Clyde November 27th. 1868 Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your Despatches of 25th. and 26th. inst. At once on their arrival, I sent a messenger with the information contained therein to Mr. Preece, together with the Official letter for Hotene. Immediately on receipt of the Turanga news, the Kurupakiaka and Kahu people, whom, to the number of 60. I had induced to remain behind to protect their pas, pushed after the advancing force, - even their women accompanying them. We have now only the very old men and women and children left here. I have 9 men of Ngatihine on duty as sentries in the Township. Our force who left here yesterday morning, to the number of men (not including the Detachment of Kurupakiaka and Kahu under Karauria te Turiroa), (ought to reach the enemy's position by 6 a.m. to-morrow, 28th. Enemy's