AGAINST THE REBEL NATIVES.

41

A.—No. Ba,

Moule to Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, giving him intelligence of the supplies, position, and also telling him that you are most anxious to hear from him. Marsh goes by the Waotu, and fully expects to meet Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell to-night, and bring his answer to Lieut.-Colonel Moule, at Hanuera, who will communicate it to me here for your information. Lieut.-Colonel Moule will be enabled to supply Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell's force if he debouches anywhere in the Patetere; his position will be in the open road. About ninety mounted and foot constables are within easy distance of his support. The Hon. the Defence Minister. St. John Branigan, Commissioner, A.C.F.

No. 123. Mr. Commissioner Branigan to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Cambridge, 21th January, 1870. Lieut.-Colonel Moule left this morning at six, with provisions for Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. Following just received from Shortland by Thompson, who brought it in :— " To Colonel Moule,— "Ohinemuri, 23rd January, 1870. " O friend, salutations to you, the man who is holding on to (keeping faith with) the last word of Governor Grey, William Thompson, and Ihaia (Hohaia, Mr. Firth?) This is my peacemaking with you. Do not cover the peacemaking with a hat; it lies before us. But my most important word to you is, you will soon leave (?) your place, Cambridge. Leave the matter about Te Kooti to mc. Reply quickly to my letter. That is all. Your friend, "Te Waharoa Tana." Mr. Searancke has had a further conversation with Shortland, and I have asked him to send you purport. St. John Branigan.

No. 124. Mr. Searancke to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Cambridge, 24th January, 1870. Hoterene has now arrived from Okawai on behalf of the Natives generally. He protests against any movement of troops against Te Kooti where he is, and implies that Tawhiao has undertaken to send him away, and that any hostile movement will lead to his being supported by the King Natives. He uses this simile :—" If your clothes catch fire, it is better to extinguish it at once, lest a general conflagration takes place." He expresses himself confidently that Te Kooti will leave for his own district if any road is open to him, and he will not interfere with any, or fight unless attacked. lam myself of opinion that if any contemplated attack on Te Kooti were delayed until IWhiao's wishes about his going away were complied with, it would save a great complication, as I believe there to be considerable sympathy for (him) amongst some of the younger Natives of Tawhiao's who surround us. Tana te Waharoa started yesterday for Ohinemuri, where Tc Kopara is at present. If Tc Korua consents they will proceed to Auckland at once ; if not, not. Hoterene will remain here for one hour. The Hon. the Defence Minister. W. N. Searancke, R.M.

No. 125. Mr. Commissioner Branigan to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Cambridge, 24th January, 1870. No news of Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell yet. lam anxiously waiting and expecting every moment to hear from him. I regret to say that Lieut.-Colonel Moule's first messenger was stopped, and is still delayed, by Mohi, of Wharcpapa; but, as mentioned in my telegram of yesterday, Marsh went hence on Sunday afternoon, and it is from him I now expect to hear every moment. Depend on my keeping you well informed. The Hon. the Defence Minister. St. John Branigan, Commissioner, A.CF.

No. 126. Mr. Commissioner Branigan to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Cambridge, 24th January, 1870. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell's despatch to Lieut.-Colonel Moule at Hinuera just received here. I am getting it copied, and you will have it immediately. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell reports that he is within five miles of Te Kooti's position, and has already taken one of his picquets, killing one man, taking three others and one woman, prisoners. He reports that he intends attacking Tc Kooti to-morrow morning, at daylight, unless he finds the place too strong to do so with success, when he will invest it. Hicrefore, if he does attack it, he must be alone, and without co-operation. What are your instructions on this subject, as I can manage to send to him to delay attack, and carry out your instructions with regard to co-operation from all sides. Lieut.-Colonel Moule asks for despatch of an additional strength of 100 men to-night. This 11