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Wellington Independent, Volume XV, Issue 1470, 9 November 1860, Page 3

[from oor own correspondent.] November 7, 1870. On Monday the sth Nov. orders were given that the following force should hold itself in readiness for marching at half past three on the following morning, when between 500 and 600 men fell in ready to march anywhere ordered; in no time progress was made to the Bell Block, where some few Volunteers joined, after which we marched towards the Mahoetahi, the guns consisting of one 241 b howitzer and one 12 being taken to the front. We had scarcely advanced 2 miles when heavy firing was opened upon us, notwithstanding which the order was reiterated advance, advance which was done in extended order the 65th and 12th being on the right, the Volunteers to the left " God bless them " taking the whole left to there own cheek (greedy wretches). After being under showers of bullets for some time, the word was given fix bayonets and charge, at the time this order wa3 given, we were placed (the Volunteers 103), under the brow of tlie hill; 65th and 12 th being to the right. On the word.forward being pronounced, a real manly race ensued of who should be in the pa first, which was a very long and strong position. Who really did reach first it is not in my power to state, but this I know that my own brave comrades cannot be considered as second most ofthe men we shot at the first being no greater distance from us than 10 or 20 yards. I cannot now describe the actions of the soldiers on the right but give them, due praise, for indeed they did their duty. After we had obtained possession of the pa, firing from the swamps around was very heavy, and most of our casualities occurred about this time. This heavy fire having been continued about half an hour, by the retreating rebels, our men creeping round to sweep the swamps on the left, the soldiers doing the same on the right, when our hearts were gladened by seeing the old fighting Major Nelson with his 40th out flanking, by coming, from the Waitara, the already confused natives. Of such another defeat the history of New Zealand has.no record. Imagine the celebrated Waikatos, who were coming to take even the infant jchild from tlie mother's breast to murder, leaving* for our burial 34 dead bodies with guns and accoutrements and living prisoners. Our casualities are 2 soldiers dead and 2 volunteers, the wounded of the soldiers I cannot now say, but if the Brigade Office is open before the mail closes, you shall receive a supplementary notice. Our wounded are eight in number, a pretty fair proportion out of 103 ; the friendly natives of course escaped uninjured. Do not forget to notice the coolness and bravery of our good old general, who is all that we can wish, and has shown so much judgment, by giving the volunteers and soldiers an equal chance in throwing aside all jealousy, added to his personal bravery, his sympathy fqr Young Brown our clergyman's, son, proves him to be a man of feeling, also his kindness to the wounded Maories, for my own part I can both shoot and bayonet a standing foe but when once fallen it would be my endeavour to make a. prisoner. The prisoner taken on the field has given the following information that that 404 Waikatos had come down trusting that Wi Kingi's natives would join him for one grand onslaught, in this they were dissappointed, and little expected that troops would come from town «o early. It was a happy day for us, considering that no grand affair has as yet taken place without us settlers having taken part in it. I mention this, thinking that our future efforts will prove us not unworthy of the kind sympathy you have shown in our behalf. [From our own Correspondent], November 6, 1860. Sir, —The Wonga Wonga sails early to-morrow, so I have only a short time to give you the news of our glorious victory to-day. j The 6th November will be long remembered by the settlers of New Plymouth as the commencement ol a better state of things, which only requires following up; by the 65th, as showing what they could do, provided they had permission, by the 40th, as an instalment of the debt due for Puketakauere, and by all parties engaged as ono of the most glorious events hi their lives; the enemy leaving in our hands 32 dead, 4 wounded

>'i - IL — — — — *— _—_»_— ll I ll mm—mmmmm— . ; -and^ ©t^-pi4sener.-unw<mnded,T.all.being-.,Waikatos ? .rrbesidesr others,, left, on,., the ground . Across tht \ Waiongpna finery; -V '*;''•"' ."",;'. \ .*, The casualties on bur" side are-.two killed', 65tfh . Regt., and ten wounded; two Volunteers killed ' and four wounded j Capt. Turner, 65th Regt., ' wounded in the jaw, Col. Sillery slightly wounded; it was a hand to hand' struggle, all fought well, • both sides striving their utmost, the natives emboldened by ' their former success, and our men smarting under their many previous mishaps. I Not having time to give you tho details, you I must rest content with. a. short account ofthe operations against Mahoetahi; General Pratt having .determined on erecting a stockade either at Mahoetahi or on Sentry Hill, started from town at day break this morning, having between 600 and 700. men with him, 120 of which consisted of the Taranaki Rifles ; this force was joined hy 200 men from the Waitara under Major Nelson. On reaching the Mangoraku river, the enemy first shewed themselves, but on approaching the old deserted and dilapidated pa at Mahoetahi a smart firing took place, they seemed to have made it their Head Quarters for the day, led no doubt by the report of our being about to occupy it ; tlie long and short of it is, we had to fight for it and rush it, the 65th entering on one side and .the Taranaki Rifles on the other, both dividing the honor, the Rifles being firstinby a head For once the tables were turned j a swamp being at the back, and no other exit at hand, the niggers to save_ their lives bolted, our fellows after them, and repaid them with interest, for poor Brooke's death, this time ail worked well, and for the future I hope weshallpull well together. General Pratt now sees that he can depend on- -the men, and if he will Only give' the word " advance," nothing else is wanted. If I might suggest anything on such a day as this without being called a croaker, I should say, had we a larger mounted force many of the stragglers would have been cut off; this was so apparent to all that the remark was in every mouth — as it was, nothing morej.could be done. It now remains to be seen, how'the Waikatos will take it, as all the killed and wounded men found aro Waikatos. Te Ori Ori who is the King's head man, being among the killed. The troops witii Geneiai Pratt and Staff returned to town in the afternoon, leaving 300 men at Mahoetahi. The reception they met with, must have gladdened the Old General's heart, and will be remembered for years to come. H.