We arrived in Halifax, N.S., on January 11th, and quartered in
Wellington barracks. We were now waiting the arrival of the left wing,
which sailed a few days later but did not reach Halifax till the 10th
of February. The gale we encountered spent itself on the _Mauritius_.
She came into port with masts and bulwarks carried away. No one was
drowned or injured in the storm. They immediately disembarked and took
up their quarters in Wellington barracks.
The left wing of the 2nd Battalion (17th) sailed from Cork on the 9th
of January, 1862, having Major Colthurst in command, and, together
with some batteries of the Royal Artillery, embarked on the troopship
_Mauritius_. Every possible arrangement had been made by the War
Office for the care of these soldiers, and, having regard to the time,
they were well provided for. Almost the first thing furnished after
the men got on board was a plentiful supply of tobacco; this was
followed by kit-bags and warm underclothing, calculated to meet the
then severity of the Canadian climate. The men were allotted each a
hammock, and the color-sergeants were given a comfortable cabin with
six sleeping berths in it and three blankets each; but mattresses and
pillows were the result of artistic kit supply arrangements.
The officers had fairly good staterooms, but necessarily were a good
deal crowded together. The men's food was hard tack, salt pork (with
salt beef on two days of each week), good tea and sugar (no milk, bread
or butter), and potatoes and cabbage. A lot of good rum was served out
to all twice a day. As both the artillery and infantry had been over
six months together in three-piece shelters or bivouacs at Aldershot,
with only one blanket each, this ship-board treatment was thought a
great luxury. It was at the period just after the Opposition to the
English Government had said that the British navy could not sail and
the British soldier could not march.
General Pennefather undertook to qualify the army in marching by
keeping about fifty thousand of them on their legs to the extent of at
least twenty miles per day, often thirty, and as there was no end piece
to the shelter tents, most of us were seldom dry, and rarely took off
our boots. This resulted in about one-fourth of the command being
weeded out, but those left were men such as the Duke of Wellington
praised when he said, "He could take his Peninsular Army anywhere and
do anything with it." It is true that when Wellington's veterans did
get back to barracks their bodies had to have insect lotion and their
clothing had to be burnt, but they were all men the Empire could be
proud of.
The voyage lasted thirty-one days and was a very rough one. The
beautiful horses of the artillery suffered greatly, although they were
all strung up in slings. After the first few days five or six were
found to be dead each morning, and it was pitiful to see their carcases
being thrown overboard. Owing to the length of the voyage, the nice
food provided for the officers ran out, and they cheerfully put up with
the hard tack and salted meats served to the men. We seldom got on
deck, but were a most happy family, excepting those who were seasick,
and with few exceptions these were all out of their hammocks after the
second week. One poor chap, Sergeant Regan, never got over his
sea-sickness, and swore he would never go to sea again. Strange to say,
he was the very first man to be ordered home to England again as drill
instructor for the Depot, so that he was scarcely on land three months
before he had to take his medicine again.
Owing to the very bad weather, the waves got into the habit of breaking
over the funnel of the steamer and thereby causing a steam explosion
down below. This so worked on the nerves of the stokers that they got
up a mutiny, in which the other sailors joined, the object being to
force the captain to return the steamer to England. They thought that
if this was not done they would share the fate of the horses, and the
daily sight of the dead animals was certainly not very encouraging.
However, the mutiny was the most absurd undertaking ever attempted by
sailors, as we soldiers were nearly all qualified and willing to take
their places, which was quite unnecessary, as one or two quick military
court-martials took all thoughts of mutiny out of their minds.
When we got to St. John's, Nfld., where we put in for coal, we were all
astounded at the amount of snow and ice, and what struck us as funny
were the shingled roofs on the houses. But a very short time in Canada
taught us that the Canadians knew more about how to live and do in
their country than we did.
What we wondered at most when we reached Halifax was, who were those
swell-looking soldiers on the wharf with white facings on their
overcoats and long swagger leather boots with queer-looking spurs on
them. To our surprise and delight, on nearing the dock, we found they
were the right wing of our own regiment, newly clothed, and the
supposed spurs were only military ice-creepers.
We settled down and anticipated a long stay in this garrison. The 62nd
and 63rd were in quarters here when we arrived, but left for St. John,
N.B., thus making room for the 16th Bedfordshire. We were quite pleased
to meet with our old friends and comrades again, and our social
intercourse was extremely pleasant. The city was crowded with all arms
of the service which happened to be on the water when the United States
yielded to Britain's demands. They were waiting orders to proceed to
their destination, which they received, and moved to points in Quebec
and Ontario, leaving a sufficient force necessary to garrison and
defend Halifax.
We were glad to find a splendid gymnasium, with library, reading and
refreshment rooms, which were thoroughly appreciated and patronized.
The weather was extremely cold, or we thought so. The "Bluenoses" would
only smile when we complained of it, so we thought it advisable to
become acclimatized as soon as possible. We formed skating clubs, and
on the little lakes and any frozen space outside the city could be seen
soldiers trying their best to keep their equilibrium, but they became
fairly good acrobats before this was accomplished. Later we took to the
North West Arm, where cricket and other games were played. We found
this most invigorating and splendid pastime. During the winter we
formed a society for the purpose of improving ourselves in literature.
We had in the regiment John Smith, musketry instructor, and Sergeant
George Smith. These were two educated and capable men, and offered to
do all in their power for the advancement of this class. These brothers
were also good actors, and trained us in theatricals, which became part
of our lives.
The married women and children were now on passage to join the
battalion. In view of the reception for them the writer was appointed
chairman of a committee to make arrangements and provide refreshments
for their reception. Those who are interested are watching the signal
station at the Citadel. The ship will be signaled at least two hours
before she comes up the harbor. At last we are notified that the
steamer with her precious cargo is in sight, the banqueting room is
prepared and everything they could wish for is ready. All the cabs,
hacks, etc., have been hired to convey the loved ones to their new
home. They arrive in good health and spirits. The reception, which was
a great success, was soon over, and the families repaired to their
respective quarters. I received the thanks and best wishes of the
ladies, who hoped I would have one of the best wives when I married.
In the spring we prepared for our course of musketry, when the
following paragraph appeared in regimental orders: "The commanding
officer has been pleased to make the following promotions and
appointments: Color-Sergeant Robert Gilbert to be quarter-master-sergeant,
_vice_ Draycott, discharged. Sergeant E. G. Rundle to be color-sergeant,
_vice_ Gilbert, promoted." I did not expect this promotion, for there
were several sergeants my senior, and I would rather one of them were
promoted, but I had no say in the matter. The commanding officer had
made his choice and that ended it. The ordeal of meeting my comrades
in the mess-room that night put me to the blush, and I will with all
modesty repeat what was said on my meeting them: "Hurrah for Teddy!
Here is our new color-sergeant. We are glad you got it, Teddy; you
deserve it. For he's a jolly good fellow," etc.
The rifle ranges are fourteen miles east of Dartmouth, a town opposite
Halifax. We marched to Chobham camp, where the ranges are located, and
spent two weeks to complete our course. We found the eastern passage a
very pleasant part of Nova Scotia. After our duties were ended each
day, we went boating, fishing, lobster catching and swimming.
Our course was a decided success, and we returned to Halifax and
resumed our usual duties. The American civil war was still in progress,
and the city was generally in a state of excitement. There was much
anxiety as to the battles being fought and the news that would be
received for the next bulletin. Of course, both sides had their
friends, and there were a great many Americans sojourning in the city.
For many years outposts were established at points easily reached and
accessible to the United States, to prevent deserters entering that
country. The troops in garrison furnished the men to occupy these
posts, and many a would-be deserter had been captured and returned to
their respective corps. Our band, now among the best in H. M. service,
gave concerts in the Horticultural Gardens, which were highly
appreciated. We had an occasional field day, our strength being
augmented by the addition of the two militia battalions and the naval
brigade from the warships in the harbor. These parades were always
enjoyed by the citizens.
With extreme regret I had to part with my captain; he had received an
appointment as staff officer of pensioners in Australia. I must inform
the reader that the captain and color-sergeant are closely allied. The
sergeant is the captain's secretary, and they confer when necessary on
matters pertaining to the company's standing, etc. Captain John Hunter
was succeeded by Captain William Robinson, who came to us from the 1st
Battalion; he was a very young captain and also a handsome soldier. He
served with his battalion in the Crimea. At the age of seventeen he was
gazetted ensign and went to the front almost immediately. I said
good-bye to Captain Hunter, and Lieutenant Gamble (who, I believe, was
born and educated in the city of Toronto) took command of the company
until the arrival of the new captain.
As the winter approaches, drill ceases and we become active in the
theatrical line. There has been added to the gymnasium a small theatre,
where we shall hold our entertainments. The garrison is commanded by
Major-General Sir Charles Hastings Doyle. He is a great friend of the
soldier, and is always ready to do anything in his power for the
enjoyment and pleasure of the troops. Captain Robinson arrives, and I
meet one of the handsomest soldiers I have yet seen. He is young and
fair, tall and commanding, and his unassumed dignity is in keeping with
his handsome physique. He extends his hand and gives me a cordial
greeting, saying he is pleased to meet me, and from what he has heard
of me is glad that I am his color-sergeant.
There were many entertainments given during the winter, which were
often patronized by the general and his staff. Quadrille parties were
held weekly by the regiments and corps in garrison. Invitations for
these parties were general. These were delightful gatherings. We always
had the best music, and the ladies of the city who attended were
pleased at all times to be in the whirl with the gay young warriors.
Our drills outside the gymnasium were bayonet, sword and route
marching. The bandmaster during the winter organized an orchestra which
was a great help to our entertainments.
The summer of 1863 arrived and the usual set up drill, musketry course
and other exercises were engaged in. George Island is situated in
Halifax Harbor, and the fortifications were not in good shape if it
were attacked. In order to place them in an absolute state of defence,
the Royal Engineers were repairing and rebuilding the forts. To
expedite the work, two companies of "G" and "H" were detailed to move
to the island, the men to be employed on its work with extra pay. Being
the senior sergeant, I acted as sergeant-major.
The Fenians, it was said, were raising a fleet to bombard Halifax. The
other ports received the same attention and were ready to receive these
men and their fleet, but they did not come. In the summer of 1864 the
two regiments exchanged quarters, the 16th moving from the Citadel to
Wellington Barracks, and the 17th from Wellington to the Citadel. The
anniversary of the tercentenary of Shakespeare was to be celebrated in
this city on St. George's day. The St. George's Society prepared a
public meeting in the afternoon, when an oration was given in honor of
the great writer. A committee prepared a programme to be rendered by
our society on the evening of the 23rd. We obtained permission from the
general, and we did our best to head the list of the military
contributions towards the monumental fund in London, England. The
theatre being too small for this undertaking, we leased the Temperance
Hall, largest in the city, and built our own stage. The programme was
soon ready and contained the following, which was purely Shakespearean.
An orchestra of thirty pieces played the overture and accompanied the
several numbers. The Rialto, Bargain, and Trial scenes from the
Merchant of Venice, four glees, a reading, and Locke's music to
Macbeth's witches in character. Sergeant-Instructor Smith and his
brother conducted the programme. No ladies took part. The characters
were all male, John Smith taking the part of Portia, and his brother
that of Shylock. Schoolmaster Ward made a good Antonio, Color-Sergeant
Pix made a splendid Duke, while the writer took the part of Salarino.
All the parts were well taken, being thoroughly rehearsed. A dancing
master in the city loaned us all the costumes necessary. The oration of
the St. George's Society was given at noon. Our entertainment was under
the patronage of the lieutenant-governor and the general, who, with
their respective staffs, were all present the night of the performance.
The hall, which was a very large one, was filled to the doors. The
performance commenced and continued to the end without a hitch. So well
did it turn out we were obliged, by special request, to repeat it the
following night, which was again a decided success. It was most
gratifying to us that we headed the list of the military subscriptions.
We found, after all expenses had been paid, five hundred dollars ($500)
was available for the fund, which was immediately remitted to the
secretary, and acknowledged by him through the London _Times_.
It goes without saying that after our grand success in playing before
the public such a programme that required the talent of old actors, we
felt that we were a regiment of intelligence and culture, and we also
considered that we had acquired a high state of proficiency in every
department, that we were an important unit in H.M. vast army.
I cannot proceed further without telling the reader that Colonel
McKinstry and officers appreciated all we did and helped us in every
possible way. The general was so much interested that he presented the
sergeants with his likeness, with the inscription, "From your friend
and general," and it was hung in a conspicuous place in the mess-room.
I hope it is still to be seen in the sergeants' mess of the dear old
regiment. It now fell to the lot of Sergeant-Instructor Smith to be
honored. He was clever and took great pains, and was always delighted
to have our social gatherings of the highest standard, and no doubt he
took notice of the beauties of nature in this, to us, new country, and
watched the coming forth and maturing of Nova Scotia's idol, the
mayflower. He wrote a poem on this pretty little flower, and it was set
to music by Drum-Major Gurney, and a quartette sang it before a large
audience, who expressed themselves delighted with it. I can only
remember two verses, which are as follows:
"Ere rude winter's crust of rime
Milder spring can soften;
Ere to greet the blither time
Robins warble often;
O'er the undulating wild,
Rising like a hardy child,
There the Mayflower sweet, unseen,
Spreads its leaves of glossy green.
"'Neath the lee of rubbly rocks
Snowy fragments linger,
Shedding tears that Phoebus mocks
With his fiery finger.
Tears that act as cheering showers,
Tears that cherish sweet mayflowers,
Till each little lilac bell
Breaks in beauty o'er the dell."
This was another triumph for us. The Premier, Hon. Jos. Howe,
complimented the writer, and added some graceful remarks. The general,
too, and all friends of the regiment complimented Sergeant Smith on his
beautiful poem.
One of our best and most genial color-sergeants deserted. It was a
great surprise to us to learn of Sergeant Josh. Topham's departure. It
was said that he was disappointed in not having to fight the Yankees,
for which purpose he was sent out, and thought he would step over and
help the Confederates. He left the barracks, went into the city,
changed his clothing, wearing a clergyman's suit and carrying a
suitcase. He had to exercise great care to hide his identity. If
detected, it would have been ten years' penal servitude. He took
passage in a schooner which carried him to Boston, and when he wrote
and told us all about it, he said his anxiety was relieved when the
harbor was cleared. We often heard from our old comrade; he got along
splendidly and was soon promoted to the rank of quartermaster.
The battalion at this time was in a state of much anxiety; Captain
Robinson was dangerously ill, and suffering from internal troubles. His
death, which soon followed, was a great blow to me, as our relations
were of the most pleasant character. His remains were interred in Point
Pleasant Cemetery with full military honors, and the regiment mourned
the loss of a good officer and soldier's friend. I was appointed
assistant clerk in the brigade office. Sergeant-Major Forbes, late of
the 62nd Regiment, was the senior clerk, but before I entered upon my
duties I acted as secretary to a committee of officers who had charge
of the late Captain Robinson's effects. Some of these were sent to his
friends in England, the balance were sold.
I found my work brought me in touch with the Horse Guards and War
Office, which proved to be of much service to me in after years.