PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE NATIVE INSURRECTION.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1863 Session I, E-05

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PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE NATIVE INSURRECTION.

PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY COMMAND OF HIS EXCELLENCY.

AUCKLAND.

1863.

E.—No. 5

No. 1. LIEUTENANT-GENERAL CAMERON, C.8., TO GOVERNOR SIB GEORGE GRET, K.CB. Head Quarters, New Plymouth, June 9th, 1863. Sir — I have the honor to report for the information of Your Excellency that the rebel Natives having 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 from the care with which they had fortified it that they intended to make a stand, and that a favourable 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 Katikara 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 officers 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 instant. The strength and composition of the force thus assembled, including the garrison of the Redoubt, are shown in the margin.

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 veiy difficult to obtain accurate 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

PAPERS BELATIVE TO THE NATIVE INSURRECTION.

Distribution. Field officers Capts. Subalterns. Staff. Sergts. DrumRank and File. mers. general Staff. dedical Staff. Commissariat Staff..- ... loyal Artillery loyal Engineers lOth Regiment 17th Regiment >5th Regiment '0th Regiment fransport Corps 5 1 2 1 "a i 3 1 a i 3 2 8 2 6 3 6 18 4 12 1 _ 9 1 3 113 13 1 353 77 209 5 i i Totals 9 21 _ 15 771

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70 feet high, everywhere very steep, and in some places covered with high fern. The main road leading from St. George's Redoubt across the mouth of the river to the left of the enemy's position was known to be strongly defended by a line of rifle-pits half way up the left bank of the river, and as this road passed through a large patch of flax bushes when it 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 GOO 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 GOO yards to our left of this ford, and 400 yards from the bank of the river, the enemy had enclosed some whares with 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 Regiment 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 mortal's, 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 57 th in the attack of the redoubt, and afterwards of the kainga. These arrangements were successfully carried out. Soon after daybreak, having given all the instructions necessary to Col. Warre, O.B., of the 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 the river, and to place it opposite the ford by which it was to cross. Captain Mercer followed with the three Armstrong guns, which he placed in a position little to the right of the 57th Regiment. I posted the detachment 65th and 70th Regiments, under the command of Major Mulock, in rear of St. George's Rodoubt, ready to cross the river at any point when ordered. The 70th threw out a line of skirmishers to the edge of the bank of the 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 ' Eclipse' opened fire upon the enemy's position, throwing shell with great precision and effect, 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 two parties turning the defences of the road, I moved the Goth 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 I inferred was being attacked by that Regt. 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 Lieutenant-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 whares of the kainga, which had not been entrenched, as reported. The enemy had now 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 marched 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 casualties 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

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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. I 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 Lieutenant-Colonel Logan, who commanded at the attack of the redoubt, of Cajitain Shortt, and the officers commanding the three parties of the advance, viz., Lieutenants 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 contributed 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., Lieutenant-Colonel Gamble, Deputy Quarter-Master General; Deputy Inspector-General of Hospitals, Mouat, C.8.; Lieutenant-Colonel Hutchins ; Assistant Military Secretary ; Major McNeill, A.D.C.; Brevet Major Paul, Major of Brigade ; and my extra Aide-de-camp, Captain Gorton, 57th Regiment. Your Excellency having been on board H.M.S. '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 Captain 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 betore the engagement, insisted on accompanying me into the field. I beg to express an earnest hope that the valuable services of the civilians, honorably mentioned by Colonel Warre in his report, may be rewarded as they deserve by the Colonial Government. I have, &c, D. A. Cameron, Lieutenant-General. Governor Sir George Grey, K.CB.

Enclosure to No. 1. NOMINAL RETURN OF KILLED AND WOUNDED OF THE 57TH AND 70TH REGIMENTS AT "KATIKARA" ON THE 4TH JUNE, 1863.

Enclosure 2 to No. 1. COLONEL WAEEE, C.8., TO THE ASSISTANT MILITARY BECEETAET. St. Patrick's Redoubt, Poutoko, June 4, 1863. Sik, — I have the honor to report that, in compliance with the instructions received from the Lieut. -

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Name. 43 a o I 'So B Nature of Injury. Eesult. 6 1 2 3 i 5 r, 7 8 8 10 11 Pvt. E. Martin " H. Shipman " J. Osborne " P. Flaherty " J. Evans " J. Morton " B. Stagpool " M. Fox " J. Deegan " D. Hurley " W.Wallace 57th Killed Since dead Do. Mortally wounded Do. Severely wounded Do". Do. Slightly Do! Severely 70th James Paul, Major of Bria rade.

E.—No. '5.

67th Regiment :— Field Officers ... 2 Captains ... 3 Subalterns ... 8 Staff 3 Sergeants .. 13 Drummers .. 9 Hank and File .. 353 70th Regiment :— Sergeants .. 1 Rank and File ... 9 Totals .. 406

General Commanding, I proceeded this morning with the Regiment, strength as shown in the margin,* from St. George's Redoubt at Tataraimaka, to attack the fortified posts of the rebel Maoris on the opposite bank of the Katikara river. Under cover of three guns (Armstrong's) of Captain Mercer's battery of the Royal Artillery, three divisions of selected men, under the command of Lieuts. Brutton and Waller, and Ensign Duncan, were pushed forward, and crossed a broad and very entangled gully, through which the Katikara runs, and ascended the opposite bank, reforming on the crest of the hill, which they were enabled to gain without opposition owing to the admirable maimer in which Captain Mercer's guns were served, and the precision of their fire. H.M.S. ' Eclipse,' having on board His Excellency the Governor Sir George Grey, also did good service by the fire of Armstrong shells at the rebel ivhares, over the heads of the advancing parties. The support of 4 companies, (200 rank and file,) under command of Major and Brevet Lieut-Colonel Logan followed closely on the attacking parties by the same route. The enemy opened fire on the " advance " directly they appeared on the level ground ; but, instead of replying to this fire, the parties under Lieuts. Brutton and Waller wheeled to the right and extending as far as practicable, pushed across the level ground covered with fern, in many places almost impassable towards the old pah on the crest of the rising ground, on the left of the mouth of the river, as previously arranged, so as to turn the rifle pits in that position, and open the road leading over the ford at the river's mouth. Although opposed by a considerable number of Maoris, these two parties succeeded in driving the rebels from their position, opening the road, and following the Natives a distance of upwards of one mile down the coast, inflicting loss upon the enemy, and destroying many of their whares. Meanwhile Ensign Duncan had wheeled his party to the left, as also arranged, and supported by the main body under Lieut.-Col. Logan, pushed on towards a very strongly entrenched position on the summit of a rising ground, .about 600 yards to the left of where the parties had crossed the river. The enemy opened fire from a great number of rifle pits, constructed on every commanding point and from the continuous and double chain of pits surrounding the whare it was our object to destroy. Nothing daunted by the serious opposition and the heavy fire of the enemy Ensign Duncan pushed steadily forward, closely followed by the divisions under Captains Shortt and Russell under the immediate command of Lieut. Colonel Logan and supported by Captaiii Woodall and Lieut. Thompson, with the two remaining divisions into which the force was divided. For a few minutes the fire was returned, but finding it of no avail against an almost invisible enemy concealed in rifle pits, the whole rushed forwards, and vied with each other in entering the position, jumping over the rifle pits from which they met with a most determined opposition. The Maoris fighting desperately to the last, a hand to hand combat ensued, which was only terminated by the ivhares catching fire, and burning many of the Maori defenders in the ruins. Twenty-one Maoris were taken out of the rifle pits killed, three are known to have been burned in the smaller whare, and four in the larger, and it is believed that several others perished in the flames, which, with the stench arising from the consuming flesh, prevented accurate information being obtained. One Maori was picked up dead on the road, and many more, wounded, escaped and were seen to take refuge, and hide themselves in the fern and bush. Thus in the short space of one hour twenty-two Maoris killed, were brought away in carts, as many more were wounded, and destroyed in the burning whares, and a complete victory gained over a savage enemy by the bayonet alone ; not over 5 rounds of ammunition per man having been expended in the encounter.

I have to report the loss of one man killed (Private E. Martin, No. 11). Two men seriously, I fear, dangerously wounded (Private H. Shipman, 568, and Private J. Osborne, 2063); and seven men otherwise slightly wounded (Privates D. Hurley, J. Deegan, J. Evans, J. Morton, P. Flaherty, B. Stagpool and M. Fox) —in all, one man killed, and nine wounded. The enemy was evidently completely surprised, and were so confused by the admirable manner in which Captain Mercer's Armstrong guns were served, that the fire from the rifle pits was very wild, and it was only at the assault when the enemy were speedily overpowered by numbers, that the serious casualties occurred.

It is impossible to speak in terms of too high praise of the admirable behaviour of the officers, noncommissioned officers, and men of the 57th Regt. engaged. The Lieut.-General was himself an eyewitness of the rapid and regular manner in which each party performed the duties alloted to it. I may therefore be pardoned from further allusions to the successful result of these operations in which I naturally, on account of the officers and men engaged, feel such pride, but I trust I may be permitted to bring the names of the following officers and men to the notice of the Lieut.-General Commanding, viz., Major and Brevet Lieut. Colonel Logan, Captains Shortt, and Russell; Lieuts. Brutton and Waller, and Ensigns Duncan and Douglass. I fear, in naming the above, I may be, inadvertently, doing injustice to others, as it appears difficult to determine whether Captain Shortt or Ensign Duncan, was first to jump into the redoubt, and they were followed closely by Privates (2700) J. Donaghy and (2189) B. Stagpool, and by the other officers and men. To Lieut, and Adjutant CM. Clarke, I have to offer my best thanks for his untiring zeal and energy, (for a considerable time on foot, his horse having got away in crossing the ford and gully), and I cannot refrain from bringing to the Lieut.-General's notice the names of three civilians, Ensign Mace, Taranaki Militia, who volunteered his services, and lent me his horse when mine got away in cossing the gully, thereby enabling me to direct a considerable portion of the operations which I could not have done on foot. Mr. R. Parris, Assistant Native Secretary, accompanied the " Advance" parties across the ravine, and the Katikara river, and remained with me during the day. The other civilian is Mr. Arthur Bayley, on whose land the Redoubt now occupied by a portion of the regiment under my command, is built. Mr. Bay ley's knowledge of the locality enabled Lieuts. Brutton and Thompson, on the 18st inst.,

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to cut off a party of Maoris, killing two and wounding several others. He led the advance parties across the gullies this morning, and behaved very gallantly. I also beg to bring to the Lieut.-General's notice, Quarter-Master Martindale, who is always ready to accompany the troops into the field, and to whom is due the direction of the transport and carrying out the details of the Quarter Master General's directions regarding the conveyance of ammunition aud stores to St. George's Redoubt earlier in the night. Sergeant Cleary and nine men of the 70th Regiment, were attached to Ensign Duncan's party of Volunteers, and rendered good service. One of this party was wounded in the attack on the entrenched whare. (Private W. Wallace, 70th Regt. 3517). Apologising for the length of this report which the detail renders necessary. I have, &c, Henry J. Warre Colonel Commanding 57th Regt. and outposts. As I consider Mr. Mace's conduct deserves special notice, I beg to state that he has lately been in charge of the Mounted Orderlies, is an Ensign in the Taranaki Militia, and has frequently been of great service to me since I have been in command of the Outposts. His courage is proverbial, and I myself saw him gallop after 3 or 4 Maoris, and shoot one of them. I append a sketch of the operations, and a short report from Capt. Shortt, who led the advances on the left. H. J. Warre' Colonel. The Assistant Military Secretary, &c, <kc, [Ufa.,

CAPTAIN SHORTT TO COLONEL WABEE. C.B. Head Quarters, St. George's Redoubt. June 4th, 1863. Sm,— I have the honor to report that I marched with my company and three others of the 57th regiment at daybreak this morning, acting as a reserve to the parties under Lieuts. Brutton and Waller. After the guns had fired a few rounds, the companies crossed a deep gully in succession, and ascended the high ground in the direction of the enemy's position. I exteuded my company, and with other men I picked up, went straight at what appeared to be a small redoubt. Private Donaghy of my company and I were the first to enter the place, closely followed by Lieut.-Colonel Logan and Captain Russell. On our first advance we were received with a very heavy fire, which killed one man and wounded several of our party. The enemy made a very determined resistance, and stood upon the parapets to receive us, and were bayoneted there by our men. I have, &c., W. A. Shortt, Captain 57th Regt. Colonel Warre, C.8., Commanding 57th Regt. No. 2 Colonial Secretary's Office, Auckland, 15th July, 1863. His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to direct the following Notification to the Chiefs of the Waikato to be published frr general information. Alfred Domett. G. Grey, Governor. Chiefs of Waikato, — Europeans quietly living on their own lands in Waikato have been driven away; their property has been plundered ; their wives and children have been taken from them. By the instigation of some of you, officers and soldiers were murdered at Taranaki. Others of you have since expressed approval of these murders. Crimes have been committed in other parts of the island, and the criminals have been rescued, or sheltered under the colour of your authority.

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You are now assembling in armed bands ; you are constantly threatening to come down the river to ravage the settlement of Auckland, and to murder peaceable settlers. Some of you offered a safe passage through your territories to armed parties contemplating such outrages. The well-disposed among you are either unable or unwilling to prevent these evil acts. I am therefore compelled, for the protection of all, to establish posts at several points on the Waikato Eiver, and to take necessary measures for the future security of persons inhabiting that district. The lives and property of all well-disposed people living on the river will be protected, and armed and evil-disposed people will be stopped from passing down the river to rob and murder the Europeans. I now call on all well-disposed Natives to aid the Lieutenant-General to establish and maintain these posts, and to preserve peace and order. Those who remain peaceably at their own villages in Waikato or move into such districts as may be pointed out by the Government, will be protected in their persons, property, and land. Those who wage war against Her Majesty, or remain in arms, threatening the lives of Her peaceable subjects, must take the consequences of their acts, and they must understand that they will forfeit the right to the possession of their lands guaranteed to them by the Treaty of Waitangi, which lands will be occupied by a population capable of protecting for the future the quiet and unoffending from the violence with which they are now so constantly threatened. Auckland, 11th July, 1863.

Akarana, 15 Hurae, 1863. Kua mea ake Te Kawana kia taia te Panuitanga i raro iho nei, ki nga Rangitara o Waikato kia mohiotia ai e te tokomaha. Alfred Domett G. Grey Kawana. E nga Eangatira o Waikato, — Ko etahi Pakeha i ata noho i runga i o ratou whenua i Waikato, kua oti te pei mai, ko a ratou taonga i murua, ko a ratou wahine me a ratou tamariki i tangohia. Na etahi o koutou te kupu i hinga ai i te kohuru nga Apiha me nga hoia i Taranaki; a, whakatikaia ana e etahi o koutou aua kohuru. I pa etahi ki te hara i era atu wahi o tenei motu, a no koutou te ingoa, no koutou te mana i tangohia atuai ratou i roto i nga ringa o nga kai hopu, i kore ai hoki e tukua mai. E tutu ope ana koutou inaianei, e huihui ana i nga tangata mau patu : e puta tonu mai ana te ki whakaeke mo Akarana, kia kohurutia nga Pakeha e ata noho nei. Etahi o koutou whakaaturia ana e ratou i mua tata ake he ara i to ratou whenua mo te taua i haere mai ki te kino. Kahore e kaha te hunga pai i roto i a koutou, ki te pehi i enei kino. No reira ka whakaritea e ahau he nohoanga hoia ki etahi wahi o te Awa o Waikato, hei tiaki i nga tangata o taua awa kia tau ai te noho. Ka tiakina nga tinana me nga taonga o te hunga ata noho o taua awa nei. Ko nga tangata ngakau kino, me te hunga hapai patu, ka tatakina atu kei hoe mai i taua awa ki te patu ki te muru i nga Pakeha. He karanga tenei naku ki nga Maori katoa ngakau tika, kia uru tahi ratou me te Tienara, ki te whakarite, ki te pupuru i enei nohoanga hoia; ki te whakapumau ano i te pai i te rangimarie. Ko te hunga e ata noho ana i o ratou pa i Waikato, e whakahoa ana ki te Tienara, ka maunu ranei ki nga takiwa e whakaritea e te Kawanatanga hei nohoanga mo ratou, ka ata tiakina ratou, o ratou tinana, o ratou taonga me o ratou whenua. Te hunga e whawhai ana ki te Kuini, e hapai tonu ana ranei i te patu, he whakawehi i nga tangata e ata noho ana, ka whiwhi ratou ki nga utu mo a ratou mahi. Kia mohio pu hoki, ki te tohe ratou ki ena he, ka noa te tikanga i pumau ai o ratou whenua, ki a ratou, ara, te tikanga i whakatakotoria e te Tiriti o Waitangi. Ka tangohia aua whenua ka hoatu kia nohoia e tetahi hunga e kaha ana ki te tiaki i nga tangata ata noho, i nga wa a takoto ake nei, kei mate i te kino e whakatakotoria tonutia nei mo ratou. / Akarana, Hurae 11th, o nga ra 1863.

No. 3. LIEUT.-GENEEAL CAMERON, C.8., TO GOVEENOE SIE GEOEGE GEEY, K.CB. Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, ; , July 13th, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to inform Your Excellency, that at daybreak yesterday morning, I crossed the Maungatawbiri with the head quarters of the 2nd Battalion 14th, and a detachment of the 12th regiment; amounting together to 380 men. It was necessary to descend the stream for about half a mile from the termination of the new road ; and the left bank where we crossed was so steep that the

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troops had great difficulty in ascending it. They are now encamped on the Koheroa, about 500 yards from the river ; and a redoubt will be constructed immediately which will command the navigation of the river, and secure the communication between the Queen's Redoubt, and the Stockade on the Waikato. The Troops were conveyed down the river in the cutter of H.M.S. ' Harrier,' and a few other boats, manned by a party of men from the ' Harrier.' Captain Sullivan, R.N., was kind enough to superintend the embarkation and landing of the troops. The boats above mentioned, and Captain Sullivan's gig, were brought overland the day previous—those of the ' Harrier' from Drury, and the others from Auckland; and were carried from the Queen's Redoubt down to the river during the night. The whole of these arrangements were under Captain Sullivan's immediate direction and supervision. I have also to inform Your Excellency that Colonel Wyatt marched from Drury with 300 men of the 65th Regiment yesterday afternoon, and reached Tuakau this morning. On their approach, the Natives abandoned the Settlement, and retired in boats across the river. The detachment is now encamped on a height overlooking the Waikato, and commanding its navigation, and a redoubt for 150 men will be constructed there. I have, &c., D. A. Cameron, Lieut.-General. His Excellency Sir George Grey, K.CB.

No. 4. LIEUT.-GENEEAL CAMERON, C.8., TO GOVERNOR SIR GEORGE GRET, K.CB. Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, July 18th, 1863. Sir, — I have the honor to inform your Excellency, that at eleven o'clock yesterday morning, LieutColonel Austin, 2nd Batt. 14th Regiment, commanding the camp at the Koheroa, having observed a large body of Natives collecting on the hills in his front, instantly ordered his Battalion to get under arms and moved with praiseworthy promptitude against them, followed by detachments of the 12th and 70th Regiments, which had just arrived at the Camp as a reinforcement, the whole force amounting to about 500 men. A report of the circumstances reached me as I was on my way to the Koheroa, and I hastened towards the column, which I overtook on its march. After we had proceeded in skirmishing order about two miles the rebels opened fire upon us, and as we advanced upon them they retired along the narrow crest of the hills towards the Maramarua, making a stand on every favourable position which the ground presented. Some of their positions, which had been recently fortified by lines of rifle-pits, and which from the nature of the ground could not be turned, they defended with great obstinacy, and as we had no artillery in the field they could only be dislodged from them by successive attacks with the bayonet, which were executed by the 2nd Batt. 14th, with great gallantry and success. We pursued them from one position to another, a distance of .about five miles, until we drove them in great confusion across the mouth of the Maramarua, some escaping up the Waikato in canoes, and others along its right bank, after swimming across the Maramarua. A considerable portion of them, however, before reaching the Maramarua escaped down a gully to the left, seeking shelter in a swamp, and suffered severely from the fire of our men on the heights. As we had no means of crossing the Maramarua, I ordered the troops to return to camp. All the troops behaved remarkably well. lam greatly indebted to Lieut.-Colonel Austin, 2nd Battalion 14th Regiment (who was wounded in the arm); to Major Ryan, commanding detachment 70th Regiment; and Brevet Major Miller, commanding detachment of the 12th Regiment, for the manner in which they led and directed the movements of the men under their respective commands. Among the Officers conspicuous for their forwardness in the attack were Captain Strange, 14th Regt., who commanded the leading company of the column, Captain Phelps who greatly distinguished himself at the head of his company when charging a line of rifle pits, and Lieutenants Glancy and Armstrong also of the 2nd Batt. 14th Regiment. Colonel Mould, C.8., Royal Engineers, was with the column during the engagement and ready to give his valuable services if required. I enclose a list of our casualties, which are small, considering the time the engagement lasted, and the nature of the ground, which was exceedingly favourable for defence. The enemy must have had fully three hundred men in the field, almost the whole of them belonging to tribes of the Waikato. There can be no doubt his loss was considerable, upwards of twenty dead having been counted by us on the ground, several of whom were Chiefs of consequence, and among others an uncle of the king. I have, <fee, D. A. Cameron, Lieut.-General. His Excellency Sir George Grey, KGB.

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Enclosure to No. 4. HOSPITAL, QUEEN'S REDOUBT. RETURN OF KILLED, WOUNDS AND INJURIES BECEIVED IN ACTION AT KOHEBOA HEIGHTS, WAIKATO, N.Z.

No. 5. LIEUTENANT-GENERAL CAMERON, C.8., TO GOVEBNOB SIB GEORGE GREY, K.CB. Head-Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, July 18th, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to forward, for the information of Your Excellency, the copy of a Report from Captain J. Ring, 2nd Battalion 18th Regiment, of an attack made by the rebel Natives upon an Escort under his charge, not far from Mr. Martin's farm, on the road between this and Drury. The conduct of Captain Ring and the small detachment under his command, attacked as they were by a vastly superior force, and under the most unfavourable circumstances, reflects the greatest credit upon them. I have also to forward a copy of a Report from Colonel Murray, detading his movements upon a body of rebels at Keri Keri, and the capture of prisoners. I have, <fee, D. A. Cameron, Lieutenant-General. Governor Sir George Grey, KGB.

Enclosure 1 to No. 5. CAPTAIN RING TO LIEUTENANT-GENERAL CAMEEON, C.8., Camp, Drurv, 17th July, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to report for your information that, on my march from the Queen's Redoubt to Drury this day, my Escort, &c, as per margin,* were fired upon by the Natives, at Stone Depot, near Baird's Farm. The fire w.as opened on my Advance Guard on both flanks, and my right flank and rear was immediately fired upon. The fire took effect on the centre of the convoy; one driver and two horses of his Escort fell, which, dividing the convoy, <fee, was taken advantage of by the Natives, who,

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3 '? H o <0 Corps. Rank and Name. 3 A CC o X ■ s xri 3 <_ ■ s Nati ire of Wi tunds. ! M 9 cc P A 33 § E o 73 17th July, 1863. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. 2—14th do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. Lt.-Col. Private do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. Austin Moses Burdon John Ingram .lames Gilligan Patrick Markey James Tancred Wm. Murphy Wm. Cavanagh Henry Clarke Rbt. Williamson Alfred Picton William Smith Musket Ball do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. "Vulnus Sclopet do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. 1 1 1 1 1 1 Mortally, since dei id. :. f. Ri Suri IBEETSON, jeon 40th Regt.

E.—No. 5.

dashing in force across the road, opened fire on the left flank, thus exposing my rear guard, consisting of prisoners and escort, to a severe fire from the bush from each flank and right rear. I immediately retired with as many men as I could concentrate, and firing kept the enemy from surrounding my very small party, though in skirmishing order. During the contest the fire of the enemy was well returned, and I personally saw five or six Natives fall; they came out on the open but a charge quickly drove them into the bush, finally their attempting to surround my party obliged me to retire to Mr. Martyn's house, which I occupied until reinforced. I beg to annex the following list of killed and wounded :—■ Killed, 4.—Privates Alexander Jameison, Felix McGrath, James Scott, and James Limerick. Wounded, 10.—Sergeant Lawson; Corporals Glim and Kee ; Lance Corporal Kavanagh ; Privates J. Keane, J. Gibbons, H. Hurst, H. Ryan, Alexander McCagne, J. Connors. Missing—Private J. Byrnes, supposed to have returned to the Queen's Redoubt, this man was a prisoner and unarmed at the time. I have, <fee, James Ring, Capt. Royal Irish. P.S.—I beg to state that the conduct of my subaltern, Ensign Bicknill, and the men, was admirable, and particularly that of Ensign Bicknill. James Ring, The Officer Commanding Royal Irish. Captain, &c. * Two Officers, two Sergeants, anil forty-seven rank and file.

Enclosure 2 to No. 5. COLONEL MURRAY TO THE ASSISTANT MILITARY SECRETARY. Camp, Drury, 16th July, 1863. Sib,— I have the honor to report for the information of the Lieut.-General Commanding that in obedience to his orders, I moved off this morning at 3.30 a.in., wdth a force as per margin,* and proceeded to Kerikeri for the purpose of arresting as many of the natives of that village as I could find. The mounted force having proceeded to the front, I telegraphed to His Excellency the Governor, requesting the services of the Volunteer Cavalry under Colonel Nixon, arranging that they should meet me at Papakura at 4 p.m., which they did. On arriving at the place, just as day broke, I ascertained that the Natives had retired up the hill about half a mile off, where they had a settlement in the bush. I accordingly divided my force into two bodies ; the 65th Regiment, under the command of Captain Gresson, proceeded up the right by a track leading to the summit of the lull, where the Natives were supposed to be most numerous. At the same time I directed Colonel Nixon, commanding Volunteer Cavalry, to send a part of his force with them, and which he led himself. The second party, under command of Captain Noblett, 2nd Battalion 18th Regiment, proceeded along the Wairoa road (which leads to the left from Kerikeri, and crosses the line through the bush) with instructions to take up a post to cut off the retreat by that road, reserving, at the same time the remainder of Colonel Nixon's force at the foot of the hill, to act as circumstances might require. So quietly and expeditiously were these movements made, that on Captain Gresson's party reaching the spot to which it was directed, it came at once upon the Chief Isaac and his party, situated at the edge of the bush, all of whom were made prisoners before any resistance could be offered, amounting in all to thirteen men, seven women, and three children. A number of arms, accoutrements, and ammunition (as per list enclosed) also fell into our possession, the whole of which, together with the prisoners, are at present in the Camp at Drury, awaiting instructions from His Excellency the Governor as to their final disposal. The main body of the Natives were encamped iv the bush, of which I was not made aware in time to push on the 18th far enough ; they, however, succeeded in securing some arms and ammunition, with a rebel flag. I beg respectfully to bring to the Lieutenant General's notice the veiy orderly conduct of the troops engaged. Officers and men bore with cheerfulness the fatigues of the long and harrassiug inarch, under heavy rain, through roads knee-deep in mud. To Lieutenant Rait, R.A., I am indebted for able assistance, that officer having volunteered to accompany me with four of his men, and whose services of conveying orders were of great use to me. I trust that the result of the movement, such as it has been, will meet the Lieutenant-General's approval. I cannot speak too highly of the promptness with which Colonel Nixon's force turned out, having only received orders at a very late hour of the night to join me at Papakura, at 4 o'clock in the morning, as well as their orderly aud efficient appearance under arms, which I think it due to Colonel Nixon to bring to the particular notice of the Lieut.-General. I have, &c, G. F. Murray, Colonel Commanding Troops, Drury. The Assistant Military Secretary, * Royal Artillery—l Subaltern, 4 Troopers ; 2nd Bat. ISth Regt.—l Captain, 6 Subalterns, 150 rank and file, with a due proportion of noncommissioned officers; 65th Regiment—l Field Officer, 2 Captains, 4 Subalterns, 130 rank and file, with a due proportion of noncommissioned officers.

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No. 6. LIEUT.-GENEEAL CAMERON, C.8., TO GOVEBNOB SIB GEOBGE GREY, K.CB Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, July 25th, 1863. Sir, — I have the honor to forward for your Excellency's information copies of reports from Capt. Ring, 2nd Battalion 18th Regiment, and Colonel Wyatt, commanding 65th Regiment, regarding a skirmish on the 22nd instant, with a body of Natives in the vicinity of Kerikeri. Colonel Wyatt and Captain Ring (the latter a very promising young officer, whose gallantry in charge of an escort, I had the pleasure of bringing to your Excellency's notice, a few days ago), displayed great judgment and ability in command of their resjiective detachments, and the officers and men of both deserve the greatest credit fcr their conduct in the engagement; those under Capt. Ring for their courage and firmness in maintaining an open position so long against superior numbers ; and those of Colonel Wyatt's detachment for the promptitude with which they hastened to the support of the former, and the spirited manner in which they attacked and drove off the enemy. This is the first occasion on which the Militia of this Province have co-operated with the regular troops in action against an enemy, and your Excellency, as well as the inhabitants of the Province, will be gratified to learn that the detachment attached to the force under Colonel Wyatt, is so honorably mentioned by that officer. I have, <tc, D. A. Cameron, Lieut. -General. His Excellency Sir George Grey, K.CB.

Enclosure 1 to No. 6. COLONEL WYATT TO THE MILITARY SECBETAEY. Camp, Drury, July 23rd, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to request you will inform the Lieut.-General that, yesterday forenoon, having been informed by a mounted Volunteer, that a man had been shot by the Natives on Mr. Hay's grounds, and that his house was threatened, I immediately got my available force under arms (as per margin),* and proceeded in that direction, directing, as I went along, the detachment of the Militia to crown a small knoll, and thus protect the approaches to Drury, and also ordering Lieut. Rait, R.A., and his troopers to proceed in the direction of the Wairoa valley, for the purpose of cutting off any marauding parties. On arriving at Mr. Hay's, his son, Ensign James B. Hay, of the Militia, volunteered to act as guide to my party, and I scoured all the bush iv that vicinity with thirty men, having previously directed Lieutenant and Adjutant Lewis, with forty men, to remain outside, and thus cut off any Natives attempting to escape. On reaching the Native settlement of Kerikeri, I heard some desultory firing on my left, and was led to understand by some militiamen that they had fired at some natives towards the Wairoa, escaping into the bush. Being satisfied with this explanation, I returned towards Drury, having previously picked up the body of the murdered man and sent it there. When within one and a half miles of that settlement, I was overtaken by Veterinary Surgeon Anderson, R.A., who informed me that a detachment of the 2nd Battalion 18th Regiment was in a very precarious position near Wairoa, and required a reinforcement, as they could not do more than hold their position. On this, I retraced my steps towards Kerikeri, and just before sunset entered the main bush, under the guidance of Ensign Hay. As my party advanced, firing and shouting were more distinctly heard ; and after proceeding about half a mile, a turn of the road brought me suddenly upon the combatants,—the 2nd Battalion 18th Regiment on an entrenched knoll, and the Natives on the lower ground, but pressing them hard upon three sides, when the detachment 65th Regiment cut off in their turn the immediate rear of two of them. Lieutenant Pennefather, who commanded the advanced guard, finding himself exposed to a cross fire from both the 2nd Battalion 18th Regiment and Natives, directed the bugler to sound the "Regimental Call" and the "Fire ;" and with a loud cheer, wdiich was answered by the 2nd Battalion 18th Regiment, a rapid and continuous fusilade was opened on the Natives, ensconced in the gullies and sheltered by trees from the fire of the 2nd Battalion 18th Regiment. Being completely taken by surprise, they, after a smart action of about ten minutes, fled towards the denser bush ; but the darkness, which had now begun to set in, rendered all attempts at searching for their dead and wounded perfectly futile. The enemy's fire being now completely silenced, I directed both parties to move off to their respective camps ; and while so doing, a few desultory shots were fired high over their heads.

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I must bring to the Lieut.-General's notice the cool .and intrepid gallantry evinced on this occasion by Lieutenant Rait, R.A., Captain Gresson, Lieutenant and Adjutant Lewds (who commanded No. 1 Company, the Officers being both sick), and Lieutenant Pennefather, who commanded the advanced guard ; and I trust you will recommend Ensign James B. Hay, of the Militia, to the favourable consideration of His Excellency the Governor, for his coolness and cleverness in guiding the party under my command, so rapidly into the scene of this brief but smart action. With a proud heart I must bring to the Lieutenant-General!s notice the cool and quiet order and gallantry displayed by all ranks of the force under my command, and the unflinching patience with which the men bore the harrassing and toilsome march to and from the scene of action. I am happy to say that the casualties of my party were limited to one private killed. I have, <_~ Alfred F. W. Wyatt, Colonel and Lieut-Colonel Commanding 65th Regiment and Troops at Drury. The Military Secretary, Head-quarters, Drury. Field Officer. Captains. Subalterns. Staff. Sergeants. Drummers. Rank <fc File. * Royal Artillery .. 1 1 1 1 28 _h Regiment 1 1 3 1 6 3 72 Volunteer ililitia 1 1 .. 1 .. 33 1 2 5 2 8 4 131

Enclosure 2 to No. 6. CAPTAIN JAMES EING TO THE ASSISTANT MILITARY SECBETAEY. Camp near Kerikeri, Wairoa-road, 23rd July, 1863, Sir,— I have the honor to state for your information that at noon the 22nd instant, I received information that two settlers had been fired upon by a body of Natives, and that one of the settlers was killed, and hearing firing iv the vicinity of Pukikiwereke, about two miles from my camp, I immediately proceeded with 100 men of the detachment under my command, and close to the above named place I fell in with natives who were engaged with sixteen volunteers. I opened tire and the Natives retreated to my former entrenchment above the whare at Kerikeri. The firing of the skirmishers drove them down the side of the hill into the brushwood ; the leading skirmishers on the right, under Lieutenant Wray, took possession of the hill, and kept up fire on them. I, with another body of skirmishers, proceeded to take them on the right flank, but found that the Natives who mustered a strong force, nearly surrounded me. Here I lost one man killed, whose rifle and bayonet were taken possession of by the Natives, though not without serious loss to them. I then concentrated my men on the entrenchment, and having heard from an artillery officer, who rode up to my position, that the 65th Regiment was in my immediate vicinity, I requested that he would inform the officer commanding 65th that there was a track on the enemy's rear, and if an attack were made in that direction it would be of great service, as it was quite impossible for me to follow so strong a force of the enemy into the bush with my small force. I remained in the entrenched position until close on sunset, keeping a steady fire on the enemy, who'were endeavouring to obtain the body and ammunition of the private who was killed, and whom I would not leave. I repeatedlytried to obtain possession of the body by sending out volunteers of the man's company, but desisted, finding it would entail greater loss. I was about retiring, leaving a rearguard in the entrenchment, when the mounted artillery arrived ; immediately after I saw the 65th appear. The Natives then drew off their right flanking movement, and, retreating into the bush, enabled me to obtain the body of the man of my detachment; this accomplished, the whole force withdrew. I beg to annex the following list of casualties :— No. 1 Company, 925, Private John Ewins, killed. No. 1 Company, 805, Private John Hamilton, wounded severely. No. 7 Company, 324, Private Thomas Dunbar, wounded slightly. No. 7 Company, Private Conroy, wounded slightly. The officers engaged on this occasion were Lieutenant Wray, Ensign Jackson, and Ensign Butts, whose assistance, coupled with the steadiness of my men, merits unqualified approbation. I have, ifcc, James Ring, Captain Royal Irish, Commanding Detachment. SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT. I beg to forward the enclosed list just received from Captain Clare, of the Auckland Militia, who at first were engaged with the enemy and then joined my force, and rendered every possible assistance, and behaved in a most creditable manner, I have, &c., J. Ring, Captain, W. Hutchins, Lieutenant-Colonel, Assistant-Military Secretary.

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No. 7. CAPTAIN SULLIVAN, E.N., TO GOVEBNOB SIB GEOEGE GBEY K.CB. Banks of Mangatawhiri, 28th July, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to inform you that in compliance with your wishes, the Colonial steam vessel " Avon " has been partially protected from musketry fire, and brought up the river Waikato, to Havelock in safety. 2. The whole of this service has been executed under the immediate supervision aud direction of Commander Mayne, of Her Majesty's ship "Eclipse," to whom I had confided that important duty. 3. Your Excellency will perceive from the copy of his report to me, which I enclose, the many difficulties to be overcome,—also the immense assistance rendered by Captain Greaves, Deputy Assistant Quartermaster General, and that of Mr. Strand, a settler at Kohanga, without which, notwithstanding the great skill and untiring energy and patience of Commander Mayne (to whom I feel greatly indebted) this successful result would in all probability have been greatly retarded. I have, &c, J. W. Sullivan, Commander and Senior Naval Officer in New Zealand. To His Excellency Sir George Grey, K.CB.

Enclosure to No. 7. "Avon," off the Bluff, Waikato, 27th July, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to inform you that I left Onehunga in her Majesty's ship under my command with the steamer " Avon" in tow, on the morning of the 16th, and steamed to the Manukau Heads. 2. The signal " Bar unsafe" being made from the station we anchored on the Huia Bank, and remained there till Monday the 20th, the ship dragging into shoal water, we then shifted berth round Puponga and remained there till Saturday the 25th. 3. On the morning of the 25th, proceeded over the bar with the "Avon" in tow, and reached the Waikato Heads at one o'clock ; took thirty of our men on board "Avon," and sent "Eclipse" back to Manukau, and crossed the Waikato bar in the " Avon " at 2 o'clock. 4. After grounding several times on the flat which crosses the river inside the entrance, we ran on the bank about two miles below Kohanga, and had to remain there until 4 o'clock next morning. We then hauled off, and steamed on till nearly daylight, when we again grounded. 6. During the day we lightened the vessel its much as possible by putting coal and some other heavy things into a large Canoe which we towed up, and at high water (4-30 p.m.) the vessel again floated ; steamed on till 6, and anchored eight miles below Tuakau ; started at daylight next morning, and reached the Bluff at 4 p.m. 7. The only Natives we saw were a few at the Heads, who hoisted a white flag as we passed, twenty or thirty at Kohanga, and as many at Cameron. No one appeared the least disposed to dispute our passage. 8. Captain Greaves, Deputy Assistant Quartermarter-General, accompanied the vessel, and it is owing to his knowledge of the river and unflagging energy that the service was accomplished so successfully. He preceded the vessel the whole way, sounding and showing the channel. 9 I request that you will bring to the notice of the Colonial Government the service of Mr. Strand, of Kohanga ; he accompanied the vessel from that place to Cameron, and materially assisted Captain Greaves in conducting her over one or two difficult places in which the channel had lately shifted. I have, <kc, J. C. Mayne, Commander of H.M.S. " Eclipse." To Commander F. W. Sullivan, Senior Officer in New Zealand, Naval Brigade Camp, Mangatawhiri River.

No. 8. REPORT OF DETACHMENT—TWO OFFICERS, FOUR PETTY OFFICERS, AND THIRTY-SEVEN MEN OF THE NAVAL VOLUNTEERS, ACCOMPANIED BY MB. PUCKEY AND TWENTY-FIVE NATIVES, ON SERVICE IN MANUKAU HAEBOUE. Saturday, July 18th.—Left Auckland, and arrived at Onehunga at 2 p.m. ; finding no boats ready, remained there the night.

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Sunday, July 19th.—At 6 a.m. muster, and told off boats' crews No. 1, cutter "Lizzy" in charge of myself; No. 2, cutter " Tarn O'Sbanter," charge of Sub-Lieutenant Stephenson—Natives divided on the boats. At 1 p.m. proceeded to Mangere ; being too late for tide, returned on board. Monday, July 20th.—At 7 a.m. manned boats, and landed at Mangere. Self and Mr. Puckey went to the Settlement, and the Natives made no objection to our taking the Canoes. Our Natives launched three Canoes, and the boat's crew towed them to Geddes' Basin, and marked them No. 1. Sent an armed party round Mangere in search of Canoes, but found none. At 2 p.m. weighed and proceeded to Puponga. Tuesday, at 7 a.m., weighed and proceeded to Papakura Creek; blowing strong from S.W. ; could not land at Ihumatao. Arrived at Papakura Creek at 10J a.m., and searched the creeks ; found six Canoes. At 12 p.m. took an armed party with the Natives and launched the Canoes, and dropped down to H.M.S. " Harrier." Wednesday, 6 a.m., received provisions from H.M.S. " Harrier ;" 7 a.m., proceeded up Papakura Creek, when a party informed me there was an attack made on the settlers ; immediately landed Sub-Lieutenant Stephenson and twelve men, and returned for more men, leaving one petty officer and six men in charge of the vessels. At 11, proceeded and took a jiosition on high ground near the Chajiel. Detached a petty officer and twenty men out skirmishing, who returned at 5 p.m. ; sentries were then placed, and at 10 p.m. they were relieved by Volunteer Militia, and my men went on patrol until 2 a.m., and then proceeded to the vessels. Thursday, 7 a.m., weighed and proceeded to Pukekohe ; at 3J p.m. searched the creeks, aud found four canoes ; 8 p.m., returned to the vessels, and weighed. Friday, 6 a.m., boats manned, and proceeded to Ihumatao and Oruronga ; found four canoes ; weighed and proceeded to Onehunga. Saturday, 4 am., arrived at Onehunga with fourteen canoes, and put them in the Basin ; 10 a.m. marched for Auckland, and arrived at noon. I am happy to report that, with one exception, the conduct of the officers and men was highly satisfactory; also that the Natives were well conducted, obedient to orders, and did everything in their power to carry out the object of the expedition. I have also to report that there are a quantity of canoes broken up, but some of them are still repairable. Thomas E. Guilding. Commanding Detachment, A.N.V. Auckland, 25th July, 1863.

No. 9. LIEUTENANT-GENERAL CAMEBON, C.8., TO GOVEBNOB SIB GEORGE GEEY, K.CB. Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, 3rd August, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to inform your Excellency, that on the night of the Ist instant, I left the Queen's Redoubt with a force of about 700 men, including a party of seamen and marines of H.M.S. " Harrier," for the purposes of reconnoiteriug the villages of Paparoa and Paparata, where I had reason to believe that a large body of rebels had collected. Captain Sullivan, commanding H.M.S. " Harrier," accompanied the force. After a fatiguing night march, the last mile of which was through very high and thick scrub,. we reached Paparoa about daybreak, and found it entirely deserted, though it had evidently been recently occupied, and I have little doubt that the Natives had received some notice of our movements. After searching this village, we proceeded along a bush track, which I was afterwards informed led to Hauraki, having missed the track to Paparata, Some Natives, concealed so far within the bush on our right as to be perfectly invisible, opened fire on the leading files, and wounded a soldier of the 12th Regiment. We replied to their fire for some time ; but as, from the character of the bush and scrub near it, it was impossible to get within reach of them, and I did not consider it advisable to lose time in searching for a track, I withdrew the force leisurely, without any attempt on the part of the Natives to follow us. When we had reached the open ground, a large body of Natives came down from the ranges, and joining the party in the bush, commenced a rapid and continuous fire of musketry, in the most absurd manner, as though they had been closely engaged with an enemy ; although at that time we must have been fully a mile and a half from them. The Troops returned to the Queen's Redoubt about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, having been under arms since half-past 7 the previous evening, and having marched nearly thirty miles. I have every reason to be satisfied with the cheerful manner in which this arduous duty was performed by the troops, and with the conduct of all the officers and men composing the force, parti-

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cularly of the detachment of the 12th Regiment, under Major Miller, for the bold and intelligent manner in which they covered the advance over difficult ground. I have, <fee, D. A. Cameron, Lieutenant-General. Governor Sir George Grey, K.CB.

No. 10. LIEUT.-GENEEAL CAMEEON, C.8., TO GOVERNOR SIB GEORGE GEEY, K.CB. Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, 7th August, 1863. Sir, — I have the honor to forward for your Excellency's information, copy of a report from Captain Sullivan, Senior Naval Officer at this Station, of a reconnaissance which he made at my request of the Banks of the Waikato, as far as the native village of Meremere, in the Colonial Steamer " Avon." I have, <_~ D. A. Cameron, Lieutenant-General. Governor Sir George Grey, K.CB.

Enclosure to No. 10. CAPTAIN J. W. SULLIVAN, 8.N., TO LIEUT.-GENEEAL CAMEEON, C.B. Banks of the Mangatawhiri, August 6th, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to inform you that, in compliance with your request of this morning, I proceeded in the Colonial Steamer " Avon" to reconnoitre the Waikato River above Kohekohe, and found, after passing that village about three-quarters of a mile, another settlement on the proper right bank of the river, which I take to be Meremere. 2. When it first came in view, sixty or seventy Maoris were assembled in a small open space near their whares ; these at once took to the bush, and in a few minutes opened a sharp fire of musketry ou the vessel. 3. Being ignorant of the pilotage of the river, and unwilling to run the chance of grounding the vessel under such circumstances, I deemed it prudent to come to anchor about one hundred yards from the bush on the right bank, and three hundred from the point upon which the whares stand, and where I counted thirteen canoes. 4. Two or three rounds from the 12-pounder Armstrong gun, the same number from the 12---pounder rocket, silenced their fire for a time, when ours was directed on the canoes with a view of destroying them. Meanwhile a fire was kept up from the bush, which was repbed to by our rifles. 5. I remained at anchor about half an hour, when their fire having slackened, and sunset approaching, I weighed and returned to the Bluff. 6. The " Avon " was repeatedly struck by bullets, but the iron plates protected the crew from any injury. 7. I have directed the " Avon " to be off the mouth of the Maramarua to-morrow morning at daylight, and to remain there until 8 a.m., when she was to return to the Bluff. I have, <fee, J. W. Sullivan, Commander and Senior Naval Officer in New Zealand. Lieutenant-General Duncan Cameron, C.B.

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No. 12. LIEUT.-GENEEAL CAMEEON, C.8., TO GOVEBNOB SIB GEOEGE GEEY, K.CB. Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, August 9th, 1863. Sir, — In justice to the Maori Chiefs, Waata Kukutai and Wiremu Te Wheoro, I wish to bring to your Excellency's notice the valuable assistance which, since the outbreak of the insurrection in this Province, I have received from them, and from the Natives attached to them. During the last month, all supplies to the Military Post at Tuakau—of which the overland communication either with Drury or the Queen's Redoubt is attended with considerable difficulty— have been conveyed by them down the river in their canoes at a trifling charge, thereby saving the expense and inconvenience of land transport; and I have just concluded an agreement with them, through Mr. Armitage, by which I am likely to derive still further assistance from them in this important kind of service. A few days ago, when a party of the 2nd Battalion 18th Regiment lost their way in the bush, some of Te Wheoro's people at once volunteered to go in search of them. Indeed, since my Head-quarters have been stationed here, both Chiefs have manifested the most anxious desire to aid me to the utmost of their power ; and I feel convinced that eveiy reliance may be placed on their good faith and loyalty. I have, <fee, D. A. Cameron, Lieutenant-General. Governor Sir George Grey, K.CB.

No. 13. LIEUT.-GENERAL CAMERON, C.8., TO GOVEBNOB SIB GEOEGE GEEY, K.CB. Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, August 15th, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to inform your Excellency that the 2nd Battalion 14th Regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Austin, moved forward yesterday morning, and encamped near the mouth of the Wangamarino. The Natives are collected in considerable force on the right bank of the Waikato, near Meremere, about two miles above the Wangamarino, and occupy a commanding position, which they have strengthened by lines of rifle pits. It is reported that they have two guns in position on the banks of the Waikato. I have, &c, D. A. Cameron, Lieutenant-General. Governor Sir George Grey, K.CB.

No. 14. LIEUTENANT STEELE TO THE HONORABLE THE MINISTER FOE COLONIAL DEFENCE. Stockade, Wairoa, 11th August, 1863. Sir — I have the honor to report that I took a portion of the men stationed here into the Huuua Ranges yesterday, with the view of ascertaining whether there were any Maoris prowling about, and if there were any supplies being carried up there from the Wairoa River. The party consisted of Lieutenant, Ensign, two Sergeants, and — men of the Wairoa Rifle Volunteers, and Lieutenant Yates, and — men of the 4th Company of the Auckland Militia, who voluntered to accompany me. We started at 4*30 a.m., and reached Mr. Crichton's fa-m, at the edge of the wooded range, about sunrise. We searched the bush through a distance of about five miles, till we reached a tract of open fern land, known as " Buckland's Opening." We examined it, and found that Mr. Hill's house there had been burnt, and various articles lying about smashed and hacked. Resumed the march on the road to Drury ; after a short interval of bush, coming to another fern opening, in which we found a Maori encampment consisting of thirty-one whares, ranging from twenty to eighty feet in length, and capable, I think of containing about 1,500 persons. This encanqiment was placed in the open, where the bush road from Drury emerges from the forest. These whares I

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ordered to be burnt. On the road, and about a mile nearer Drury, we found a few small whares, and again about three-quarters of a mile further on, some more, which appear to have been used as advanced posts. Still nearer to Drury, and adjoining the road, is Captain Clare's house, which they have gutted. On account of the recent rain we were unable to distinguish the track of the Natives; but they certainly have not taken to the bush north of the line of road, which runs westward. I have great pleasure in bearing testimony to the cheerful endurance of the men in this long and heavy march, and to the steadiness and gallantry they showed at the moment when it wasuncertain whether the Natives were gone, or still in the whares. In regard to the Militia, I was particularly struck by their resolute bearing, fresh from town, and some of them quite new to the peculiarities of a New Zealand bush road. On arriving at Drury, the Militia went to the Camp, there, to sleep, and the Wairoa men returned to the Stockade, which they reached about 9 p.m. I understand that many cattle have been on the run in the country traversed by us ; and as we did not see one, I conclude that the Natives have carried them off. I have, &c, William Steele, Lieutenant Commanding, Wairoa Rifle Volunteers. The Honorable the Minister for Colonial Defence. P.S.—Some of the whares were upwards of 100 feet long.

No. 15. ma.or-genebal t. j. galloway to the honorable the minister foe COLONIAL DEFENCE. Head Quarters, Colonial Forces, Auckland, 24th August, 1863. Sir — I have the honor to forward, for the information of Government, the accompanying letter from the Lieut.-General Commanding the Forces, giving cover to a letter from the Officer Commanding at Auckland and Otahuhu. It is a source of much pleasure to me that the conduct and soldierlike bearing of the Force under my command should have merited and called forth such a gratifying mark of apjiroval from the Lieut.-General Commanding in New Zealand. I have, &c, T. J. Galloway, Major-General, Commanding Colonial Forces. The Honorable the Minister for Colonial Defence.

Enclosure to No. 15. LIEUT.-COLONEL HUTCHINS TO MAJOR-GENERAL GALLOWAY. Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, 23rd August, 1863. Sir — I am directed by the Lieut.-General Commanding to forward for your information the enclosed copy of a letter which he has received from Colonel Carey, Commanding at Auckland and Otahuhu, and he feels sure that you will feel equally gratified with himself by that Officer's account of the alertness and promptitude displayed by the Volunteers and Militia in repairing to their several posts on the occasion of the alarm being sounded in Auckland on the 20th instant. The Lieut.-General avails himself of this opportunity to express, through you, his approbation of the conduct and services of all the corps of Volunteers and Militia since the outbreak of hostilities in this Province. Having been called out suddenly for service in the field at the most inclement season of the year, encamped at great distances from their homes, and required to perform duties most trying and harassing, even to regular troops, they have been subject to many hardships and privations, which they have endured with a constancy and cheerfulness reflecting the highest credit \\]>ou them. The Lieut.-General requests you will assure the officers and men of the high opinion which he entertains of their conduct and of the value of their services. The Lieut.-General is fully aware how much your personal influence and example have contributed to call forth and encourage this soldierlike spirit on the part of the Militia and Volunteers, and begs you will accept his warm thanks for the timely assistance given by you in accepting your

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present command at a very critical period, and for the cordial manner in which you have co-operated with him in all his arrangements for the defence of the Province. I have, <fee, W. J. Hutchins, Lieut.-Colon el, Assistant Military Secretary. Major-General Galloway, Commanding Colonial Forces.

No. 16". COLONEL F. CABEY TO THE MILITARY SECRETARY. Camp, Otahuhu, August 21st, 1863. Sir — I have the honor to report, for the information of the Lieut.-General Commanding the Forces, that Tyesterday carried into effect the "Alarm" in the City of Auckland, of which I had given notice iv the daily papers some days since, with the view to ascertain whether the Militia and Volunteers belonging to that City were all cognisant of the different Alarm Posts assigned to them. It now affords me much pleasure to be enabled to testify to the promptitude, zeal, and goodwill evinced upon this occasion by the Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, and members of both the Militia and Volunteers of Auckland in answering this summons to their Military duties. Nothing could have been better than their conduct ou this occasion, and I therefore beg to recommend them to the favourable consideration of the Commander of the Forces. I need scarcely add that I received the greatest assistance from Lieut-Colonel Kenny, Deputy Quarter-Master-General, and Lieut.-Colonel Balueavis, Deputy Adjutant-General of Militia and Volunteer Forces. I have, &c., George F. Carey, Colonel 18th Royal Irish, Commanding Auckland and Otahuhu. The Military Secretary.

No. 17. LIEUTENANT-GENERAL CAMEEON TO HIS EXCELLENCY SIB GEOEGE GBEY. Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, 26th August, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to forward, for Your Excellency's information, the copy of a report which I have received from Captain Cook, 40th Regiment, relative to a sudden attack made by a large body of rebel Natives upon a party of twenty-five men of the 40th Regiment, employed under Mr. Martyn in felling bush on the Great South Road, near Williamson's clearing. I regret to state that two men were killed, and nearly the whole of the arms belonging to the party taken possession of by the enemy, and more lives must have been lost but for the timely assistance rendered by the escort under the command of Captain Cook, whose conduct on the occasion was most praiseworthy. The officers mentioned in Captain Cook's report, who commanded the different posts along the road, deserve great credit for the promptitude with which they hastened in support. Your Excellency will observe that we had only one man hit after the arrival of the escort, although the enemy continued firing upwards of an hour. Had the men employed in felling the bush been protected by a covering party, according to my directions, this occurrence would not have taken place. I have, <fee, 1). A. Cameron, Lieutenant-General. His Excellency Sir George Grey, K.CB.

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Enclosure to No. 17. CATTAIN COOK TO THE ASSISTANT MILITARY SECBETAEY. Queen's Redoubt, August 25th, 1863. Sir, —■ I have the honor to report for the information of the Lieutenant-General Commanding, that when returning from Baird's farm in command of the escort with the convoy from Drury this day, on arriving at Williamson's clearing, I heard firing in my front, and, on proceeding to the spot, found that my advance guard was engaged in the immediate vicinity of the road with a party of Maories. The main body of my escort rushed up, and wre quickly drove the enemy into the bush. It appears that a party, consisting of twenty-five men of the 40th Regiment, under a noncommissioned officer, were employed in felling bush near the road ; they had left their arms piled on the edge of the road, under the charge of a sentry. Suddenly a number of Maories rushed upon the arms and took possession of them, the sentry filing at them. The Maories had surrounded the men in the bush, and had shot two men dead when my advanced guard came up and engaged them. Reinforcements from Williamson's clearing, Kerr's farm, and Razor Back, as well as a party of* thirty men of the escort proceeding to Drury, under Captain Bishop, Transport Corps, with Assistant Surgeon Carberry, 2nd Battalion 14th Regiment, joined me shortly after the firing commenced, and we skirmished with the enemy for about an hour and a quarter, driving them into the bush, and following them in for a short way. A party of the 65th Regiment, under Captain Ord, endeavoured to get behind the Maories and cut off' their retreat, but were unsuccessful. The casualties of the troops under my command consisted of one man, 2nd Battalion 18th Regiment, wounded. The loss of the Maories appears to have been one man killed and left on the field, and five men wounded and carried away. Two rifles, a few muskets, some tomahawks, ammunition, _\, fell into our hands. I beg to bring to the notice of the Lieutenant-General Commanding, the services of Captain Ord, 65th Regiment, Captain Bishop. 2nd Battalion 18th Regiment, Lieutenant Warren, 65th Regiment, commanding at Kerr's farm, Lieutenant Thacker, 2nd Battalion 18th Regiment, commanding at Williamson's Clearing, Lieutenant Clarke, Madras Cavalry, attached to transport Corps, and Lieutenant Pagan, 65th Regiment, and Ensign Haines, 2nd Battalion 18th Regiment, who were with the escort under my command. The whole of the officers and men behaved extremely well. Judging from the enemy's fire, I should say there were at least 200 of them. I have, <_~ A. Cook, Captain, 40th Regiment. The Assistant Military Secretary, Head Quarters. a

No. 18. MB. JAMES ABMITAGE TO MR. F. D. FENTON, AUCKLAND. Resident Magistrate's Department, Lower Waikato, 17th August, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to forward you for your information copy and translation of letters addressed by W. Kukutai to hostile parties. They have reference to matters alluded to in my last letter to you of the 11th instant. W. Tamehana has, I was informed by the General, written to Te Wheoro that the proposed " Tapu" between the Pangapanga aud the Heads shall be established, but has not replied to my communication. I have, lie, James Armitage. F. D. Feuton, Esq., Colonial Defence Office, Auckland.

Enclosure to No. 18. [Translation.] Taupiri, August 12th, 1863. To Tireni Te Hura (Tioriori),— Friend, Salutations,—I have seen your letter which arrived here for me. Listen to my words,—You must discontinue writing to me. lam very much annoyed at your

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constantly writing to me. Do you think that that is a sign of consideration for me. In my view it is veiy wrong. Listen ; Tdo not like this way of yours in the least. If I should agree to these ideas of yours it would be a cause of death to me. I will have nothing at all to do with you. Listen to my words,—If I should do wrong, Ido so on a principle wdiich I understand (i.e. responsible for his actions). If Ido right, Ido so also on a principle. Likewise you and your fathers are acting on your own principles. If you are right, and your tribe, do as you think right. If wrong, you do wrong 2nd. My words to you and all your tribe (or jieople) are that no person shall come here whether friends or relations—they shall not come here. Likewise the men belonging to the Kakenga, they shall not visit the Kakenga. The road shall be sacred (i.e. closed), commencing at the Pangapanga dovt-n to Taupari. Let no one come and cause disturbances in my District. Leave my District to be sacred, for this is the law thereof. There shall no man traverse this road, whether of your party or of mine— there shall be an end to all travelling on that road. There have been some persons from there (your party) come down to Taupari. I did not see them when they arrived ; I informed them they must cease visiting here. I have sent them back, and I wrote a very strong letter to them. This is all I have to say to you. W. Pi. Kukutai. To Tireni Te Hura, at Takinga Wairua.

No. 19. LIEUTENANT-GENERAL CAMERON, C.8., TO GOVEBNOB SIB GEOEGE GEEY, K.CB. Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, Bth September, 1863. Sir,— I have the houor to forward, for Your Excellency's information, the accompanying Report from Lieutenant Talbot, 65th Regiment, in command of the post at Razor-back, on the Great South Road. I have, etc., D. A. Cameron, Li eutenant-General. Governor Sir George Grey, K.CB.

Enclosure to No. 19, Razor-back Stockade, Bth September, 1863. Sir — I have to report for the information of the Lieutenant-General Commanding, that this morning at about 10 o'clock, one of my sentries, who was posted about sixty yards from the Stockade, discovered a Maori stealing upon him through the bush. The sentry at once gave the alarm by firing at him, when the fire was returned by a number of Natives, who had taken up a position on a partly cleared hill, about one hundred yards from the Stockade. On the first alarm, the men of the detachment under my command were quickly at their posts, and kept up a steady fire upon the ground occupied by the Maoris, wdio found excellent cover behind the stumps and felled timber. About a quarter of an hour after the first shot was fired, Ensign Ducrow, with forty men of the 40th Regiment, joined me from Rhodes' Clearing, and dividing Ms force into two parties, they occupied commanding positions on the road. I then, having left Lieutenant Pagan, 65th Regiment, in command of the Stockade, took half of my detachment and advanced on the Natives, who, after firing a few shots, retired in haste. Owing to the nature of the ground, I was unable to overtake them ; and after having followed their track for about half a mile through the bush, I returned to the Stockade, where I found Lieutenant Toker, 65th Regiment, who had arrived with half of his detachment from Williamson's Clearing. Throughout the attack I received the greatest assistance from Lieutenant Pagan, 65th Regiment, and Ensign Ducrow, 40th Regiment ; and I beg to bring the conduct of these officers to the favorable notice of the Lieutenant-General Commanding. During the firing, Sergeant Anderson and six men of the Mounted Defence Force, who were proceeding to Papakura, joined me;, and, having picketed their horses by the Stockade, accompanied me as volunteers into the bush.

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Lieutenant Toker, with his reinforcement, arrived most opportunely, and was prepared to give me any assistance I might require. I am happy to be able to state that, owing to the cover afforded by the Stockade, I have no casualties to report. The Maoris, as usual, fired lugh, their bullets passing through several of th tents. I have, <fee, J. S. Talbot, Lieutenant, Commanding Detachment 65th Regiment, Razor-back. lieutenant-Colonel Carey, C.8., D.A.G., Queen's Redoubt.

No. 20. Colonial Secretary's Office, Auckland, 11th September, 18C3. It is with very great regret that His Excellency the Governor directs it to be notified that he has received from Lieut.-General Cameron, C.8., the following Despatch respecting the death of Captain Swift, of the 65th Regt., who was regarded by the Lieut.-General as a very gallant and promising officer, and wdiose loss the Governor feels assured will be deeply lamented by the inhabitants of this Colony, in whose defence he was engaged when he so nobly fell in the discharge of his duty. Alfred Domett. lieutenant-general cameron, c.b., to his excellency sic geoege gbey, k.cb. Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, 9th September, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to inform your Excellency that about 4 o'clock p.m., on the 7th instant, I received intelligence from Captain Swift, 65th Regt., commanding the Redoubt at Tuakau, that the pa at Camerontown, in which a quantity of Commissariat supplies had been stored, prior to their conveyance by canoes to the Bluff by the friendly Natives, had been attacked, and the stores captured and destroyed by the insurgents. Captain Swift stated also that he had started with a party of fifty men to scour the bush in the direction of Camerontown. As I foresaw the probability of this small party being beset in the bush by superior numbers, I arranged -with Captain Sullivan, R.N., that a force of 150 men, under the command of Colonel Murray, 65th Regt., should [be embarked without delay in boats at the Mangatawhiri, and proceed to Tuakau, with instructions to move in support of Captain Swift's party. I herewith enclose an account of the engagement, given me by Lieutenant Butler, 65th Regt., who is now in the Queen's Redoubt, having been severely wounded at the commencement of the action. No report has yet been received from Color-sergeant MacKenna, on whom the command of Captain Swift's party devolved when both officers were disabled, as that non-commissioned officer is still at Tuakau. He appears to have acted with great judgment and courage, and to have secured the confidence of the men at once by his admirable conduct. Your Excellency will, I feel sure, share in my admiration of the conduct of the whole of the detachment, animated as they were by the noble example of their commander ; and that you will join me in lamenting the loss which the service has sustained by the death of so gallant and promising an officer as Captain Swift. Colonel Murray, wdiose report is enclosed, returned with his detachment this morning, and as four men were still missing when he left Tuakau, I ordered a detachment of 100 men of the 40th Regt., under the command of Major Blyth, to march there this morning and occupy the post during the temporary absence of an equal number of its garrison, who were to proceed in search of the missing men. I forward herewith a copy of the return of the casualties on this occasion. I have, Ac, D. A. Cameron, Lieutenant-Geueral. His Excellency Sir George Grey, K.C.B.

Enclosures to No. 20. STATEMENT made by lieutenant butleb, 65th begiment. The firing at Camerontown was heard at Tuakau a little before 11 am. on the 7th, and th friendly pa could be plainly seen in flames. Not long after five friendly Natives of Kukutai's people

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arrived in a canoe, who said they were on the beach near Camerontown when the rebels attacked the pa. Captain Swift then determined to proceed in the direction of Camerontown with a party of fifty men. We left Tuakau about half-past 12, and after a march of two hours over a very difficult track, a distance probably of seven miles, we reached a clearing and passed through it to the top of a hill, where we got a view of a few detached whares. Here the track led to some bush. After penetrating this for about 200 yards, we heard the Maoris talking. We fancied they were approaching by the track on which we were, and prepared an ambuscade for them, by extending on both sides of the track. Finding the Maoris did not come on as we had expected, Captain Swift ordered the men to fix bayonets. We pushed on from twelve to twenty yards, led by Captain Swift, when at a turn of the track they opened fire on us. They were evidently ready for us, and must have seen us from the pa a long time before we reached them. Captain Swift fell at the first volley. I asked if we should charge. He said—"Yes ;" and when I was doing so, about ten yards in advance of the men, I was brought to the ground. I drew my revolver, and they say that I shot two men with it. Color-Sergeant McKenna, who was very cool and collected throughout, then took charge of the party, and a skirmish ensued which lasted about twenty minutes, during which, he stated that he saw seven Maoris fall. The enemy was driven back 200 or 300 yards. The men remained all night on the ground from which the. Natives had been driven, excepting the advanced guard, which had become separated from us before the engagement It appears to have shared in the attack, and rejoined the main body shortly before we arrived at the Tuakau Redoubt. lam not able to form an opinion of the numbers of the enemy. I scarcely think there could have been 300. Captain Swift died about 6 o'clock that evening. He was shot through one lung and in the side. No one could have behaved better than he did ; and the conduct of the men too was admirable. The party started on their return to Tuakau about 5 o'clock next morning, when we were met shortly after by that under the command of Colonel Murray, who had come to support us. He passed on with the view of searching for men who were missing.

COLONEL G. F. MUEBAY TO THE MILITAEY SECBETABT, HEAD-QUABTEES, QUEEN'S REDOUBT. Camp, Queen's Redoubt, 9th September, 1863. Sir — I have the honor to report for the information of the Lieutenant-General Commanding, that, in compliance with his orders, I marched to Mangatawhiri, on Monday evening, in command of the force, as per margin,* and there embarked in six boats to proceed to Tuakau, which I did not reach until midnight. On my arrival at Tuakau, I found that Captain Swift had not yet returned from Camerontown with his party, and it was supposed he had remained at the pa. The night was too dark to find the track through the difficult country between Tuakau and Camerontown, and I consequently deferred further proceedings until daylight. Accordingly, I fell in the men at 4 a.m., and directing Captain Ord to proceed with thirty men by water to Camerontown, with instructions to co-operate with me, I proceeded by land to the same place. On the way I met Corporal Ryan, who first gave me information that Captain Swift had been killed and Lieut. Butler badly wounded. I accordingly pushed on as fast as I could, and after proceeding about two miles, I met Sergeant McKenna with about thirty men, wdio gave me the the first information that Captain Swift had fallen into an ambuscade, and a fire had been opened on him on all sides from the bush, at a distance of about eight or ten yards, and the two officers becoming non-effective, the command devolved on him. He then called on the men to stand by him, which, he states, they obeyed with the utmost alacrity, and under his directions they kept up a steady fire, for, as far as I can learn, about an hour. The firing having ceased by that time, Sergeant McKenna retired with his little force into the bush and lay down, keeping perfectly quiet till daylight enabled him to see where he was, and thus make his way to the Redoubt. Sergeant McKenna and his men appearing very much exhausted after their night's exposure, I desired him to return to the Redoubt, after receiving from him such description as he could give, of where I might be able to find the killed. Of the wounded or missing (except such as had come in) he could give me no information. I had previously met Lieutenant Butler, badly wounded, making his way, with the assistance of two men, to the Redoubt, and having put him on a stretcher, I detached a party to convey him. I pushed on, and on arriving at the spot where the affair with Captain Swift's party had occurred, I searched the bush for his body, which, by Corporal Ryan's description, was found after some time. (I beg here to mention that Corjioral Ryan and Private Bulford remained with Captain Swift for several hours after he died, and having concealed his body, made their way to the Redoubt.) Not knowing in what direction to search for the missing men, I returned with the bodies found to the Redoubt, which I reached about 2.30 p.m., aud finding tha steamer there, I sent a request to Capt. Sullivan, H.M.S. " Harrier" to take a portion of my force on board, which he having consented to, I embarked 100 men, and directed Captain Ord to follow in the boats with the remainder. I have, &c, G. F. Murray, Major 65th Regiment, and Colonel. The Military Secretary, Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt. •2nd Batt. ISth Regt.—l Subaltern, 3 Sergennts, 50 Rank and File. 65th Regt.—l Field Officer, 1 Captain, 2 Subalterns. 4 Sergeants, 2 Drummers, 100 Rank and File. Total—l Field Officer, I Captain, 3 Subalterns, 7 Sergeants, 2 Drummers, 150 Rank and File.

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J. MOUAT. Deputy Inspector General, Principal Medical Officer.

NOMINAL RETURN OF CASUALTIES OF THE ABOVE CORPS AT CAMERON.

5TH REGIMENT.

No. 21. Colonial Secretary's Office, Auckland, 11th September, 1863. The Governor directs it to be notified that it is with great regret he has received the following despatch, acquainting him with the sad death of that useful and active public Officer, Mr. Armitage, the Resident Magistrate of the Lower Waikato—who was a sincere and faithful friend to the Native race, and whose loss is most especially to be deplored at this juncture of affairs. Alfred Domett.

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Regimental No. Age, Yeabs. Sebvice, Yeaes. Rank and Name. COBPS. Date of Death. Place of Death. Natube of Injuey.I Result. Remaeks. Captain. Richard Swift . . 65th 32 18 7th Sept., 1863. Cameron. Gunshot Wound. Killed. 3,277 Private. Robert Bellringer . Do. 2S 9 Do. Do. Do. Do. 1,051 Do. Stephen Grace . . Do. 87 15 Do. Do. Do. Do. Lieutenant Villars Butler . . Do. 23 5 Do. Wounded. Severely. 163 Private. Francis Powell . . Do. 22 4, Do. Do. Do. 3,422 Do. James McLean . . Do. 27 8 Do. Do. Do. 3,666 Do. Michael Bryan . . Do. 80 10 Do. Do. . Missing. 2,268 Do. Thomas Whittle . Do, 36 17 Do. Do. Severely.

E.—No. 5.

LIEUTENANT-GENERAL CAMERON, C.8., TO HIS EXCELLENCY SIB GEOEGE GREY, K.CB. Head Quarter's, Queen's Redoubt, 10th September, 1863. Sir, — With feelings of deep concern I have to announce to your Excellency the melancholy death of Mr. Armitage, Resident Magistrate of this district, who, with two other Europeans, was murdered by Natives at Camerontown, on the 7th instant. I herewith forward a letter I received this morning from Lieutenant Burton, 40th Regiment, commanding at the Bluff stockade, detailing the circumstances of this lamentable occurrence, as they were related to him by two friendly Natives. Mr. Armitage had for some time past been engaged in the troublesome and hazardous duty of superintending the transport of supplies for the Troops by the Friendly Natives up the Waikato, and since the commencement of hostilities had always acted with me in the most cordial manner for the good of the public service. The loss of so zealous and useful a public officer is deeply to be regretted. I have, &c, D. A. Cameron, His Excellency Sir George Grey, K.CB. Lieutenant-General.

Enclosure to No. 21. LIEUTENANT H. BURTON TO THE DEPUTY QUAETEEMASTEE-GENEEAL. Bluff Stockade, September 9th, 1863 (12 p.m.) Sir, — I have the honor to report for the information of the Lieutenant-General commanding, that about 10 o'clock this evening ten Natives, of William Te Wheoro's pa, accompanied by four others of Kukutai's tribe, arrived at the Akaramea pa, overland from Taupari, which latter place they left this morning at daylight. These, you will understand, are the Natives who were of Mr. Armitage's party on Monday last, and who have up to the present time, been missing. I regret to say that they confirm the tidings of Mr. Armitage's death, as also those of the two Europeans, known as Robert and William. The former of these was a blacksmith, who acted as clerk to Mr. Armitage ; the latter was a carpenter, engaged in erecting a store at Camerontown. The circumstances attending their deaths as far as I can elicit from two of the most intelligent of the " Friendly Natives " who witnessed them, are these. The names of these two Natives I here mention in the margin. Mr. Armitage started from the pa adjacent to this post—in a canoe with three natives—■ accompanied by two or three other canoes full of Te Wheoro's tribe, at about 6 o'clock on Monday morning last. On reaching Tuakau, or thereabouts, there was some delay on the part of these other canoes; so that Mr. Armitage got on ahead of them, and reached Camerontown about half an hour before them, at about half-past 8 o'clock a.m. On arrival, Mr. Armitage got out of his canoe, and went over to a house about two hundred yards from the bank of the river, where were the two Europeans I have before named. When he reached the house, one of the three Natives he left behind in the canoe—" Eru," above mentioned in the margin, went off in the direction of the stockade erected at Camerontown, and occupied by Friendly Natives under their Chief Tokah. He was on his way thither, when the enemy opened fire from the bush on the road from, and near the river. Enclosed is a rough sketch of the ground, drawn out by the Native " Hawira." Where the enemy fired from [ have marked \>i. Mr. Armitage and the two Europeans, it appears, had returned from the house (marked A), and were on the river bank at this time. The two latter were shot, and fell over the canoe, upsetting it as they fell. Mr. Armitage had got into the canoe, when he was shot, falling into the water through the canoe's overturning. The hostile Natives dragged his body out of the water, took a portion of the clothes from off it, together with his watch and chain and ring. The bodies of the two other men did not rise to the surface of the water, and have not been heard of since. The Natives who witnessed this then ran into the bush, but came out to meet those Natives who were detained in their canoes, and who had by this time arrived. The enemy having re-taken to the bush, the Friendly Natives fired in the direction they were supposed to have gone; but there does not seem to have been any loss on either side with regard to them. They report that all the stores, consisting of maize, tarpaulings, &c, have been burnt or otherwise destroyed. The number of hostile Maoris they believe to ha _ been about two hundred. I should have mentioned that the enemy returned the fire of the Friendly Natives, who continued to fire till they had exhausted all their ammunition, when they retired upon Taupari, which place they reached at about 8 o'clock the same night The four Natives who reached Te Wheoro's pa on Monday did not land at Cameron, but higher up, and were not engaged in the affair. I have, &C, H. Burton, Lieutenant 40th Regiment, The Deputy Quartermaster-General, Head Quarters. Commanding Bluff Stockade.

Hawira and Eru.

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No. 22. B. O. STEWAET TO THE HONORABLE THE COLONIAL SECBETAEY. Resident Magistrate's Office, (Taupari, near Kohanga), Lower Waikato, 7th Sept., 1863. 12 o'clock noon. Sir,— I have the honor to forward to you the following melancholy intelligence, which has been related to Archdeacon Maunsell and myself by Maoris of the Ngatiwhauroa tribe, just arrived from the Government store at laroa (Camerontown). These Maoris and two Europeans, William Strand, carpenter, and ■ Heughan, blacksmith, were on guard and in charge of the stores, which I have been informed consisted wholly of horse forage to the amount of forty tons, part of the cargo of the " City of Melbourne," now lying within the Waikato Heads. Mr. Armitage, the Resident Magistrate on this station, had just arrived there this morning early, in a canoe from Te la, on his way hither. The Maoris in charge were engaged in loading canoes with the above mentioned stores, in order to convey them up the river, when suddenly an attack was made upon them by about one hundred hostile Maoris, chiefly of the Ngatimaniapoto tribe, they say. The result of this attack was that Mr. Armitage, Strand, Heughan, a half-caste named Wade, and a Ngatiwhauroa have been killed. They were shot in the canoes. The Ngatiwhauroa, who numbered only about twenty, soon retreated, and arrived here by canoe on the left bank of the Waikato. Besides the above five killed, one of the friendly Maoris is missing. Four large canoes and the dead bodies have, in addition to the stores, been left in the hands of the rebels. I send this letter express to Waiuku, Waata Kukutai having supplied that service. I shall concert with Archdeacon Maunsell and Waata Kukutai as to the recovery of the bodies, if an effort can prudently be made. I have, &c, R. O. Stewart, Clerk to the Resident Magistracy. The Honorable the Colonial Secretary, Auckland.

No. 2.3. LIEUTENANT-GENEEAL CAMEEON, C.8., TO GOVEBNOB SIB GEOEGE GEEY, K.CB. Held Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, 4th September, 1863. Sir, — I have the honor to forward, for your Excellency's information, the copy of a Report from Ensign Dawson, 2nd Battalion Royal Irish, of an attack made upon the Patrol under his command near the village of Pokeno, on the morning of the 2nd instant; with oue from Captain the Honble. F. Lc Poer Trench, 40th Regiment, whom, on hearing the firing, I ordered to proceed in support with the Inlying Picquet from the Queen's Redoubt The gallantry of Ensign Dawson and his Patrol in charging the enemy without hesitation, when fired upon suddenly from the bush, their steadiness when they found themselves nearly surrounded by superior numbers, and the manner in which Captain Trench brought up his support and assisted in putting the enemy to flight, reflect great credit upon those two officers and the detachment under their command, which consisted of parties of the 2nd Battalion 18th, 40th, and 65th Regiments. I have, &,c, ID. A. Cameron, / Lieut.-General. His Excellency Sir George Grey, K.C.B.

Enclosures to No. 23. ENSIGN DAWSON TO THE ASSISTANT MILITARY SECBETAEY. Queen's Redoubt, September 4th, 1863 Sir, — I have the honor to report, for the information of the Lieutenant-General Commanding, that on the morning of the 2nd September, I was subaltern in charge of the Pokeno picquet, consisting of two sergeants and sixty rank and file, leaving Queen's Redoubt at about 7 o'clock a.m.

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When within about half-a-mile of the village I was attacked in my rear by a body of Maoris. I ordered my men to face about and charge them. We drove them down a gully towards the swamp into the bush on the right of Pokeno village, I followed them for about half-a-mile along the track towards Paparoa. Hearing yells in the direction of the village, I returned along the track to the open ground where I was first fired on. On arriving there I was received with a volley from the enemy, who were extended across the whole of the clearing then between me and the village, and also from the bush on the right. I cannot too highly praise the steady conduct of the men at this moment, the enemy appearing in great force. I ordered the men to remain in skirmishing order, and to keep up a steady fire, taking advantage of any cover the ground afforded. From the commotion I occasionally perceived, I conclude that our fire was effectual, and that the Maoris were removing their wounded. I remained in the position I had taken up until reinforced by Captain the Honorable F. Le P. Trench, 40th Regiment, who then assumed the command, and by his order I advanced with the skirmishers. I have, <_~ Charlton Dawson, Ensign 2nd Battalion, 18th Royal Irish. The Assistant Military Secretary, Head Quarters.

CAPTAIN TRENCH TO THE ASSISTANT MILITARY SECBETAEY. Queen's Redoubt, 4th September, 1863. Sir — I have the honor to report for the information of the Lieutenant-General Commanding, that at about half-past 7 o'clock, on the morning of the 2nd, I was ordered to march the inlying picquet to the support of the patrol at Pokeno village ; when within about half-a-mile from the village I found the patrol under the command of Ensign Dawson, 2nd Battalion, 18th Regiment, engaged with a body of Maories who, at that time, occupied the bush on the right of the village and the clearing on the side of it, which is covered with fallen timber. I immediately reinforced the skirmishers who advanced, driving the Maories from the clearing and out of the village into the bush. After scouring the bush on the right of the village, the enemy having made their retreat in that direction, and deeming that further pursuit was useless, I returned to the Queen's Redoubt; in the meantime the force under my command had been augmented by the arrival of the escort under the command of Captain Noblett, 2nd Battalion, 18th. lam happy to be able to state that there were no casualties on our side, and that both officers and men behaved with the greatest steadiness. lam unable to compute the loss on the part of the Maories. Two flint guns and some ammunition fell into our hands. I beg to bring to the notice of the Lieutenant-General Commanding, the services of Ensign Spiller, 65th Regiment, Ensign Gomez, 40th Regiment, Lieutenant Croft, 2nd Battalion, 18th Regiment, who accompanied the inlying picquet, and more especially the conduct of Ensign Dawson, 2nd Battalion, 18th, who had to contend against a force of Maories far superior in numbers to the patrol under his command. I have, <fee, F. L. P. Trench, Captain 40th Regiment. The Assistant Military Secretary, Head Quarters.

No. 24. LIEUTENANT-GENERAL CAMEEON, C.8., TO GOVEENOE SIE GEOEGE GEEY, K.CB. Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, September 11th, 1863. Sir,— With reference to my letter of the 9th instant, relative to the engagement which took place in the bush near Cameron, between a party of the 65th Regiment under the command of Captain Swift, and a body of rebel natives, on the 7th instant, I have now the honour to forward the Report of Color Sergeant McKenna, which has been transmitted to me by Colonel Wyatt, commanding 65th Regiment, a copy of whose letter I enclose. This interesting Report fully bears out the opinion I expressed in the letter alluded to above, of the conduct of the officers and men of this detachment. It is difficult to conceive a more trying position than that in which this detachment was placed, when, deprived of both its officers, it found itself in the midst of a dense bush, surrounded on all sides by a savage enemy, and too distant from the nearest post to entertain any hope of support. The courage, intelligence, and self-reliance for which the soldiers of the 65th Regiment are so distinguished, were never more conspicuously displayed than on this critical occasion. Fortunately,

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in Color Sergeant McKenna, the detachment found a commander whose coolness, intrepidity, and judgment, justified the confidence placed in him by the soldiers brought so suddenly under his command. I need scarcely assure your Excellency that it will give me great pleasure to report the meritorious conduct of this detachment to his Royal Highness the Field Marshal commanding in Chief, and to the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for War, and to recommend to special notice the names of Lieutenant Butler, Color Sergeant McKenna, and the other non-commissioned officers and soldiers so honourably mentioned by Colonel Wyatt. I have, <_~ D. A. Cameron, His Excellency Sir George Grey, K.CB. Lieutenant-General.

Enclosures to No. 24. COLONEL WYATT TO THE ASSISTANT MILITARY SECBETAEY. Camp, Queen's Redoubt, September 11th, 1863. Sir — In accordance with the wishes of the Lieutenant-General, I have called upon Color Sergeant E. McKenna to furnish me with a report of the action at Cameron on the 7th instant. From the corroborative statements made to me by Lieutenant Warren, who had ample opportunities of acquiring full information of the various events and places, while in command of the detachment, 65th Regt., that proceeded from the Alexandra Redoubt in search of the missing, on the Bth, (under Colonel Murray), and subsequently on the 9th, I am perfectly satisfied with the truthfulness of the appended letter. As acts of daring and gallantry are sure to be appeciated, I trust the Lieutenant-General will be pleased to bring this instance to the notice of His Royal Highness the Field Marshal commanding in Chief, for some special mark of approval on the part of Her Majesty, for his gallant conduct, after both his officers had been shot, in charging through the position of an enemy heavily outnumbering him, and drawing off his small force through a broken and rugged country, with the loss of but one man killed and another missing. As soon as I can obtain the necessary documents from the officer commanding at Tuakau, I will not fail to bring to the notice of the Lieutenant-General the gallant conduct of Lance Corporal Ryan and Privates William Bulford and John Talbot, who removed the body of their Captain from the field of action, and remained with it all night in the bush, surrounded by the enemy, and also that of Privates Benjamin Thomas and John Cole, who after remaining all night in the fern with Lieutenant Butler, who was badly wounded, in the morning carried him several miles towards the 65th Camp, until met by the reinforcement under Colonel Murray proceeding to their assistance. I would also beg to bring to the notice of the Lieutenant-General the conduct of Drummer Henry Welsh, who, when Private Grace was killed, picked up his rifle and emptied his pouch of any ammunition and copper caps, under a galling fire, and thus prevented the enemy from obtaining that trophy, and I trust that the cool and determined bravery of the small parties under the command of Color Sergeant McKenna and Sergeant Meara will be favourably considered and honorably mentioned. Only one rifle was captured by the enemy, that of Private Bellringer, who was killed when with the advance Guard, which was then fearfully outnumbered and hardly pressed by the enemy, and slowly retiring in skirmishing order. I sincerely trust and hope the Lieutenant-General will make a favorable mention to His Royal Highness of Lieutenant Butler, who in the late, and already in the present war, has proved himself a most promising officer, and unsurpassed for coolness and conduct under trying circumstances. From my knowledge of the late Captain Swift, I may safely say that I considered him one of the best Officers I ever had the honor of commanding, and one who held a high position in the estimation of every individual in the 65th Regiment I have, &c, Alfred F. W. Wyatt, Colonel and Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding 65th Regiment. The Assistant Military Secretary.

COLOE SERGEANT MCKENNA TO THE ASSISTANT MILITARY SECBETABY.' Alexandra Redoubt, Tuakau, Bth September, 1863. Sir, — I beg to state for the information of the Lieutenant-General Commanding, that at 1 o'clock p.m., on the 7th September, 1863, I proceeded under command of Captain Swift, with the force as per margin,* to attack a party of Natives who had set fire to the friendly Native pa, erected on the Township of Cameron, for the purpose of trying to rescue Mr. Armitage and a party of friendly Natives who were known to have been down there, also a quantity of Commissariat supplies, brought up from Waiuku. * 65th Regiment.—l Lieutenant, 3 Sergeants, 1 Drummer, 50 Rank and File.

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Proceeding in skirmishing order, we arrived at about half-past 2 o'clock p.m., at the skirt of the bush leading to the ranges on which the pa was situated, and after an half-hour's struggle through the bush, we came to a clearing. Halting, the Captain ordered our half ration of rum to be distributed, sending on the advance guard immediately after. When on having proceeded a few hundred yards, it became apparent that the advance guard had lost, or struck off the track, but that we had gained it. I then proposed to Captain Swift to advance and act as scout to the party, to which he immediately assented, cautioning me not to proceed more than thirty yards in front of the main body. After advancing in this order for about three-quarters of'a mile, I observed tracks of Natives, and in large numbers ; this I pointed out to the Captain, and a little farther on, I heard the Natives iv loud debate, on which (expectiug that they were returning on the track that we were pursuing), I again informed Captain Swift, who ordered the men to lie down in the bush, at the same time ordering them not to fire until he gave the word of command ; however, on finding that the Natives were not advancing, I crept up to within twelve yards of them, when, from their conversation, I judged they were under the influence of liquor. Captain Swift immediately called to advance, ordering the men to " fix bayonets and charge," we advanced to within six yards of them when they opened a most terrific fire ; Captain Swift and Lieutenant Butler were at this time leading on the men, and after receiving the enemy's fire, the men gave a cheer aud returned it iv grand style;, Lieutenant Butler shooting down a Native on his right, turned his revolver to the left—as quick as thought, I saw him come on his knee, at the same time discharging the remainder of the barrels of his revolver, bringing another Native down at the same time that he fell himself. Seeing that ho was wounded, I ordered Corporal Ryan and one of the men to take him to the rear, when he ordered me to lead the men to the front; on turning to my left I found Captain Swift mortally wounded : and after speaking a few words to him, he desired me to take his revolver and lead on the men, as at that time I was loading. With one loud huzza, we charged, burning to avenge our officers. I now found myself in an open clearing of a few yards, the rebels flying to cover on our front and left, where they opened fire on my small party, who at this time numbered 2 sergeants, 1 bugler, and 35 men. Seeing that we were greatly outnumbered, I determined to hold on our position, if possible, until dark, trusting that the men in charge of Captain Swift and Lieutenant Butler had retired well to the rear, and been joined by our lost advance guard ; if so, I knew they would be able to make well towards the Redoubt before darkness set in, when probably I should be able to join them ; but I found at about a quarter to six o'clock that the enemy had got round to our rear, thereby cutting off our retreat by the way we came. I immediately ordered a charge, but was met by a volley that killed one and wounded three men. On trying again, I found it hopeless to attempt it; I therefore determined to retreat down the hill which was covered with fern, and sending on our wounded, I threw out a line of skirmishers, ordering the front rank to " fire and retire." In this order we retired down the hill in a steady and orderly manner, the Natives coming out of the bush and raining down a complete shower of bullets on us, when, although we were not above 100 or 150 yards from them, not a man was hit. At this time it was near dark, but we managed to scramble through the bush until at last we lost the track, when I ordered the men around me, and told them I should stay there until morning, ordering not a word to be spoken or a pipe to be lighted. I now found that four of the men were missing, and knowing that it would be completely useless to attempt, at that time, to find them, I determined to wait until morning, hoping in the meantime to hear them about in the bush. At 4 J o'clock a.m., on the morning of the Bth, we commenced to try and gain a track out of the bush, and at about eight o'clock a.m. we succeeded, and were met about half way from the Redoubt by Colonel Murray and his party, and then learned that our esteemed Captain was dead. After detailing a man to return as guide to Colonel Murray, I continued my march to the camp, which we reached at about eleven o'clock a.m., completely exhausted. I am sorry to report our casualties (as per margin)f were very great, but taking into consideration the number to which we were opposed, being near seven to one, we have every reason to be thankful that it was not greater. I hope it may not appear presumptuous on my part to bear testimony to the cool and gallant manner displayed by the late Captain Swift and Lieutenant Butler in this desperate affair; the Captain issuing his command as if on parade, and even when wounded, refusing to take one man from the force to take him to the rear, until he was told that I would not be able to keep my position much longer ; and Lieutenant Butler, even when brought on his knee, in the coolest manner possible, deliberately fired the shots from his revolver into a crowd of Maoris. I need scarcely add that the men behaved most gallantly; in fact, it would be impossible to recapitulate the many acts of individual courage, when each man emulated the other in acts of heroic bravery. I however beg to bring to your favorable consideration the valuable assistance I received from Sergeant Bracegirdle, who supported me throughout in a most intrepid manner ; as also Lance Corporal Ryan, Privates William Bulford, John Talbott, John Cole, and Benjamin Thomas, for the devotion they manifested to their officers, by staying with them until 7.30 p.m. on the night of the 7th instant. Captain Swift died at that time, after which they hid his body in the bush and waited until morning, and then carrying Lieutenant Butler in their arms, they returned, meeting Colonel Murray and force. Corporal Ryan returned with Colonel Murray, and jiointed out the spot in which Captain Swift's body was hid. I also beg to enclose the report of Sergeant Meara, in charge of our advance guard ; also a plan of the scene of action. t 65th Regiment.—Killed : Captain Swift, Private Bellringer (Richard), Private Grace (Stephen). Wouuded : Lieutenant Butler, Private Powell, Private McLaue, Private Whittle. Missing: Private Bryan.

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I should estimate the loss of the enemy to be between twenty and thirty in killed and wounded seven of whom I myself distinctly saw shot dead and dragged into the bush by the rebels. I have, &c, E. McKenna, Color Sergeant, 65th Regiment. W. Hutchins, Lieutenant-Colonel, Assistant Military Secretary.

No. 25. LIEUTENANT-GENERAL CAMERON, C.8., TO GOVEBNOB SIB GEORGE GBEY, K.CB. Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, 12th September, 1863. Sir — I have the honor to forward for your Excellency's information, the copy of a report from Captain Greaves, Acting Deputy Assistant Quarter-master General, who acted as guide to the party under the command of Major Blyth, 40th Regiment, which proceeded from tho Queen's Redoubt to Tuakau on the 9th instant, and who subsequently accompanied the party under Lieutenant Warren, 65th Regiment, from that Post to Camerontown, in search of men dead and missing, after the engagement on the 7th instant. Captain Greaves' sketch, which I also enclose, shows the track taken by Captain Swift's party from Tuakau to Cameron, and the scene of the skirmish of the 7th September, 1863. I have, <fee, D. A. Cameron, Lieutenant-General. Governor Sir George Grey, K.CB. Enclosure to No. 25. captain g. c. gbeaves to the deputy quabteb-mastee general, queen's EEDOUBT. Queen's Redoubt, 10th September, 1863. Sir — I have the honor to report for the information of the Lieutenant-General Commanding, that I guided a party of the 40th Regiment, under Major Blyth, through the bush to Tuakau yesterday. We reached the Redoubt at about 12 p.m., and I immediately accompanied a party of one hundred men of the 65th Regiment, under Lieutenant Warren, to Cameron, on the Waikato—■ the scene of the late Maori attack upon the friendly natives' pa—to search for three soldiers of the 65th Regiment (one of them known to be dead), who had been left in the bush in that vicinity, on the occasion of the fight between Captain Swift's party and the Maoris, on Monday last. We proceeded through the bush, on the track likely to be taken by the missing men, to Cameron, where we arrived at 3.30 p.m. On the spot where the fight took place we found the body of Private Grace, 65th Regiment He had a gun-shot wound in the face, and cut from a tomahawk in the chin. The body had been covered over with fern by the party when they left it, and so we found it. We went down to the pa, which is a miserable affair, and totally incapable of being defended, being completely commanded by a hill close to it, and constructed simply of stakes driven into the ground, about two or three inches apart, and tied with supple-jack at the top. The house and whares inside the pa had been completely gutted, and all kinds of property were scattered over the place. I went with a few men down to the bank of the river, about 100 yards below the pa. The ground was strewn with bran and ( corn, the former partially burnt. We found a canoe at the landing place, which I ordered the men not to destroy—fortunately, as it turned out afterwards, for it proved the means of saving one of the wounded men, who was close to us in the bush while we were there, and who came up to Tuakau at night in the canoe. We returned to the scene of the fight, of which I enclose a sketch ; fires were still smouldering and a quantity of potatoes were on tho ground, showing that the enemy had been there very lately We then proceeded to examine the country in the direction in which the missing men were last seen to go, but found no traces of them. The bush and fern were so dense, that we gave up the search as hopeless, and determined to return. We left the ground at 6 o'clock, just as it was getting dark, and, carrying the body with us, we returned to Tuakau, reaching the Redoubt at midnight, the distance being between eight and nine miles. On arrival we found that one of the missing men had come up the river in a canoe. From the number of fires, sleeping places, and the extent of ground covered by the Maoris, I am satisfied that there cannot have been less than 200 when they were attacked by poor Captain Swift's party, and it is wonderful, considering the nature of the ground, how in the face of such a superior force this party, only 28 in number, at the end, succeeded in keeping the enemy in check

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until their two wounded officers had been safely conveyed to the rear, and how they, within ten yards of the enemy, who were firing at them from the bush, covered up with fern the body of one of their number who was killed, and then retreated in good order, carrying some wounded men with them. Too much cannot be said in praise of the non-commissioned Officer in charge and of the men themselves for their gallant conduct on this trying occasion. Captain Swift, when he left his post, must have been convinced that the enemy were in force or they would not have dared to attack wdiat was considered a fortified post, still, notwithstanding the difficulties of the road, and the small number of his party, he pushed on to the assistance of the friendly Natives, and lost his life wdiile leading his men in a most gallant manner against a force j vastly superior in number to his own, and posted in a strong position. I beg to bring to the notice of the Lieut.-General Commanding the very excellent manner in which the expedition in search of the missing men was conducted by Lieutenant Warren and the Officers and men under his command. I have, <fee, G. R. Greaves, Captain, Acting Deputy Asssistant QuarterMaster General. The Deputy Quarter-Master General, Queen's Redoubt.

No. 26. LIEUTENANT-GENERAL CAMEEON, C.8., TO GOVEENOE SIE GEOEGE GEEY, K.CB. Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, 15th September, 1863. Sir, — I have the honor to forward for your Excellency's information, copies of reports from the Officers named in the margin,* relative to the attack by the Natives on the Pukekohe Stockade. The conduct of all the detachments who went to the relief of that post was most praiseworthy, particularly that of Captain Inman, 2nd Battalion 18th Regiment, and the Officers and men under his command, for the gallant manner in which they charged the enemy, driving him back into the bush, with severe loss, from the position he had taken up near the Stockade. The enclosed return, I regret to say, shews several casualties, among whom is Captain Saltmarshe, 70th Regiment, who was severely wounded when leading on his men to the attack. I have, ifec, D. A. Cameron, Lieut.-General. His Excellency Sir George Grey, K.CB.

Enclosures to No. 26. LIEUT.-COLONEL A. A. CHAPMAN TO THE DEPUTY QUAETEB-MASTEE GENEBAL. Camp, Drury, 14th September, 1863. Sir, — I have the honor to forward the reports of Major Ryan, 70th Regiment, and Captain Inman, 2nd Battalion 18th Regiment, respectively commanding the two reinforcements alluded to in my letter of this clay's date, ordered by me to proceed to the relief of Captain Moir, commanding detachment Pitt's . olunteer Militia, as per margin, f which marched this morning for service at Pukekohe, and from whom I received a report at about 11 a.m., of the two carts with seven days' provisions, for two officers and twenty-five men, having broken down near the Stockade. Captain Inman returned at 6.40 p.m., having left Ensign Phillips and twenty men in the Stockade, at the earnest request of Captain Moir. Major Ryan states that he would have brought this detachment back to this Camp in conformity with my orders to that effect, but for the request of Captain Moir that the men should be permitted to remain there to-night. I beg to forward the report of Lieutenant Rait, R.A., who returned to Camp soon after dusk, having brought in the settlers and their wives and families from Burtt's farm, according to my instructions, also the boy of fourteen years of age, reported to have been killed, but who is severely wounded and is now in the hospital here under medical treatment. As from what I can hear there appears to be a very limited supply of ammunition at Pukekohe, as well as of provisions, I have the honor to request I may receive instructions whether the detachment of twenty men under Ensign Phillips is to remain at Pukekohe, or whether I shall despatch a force to-morrow to march in with them. * Lieutenant-Colonel Chapman, 2nd Battalion 18th Regiment, 14th September, 1863 ; .\laj«r Ryan, 70th Regiment, 14th September 1863 ; Captain Inman, 2nd Battalion 18th Regiment, 14th September, 1863 ; Lieutenant Rait, Royal Artillery, 14th September, 1863. t 1 Captain, 1 Sergeant, and 25 Rank and File. 1 Sergeant and 12 Rank and File to return to this camp in charge of the C.T.O. carts but subsequently remained at Pukekohe. Total force of Militia in stockade: I Captain, 2 Sergeants, and 37 Rank and File.

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From Major Ryan's description of the last two miles to this settlement, it would appear necessary that a larger force of Militia should be sent there, in order to ensure the safety of provisions and ammunition being conveyed thither, and the roads are very heavy and difficult for draft. I have, &c, A. A. Chapman, Lieut.-Col. Commanding 2nd Batt., 18th Royal Irish, and Troops at Drury. The Deput} r Quarter-Master General, Queen's Redoubt. P.S.—A list of killed and wounded is annexed to Captain Inman's report. Major Ryan did not return till just 10 o'clock, p.m. Your letter just received as the orderlies with this were starting. 12.40 a.m., September 15, 1863. MAJOR EYAN TO LIEUTENANT-COLONEL CHAPMAN. Camp, Drury, 14th September, 1863, 10 o'clock, p.m. Sir, — I have the honor to report that in compliance with your instructions, I proceeded this day at 3| p.m. with a force, strength as per margin,* to the assistance of the party at Pukekohe under Captain Inman, 2nd Battalion, 18th Regiment. On arriving at the entrance to the bush, about five miles from Drury, I met Captain Inman's force returning with three carts and two dead men : but as he had left the wounded at the Pukekohe Stockade, I proceeded at once with the ambulance and stretchers that accompanied my party, and taking back with me the men of the 70th, who were with Captain Inman, he continued his march to Drury. On arriving at the Pukekohe, Doctor Peake, 2nd Battalion, 18th Regiment, attended immediately to the wounded, and as it was nearly 6 p.m. and the road was extremely bad and difficult for two miles through the bush, Doctor Peake thought it better to remove them at once. We accordingly started without delay, all the wounded being placed in the ambulance, and a dead man of the 65th Regiment was carried on a stretcher. At the earnest request of Captain Moir, Pitt's Volunteer's, commanding now at Pukekohe, I consented to leave at the stockade the party under Ensign Phillips, 2nd Battalion, 18th Regiment, which Captain Inman had previously ordered to remain there, as a reinforcement. Captain Moir informed me that he considered he could scarcely hold the place, if attacked again in force, unless these men were allowed to remain. The force left under Ensign Phillips were 1 sergeant, 2 corporals and 25 privates, 2nd Batt., 18th Regiment. Captain Moir's force at the stockade, consists now of strength as per margin, but he informed me that the settlers have no ammunition and that he has only about forty rounds of spare for his men. If it be considered necessary to hold the Pukekohe position, I think it will be found a very troublesome one, both on account of its situation, and of the bad state of the road which runs through bush for the last two miles. The dead and wounded brought in by me, are as per margin.t I have, &c, G. A. Ryan, Major 70th Regiment. Lieutenant-Colonel Chapman, Commanding, Drury. P.S.— The Natives were still in the neighbourhood of the Stockade, as they could be seen just before dusk carrying away their wounded to a house on an opposite hill. They left six dead on the ground. Captain Moir seemed to think that the Natives were two or three hundred in number.

CAPTAIN INMAN TO LIEUTENANT-COLONEL CHAPMAN. Camp, Drurv, 14th September, 1863. Sir, — In accordance with instioictions received from you this day, I proceeded to Pukekohe with the detail as per margin, || to assist and relieve Captain Moir, Volunteer Militia. On arriving at about 1 p.m. within about a quarter of a mile of Pukekohe Stockade, I found Captain Moir embarrassed with carts, which were fixed in the mud. Having rendered him assistance, and hearing firing in my front, and being informed that the Stockade was attacked, I hastened thither, leaving instructions with Captain Moir to follow us as soon as possible. On arriving within about one hundred yards of the Stockade, I found that the enemy were in position on two sides of it, at about forty yards distance ; I also found that, in addition to the usual garrison, a detachment of the 70th Regiment, consisting of Lieutenant Grierson and twenty-five men, had arrived from Shepherd's Bush in the early part of the day. Throwing the men into skirmishing order, I advanced in the direction of the enemy, who were strongly posted on an incline in cleared bush under the Stockade, * 2nd Batt., 18th Regiment: 1 Captain. 1 Subaltern, 1 Sergeant, 30 Rank and File. 70th Regiment: 1 Field Officer, 1 Subaltern. 1 Sergeant, 20 Rank and File. 1 Rank and File Royal Artillery. 65th Regiment: 1 Sergeant, 12 Rank and File ; but these last did not all accompany me, seven of them having returned to camp. t 65th Regiment: 1 Private, dead. 70th Reeiment: 2 Privates, dead ; 1 Captain 3 Privates, wonnded. H Royal Artillery : 7 Rank and File. 18th Royal Irish : 1 Sergeant, 20 Rank and File. 65th Resiment: 1 Subaltern. 20 Rank and File. 70th Regiment: 1 Captain, 1 Sergeant, 20 Rank aud File.—Total: 1 Captain, 1 Subaltern, 2 Sergeants, 67 Hank and File.

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and, after exchanging fire, I advanced, driving them from their position ; 1 did not consider it advisable to pursue them into the bush, from which they kept up a dropping fire. The engagement lasted about an hour, and the enemy, leaving their killed and wounded on the field, finally withdrew, firing and shouting. Captain Moir having safely housed the ammunition and stores under his charge, joined the force towards the end of the affair; a reinforcement under Lieutenant Rait, Royal Artillery, consisting of two officers and thirty men, arrived from Drury after the engagement. I have the- honor to annex a list of casualties. There being no means for the conveyance of the wounded, I left them in the Stockade, and added to it a garrison of one officer and thirty men, having previously sent to Drury for ambulances and medical aid. After this, I marched back to Drury at about 5 p.m. I cannot correctly state the loss sustained by the enemy, not having time to search for their killed and wounded. I do not doubt, however, but that they suffered severely, as 1 saw the bodies of several lying on the ground previous to my leaving. I have the honor to bring to the notice of the Lieutenant-General Commanding the gallant conduct of the troops under my command, and particularly that of Captain Saltmarshe, 70th Regiment, who was severely wounded while leading on his men, also that of Lieutenant Grierson, 70th Regiment, and Lieutenant Tabuteau, 65th Regiment. My thanks are due to Captain Moir and Ensign Hay of the Volunteer Militia for their assistance on this occasion. I have, &c, J. Inman, Captain, 18th Royal Irish. Lieut.-Col. Chapman, 18th Royal Irish, Commanding Troops, Camp, Drury. List of killed and wounded at Pukekohe on 14th September, 1863 :— Killed.—Private Burdett, 70th Regiment ; Private Bailey, 70th Regiment. Wounded.—Captain Saltmarshe, 70th Regiment, severely, through neck; Private John Ely, 70th Regiment, severely; Private Thomas Dannehy, 70th Regiment, severely, through thigh ; Private William Paterson, 70th Regiment, severely, face ;.one private 65th Regiment, dangerously (since dead). J. Inman, Captain, 18th Royal Irish. Camp, Drury, 14th September, 1863.

LIEUTENANT AETHUE BAIT, 8.A., TO COLONEL CHAPMAN. Camp, Drury, 14th September, 1863. Sir, —■ I have the honor to report that, in accordance with your instructions, I proceeded this morning with the force as per margin* to Burt's Farm, on the Pukekohe block, distant about four miles from Camp. On my arrival I found that the farm had been previously attacked by about a dozen Natives, who had wounded a boy belonging to the farm ; however, by the time I reached there all was quiet, with the exception of some heavy firing which was distinctly heard in the direction of the Stockade. After examining the premises, and searching for two men who were supposed to be missing, but were afterwards discovered to have gone into Drury, finding all quiet about the farm, and the firing in the vicinity of the Stockade continuing to increase, I left a guard of fifteen men at the farm, and after seeing the videttes and sentries properly posted, proceeded through the bush along a Native track, under the guidance of a very intelligent settler residing in that district. We advance for about two miles in the direction of the firing, and the track brought us out on the west side of the clearing on which the Stockade is situated. Soon after our arrival the enemy retired, and the reinforcements from Drury, under the command of Captain Inman, 2nd Battalion 18th Regiment, were consequently withdrawn. At the request of Captain Moir, V.M., Ensign Phillips, 18th Regiment, and the detachment under his command, were left to reinforce the garrison at the Stockade, by order of Captain Inman, who detailed an equal force of the 65th and 18th Regiments to replace those who returned with me. I then returned to Burt's Farm, and brought in the wounded boy and the people living there. We arrived in camp shortly after dark. I have, &c, Arthur Rait, Lieutenant, Mounted Corps, R.A. To Colonel Chapman, Commanding Camp, Drury. P.S.—I have to add that a deserter from the 70th Regiment was discovered at Burt's Farm, and brought in by Escort. * Royal Artillery Mounted Corps : 1 Subaltern, 1 Staff, and 10 Rank and File. Royal Artillery: £0 Rank and File. 18th Regiment : 1 Subaltern, 1 Sergeant, and 10 Rank and File. 70th Regiment: 1 Sergeant, and 10 liank and File.—Total: 2 Subalterns, 1 Staff, 2 Sergeants, and 50 Rank and File.

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No. 26. LIEUTENANT-GENERAL CAMEEON, C.8., TO GOVEENOE SIE GEOEGE GEEY, K.CB. Head-Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, 15th September, 1863. Sir, — I have the honor to enclose for your Excellency's information the copy of a report from Captain Ord, 65th Regiment, of an attack by the Natives on the Redoubt at Tuakau, on the 12th instant. I have, <fee, D. A. Cameron, Lieutenant-General. His Excellency Sir George Grey, K.CB.

Enclosure to No. 26. CAPTAIN OBD TO THE DEPUTY ADJUTANT-GENEEAL. Alexandra Redoubt, Tuakau, 12th September, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to report, for the information of the Lieutenant-General Commanding, that the out-sentries were fired upon this morning, at 8 o'clock a.m., by some Natives, who retired into the bush, and immediately a heavy fire was opened from a large body of Natives, keeping it up for half an hour without effect. I returned their fire but cannot say with what results. The Maoris are still in the vicinity, and evidently their object is to lure me into an ambuscade. 11 o'clock am.—The Natives have just made another attack within 150 yards, but have done no injury. Monday, 14th.—All quiet. No signs of the Natives. 1 have, &c, A. R. Ord, Captain 65th Regiment, Commanding Detachment. The Deputy Adjutant-General, Head-Quarters, Queen's Redoubt.

No. 27. LIEUTENANT-GENEBAL CAMEEON, C.8., TO GOVEBNOB SIE GEOEGE GEEY, K.C.B. Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, September 16th, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to forward for your Excellency's information the accompanying report from Lieutenant Grierson, 70th Regiment, who was the first to arrive with the party under his command to the relief of the Stockade at Pukekohe, when attacked by hostile Natives on the 14th instant The conduct of this Officer and his Detachment deserves great praise. I have, &c, D.A. Cameron, Lieutenant-General, His Excellency Sir George Grey, K.C.B. Enclosure to No. 27. LIEUTENANT GEIEESON TO THE OFFICEE COMMANDING SHEPHEED's BUSH. Camp, Shepherd's Bush, 14th September, 1863. Sib,— I have the honor to report for the information of the Lieutenant-General Commanding, that having heard firing in the direction of Pukekohe this morning at about half-past 10 o'clock a.m. I paraded a party strength as per margin,* with the intention of proceeding towards that place. irt__ • 1 Subaltern, Sergeants, 3 Corporals, 1 drummer, 24 privates.—Total 32.

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In the meantime two mounted settlers came in and informed me that a cart laden with ammunition and other stores, escorted by a party of twenty-five men of the Volunteer Militia, under the command of Captain Moir of that corps, had broken down on the road to Pukekohe, stating at the same time that the Natives had made an attack on that post. I therefore determined upon proceeding to reinforce Captain Moir, whom I overtook about Hamilton's house, but on his stating that he required no assistance from the party under my command, and hearing continuous fire evidently in the direction of Pukekohe, I pushed on rapidly to the relief of that place. On our arrival, the Maoris, who seemed quite surprised by our appearance, fled into the bush, but having quickly rallied and extended so as to take us both in flank and in rear, I ordered the party to move into the Stockade, from whence a fire was kept up for nearly two hours aud a half, when a force arrived from Drury, under the command of Captain Inman, 2nd Battalion 18th Regiment. Up to this time there was only one casualty on our side, viz., one private, 70th Regiment, wounded. The loss of the enemy was unknown ; several were seen to fall, but were immediately carried off. I have, &c, J. F. A. Grierson, Lieutenant, 70th Regiment. The Officer Commanding, Shepherd's Bush.

No. 28. LIEUTENANT-GENERAL CAMEEON, C.8., TO GOVEENOB SIE GEOEGE OBEY, K.C.B. Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, 18th September, 1863. Sir, — I have the honor to forward for your Excellency's information the enclosed reports from Major Lyon, commanding the Galloway Redoubt. Your Excellency will feel equal pleasure with myself in learning that the Militia and Volunteers, as well as the small detachment of the 18th Royal Irish, under the command of Major Lyon, behaved with so much steadiness and gallantry. I have, &c, D. A. Cameron, Lieutenant-General. Governor Sir George Grey, K.C.B.

Enclosures to No. 28. MAJOR LYON TO MAJOR DE CjUINCEY, MILITARY SECBETABY, COLONIAL FOBCES. Galloway Redoubt, Wairoa, 15th September, 1863. Sir— I have the honor to report for the information of the Major-General Commanding Colonial Forces, that about 10 o'clock this morning Maoris opened fire at the Stockade from the bush in the rear of Mr. Nicholl's house, having first shot at a son of his, nine years of age. The bullet passed through his cap without injuring him. Fire was returned from the Stockade and from our Redoubt. I advanced with twenty-five men to the assistance of the settlers on two different occasions, viz., at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., after which all was quiet. The men of the 18th Royal Irish, Militia Volunteers, Auckland Rifle Volunteers, and Wairoa Rifles behaved most steadily. It was impossible to ascertain the number of Maoris in the vicinity, as they did not come into the open. Ensign Johnson, Wairoa Rifles, was slightly wounded in the arm. During my absence I left Captain Clark, A.R.V., in command of the Redoubt, an Officer in whom I place every confidence. I have, <_~ W. C Lyon, Major Commanding, Galloway Redoubt, Wairoa. Major De Quincey, Military Secretary, Colonial Forces.

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MAJOB W. C LYON TO THE MILITARY SECRETARY, COLONIAL FORCES. Galloway Redoubt, Wairoa, 17th September, 1863. Sir, — I have the honor to report for the information of the Major-General Commanding Colonial Forces, that firing was heard in the bush on the other side of the river, at different intervals in the course of the day. About 4 p.m. a settler came to the Redoubt stating that two men were exchanging shots with some Natives in the act of pillaging a house. Lieutenant Steele, Wairoa Rifles, started immediately with 20 men, and I followed with 30 ; on arriving at the place two bundles were found. I followed the track, passed through a chain and a half of bush, and came out on rising ground; I could see the Maoris in a line, with loads on their backs. The men under my command were in skirmishing order, and fired into them. I then gave chase ; many of them dropped their loads, making for Otau. Two Maoris were killed. I did not deem it advisable to advance further ; from the number of shots proceeding from the bush and bank of the river, the Natives must have been in strong force ; it was also getting dark. On our return I was met by Lieutenant Russell, 18th Royal Irish, with a party of 16 men, coming to our assistance, and Captain Clark, Auckland Rifle Volunteers, thinking we might require support. This morning I started at 4 o'clock, with 50 men from the Redoubt and 20 from the Wairoa Rifles, under the command of Mr. Johnson. We took the same direction, and arrived within three hundred yards of the Maori whares at daybreak. The river was so swollen with the late rains it was impossible to cross it. The Maoris were plainly visible, and many rounds were fired at them ; they returned the fire, but without any effect, the men being well under cover. I sounded the " cease firing," and proceeded to bury the body of one of the Maoris killed yesterday ; he had been shot through the heart ; the other we could not find. It appears that the firing heard in the bush was for the purpose of diverting our attention whilst the Natives were ransacking the houses. The men of the different detachments behaved, on both occasions, with great coolness. I have, &c, Wm. C. Lyon, Major Commanding, Major de Quincey, Military Secretary, Galloway Redoubt, Wairoa. Colonial Forces.

No. 29. LIEUTENANT-GENEBAL CAMEEON, C.8., TO GOVEBNOB SIB GEOEGE GEEY, K.C.B. Head-Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, 19th September, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to forward the accompanying Reports from Major Lyon, commanding the Galloway Redoubt, received subsequently to those transmitted to your Excellency with my letter of yesterday. I have, <fee, D. A. Cameron, Lieut -General. His Excellency Sir George Grey, K.C.B.

Enclosures to No. 29. MAJOE LYON TO THE MILITAEY SECBETABY. Galloway Redoubt, Wairoa, 17th September, 1863. Sir, — I have the honor to report, for the information of the Lieut-General Commanding, that I sent Lieut. Russell, 2nd Battalion 18th Royal Irish, with twenty men, to the spot I had occupied in the morning, with instructions to fire upon the whares at Otau. I proceeded myself, with seventyfive men of the different detachments, to come upon the enemy in the rear, crossing the bridge just opposite the Redoubt, and passing through portions of the bush, I arrived at the settlement. It was

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deserted ; but it was evident that the Maoris must have sustained severe loss from the concentrated fire poured into them in the morning. The whares were riddled with shot, blood in profusion both inside and out. Two Maori mats, covered with blood, and a bullet hole through it, was also picked up. They were unmistakeably taken by surprise this morning. Two guns, several tomahawks, other weapons, and a great variety of articles were taken. A quantity of plunder taken from the settlers' houses was recovered on this side of the river, showing that the rebels had been hardly pressed by our skirmishers yesterday evening. A settler, named Crawford, residing near Otau, has lost several head of cattle. It is supposed they have been driven off by the Natives. I have the honor to bring under the notice of the Lieut.-General Commanding the names of Lieut. Russell, 2nd Battalion 18th Royal Irish ; Lieut. Jones, Militia Volunteers ; Ensign Tole, Auckland Rifle Volunteers ; and Mr. McDonnell, Native Interpreter ; who rendered me great assistance. The exemplary conduct and soldier-like bearing of the non-commissioned officers and men of the different detachments who have been with me on these several occasions cannot be too highly commended ; and more especially that of Quartermaster-Sergeant Davis, of the 3rd Battalion Auckland Militia. I have, <_~ William Charles Lyon, Major Commanding, The Military Secretary. Galloway Redoubt. Galloway Redoubt, Wairoa, 17th September, 1863. Sir, — I have the honor to inform you, for the information of the Lieut.-General Commanding, that I inadvertantl}' omitted the names of Lieut. Steele and Ensign Johnson, Wairoa Rifles, from amongst those Officers whom I wished to bring favourably under the notice of the Lieut.-General Commanding. I have, <_~ William C Lyon, Major Commanding, The Military Secretary. Galloway Redoubt.

No. 30. LIEUTENANT-GENEEAL CAMEEON, C.8., TO GOVEBNOB SIE GEOEGE GEEY, K.C.B. Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, 21st September, 1863. Sir — I have the honor to enclose for your Excellency's information, a letter from Colonel Warre, C.8., Commanding Troops at Taranaki, giving cover to a report from Captain Russell, of the Regiment under his command. The skill and enterprise with which this Officer prepared his ambuscade, and the coolness and steadiness of all under his command, are deserving of the highest praise. I have, <fee, D. A. Cameron, Lieutenant-General. His Excellency Sir George Grey, K.C.B.

Enclosures to No. 30. COLONEL WAEEE, C.8., TO THE ASSISTANT MILITAEY SECBETAEY. New Plymouth, N.Z., 16th September, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to transmit, for the favourable consideration of the Lieutenant-General Commanding, the accompanying report from Captain Russell, 57th Regiment, Commanding the detachment at Poutoko. Captain Russell's report describes so simply and accurately what occurred on the morning of the 15th instant, that I feel I have only to add that nothing could exceed the coolness and perseverance with which Captain Russell carried out his plan, and the steadiness with which the Officers, non-commissioned Officers, and Men behaved under circumstances of no ordinary difficulty. The steadiness and good conduct of the non-commissioned Officers and men enabled Captain Russell to way-lay and surprise a considerable body of Natives (nine of whom are known to have

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been killed or mortally wounded) .and also to withdraw his party with great regularity in the face of a very large number of rebel Natives, who, on seeing their people engaged, flocked, to the number of two or three hundred, to the scene of action, from their several positions on the Tataraimaka ranges. I have much satisfaction in stating that no casualties occurred on our side. I have, <_~ H. J. Warre, Colonel, Commanding Troops at Taranaki. The Assistant Military Secretary, Head Quarters.

CAPTAIN EUSSELL TO COLONEL WABBE, C.B. Cam]), Poutoko, 15th September, 1863. Sir, — I have the honor to report, for your information, that, in compliance with instructions received from you, I started at 3 a.m., this day, with a party, strength as per margin, to plant an ambuscade in the vicinity of the Wairau stream. I left two Sergeants and twenty-four rank and file to occupy the Oakura Redoubt, and cover the crossing of the river, and then advanced _th the remainder of my party over the stream to a spot, some five hundred yards up the Wairau road, where a light bush, composed of Toe-toe and Koromiko afforded excellent cover. I divided my men into three sections, and posted them, each in charge of an officer, on the left hand side of the road at a few yards distance from one another; after waiting upwards of two hours, Natives were heard coming down the road, and their advanced guard, consisting of eight men, approached to within three yards of the ambuscade to the left, which was in charge of Lieutenant Manners, 57th Regiment; they then, unfortunately, detected a foot-print carelessly left by one of my party, and calling out to alarm their main body, attempted to escape : on this the men immediately fired, and three Natives fell, one apparently a Chief of some note, as he carried a veiy handsome " Taiaha," which we took possession of; the other two Natives, who were evidently mortally wounded, staggered into the bush ; three other Natives were also hit, but, as they ran afterwards, I am unable to say if they were severely wounded or not. I was immediately engaged with the main body of the Natives, about thirty, who took cover in the neighbouring fern and bush, and we drove them back to a swamp. A very large number of Natives being seen coming down from Ahuahu, and hearing the Maories also advancing from Kitaki, I got my men together, and marched them on the open ground. Whilst crossing the Oakura river, I found the Natives making an attempt to occupy the high ground, on which the Redoubt is built, and thus cut off my party, but they desisted on finding themselves opened upon by the reserve, who then showed themselves, and by some of the men who had already crossed, and they therefore contented themselves with attempting to annoy the remainder of the party in crossing, but were soon driven further back. I cannot say wdiat loss the Natives sustained in this second skirmish, but two of them were seen to be shot, and one of them fell over the cliff: on the whole of my party occupying the high ground, they were soon forced to retire out of sight. As there was no hope of their showing themselves as long as I held the Redoubt, I returned to Camp. Being aware how difficult it is to correctly estimate the enemy's loss in affairs of this description, I have only detailed such of their casualties as fell under my personal observation, or that of the other Officers who were with me, and, therefore, believe that you will find them much heavier than has been reported. I beg to be allowed to bring to your favourable notice the veiy steady conduct of every Noncommissioned Officer and man engaged, and also the names of the Officers who were with me on this duty, viz. :—Lieutenant Manners and Ensign Powys, 57th Regiment, and Staff Assistant Surgeon Tomlinson; my thanks are also due to Mr. W. Carrington, of the Native Department, wdio is stationed at this outpost, for the valuable advice he gave regarding the planting of this ambuscade. The Chief from whom the "Taiaha'' was taken is killed. I have, <_~ H. R. Russell, Captain, 57th Regiment. Colonel H. J. Warre, C.8., Commanding Province Taranaki, N.Z.

No. 31. LIEUTENANT-GENEEAL CAMEEON, C.8., TO GOVEBNOB SIE GEOEGE GBEY, K.C.B. Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, 30th September, 1863. Si- — I have much pleasure in forwarding, for Your Excellency's information, the accompanying

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copy of a letter from Colonel Warre, C.8., Commanding at New Plymouth, enclosing reports from Major Butler and Captain Shortt, 57th Regiment. I have, <_~ D. A. Cameron, Lieut.-General. His Excellency Sir George Grey, X.C.8., &c, Auckland.

Enclosures to No. 31. COLONEL H. J. WAREE, C.8., TO THE ASSISTANT MILITAEY SECBETABY, HEAD QUAETEBS. New Plymouth, New Zealand, 26th September, 1863. Sir, — I have the honor to report, for the information of the Lieut-General Commanding, that the Military and Civil Forces under my command, have again inflicted a severe chastisement on the rebel Natives. On the 24th instant, it was reported to me that Mr. Clare, a settler at Bell Block, engaged in his ordinary pursuits on his own land, had been fired at by a party of Natives, who were said to be encamped at a place called Ninia, a short distance over the boundary. Being aware that a number of Natives had lately arrived from the South at Mataitawa, I thought it probable that they might wish to try their strength against the troops on this comparatively open ground, I directed Major Butler to march at 3 o'clock a.m. on the following day with the force noted in the margin, J and although the weather was extremely unfavourable he reached the points indicated by daylight, not however without disturbing the Natives, who were scattered in several parties about the neighbourhood. A sharp skirmish immediately commenced, which resulted in the Natives being driven across the two rivers into the bush leading towards Mataitawa, with the loss of their principal chief, Enoka, William King's brother, and three or four other Natives severely wounded, and without a single casualty on our side. I beg to forward Major Butler's report, and I have much pleasure in drawing the LieutenantGeneral's attention to the admirable conduct of Captain Shortt, the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the 57th Regiment, and to that of Captain Webster, the officers, non-commis-sioned officers and men of the Volunteer Company, who, in spite of the weather, which was very wet and cold, undertook this long night march with the utmost cheerfulness, and, as I wished and intended, proved to the Natives that they cannot attack settlers or commit depredations on their jiroperty with impunity. The troojis were very anxious to follow the Natives through the bush, but Major Butler restrained them, and, with great judgment, withdrew them leisurely, the Natives being afraid to encounter the Troops in the open. I have, ifcc., H. J. Warre, Colonel. The Assistant Military Secretary, Head Quarters.

MAJOR H. BUTLEE TO COLONEL WAEEE, C.8., ____!. New Plymouth, New Zealand, 25th September, 1863. Sir, — I have the honor to report that, agreeably to instructions received from you, a force, strength as per margin, paraded at 2.30 a.m. this morning, and proceeded to reconnoitre the positions of the rebel Natives, in the vicinity of the pa at " Kaipakopako." and, if practicable, to entrap them in an ambuscade. I divided my force into two parties, and left town with the first (consisting of three officers and seventy men of the 57th Regiment) at 3 a.m. Passing the Bell Block, I crossed the Mangoraka river, near Mahoetahi, and proceeded about a mile and a half on the road towards Maitatawa. I here placed half my men under the brow of a small hill, about four hundred yards from the cross-roads, one of which leads up to Mataitawa, and the other back to Bell Block, by the Upper Mangoraka Ford, leaving the remainder in support a short distance in rear. A few minutes after I thus placed my men, we saw a party of about seven or eight Natives [walking up the road from Kaipakopako. When they arrived at the cross-roads, I opened fire ujion them, upon which they almost immediately concealed themselves in the fern. I then brought my men down upon them, and followed them down the road towards Manutai, as far as the Ford of the Waiongona river. I did not consider it advisable to follow them across this river, as there were still a large number of Natives in my rear in the neighbourhood of Kaipakopako. J 57th Regiment,—l Field Officer, 5 Officers, 4 Sergeants, 3 Drummers, 100 Rank and File. Taranaki Volunteers,—2 Officers, 1 Sergeant, 1 Drummer, 33 Rank and File.

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I was unable to ascertain <at the time what effect our fire had on the Natives, though I could see from the marks of blood, &c, that one if not more of them had been badly hit ; and I have since learned that one Native was killed and three more wounded. I then withdrew my men by the road leading straight to Bell Block, recrossing the Mangoraka river by the Upper Ford, near which I was joined by the remainder of my force, under the command of Captain Shortt, 57th Regiment, who, acting under my directions, had left the town about 3.15 a.m., and proceeded to this place, and whose report I have the honor to append. I then marched the whole of my force back to New Plymouth, which I reached about II a.m. I would beg to bring to your favorable notice the admirable conduct of the whole of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men under my command, more especially the steadiness with which they endured a most fatiguing march of upwards of twenty miles over very bad roads, and for a great portion of the time under heavy rain. I have, &c, H. Butler, Major Commanding 57th Regiment. Colonel Warre, C.8., Commanding Troops, Taranaki.

CAPTAIN W. A. SHOBTT TO MAJOE BUTLEE. New Plymouth, New Zealand, 25th September, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to report that, according to instructions received from you, I marched at 3.15 a.m. this morning, with a party, strength as per margin, J and arrived at Mangoraka river a little after daybreak. I divided my men, placing half the number in ambuscade, and overlooking the Mangoraka ford, having a small belt of bush on my right, the other half in support, well concealed on some high ground a short distance to my rear, which commanded the whole country. A few minutes after my arrival I observed Natives ascending the hill on the other side of the river, who were immediately fired on by the party under Major Butler, and pursued by him. Hearing Natives talking on the other side of the belt of bush on my right, I withdrew my ambuscade and took my men round by the rear of this belt, as I was informed that it was exceedingly swampy. I came suddenly on a body of Natives, who retired, firing, into the bush, where I did not think it advisable to pursue them, not being aware how many Natives were about. On my being joined by Major Butler's party, the enemy opened fire at long ranges from various parts of the bush. The men behaved well, though it was with some little difficulty that I could restrain their impetuosity and eagerness to pursue. I have, <fee., W. A. Shortt, Captain 57th Regimeut. Major Butler, Commanding 57th Regiment.

No. 32. LIEUT.-GENERAL CAMEEON, C.8., TO GOVEBNOB SIB GEOEGE GEEY, K.C.B. Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, 6th October, 1863. Sir,— I have much pleasure in forwarding for your Excellency's information, the accompanying copy of a letter from Colonel Warre, C.8., commanding troops at Taranaki, enclosing a report from Captain Atkinson, Taranaki Volunteers. I have, &c, D. A. Cameron, Lieutenant-General. Governor Sir George Grey, K.C.B. { 57th Regiment.- Captain, 1 Subaltern, 2 Sergeants, 31 Rank and File. Militia.—2 Captains, 2 Sergeants, 50 Rank and File.

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Enclosures to No. 32. COLONEL WAEEE, C.8., TO THE ASSISTANT MILITAEY SECBETAEY, HEAD QUAIITEBS. New Plymouth, New Zealand; 30th September, 1863. Sir — I have the honor to transmit for the information of the Lieutenant-General Commanding, the accompanying report from Captain Atkinson, the Senior Officer in command of the Volunteers organised to patrol the settlement, with a view to prevent the incursion of rebel Maoris. It is with much pleasure that I draw the Lieutenant-General's attention to the satisfactory result of [this encounter between the Civilian Forces of this Province and the rebel Maoris, and to the persevering efforts of Captains Atkinson and Webster and the officers and men under their command to carry out the important duties entrusted to them. In all weather, and at all hours, have these Companies sought the enemy ; and it is to their constant patrolling, not only in the immediate vicinity of the town, but the outskirts of the settlement, that I attribute the little annoyance we have experienced from the presence of, it is now stated, some five hundred of the rebels, who occupy strong positions on the edge of the bush between the Bell Block Stockade and Mataitawa. Captain Atkinson possesses all the energy and perseverance requisite to make him a first rate " guerilla " leader, and lie is most ably seconded by the officers he has trained, as well as by the noncommissioned officers and men who form his force. They have co-operated with the regular troops on several occasions, and I am much indebted to their exertions, their endurance of fatigue, and their willing cheerfulness in the performance of their arduous duties. I have, &c, H. J. Warre, Colonel Commanding Troops in Taranaki. The Assistant Military Secretary, Head Quarters.

CAPTAIN ATKINSON TO THE GAEEISON ADJUTANT, TABANAKI. Taranaki, 29th September, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to report for the information of the Colonel Commanding, that this morning, at 320 a.m., I left town with my own and Captain Webster's Company of Bushrangers forthe purpose of laying an ambuscade in the vicinity of the Bell Block. We planted, and remained in ambush till B'3o a.m., but without success. We then moved inland by the boundary line of the Bell Block, and upon reaching Street's clearing, which is covered with high fern, we surprised a party of about thirty Maoris. They returned our fire well for a few minutes, but very soon took to the bush, and then right away. We continued our march to Greenway's, where we surprised another party of about the same number; they also, after a short skirmish, made off as fast as possible. This party was apparently in waiting for a small escort from the Bell Block Stockade fetching firewood. Knowing the strength of the Natives in the immediate neighbourhood, 1 did not consider it prudent to follow up either of the parties, or to attempt to surround them, which could have been done in both cases had I felt sure of their numbers. I believe we killed two, if not more, aud wounded several. We took six mats, two stained with blood, several haversacks and kits with food in, and one ba» containing twenty-two leaden bullets. There were no casualties, I am thankful to say, on our side, except one man (Rushton) just touched in the ear. We reached town on our return at 2 p.m. To Captains Webster and Messenger, to Lieutenant Jonas and Ensign Brown, and to Assistant Surgeon Webber, my best thanks are due. The conduct of the non-commissioned officers and men, upon whom so much depends on such occasions, was most satisfactory. I have, &c, H. A. Atkinson, . Captain T.R.V. The Garrison Adjutant, Taranaki.

No. 33. LIEUTENANT-GENEBAL CAMEEON, C.8., TO GOVEBNOB SIE GEOEGE GEEY, K.C.B. Head-Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, 6th October, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to forward Copies of a Report from Colonel Warre, C.8., Commanding

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at New Plymouth, and its Enclosures, relative to a severe engagement which took place near Poutoko on the 2nd instant, from which your Excellency will be glad to learn that the regular Troops, as well as the Militia and Volunteers of the Province, displayed their usual gallantry in repelling the attack of very superior numbers of the enemy. Colonel Warre evinced great judgment and ability throughout the action. I have, i_., D. A. Cameron, Lieut.-General. His Excellency Sir George Grey, K.C.B.

Enclosures to No. 33. COLONEL WAEEE, C.8., TO THE ASSISTANT MILITABY SECBETAEY. New Plymouth, New Zealand, 6th October, 1863. Sir, — I have the honor to transmit the accompanying Reports from the Officer Commanding at Poutoko, and to report for the information of the Lieutenant-General Commanding that later in the day the rebel Maoris, from six to eight hundred strong, advanced with great determination to attack the Redoubt. Knowing that the Maoris had been collecting their forces, and by information I received the previous evening, I was somewhat prepared for this attack, although I did not know against what quarter it was intended, and large fires lighted in every direction were evidently meant to withdraw our attention from the real point. On receipt of Captain Wright's letter, I immediately sent Major Butler, 57th Regiment, to take command, and the reinforcements stated in the margin being all the men I could spare, compatible with the safety of the town. On Major Butler's arrival at Poutoko, he found that the Maoris were advancing from Hurford's clearing and Brown's land to the left and left rear of the Redoubt; and as the ground is tolerably open, he advanced to meet them with about 100 men of the 57th and 70th from the Redoubt, directing Captain Armstrong, with about 40 Militiamen from the Omata Stockade, to hold the Redoubt. As it was now quite evident on which side the attack was directed, I followed the reinforcements, and directing Captain Shortt to proceed by the new line of road from Omata Village to Allan's Hill, and Captains Atkinson and Webster to continue their march by Waireka Gully, I went forward and found Major Butler engaged by a very superior number of the enemy, who had possession of the bush, flanking the fields over which he had advanced. The firing was very heavy, and several casualties had occurred ; but the timely arrival of Captain Shortt, who at once attacked the rebels upon their right flank, enabled Major Butler to recover his ground, and to oblige the rebels to take refuge in the densely wooded gullies, from whence, and from the high trees on the opposite banks, they kept up an incessant, but fortunately not very effective, fire. Captain Shortt also found himself opposed by very large numbers of rebels, who for a short time disputed his passage across the narrow neck of land between two deep gullies, near Touet's house. With the most determined gallantry, his party forced their way across the broken halfcleared ground ; and the arrival of the Volunteers, under Captains Atkinson and Webster, enabled us to become the assailants, and the Maoris were driven into the bush-covered gullies, where I felt that it would have been but a useless sacrifice of life to follow them. During this action, which lasted upwards of an hour, word was brought to me that two or three hundred Maoris had crossed the Tapuae river, and. were advancing towards the Redoubt by the Point, or Bob Erangi's pa, from whence they kept up a useless fire, until dislodged by shell from the howitzer, which is kept in the Redoubt. I also sent a subdivision, under Lieutenant Mills, to prevent the enemy from getting round the right flank, between the Redoubt and the sea. The Troops and Volunteers now held every commanding point from Waireka Hill, which had always been kept open by a strong picquet, to the Redoubt; and the Maoris, evidently satisfied that they could make no impression, gave vent to their rage by repeated volleys and the most frightful yells, after which they retired ; and as the Troops and Volunteers from town had marched six or eight miles, and had been continually engaged from the moment of their arrival, I did not think it right to allow them to follow the Maoris, who got away, not, I hope, without serious loss. By thick bush on the way to the U2^per Ford of the Tapuae river, en route to Kaitake, the Troops bivouacked on the ground until the afternoon, when they returned to town, leaving a reinforcement of 50 men at the Redoubt Nothing could exceed the admirable conduct of the Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Men, of both Regular and Militia Forces engaged. I am greatly indebted to Major Butler, 57th Regt., for his persevering acts to keep back the enemy, nearly six times as numerous as the party he had in the first instance, to support his advance ; also to Lieut C. M. Clarke, D.A.Q.M.-General, and Lieut. E. Brutton, Garrison Adjutant, who accompanied me, and rendered me every assistance ; as also did Lieut, and Acting Adjutant W.

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Thompson, 57th Regiment, who at the head of a small party dislodged the enemy from a piece of bush, from whence they had kept up a galling fire. Captains Shortt, 57th, and Wright, 70th Regts.; Captains Atkinson and Webster, of the Volunteers, and all the Officers, set an example to their men, which was nobly responded to ; and the presence of Surgeon Mackinnon, of the 57th Regt., and the other Medical Officers, very materially relieved the sufferings of the wounded who were brought into town during the afternoon, and who, with the exception of one man (Private Finn, 57th Regt.) since dead, are progressing favourably. I would wish to bring specially to the notice of the Lieutenant-General Commanding, the noble conduct of Ensign Down, 57th Regt., and Drummer Dudley Stagpoole, who under a tremendous fire from Natives not forty yards from them, brought away wounded men at the risk of their own lives ; their efforts being ably seconded by Private Antonio Rodrigues, a mounted orderly of the Taranaki Militia, who carried two men off the field on his horse, and gallopped through a party of rebel Maoris to take my orders to Captain Shortt. At the risk of troubling the Lieutenant-General with great detail, I beg to forward Captain Shortt's report, as it specially mentions the above individuals, and bears evidence to his own gallant conduct in this severe engagement. I must also beg to be allowed to mention the excellent conduct of Captain Mace, T.M., and the mounted orderlies, who accompanied the troops, and were unceasing in their efforts to assist the wounded, and to distribute ammunition. I have just received the enclosed report from Major Butler, which I forward, as it supports my testimony of the gallant conduct of all engaged. I also append a list of casualties, which, although large, is far less than I had any right to expect. The Natives are still in the bush, about two miles from the Redoubt, and are very numerous at Kaitake, but have made no further move this morning. I have, &c, H. J. Warre, Colonel Commanding Troops, Taranaki. The Assistant Military Secretary, Head Quarters.

CAPTAIN A. B. WEIGHT, 70TH REGIMENT, TO COLONEL WAEBE, C.B. St. Patrick's Redoubt, 2nd October, 1863. Sir — I have the honor to report that I observed the smoke of a large fire at the ford at Hurford's clearing yesterday evening at about 6 o'clock, and as it was necessary to send out a wood party today, I sent Mr. Mills with forty men to lay in ambush at 3 a.m., on the hill overlooking the Maori track, and thus to protect the wood party. I have the honor to enclose his report on the matter, by which you will see he was fired on. I went to his support with thirty men, and found him at Allan's Hill, and that he did not require any more men. I left him to lay an ambush on a spot overlooking the place where the shots were fired from yesterday, thinking that the Natives might come there to-day again, but he has since returned without seeing anything. About sixty Maoris or more are at present pulling down the Oakura Redoubt. I have, ifec, A. B. Wright, Captain, 70th Regt. Colonel Warre, C.8., Commanding Troops, Taranaki.

LIEUTENANT MILLS TO CAPTAIN WEIGHT. Poutoko, 2nd October, 1863. Sib,— I have the honor to report for your information, that, in accordance with instructions I received from you, I proceeded this morning at 3 a.m., strength as per margin,* to the hill overlooking the Tapuae river, with the intention of laying an ambuscade in order to cover a wood party, which was to leave the Redoubt at 8 a.m. On reaching Touet's house, I formed single rank, and moved in that order up to within forty yards of the crest of the hill, when several Maoris, who were evidently on sentry, immediately rose up and fired. I ordered my men to return the fire, which they did, and then I rushed up to the top of the hill, upon which the Natives retired into the dense bush, two or three of them appearing to be badly wounded, leaving behind them six mats, one Maori kit lull of bread, and a tomahawk. I followed them a short distance, but finding the bush too thick, and it being very dark at the time, I contented myself by holding the crest of the hill, in the event of an attack by a large number of Natives. I remained there for about a quarter of an hour, but hearing the voices of a great number of Maoris, I should say at least two hundred, I deemed it advisable to withdraw my party to some more open spot, and I accordingly moved back to Allan's Hill, where I posted my men, and waited until daybreak. I beg you will bring to the notice of the Colonel Com- * 1 Lieutenant, I Ensign, 1 Assistant-Surgeon, 1 Sergeant,! Corporal, 40 rank and file.

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manding the admirable conduct of the men under my command, the silent and orderly way in which they behaved, enabling me to surprise these Maori sentries. Ensign Broderip and Dr. Tondimson were with my party, and greatly assisted me in every way. I have, &c, Edward Mills, Lieutenant, 57th Regt. Captain Wright, 70th Regt., Commanding at Poutoko.

CAPTAIN SHOBTT, 57TH EEGIMENT, TO THE ADJUTANT 57tH EEGIMENT. New Plymouth, October 2nd, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to report for the information of the Officer Commanding the Regiment, that, in compliance with instructions received, I marched this morning with a party, strength as per margin,^ with orders to proceed to Poutoko. On the road I was overtaken by Colonel Warre, C.8., who directed me to advance to the Redoubt by the bush road near Touett's house. Shortly after we had turned down this road, 1 heard firing on my right, in the direction of Poutoko. lat once strengthened my advance guard, and pushed on as rapidly as I could, and became engaged with the enemy near Touett's house. The Natives immediately retreated to the bush, and opened fire upon my party from all directions. Leaving a reserve on Alwyn's hill to protect my rear, I advanced towards the bush, but being met with a tremendous fire, I got the men under cover behind logs, <_~ and endeavoured to keep down the fire of the enemy. I then charged the bush, but perceiving that it was occupied by a very large body of Natives, I desisted, and got my men again under cover, and remained at this spot until I received orders from Colonel Warre to retire gradually ; which I did, occupying Alwyn's hill with the whole of my party, and we then retired towards Poutoko. I beg to bring to your notice the excellent conduct of the two officers with me—Ensigns Douglass and Down. The latter officer volunteered and with four men brought in the body of a wounded man under a very heavy fire. Drummer Dudley Stagpool I would wish also to recommend most favorably to your notice ; for, although wounded in the head, he twice volunteered and brought in wounded men. I cannot, indeed, speak too highly of the conduct of all my men ; notwithstanding the superiority of the enemy in numbers, and the exceedingly heavy fire with which we were assailed, they were cool and collected and obedient to orders, which enabled me to retire with such slight loss and good order, in the face of a very large body of Natives, who lined the whole belt of bush to my front. I have, <fee, W. A. Shoktt, The Adjutant 57th Regiment Captain, 57th Regiment.

MAJOB BUTLEB, 57TH EEGIMENT, TO COLONEL WAEBE, C.B. New Plymouth, New Zealand, 2nd October, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to report that, in accordance with your instructions, I proceeded at 10.30 am. this morning to the Poutoko Redoubt On arrival there I was informed by Captain Wright, 70th Regiment, that a party under Lieutenant Mills, 57th Regiment, had proceeded to Hurford's clearing early in the morning for the purpose of laying an ambuscade, and had come into contact with the Natives, killing one and wounding several. I was also informed by Captain Wright that the Redoubt had been fired on by the Maories, and that he had reason to believe that they were assembled in large numbers in the surrounding bush. I immediately despatched a mounted orderly to Omata for reinforcements, and on their arrival and on hearing that 100 men were on their road from the town for my support, I proceeded in charge of the force detailed in the margin§ in the direction of Hurford's Clearing, for the purpose of making a reconnaisance and ascertaining as nearly as possible the number and position of the enemy. On arriving at Gilbert's Clearing, barely a mile from the Redoubt, a very heavy fire was opened upon my party from the surrounding bush, by which Ensign Powys, who commanded the advanced guard, and four men were wounded. lat once returned the enemy's fire, keeping my men as much under cover as possible ; but finding myself greatly outnumbered, I ordered my party to retire steadily towards the Redoubt. Learning, however, that 100 men of the 57th Regiment, under Captain Shortt, were advancing by the bush road towards the same spot, I advanced my men again, and (the enemy's fire being much weakened by Captain Shortt's attack on their right) drove them back from their position on the edge of the bush, which I then occupied—the Natives still keeping up a heavy fire which was returned by my men. As the latter part of the operations was carried on under your own immediate supervision, I will omit further details, but must beg to bring to your prominent notice the admirable conduct of the whole of the force under my command, and more especially I would wish to mention Ensign X 1 Captain, 2 Subalterns, 3 Sergants, 3 Drummers, 94 rank and file. § 1 Field Officer, 1 Captain, 3 Officers, 100 rank and file, 67th and 70th Regiments.

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Douglass and Ensign Down—the latter officer having greatly distinguished himself by taking out a small party and bringing in a wounded man ; also Ensign Powys, who behaved very well when in charge of the advanced guard before he was wounded. As the conduct of the parties of volunteers under Captain Atkinson and Captain Webster was brought under your immediate notice, I think it hardly necessary to state how satisfied I was with the valuable assistance they afforded me. I regret to have to state that one man of the force under my command was mortally wounded, four dangerously, one officer and three men severely, and one slightly. I append a return of the casualties. I have, &c, H. Butler, Major commanding 57th Regt. Colonel Warre, C.8., Commanding Troops, Taranaki.

57TH REGIMENT. RETURN OF OFFICERS AND MEN WOUNDED 2ND OCTOBER, 1863.

PROVINCE OF TARANAKI. NOMINAL RETURN OF FORCE ENGAGED WITH REBEL NATIVES ON THE 2ND OCTOBER, 1863.

H. J. Waeee, Colonel, Commanding Troops in Taranaki. New Plymouth, October, 1863.

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■ -c 9 o _ -4 H fc a H O Sf_i a> w M Rank and Names. Natube of Wound. Remabks. 10 Ensign P. E. Powys Severe Gunshot wound of chest, over heart penetrating muscles only. Gunshot through left groin, coming through small of back on same side, Gunshot wound of left thigh, muscles penetrated. Gunshot wound of right side of head, superficial. Gunshot wound through left groin, penetrating. Gunshot wound through left lung, right through. Gunshot wound of right side of head, penetrating brain, Gunshot wound through left calf of leg. Gunshot wound left groin, lodging in abdomen. 10 2669 Corporal Edward Rea Dangerous 10 1 5 10 4 10 10 1977 2848 266 3125 2960 2590 558 Sergeant Samuel Harvey Drummer Dudley Stagpole Private William Reeves... „ Patrick Burke „ Thomas Finn ,, Michael Foley ,, Henry Cain Severe Slight Dangerous Dangerous Mortal ... Severe Dangerous

Regiment. Rank and Name of Officers. ■is a a te a. D 00 _. s s aM _■ d >7th Regiment Major Butler Captain Short Lieutenant Mills Lt. & Adjt. Thompson Ensign Downs Ensign Powys Ensign Douglass Surgeon M'Kinnon 150 44 'Oth Regiment Captain Wright 2 1 Daranaki Militia and Volunteers Captain Atkinson Captain Webster Captain Messenger Lieut. Jonas Ensign Brown Assist. Surgeon Webber 5 i 84 S, 3S J» » .» S» 3» » ,» 3S !> J, ,J » JJ a.. loyal Engineers Lieut. Ferguson Staff Assist. Surgeon Tomlinson „ Bruen jj 14 278