226
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.

Kainga to support the two leading parties
of the "advance," who were met returning
after burning all the wharres of the Kainga,
which had not been entrenched as reported.
The enemy had now been driven from every
part of his position, and was seen from the
Eclipse in precipitate flight down the coast,
which afforded her an opportunity of throw-
ing a few shells among them.

Knowing that it was hopeless to attempt
to overtake any of them, and being desirous
that the troops should return to New Ply-
mouth before dark, I withdrew them from
the left bank of the Katikara and ordered
them to march back to the town, after a
short rest. They reached New Plymouth
about 5 p.m., and in the twenty hours of
their absence, had made a night march of
15 miles, had taken part in an action with the
enemy, and had marched back the same
distance without a straggler, although many
had been on duty the previous night.

Our loss in this engagement was small,
as will be seen in the return of the casualties
herewith enclosed. Twenty eight of the
enemy were fonnd dead inside the redoubt,
and one on the road leading to the Kainga,
but it is probable that there were many
more killed and wounded.

There can be no doubt that the enemy
was taken completely by surprise, all the
preparations for the march having been kept
secret, and he was thrown into confusion
by the suddenness and rapidity of the attack.

I cannot speak too highly of the conduct
of all the officers and men present in this
engagement, or of the conspicuous gal-
lantry displayed by the 57th on whom the
brunt of the action fell. The movements of
this Regiment were most ably directed by
Colonel Warre, whose zeal and activity
throughout the action I have had the
pleasure of bringing under the favourable
notice of the Secretary of State for War
and of the Field Marshal Commanding in
Chief.

I have also drawn attention to the gallant
and meritorious conduct of the officers men-
tioned in Colonel Warre's clear and interest-
ing report, a copy of which is enclosed, par-
ticularly that of Brevet Lieut.-Col. Logan,
who commanded at the attack of the redoubt,
of Capt. Shortt, and the officers commanding
the three parties of the advance viz: Lieuts.
Brutton and Waller, and Ensign Duncan.

I have also made favorable mention in
my despatch to the Secretary of State for
War, of the services of Capt. Mercer, Royal
Artillery, whose excellent practice with his
Armstrong guns contributed materially to
the success of the day; and I have acknow-
ledged myself much indebted for the assist-
ance afforded me in the field, as in all the
previous arrangements, by the officers of the

General Staff and of my personal Staff, viz.—
Lieut. Colonel Gamble, Deputy Quarter-
Master General. Deputy Inspector-Gene-
ral of Hospitals, Mouat, C.B. Lieut. Col.
Hutchins. Assistant Military Secretary,
Major McNeill, A.D.C. Brevet Major Paul.
Major of Brigade, and my extra Aide-de-
camp, Capt. Gorton, 57th Regiment.

Your Excellency having been on board
H.M.S. Eclipse, had an opportunity of
witnessing the effective fire of her heavy guns
in aid of the attack of the troops and how
much indebted I am to Capt. Mayne, R.N.
for his valuable co-operation.

I cannot refrain from mentioning Major
Whitmore my former Assistant Military
Secretary, who retired not long ago to settle
in this colony, and who, happening to arrive
at New Plymouth the day before the enga-
gement, insisted on accompanying me into
the field. I beg to express an earnest hope
that the valuable services of the civilians,
honorably mentioned by Col. Warre in his
report, may be rewarded as they deserve by
the Colonial Government.

I have, &c.,
D. A. CAMERON,
Sir George Grey, K.C.B.,
&c., &c., &c.
Lieut. General.

NOMINAL RETURN OF KILLED AND WOUNDED OF'
THE 57TH AND 70TH REGIMENT AT "KATIKERA"
ON THE 4TH JUNE, 1863.

JAMES PAUL,
Major of Brigade.

St. Patrick's Redoubt,
Poutoko, June 4, 1863.

Sir, —I have the honor to report that, in
compliance with the instructions received
from the Lieut.-General Commanding, I
proceeded this morning with the Regiment,
strength as shewn in the margin,* from St.

• 57th Regiment. Field Officers, 2; Captains, 3;
  Subalterns, 8; Staff, 3; Sergeants, 18; Drummers, 9;
  Rank and file, 353. 70th Regiment. Sergeants, 1;
  Rank and file, 9. Totals—Field Officers, 2; Captains,
  3; Subalterns, 8; Staff, 3; Sergeants, 19; Drummers,
  9; Rank and file, 362.