E;—No. .3a

UEUT.-GENERAL CAVKBOX. C.TI., TO HIS KICBMiEITOI THE (iOVEKKOR. Head Quarters, Camp, Rangiriri, 26th Nov., 1863. SIX, .Since I closed my Despatch of the 24th instant, I have received intelligence of the death ■of Captain Mercer, commanding Royal Artillery on this station, from the effect of wounds received in the action of the 20th instant, whilst gallantly leading his men to an assault on the enemy's Htrongest work. I regard the loss of this able, zealous, and energetic officer at the present moment as a serious misfortune. Your Excellency having been intimately acquainted with Captain Mercer, and appreciating his noble character and many sterling qualities, will, I am confident, participate in the grief felt by myself and by the whole, force, for the death of this invaluable officer. I have also to deplore the loss of another brave and excellent officer, Captain Phelps, 2nd Battalion 14th Regiment, who died in consequence of a wound received in the action of 20th iust. F have, &<•., I). A. Camkrok, Lieut .-General. His Excellency Sir G. Grey, K.C.B.

HIS KXCKU.KNCY THE (tOVEKNOK TO I.IKI ThL\.VST-<.i:N LH.VI. CAMEBO>", C.B. Government House, Auckland; 28th November, 1863. Hm, — I have directed that your Despatch of the 20th instant, which J. received in the night. should bo published for general information, at the same time as your .1 ►espateh of the 2-tth instant. I entirely enter into your feelings of grief for the loss of the brave officers and men who have fallen in obtaining a victory from which may be anticipated such great advantages for this country. L can assure you that very deep sorrow for the heavy loss sustained, and for the sufferings of the wounded, is- felt throughout the entire community, who will, I am sure, in a. fitting manner, ■express their debt of gratitude to yourself and the forces under your command. You must permit me, whilst expressing my own sorrow for the loss of Captain Mercer, Captain Phelps, Lieutenant Murphy, Mr. Watkin, and so many gallant men, to add that my intimate acquaintance with Captain Mercer has caused me in his case to feel very keenly the loss of an officer whose many excellent qualities .1 regarded with admiration and esteem. I have, ifec, G. G-EET. The Hon. Lieut.-General Cameron, C.B.

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THE NATIVE INSURRECTION.