E.—No. 5

I was unable to ascertain <at the time what effect our fire had on the Natives, though I could see from the marks of blood, &c, that one if not more of them had been badly hit ; and I have since learned that one Native was killed and three more wounded. I then withdrew my men by the road leading straight to Bell Block, recrossing the Mangoraka river by the Upper Ford, near which I was joined by the remainder of my force, under the command of Captain Shortt, 57th Regiment, who, acting under my directions, had left the town about 3.15 a.m., and proceeded to this place, and whose report I have the honor to append. I then marched the whole of my force back to New Plymouth, which I reached about II a.m. I would beg to bring to your favorable notice the admirable conduct of the whole of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men under my command, more especially the steadiness with which they endured a most fatiguing march of upwards of twenty miles over very bad roads, and for a great portion of the time under heavy rain. I have, &c, H. Butler, Major Commanding 57th Regiment. Colonel Warre, C.8., Commanding Troops, Taranaki.

CAPTAIN W. A. SHOBTT TO MAJOE BUTLEE. New Plymouth, New Zealand, 25th September, 1863. Sir,— I have the honor to report that, according to instructions received from you, I marched at 3.15 a.m. this morning, with a party, strength as per margin, J and arrived at Mangoraka river a little after daybreak. I divided my men, placing half the number in ambuscade, and overlooking the Mangoraka ford, having a small belt of bush on my right, the other half in support, well concealed on some high ground a short distance to my rear, which commanded the whole country. A few minutes after my arrival I observed Natives ascending the hill on the other side of the river, who were immediately fired on by the party under Major Butler, and pursued by him. Hearing Natives talking on the other side of the belt of bush on my right, I withdrew my ambuscade and took my men round by the rear of this belt, as I was informed that it was exceedingly swampy. I came suddenly on a body of Natives, who retired, firing, into the bush, where I did not think it advisable to pursue them, not being aware how many Natives were about. On my being joined by Major Butler's party, the enemy opened fire at long ranges from various parts of the bush. The men behaved well, though it was with some little difficulty that I could restrain their impetuosity and eagerness to pursue. I have, <fee., W. A. Shortt, Captain 57th Regimeut. Major Butler, Commanding 57th Regiment.

No. 32. LIEUT.-GENERAL CAMEEON, C.8., TO GOVEBNOB SIB GEOEGE GEEY, K.C.B. Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, 6th October, 1863. Sir,— I have much pleasure in forwarding for your Excellency's information, the accompanying copy of a letter from Colonel Warre, C.8., commanding troops at Taranaki, enclosing a report from Captain Atkinson, Taranaki Volunteers. I have, &c, D. A. Cameron, Lieutenant-General. Governor Sir George Grey, K.C.B. { 57th Regiment.- Captain, 1 Subaltern, 2 Sergeants, 31 Rank and File. Militia.—2 Captains, 2 Sergeants, 50 Rank and File.

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