LATER NEWS FROM THE SEAT OF WAR

Lake Wakatip Mail, Volume II, Issue 64, 9 December 1863, Page 6

LATER NEWS FROM THE SEAT OF WAR

IN THE NORTH. + BATTLE OF RANGIRIRI. GREAT VICTORY.—I7S PRISONERS TAKEN. On Friday, November 20th, about 500 troops left the Queen's Rrdoubt, and were embarked on board the Pioneer and Avon. Halting at Meremere, the land party marched along the track to Rangiriri, and took up a position a few hundred yards in front of the Maori position. At 3 o'clock two Armstrong guns opened fire on the enemy, and the steamers (which had proceeded up the river, towing four gun boats) as quickly as possible took up their position so as to enable them to rake the pits. The land force were met by a withering cross-fire from behind the intrenchments, by which several officers and privates were knocked down; but with only a slight hesitation the scaling ladders were placed and our men swarmed over, bayonetting right and left. A private of the 65th Regiment, of the name of Gallagher, was the first to unfurl the regimental flag on the parapet. The troops scaled the left flank of the riflepits, and then charged round to the rear, but it was found that the enemy had a very strong position in the centre, so that was charged firom the rear, but without success, as there was only a narrow opening by which our men could find entrance; several times was this place endeavored to be taken, but each time our men were driven back with loss. Lieut. St. Hill, A. D. C., led on a party twice, and Captain Mercer, whilst attempting the same thing, was badly wounded in the face and lay just under the enemy's position; several attempts were made to reach him, but without effect, and at last he was only brought back by a sap being dug to the place where he lay. In the meanwhile the troops were landed from the steamers, and attacked the enemy in the other positions some hundred yards to the rear; the enemy fled from these, and took to I the Lake Waikari, some in canoes and some I swimming. It was here that the greatest j slaughter took place. The enemy were shot down as they retired, firing, towards the Lake. It is supposed that at least fifty fell here, and the blue-jackets were busily engaged in the search after the bodies.

Towards evening a request was sent down to the Commodore that he would send up as many blue jackets as possible to assist in storming. A large party accordingly started under the command of Commander Mayne, of the Eclipse, and the first Lieutenant of the Miranda, Mr. Bowler. On arriving, this party charged the Maori stronghold, but were driven back with the loss of several killed, and Commander Mayne and Mr. Bowler wounded.

The enemy fought with the greatest determination, and held the strongest part of his position during the whole night. Being completely surrounded and cut off, they surrendered unconditionally at 5.30 a.m. on the 21st. 18.3 are prisoners of war, amongst them several chiefs of note. Enemy's loss has not yet been ascertained, but it is known to be very great. A party of 400, under William Thompson, approached the position from the East, with a flag of truce, after the surrender. Interpreter was sent, who states that William Thomson appeared inclined to surrender, but his people were opposed, and went back; he has sent in his 44 mere" by the interpreter. The King was present at Rangiriri, and escaped during the night by swimming across the swamp, as did several others. The total number of enemy present at the engagement is not known. The following are the latest items of intelligence On Saturday, fifty rebel prisoners were taken on board the Pioneer at Rangiriri, for the Queen's Redoubt, fhey were placed on deck, the seamen of the Curacoa manning the cupolas and keeping a bright look-out to prevent escape. During the passage down the Waikato the rebels upon the river banks fired upon the Pioneer, to the great consternation of the captives, who shouted to their compatriots to desist, but without effect. They then begged Commodore Wiseman to hoist the white flag, with which solicitation he complied. These fifty are at present in safe keeping at the Queen's Redoubt, but have exhibited every disposition to escape. One of them in making the attempt was shot through the leg. He of course was kept fast. Government have very properly resolved to remove all the prisoners to Auckland forthwith. On arrival here they will be pal on bond the Curacoa, where they

will remain until such time as the Marion bulk can be prepared for their safe keeping. When the first attack upon the rifle pits was made, the rebels did not offer much resistance, but ran away with great swiftness. Numbers were shot down whilst endeavoring to escape. Very few were bayonettcd, because our troops were unable to get at them. They effected their escape by canoes, and by swimming across the Wakari Lake, in which they bad a jetty communicating with their position. It has been said that they made a desperate resistance. The fact is, that, like rats pinned up in a corner, they fought hard in their redoubt, on finding themselves surrounded, and seeing no means of escape. On perceiving they were doomed they surrendered. KILLED. Lieut. Murphy, 12th Regiment; Midshipman Watkins, and 35 rank and file. WOUNDED —OFFICERS. Captain Mercer, Royal Artillery. Lieutenant and Adjutant Lewis, 65th. Lieutenant Chevalier, 65th. Lieutenant Talbot, 65th, since dead. Captain Gresson, 65th. Commander Mayne, R.N. Lieutenant Hotham, R N. Colonel Austin, 14 th. Captain Phelps, 14th. Lieutenant Downes, R.N. Captain Brookes, R.E. Ensign Ducrow, 40th.