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No. 30. copy of a DESPATCH fkom governor sir george grey, k.c.b., to his grace the duke of NEWCASTLE, K.G. (No. 40.) Government House, Auckland, .arch 7, 18G4. My Lord Duke, — I have the honour to enclose a copy of a translation of a letter fropi William Thompson to some chiefs upon the east coast of this island, in which he describes the recent actions with our troops. 1. Your Grace will find that this letter is interesting, as it shows the efforts which are made, by describing imaginary successes, to induce distant tribes to join the rebels, and thus to keep the war alive. I have, &c, G. Grey. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, K.G., ite. &c &c. Enclosure in Ko. 30. February 28, 1864 To Rawiri and to T.avaha, — Salutation. Your letter of the 27th has come. You wish to hear the account of the war here. Yes. It is good to comply with your wish. Now listen. On Sunday an attack was made on Rangiaohia, a stealthy assault (konihi) by the Pakehas. They fell (the Maoris), and six were killed in one place. Patene Poutama was taken prisoner. These men were attacked at night ; the payment was eight, all officers. Enough of that. On the night of Sunday, the pas of Paterangi, I'uketoke, and Awheteki were evacuated. By the time the moon went down we had assembled at Te Raho; and when the morning star arose we were all at tho Catholic Church. We cooked some food ; and, when appetites were satisfied, had prayers. After prayers crossed over to Hairini to Tomo's pa. I proposed that I should lead the van with Ngatihaua, Ngatiinaru, and Ngati Paua ; that the Ngatiraukawa, Te Wharetoa, and Urewera should havo the flanks, and Ngatimaniapoto the rear. I preferred that there should be but few to advance in front, to be light, so as not to be eager to fight. I spoke three times, but they would not listen ; so Ngatiraukawa took the lead ; after them Urewera ; after them Tawharetoa ; and after them Ngatimaniapoto. I called out, •' I shall not go with you ; I shall stay and make entrenchments with Ngatiinaru, Ngati Paou, and Te Aua." Those tribes then went on, and came to close quarters ; tho one with the bayonet and the other with the tomahawk ; 20 Pakehas fell. It was a fight hand to hand. Then came the cavalry, and Maori fled. In return Te Rangikaiwhirea, Pakira's son, was killed, also Amitai. The Ngatiraukawa lost two ; Te Urewera two. Of Te Rangiwewehi, Ta. atu was killed by a stray bullet. They now came on our part}'. I called out, "Fire;" one volley was fired, and every horse was killed ; none escaped. There was an end of them. The infantry then charged. Three volleys were poured on them, and that was finished. Another charge was then made, aud Ngatimaniapoto, Ngatiraukawa, and Tawharitoa fled. My party then retired. Not one was taken, nor a single Ngatipaoa or Ngatiinaru. Of Te Aua tribe, Keto Xi Waho was (taken or killed), and Paora Pipi of Ngatitahinga. Ngatiraukawa lost three. Urewera „ two. Tv wharetoa „ one. These were all our dead. As for the Pakehas, they had the bed of death to themselves. The General has proposed peace. By AVi Tamehana. No. 31. copy of a DESPATCH from governor sir george grey, k.c.b., to his grace the duke of' NEWCASTLE, K.G. (No. 41.) Government House, Auckland, March 8, 1864. My Lord Duke, — I have the honour to enclose for your Grace's information, a copy of a translation of a letter I received on the Oth instant, from the chief of the Wakat_ea tribe on the east coast of this Island. This letter is, in point of fact, a declaration of war against us. 2. It will be seen that the main reason alleged for this hitherto friendly tribe engaging in hostilities against us (if they really persist in doing so) is that orders have been issued from England that all tho natives of New Zealand sh.mld be destroyed, whether faithful subjects of the Queen or not. It is by spreading false statements of this kind that the rebels have hitherto succeeded from time to time in drawing numbers of distant tribes, not acquainted with the true state of things, into the war. 3. 1 hope, in this instance, if we can convince the Whakatohea tribe of the delusion under which they labour, that they will yet abandon their present intentions, which would certainly prove fatal to their interests. I have, &c., G. Grey. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, K.G., &c, &c, &c.

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