LIEUT.-COL. BUTLER'S DESPATCH TO MAJOR-GEN. CHUTE.
[Image of page 44]
LIEUT.-COL. BUTLER'S DESPATCH TO MAJOR-GEN. CHUTE.
Camp Waingongora, 4th Febraruy, 1866.
SIR--I have the honor to enclose to you herewith for the information of the Major-General Commanding a diary of my proceedings with the force left by the Major-General under my command on the 17th January, 1866. I trust that the measures which I have adopted to carry out the orders given to me to harass the enemy and destroy all cultivations, &c., may meet with approval.
I may be permitted to add that from Captain Doran and the detachment of the 50th Regiment I received the most energetic co-operation. My best thanks are due to these officers and men as well as to those of the 57th Regiment, who have been engaged with me; also, to Sir Robert Douglas, 57th Regiment, and Major McDonnell of Native Contingent, who, despite of his wound, insisted in rendering active aid, and did good service.
I have, &c.,
H. BUTLER,
Major and Lieut.-Colonel 57th Regiment, Commanding Garrison.
The Deputy Quartermaster-General, &c.,
Head Quarters.
Diary of Operations with Flying Column, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Butler, 57th Regiment, in the Ngatiruanui Country, from 17th January, 1866, to 3rd of February, 1866.
18th January. --On the morning of the 18th January, I moved out of camp with one field gun, 200 men of the 50th and 57th Regiments, and about 120 friendly Natives; proceeded in the direction of Oukuti, which I found destroyed as I had left it two days before; also to the pa Tiwitiri Moana, where three bodies were discovered, one being that of the Chief Hohepa, a man of considerable importance. This pa was quite destroyed! the enemy escaped as usual by the rear, and pursuit was not possible. There were in all about fifty Natives to defend the pa; brought in from it fifteen cart-loads of potatoes, and destroyed a vast quantity of cultivations; returned to this post that evening.
19th January. --Halted. The friendly Maories went out to reconnoitre and obtain intelligence, the want of which much retarded my movements.
20th January. --Marched off at 10 a. m., having been delayed by the non-arrival of the Native Contingent sent out yesterday; took with me twenty Military Train under Lieut. Creagh, 80 rank and file 50th, and 100 rank and file 57th Regiment, also about 120 Native Contingent under Major McDonnell. My object was to attack a strong position called Ahipipi, in which it was said several Natives were congregated. I detached the Native Contingent along the left bank of the Waingongora River, with directions to cross it at the edge of the bush, and endeavour to get in rear of Ahipipi, in order to intercept the retreat of the Natives. I advanced myself direct upon the position, and found it deserted; some of the enemy, however, came down and fired on my party when in the act of destroying the whares; one man of the 57th Regiment was severely wounded. The Native Contingent were now ordered to pursue the enemy into the bush; this they did vigorously, and within a mile
[Image of page 45]
of Ahipipi they came upon a large village. This party was supported by some of the 57th under Sir Robert Douglas. After a heavy fire, and a stout resistance of about twenty minutes, the village was carried. A large number of the enemy were seen carrying off a body with much care. It is believed that a great chief was killed, possibly of Kaukawa. A well furnished strong European house was erected dose to the nui or flagstaff; it was destroyed in common with everything to be found, including many cultivations. Five of the enemy were killed one man of the Native Contingent wounded. The destruction of this place is considered of importance, as it was newly built by the Hau Haus with unusual care, and was as it were the head-quarters of the fanatics in the neighbourhood.
21st January. --Halted, and continued my efforts to obtain information.
22nd and 23rd January. --Convoy days. The friendly natives went into the bush, and brought back a quantity of potatoes.
24th January. --Started at 8 a. m.; took with me 14 Military Train, 8O rank and file 50th, 100 57th, and about 100 Native Contingent; proceeded towards Wheriwheri, which has been already destroyed, thence towards Tewhatiwe, crossed the Waingongora River, and struck into the bush towards Ketemarai. I soon came upon clearances under careful cultivation, amongst the rest about two acres of wheat, much Indian corn and tobacco, and a number of fruit trees. All were destroyed. After a long and harassing march the force returned to camp, via the Ketemarai road.
25th January. --At 4 p. m., considering that I no longer required the services of the 50th Regiment, under Captain Doran, I ordered that officer to return to the Patea.
20th January. --Rested in camp.
27th January. --Rested again, and sent the Natives out to reconnoitre. They lost one man in the bush: it was afterwards ascertained that he was killed by the Hau Haus.
28th January. --A party of natives went in search of their missing companion, but found no trace of him. On their return they were attacked in force by Hau Haus; one of our natives was killed, and another badly wounded; they reported having killed three Hau Haus.
29th January. --Took 100 Imperial troops, 50 Natives, all available carts Commissariat Transport Corps, to Ketemarai, for firewood.
30th January. --Halted.
31st January. --Sent another party to Ketemarai. They came upon fresh cultivations concealed in the bush; these were destroyed, and quantities of vegetables brought into camp.
1st and 2nd February. --Remained in camp in consequence of the inclemency of the weather.
3rd February. --Sent out a party consisting of eighty rank and file, 57th Regiment, and some friendly Natives, towards Ketemarai for firewood.
H. BUTLER,
Major and Lieut.-Colonel 57th Regiment,
Commanding Garrison.
Camp, Waingongoro, 4th February, 1866.