AUCKLAND. DESPATCHES FROM COL. DESPARD TO GOVERNOR FITZROY. Camp before Heke's Pa, 2d July, 1845.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume I, Issue 44, 9 August 1845, Page 3

AUCKLAND. DESPATCHES FROM COL. DESPARD TO GOVERNOR FITZROY. Camp before Heke's Pa, 2d July, 1845.

Sir,— lt is with much more regret than I can express, that I have to acquaint your Excellency that an attempt was yesterday made by the troops under my command, in the afternoon, to carry the fortified position or pa of Heke, without success — and we were repulsed with heavy loss. The particulars shall be forwarded to you with as little delay as possible. I enclose herewith a list of wounded. Many of the latter, I am sorry to say, are severe and dangerous. It is impossible to say too much in praise of the bravery and good conduct of both officers and men. — I have the honor to be, Your Excellency's most obt. humble servt., H. Despard, Colonel Commanding the Troops. To His Excellency Governor Fitzßot, &c. &c. &c, Auckland. Camp before Heke's Pa, July 2, 1845. Sir, — Annexed is a detailed account of the action that took place between the troops under my command, and the rebels, in the early part of the forenoon of yesterday-, as also of; qutr as-

sault on the pa, and our repulse which took place in the afternoon afterwards. Finding the guns which I had brought with me from Auckland quite inefficient for breaching, from the very defective carriages, as they frequently upset from their own firing, I requested Captain Johnson, of 11. M.5. Hazard; to send me one of his heavy guns, which was accordingly brought up to camp, a distance of 15 miles land carriage, over most execrable roads, with great labour and difficulty, on the 30th ; and during that day, a platform was erected on the side of a hill on the right of our position, the top of which hill was occupied by our ally Waka Nene and his tribe. A sergeant's guard of the 58th Regt., waff also there,' to protect a six-pounder that had been placed there, with a view of raking the enemy's position. The Hazard's gun opened its fire about 10 o'clock, a.m., and while the attention of every body was occupied in observing its effects, a sudden attack was made on this position from a very thick wood close in its rear, and Waka'sf people were driven from it. I was in the battery half way down the hill when this attack was made, when I instantly ordered up a party of the 58th Regt., under Major Bridge, who gallantly charged up the hill so "as to turn the enemy's left flank, and regained the position with the loss of only one man. This attack shewed me the necessity of corriing to an immediate decision, and I accordingly determined on attacking the pa, by assault, iv the afternoon, as soon as the few shot brought up from the Hazard (26 in number), were expended ; which I expected would so loosen the stockades, as to enable the men attacking them to cut and pull them down. In pursuance of this resolution, a storming party was ordered to parade at three o'clock p.m., for this purpose, and I issued instructions for its guidance, as detailed in the accompanying memorandum. The parties for the attack were enabled to advance to' within 60 to 100 yards of the point of attack, and there remain unperceived by the enemy, in a ravine under cover. When the advance was sounded, they rushed forward in the most gallant and daring manner, and every endeavour was made to pull the stockade down. They partially succeeded in opening the outer one. but the inward one resisted all their efforts, and being lined with men firing through loop-holes on a level with the ground, and from others half way up, our men were falling so fast, that notwithstanding the most daring acts of bravery, and the greatest perseverance, they were obliged to retire. This could not be effected without additional loss in the endeavour to bring off the wounded men, in which they were generally successful. The retreat was covered by tae party under Lieut.-Colonel Hulme, of the 96th Regt., and too much praise cannot be given to that officer, for the coolness and steadiness with which he conducted it under a very heavy fire. I must here remark, that the hatGhets and axes, as well as the ropes for pulling down the stockade, and the ladders, were all thrown away, or left behind, by those appointed to carry them ; and to this circumstance I attribute the main cause of the failure. I trust that it will not be thought that the character of the British has been tarnished on this occasion. One third of the men actually engaged fell in the attack, and during the eight days that we have been engaged carrying on operations against this place, one fourth of the whole strength of British soldiery under my command (originally not exceeding 490), have been either killed or wounded. From Lieutenant-colonel Hulme I have received every assistance during the whole time of these operations, independent of his gallant conduct in" covering the retreat. Major Macpherson of the 99th Regt., who led the principal attack, and was severely wounded, also deserves every praise for the daring manner in which he led his men to the assault, and though slightly struck on the left breast at the commencement, he gallantly persevered till struck down by a serious wound. Equal praise is also due to Major Bridge of the 58th Regt., for the coolness and steadiness with which he led his men to the attack, and his perseverance till called off. Where every individual has behaved equally well, it seems invidious to particularize names, — but I cannot avoid mentioning the unwearied toil, zeal, -and energy displayed by Lieutenant Wilmot of the Royal Artillery, in conducting that department with the most inefficient means. Captain Marlow, Royal Engineers, and his department, gave me every assistance in their power while labouring under the same inefficiency of means as the Artillery. I must not omit either to mention the able assistance and the active zeal that has been displayed by Lieutenant and Adjutant Deering, of the 99th Regt. (acting as Major of Brigade), whether under fire of the enemy, or in conducting the necessary details. The three officers with Major Macpherson's party, were all either killed or wounded, Captain Grant, Lieutenant Beatty (who volunteered the forlorn hope), and Ensign O'Reilly. The Volunteers from the New Zealand MUitia, acting as pioneers, under Lieut. Figg, deserve to be mentioned, and that officer himself has undergone unceasing toil of the most harrassing nature with zeal and energy. Lieut. Wood, and the Militia Volunteers for the Artillery, deserve to be included in this commendation.

Johnson of H.M.S. Hazard, has 'given me the most unwearied assistance in every possible way, from the commencement of our operations, by sending up supplies of all sorts, even from his own ship, when our public ] - stores were deficient. The Seamen and Marines • of H.M. Navy have always borne the same dia- > racter for bravery and intrepidity wherever they have been employed, and the few, 18 in num1 ber, that joined this expedition from H.M.S. - Hazard, have nobly supported the same character. Lieutenant Phillpotts, R.N., fell when endeavouring to force his way through the stockade. " I enclose herewith a correct list of killed and wounded. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency's most obt. and hum. servt., H. Despard, Lieut.-Colonel 99th Regt., and Col. on the Staff in N.Z. To His Excellency Robert Fitzßoy, Governor, &c. &c, Auckland. P.S. — The wounded are doing well under the able care and constant attention bestowed on them by Dr. Pine of the 58th, and Dr. Galbraith, of the 99th Regiments.

Camp, Ist July, 1845. r The following are the directions, and the distribution of the troops, for the attack on the pa, at 3 o'clock, this evening. The principal attack will be made on or near the right angle on the front face, (that face being considered the front one that is opposite the camp), and the whole column for this attack will be formed as follow : 2 sergeants and 20 volunteers from the three corps will form the advance, and proceed with the most perfect silence till they reach the stockade. This party will be followed closely by the assaulting body, under Major Macpherson, composed of 40 grenadiers from the 58th and 40 grenadiers from the 99th Regiments, and will be accompanied by a small party of seamen, and by 30 pioneers from the volunteer Militia. The seamen, and as many pioneers as there are sufficient tools for, will be supplied with axes or hatchets for the purpose of cutting down the stockade. Those pioneers that cannot be supplied with axes or hatchets are to carry the ladders as well as strong ropes, which will be supplied by the Artillery department, for pulling down the stockade. Major Macpherson's party will be closely followed by Major Bridge, of the 58th Regiment, "having under him the remainder of the grenadiers of the 58th, to be made up to 60 rank and file from the battalion of the same Regiment, and 40 rank and file from the Light Company of the 99th Regiment. — In all amounting to 160 rank and file. A strong supporting party will be formed under Lieut-Colonel Hulme, 96th Regiment, con sisting of the whole of the detachment of the 96th Regiment, completed to 100 rank and file by the battalion men of the 58th Regiment. The moment an entrance is made into the pa, this party will instantly follow the preceding parties. The remainder of the force will be under the personal command of Colonel Despard, for the purpose of directing assistance wherever necessary, with the exception of 40 rank and file of the 58th Regiment, under command of Capt. Thompson, of that corps, who will occupy the hill overlooking the pa, and the camp ; it being considered necessary to do so, from the attempt made by the natives in the morning to get possession of it. By order, R. B. Deering, Lieut. 99th Regiment, Acting Brigade Major.

Camp, Heki's Pa, 3 a. m., July 11th, 1845. Sir, — I have the honor to acquaint you that the pa is in our possession. Oftensive operations against it were resumed yesterday, and continued till night, and would have been, again resumed this morning, hut the enemy evacuated the fortress during the night, fearing to stand another assault. I was made acquainted with the circumstance about midnight, but pursuit was then useless, — and from the natnre of the country through which the retreat lay, thick wood, and no road, an attempt at it would have probably been attended with unnecessary waste of human life. I now anxiously wait your Excellency's further instructions, and am very desirous to get the troops under better cover before the rainy weather again commences. I have the honor to be, &c. &c. &c, H. Despard, Colonel commanding the troops in New Zealand. To his Excellency, Governor.Fitzroy, &c. &c. &c. Auckland. P.S.— The body of Captain Grant, of the 58th Regiment, which was missing, has been found. It had been buried outside the pa, where he fell, and, was not mutilated. H. D.

' The following is a correct list of the killed and wounded on the 30th June, and Ist July. Her Majesty's Ship Hazard. Killed. — Lieutenant Ehjlpotts, one, seaman, .aud one private Royal Marines. WovyvED. — Two seamen.

Her Majesty's 58th Regiment. Killed. — Captain Grant, Sergeant Halliday, Sergt. Morrow, Sergt. Andrew Wilson, Corporal William Stewart. — Privates, Crofit, Davis, Punched, Morton, Fisher, Claxton, Anderson, Doherty, Leech, Molloy, Reynolds, Payne, Sutton, Goodram. Wounded. — Sergt. Major Moir,Sgt. George Browne, Sgt. Sims.- — Corporal Watkins. — -Privates, M'Quin, Day, MacGregor, Brain, Smith, Mitchell, Curran, Eagan, Morris, Carpenter, Byrns. — Light Company, Ennis, Fleet, Breeson, Mapleston, Murphy, Lucas, Meens, Moll, Nowlan, Robinson, Creen, Tully, Hodgeskins, White, Later, Hopkins, Tysons, Duffy, Findlay, Delamore, O'Callaghan, Burnett, Mitchell, Armstrong, Nowlan 9, Pearce, M'Kinnon, Grenadiers. Her Majesty's 96th Regiment. Killed.—^Privates, William Curie, William Stimpton, James Smith, William Wagstaff. Wounded. — Corporal Edward Seymour. — Private, John Walsh. Her Majesty's 99th Regiment. Killed. — Grenadiers, Srgt. Thomas Todd. — Privates, Martin Moran, John Hill, William Watson, William Pope, John Macrath. — Light Company, George Mahar, John Noble, James Hughes, John Eaton, Patrick Hicken, Henry Mosely, James Stocks, Benjamin Heath. Wounded. — Grenadiers, James Crane, Hugh Dowse, Jacob Edmonds, Michael Farren, Robert Hughes, Henry Spencer, William Swan, Hector M'Cormick. — Light Company, Srgt. Maley Thomas, Srgt. Bradley Martin. — Privates, William Bridges, Thomas Crawley, David Mark, Thomas Comiers, AndrewDuncan, Patrick Flym, Duncan Murray. Auckland Militia Volunteers. Wounded. — Morris, Alexander, Sullivan, Beard, Browne, Dent, and Rily (since dead.)

We made last week some hesitating observations upon Colonel Despard's despatches — these were only defective in firmness, because of the paucity of our information. We are now better acquainted with facts, and consequently are enabled to extend our remarks. In the first place, we beg to inform the Colonel, that his disparagement ol poor Phillpotts, and his silence on the merits of the other blue jackets, is the subject of universal dispraise. The unnecessary brevity of his latter despatch we quietly commented upon last week, but little did we suppose that we should have to sift the character of this official publication upon such grave charges as now must be answered. — For the Horse Guards will undoubtedly hear of it. — Everybody knows the one-sided desire o£ the Governor to palliate Maori orime, and to shield Maori character. The fact of the horrible atrocity of roasting a captured soldier alive, and eating part of his body, is too firmly established to be now doubted — Phillpotts was also scalped after a refined and surgical fashion. The most fleshy parts of Captain Grant's body were cat off and devoured; eveiy possible attempt to conceal these facts has been made, as if it were not now more just and necessary than ever, that the true character of the native people should be revealed, and the protectorate cloak of blasphemous falsehood removed. Archdeacon Williams endeavoured at least to suggest, if not to prove, that the mutilation of the body of Captain Grant was effected by pigs ; but it was sagaciously objected that it was not likely the pigs would select the officers only — besides, Captain Grant's dress had been removed for the purpose of excision, and replaced afterwards — a performance, we presume, beyond the power or intelligence of swipe. We are perfectly disgusted when we hear of the Arch*deacon upon the spot, defending or screening these atrocities; Mr. Laurie in Auckland preaching up the superior sanctity of these horrible monsters, and^ Mr. Maunsell elsewhere following in the same strain. The utterers of these falsehoods and foul aspersions are traitors to their countrymen, and deserve Jo be treated as such. But we return to the very grave and very important subject of this last despatch — and we most earnestly demand of Colonel Despard, who wrote the postscript ? Most certainly not he himself, although his initials are placed to it. We have sufficient acumen in the science of circumstantial evidence to place this beyond a doubt. Thus, first of all, the despatch bears date 3 o'clock, a.m., July 11th, aud was instantly sent off; the body was not found for twelve hours after ! so that here is a .relation of an event yet to occur. Anachronisms in history, if not wilful, are pardonable ; but this is a falsehood ! The Body had not peen found. Again, " the body had been buried outside the. pa where it fell." The forger who wrote this postscript, like most false witnesses, convicts himself by attempting to prove too much, for the body was buried at the other side of the very extensive pa. Again, the body was not mutilated. Here is another assertion which has been since most abundantly disproved. We most unflinchingly, therefore, solicit of Colonel Despard a solution of the public anxiety — Who wrote the postscript ? Jket us know, if possible, who wrote the postscript ? Or if that is beyond his power, for hi* own name and fame, and well-earned reputation., let him, for himself, at all events, disclaim &. It

is to be hoped that we have but few, out of the pales of the Protectoral squad, that would be thus guilty of suppressio veri, or what is worse, downright falsehood in favour of a prejudice which has already been found so fatal to the unhappy land we live in. — Who wrote the postscript ? Talking of postscripts, we will have one of our own. Did not Colonel Despard send down before the publication of the Government Gazette, from which we quote the despatch, information of the wilfully mangled condition of Captain Grant's body. We put this question to his Excellency the Governor. — Auckland Times, July 26? It is said, that at least six months provisions, salt fish, potatoes, pigs and poultry, sufficient for the garsison were found. These provisions will, we conjecture, be distributed among the native allies, and we cannot forbear to say, that with so large an accession of native force as there was in conjunction, it is somewhat surprising how the enemy could have stolen their march of retreat, with such perfect success. If these observations should be challenged as unkind, ungrateful, or presumptious ; we can only rejoin, that the official reports are so destitute of proper information, that we may be well forgiven for provoking an enquiry. Poor Phillpotts was the first in the breach, and the first to fall. With perfect self-devotion he led the "forlorn hope," and we regret to see that his name, in the despatches, is mentioned with so little of generous or grateful recollection. His eye glass, which Toby's friends (this was the familiar soubriquet by which his shipmates loved to call him) have now in their possession, was found hanging by the inner pallisade, and near it a part of his mangled scalp / When the pa was taken, after its defenders had run away, one very old woman was found left in possession of the premises ; the certainty that our countrymen would not injure her was was very sagaciously and safely relied upon, and it is probable she is furnished with ample means means of communication with the fugitives. Mr. Laurie will probably be pleased to hear that it was not the cackling of the geese ia the camp, or capitol, of the cannibals that gave no • tice of their nocturnal flight ; but that the suspicious circumstance of the omission of their vociferous psalmody in the morning was what provoked the detection of our people, and gave opportunity for our quiet and unopposed possession. — Auckland Times, July 19. We understand that the Velocity has proceeded to Sydney from the Bay of Islands, and the Stains Castle and British Sovereign will follow for reinforcements. The Victoria will return to Auckiand, with the whole of the detachment of the 96th Regts., and Colonels Deepard and Hulme. The 58th and 99th Regiments will remain at Waimate, under the command of Major Bridge. The Hazard also remains at the Bay oi Islands. — New Zealander.