PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE

Having performed the duty, they were on their return to camp, when they were fired upon by the Natives from the old Pah at the extremity of the ridge to the S.E of the camp, and about half a mile from it (this I believe is also on Her Majesty's land), as well as along the top of the ridge in the direction of the Pah, from which Natives were seen to come out to the number of about 150, extending as they descended. Three shots were fired by the hostile Natives before the escort returned the fire ; this it did, until nearly reaching the camp. To cover the escort I directed the Artillery to open a fire. From what was observed, there were some casualties among the Rebels, but the exact number I cannot say. The officers and men behaved with great steadiness. I enclose a Return of Ordnance Ammunition expended. I have, &c, (Signed) Thomas Nelson, Major 40th Regiment, The Major of Brigade, Commanding Camp, Waitara. &c, &c, Taranaki.

No. 2883.

Enclosure 2 in No. 52. MAJOR OF BRIGADE TO MAJOR NELSON. New Plymouth, 26th June, 1860. Sib,— In consequence of the representation contained in your Letter of 23rd instant, I am directed by the Colonel commanding the Forces, to acquaint you that he sends down per " Tasmanian Maid" an augmentation to your force, as per margin, and he trusts that with them you will be enabled to teach the troublesome Natives a lesson they will not easily forget. You will be pleased to take every necessary precaution against the wily foe, as regards ambuscades, which the friendly Natives would be the best to discover, and also if possible cut off their retreat; from the elevated position of the rebels a good view can be obtained of your camp, which must be left amply garrisoned, all remaining on duty armed and accoutred. I have caused ample information to be afforded to Captain Richards, 40th Regiment, and Lieut. McNaughten, R. A., and I am directed to add that Colonel Gold (from your former experience) relies confidently on your proceedings. I have, &c, (Signed) James Paul, Captain Gsth Regiment, Acting Major of Brigade. Major Nelson, Commanding Troops, Waitara.

H»yai Artiiiery-2 24-pr. Howiizcrs, l officer, I &cr K eatvt^js^men. fZt 6 E Men neer '~' "* Naval Brigade-4 officers so Blue jackets. Royal Marines—i officer. 4nt" a ßeg* n — lV'offlcers 245 Men. '

Enclosure 3 in No. 52. MAJOR NELSON TO MAJOR OP BRIGADE. Camp, Waitara, 27th June, 1860. Sir,— I have the honor to inform you, for the information of the Colonel commanding, that, in reference to your letter of yesterday's date, I moved out this morning at 5 o'clock with the detail noted in the margin, to attack the new Pahs on the mounds of the South East of the Camp, and returned from thence to Camp at half-past 11 a.m. rpj ig attac | < was conimencec l by the Artillery at 7 a.m., at a range of 400 yards to the North WeSt of the Fal,S - A breach was however not made in the large Pah of a sufficient size to justify me in ordering the men to assault it. During the time the Artillery was playing on the Pah, large bodies of Maories were seen advancing from the rear and occupying in extended order a ditch and bauk, about 400 yards in advance of our right flank, from which they kept up a constant fire. Seeing there was no means of entering the Pah, I immediately ordered an advance towards the ditch and bank just mentioned, which was made in a most continued and gallant manner until the men reached a deep ravine with an entrenchment behind, and which they found it impossible to pass, it being defended by two, if not even three large bodies of Maories, who were almost entirely concealed behind it, aivl another entrenchment in rear ; ac well as the very high fern. Here a desperate and destructive fire was opened upon us, and most gallantly returned. Our skirmishers being far fewer in number and exposed in a much greater degree than the enemy, I deemed it desirable to direct them to join the main body ; and our ammunition being nearly expended, I withdrew the whole of the men, and returned to Camp in regular order. I regret to have io report that the casualties have been numerous, but when as it is supposed the whole of W. King's Natives came down to support the Waikotos in the Pah.", the whole amounting,

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