E—No. 3c

FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO

No. 19. MAJOR NELSON TO MAJOR OF BRIGADE. Camp, Waitara, 28th June, 1860. Sir,— I have the honor, with the view of affording the Colonel Commanding the Forces the means of knowing the exact detail of orders issued by me personally, and likewise explained, to the several Officers in command of the Divisions composing the Force under my command at the assault of the Waikato Pas on the morning of the 27th instant, to forward a copy of the same. I forward this by Captain Richards, 40th Regiment, who will be able to afford such further information as the Colonel Commanding may desire. I have, &C, Thomas Nelson, Major, 40th Regiment, Commanding Camp, The Major of Brigade, W aitara. &c, &c, &c., Taranaki.

Enclosure in No. 19. Camp, Waitara, 28th June, 1860. Detail of Orders given by Major Nelson, 40<A Regiment, to Officers in command of Divisions proceeding to the attack of the IVaikato Pah. Captain Bowdler in command of the Ist Division was ordered to proceed and occupy the small mound to the South East of the Camp, and on the sound of the Advance to rush up the ridge on the Devon Road, to join the main body. The object of this movement, being to prevent the enemy escaping along our left flank, and attacking the Camp ; and if not, then to enter the Pa, with the main body. Captain Messenger in command of the 2nd Division was ordered to take possession of and occupy a mound situated to the North of the Pa about to be attacked, with directions not to extend until the advance sounded, unless the enemy threatened his flanks, or the rear of his position; his principal duty being to cut off the retreat of the enemy from the Pa, and likewise to cut off any reinforcements which might be forwarded from the Pas situated in rear of his position. The head quarters of the Force consisting of the guns (two 24-pounder howitzers), naval brigade, and the third division of the 40th Regiment, under the command of Captain Richards, the whole under the immediate command of Major Nelson, were to advance across the Devon line to the attack of the Pa. The necessity of the two first-mentioned Divisions occupying the positions assigned to them was clearly proved, as a large body of Natives made an advance in that direction—no doubt with the intention of attacking the Camp, their further advance being frustrated by the opposing force. I have, &c, Thomas Nelson, Major, 40th Regiment, Commanding Camp, Waitart. No. 20. MAJOR NELSON TO MAJOR OF BRIGADE. Camp, Waitara, 29th June, 1860. Sir,— I have the honor to report, for the information of the Colonel Commanding the Forces, that the Rev. Mr. Govett and the Rev. Mr. Whitely arrived at the Camp this day about 2 o'clock, p.m., and informed me that they had an interview with some of the Natives at the Waikato Pah, who had said if I would not fire upon them (as had been done in the morning, when any were within range) and would cause a white flag to be hoisted, they would bury the dead who had fallen in their vicinity. The Rev. Mr. Whiteley stated he had seen a mound where some appeared to have been buried. I, therefore, directed a signal of two sheets, at intervals of about 18 yards, to be hoisted; and shortly after, two white flags were similarly hoisted from the Pah. Natives were then observed to come out and apparently to be occupied as had they intimated, until sunset.

No. 20. MAJOR NELBON TO MAJOR OF BRIGADE. Camp, Waitara, 29th June, 1860. Sir,— I have the honor to report, for the information of the Colonel Commanding the Forces, that the Rev. Mr. Govett and the Rev. Mr. Whitely arrived at the Camp this day about 2 o'clock, p.m and informed me that they had an interview with some of the Nalives at the Waikato Pah, who had said if I would not fire upon them (as had been done in the morning, when any were within range), and would cause a white flag to be hoisted, they would bury the dead who had fallen in their vicinity.' The Rev. Mr. Whiteley stated he had seen a mound where some appeared to have been buried. I, therefore, directed a signal of two sheets, at intervals of about 18 yards, to be hoisted; and shortly after, two white flags were similarly hoisted from the Pah. Natives were then observed to come out and apparently to be occupied as had they intimated until sunset.

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