EP-Noi 2,
APPENDIX A. Extbact from a Lettee from the Bishop oi'Waiapu, dated Turanga (Poverty Baj), April 15th, 1864. " The reports which are conveyed are of the most absurd character, such as you have had instances of in other quarters—that the losses sustained by the soldiers are something enormous—that the Queen will not send any more soldiers—that England is at war with America and Russia, and other parts of the world — that the soldiers have been driven out of Eangiriri and Mere-Mere —that Auckland is nearly depopulated —and that the Natives of the coast have only to go there and take possession. The latest accounts which arrived while I was at Waiapu, spoke of 156 of Ngatiwhakaue being killed, and the coast Natives were invited to go and finish the rest, and drive away the soldiers from Maketu and Tauranga. It was to little purpose that I explained the onward march of the troops to Awamutu and Maungatautari. My story was all English and one-sided. I pressed upon their attention the assurance of the Governor, that the lands of the Natives who remain quiet will not be interfered with, "but that those who go to fight will lose their land. Those who have gone to Waikato have held out threats against all who remain at home—that on their return from destroying the ' pakehax,' they will serve them in like manner, because they would not join with them." Extract from Private Lettee from a Missionary on the East Coast. " The most absurdly exaggerated reports are in circulation about our losses at AV Taikato. When the poor ' Avon ' (steam transport on the river) was injured, she had on board 1000 men, all of whom perished. The General must have more lives than a cat. He was killed at Waikato, and £20 taken out of each of his boots. He went in disguise as a minister to one of the pas (I think Patenuigi). The bell was rung, and he took his station in the pulpit, but counted each person as he entered. As the ' karakia' (Church service) was proceeding, a Maori noticed some part of the uniform under the surplice ; the alarm was given, and the unfortunate General was despatched. There are several other stories of the same character flying about, which are all implicitly believed." Extbact from a Lextee written by W. Thompson, to Natives on the East Coast, professing to report the engagement at Rangiaohia. (The actual loss to the Natives was above 100, and only one horse is said to have been killed on our side.) " Those tribes then went on, and came to close quarters, the one with the bayonet, the other with the tomahawk. Twenty of the pakehas fell. It was a hand to hand fight. Then came the cavalry. They now came upon our party. I called out 'fire.' One volley was tired, and every horse was killed, not one escaped. There was an end. Ngatiraukawa lost three, Turewera two, Tuwharetoa two, and Rangiwewchi one. These were all our dead ;as for the pakehas they had the bod (of death) to themnelves. " The General has proposed to make peace. It is ended. From AVi Tamekaha." Extract from a Private Letter from Cook's Straits. " A man from Rangiaohia (Waikato) has come here. . . . He has damaged his cause by exaggerated statements, among others that 1500 soldiers were killed at Rangiaohia, and that Bishop Selwyn was now second in command, and rode about with a sword at his side." APPENDIX B. CORRESPONDENCE between W. Nero and Mr. Pox. Auckland, 30th March, 1864. O Friend! 0 Mr. Fox !—This is the cause of my thoughts which caused me to speak of our going to Wm. Thompson and the Chiefs of Waikato, namely, their desire to come towards life [meaning to leave off fighting], also to give up their guns, cartouche-boxes, and other munitions of war. The only roason for delaying [carrying into execution] these thoughts is fear lest after having given up their weapons, Wm. Thompson and Matutaera should be seized and hung. Thin is their fear. Therefore I reflected and said, let me be let go to inspect these words that I may see the truth of 1 heir words or the falsity. If I see that it is true (as stated), I will let you know. Enough. From your friend } Wi Nero. To Mr. Fox. Auckland, 31st March, 1864. Friend Wm. Nero, —1 have read your letter in which you say that the road to life for Wm. Thompson and the Chiefs of Waikato is stopped, because they are afraid if they give up their weapons Wm. Thompson and Matutaera will be hung ; and you ask that you may be allowed to go to tell them whether this thought is true or false. Friend William ! great is your love for Waikato to save these men from destruction. This is good. The Government also desires that they should not perish. But that thought of theirs is wrong altogether. The word of the Government is, that all will be spared if they lay clown their arms and agree to live under the Queen's law. Their land will be gone to the Queen, but they will be allowed enough io live on well. A Crown grant will be given to each. This word is for Matutaera, for Tarapipipi, for all Waikato ; none are exoepted hut (he murderers. Let not these men then be afraid ; but let them be quick in giving up their arms, for otherwise the General will not be held in—he will go on till the arms oi the rebels are laid down. This is a true word. Now if you like to go. go. If you will not go that also is well. This is that your love for Waikato may save the lives of those men, of Matutaera, of Thompson, and the others. From your loving friend, Te Pokiha.
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