TARANAKI

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 320, 13 November 1860, Page 3

TARANAKI

STORMING OF MAHOETAHL

[FROM A CORRKSPONDENT.] New Plymouth, Bth Nov., 1860. We have had some stirring scenes since I last wrote you. On the 9th October we started on an expedition south, and arrived at Tatavaiinaka the same evening, where we encamped, and from thence on the following morning we proceeded to Kihihi, where the rebels had three pas built. The advanced guard exchanged several shots with the rebels in the fern, and drove them into their pas. After we encamped and had finished our breastwork, about 100 of the 65th and 20 of us rifles went out as a reconnoitring party; when we got within 200 yards of the pa, the Maories opened fire on us from the bush, rifle pits, and gullies, which we returned; this was kept up on both sides for about an hour; and then we retired without any one of us being hit. On the lltli the heavy guns, and from four to five hundred men of the 12th, 40th, and 65th Regiments, with 25 volunteers, moved to a position about 200 yards from the pa, and threw a breastwork up iv an incredible short space of time. As soon as they had got a good cover the Maories opened fire, to which the big guns and small arms replied, without doing much apparent execution. iThe mortars are the only thing fit for throwing shell into a Maori pa, as was proved during that day, the shells bursting and playing fearful work with their rifle pits; and oh, how we longed for an eleven-inch morter to blow them up at once. How gravely our friendly allies looked on at a distance at the destruction the shells were doing ; at last some of them to make a show of friendship got up a tardy ' kapai !'

A continued heavy fire was kept up during the whole of the day till night closed on us, when it ceased till about 10 o'clock. The Maories fired some random shots over our camp; next morning we got up and commenced a flying sap up to the pa, but when we had got within 100 yards of one pa we rushed it with fixed bayonets, but found it deserted; and so we took one after the other, which was the hardest days' work I ever did. Next day we returned to town —a march of 20 miles, at which time we formed the rear guard.

But now comes the grand day for Taranaki; on the 6th of this month, at four o'clock in the morning, an expedition to Mahoetahi started, and after marching about two hours came to Mahoetahi, the Maories then showed themselves and fired at us; there was about 90 Volunteers, 30 Militia, Light Company 65th, Grenadier Company 40th, and about 100 12th Regiment. Instead of "retire" it gladdened our hearts to hear the word " advance" given, notwithstanding the heavy fire kept up on us by the Maories. When we got within 100 yards of the pa, the words were given "fix bayonets, steady, double, charge," and we rushed on with a British cheer and got up in the pa, volunteers and militia on the left flank, and the light company of the 65th on the right flank, gaining the heights at the same moment; the Maories going out at the other side. We were so close to them that we could hardly believe it was the enemy, in fact some of our fellows shouted out " don't fire, it is the friendly natives;" but one instant determined me—l fired and killed my man, and afterwards got his gun. Some more of our fellows coming up there would have been a great many more killed at the first onset, had it not been for those words "friendly Maories;" in fact the men had them covered beautifully with their rifles, and poor b\ Brown who was close to me when he had fired said, " what a pity I fired at the friendly Maories." You see what a mess was made by those friendly Maories; and guess where they were all this time! why! a mile and a half in our rear!! these are our friendly allies. Poor Harry Edgcombe was killed in front of me, young John Ward wounded behind me, a 65th man was killed on my left, Richard Langman, jun. was wounded while endeavoring to bring H. Edgcombe up the hill; but a 65th man, Edward Messenger, and myself, dragged him up under a tremendous fire, the bullets whistling like hail round us, but hit none of us; and when we gained the top of the hill the soldier said they missed it that time. Several more were slightly wounded here—Thomas Humphries, William Vercoe, and a 65th man. After having had sharp work for about three quarters of an hour Major Nelson with some of the 40th, 65th, and marines, came up from the Waitara, and fired away for about half an hour, and then the Maories finding it too hot for them bolted as hard as they could pelt, leaving 30 dead on the field with all their arms, all shot about the head and breast; two more were fetched in afterwards, and five prisoners taken. Of them four were wounded very severely, all have since died; one we have still got in gaol. They lost 12 or 14 more in their retreat. They left guns, blankets, shawls, and stripped themselves to get away. It would have done your heart good to see the cool way in which the General conducted himself through the whole affair; I know it did mine this afternoon. I have just returned from firing over my comrades killed in action, and a melancholy duty it was; the 65th carried our dead to their last resting place, and we carried the 65th's, an intercJiange of good feeling highly appreciated by all of us. The bands of the 40th, 65th, and volunteers playing the dead march alternately. A great number of all the corps in town attended. The Airedale is just off. P.S. The 65th had t<vo killed and several wounded.

We are indebted to the courtesy of the proprietors of the Wellington Advertised for the following graphic details received from their own correspondent:—

My Dear Sir—l sit down this morning, hearing that the Wonga Wonga leaves ; for your port; to give you an account of one of the most glorious and decisive actions that have yet been fought in New Zealand. As a Rifle Volunteer, and one who was thickest in the fight, and who by a merciful Providence, escaped death or wounds, though under a heavy and close fire, and an eye-witness of the occurrences of the day, I am in a position to give you a faithful and correct account of the whole affair.

At four, a.m. yesterday morning an expedition of about 700 men, commanded by the General in person, left town to attack a position taken up by the rebel Waikatoa at Mahoetahi, a height about 3 miles from the Waitara, and 9 from the town, situate on the left of the Devon line. The weather was delightful, and the roads in good order: and the force with two 24-pounder howitzers and ammunition train reached the ground about 7 a.m. The 65th were the first engaged, the rebels firing upon the advanced guard directly they were within range, wounding one man almost immediately. The guns were now taken to the front, and opened fire, and the Rifle Volunteers ordered to take ground to the left in skirmishing order. This was done in gallant style, the men making their way through high fern, commanded by Major Herbert, and gradually approaching the enemy's position. A desultory fire was kept up, when the order to fix bayonets and charge was given, and with three hearty, glorious, British cheers, we rushed the left of the position, scampering up under a heavy fire, and simultaneously with the 65th had possession, the rebels retreating to the rear of the hill. Now commenced a hard and hot fight. The rebels could not get away, as they would at once be in view, and kept close under the banks, and in potato pits. That did not matter, however: we stuck to our position, and whenever a native showed himself shot him. The guns poured iv shell and grape, and dislodged the rebels, who found it too hot for them, and were compelled tq run the gauutlet, and were shot down as fast as they appeared. Some got into a swamp and hid themselves in the water, others sneaking away under the cover of fern and brush. Just at this moment Major Nelson's division from Waitara, and a party from J?nketaka,tieve, w^ci up and

took them in flank* and the natives fell as fast as Jjie bullets sped, after, them. It was short, decisive, and soon over, and firing crossed. No natives were to be seen; all had been struck down, and only six or eight were to be seen in the distance, wounded and'disabled, fleeing for their lives. The victory was complete, and we kad possession of the field. Now came the time to see our loss; two of our corps (Rifles) were dead, and four or five wounded, all slightly; the dead were H. Edgecombe and F. Brown, son of the Rev. H. H. Brown. Two 65th men, Rooney and M'Gifferin, were found dead, and about 12 wounded, including Colonel Sillery (slightly), Captain Turner (severely in mouth, the bullet lodging itself in the jaw bone). We now went to seek the dead natives ; several were found in the swamp, shot and bayonetted; others in the fern wounded were brought in. Foraging parties were told off to gather the morning's dead, and all were laid in a row on the the hill, and soon thiry-one were there, including three chiefs, one the head of Waikato (Te Wetini Taiponitu), also Te Wherangi, and another whose name I can't get. One native, without a scratch, we captured, and five wounded —four mortally—were brought in and placed under medical care. The General, with a part of the force, proceeded towards Huirangi, and found five more lying in the road dead and dying. The fern and scrub was fired, and some more natives were obliged to get up, and were captured and shot. To sum up—3l dead natives laid in a row, 5 wounded brought in, one prisoner, and five seen by the General, makes the rebel loss 41, not inincluding others who could not be found in the swamp and fern. I don't believe six men of the whole rebel party got home unhurt! The General and Colonel Carey showed great pluck—the former unnecessarily exposed himself, getting off his horse and walking in front of the men. He is a fine old man, and in spite of his years active and truly brave. I consider that lam not saying too much for him from what I saw. I wish we could have given him three cheers. The charge of the volunteers was magnificent, and is acknowledged to have been so by the regulars. In fact, we have been called the " Taranaki devils " by an officer who was in command. The men at Puketakauere were avenged. The long row of dead rebels I could look upon with a heart of stone, but our own comrades, poor Edgecombe and Brown, it was heartrending to see—their marble placid faces covered with gore! Bodies of natives were seen in the distance, but did not come to the assistance of their countrymen. The bodies of the three chiefs were brought into town, and the wounded (two died last night), the prisoner we brought in with us. The natives came and danced the war dance at a safe distance from Mahoetaln this morning, when we left 21)0 men and a gun to occupy it.

{From the Wellington Independent.) The Wonga Wonga, from Manukau and Taranaki, arrived in the harbor this morning (Nov. 9) at half-past four, with important intelligence from the Seat of War. Captain Renner, with his usual courtesy, has furnished us with the latest papers, and has also favored us by bringing our own correspondent's letter containing the account of the Battle of Mahoetahi, which will be found below. The troops and settlers were in high spirits at Taranaki, and were well satisfied with the results of the action of the 6th instant.

The letters below give all details. There seems to be grounds for hope that this victory will be followed up. Wj trust it may. A few victories of this kind would do much to restore confidence all ovev the colony—as until prestige is fully restored to our arms, the native race will be the dominant one. The General's conduct is spoken well of, as is also that of officers and men. They had no fettering orders this time. They were allowed to do their work, and they did it well. The comparative large number of killed and wounded in the volunteer ranks, says more than we can say, how gallantly they fought. [from a correspondent.] New Plymouth, 7th Nov., 1860. We have had a glorious victory over the Waikatos. At an engagement yesterday at Mahoetahi, upwards of 40 of the enemy were killed, wounded, and taken prisoners. I myself counted 31 dead bodies, which were collected by the troops, including three principal chiefs of the Ngatihaua tribe. Six wounded rebels—five mortally, were also in our hands, also one prisoner. Several more were found at a considerable distance from the battle field—five were seen dead and dying. 1 hear the head cliii f killed is Te Wetini Taiporatu—another is called Te Wharangi, the other one I think Hakopa. Our losses were four killed and 12 or 15 wounded—the majority slightly. The General commanded in person, and showed great pluck. He is a fine old man. [prom our own correspondent.] On Monday, sth November, orders were given that the following force should hold itself in readiness for marching at half-past three on the following morning, when between 500 and 600 men fell in, ready to march anywhere ordered; in no time progress was made to the Bell Block, where some few volunteers joined, after which we marched towards the Mahoetahi, the guns consisting of one 24-pound howitzer and one 12, being taken to the front. We had scarcely advanced two miles when a heavy firing was opened upon us, notwithstanding which the order was reiterated—advance, advance —which was done in extended order, the 65th and 12th being on the right, the volunteers to the left, " God bless them," taking the whole left to their own cheek (greedy wretches). After being under showers oi bullets for some time, the word was given, fix bayonets and charge. At the time this order was given, we were placed (103 volunteers), under the brow of the hill; 65th and 12th being to the right. On the word forwardbeing pronounced, a real manly race ensued of who should be in the pah first, which was a very long and strong position. Who really did reach first it is not in my power to state, but this I know, that my own brave comrades cannot be considered as second, most of the men we shot at the first being no greater distance from us than ten or twenty yards. I cannot now describe the actions of the soldiers on the right but give them due praise, for indeed they did their' duty.

After we had obtained possession, of the pah, firing from the swamps was very heavy, and most ot our casualties occurred about this time. This heavy fire having been continued about half an hour by the retreating rebels, our men creeping round to sweep the swamps pn the left, the soldiers doing the same on the right, when our hearts were gladdened by seeing the old fighting Major Nelson with his 40th out-flanking the already confused natives, by coming from, the Waitara. Of such another defeat the history of New Zealand has no record. Imagine the celebrated Waikatos, who were coming to take even the infant child from the mother's breast to murder, leaving for our burial 34 dead bodies with guns and accoutrements and living prisoners. Our casualties are 2 soldiers dead and 2 volunteers, the wounded of the soldiers I cannot now say. Our wounded are eight .in number, a pretty fair proportion out of 103; the friendly natives of course escaped uninjured. Do not forget to notice the coolness and bravery of our good old General, who is all that we can wish, and has shown so much judgment, by giving the volunteers and soldiers an equal chance in throwing aside all jealousy, added to his personal bravery. His sympathy for young Browi our clergyman's son proves him to be a man of feeling, also his kindness to the wounded maories. For my own part I can both shoot and bayonet a standing foe but when once fallen it would be my endeavor to make a prisoner. The prisoner taken on the field has given the following information—that the Waikatos had come down trusting that Wi Kingi's natives would join him tor one grand onslaught; in this they were disappointed, and little expected that troops would come from town so early. It was a happy day for us, considering that no grand affair has as yet taken place without us settlers having taken part in it. I mention this, thinking that our future efforts will prove us not unworthy of the kind sympathy you have shown, in outv behalf.

[FROM OUII OWN COBJtESroNDENT.]

. November 6,1860. Sir—The Wonga Wonga sails early to-morrow, so I have only a short time to give you the news of our glorious victory today. The 6th of November will be long remembered by the settlers of New Plymouth as the commencement of a better state of things, which only requires following up; by the 65th. as showing what they could do, provided they had permission —by the 40th, as an instalment of the debt due for Puketakaure, and by all parties engaged, as one of the most glorious events in their lives; the enemy leaving in our hands 32 dead, 4 wounded, and one unwounded, all being Waikatos—besides others left on the ground acioss the Waiongoua river. . . It was a hand to hand struggle, all fought well, both sides striving their utmost, the natives emboldened by their former success, and our men smarting under their many previous mishaps. Not having time to give you the details, you must rest content with a short account of the operations against Mahoetaln; General Pratt having determined on erecting a stockade either at Mahoetahi or on Sentry Hill, started from town at daybreak this morning, having between 600 and 700 men with him, 120 of which consisted of the Taranaki Rifles. On reaching the Mangoraku river, the enemy first shewed themselves, but on approaching the old deserted and delapidated pah at Mahoetabi a smart firing took place. We had to fight for it and rush it, the 65th entering on one side and the Taranaki Rifles on the other. For once the tables were turned; a swamp being at the back, and no other exit at hand, the niggers to save their lives bolted, our fellows after them, and repaid them with interest, for poor Brooke's death.