E.—No. 3 .

I beg to invite your Excellency's attention to the gallantry displayed by Captain Hertford and Lieutenant Harrison, of the Waikato Militia; and I recommend them and the other officers specially mentioned by General Carey to your Excellency's favourable consideration. I have already had the pleasure of bringing to the favourable notice of the Secretary of State for War the conduct of all the officers and men of Her Majesty's troops engaged on this occasion, particularly of those who are reported to have distinguished themselves. It is impossible not to admire the heroic courage and devotion of the natives in defending themselves so long against overwhelming numbers. Surrounded closely on all sides, cut oif from their supply of water, and deprived of all hope of succour, they resolutely held their ground for more than two days, and did not abandon their position until the sap had reached the ditch of their last entrenchment. I have, &c, D. A. Cameron, Lieut.-General. His Excellency Sir George Grey, X.C.8., &c. &c. ■ ______ . Enclosure in No, 36. BRIGADIER-GENERAL CARET XO THE ASSISTANT MILITARY SECHETAHT. Camp Te Awamutu, April 3, 1861. Sic, — I have the honour to state, for the information of the Lieutenant-General Commanding the Forces, that about mid-day on tho 30th ultimo, it was reported to mc by Lieutenant-Colonel Haultain, commanding at Kihikihi Bedoubt, that natives were seen in force at the village of Orakau, about 2i- to 9 miles distant from his post. I immediately rode over and made a reconnaissance, found that the natives were engaged building a pa, and as it was then too late in the day to attack at once, I returned to this camp, and made arrangements to march on the enemy's position during the night. Captain Baker, 18th Boyal Irish, Deputy-Assistant-Adjutant-General, fortunately found two men in the camp (Messrs. Gage and W. Astle) whom, from their local knowledge, I at once engaged as guides, which circumstance enabled me to determine on a combined movement. My plan of attack was to advance with the main body along the dray road to Orakau ; to detach a force of 250 men under Major Blythe, 40th Eegiment, who would take a circuitous route through a somewhat difficult country, crossing and recrossing the Punia Biver, and marching on my right flank to take the enemy's position in reverse ; and, thirdty, to draw a force of 100 men from Bangiawhia and Haeirini, under Captain Blewitt, Gsth Eegiment, who would march across to the enemy's position on my left, the three bodies of troops arriving, if possible, simultaneously before the enemy's stronghold shortly before daylight. At midnight, Major Blythe, -10th Begt., inarched with 250 men, as enumerated in the margin,* with directions to take the road to the right, to cross and reeross the Punia Biver, and to gain the rear of the ■enemy's position before daylight, halting there until he should hear my attack, and then to dispose of his force so as to cut oft' the retreat of the enemy. The road from Bangiawhia to Orakau I found, on inquiry, to be very difficult, being intercepted by deep swamp and thick bush ; however, having every confidence in Captain Blewitt's energy, I directed that officer —who commands at Bangiawhia—to march during the night and endeavour to form a junction with me before daylight on the proper right of the enemy's position, bringing with him one hundred inen.T At 3 o'clock on Thursday morning, the 31st ultimo, I marched with the main body as shown in the margin, X along the dray road to Kihikihi, taking on Lieutenant-Colonel Haultain and 150 men frcm that post, and then proceeded by the same road lo the village of Orakau, which I reached without opposition as the day dawned. The enemy, evidently taken by surprise, opened fire on the advanced guard, composed of 120 of the Eoyal Irish, and 20 of the Forest Bangers, gallantly led by Captain Eing, 18th Eoyal Irish (and supported by 100 of the 10th Eegiment), who immediately rushed forward to the attack in skirmishing orde'.-. The position being found very strong —an earthwork with strong flank defences, deep ditches, with posts and rails outside, and nearly covered from view with flax bushes, peach trees, and high fern —this * 40fcli Eegiment—l field officer, 1 captain, 1 subaltern, 1 staff, 3 sergeants, 2 drummers, 100 rank and file. 66th Eegiment—l captain, 3 subalterns, 6 sergeants, 3 drummers, 125 rank and file. Forest Eangers—l captain, 2 sergeants, 25 rank and file. Total —1 field officer, 3 captains, 4 subalterns, 1 staff, 11 sergeants, 5 drummers, 250 rank and file. t 65th Eegiment —2 captains, 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant, 1 drummer, 53 rank and file. 3rd Waikato Militia —1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant, 1 drummer, 52 rank and file. Total—2 captains, 2 lieutenants, 2 sergeants, 2 drummers, 106 rank and file. X Eoyal Artillery—l lieutenant, 2 sergeants, 1 drummer, 31 rank and file. 3 guns, Mounted Eoyal Artillery—3 lieutenant, 1 staff, 1 sergeant, 1 drummer, 28 rank and file. Eoyal Engineers—6 rank and file. 12tk Eegiment—l lieutenant. 18th Eegiment—l captain, 3 lieutenants, 1 staff, 5 sergeants, 3 drummers, 110 rank and file. 40th Eegiment—l field officer, 4 captains, 2 lieutenants, 1 staff, 14 sergeants, 5 drummers, 258 rank and file. 65th Eegiment—l lieutenant, 2 sergeants, 1 drummer, 38 rank and file. Militia—l field officer, 3 lieutenants, 8 sergeants, 3 drummers, 137 rank and file. Forest Eangers—l lieutenant, 2 sergeants, 1 drummer, 22 rank and file. Total—2 field officers, 5 captains, 13 lieutenants, 3 staff, 34 sergeants, 15 drummers, 660 rank and file.

51

THE NATIVE INSURRECTION.