off another's shoulder, and another knocked off a bieast button. Several shells weie fired over where the natives were supposed to be lying. A white flag has been flying at the rebel pa since Saturday. We aie informed that on Sunday Ilapurona, leader of the rebels, sent a message to the camp, informing the Major that he will be ready to fight in three days. Private Flannigan, 65th Regt., buried today, with military honours.

Tuesday. — The Maid returned to Waitara to-day, and steamed against a northwester. Weather looking very threatening, with thunder, and set in for rain. The steamer takes down a number of men of the 40th, 2 guns, and 10 bullocks. This little steamer docs her duty admirably, going in and out of Waitara without any difficulty, and, we hear, has not yet even bumped on the bar. She is extremely useful, and, indeed, her services could not be dispensed with. Rumours of an intended attack upon the rebel pa at Puketakauere at Waitara. Great secrecy has been kept regarding the intended operations. The light company of the 65th, and the detachment of the 12th, marched to Bell Block to-day, and the remainder of the 40th and CO blue-jackets, under Capt. Seymour, R.N., inarched overland to Waitara. A number of loyalAiatives also were taken to Mahau's pa to act in concert with the troops. It is generally believed that an attack will be made on the rebel pa at daybreak to-morrow by Major Nelson,

commanding 40th detachment.

Wednesday. — Early this morning the firing of artillery was plainly heard, and smoke seen rising from Waitara. Great excitement prevailed' in town, and general anxiety felt for intelligence. The outlying and inlying piquets were ordered to remain under arms, and during the morning 60 more blue jackets marched to Bell Block. From the constant firing heard, it is believed the forces are hotly engaged. In consequence of a telegram from Bell Block, where Col. Gold and the troops in reserve are, 50 more men of the 65th, and two 24-pounder howitzers, were forwarded on. in command of Capt. Barton, 65th Regt. These left the town about 3, with the guns and ammunition carts, in the midst of a heavy storm, but it was cheering to notice how eager the men were for service in the field. About this time the Militia and Volunteers were assembled under arms, and paraded on Mount Eliot, when strong outlying pickets were told off, and sent to their respective posts. An order was also issued that all should remain under arms during the night. During the day no intelligence came in to relieve the minds of the people, and it was dusk when rumours reached town that the forces engaged at Waitara had suffered a repulse. This, although it naturally left an unpleasant impression on the minds of men, was absolutely discredited, inasmuch as it was through the same channel announced that the Commander of the Forces, with his powerful reinforcement, including two 24pounder howitzers and the remainder of the Naval Brigade, was on his way to town, after having halted at Mahoetahi'(Mahau's pa) at Waiongona, the high ground of which commands the enemy's position, just If miles distant. The force returned during the evening, when it was ascertained, in addition to the above, that from' Mahoetahi a white flag was observed to be flying from the rebels' pa, which indicated that it had not been taken. The news did not relieve the uneasiness, and much anxiety is fe't for intelligence from the camp at Waitara, and as the weather is very stormy (squalls and showers from S.W.) we fear we may not have the steamer up for a day or two. We must depend upon the poor chance of a mounted courier from Waitara. We are very glad to hear that it is in contemplation to bum the rebel pas in the vicinity of the Bell Block and Wi Kingi's stronghold. Sergeant Marjouram's telegraph was kppt going to-day, signalling with Bell Blockhouse, showing how extremely useful it is ; we would recommend that a similar apparatus be erected at Mahoetahi and Waitara, when a complete line of telegraph would be established between town and the camp at Waitara. This is very necessary during this inclement season when no communication can be' had by sea, and the rebels hold the road. In consequence of the return of the troops the inlying and Henui Militia and Volunteer piquets were dismissed from duty for tho night.

Thursday. — We are kept in painful suspense regarding the attack on the rebel pa yesterday. Rumours of all kinds are afloat, and it is generally feared that the attack was rot successful, as it is stated that firing was seen from the pa after the attacking force suspended their fire. The weather still boisterous. The Maid may succeed, however, in getting up in the course of the day. The troops had a wearisome march yesterday through the muddy loads, and came home fagged.

12 noon. — News of the most painful nature just received by a mounted volunteer from Waitara, and which exceeds the worst apprehensions entertained. 29 Killed and 33 Wounded of the different corps engaged during yesterday's attack, including Lieut. Brooke, 40th Regt., killed, Capt. Seymour, It.N., wounded, severely. Lieut. Brooke is said to have been entangled in a ,swamp and tomahawked after having put several to the sword. Further particulars will be seen elsewhere. The following notice was issued to-day :—

PROCLAMATION.

A Skirmish having taken place yesterday at the Waitara with the rebel natives, the Officer Commanding the Forces directs it to be notified for general information that the losses on the side of the British were 29 KILLED and 33 WOUNDED, and that on the side of the enemy very great. By Command, JAMES PAUL, Capt. 65th Regt.,

Acting Major of Brigade. The Tasmanian Maid came up at dusk this evening, but has not brought up any of the wounded as was expected. Captain

Richards, 40th, who was in the engagement on Thursday, has come up in her. Many of the wounded are in a dangerous state, and those who have since died of their wounds make the total numher of killed 32. We are told that the dead were left on the field, but that 20 rifles were recovered. The fight is described as being of the most sanguinary nature — in many instances hand to hand, and that our forces (347 of all ranks) were outnumbered by the rebels, numbering, it is said, from 800 to 1000 men, who attacked the troops in flank and rear. Itis believed that between 100 and 150 natives are killed ; the dead were lying in heaps on the ground, and the execution by grape and canister was immense. Daring deeds of valour are recounted. One of the grenadiers of the 40th (we hope to get his name) it is said, was attacked by three natives. The brave soldier fired at one and shot him ; retired loading, turned and shot the second, and bayonetted the third. Another soldier, in face of several hundred natives, in a gully, deliberately shot several before he retired. Some artillerymen were killed and wounded at their guns, several attempts having been made by the natives to take the guns. In retreating the rebels in a mass followed and closed on the troops when Lieut McNaughten fired a round of common case which had a most destructive effect upon, and caused them to retire in confusion, A man, who feigned to be dead when lying on the ground wounded, anived in camp last night in his shiit. Two sailois wounded also succeeded in crawling into camp. The natives since the attack have been going over the ground, and yesterday fired several volleys into the camp. They still hold their position, and a white flag has been flying since half-mast high. We are informed that this white flag is not an emblem of peate, but is the King's flag, and hoisting it half-mast is to call all the rebels together. We shudder to think of the fate of any wounded men that may have been left behind. We are told that men who have been in the hottest fire in India and elsewhere have not been under a worse fire than that kept up by the rebels during the engagement. Officers and men fought like lions against overwhelming numbers, Captain Seymour and Major Nelson being in the thickest of the fight. It is believed that a part of the Ngathuanui must have been in the engagement. A European was seen heading a party of natives and leading them in skirmishing order, and he was shot -dead. We are glad to say that Capt. Seymour's wound is not so serious as was supposed. A bullet entered the calf of his leg, and has been extracted. Mr It. Brown has been delirious for two or threp days, and suffered much from excitement during the firing of the heavy guns. The Tasmanian Maid reports that M.ijor Nelson proceeded to-day with a force of 50 men to recover his killed, •but the fire of the rebels rendered it advisable to abandon the intention for the time. We have been informed that the attacking force were divided into three divisions : the Ist commanded by Capt. Bowdler, the 2nd by Capt. Messenger, and the third hy Capt. Richards — the whole commanded by Major Nelson. The second division under Capt. Messenger were guided by Ihaia to cut off the retreat of the rebels. The Ist and 3rd divisions, with the naval brigade formed the main body, excepting a party of the Ist division with Capt. Bowdler who were posted in the rear. After firing for an hour it was found that the guns were unable to make a breach and Major Nelson did not think it advisable to make an assault, and as the natives Were advancing upon their rear and flank in large uumbeis and had occupied a ditch and bank from which they kept up a most destructive fire, lie ordered an advance upon the ditch, which was done in a most gallant and dashing manner, but they were intercepted by a deep ravine with a raupo swamp at the bottom. Captain Messenger's company was hard pressed in their position by overwhelming numbers, and obliged to give way, when Lieut. Brooke fell, while gallantly leading liis men. dipt. Bowdler now came to the support of both divisions, and after a hard contested fight of four hours and a half, they made good their retreat to the entrenched camp. We are sorry to be unable to publish a nominal return of the losses of our troops. It appears to be the practise in the Army that such returns can only be published through the War Office in London. The officers engaged were — Naval Brigade — 1 st Lieut. Battiscombe Midshipman Wadlow, Midshipman Garnett, Lieut. Morris, Royal Maiine Artillery. Royal Engineers — Lieut. Mould.

Royal Artillery — Lieut. McNaughten. 40th Regt. — Major Nelson, Lieutenant Brooke (killed), Lieuts. Dowman, Jackson, and llees, Ensign and Adjutant Whelan. Friday. — An express just arrived in town that the southern natives have attacked the camp at Tataraimaka and have burnt the houses of the settlers, and that the troops were fighting their way back into town. Filing of artillery and small arms heard. Militia and Volunteers fell in under arms. The light company 65th and the 12th marched down to render assistance, if needed, and 60 blue jackets were posted in the church with their brass 12-pounder. Great excitement in town. 6 p.m. — The troops fiom Tataraimaka and the relief arrived in town. Three houses on the Tataraimaka were in flames and a slight skirmish had taken place before the troops left. No casualties on our side. We are informed that this morning about 70 rebels moved along a ridge in front of T. Bayly's house, when Capt. Turner in command of the detachment ordered the artillerymen to fire on them with shell which drove them back, and the detachment suffered no molestation, and arrived in town about 7 p.m. Messrs. Thos. and Win. Bayly's and Mr McDonald's houses were in flames, we are told, after the troops left. Two 9-po\inder howitzers with ammunition and ten artillerymen were left at the Omata stockade. The steamer left for Waitara with ammunition, and some lemaining soldiers of tl.e 40th. We hear from Bell Block that the rebels have been seen very busy stengthening their position at Puketakauete, since the fight on Wednesday, and the pa is now described to be a very strong one. It does not appear by this that the rebels are dispii itotl at then losses. It is doubtful if we shall ever know what their loss was, and can only conjecture from the sanguinary nature of the engagement that it must have been very heavy. 7 p.m. — Mr Whiteley came up from the camp at Waitara at dusk after having visited the rebel pa. The rebels would not allow him to enter the pa, and told him that they had buried eight soldiers, and would search for the rest of the dead and bury them if Major Nelson would hoist a white flag. The rebels were in an excited state, and lefused to give the number of their loss. The following has been issued to-day :—: — Bi igade Morning Orders. June 29, 1860. The Officer commanding the Foices, Taranaki, has much satisfaction m thanking Major Nelbon, 40th Regt., Capt. Seymour. R.N., and the officeis, petty officeis, and seamen undei him, Lieut Mould, R.E., Lieut. McNaughteu, R A , for their gallantly and distinguished bearing when engaged with the rebels on the 27th instant. They have upheld the honor ol the British Forces. Colonel Gold deeply dpploics the loss ot Lieut. Biooke, 40th Regt., who fell gallantly at the head of thja|toops, and the noble non-commissioned ofliciMsffiyjoi'riv.ites nn ■ ibilunatel} killed, and feels tha^^St sympathy with the wounded. wflEßs*^ By command, J. Paul, Capt. O.V.h R°|tt., Acting Major ot Brigade.