ifficult to
say by whom they were instigated to revolt. The possession of certain
lands claimed by settlers was the ostensible cause of each outbreak; and
the natives invariably commenced hostilities, by murdering some settlers
whom they attacked unawares. Such was the commencement of the last New
Zealand War. One of their chiefs had been proclaimed king by the rebel
tribes, who had declared their intention of driving the British from the
northern island. Although the natives may be pitied for their
ignorance, it was necessary immediately to put down such pretensions by
force. Preparations were therefore made for attacking the enemy in
their strongholds--a nature of warfare arduous and hazardous in the
extreme, and requiring great judgment and discretion not only in the
leaders, but in the non-commissioned officers and privates. Where
British soldiers have an opportunity of exhibiting these qualities, they
are generally found in their possession.

The 65th Regiment of Foot was stationed at Auckland at the commencement
of the war in July 1863, and were about to return to England, when they
were ordered to the front in search of the enemy. For two months a
detachment under the command of Captain Swift was posted at Fort
Alexandra, in the neighbourhood of Cameron Town, where Mr Armitage, a
magistrate, had his residence.

On the 7th of September, news was brought to the fort that Mr Armitage,
a few white men, and a large number of friendly natives residing near
him, had been massacred by the enemy.

Captain Swift, on hearing this, immediately set out, with Lieutenant
Butler, Sergeant McKenna, two other sergeants, a bugler, and a party of
fifty men, into the bush in pursuit of the foe. Swamps were crossed,
rivers forded, hills climbed, and dense woods penetrated, and other
difficulties overcome, till towards the evening the gallant little band
found themselves in an open space near the place where they expected to
fall in with the enemy. A party of ten were sent in advance to feel the
way.

The advance guard, however, lost the path, thus greatly reducing the
main body. Again they advanced, when, having reached another opening in
which the savages had been encamped, they once more halted. Hearing the
sounds of the enemy's voices, they were advancing to chase them, when
they found themselves exposed to a terrific fire from out of the bush on
either side. Captain Swift was the first to fall; and directly
afterw