SUMMARY FOR EUROPE AND AUSTRALIA THE TARANAKIWAR

Wellington Independent, Volume XVIII, Issue 1892, 9 July 1863, Page 3

SUMMARY FOR EUROPE AND AUSTRALIA THE TARANAKIWAR

Wellinyton Independent Office, Wednesday, July 8, 1863. Foe two successive months we have had to communicate news of a startling character; but this month we have little to report. By I the May mail, the renewal of the war at Taranaki, by the murder of an escort party, was the sad intelligence that mainly occupied our summary; by the last mail, the cheering account of General Cameron's successful attack on the rebel pa was the all-absorbing topic , but, unfortunately, so far at least as Taranaki is concerned, the intelligence this month is, up to our latest dates, a perfect blank. During nearly the whole of this month this province has. been in a state of anxiety and suspense relative to the doings at the seat of war, since by reason of the neglect of communication, it was only last week we received a Taranaki mail', Only once since the date of our last summary, have we, in tbis'province, had a mail from Taranaki— a state of things that seems to give evidence that there is at head quarters an inability to grasp the importance of the crisis. In our ordinary issues, aod in those of the other portions of the local press, this ueglect has been so continually harped upon and its importance madeiso apparent that.jwe really have hope that this state of things will not be of any long continuance. A steamer is hourly expected as we write, and we trust it may arrive before we go to press, which, from causesjelsewhere explained, is obliged to be .some days earlier than usualThe news from Taranaki, in few words, is not only that no action or skirmish has takeu place, but that in consequence of some reported threats of a rising by the Waikatos, a portion of the troops has been removed and more are now being removed to Auckland. We cannot suppose that the removal is caused by a mere intention to defend Auckland, as for such purposes there is already stationed in and around, that city a force af upwards of 2000 troops We presume that an attack on the Waikato country is contemplated by the General, but whether he proposes to do so or not, the virtual indefinite close of the Taranaki campaign so soon after its opening, together with the possible abandonment for the present of the Tataraimaka block, is by no means calculated to sustain the hopes we had formed of vigorous action being continued in that foot-ball province.

Before proceeding to notice in detail some of the principal features of the scanty intelligence received, we copy from the Government Gazette

general Cameron's account of the attack

ON THE KATIKARA PA.. Head Quarters, New Plymouth, June 9th, 1863,

Sib, — I have the honor to report for the information of Tour Excellency that the rebel natives collected in considerable numbers, reported to be 600, about 15 miles from New Plymouth on the left bank of the Katikara river, which forms the boundary of the European land in that direction, and runs within a few hundred yards of St George's Redoubt on the Tataraimaka block, I decided upon crossing the river and attacking their position, as it appeared likely trom the care with which they had fortified it, that they intended to make a stand, and that a favorable opportunity would thus be afforded of striking a decisive blow.

I accordingly marched out of New Plymouth at 9 o'clock on the night of the 3rd instant, with nearly the whole of the regular troops forming the garrison of the town, and proceeded towards the Kattkara river. In order that the march might not be impeded, the guns, mortars, and reserve ammunition had been sent on a few hours before, under a strong escort, and no tents or baggage of any kind were allowed to accompany^the column. The officets and men carried each a blanket, and a day's provisions cooked. The column having been joined on the line of march by detachments of the 57th regiment from the outposts, arrived at St George's Redoubt a little before 4 o'clock on the morning of the 4th mat. The strength and composition of the Force thus assembled, including the garrison of the redoubt are shown in the margin.

General Staff: Field officers, 5 ; sergeants. L Medical Staff : Staff, 2. Commissariat Staff : Staff, 1. lloyal Artillery : Captains, 1 ; subalterns, 3 ; sergeants, 7; drummers, 2 ; rank and file, 113. Eoyal Engineers : Subalterns, 2 ; rank and file, IS. 40th Begiment : Bank and file, 1.

67th Regiment: Field officers, 2; captains, 3: subalterns, 8 ; staff, 3 ; sergeants, 18 ; drummers, 9 ; rank and file, 353.

63th Regiment: Captains, 1; subalterns, 2; sergeants, 4 ; drummers, 1 ; rank and file, 77. 70th Regiment: Field officers, 1 ; captains, 3 ; subalterns, 6; staff, 1; sergeants, 12; drummers, 3: rank and file, 209.

Transport Corps : Captains, 1 ; Sergeantß, 1 ; rank and file, 5,

Total : Field officers, 8 ; Captains. 9 ; Subalterns, 21 staff, 7 ; sergeants, 42 ; drummers, 15 ; 771.

Before leaving New Plymouth, I had arranged with Capt. Mayne, R. N., that H.M.S. Eclipse should be at the mouth of the Katikara river before daybreak, ready to co-operate in the attack.

I had found it very difficult to obtain accurrate information regarding the points where the river could be most easily crossed, and it was also impossible by observation from St. George's Redoubt to ascertain the exact nature of the enemy's defences. The left bank of the river was about 60 or 70 feet high, every where very steep, and in some places covered with high fern. The main road leading from St. George's Bedoubt across the mouth of the river to the left of the enemy's position was known to be strongly defended by aline of rifle pits halfway up the left bank of the river and as this road passed through a large patch of flax bushes when ib reached the table land, it appeared difficult to force the position at that point. I was informed by Mr Bayley, a New Plymouth settler, that about 600 yards above the ford at the mouth of the river, there was another ford, and a track by -which the left bank could be easily ascended. Higher up the river, on a commanding point about 600 yards to our left of this ford, and 400 yards from the bank of the river, the enerav had enclosed some wharreswith a kind of redoubt, consisting of a parapet and rifle pits, which appeared to be his principal work ; and between this and the main road, the position was defended at various points by lines of rifle pits. A prisoner, captured a few days before, had reported that a kainga, or village, about a mile down the coast, was also entrenched.

The plan of attack which I considered best adapted to this state of things, was to pass the 57th Regiment across the river under cover of the guns at the last-mentioned ford, to detach the two leading parties of the " advance," as soon as they reached the top of the bank, to turn the rifle pits and flax bushes at the road. The third party of the " advance," to extend to its front to protect this movement ; and the main body of the Reg iment to show a front to the left towards the redoubt, so as to keep the enemy in check. The remainder of the force (with the guns and mortars, if necessary) to cross the mouth of the river as soon as the defences of the road were turned, and to advance to support the main body of the 57th in the attack of the reioubt and afterwards of tha kainga.

These arrangements were successfully carried out. Soon after daybreak, having given all the instructions necessary to Colonel Warreofthe 57th Regiment, and the officers commanding the three parties of the " advance," as well as to Captain Mercer, Royal Artillery, I directed Colonel Warre to move the 57th up theriverand to place it opposite the ford by which it was to cross. Captain Mercer followedwith the three Armstrong guns, which ho placed in position a little to the right of the 57 th Regiment. I posted the detachment 65th and 70th Regiments, under the command of Major Mulook, in rear of Sfc George's Redoubt, ready to croai the

riv *t any point when ordered. The 70th threw on line of skirmishers to the edge of the bank of .o river, to check any attempt, the enemy might make to interfere with the passage. The Eclipse stationed herself as close to the mouth of the river as her draught of water would permit. At a quarter before 7 o'clock everything being ready, and the preconcerted signal having been given, Captain Mercer's half battery, and the Ec r pse, opened fire upon the enemy's position, thi L*wing|Bhell with great precision and effeot, into his principal work. After a few rounds the 57th crossed the river, and ascending the left bank with some difficulty gained the plateau without opposition ; the two leading parties then wheeled quickly to the right, without replying to the musketry fire opened upon them from the rifle pits in every part of the enemy's position, and under the immediate direction of Colonel Warre, .moved rapidly to the rear of the rifle pits, and flax bushes on the road, which the enemy hastily abandoned, retreating in the greatest confusion towards the kainga, closely pursued by the two parties. When I perceived these parties turning the defences of the road, I moved the 65th and 70th across the mouth of the river, ascended the left bank without opposition and pushed them on towards the redoubt which from the heavy musketry fire and cheering of the 57th J inferred was being attacked by that regiment. The third party of the " advance" and the main body of the 57th commanded (in the absence of Colonel Warre. who was with the two leading parties) by Brevet Lieut. Colonel Logan, had after crossing the river obeyed the instructions they had received, but after replying for some time to a sharp musketry fire opened upon them from the redoubt and rifle pits near it, they assaulted the work with the bayonet and entering it with a rush, shot down, or bayoneted all who remained inside to defend it. I had the satisfaction of witnessing the gallantry of the 57th at this point, and the desperate resistance made by the enemy in their rifle pits. Major Mulock's column arrived at the spot before the contest was terminated but their assistance was not required; and I moved them towards the Kainga to support the two leading parties of the " advance," who were met returning after burning all the wharres of the kainga, which had not been entrenched as reported. The enemy had now 1 ' been driven from every part of his position," and was seen from the Eclipse in precipitate flight down the coast, which afforded her an opportunity of throwing a few shells among them.

Knowing that it was hopeless to attempt to overtake any of them, and being desirous that the troops should return to New Plymouth before dark, I withdrew them from the left bank of the Katikara and ordered them to march back to the town, after a short rest. They reached New Plymouth about 5 p.m., and in the twenty hours of their absence, had made a night march of 15 miles, had taken part in an action with the enemy, and had marchfed back the same distance without a straggler, although many had been on duty the previous night.

Our loss in this engagement was small, as will be seen in the return of the casualities herewith enclosed. Twenty eight of the enemy were found dead inside the redoubt, and one on the road leading to the kainga, but it is probable that there were many more killed and wounded.

There can be no doubt that the enemy was taken completely by surprise, all the preparations for the march having been kept secret, and he was thrown into confusion by the suddenness and rapidity of the attack;

' I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of all the officers and men present in this engagement or of the conspicuous gallantry displayed by the 57th on whom the brunt of the action fell. The movements of this regiment were most ably directed by Colonel Warre, whose zeal and activity throughout the action I have had the pleasure of bringing under the favourable notice of the Secretary of State for War and of the Field Marshal Commanding in Chief.

1 have also drawn attention to the gallant and meritorious conduct of the officers mentioned in Colonel Warre's clear and interesting report, a copy of which is enclosed, particularly that of Brevet Lieut.-Colonel Logan, who commanded at the attack of the redoubt, of Captain Shortt, and the officers commanding the three parties ef the advance, viz : Lieuts. Brutton and Waller, and Ensign Duncan.

I have also made favourable mention in my despatch to the Secretary of State for War, of the services of Captain Mercer, Royal Artillery, whose excellent practice with his Armstrong guns con. tributed materially to the success of the day ; and I have acknowledged myself much indebted for the assistance afforded me in the field, as in all the previous arrangements, by the officers of the General Staff and of my personal Staff, viz.— Lieufc.-Colonel Gamble, Deputy Quarter-Master General. Deputy Inspector-General of Hospitals, Mouat, C.B. Lieut.-Colonel Hutchins. Assistant Military Secretary, Major McNeill, A.D.C, Brevet Major Paul, Major of Brigade, and ray extra Aide-dc camp, Capt. Gorton, 57th Regiment.

Your Excellency having been on board H. 81.5. Eclipse; had an opportunity of witnessing the effective fire of her heavy guns in aid of the attack of the troops and how much indebted I am to Capt. Mayne, R.N., for his valuable co-operation.

I cannot refrain from mentioning Major Whitmore my former Assistant Military Secretary, who retired not long ago to settle in this colony, and who, happening to arrive at New Plymouth the day before the engagement, insisted on accompanying me into the field. I beg to express an earnest hope that the valuable services of the civilans honorably mentioned by Colonel Warrein his report, may be rewarded as they deserve by the Colonial Government. I have, &c, D. A. Cameron, Lieut.-General. J Sir George Grey, X.C.8., &c. &c, &c. Nominal return of killed and wounded of the 57th and 70th Regiments at " Katikara" on the4th June. 1863. : — 1. Private E. Martin, 57th, killed; 2. Private H. Shipman, 57th, mortally wounded, since dead; 3. Private J. Oaborne, 57th, mortally wounded, since dead ' 4. Private P. Flaherty, 57th, severely wounded ; 5. Private J. Evans, severely wounded; 6. Private J. Morton, S7th, severely wounded ; 7. Private B. Stagpool, severely wounded ; 8. Private M. For, 57th, slightly wounded; 9. Private J. Deegan, 57th, slightly wounded ; 10. Private D. Hurley, 57th, Blijhtly wounded; 11. Private W. Wallace. 70th, severely wounded. Jambs Paul, Major of Brigade. WHY THE NATIVKS ESOAPBD FROM THE REA.B It is very much to be regretted that the defeat was not more crushing than it was. We do not say so in any spirit of complaint, because it was not from oversight but simply from a want of sufficient force. It cannot fail to strike every reader that what has always been complained of in former attacks was repeated on the 4th June — the pa was attacked in front without a force being stationed to cut off tbe retreat of the natives from the rear. Clearly this was not from oversight, but because the General did not consider his force sufficiently strong. A correspondent of ibe Lytlelton 2 r imes says " Mr James Bayley, of Tataraimaka, who with his sun Arthur joined the stormiug party both behaved with conspicuous gallantry, offered to place a party in a spot admirably tinted for the purpose, to cut off the retreat ' to the ranges, where the rebels have their prin- | cipal position. As he prognosticated, the great body of the natives who escaped from the rifle pits and fortified redoubt, crossed at the spot indicated. I canuot doubt that the sagacity of the General at once understood tbe advantages of tbe plan, but in all probability the smallness of the attacking force made the risk too great to adopt it. Beyond a doubt the General's powers to undertake operations of any magnitude are tery much lessened for waut of men." The correspondent who writes the above is one of the Volunteers who was with tbe expedition, aud considering that the attacking force of troops con* sisted of 771 of all classes, aided by Armstrong guns both on sea and on shore, tbe escape by Che rear shows very plainly that notwithstanding we may contrive to have a Commander with such ability as General Cameron is known to possess, the conquest of the satires must be

looked upon as a work of stupendous effort seeing that so large a force was inadequate fully to attack a pa on one side and prevent the escape of its defenders on the other. It resolves itself almost into a rule of three question :—if 771 men supported by great guns from sea and shore ate inadequate to attack a comparatively exposed pa to the neighbourhood of which there is a public road, how many men will be required to attack a bush stronghold, the approaches to which are exceedingly difficult for troops and almost insurmountable for cannon ? As we have already said,, we do not write a spirit of complaint. We believe General Cameron will do what he can, and as ranch, perhaps, as any other man could do ; yet we cannot shut our eyes to the fact that this one illustration ought to convince us that the work to be done is of a greater magnitude than, in our enthusiasm, we semetimes allow ourselves to admit.

DEPABTOBE OF THE GENEBAL FOR AUCKLAND^ A correspondent writes to us on date 28 June — * Since the affair of the 4th instant nothing of 'importance occured here until the departure of General Cameron for Auckland in the Eclipse, with the object, it was understood, of meeting the new General (Dupuis). Feais are enter* tamed by some that Cameron will not return, while others hope that be will, and be permitted to work out what he has so well begun. However, the settlers seem all determined to memorialise the Government to keep him in the country. His conduct to civilian soldiers is conspicuous for kind consideration, and it is quite refreshing to witness with, what, goodwill they perform the duties demanded of them, though these are much heavier than formerly."

TYPHOS FEVKB IN TABANAKL

The following will scarcely excite surprise, it is unfortunately in a greater or less degree one of the sad and inevitable concomitants of war. "We (Taranaki Herald) regret to say that sickness,) which is the inevitable attendant on war, has again broken j out amongst tbe white population in tbis town. Three cases of decided typhus fever are reported, and we are informed that Dr Mouat, C.8., Principal Medical Officer in the Colony, has corresponded with the Superintendent on the subject and recommended immediate remedial measures. Beardsworib's schoolroom is to be used as a hospital, pending tbe erection of a building for the purpose on the Native Reserve near the Town Pound,- a plan for which has ! been submitted by Dr Mouat, and his Honor has taken it with him to Auckland (in tbe Airedale which left at 4 p.m.,) where arrangements I will be made for procuring; the materials and for putting it up as speedily as possible. Dr Mackiunon, 57th Regt., has been appointed by j Dr Mouat Sanitary officer, and the cleanliness of the town and the condition of its inhabitants will be subjects for immediate enquiry. The absence of disease among the troops during tbe last war and up to the present time — while deaths among the settlers was of frequent occurrence — is attributable to the sanitary arrangements adopted by the military medical gentlemen, tbe observance of which Dr Mouat has strongly urged upon the Superintendent, to preserve tbe health of the inhabitants in their present crowded state." REMOVAL OF THE TROOPB TO AUCKLAND. On the 28tb June our correspondent writes. " Yesterday, the Eclipse returned from Auck- } land without tbe General, for the purpose of taking away troops, as the Waikatos have risen. This is all I could learn. About 300 were sent away by her at onee — about 100 of ! the 70th, the remainder mtde up of tbe 65th and 40th. 100 mounted artillery are expected to leave by another steamer, probably the Claude Hamilton or the Harrier. The Airedale has arrived on her way to ] Nelson. She brings no confirmation of the Waikato disturbance that I can hear of." The Herald of the previous dpy, says: — " The Eclipse arrived this morning from Manakau with important news from the North, the particulars of which we have not been able to learn, but the Waikatos are said to have risen. That something serious has occurred may be judged by the fact that instead of General Cameron coming back here, the Eclipse returns to Auckland to-night with tbe 70th— and we hear that Captain Mercer and the Mounted Artillery, the 40th and 65th are to follow. We suppose TataraiiQiika will now be temporarily abandoned, and we hope Oakuni and Poutoko too, as the natives will then be emboldened to come within reach.