AN EVENING IN OFFICERS' MESS-ROOM.
Many of our readers are familiar with the old building still standing,
facing on Queen Street, known as the officers' barracks. At the time
when this story opened, this was a scene of continual festivity--life in
its gayest aspect. Here were quartered the noisy, the swaggering, the
riotous, the vain, the gallant, the honourable, and all those different
qualities which help to form the make-up of the many individuals
comprising the officers of H. M. 52nd Regiment. At no period, before or
since, has Fredericton ever risen to such notoriety. Several
enterprising gentlemen of this body in connexion with a few of the
leading citizens planned and laid the first regular and circular race
course, near where the present now is situated, under the management of
J. H. Reid, Esq., and the members of York County Agricultural Society.
On the old race course it was no unusual occurrence to witness as many
as a dozen races during the space of two days. Sons of gentlemen, both
in military and private life, were the owners of thorough-bred horses,
each claiming the highest distinctions regarding full-blooded pedigree.
These were Fredericton's glorious days--days of sport; days of chivalry;
days of splendour and high life. On the evening in question, a festive
board was spread with all the eclat attending a dinner party. Some hours
previous a grand assemblage had gathered on the race course to witness a
race between Captain Douglas' mare Bess, and a celebrated racer
introduced on the course by Lieutenant-Colonel Tilden, ridden by his
groom. Much betting had arisen on both sides. Excitement ran high. Bets
were being doubled. The universal din and uproar was growing loud, noisy
and clamorous. The band played spirited music, commencing with national
airs, and, in compliment to an American officer, a guest of Sir Thomas
Tilden, finished off with Hail Columbia. Bess won the race. His
Excellency, Capt. Douglas, in the capacity of aide-de-camp, Mr. Howe and
Mr. James Douglas, with their friend, Lieutenant Trevelyan, stood on an
eminence bordered by woods. Here Sir Howard watched the afternoon's
sport with keen interest. He saw in the assembly many features to be
discountenanced. None admired a noble animal better than Sir Howard, and
none were more humane in their treatment. Captain Douglas entered more
into the sport of the proceedings. His whole mind for the present was
centered on the expectation of his noble little animal. In gaining the
race he was generous to the last degree. Honor was the password in all
his actions, while he gave his opponents that feeling which led them to
thank him for an honorable defeat.
The occasion of Lt. Col. Tilden's arrival was always hailed with a round
of festivities. This evening was the commencement, servants in livery
were at every footstep. An array of butlers and waiters was conspicuous
arranging the different tables. The grateful odors emitted from several
passages presaged the elaborate dishes to be served. The rattle of
dishes, clinking of glasses, and drawing of corks, hinted of the viands
in unlimited store. While the above were conducted in the mess-room,
many of the guests were as busy in their own private apartments making
the necessary toilet for the reception. In the foremost tier of rooms to
the left, facing the river, on the ground floor, is the one occupied by
Lieut. Guy Trevelyan. He is brushing out the waves of chestnut brown
hair which, though short, shows a tendency to assert its nature despite
the stern orders of military rule. A shade passes over the brow of the
youthful-looking soldier as he dons his scarlet uniform. His thoughts
are not at ease. Guy Trevelyan feels a vague and unaccountable
yearning--an undefined feeling which is impossible to shake off. "Well,
Trevelyan," soliloquized he; "you are a strange old fellow; such a state
as this must not be indulged amidst the stir and hurly-burly of
to-night. I believe bedlam has broken loose." No wonder that Trevelyan
thought so; for, at that moment, several noisy songs broke upon him--the
barking of at least a score of dogs, the clatter of steps upon the
pavement, and the practising of fifes and drums. Such a babel--a
distraction of noises and shouts of hilarious impatience were amusing in
the extreme. At the appointed hour, the usual ceremonies of introduction
being passed, the company were at last seated. And such a table! Such an
array that one would only get into difficulty by attempting to describe
it. Captain Douglas occupied a seat to the right of Lt. Col. Tilden and
received that attention which characterizes Sir Thomas. Mr. Howe, once
more on friendly footing, was assigned a seat beside the incorrigible
Captain Hawley, whose choice epithets produced such sensitive effects
upon the ears of the secretary sometime previous. Major McNair, a
brusque, genial, stout-hearted soldier, always ready to do the honors of
the Regiment under his charge, had on his right Captain Hawkins, an
American officer; on his left an American youth and nephew of the
officer. The convivial resources of these dinners were of a nature
sometimes loud, boisterous, and exhilarating. Though indulging in
countless practical jokes, various scenes of carousal, revels, mingling
with toast upon toast, cards and amusements, there was a general good
feeling throughout the whole proceedings. Misunderstandings sometimes led
to sharp words, but the intervention of a superior had a healing effect.
In nowise did Lieutenant Trevelyan receive so many taunts from his fellow
officers as for habits of moderation. They often dubbed him "Saint Guy,
the cold water man," which only served to amuse the young Lieutenant. The
attention of the American was often directed to Mr. Trevelyan, listening
with deep interest to the history of the young man and his distinguished
father. "Lieutenant Trevelyan is a gentleman in every sense of the
term," said the Major. "There is no need of that explanation, sir," said
the American; "it is written in bold outline upon his handsome boyish
face. His father will yet be proud of such a son." "The words of His
Excellency," returned the Major. In the flow of general conversation
that ensued many pretty speeches were made by the military and responded
by several citizens, gentlemen who were frequent guests at dinner. Sir
Thomas Tilden arose, complimenting Captain Douglas on his success,
hoping that they may meet soon on the same business. This called from
the gallant and handsome Captain one of his most witty and humorous
speeches, after which Captain Hawley sang Rule Britannia with the entire
company in a deafening chorus. After a short pause, cries of "Howe!
Howe!" Nothing short of an oration would satisfy. The secretary rose and
delivered something which would take some investigation to classify
either as an epic, oration, or burlesque. They wanted variety and such
it was. A puzzled expression rested on Lieutenant Trevelyan's face as he
tried to follow Mr. Howe in the lengthy harangue.
The band afterwards played "Hail Columbia," which was the signal for
Captain Hawkins to respond. The American thanked the Commander and
Officers of H. M. 52nd Regt. for the marked hospitality and courtesy
extended to him during his stay. Alluding to the feeling of
dissatisfaction existing between the sister nations, he hoped to see a
firmer footing established between them; and all former animosities
wiped out forever. These and other like sentiments called forth loud
applause, the band playing "The Star Spangled Banner." Speech followed
toast and song until the hours wore on unheeded. Lest it might be
considered an absurdity, we will not say how many toasts were
actually made--not in water, either, on this occasion. The strongest
proof of this fact was found in the dozens of empty bottles lying
scattered in profusion upon sideboards, tables and floors, the following
morning, as servants looked on in dismay. The task of removal is no
slight task. Before the company breaks up let us take another glance at
Lieutenant Trevelyan. In respect to his superiors the young gentleman
still remained as one of the company. Though twenty-one years had
lightly passed over our young friend and favourite, one would not judge
that he was more than eighteen. His smooth and beardless face had the
delicate bloom of a young and pretty girl. Dimples nestled in his cheeks
playing hide and seek to the various emotions of the owner. Guy
Trevelyan had not mastered his feelings during the "hurly burly," as
firmly as was his wont. Relapsing into an existence half reality, half
dreamlike, he was striving to divine the true state of his thoughts when
called upon by Sir Thomas Tilden. "Here is Lieutenant Trevelyan, the
Adonis of our Regiment, whom we cannot accuse of a breach of impropriety
to-night, except it be that of reserve." "Come now, Trevelyan, you are
in for a song," exclaimed a dozen voices, pressing around the young
Lieutenant, in noisy appeals. Contrary to their expectations, Trevelyan
did favor the company with a patriotic song, which drew forth stirring
applause and made him the hero of the evening. "Well done, my hearty,"
exclaimed Captain Hawley, slapping him on the shoulders, shouting
lustily, "Hurrah for Trevelyan, hip, hip, hurrah for Trevelyan." "Eh,
old chum," muttered Lieutenant Landon, in incoherent and rambling
speech, about "faint heart and fair lady." "As congratulations are at
present the rule, I cannot make an exception," said Mr. Howe. "Thanks my
boy for this, and may you soon have occasion for another." "And
another," roared the crowd, taking up the last words of the secretary.
"My warmest thanks, Mr. Trevelyan," said the Lieutenant Colonel, warmly
pressing his young friend's hand. This last act of courtesy was more
gratefully received by Mr. Trevelyan than the noisy demonstrations of
his brother officers. Soon afterwards, guest after guest departed in
various moods and in various ways; some making zig-zag and circuitous
routes, while others were more steady in the bent of their direction.
More definite description might be given of these parties than that
pictured here. More details might be given of scenes of dissipation,
when each member must "drink himself under the table," to achieve the
respect of his fellows; but the writer forbears not wishing to expose
the darker shades of the picture, allowing the reader full control of
his or her imagination, if willing to go further. Suffice it to say, no
brawls had marred the "jolly time." All went away in good humour, while
the American was so loud in praise, that he almost wished himself an
officer in H. M. 52nd Regiment. Having made his adieu, Captain Douglas
took leave for his bachelor's quarters, held in the house on the site at
present occupied by George Minchin, Esq., on King Street, whither his
friend Howe had preceded him. In this building, was kept the Governor's
Office, as well. Here Captain Douglas found himself, as the darkest hour
that precedes the dawn reminded of approaching day. "Howe," said
he, "sit down and have a chat for a few moments. What did you think
of the affair? Of cousin Jonathan and his nephew?" "One question at a
time, Douglas," said Mr. Howe, pulling out a cigar case and passing one
to his friend. "In answer to your first, I may say that under the
circumstances there was some credit for being merry. It happened at a
deuced bad time, but Sir Thomas took his defeat manfully, while those
animated volcanoes, Hawley and Markham were wonderfully passive--a fact
we must attribute to Major McNair. The general melee and pow-wow in
which I was so unceremoniously toasted, taught a lesson. Jove, the Major
is entitled to an order if he can, by any means, reclaim any of the
52nd. But the most amusing of the crowd is Trevelyan, who reminds me of
an Englishman in Paris. He is clear, too. The oftener I see him the more
I find to admire. He has a stock of drollery in reserve, too. Only think
of the song and how received; Jove, he can sing like a thrush or
nightingale."
"Sometimes he wears a puzzled look which I cannot define; but Trevelyan
one day will make his mark if not led astray by some of his comrades.
Still, in the same youth, there is considerable backbone, plenty of
determination if necessary." "Hold on, Howe, when are you coming to the
second question," exclaimed Douglas, in slightly impatient tones. "Bide
your time, old fellow. Getting sleepy too, by Saint George," said the
secretary, using his favourite Saint and Patron as necessary expletive.
"Oh! about Jonathan, or Sam, or cousin Jonathan. Cousin Jonathan is
certainly a jolly fellow. How they did stuff him with compliments.
Cousin Jonathan is a bigger man than when he arrived, and Markham, would
you not think he hailed from the 'ould country,' by the quantities of
that commodity supposed to come direct from Killarney, which he used
upon cousin Jonathan and Hail Columbia. Ha, ha, ha."
"Douglas, the younger Jonathan is a genuine specimen of Young America.
By Jove, to see him at good advantage he should have been seated beside
Guy Trevelyan--our Adonis. Is not the old chap mighty complimentary?
Think it was rather hard on the vanity of Landon and Grey. We must be
sure give the toast to Trevelyan, when they are present, to have another
skirmish." "Judging from your state of mind at the first, one would not
deem it advisable to enter the lists a second time," said Captain
Douglas. "Bear in mind the Major has too much on his hands already."
"Constant practice only serves to sharpen his wits," said Mr. Howe, with
a vein of sarcasm in his tones. "It grows late, or, I should say,
early," said Douglas, without taking notice of the last sentence. "Howe,
good morning, I shall retire." "Au revoir Douglas."
"Oh, sleep! Oh, gentle sleep! Nature's soft nurse," murmured Captain
Douglas, as he sought repose from the wearing and fatiguing rounds of the
last evening and remaining part of the night. Soon the "gentle sleep" was
upon him, and, steeped in quiet forgetfulness, slept peacefully,
regardless of toast, speeches and cousin Jonathan.
His friend in the adjoining room still puffed away at a cigar, drank
another toast to cousin Jonathan, soliloquizing: "By Jove, I shall watch
him closely. He is a clever youth, but I shall make a study of him. If
he would make me his confidante I should readily assist him. Douglas has
not the penetration to perceive it, but I can. Can any young lady be
mixed up in the affair? If so, I may be at a loss to discover." In the
meantime, the secretary, now thinking it time to follow Douglas to
gentle sleep, commenced to prepare for retiring, further soliloquizing:
"That look puzzled me last night, I must make good my word." Here he
stopped short and was soon enjoying sound sleep, in order to feel
refreshed for the duties and social demands of another day. The coming
day intended to be almost a repetition of the past. Morning, public
parade; afternoon, on the race course; and evening in the mess-room. Sir
Thomas Tilden's arrival was always hailed with joy, being marked with
grand festive honours, balls, parties and suppers. To these seasons the
officers and many of the leading citizens looked forward with fond
expectation. Beautiful ladies met in their ball-room the gallantry and
chivalry of Fredericton. Nothing but gaiety on every hand. Such events
marked the order of society in the capital of New Brunswick over half a
century ago.