A handwritten journal with several sketches and pasted-in newspaper cuttings, providing a detailed account of the principal events during the cruise of HMS Harrier, 28 November 1860 - 17 March 1865, 189 pages. The account includes a detailed description of the main events of the Waikato river campaign of 1863, including the Battle of Rangiriri of 20 November 1863, in which Ayre himself took part. The journal is unsigned, and was evidently written up after the events it describes. The author appears to have made a conscious effort to retain his anonymity.
William Ayres: Journal of Maori Wars
This material is held atCambridge University Library
- Reference
- GB 12 MS Add.9538
- Dates of Creation
- 1860-1865
- Name of Creator
- Language of Material
- English .
- Physical Description
- 1 collection
Scope and Content
Access Information
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Acquisition Information
Purchased at Sotheby's sale 17 December 1998, lot 34.
Other Finding Aids
A catalogue of the collection can be found on ArchiveSearch.