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A^^^
MY
/
LIFE AS A SOLDIER
BY
CAPTAIN THOMAS McKENZlE,
KORMKUKY SKKJiKANT HER MA-IKSTY'S «4Tll RKGIMKNT.
V\V.\A\ lU'iiKKR TO TIIK UKNKRAL8 COMMA\DIN«4 IN TIIK l>KR8(A\
<AMI'AI«iS AND INDIAN MUTINY.
ST. JOHN, N. B.
J. & A. McMillan, 98 Prince William Street,
1898.
Entered according to Act of Parliament of Canada, in the year 1K9S,
By TiKtUAS McKknkie,
In the office of the Minister of Agriculture at Ottawa.
li'
TO HIH EXCKLLKNtY
THE EARL OF ABERDEEN,
OOVERNOR (}ENEKAL OF CANADA,
THIS VOLUME 18,
KY HIS excellency's TEKMISSION,
WITH (JREAT RESPECT,
INSCRIBED.
iiocei
an a
In
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while
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self, Y
Feith,
INTRODUCTION
Before commencing the story of my own life, I deem it
necessary to say a few words respecting my father's career
as a soldier.
In January, 1818, n«y father enlisted in Her Majesty's
.H3rd Highland Regiment, and was present with the Duke of
Wellington at Waterloo on June 18, 1815, for which he re-
ceived the medal granted for that war. On the completion
of the campaign my father purchased his discharge, and
returned to his native home in Perth, Scotland, where he
married my mother, they having known each other from
childhood.
A year afterwards my father obtained the rank of sergeant
and master tailor in Her Majesty's 94th Regiment, by pur-
chase, such being at that time the rule of the service. This
|)08ition he retained until his discharge at Chatham, England,
in August, 1841, receiving a jiension for over twenty-three
years' service. He had received the usual medal for long
•service and good conduct on the completion of eighteen years,
the prescribed period. On his discharge he went to Ijond«»n,
and immediately received employment from Mr. Gilbert, urniy
clothing contractor, who was well acquainted with my father
from having supplied him with all kinds of military cloth
while so long master tailor in the 94th. In November fol-
lowing, as my father and mother, with my brother and my-
self, were on our way to church, we were met by General
Feith, then on the staff at Ijorse Guards, but previously
(V)
vi
Introduction.
colonel of the 94th. He told my father that the B4th Regi-
ment had applied to Horse Guards for a master tailor, and
asked him it' he would accept the position. Well do I re-
member ray father's reply. " I have had enough of soldiering
already, and am doing well." The general then asked him
to call at his office the next day, that they might talk over
matters connected with the regiment. After our return from
church my father and mother considered what Genbral Feith
had said, and on the following morning, my father, accom-
panied by my brother and myself, went to see the general,
who again asked him to accept the master tailorship of the
H4th. This time the answer was, *' Yes, if you will enlist
these two sons of mine ; if I may draw my {)ension while
serving, and be allowed to take my discharge by giving fifteen
days' notice." This caused a laugh from all in the office, to
think that my father should ask them to enlist me, then not
eleven years old, and only four feet two inches in height,
though nearly as broad as long, or high. The authorities
were willing to enlist my brother, but not me. My father
would not consent to go without me, and eventually the de-
cision was that I was to be enlisted as a special case. We two
boys were then enlisted, and passed the usual doctor's inspec-
tion, being made to jump and run, to show that we had the
use of our limbs and were fit to serve Her Majesty. When
we went before a magistrate to be sworn in as soldiers, I shall
never forget the laugh of the magistrate when he called my
name. I sprang to " attention," and gave iiim the military
salute, which I then knew as well as I do to-day. This I had
learnt, as well as the duty of obedience, in the regimental
school of the 94th.
I may here mention that iu 1^40, when Her Majesty Queen
JnU'odncthn.
VII
Victoria (God bless her) pn^fscd throu^^h Chatham after lior
marriage, the whole of our regiment, the })4th, aHtteinbled to
congratulate her and form an escort for her on her return
home. I often had the pleasure of seeing her in Ijondon
during my three months of civil life there. Those who have
never been in London, or at Horse (tuards, miss a splendid
sight in the two sentries mounted on their hlack luirses, one
in each archway of the main gate. During their two hours
on duty neither man nor horse moves. Thoy look more like
.statues than living beings. I used to visit them daily, as well
as many other sights of interest in London.
My father, mother, and family left London one week after
my enlistment to join the four-company depot of the 64th,
then stationed at Templemore, Ireland, and arrived on the
29th November, 1841, my brother and I to begin our career
as soldiers.
In 1842 the depot was moved to Nenagh, Ireland, and t«)
Tralee in 1843. Early in that year a draft was in8j)ected by
the doctor to join the head-quarters of the regiment at Hali-
fax. My father, brother and myself were included in the
draft. It was a great disappointment to my father when, in
August, word came that the regiment was ordered home to
England, for he was very desirous to get to America. The
regiment arrived at Portsmouth in October, 1843, where the
depot met them. Shortly afterwards tlie whole regiment went
to Weeden. They had not been there more than a month
when an epidemic of sore eyes brt>ke out among the men, fii
which two companies were sent to Northampton, and the other
eight companies to different places on detachment. It was
here my father gave notice to leave the regiment, in 1844, tor
the following reason: The quartermaster of the regiment
VIII
Introdnciion.
objected to my ftitljcr getting all his inilitiiry cloth from Mr.
Gilbert, rh he used to do when in the ii4th, receiving the
profit himself, if there was any. Accordingly my father,
mother, and the remainder of the family lefl again for Lon-
don, leaving u» two brotherH to fight through life for our(«elveH.
In the year 1845 my father and family came out to Kings-
ton, Ontario, in a sailing vessel commanded by his brother,
where he died a few yeare afterwards. My mother survived
him. At present my two eldest sisters and three younger
brothers live in Ontario; the eldest brother is now colonel
commanding the Gananoque Field Battery, his son being
captain in the same battery.
PREFACE.
At the suggestion and xolicitntion of friends on whtMo
Judgment I rely, I hnve ventured to compile the following
short account of my life a« a Holdier in Her Majesty's service.
This has not hccn done because I think that there is any
particular credit to be attached to anything which has been
accomplished in the various capacities in which I have been
engaged, either in the ejwt or west. They have simply been a
part of my duty, and any man should Im> satisfied if he feels
that he has honestly tried to do his best. But having occu-
pied a peculiar position as staff bugler, requiring my presence
close beside the general ofHcer commandMig, in two cam-
paigns, under such distinguished men as Sir James Outrara
and Sir Henry Havelock, it has been thought that I might
relate the course of events in an unpretentious manner, and
as an observer of some things which ordinarily escape notice.
The nature of my work in Canada has been essentially con-
structive. The militia force of the Dominion has been a
thing of comparatively slow growth. Ex})erience has had to
be bought. Facilities have been small. Perfection has by
no means yet been reached. But it has been my privilege
in the positions held by me to do something towards the
building up, in one section of this great country, of a system
of domestic military service, which I believe has now a good
foundation, and will be found more and more effective as
time goes on.
There are in my humble judgment two things which force
themselves on the unbiassed observer of men and things.
\y\
X Preface.
First, that public opinion is not yet sufficiently educated to
the absolute necessity, not merely the desirability, of having
a properly equipped and well disciplined military force, both
as the ultimate resort in case of civil disturbance, and as a
national defence in case of attack from without. The militia
is worse than useless if not effective. And that it shall be
effective should be the resolve of every patriotic citizen.
The other thing is, that the militia, being national in the
purest sense, should be entirely removed from the sphere and
influence of party politics. No appointment or promotion
should be affected by the exigencies of political provision ;
but as is the case in the mother country, reasonable seniority,
with merit, should be the only avenue to advancement.
It will be seen that I have attempted no fine writing, but
that the narrative is a simple statement of what has been my
personal experience. As such I commit it to the kind con-
sideration of a generous public.
p,
CONTENTS.
Paok
Introduitiox, V
Preface ix
I. First Ykars of Skrvice, 1
II. LiFK IN India, ^
III. The War with Persia, 13
IV. The Indian Mutiny. 1857-1858 31
V. To LucKNOw, 42
VI. The Relief of Lucknow. 53
VII. At Ai.am-Baoii, 50
VIII. The Relief OF Lucknow. 66
IX. Return to Cawnpore, 78
X. At Kurrachee 93
XI. In Dover, lOo
XII. Some Testimonials 103
XIII. Arrival in Canada, 106
XIV. The Fenian vScare of 1806, 134
XV. Along the Border, 141
XVI. I)IS<IIARGE FROM HeR MajESTY'S ARMY, 150
XVII. Return t(» Fredericton, 158
XVIII. In the Permanent Corps, 174
XIX. Officers with whom I have been Associated
IN Canada, 190
XX. Conclusion. 198
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I was
CHAPTER J.
First Years of Service.
FIND from the baptismal certificate now in my pes
session, given me by ray motiier in 1868, that 1 was
born at Gibraltar on the 3rd of December, 1830. This
certificate contains the signature of both the chaplain and
ihe adjutant of the 94th Regiment. Three years after hiy
birth, the regiment left Malta for England, and, as usual,
was moved about from place to place in Scotland and Ire-
land. I have a vivid recollection of the time at which
the regiment was stationed at Cork, in 1838. The great
.storm of that year, throughout Ireland, blew the slates off'
the houses in the city, as well as the barrack buildings, and
small houses were completely blown down.
I may hero mention that the only road from the barracks
to the (;itv was bv the Old Woman's Hill, st) called, which
is very steep, so much so that there were steps at the side,
with a landing about every eight or ten steps, to enable
people to walk up or down the hill.
The new road, or the way through the race course to
the city from the barracks, was not opened until some years
afterwards. The regiment left Cork and went to Chat-
ham, in England, in 1839 and, as I said in a previous
page, Her Majesty visited there in 1840, just after her
marriage. The school children of the regiment, of whom
I was one, had to parade untler charge of the school master
Life as a Soldier.
lo pay <liic an<l |)roper respect to her, wliiclj we did in a
regular military manner, by givin<^ lier the military salute,
and by sinking "(Jod Save th«; (^'leen." 1 well remember
still how the carriage was stop|>ed so that she could look
at us, which she di<l with a pleasant smile on her face,
which was much appreciated by all present, and was often
talked of at our school.
1 now connnence the narrative of my many years of
service to Ilcr Majesty, confining myself almost entirely
to facts. The dress of the troops during my first three
years of service was as follows: Our head-dress was the
old black cap, small at the head, enlarging to sixteen inches
at the crown, with a curb chain and ball, as may now l)e
s«K'n in old plates in books. The coatee (not tunic) had
long tails, with lead at the bottom to keep them down.
They were braided with worsted across the breast, wide at
the shoulders to narrow at the waist, and with wings for
epaulettes. The trousers were white duck ; the accoutre-
ments being cross-belts and sixty-round pouches. The
musket was the old "' IJrown J5ess," with Hint lock. In
those days a soldier had all he could do to get himself
ready for 'luty. It was in 1844 that the first Prince Albert
shako, with two jieaks, was issued. Those of the year
following had only one peak. The old Brown Jk'ss was
ordered into store, and new muskets issued wiih j)ercussion
locks. In 1845 the white trousers were discontinued, and
shortly afterwards the cross-belts were dispensed with,
when we soldiers had not nearly so much trouble in clean-
iug our accoutrements or pi|)e-claying our trousers for
parade or other duty. .
First Years of Service.
In November, 1841, I joined the 64tli, four company,
the depot being at Templemore, Ircliind, and immediately
began to acquire a sohlier's <luty, as well jis to learn how-
to play the flute, beat the drunj, and blow the bugle; and
by the time the regiment arrived home from Halifax, in
October, 1843, 1 was considered to be |)erfeot and able to
take my place in the life and drum band of the regiment.
Nothing unu.sual occurred until we arrived in Weeden,
when nearlv the whole regiment took sore eves. This was
caused by a disease; brought there by the men from Ports-
mouth, which polluted the canal miming through the
barrack grounds, in which the men washed. This practice
was stopped, but not before the mischief was done. The
rt'giment was for diis reason removed to different places,
with two companies as head-(juarters at Northampton. I
iiave seen as many as four hundred of the regiment in
hospital with .-ore eyes at one time; but early in 1845 the
disease had been conquered, and the regiiuent was ordered
l)ack to the upper barracks in Weeden, and in September
of the same vear was removed to Dublin.
It was in 1844 that 1 received my first promotion, that
of the raid< of full drummer, with extra j)ay of 1 ^M. per
day, anil also of field bugler to the regiment. The duty
of a full drummer is to give i.'orporal punisliinent when a
soldier is sentenced to such |)unishment by court martial.
In those days 1 have seen many men receiving from one
hundred to five hundred lashes before breakfast of a morn-
ing, when all the troops in town or garrison would have to
parade to witness it. It is a blessing that at present (1898)
4
lAjt 08 a Soldier.
i I
this unmerciful punishment is abolished in Her Majesty's
service, except it be for some very indecent act, and then
not to exceed fifty lashes. It is proved that discipline cjin
be carried out without such severity, although it took many
years before it was seen to be so by the framers of military
law.
The only thing of any importance occurring during my
period of duty in Dublin and other parts of Ireland, from
1846 to 1848, was the failure of the potatoes, and other
crops, in 1846, which caused great distress throughout
Ireland. Our regiment was moved about to stop any
uprising or disturbance. But everything apjK'ared quiet
until we reached Clonmel, in 1848. Here Smith O'Brien,
Mitchell, Meagher, McManus, and others, with a larj^c
body of followers, went about the country at night to
plunder and burn up the houses of the gentry, which
caused a numl)er of both cavalry and infantrv to be sent
out nightly to prevent damage being done, and to bring in
such prisoners as were disol)eying the law in this respect.
A magistrate accompanied eacii party of troops. This was
continued every night for more than two months, until tiie
ringleaders above mentioned were appreiiended. Many
casualties occurred on both sides, fire-arms being freely
used. Some died of the wounds received, among them
two of our regiment. The men whose names are given
above were brought under escort, composed of twenty
cavalrymen and a company of the 64th, to the gaol in
Cafiliel. I was one of the escort. They were tried by
civil court, and sentenced to be transported, and were, 1
First Years of Service.
5
Ix'lieve, sent to some part of America. After this the
disturbances ceased.
It was in 1847 tiiat the ten-year limit act was passed.
Previously to this, the term of service in II. M. forces was
unlimited, hut one could be discharged with pension after
twenty-one years' service. At the en<l of 1848 the regi-
ment was ordered to Cork to embark for India. It was
hei'e that Colonel Stopford joined our regiment by cxchauge
with Colonel Stratton. Colonel Wilson was also posted to
the 64th a few days after the exchange was made, as two
colonels were allowed to a regiment under orders for India
to join the forces at war with the Sikhs.
The Colonel Stopford mentioned, before his exchange,
commanded the 43rd Regiment Light Infantry, and hud
already recoivetl medals for engagements in India. He
was the first man shot in Persia, to which I will again
refer in describing that campaign.
t
i
tilAPTKR II.
LiFK IX India.
IjIPpiIK rcj^iini'ut emharlxcd in tlic troopsliip " Java," a
^^^ very lar<;e vcs.scl, which loniu'rly was a luan-of'-wnr,
but now had no guns on board. It had threo d(>('ks, and
furnished |)lenty of* room for the regiment. Our voyairc
histed three months and was an eventful one. We lay for
three <lays and nights while rountling the Cape, about in
line with 'fable IJay, in a (aim. The men wore bathing
in tlu! sea, when sharks were sicn, which caused us to
niaixo for the boats; but not before two of our men were
caught by two sharks. That was on a Saturday afternoon.
'J'he next dav, Sundav, we still lav in the calm. The men
alter chinch service and dinner were fishing, and every
sail the shij) had was set. Al)()Ut o p. m. a very heavy
s(juall came on with rain and wind, which nave very little
time to get the sails in or furled. The storm continued
for four continuous days and nights, and drove the ohl
ship back so much that it took somewhat over eight days
to get back to the same place, opposite Table I>ay. Many
stornjs we had, but this was the worst, and some thought
the old shi|> would never reach J^onibay. But, as Sir
Henry Haveloek often said, "(Jod was with us."
On arriviuij in JJombav we found that the war with the
Sikhs had l)een ended wiiile we were en route. Accord-
ingly tile regiment was ordered to (juarters in Poonah.
(6)
Life in huiia.
Siiortly after our arrival 1 joined the land, and eontinned
as the field bugler when required. In 1851 I was ap-
pointed drill-cori)oral, witii seven and one-halt* rupees per
niontjj extra pay, which eausod me Ui leave t!ie band. In
1854 I i)e('anie drill-ser<i:;eant with tltUen rupees extra pay
|)er month. All this time 1 pertornied the duties of field
bugler, of which I may liLie oive a partial account. First,
to attcn<l with the commanding otiiccr, and sountl calls as
required. Jii those days a regiment on parade could per-
form nearlv all the movenients bv buole call : and as our
Colonel (Stopford) had been formerly in a light infantry
cori)s (4.'ir(lj he kept the men moving by bugle sound as
much as possible. Another part of the duty was to atti nil
once a week at the otlicers' lectures on diill, discipline,
etc. At such meetings the colonel and all otlicers nmst be
present, and each oflicer had to understand all bugle caljs.
The sergeants of the regiment had also a day to meet for
the same purpose, the adjutant being j)resent. I'y attend-
ing these meetings I learned all that could be acquiretl
about drill, etc., and was often told so. Xot infrequently
I had to part with my knowledge during brigade parades,
and afterwards in front of the enemy, when aides-de-camp
were at other work, or delivi'ring onlers frou) the com-
mander. 1 being on the staif as bugler was often made
use of as an aide-de-camp.
For the information of those who have never been in
India, 1 will briefly describe the climate, aiul how the
soldiers passed their time in it. If a person is young
when he enters the country, and becomes acclimatized, he
8
Life as a Soldier.
. ii
has notliintj: to foar, for if in good health he remains so,
so Ion<5 as he I<eeps up the exercise avaihible for the troops.
During al)out three months of the year he can go shoot injr,
or any other such sport, at a very cheap rate. By procur-
ing a pass (authority) from iiis commanding officer, he can
get a liorse fully equipped, with a bag of oats from tiie
native keeping the stable in the regimental bazaar, for the
low sum of four annas (sixpence sterling) per day. The
pass must be left with the owner of the horse, and any
damage done to the horse or fit out paid for. The men use
this privilege very often; in fact, daily during this }K>riod
races are held by the soldiers near their barracks. Con-
sequently soon after a roginient arrives in India, every man
in the corps, if he feels so inclined, can ride. A camel
can be used in this way, but costs twice as much, and is
u(4. so easy to ride. Men are sore afterward, still they get
used to it, and nothing else is used when the men, women
and children have picnics. There are many other outside
games, such as hand-ball, throwing bullets (a lead or iron
ball, from three to six pounds weight each). A number
of throws, say six, eight or ten, are made into the country,
and, coming back to the starting point, the parties chang-
ing bullets, the last throw out. The winner is he who
gains the most ground, always starting from the place
where the bullets stop. Both of these games are practised
very much in India, and keep the men in the best of health.
I have seen miles of men at the latter game at once.
The diseases among the troops in India are fever, liver
complaint, palpitation of the heart, and, in swampy or wet
Life in India.
9
jjnMind, sometimes cliolorn, also f(3vor and ugnc. Tliis
latter complaint iv(|nires all the heat a man cjui l)oar. Hot
baths are the first remedy used. I have seen men very
weak for over a niontii from the etfeet of the latter <lisea>('.
But onee the patient hei^ins to recover, he is in far better
health and stron^jjer than before his illness.
All parades arc either early in the morninp; or by moon-
li>rht, sueh as brij^adinjjj tor sham fij^hts, in garrisons con-
taining the three arms of the service — cavalry, artillery,
and infantry, I have fallen in for snch parades at 2 a. ni.,
and not been dismissed nntil one or two hours after sun-
rise, 6 or 8 a. m. 'J'he men like this sort of work, as it
prepares them for war. Talking of war, I may here say
that I learned how to apply a bandage, etc., in ease of an
artery or flesh wound, and during the Persian campaign
and the Indian mutiny often had to do so.
The barrack rooms are cofufortal)le, for they use a
punkah in each room, worked by natives, which keeps nj)
a cool breeze. Each room has a mat made of eocoanut
fibre, about an inch in thickness, in the place of a window,
n|)on which the natives are constantly throwing water.
For this they receive extra pay. The water for drinking
is generally cool : it is kept in cJudtas three deep. The
top one contains a little gravel or fine sand, with several
small holes in the bottom of it. The middle chaita has
.smaller holes and finer gravel. The water drops from one
to the other, and it is very clear and cool in the lower one,
from which we drink. The chattas are always kept full.
The surplus water running over the lowest one escapes
tiirough a drain.
10
Life as n SoMirr.
There nr(> one <»r two covered verandahs round each
harraolvH, the rooms liaviii^ no ceilinjjfs, l)(it are lonjj; and
l>road, each containing room for a company of one linndred
n»en. Thcv arc kept clean at all times hv tlu; natives. It
can bv seen, then, that, althon^h the conntry is hot, a
soldier can retain his i^ood health with care, I can say
tor mvsclf that, durinu; more than twelve years of service
in that conntry, I had the best of health. I kept niyscdf
as much as possible to the front in all ^ames — cricket,
foot-hall, rnnnin;;, horse-iaciii^, etc. — and many others
did the same.
The weather is varied hy the monsoons, which are heavy
rains hy showers. I have rnn from my harrack room to
one side of the harrack s(piare to meet the rain as a shower
hath, and while the rain was pas!^iii;r over niet it again on
the other side. This nsed to he sport for us, and was much
enjoyed hy all. ]]iit should the hot winds come, we fjet
under cover at oiu-e, lor they are very severe, and more
like Hre rnnninjj: thnMiiih vou than a wind.
The accommodation for a soldier in India is satisfactorv,
and he is well looked after l»y the authorities. F()r
instance, the canteens now have connected with them
reading- and eotfee rooms, which were established by
!Sir Frederic Roberts, which does away, in great measure,
with the drinking (»f liquor. In my time, coffee rooms
were not thought of; but the men could only get into the
canteen alter 12 noon for one pint of ale or porter, and no
more until 7 p. m., when a dram of either arrack or rum
would be allowed them. After 8 p. m. they could again
Life in India,
n
\H'i ono pint ot' alo or porter. A nmnWor of tho men, my-
self ineln(le«l, prcterretl attendinix the temperanec club
formed in our regiment. Xo native was allctwed to sell
li(|Uor of any kind to a soldier, wliicli is, and was, the best
order over issned l>y the authorities in India.
As well us the diseases the men are siilijeet to in India,
I have seen a hnve numher die in a verv short time with
>nnstr()ke. The first one was Captain Fownes, of onr
li<rht infantrv eompanv, who was a verv smart and nattv
soldier, as the rejj^iment thon»rht. Ilis death (u-eiirred in
Poonah, (»n the first Snnilay after our arrival, while on (tin*
way to ehnreh. The doctor said the cause was want of
>nfKeient covering for his head. Ho had only a small cap
cover, and a still smaller turhan over his I'oraLie ca|», which
was very lij^ht. In less than two minutes after he fell ho
was dead ; but when the native doctor, attached to each
rcirinjoiit in India, saw him, he state<l that if one of the
men had bled him in the neck with a penknife his life
won
Id
pr
()
bablv have been saved. 1 have seen manv live;
saved during my residence in India in this way. To pre-
vent sunstroke, when soldiers first go to India, they have
issued to them a very light forage cap made of bamboo
cane, with a large peak in trout reaching from temple to
temple. This is covered with a cotton cover well quilted,
and around the temj>les and neck with a cotton turban,
the men usually buying silk ones afterwards.
When the cholera attacks a regiuient or a garrison in
India a number of men die by it before a change of
weather comes on, or the regiment cjin be movetl to another
12
liije aa a Soldier.
station. I have been present at the burial of over a hun-
dred men, women and children at once, who had died of
this disease. On the other hand, the native doctors, as
well as the regimental doctors, succeed in stopping the dis-
ease after only a few deaths occur. A few men also die
with fever and ague, should the black vomit accompany it.
CHAPTER III.
The War with Persia.
!|j^N 1856 the British governnient had proclain^ed war
i^ with Persia, wiiidi had refused to evacuate Herat.
At that time I was present with our regiment, the 64th,
which was then stationed at Kurrachee, Bombay presidency.
.Wliile there we received orders to proceed to Persia.
After we arrived at Bombay we embarked in a man-of-
war steamer for Bushire, a fortified city on the Persian
gulf, where we were joined by other troops, who had come
in steamers and sailing vessels. On the assembling of the
whole force, a council of war was held on board of the
steamer on which the commanding officer, Major-General
Stalker, was, for the purpose of deciding on the mode of
attack, and appointing the staff for the force. At this
meeting Colonel James Stopford, of the 64th, was appointed
brigadier, and I as staff bugler to tlie general. In accord-
ance with the general orders then published, the troops
were to land early the next morning, w;hile the navy were
firing on the city or fort of Bushire and the mud fort of
Reshire. The men-of-war were between both places, about
two miles from each. The troops disembarked in small
boats and landed seven miles from the mud or Dutch
fort, which is about four miles from Bushire. We imme-
diately formed and advanced on it and captured it. This
fort had a ditch which fills with water when the tide is in,
(13)
14
Life as a Soldier.
but when we attacked it the tide was out and the ditch dry.
After we got into the ditt^h we had to ascend a steej) bank
to reach the top of the fort. It was here that Brigadier
Stopford (uncle of Colonel Maunsell *) fell into my arms,
shot through the heart by one of the enemy, who was not
twenty yards from us. I can never forget his words, " O
my God, McKenzie, I'm shot." He handed me his sword,
which is now in possession of his son, George Stopford,
Esq., lately of Frcdericton. I ini mediately took from my
haversack a bandage, etc., took his jacket off, and was ap-
plying the bandage when a doctor arrived and pronounced
him about dead, as the ball had gone through his heart.
During this time, and after the colonel's fall, the enemy's
musket balls came verv thick around me, but, thanks to
God, I was not hit by any of them. This was the first
narrow escape I had, but had many others before the
campaigri and the Indian mutiny was over, which I will
describe as they occurred, asking my readers to bear in
mind that it is only a brief account of my life which I am
writing, and of facts of which I was an eye-witnes.s during
both campaigns, not a history of Persia or India.
"•'The Colonel Miiunsell above mentioned is the present commander
of militia in New ]5riins\vick, a posilicm he has held since his appoint-
ment as A. G. in 1805. The Mr. Stopford alluded to was born in
Kurrachee, previous to his father leaving there in command of the 64th
for Persia. He married the daughter of Mr. Milner, of l'>ed' :ton,
and is now residing at Tidnish, N. S. lie has in his possession a de-
tailed account of his father's death, which was published at the time
or soon afterwards in the London ZVmcs.
The War with Persia.
15
Colonel Stopford was the only man of the attacking
force dressed in red, he wearing his shell-jacket. The rest
of us wore kaka-colored coats, nearly the color of the
ground. Colonel Stopford had asked General Stalker if
he would allow nie to accompany him to sound the bugle
calls for the attacking party, which was our regiment,
saying at the time the men act better, and I could deliver
orders if required. The general allowed the request, for I
was his bugler, and it was late in the evening before I
returned to him.
I mentioned in a previous chapter that I learned how to
apply a bandage in case of men being wounded in action.
I will here explain how, which may be of use to others.
In the event of an artery wound, place a })iece of cork or
the like, a cent will do, immediately on the main artery,
M ith a portion of the bandage under the cork, which must
be pressed on the artery, and bandage as tight as possible.
Then the blood will stop flowing. Any place on the
inside of the arm or leg is an artery wound, which may be
seen bv the color of the blood, and how It runs or flows.
With a flesh wound, or vein, the bandage is placed on the
wounded j)art with no cork, but bandaged tight. Care
must be taken in arterv wounds that vou bainlage the main
artery between the wound and the heart. Supposing the
wound to be on the inside of the leg, any j)art of it, place
the bandage on the artery in the groin, which can easily
be found by the pulsation there, the same as in your wrist.
The like rule applies to the arm; but the main artery can
be found on the inside of the arm near the shoulder. If
16
lAje CIS a Soldier.
the wound is at the foot, tlie main artery can be found
above it, near the ankle, on the inside of the leg. If the
wound is on the head bandage the temples. If on the
breast or back, bandage around the body. A bandage
may be from two and one-half to four inches wide, and
from ten to twenty yards long. A common cork can be
cut about one-quarter inch thick, and one inch or less in
width, and is about the best thing to use.
During our advance upon the fort I made so bold as to
remark to the brigadier, Colonel Stopford, that he had
made himself conspicuous in front of the enemy by wear-
ing red ; and that as brigadier it was not necessary for
him to be with the fighting line, or skirnishers. His
reply to me was, " It is the first engagement the regiment
is in, and I will lead them." During our advance the
enemy's bullets from their very long muskets were flying
around us, but little damage was done until the colonel
was shot, with several others. The enemy paid very dearly
for it, for many of them were either shot or killed with
the bayonet. The rifle pits in this fort were so constructed
that the enemy could fire from them, and run from one to
the other without our seeing them. The British charge,
however, soon found them. The portion of them, some
thousands, that were not either killed or drowned in the
Persian gulf, got off to Bushire by the bank of the gulf,
unknown to us, to attack us afterwards. Had the tide
l)een in at the time they could not have done so.
The force camped just below the fort, on a plain, for the
night, and early the next morning advanced on Bushire.
The War with Peisia.
17
The ships had inflicted considerable damage during the
night, and when we got within attacking distance, our
artillery witii skirmishers attacked the city at a point
which the shipping did not command. We soon had a
large breach made in the walls, and a storming party was
advancing, when six horsemen came out with a flag of
truce and gave themselves up, tije Shah among the num-
ber. In spite of this a body of about twenty otiier cavalry
came rushing round the staff', cutting and slashing at all
they met. Major Taylor of the staff" here went at one of
them, and cut him nearly in two with a blow of his sword,
which was very heavy and sharp. I shot another of them
with a revolver, of which weapon I carried two.
After matters were settled General Stalker handed to
me the sword of the Shah, whicii was a very handsome
one. Both tiie handle of the sword and tlie scabbard were
very richly ornamented with costly stones. I must say I
looked well and felt proud with a king's sword by mv
side. After some ten days I had to hand it in for return
to the Shah, but was allowed to keep the black horse, one
of thousands, taken from the enemy.
The city of Bushire is a regular fort, with a strong wall
around it, which is mounted with heavy guns. Had it
not been for the navy the remainder of the force would
have had a hard time taking it, so the commander stated.
But it was sure to be taken when the British attacked it.
There was one thing we all thought at the time, and I am
still of the same opinion, that it was wrong to allow the
enemy to leave and go where they pleased. For at that
B
18
Life as a Soldier.
time a large force was collecting at Barazjan, near the
mountains or passes to Teheran, where reinforcements from
Teheran joined them daily. Our force took a large num-
ber of fancy weapons, such as swords, daggers and pistols,
from the enemy on their way out by the gate. Thousands
of them, liowever, escai)ed by the bank of the gulf, whom
we could not see. That was before a party of our force
was ordered into the city, or fort, to take ohjirge of it, with
orders to hold or take possession of all arms, etc., as well
as to hold the Shah and his staff as prisoners. The next
day the whole force was marched all through the city ; and
I saw many l)eautiful articles which were seized, especially
about the king's palace, which was the head-quarters of the
general and his staff for the time being. Our regiment was
ordered to remain to guard the city, while the balance of
the force was encamped on the common in front of the
city. Our force was not large, therefore we had to wait
for the reinforcements ordered to join under Generals
Outram and Havelock, neither of them being in Persia
at the time.
While waiting, a mud fort was erected by the force
outside the city, with a commanding view of the enemy's
position towards the mountain passes or road to Teheran.
After the first few days we were much annoyed by the
enemy's firing round shot as well as by their very long
muskets, which carried a ball for over a mile. Often we
hod to attack them. On two occasions we went after
them with tvvo days' cooked rations in our haversacks,
and each time a number of tliem were killed and manv
The War with Persia.
19
prisoners taken. Major-General Stalker was senior officer
to ]\Iajor-Gcneral Outrani at the commencement of tliiH
campaign. But Outram was • promoted to tlie rank of
lieutenant-general and to command the force in Persia.
Rumor said this gave dissatisfaction among the staff. The
force, however, considered it a good change, for the
lieutenant-general was found to be the soldiers' friend, and
he always had a good thought for tiiem, and we were very-
glad when he arrived and took command, which was near
J.\\e end of January, 1857.
In a few days afterwards the first reinforcements arrived,
the 78th among them. The enemy were causing a great
<leal of trouble. Lieutenant-General Outram now con-
sidered it necessary to break up the enemy's plans and
attack them. The following strength of ti^e force was
ordered out for this purpose, with himself as commander.
Strength all ranks of attacking force: Cavalry, 41J);
Artillery, 18 guns and about 220 men; Sappers, 118;
Infantry, Europeans, 2,212 ; natives 6f India, 1, 106 ; total,
4,435, with 12 staff. The remainder were left under
Lieutenant-Colonel Shepherd in the entrenchments and
city. Strength all ranks about 1,600 men, including
Europeans and native infantry, with 14 guns, besides the
guns mounted on the mud fort or ♦iutrenciiment, which
was now placed under the charge of a numl)er of sailors
from the men-of-war steamers.
When the force was returning to Bushire from Kooshab,
the sailors oi}ene<.l fire on us with their guns from the fort.
We were taking a different route in returning from the
20
Life as a Soldier.
one we had gone by, and they supposed we were the
enemy, wlio had made attacks on them each in'glit dur-
ing our absence from J^nsliire. Sir James said to me,
" McKenzie, this must be stopped." Sir James and myself
tlien rode at a very fast rate to the gate of tiie fort, and
had some trouble in getting them to stop firing. Of course
I had sounded the "cease fire" several times, but the
sailors did not understand that call. I imagine they felt
badly when they found out their mistake, by which, how-
ever, as good fortune would have it, no harm was done.
The best of troops are liable to make such a mistake, and
it is more to the sailors' credit than otherwise, for it show*
that they were on the alert and watchful, as any other
i3ritish subject should be in front of his enemy. Sir
James Outram did not in any way blame them, but said
to me he was glad to find the sailors at their post.
The 64th Regiment was with Outram's force, and my
name was again in orders as the lieutenant-general's bugler.
We had no camp equipage, only our great-coats rolled with
one blanket inside, with two days' cooked rations in our
haversacks, the commissariat department having three days'
rations extra.
We met the enemy a few miles from Bushire, but they
would not show fight after the advance guard, who were
in skirmishing order with the usual number of cavalry,
fired a few shots at them. Of course Sir James, with his
force, was determined to give them a lesson ; and there-
fore followed them up, in all forty-six miles, when we
came to their large entrenchment at Barazjan, which wa»
The War with Persia.
21
below the mountain passes on the road to Telieran. We
had a light skirmish here, but the enemy made off' to tiie
pass, expecting us to follow. But as the force was not
sufficiently equipj)ed or strong enouglj in luimber to attack
or follow an enemy over three times their strength through
mountain passes, Sir James thought it best not to be caught
in such a way by any enemv. So he told me. During the
most of this time, two day.: and nights, it rained and was
cold. The enemy, being in a hurry to get off", left their
tents, etc., behind them, also a large quantity of powder
and parts of large guns. Perhai)S they expected to get
them again after they had made away with us in the passes.
Sir James ordered a pit to be dug, and all the enemy's
things put into it, which was done by our sappers. While
this work was going on he was talking to me. Suddenly
lie called the chief of his staff", Sir Edward Lugard, and in
11 loud tone of voice said that he would attack the enemy
in the j)asses during the night, saying also, " McKenzie
here will sound the assemble at 8 o'clock sharp, and I
€xj)ect every man to be fit and ready to ma.ch."
This saying travelled to the enemy long before the time
named, and of course thev were waiting for us. But thev
<3id not catch us. At 8 o'clock I did sound the assemble.
Sir James said : " Follow me, advance guard." (He
always went with some of the advance guard.) But in-
stead of making for the mountains we headed for Bushire.
Our rations were about done, excepting the grog, although
tip to that time we had been allowed three extra drams.
After we had marched four or five miles, Sir James said
22
Life 08 a Soldier.
%
to me: "Sound the halt!" when all the force was turned
about to see tlie explosion of the articles put into the pit,
which were set fire to by a train carried along by the
sappers in the rear guard. I must say this was the best
fireworks, shell bursting in the air, etc., that I ever saw.
We could also see the enemy waiting for us in the moun-
tains. Sir James again ordered me to sound the advance.
When we got about half a mile or so from our resting-
place, or about midnight, the enemy attacked us in the
rear.
On Sir James hearing the shots, he went about very
quickly, I following. It was so dark we could not see our
way. Sir James's horse fell in a hole, the horse rolling
over him. I immediately dismounted, and got him clear
of the horse, and placed him in a doolah. He just had
time to say: " McKcnzie, tell Sir Edward to take com-
mand," and then became unconscious. I remained with
him until he recovered. The whole time I was bathing
his head with cold water. On regaining consciousness, his
Hrst words were: " McKenzie, how are the force?" I
told him. He remarked that it was the noise of the
artillery that started him. I had his as well as my own
horse near at hand. We mounted, when he again took
command. He, as usual, went to the front, and, of course,
1 had to be with him. Three companies of the G4th Regi-
ment were skirmishing, and he made for them. Here I
dismounted, for my company was part of the line, and took
a musket from one of our regiment, who lay dead on the
field, to have a shot or two at the enemy. After the second
The War with Persia,
23
shot I was in the act of loading, as a rear rank man, when
I tumbled nearly over. The captain (V. Ryan) of my
own company in the regiment, as well as Sir James, asked
me what was the matter. I could not tell them. But
when I rose to advance, I found the heel of my right boot
was knocked completely off by a musket ball of the enemy.
Then both the general and captain saw the cause of the
fall.
We lost several at this battle, but the enemy's loss was
,vcry heavy, the re|>ort of their killed stating over seven
hundred. Tiiey had a large number of cavalry, who
charged our squares during the night, and, by the large
number of hordes running about next morning, many of
their killed or woimded must have been cavalry men.
During the night our loss was not heavy, but Lieutenant
Greentree, of our regiment, was so severely wounded by a
cannon-ball that lie died shortly afterwards, as well as
others of the retjiment. Still, some of them recovered from
their flesh wounds.
The 3rd Bombay I^ight Cavalry charged and broke a
four-deep square. I must say they went at the enemy as
well as any European cavalry could do, but lost their com-
mander. Nearly one-half of the enemy was cut up before
they got to the mountains. The enemy again thought we
would now follow them. But, as I said above, neither
Sir James nor the force was j)repared to do so.
The name of this place was called Kooshab, about five
miles from Barazjan. After this battle we remained at
Kooshab until about 5 p. m. Here again Sir James set
24
Life as a Soldier.
the report rollinn^ that he would attack tlie enemy in tlie
evening. Hut, as before, after I soumled the assemble wo
made for Hushire. About fifteen miles from the city wo
came to a large mud fort, but no enemy could be seen.
On aeconnt of the heavy rains, and our taking a different
route, we came to very swampy and wet ground, and in
some places the water was over two feet deep. Sir James
allowed each man a pair of boots for thin nmrcii.
At the fort now referred to, the cavalrv and artillery,
with a portion of infantry, remained until the next morn-
ing, when the whole force marched again on to Bush ire,
after having given the enemy the lesson that Sir James
said he would give them.
I remenjber reading in a journal after the campaign was
over, that during the night attack at Kooshab, under com-
mand of Lieutenant-General Outram, the Persian bugler
sounded "cease fire." I did so, as I well remember, by
order of Sir Edward Lugard, for the force might do more
harm than good. No fighting position could be formed,
except to resist cavalry by forming square. Altiiough
born in Gibraltar, I did not know that I was a Persian
bugler. But I suppose the writer of that article never
saw Persia.
In the life of Sir James Outram, by Major-Gencral Sir
F. J. Goldsmith, the fall of Sir James's horse is men-
tioned. The following extract is also from the same vol-
ume : "'His thought of and care for his soldiers,' says one
of his staif, * was such as is not often felt by generals for
their men.' He had during the Persian campaign an
The War with Pa'sin.
25
onlerly hupjlcr, McKonzic, of the G4tli. On tlie lino of
march I have seen him looiv down and say, * McKenzic,
you are not .smoking.' * No, sir,' wonKl he the reply, ' I
have no tobacco.' Tlie jjjeneral's cheroot case was at once
at the bugler's disposal, and he would stop his horse, and
from his own cheroot give a light to McKenzie." Often
the like of this occurred, as well as something to keej) the
cold out, during our return to liushire.
Talking about smoking, during the night attack at
Jvooshab, above referred to. an order was issued that the
men were not to smoke or light pipes or cheroots, for if
they did so the lights would be a target for the enemy to
fire at. It was a very dark night, and the port fires used
by the artillery had to be hid when not in use. This was
a hardship to the soldiers, to have to do without smoking
for about six hours.
I may also here mention the scheme used by Sir James
Outram, viz., to spread the report so that it would come
to the ears of the enemy that he would attack them, when
lie had no thought of doing so. I have been present
when he and his chief, Sir Kdward Lugard, talked such
things over, but of course was dumb at all titnes on such
matters. His j)olicy was to induce the enemy to i)repare
and get into position for defence, so as to give him time to
take an opposite course. Again, he was determined to go
by the other route to Teheran, via Mahomerah, and not
through the mountain passes, for I have heard him say
*' Such roads should not be used if any other way is avail-
able, especially if they contain an enemy."
26
Life as a Soldier.
During our six days' absence from Bushire, General
Stalker had not been idle. He continued the building of
the huts which were commenced some time iKjfore for the
Europeans, into which Sir James was very anxious to get
his men. The fort, or entrenchment, on the plain in front
of the city was made more comfortable for the troops.
But Sir James was anxiously waiting for the reinforce-
ments, which he expected would have arrived before we
went to Barazjan. Havin<ij given orders for a party to be
sent up the river Karoon to find out the position of the
enemy, etc., the report of that party was, that there were
forts along the river as well as infantry, and that their
position appeared to be a strong one. They also reported
tiiat the island in front of their batteries was nothing but
mud, and that no batterv could be erected there. Conse-
quently Sir James ordered rafts to be prep? red for heavy
mortar guns which could be brought to the island for
action, while the man-of-war steamers were attacking the
enemy's position, with the attacking force on board ready
to land.
The second reinforcement having arrived with Major-
General Havelock on board. Sir James formed the attack-
ing party and divided the reinforcements, some of them to
be left in Bushire, the balance to join the attacking force,
(xeneral Jacob was left in charge of Bushire, on account
of the death of Major-General Stalker, the cause of whose
death I omit. Everything now being ready, the force
moved for the two attacks. The first one was by the
heavy guns on board of the large steamers and the mortar
The War with Persia.
27
balterv ; the second by six smaller steamers, with guns,
on which were the troops, numbering a little over four
thousand.
During our sail up the river to Mahomerah, some very
heavy explosions were heard, which was found afterwards
to be the enemy's magazines. We also learned that there
had been several killed. The ships had all their engage-
ment to themselves. But although the mortar raft with
artillerymen on it had no shelter from the fire of the
iMieray's guns and muskets, only a couple of men on
it were slightly wounded during the sail. When we
landed a few miles above Mahomerah, we marched to
attack the enemv, but found that they had vacated their
camp ground, which was well fortified, leaving all their
tents, etc. A party of cavalry was sent after them, but
not having a sufficient number of men they could not fol-
low them far. They reported on their return that they
saw a large number of arms, etc., which had been thrown
away by the enemy. A party was also sent to the enemy's
forts, but found no force there. However, they buried
about two hundred of the enemy's dead, and brought in
eighteen guns.
Sir James, as usual, wanted to be on the leading ship,
or front of the attacking force. But as his staff considered
it better for him to be less exposed, a scheme was con-
cocted by them, to ask him whether lie wished to keep all
the honor to himself, or to share it with the commodore
and Indian navy. This appealed to his generosity and
altered his plans, and his reply to his friend was : " Well,
r ■ n 1
hI
28
Life as a Soldier.
Sir Edward, I will go in the middle steamer;" which was
the 'Scindian." I was present when the above conversa-
tion was going on. While this steamer moved up the
river she had the union jack flying, which made her a
marked object for the enemy to fire at with the guns they
had, as well as with muskets. I was standing talking to
the servant of Captain Havelock (now Sir H. M. Have-
lock Allan, Bt.), on this steamor, when a round shot
struck him, and I might say completely smashed him. A
few seconds after, the enemy's fire of musketry became
very heavy. Our regiment (or seven companies of them,
the other three companies iiaving been left at Bushire),
was on board this steamer, for Sir James was sure to have
our corps near him, wiiile General Havelock would have
the 78th. As I said above, the enemy's musket balls
came pretty thick by times. Once, on an explosion of one
of the enemy's magazines, the men j)ut their heads up and
looked over the bulwarks. Sir James put away his glass
with which he was surveving the enemv, and had hardlv
said " Down, men of the G4th," when a shower of balls
from the shore rattled over the deck, happily missing him.
A brother officer was smoking a hookah * beside him. A
ball had struck the hookah, demolishing it. Sir James
remarked to his friend, "A musket ball has put your pij)e
out," , never thinking of his own foot, which was close
beside the hookah.
* A hookah is an Indian pipe, having a large bowl, which sets on
the ground, with tubes from it, so that more than one person can smoke
out of it at the same time.
The War with Persia.
29
The force remained at Mahomerali, as Sir James ex-
pected more reinforcements before he could proceed further
on to Teheran. Matters appeared to be quiet at Bushire,
tlierefore we had a rest, whicli was much appreciated by
all, and the natives here, mostly Arabs, were very friendly
with us. On Sunday afterwards, the force were at church
!?ervice on the camp ground, General HaveJock reading
the service, when Sir James came up and told him that
the war with Persia was over. We remained, however,
at Mahomerah for some days longer before retiirning to
Bushire.
It was then announced in general orders that the troops
were to hold themselves in readiness to return to their
former stations in Bombay presidency, A few days after
this the entire strength of the force paraded, when the
Lieutenant-General, Sir James Outram, thanke<l us for
the manner in which we had performed a soldier's duiy in
the field, to use his words, " without any crime." After
he had addressed the force, he called me to the front, and
with a few remarks presented me with a handsome silver
watch of J. B. Dent's make, and a beautiful gold chain of
Persian make. Of course I thanked him, with as few
words as possible. He stopped me, replying "Not at all,
McKenzie, you are deserving of it, and I am only sorry it
is not something better, for 1 have not forgotten the night
attack at Kooshab." I said I did not think I had done
anything more than a soldier's duty, and at once returned
to my usual place in rear of him. This matter was pub-
lished in the Indian Tivies by one of his staff.
30
Life as a Soldier.
I may here also say, regarding crime, that tlie orders
issued to the provost-marshal were strict, severe punisii-
ment l)eing threatened to any one of the force who should
be caught committing crime. Looting was not once heard
of, although many chances of doing so offered.
We remained months after we heard that the war was
settled, the fprce not being able to leave until the agree-
ment was signed by the Shah of Persia. As soon as this
was done, the troops were at once embarked, as they
thought, for home. But far from it ; for when our regi-
ment arrived at Bombay, on our way to Kurrachee, we
were ordered into another steamer for Calcutta, Bengal
presidency, as the Indian mutiny had just broken out.
And I am sorry to say that nearly all the women and
children waiting for their husbands and fathers respect-
ively, waited in vain, for they were killed during the
mutiny.
CHAPTER IV.
The Indian Mutiny. 1857-1858.
^IjpHE causes of the Indian mutiny are given in history.
feJ^ I do not think it necessary for me to enter into
minute details of the same in this brief account of my life.
The feeling in the force was that the following were the
ringleaders of it, viz.: Nana Sahib, the Rani of Jhansi,
Tantia Topi, and Bahadur Shah, who was proclaimed
sovereign of India at Delhi. History also relates that the
massacres of the English, men, women and children, were
ordered by those named above.
I will now continue to narrate the engagements at which
I was present during the mutiny, giving facts which
occurred under my own notice.
On the 4th June, 1857, our regiment, the 64th, arrived
in Bombay from Persia, and was at onco ordered into
another steamer, and immediately sailed for Calcutta,
Bengal presidency. On reaching Calcutta we found mat-
ters very unsettled, as some of the Sepoys, native Indian
regiments, had revolted, and were doing much damage at
the various military stations they occupied. Our regiment
was divided into several detachments, with other corps,
and sent up the river Ganges to disarm such native regi-
ments as had not yet mutinied, and to stop at Allahabad
when that station should be reached. We performed
that duty without any trouble. Eight companies of the
(31)
32
Life as a Soldier.
regiment reached Allahabad, to wait for Major-General
Havelock, who was to command tiie force for Cawnpore.
The other two companies of the 64tli were still engaged \n
disarming corps when General Havelock took command
the last oP June. He found that Colonel Neill had suc-
cce«u'(l ni ^/lacing the station in safety.
Finding matters quiet, he at once sent, under command
of Major Renaud, about eight hundred men in advance
towards '^'^■y->^)ore, for word had reached Allahabad that
Nana Suiii>^ ^i; ^ "jarsucred all the English at that place.
This report was f >uid afterwards to be partly untrue, a&
regards tin v,'.).nen . ' <'liiidren. Nevertheless, the mas-
sacre did occui Oy v.; Jo • Nana Sahib before we had
time to prevent it.
On the 3rd July, Sir Henry issued orders that the
force, consisting of the following corps, would advance
on Cawnpore the following day, viz.: 64th, 78th, 84th,
a few volunteer cavalry, about two hundred Sikhs and
irregular cavalry, with seventy-six artillerymen and eight
guns, the latter under command of Captain Maude, R. A.
The general's son was in the same order as aide-de-camp
to his father, and my name once more as field bugler to
the general commanding, The other officers of his staff
were S. Beatson, adjutant-general, and F. Tytler, quarter-
master-general. Although the force did not leave Allaha-
bad, as Sir Henry expected, on July 4th, for the recapture
of Cawnpore, we left on the 7th ; Colonel Neill, with his
regiment (1st Madras Fusiliers), being left in charge to
guard Allahabad.
The Indian Mutiny.
During our march to Cawnpore, we suffered severely on
account of the heavy rains, and the heat of the sun when
it was not raining. Colonel Renaud being in advana* of
us, Sir Henry sent word to him to look out for the reliels,
and not to attack them until he should join him, adding
that he was to rest about fourteen miles from Footaporc,
where he expected to meet him. These orders I heard.
Colonel Renaud having learned that a large force had been
sent by Nana Sahib, mostly trained Sepoys, cavalry, artil-
lery and infantry, numbering in all about three thousand,
to Footapore, Sir Henry, on this information, ordered that
we move on to tiie front, which we did, and joined Colonel
Renaud. The whole force, under Sir Henry, then ad-
vanced to about four miles from Footapore. Adjutant-
General Tytler was sent forward to reconnoitre. On his
report, Sir Henry formed his force for action, and ad-
vanced. We did not go far before we were attacked by
the rebels, but our artillery, supported by three companies
of the 64th, armed with Enfield rifles (which were some-
thing new to the rebels), soon compelled them to retire.
The artillery. Captain Maude's battery, and skirmishing
line followed them till they got completely out of order
and ran off. The want of cavalry here was felt very much,
for our own irregular cavalry fled when a charge was
made by the rebels, A change was, however, soon made,
for on a general charge lieing made, all the rebels made off
for Footapore, followed by us, until we took from them
every gun they had, as well as their baggage, stores,
ammunition, and a large quantity of specie. This day
34
Life €18 a Soldier.
the heat was very severe, and the only casualties we had
were caused by sunstroke. As we had marched nineteen
miles, and fought a battle, on an empty stomach, it is
natural to suppose that the force required something to eat
and a rest. Eleven of the rebels' guns were captured, and
the rebels, who, a day or so Ixjfore, had massacred General
Wheeler and his men at Cawn[)ore, received their first
lesson for their barbarous act.
On this occasion Sir Henry ordered me to sound the
" grog " bugle call. This was the first time I ever sounded
that call for him, or by his orders. I had often done so
for Sir James Outram. Havelock always had me sound
the "coffee" call (a call I invented), whereas Outram
would have the men drink grog. In this case, however,
he considered a dram of grog would not hurt them, for it
would take some time before the breakfast, dinner, and
supper all in one, could be got ready.
We rested the next day on the camp ground, at Foota-
pore. '
On our way to meet Colonel Renaud we saw several
bungalows destroyed by fire, and men hanging from trees,
which our force in advance had done. The orders were to
hang any of the rebels found killing either Europeans or
friends. Many such people had been butchered on this
road, hence the cause of the stringent orders given to the
provost-marshal. I have seen many prisoners taken and
dealt with in this way. It was thus performed. The
provost-marshal had a few elephants, or camels, with his
party; and when a prisoner was caught in the above act
The Indian Mutiny.
35
he was placed on the back of an elephant, a piece of rojie
put round his neck, fastened at the other end to a tree.
The elephant was driven on, and the prisoner left hanging.
We rested, as I said, here for a day. While here Sir
Henrv learned that the women and children still lived,
but were prisoners under Nana Sahib at Cawnpore.
Therefore he was very anxious to move on, and if possible
save them. But it was not to be so.
The next day, 14th, the force again marched on for
Cawnpore. While on the way information was brought
that the rebels had taken up a position at Aong, a village
a few miles in our front. The force bivouacked for the
uight, and early the next morning, 15th, marched upon
Aong, led by our small body of volunteer cavalry, and
artillery supported by infantry. The advance continued
until we came in view of the rebels' entrenchments, which
were close to a thickly wooded part of the country, which
kept them from our view, until they sent their cavalry out
to capture our baggage. In this they failed with heavy
loss, for although we had but few cavalry, the infantry
did the work with their Enfield rifles, causing the rebel
cavalry to retire, when they opened fire with their artillery.
It was now the real work began. The fire of our artillery
and of the Enfields was very effective. Although we could
not very well see where they were, the shot and bullets
found them, and they eventually left their position. We
followed them up closely, capturing their guns. They left
many of their tents, baggage, etc., on the route, which they
could not take with them for want of time. Their loss was
36
Life 118 a Soldier.
again heavy, while we had but few casualties. While at
dinner here, Sir Henry heard that the rebels had taken up
a position at Pandoonudda bridge. This was on the way
to Cawnpore, consequently the whole force was imme-
diately ordered to advance, for should this bridge be
destroyed, it would take more time than could be spared
to erect another before reaching Cawnpore.
On our advancing in fighting order, the first salute we
received was a round shot from a twenty-four pounder in
position on the bridge, immediately followed by a few more
round shot from their earth-works on the other side of the
bridge.
Now Sir Henry thought it time to commence. We
were still advancing towards them, when he sent me as an
aide-de-camp (his son being elsewhere delivering orders at
the time), to ride and tell the Madras Fusiliers to get into
skirmishing order, ready with the 64th on the other side,
and to charge and take the bridge. At this time the
artillery was ordered to place three of their guns on the
road, and the others on each side, or flank, so as to concen-
trate all their fire on the twenty-four pounder on the
bridge, while the skirmishers lined along the bank kept
up a heavy rifle tire. This did not last long before the
order was given to take the bridge with a charge, which
was done in the best of order. There was a great rush here
between the 64th and the 78th Regiments to see which
would reach the bridge first. I can say it was a tie, as
agreed by the regiments themselves. But the words of
Sir Henry to his son and me at the time were, " They are
The Indian Mutiny.
37
two noble regiments tliat any general might be proud to
command." This was in reply to a remark made by
Captain HaveloeU during the charge, which was, " Who
will be first at them?" The bridge was taken with the
twenty-four pounder, but the rebels did not wait for the
bayonet. Bullets from the rifles reached them, as well as
round shot from the artillery, although they went in all
directions, never stopping, rumor said, until they reached
Cawnpore.
- We were still over twenty miles from Cawnpore; there-
fore, after advancing a few miles further in pursuit of the
rebels, we halted for the night. On the following morn-
ing, 16th, we advanced on Cawnpore. Sir Henry again
heard that the women and children were still living, and
that Nana Sahib had a large force of trained rebels
strongly entrenched at Cawnpore. Previous to our march-
ing. Sir Henry announced the fact to us, saying, " The
women and children still live, and with God's help we
shall save them or die in the attempt." This caused a
cheer from the force. But we found afterwards that it
was not to be ; for when Nana Sahib saw that his strong
force was beaten at Pandoonudda bridge, he gave orders
for, and was an eye-witness to, the massacre of the women
and children in the most brutal manner, in the house in
which they had been confined, their bodies being after-
wards thrown into a well close by, some of them not being
dead. This we did not hear until after we again took
Cawnpore.
I will now briefly describe the battle at Cawnpore.
38
Life aa a Soldier.
When our force had arrived at about six miles from
Cawnpore wc halted for refreshments. This was at a
village named Maharajpur. A party was sent into it, but
no enemy was found. The whole force was talking about
how wo would save the women. Sir Henry sent forward
a party to reconnoitre, and on their way they met two
friendly Sepoys, who gave them the information required,
viz., that Nana Sahib had a force of more than 7,000, with
light and heavy guns waiting for our advance, and had
destroyed two roads so that we could not advance by them.
On this Sir Henry formed the force so as to flank the
rebels, and break up their strong position, which was done,
but not without loss from our small force of 1,500 against
over 7,000. But the Nana's loss was much heavier, of men
trained by ourselves, which was so far a gain to us. But
they had many positions to fall back on, and although our
whole force was engaged we could not gain much without
the usual charge and caj)ture of their guns, which were
doing great destruction, and our men were falling fast.
The 78th was ordered to charge and take a gun, which
they did. In front of the 64th a twenty- four pounder
was knocking the men over, as well as smaller guns.
Sir Henry sent his son, the aide-de-camp, to order the
64th to take the gun. The aide-de-camp delivered the
order, and the men, a company, at once rushed forward
for that purpose, led by the aide-de-camp. Major Sterling
of the regiment went with the party, but his horse was
killed under him by a round shot, and himself thrown.
For his gallant act the aide-de-camp received the Victoria
biJ
In]
The Indian Mutiny.
39
Cross. At the same time a bugler of ours, nanied Flyuu,
was meutioned iu dcspatclies for his bravery in killing the
artilleryman in the act of firing the gun. This same
bugler saved Major Sterling's life afterwards at Cawnpore
by interposing his bugle to receive the cut of a rebel
cavalryman. For these two acts he received the Victoria
Cross.
Although the 78th Highlanders captured the three guns
at a village, and the 64th took the twenty-four pounder
and two other giuis, we were only about at the middle of
our work, for the Nana had other positions and guns to bo
yet captured, and our force was between the rivor Ganges
and the trained rebels. A change of position was at once
ordered. The whole force advanced under a very heavy
fire of shot and musketry, only halting to fire a round or
so at the enemy. And as our artillery guns were ai)out
a mile in the rear, the infantry and our small lot of cavalry
had to gain the day or die in the act. It was not die. By
their steady advance the Britisli charge broke Ntma Sahib's
force, and caused them to run in every direction, and gave
us the control once more of Cawnpore. We could see
Xana Sahib on his elephant, but he took care we should
not catch him, although report afterwards said his elephant
was shot under him. The most of the enemy made for
Oude.
The reader will remember that this is only a brief account
of the advance of Havelock to relieve Cawnpore. During
the action I delivered orders from Sir Henry three times
as aide-de-camp. I may here also say that nearly all our
t
40
Life aa a Soldier.
. ,':'
force could hear Sir Henry when he gave a command.
He was as much exposed during the day as any one in the
force. And historians are agreed that the recapture of
Cawnpore by Havelock is as noble a deed as any on
record, considering that the enemy were soldiers trained
by ourselves for years before, and their strength over six
to one of us — the attacking force.
Tiie next morning the whole force was mr.rched through
the city of Cawnpore, left in front, or 84th Regiment lead-
ing, when a man named Shepherd, who was a prisoner,
but forgotten by Nana Sahib, came rushing up and led the
force to the house of death, which we viewed with horror.
The floor was several inches deep with the blood of the
women and children ; locks of hair were sticking to the
walls, with marks of sword-cuts, and some in the well
were even then not quite dead. Each man here took a
solemn oath not to show anv mercy to Nana Sahib or any
of his followers.
During this day. Sir Henry had placed in orders tiiat he
was well satis^ed with the force, and gave praise to each
regiment, which he said he would fully state in his official
report. I quote his words to the 64th Regiment :
"You have put to silence the jibes of your enemies
throughout India. Your fire was reserved until you saw
the color of your enemies' mustachios; this gave us the
victory."
Now, as Cawn|)ore was again in our possession, the force
visited the barracks and other European buildings, includ-
ing the magazine, which Nana Sahib destroyed, as well as
The Indian Mutiny.
41
the temporary earth-works put up by General Wlieeler for
the defence of his men, and the women and cliildren above
referred to. Sir Henry, having again heard that the
P^uropeans in Lucknow were still safe, gave the force
under his command a rest after their very hard-fougiit
battles against heavy odds. While they were taking this
well earned relaxation, he again was informed tliat a strong
force under Nana Sahib, consisting of over five thousand
men and between forty and fifty guns, were assembled at
•Bithoor, his own pajace, about six miles from Cawnpore.
Sir Henry at once prepared with the small force lie had to
attack them. But when we reached Bithoor, the only
rebels we met were twelve of Nana Sahib's guns: for, as
the natives at Bithoor told us, Nana's own troops had
deserted iiim, on which his palace wus burned down, and
we returned to Cawnpore. The next morning, 20th,
General Neill arrived from Allahabad with a reinforce-
ment of about two hundred and fifty men, all that could
be spared from that place. On this day word came from
Lucknow that Sir Henry Lawrence was dead. He had
been wounded by the bursting of a shell in the room in
w hich he was sittino;, and died of the wound. Sir Henrv
Havelock expressed himself as very sorry at this, for he
was in hopes of meeting Sir Henry Lawrence at the relief
of Lucknow.
m
CHAPTER V.
To LUCKNOW.
^^KND now, having received liis reinforcement, though
i!#T^ small, and not more than filling the places of those
we had lost since leaving Allahabad, Sir Henry formed the
force for the relief of I Aicknow, leaving General Neill in
charge of (.^iwnpore. On tlie 21st the force commenced to
cross the Ganges ; on the 24th all was ready, and on the 25th
we advanced to relieve Lucknow. In consequence of the
heavy rains the fields on each side of the raised road were
little better than a swamp, and in many places the water
was deep. Our force did not exceed fifteen hundred of all
ranks, with very few cavalry; whereas we knew that the
rebels, trained by ourselves, had a large number of cav-
alry. This was a great drawback to our small force. Still
the work had to be done, and the garrison at Lucknow, of
wliich Colonel Inglis was in command, had to be relieved.
I never saw our men in better spirits than they were on
the word being given to advance. But it was not then to
be accomplished, our numbers being found to be too small,
though the enemv suffered heavy loss before we returned.
We advanced till we came to the town of Unao, where wo
found the rebels in large numbers and a strong position,
every house and wall being loop-holed, while a deep swamp
|>rotected their right, and the troops were prevented from
attacking them on the left on account of the deep water.
(42)
To Lucknow.
43
The attack therefore had to be made from the road in front.
The artillery, two guns, with the 78th and the Madras
Fusiliers, by rapid firing drove the enemy from their first
})osition, gardens just in front of a village, and comjielled
thera to retire to the town, where almost every house was a
small battery in itself. Here the rebels fought with more
determination and courage than at any place before. Our
troops followed, but found that the rebels had formed into
order again, as well as any of our European regiments
-could do, and in great strength. We advanced, however,
so quickly on them with heavy firing that they were forced
to break and run. It did not take our men long to capture
their guns. Twice their cavalry, some of Nana Sahib's
own followers, charged on our left, but the 64th, with their
Enfield rifles, both by volley and independent firing as
skirmishers, soon made them retire with such loss of both
horses and men that thev did not try again.
We remained at Unao for about three hours to get rest
and refreshments, as the sun was very hot. We again
advanced, but only tor a few miles, when the rebels
attacked us from the earth- works the}' had erected at
Busserut Gunge, a town walled, and surrounded by deep
ditches, and greatly strengthened by earth-works. The
gate in front had a round tower, with four heavy guns on
it, and on examining the rear of the town a deep nullah was
found, now full of water, and by the small bridge across
it was the only way of access to the rebels. The 64th was
sent round to this bridge, bat before they could get to it
the 78th and Fusiliers had driven the rebels from the
t > i|
Life as a Soldier.
town. The 64th gave them a parting shot or so, which
tiiey felt, and they lost all their guns. Cavalry was again
required here, though the ground was not very fit for
pursuit hy cavalry. Two engagements and a victory over
an enemy about six times our strength was not a bad day's
work. As it was now late in the evening. Sir Henry
considered it best, as the enemy could not be pursued, to
remain for the night at Busserut Gunge. Our loss during
the two battles was over eighty killed and wounded, which
from our small force was greatly missed. The rebels' loss,
report said, was more than sixteen hundred, nearly all
killed, as well as nineteen of their guns.
On account of cholera attacking our men, and the sick
as well as the wounded having to be looked after, in all
about three hundred men. Sir Henry gave orders to retire
to Unao. There was some talk among the men as to why
we should retire after gaining so much ground. Of course
they did not know that we were still about thirty-six
miles from Lucknow ; nor did they give a thought as to
what was to be done with the sick and wounded. The
latter could not be sent to Cawnpore, for it would take as
many, if not more, to escort them. I was present and
heard Sir Henry discuss this matter with his staff. His
son, now filling the post of adjutant-general, was one of
them. All were of the opinion that under the circum-
stances it was better to retire for more reinforcements, and
find a place for the sick and wounded.
The force again moved back to Mungulwar, only a
few miles from Unao. The next morning the sick and
To Lucknow.
45
woiinde<l were sent to Cawnpore ; the men now saw tlio
object of retiring.
Tlie whole force was sorry for the loss of Colonel Tytler
at Busserut Gunge, for although on the staff* he was
thought an excellent and daring man. But such is war.
One of the aides-de-camp was also wounded, and again I
was called on more than once to convey orders from the
general as an aide-de-camp during the day.
The two companies of our regiment, who had been
'employed in disarming rebels, joined General Neill during
our absence at Busserut Gunge. But many other rein-
forcements were required before any further advance could
be made to relieve Lucknow. And as General Neill had
received a small reinforcement, h^ was again asked to send
what men he could to our camp at Mnngulwar. This
request he complied with, keeping, I may say, only the
sick and wounded to defend Cawnpore, trusting to their
speedy recovery. Sir Henry considered this a noble act,
as I heard him say when the reinforcement arrived.
Among the reinforcement was half of Major Olphert's
battery, under command of a lieutenant. As some natives,
gun-lascars were belonging to the battery, Sir Henry
asked how they conducted themselves. The rcj)ly of the
lieutenant was, that once they stated that they would spike
the guns if engaged against the rebels, and they had made
threats at the beginning of the mutiny to the same effect.
Sir Henry at once ordered a parade of all the half battery,
both British and natives. He told the natives that for
tlieir misconduct and treasonable words he wouh! not allow
f:i
46
Lije as a Soldier.
them to act as soldiers, and forthwith disarmed them and
sent them to Cawnpore to do labonring work on tiie
defences that General Neill was preparing at Cawnpore.
Orders were also sent that if they once disobeyed they
were to be immediately hanged or shot. The same orders
had been issued before we left Cawnpore reganling some
Sepoys of the 60th Regiment.
Although the reinforcement arrived as above detailed,
our force then onlv numbered about fourteen hundred
men. Sir Henry ordered another advance to Lucknow on
August 4th. As we reached Unao, the former battle field,
we found no enemy, but not so at their strongly fortified
ground at Busserut Gunge, where the rebels were said to
have about twenty thousand men, of the three arms, cav-
alry, artillery and infantry. After our reconnoitring party
returned. Sir Henry gave orders for Captain Maude's
battery and the infantry to attack their front, which soon
caused the rebels to fall back on their second position, or
the town where they had the most of their force. During
their retreat they suifered considerable loss, for we could
see men falling from their ranks as they went. Their
force was, however, still very large, and their position,
as a defence, well planned. Our little force followed
them, not heeding the rebels' round shot, shell and grape,
until we entered the town and once more beat them clear
of their position. We only captured two guns, as they
succeeded in getting out of our reach with the others. But
when they were crossing the bridge they again suffered
great loss, our cavalry coming up to their rear in time to
To Luchiow.
cut a few of them off from crossing. We again felt tlie
need of more cavalr}'. The enemy's total loss this day
and night was reported at five hundred, ours being only
about twenty killed and wounded. Cholera now a})i)eared
again among the troops ; more severely this time than on
the former occasion ; the cause of which was supposed to
be the dead not being buried, but lying in the water, which
in some places was very deep. Men of our force were
dying here ; in fact, I may say that the whole place was
. little better than a swamp. Consequently we returned
next morning to Mungulwar, it being an elevated and
more healthy position. Here we remained for rest, and to
recruit the health of the men.
It was now that Sir Henry found the force at his com-
mand not strong enough to relieve Lucknow, and again
asked for more reinforcements. I heard him remark that
his advance would have one good effect, namely, that it
brought the rebel force from the city to meet him, which
would give Colonel Inglis and his troops a chance to move
out of his position and to seize such things as he could,
and which were badly needed.
So much for our second advance for the relief of Luck-
now. Another trial was in store for us, and as right was
on our side, we ultimately succeeded, as the pages of history
tell. For all that, it was a great grief to Sir Henry, and
to the whole force under his command, to know that
on account of insufficient numbers we could not reach
Lucknow, and reinforcements were earnestly entreated.
Meantime we remained at Mungulwar, strengthening the
48
Life as a Soldier.
position for defence, as well as putting the bridge com-
munication between Onde and Cawnpore in a better state.
Our spies brought word daily to Sir Henry, reporting the
rebels as having over seventy thousand armed men in
strong positions from Alam-Bagh to Lueknow. So that
any attempt to reach the city on our parf would inevitably
involve our total annihilation, and would be the means of
causing another massacre of the women and children such
as occurred at Cawnpore.
We had not many days to rest, or to work. Sir Henry
learned that the enemy had again assembled at Unao, with
the intention of attacking us at Mungulwar, and prevent-
ing us from crossing the bridge to Cawnpore should we be
compelled to retire. This we did not understand, for to
retire is not a British rule, except to enable us to advance
again. Orders were issued once more for an advance on
Unao ; and although we had only about one thousand
men of all ranks, the men moved with a good spirit, our
volunteer cavalry leading, the artillery supported by
infantry follovving.
On reaching the town of Unao, we met the advanced
pickets of the rebels, which were soon driven through the
town. We bivouacked iiere until morning witfiout having
eaten anything during the day, except it might be that
some had a biscuit in their haversacks. To make things
worse it rained very heavily during the night, but by this
time the men had become used to rain, and thought noth-
ing of 't. Tlie only covering that could be found was the
trees, which afforded little shelter ; still, I can say, that I
To Lucknow.
49
never heard a man complain. They told stories to one
another all night long, or walked about, until the sun rose
the next morning, August 12th. We again advanced, but
before we reached the old fighting ground, Busserut Gunge,
we found them in a village nearer Unao, in a stronger
position, better entrenched, and containing more guns;
and as we could see, their line reached on each side of the
village for miles. The general saw at a glance that the
only way to attack such a force was by the advance in
echelon of battalions, covered by artillery and skirmishers ;
but as we arrived within range, the enemy poured in a
heavy fire which told on us. We could not see their
masked batteries till we were close to them ; and they,
having so many guns, were able to fire round shot, shell,
canister, and grape all at once, which came among us, but
fortunately for us, their distance being as usual badly
judged, their shot went over our heads. Not so the gra[3e,
which did us the most harm. It was fearful for a while.
Still it did not check our men in the least, for the advance
went steadily on until we took our position to get a flanking
fire (there is nothing like it) on their line, which surprised
them very much. At the same time the 78th was ordered
to charge, which they did, and captured their right battery
of two guns, driving the rebels from the battery. The
Madras Fusiliers turned their cavalry twice, while the
64th attacked their centre and captured a battery, but
the guns were gone. Now the guns captured, as well as
our own, were turned on the retreating enemy, inflicting
heavy damage on them. Once more we beat them from
D
'it
50
Life as a Soldiei'.
their position, but not witliout heavy loss to ourselves.
When the return of casualties was receiveil, over one
hundred and forty of our force was missing, thouj^h ue
were not over ten miles on the road to Lucknow. There-
fore the general gave up all thought of reaching the place
for the present, or until a strong reinforcement should
arrive. Just then word reached Havelock that Nana
Sahib had crossed the Ganges with a strong force to
attack Cawnporc. After a short rest, therefore, our force
marched back to Munguhvar, crossed the Ganges, and
joined General Neill at Cawnpore.
We found that during our absence from Cawnpore
General Neill had organized a police from the lowest
caste of the population, and by their means a large portion
of the property stolen from tlie Euroj)ean8 at Cawnpore
had been recovered, and many of the mutinous Sepoys
concerned in the massacre had been captured and executed.
He had also formed an entrenched camp on the high
ground by the river side, and had taken every precaution
against a recurrence of the fearful tragedy of Cawnpore.
General Neill now reported to Havelock that a strong
force of the rebels, mostly Sepoys, were collected at
Bithoor, and that their cavalry was now threatening
Cawnpore, Nana Sahib being in charge of them. He also
reported that the communications with Allahabad were
endangered, if not altogether stopped. Havelock had
foreseen this before our crossing to advance on Lucknow,
but for the want of men could not guard the communica-
tion. After a day's rest and care for the wounded, General
Hav^Jiock sent General Neill with as large a number of men,
To Lucknow.
51
cavalry, artillery, and infantry, as coultl be spared t'roni
Cawnporo to reopen the eonirnunication witli Allaliabad ;
and on reaching the Pandoonudda bridge, met the rebels
in one of tiieir old positions for intercepting reinforce-
ments and gaining an easy victory over them. Immedi-
atelv General Neill attacked them, and after a few shots
from the gnns and line of skirmishers by volleys the
rebels fled with great loss, their dead and wonnded
lying on the position they had taken nj). In accordance
with orders received. General Neill, having opened the
commnnication, returned to Cawnpore without one casualty.
Havelock now formed the force to attack Bithoor. The
men were determined, if possible, to capture Nana Sahib,
and word was passed among them to this effect. But it
was not to be, for he kept clear, and well in the rear of
his troops. At noon we came in sight of the rebels, num-
bering over four thousand men, and very strongly posted.
The plain before their position was covered with thick
jungle and sugar-canes, which reached high above the
heads of the men. Their batteries were effectually masked,
defended by thick ramparts and flanked by entrenched
(juadrangles. The position was also flanked by villages.
As soon as the enemy's position was observed our artil-
lery at once opened fire on them. In a very short time
the enemy retreated into their stronger })osition, and while
retiring, their artillery, from the batteries in their rear,
poured in a very heavy shower of shot and shell on our
advancing line. Tliis was somewhat of a surprise to our
men, and did us some damage. The force continued to
advance by rushes, and lay down to fire, while our artillery
I \
62
lAje as a Soldier.
kept up a steady fire on their batteries, but could not
silence them, though only about six hundred yards dis-
tant. The general thought this would not do, and therefore
ordered a charge on the batteries by the whole force, which
soon put the rebels to flight, for they would not stand for
the bayonet. Our men suffered much during this charge :
but pursued the enemy to the villages. Every house here
was loop-holed, but our troops thought nothing of this,
for they soon caused the enemy to make off to the small
bridge in rear of the villages, our men after them. Here
we could see Nana Sahib, but too far from us to be caught
either dead or alive. This was a great disappointment to
all, for every man among us had decided to do his best to
apprehend him. We passed through Bithoor to a plain,
where we bivouacked for the night, and the next day
returned to Cawnpore, and took up a commanding jwsitioij
on the ground occupied by General Wheeler before the
massacre.
Next day at Cawnpore General Havelock issued orders
congratulating the force on their conduct during the nine
battles gained since leaving Allahabad. The enemy, being
mostly Sepoys, had been trained for years by European
otHcers. But though so far satisfactory, there was yet
much work to be done before we were again masters of
India, and we now had to wait until the troops on t'' if
way from England, China, and the Cape should an
Sit' James Outram was coming to take command, bringing
reinforcements, and he hopnd before long that Lucknow
would be relieved. But for the present, we must wait, and
strengthen our position. -
le
CHAPTER VI.
The Relief of Luck now.
jTR JAMES OUTRAM, Imvino- been ai)poiiiteil to
oommaiul the force for the relief of Lucknow, was
collecting all the resources possible, aiul sending them
forward to Cawnporo. They consisted of cavalry (very
few only), artillery, and infantry. Sufficient men could
not vet be obtained to meet the enemv at Lucknow. The
troops in Bombay presidency had to look after the Sepoys
there, who threatened and had mutinied. Delhi had to be
attended to as well as other places. Few men, therefore,
of the army then in India couKi be sent to Cawnpore.
General Havelock had received instructions from
Sir James Outram to send part of his force across the
Ganges to attract the attention of the enemy near Lucknow,
and keep them from attacking the forces there, until he
should arrive at (Cawnpore. Sir James also informed him
as follows: "I shall join you with the reinforcements, but
to you shall be left the glory of relieving Lucknow, for
which you have already so nobly struggled. I shall
accompany you only in my civil capacity as commissioner,
placing my military services at your disposal, should you
])lease to make use of me, serving under you as a volunteer.
p]ncourage the Lucknow garrison to hold on. Spare no
cost in effecting communication with Colonel Inglis. Pro-
claii^^ at Cawnpore, and cause it to be made known to the
lead of the enemy's forces at Lucknow, that for every
(53)
64
Life as a Soldier.
Christian woman or child maltreated at Lucknow, an
Oude noble shall be hanged." These orders were carried
out by General Havelock, and the population about Cawn-
pore, as well as in Oude, were soon talking about Sir
James's words.
On the loth September we received reinforcements, and
next day Sir James Outram arrived with others. So the
force for the relief of Lucknow was about completed, for
on that day a divisional order by Sir James Outram stated
that the force, selected by General Havelock, which was to
march to relieve the garrison at Lucknow, would be consti-
tuted and composed as follows :
First Infantry Brigade. — Tiie 5th Fusiliers, 84th Regi-
ment, detachment 64th Foot (two companies), who had
just arrived in Cawnpore, and 1st Madras Fusiliers;
Brigadier -General Neill commanding, and nominating his
own brigade staff.
Second Infantry Brigade. — 78th Highlanders, 90th
Light Infantry, and the Sikh Regiment of Ferozepore;
Brigadier Hamilton (78th) commanding, and nominating
his own brigade staff.
Third (Artillery) Brigade. — Captain Maude's battery,
Captain Olphert's battery, Brevet-Major ICyre's battery ;
Major Cooper commanding, and to appoint his own staff.
Cavalry. — Volunteer Cavalry to the left. Irregular Cav-
alry to the right ; Captain Barrow to command ; myself as
field bugler.
Engineer Department. — Chief Engineer, Captain Crom-
nielin ; Assistant Engineers, Lieutenants Simonds and
The Relief of Lucknow.
55
Judge. Major-General H. Havelock, C. B., to command
the force. "
I mav also here give an extract from Sir James's orders:
"The major-general, in gratitude for, and admiration of,
the brilliant deeds of arms achieved by General Havelock
and his gallant troops, will cheerfully waive his rank on
the occasion, and will accompany the force to Lucknow in
his civil capacity as chief commissioner of Oude, tendering
his military services to General Havelock as a volunteer."
Sir James had chosen for his staff the following:
Colonel Nai)ier, Bengal Engineers, chief of the adjutant-
general's de[)artment; Lieutenants Sitwell and Chamier,
aides-de-camp, and Mr. W. J. Money, C. S., private secre-
tary. Sir James, when askeil at a meeting he attended,
who was the best soldier he had come in contact with,
replied without iiesitation, " Robert Napier," the colonel
above referred to.
On the 16th, as stated, the force commenced to cross the
Ganges from Cawnpore to Oude ; and the new bridge over
the muddy creek beyond being constructed, the whole
force had crossed by the 19th, ready to advance on Luck-
now. As we started on that march, we met a number of
the rebels, but a few shots from a gun, and an advance
guard in skirmishing order, soon made them retire. It
being late Saturday evening, the force halted for the night
among the sand hills on the edge of the river.
The next day, being Sunday, Havelock remained here,
and had church service on the field. It was at this parade
that Sir James Outram atrain saw me for the first time
66
Life as a Soldie>\
since 1 left Persia, and I shall never forget the shake
hands he gave me, remarking to General Havelock, " We
have McKenzie with us again."
After this tiie lieavy guns and baggage were put in
position for advance.
On tiie following morning at daybreak our march again
commenced. We had not advanced more than a mile
before the enemy's artillery ojiened fire on us. Our artil-
lery at once got into position and opened fire on them,
supported by the 5th Fusiliers in skirmishing order.
During this time Havelock had formed a strong force of
artillery and infantry from the 1st Brigade, which moved
to the right to attack the rebels from that flank. This was
his old method of attacking; for he did not believe in
advancing on an enemy's batteries which had taken weeks
to construct for a defensive purpose. This movement, as
well as the shell from our guns, soon put the rebels to
flight, leaving two guns which our infantry had captured.
Sir James, with the volunteer cavalry, captured two more
in a noble charge made by that small body of horsemen, a
few men of the 64th, 78th, Madras Fusiliers and civilians,
about one hundred in all. The rebels evidently thought
they had enough, for they kept out of our sight until we
reached Alam-Bagh, although we passed through Unao
and Busserut Gunge. We saw many marks of our former
visits, but no rebels.
Havelock gave the force a rest for the night in a small
village, which had been abandoned, about two miles further
on ; for the force had marched in a very heavy rain all
The Relief of Lucknow.
07
day and required some rest and shelter. Early next
morning, 22nd, we continued our advance, although the
rain did not stop. But I am sorry to say that the coolies
(native servants) who had been engaged to assist in the
conveyance of the baggage and the woundetl had left us
during the night, for they dreaded the approach to Luck-
now. Time could not now be spared to supply their loss,
and the force did their best under the circumstances.
Reports stated that the rebels would, before we could
reach the residency, have killed all the force advancing to
relieve Colonel Inglis; and that the troops and the posi-
tion they had taken up at Alam-Bagh would leave ver)-
little of our army to enter Lucknc.v.
Gen. Havelock, during our march, expected to hear from
the spies he had sent forward, as to the position held by
the rebels, and before we reached Alam-Bagh the informa-
tion was obtained. Our advance guard halted when they
came in view of the position of the rebels at Alam-Bagh.
We still advanced, Havelock in front, until we came in
view of the force we had to attack before we could enter
Lucknow, which was drawn up behind a range of hills in
large numbers of cavalry, artiller}-, and infantry, with
their left resting on the enclosure of the Alam-Bagh. Gen.
Havelock here saw that it would take some time to drive
them from the position held and to beat the whole of the
Sepoys. The main road towards them was so blocked
that it was impossible to advance further by it. He once
more tried the flank movement, this time by the left of
our force. A feint was made, which led the rebels astray,
58
Life as a Soldier.
when a charge was ordered, resting every now and then to
fire a volley. This caused their cavalry on the right ta
break, immediately followed by their infantry, the artillery
firing another shot before they retired. Once the right
broke, the whole force of rcl)els followed, our men in pur-
suit, and our artillery still firing on them. We followed
them throuirh three villaiies before a halt was ordered.
This was one of the worst ensxag-emenls we had. The
fields were a comj)lote morass, and the shot and shell as
well as grape flew around us. We captured five of their
guns. Sir James Outram, with his handful of volunteer
cavalry, showed what Britishers can do, for many of the
rebels were laid low by them. Our loss was heavy, but
nothing like that of the enemy.
The next day, 24th, we remained in front of the Alani-
Bagh, and nearly all the heavy baggage, tents, etc., was
l>laced in the enclosure of the Alam-Bagh, with an escort
under command of Major Mclntyre. Earl}' the next
morning the force advanced by a road, through fields,
chosen by Colonel Inglis, Sir James Outram, and General
Havelock, as it was impossible to move by the direct road
to the residencv.
As the force advanced, a number of the rebels who came
by our rear were about to attack the small baggage which
Havelock thought he coul' have brought into the resi-
dency, but this proved impossible. The aides-de-camp
being p vay delivering orders to other parts of the force, I
was sent to the rear to tell the baggage guard to move into
the Alam-Bagh, and if I could get back to join him I was
The Relief of Luchnow,
59
to do so ; if not, to remain with the guard and go with
them. I delivered the order, but my horse was siiot under
me, and we had scarcely time to get into the enclosure.
But the escort or party already there, acting with the small
party just entered, caused the rebels to move off quicker
than they came. On account of this I cannot give any
further account of the first relief of Lucknow at present,
but will describe the secoml relief in due time.
li
i\
CHAPTER VII.
At Alam-Bagh.
WILL now give briefly a detail of my time at Alam-
Bagh. Our first duty was to fortify ourselves by
erecting batteries, for the rebels were close to us, and firing
on us very often. Every available man was kept at this
work both day and night, with very little rest, until we
iiad a battery mounted at each corner of the enclosure.
We also erected a small battery outside of the enclosure
for our picket. During the progress of this work we lost
a few men by shell fired from a yellow building where the
rebels had a battery, as well as from other positions they
had taken up near a village. They gave us a great, deal
of trouble in this way for weeks. And as we fired a round
shot or so at them, the same shot would be returned back to
us the next day. As our small force would say when the
shot was heard in the air, " Here comes our shot back
again." We could always tell the difference, for the shot
made by the rebels was very rough, and made a great
noise in passing through the air, whereas our shot made
verv little if anv noise. Of course we had sufficient time
to get under cover when we heard the country-made shot
coming, but very little time if the shot was one which had
been fired at them.
We had at this time sufficient eatables for the Europeans,
but very little for or.r native followers (only a few, fortu-
nately), and no forage. Therefore we were compelled to
(60)
At Alam-Bagh.
61
leave our little garrison, and go in search of forage, and
on each occasion were attacked by the enemy, and lost a
few more men, but the enemy paid for it. At one of these
attacks we took from !hera a gun and killed about forty
men, seizing also all the forage they had in the small vil-
lage they held. This village was close to the Alam-Bagh,
and we found it afterwards to be an advantage to us, for not
nearly as many shot came into the enclosure, and we had
forage for our cattle as vv..l as food for the few natives
with us.
During all this time Major Mclntyre and Sir James
were communicating with each other. On the residency
in Lucknow they erected a pole with a cross board on it,
so as to telegraph to us. Of course we erected a similar
one, so that every day a good many messages were ex-
changed between the residency and Alam-Bagh as to how
the enemy were moving, etc., etc. Thus our force was
made aware how matters were in Lucknow, and they were
made acquainted with our doings, as well as how things
were going on in Cawnpore. We could get no other
information as to how the enemy were acting around the
residency, for our spies could not then be trusted. As it
was, one of them gave wrong information, which was
nearly causing destruction to our little band at Alam-
Bagh. This was to the eifeet that only a small force
without any guns occupied a little village which we could
not see from the Alam-Bagh building; that they had
plenty of forage and eatables, which we could obtain if we
went after it. Our little force did go in search of it, but
62
Life as a Soldier.
liad not proceeded far before we received a few round shot
and a shell. Fortunately for us the rebels fired too soon,
and as usual the distance was judged too far. We did not
rush at them this time, but retired* to our position within
the enclosure. The first thing then was to get the spy,
but he was off. Still, although this spy deceived us, Sir
James at the residency had a faithful one who brought his
despatches in a quill or bamboo cane; and in fact this spy
iiever came twice dressed in the same way, and had a
different dress for returning. He was well paid, and car-
ried out his duties very faithfully.
All this time reinforcements were joining the force in
Cawnpore, and Major Bingham, of the 64th Regiment,
brought us two hundred and seventy men and two guns
from Cawnpore, also stores of i)rovisions from the com-
missariat department, but on arrival it was found that
there were no sup])lies among it for the natives. Although
these additions were very welcome, they did not altogether
meet the want, because the force arriving would consume
the most of it, and leave us still in want. This being
explained, in a few days another convoy was sent, this
time with a full supply of all kinds of stores. Brigadier
Wilson, commanding, sent word, if possible, to convey
some of the supplies to the residency. This could not be
done, for the bridges on the route we would have had to
take to get to the residency had been destroyed by the
rebels, and the only road to Sir James was a complete
battery the whole way, and multitudes of people from Oude
were by this time collected at Lucknow.
At Alam-Biifjh,
63
After the second convoy had arrived, altliougli reacliin*^
us safe, the enemy liad made ready to attack us at Alam-
Bagh with a very strong force. All tiiis time we were
preparing for them, outside as well as inside the enclosure.
It was a wonder to us that they had not attacked us before
we got either reinforcement, but they are not the men to
attack, and the poorest race on earth to defend tliem-
selves. On this occasion they made an otfer only, for they
did not approach near enough for our riflemen to do them
any harm. All was done by the guns on both sides ; and
although they did not injure us much, they kept us for a
time from working at trenches, etc., outside the enclosure.
And when we made a feint of advancing on them in
skirmishing order, we could see their artillery retiring. I
suppose they feared that our skirmishers would advance
on them with the usual charge and capture more of their
guns, but they took care we should not do so. On the
other hand, })erhaps they retired to entice us on to a large
fortified position they had in rear, but our force was not
large enough to follow, nor did we know at the time of
their ground in rear having batteries waiting for us. So
they with their very large force, and we witii our small
one, looked at each other while the artillery did all the
firing, until nearly dark, when they retired. It was a
mercy we did not follow them, for there was another force
of rebels all ready to follow us, and thus get us between
two fires; this, however, we did not learn till the next
day. The work went on rapidly with our entrenchments
outside the enclosure without much trouble, with the
m
Life as a Soldier.
exception of a shot now and then from the yellow build-
ing. It was some time before we knew where their gun
was placed about this house, for we could not see anything
like a battery there. As we afterwards found, in the front
part of the building, about ten feet from the ground, a
large heavy iron shutter was placed, painted the color of
the house, and a large gun in rear of it. The gun was
loaded and sighted, and when it was to be fired the shutter
was raised by a pulley erected at the top of the inside of
the room. When raised the gun moved forward a few
inches only, or until the muzzle came in front of the
siiutter. The gun was then fired, and by its recoil to its
original position, the shutter at once dropped, and the
smoke after firing prevented us from seeing where the
shot came from. But when we did find out, the shutter,
and in fact almost all the front of the house, soon moved
under well directed round shot from one of our new
batteries.
We now heard that Colonel Greathead's column from
Delhi had been ordered to Cawnpore for service in Oude,
under command of Sir Hope Grant. And Sir Colin
Campbell was also marching with a large force in Oude
for the final relief of Lucknow. This information was
sadly needed, for the troops in the residency were suffer-
ing very much for want of supplies. At the same time
that we received word that Sir Hope Grant's column was
then between the Banni bridge and Alam-Bagh, waiting
for Sir Colin Campbell and his force, we at Alam-Bagh
also received orders to be ready to join the commander-in-
chief, Sir Colin Campbell.
At Alam-Buf/h.
65
We were ready, for the spare elephants and eaniels
which brought the supplies from Cawnpore were returned
to that place under charge of a small force all mounted
on elephants or camels, in accordance with Sir James's
orders to Major Mclntyre. Sir James also sent orders to
the major as to signalling, lighting a fire, etc., on the
night before the relieving force would march on Lucknow;
also to fire guns at intervals. All these orders were care-
fully carried out, and before the arrival of Sir Colin
Campbell or Sir Hope Grant we had Alam-Bagh well
fitted up with batteries, with guns in each, but only a few
of these were heavy guns.
Just as we expected both these forces to arrive, word
came from Cawnpore that the Gwalior mutineers were
about to march on Cawnpore. Therefore we thought that
they would be driven from there by Sir Colin Campbell's
force before he would arrive here for the relief of Luck-
now. But such was not the case; for he was anxious to
get to Lucknosv, if only to relieve the force there and
get the women and children in a place of safety, and
therefore came on as quickly as possible for that purpose,
and arrived here at Alam-Bagh on the 12th November.
Previous to this. Sir Colin Campbell had received a full
statement of the positions held by the rebels from Sir
James Outram, and suggestions as to the best route for
him to take on leaving Alam-Bagh to relieve the force at
Lucknow. Sir Colin complied with all Sir James's plans
except one, which I will describe later, for I will follow
our march in detail.
£
CHAPTKR VIII.
The Relief of Lucknow.
|N the 14th Sir Colin formed the force on the plain
in front of tiie Alam-Bagh, about five thousand
of all ranks, including cavalry, artillery, infantry, and
navy, taking the heavy guns and almost all the baggage
belonging to the force in the residency, but leaving a
small force and guns in the Alam-Bagh enclosure to hold
that position. Here 1 was again chosen as the general's
bugler, and at once received a horse fully equipped for the
one shot under nie on the 25th September at this place
en route for first relief of Lucknow. In accordance with
Sir James Outram's request, the salute was fired as we
started to advance towards the Dilkoosha, moving across
the country. Dilkoosha is a palace surrounded by gar-
dens, about three miles from the residency. The route
taken was a very rough one, full of sugar-canes, and hard
for our cavalry to get through. Still every man knew
what was in front, and was determined to push along as
fast as possible. I may here remark that I heard Sir Colin
say during this march : " The men behave well, and appear
to be in the best of spirits, and are anxious to get at the
enemy in front."
I have stated above that the force numbered about five
thousand all ranks. I will now give corps and com-
manders of the six brigades.
(66)
27te Relief of Lucknow.
67
1. First Naval Brigade, Captain William Peel.
2. Artillery Brij^ade, comprisinj^ Batteries of Blunt,
Remtnington, Travers, Bridge and Bourchier, cumnianded
by Brigadier Crawford.
3. The Cavalry Brigade, comprising two .scpiadrons of
9th Lancers, one each of 1st, 2nd and 5th Punjab Cavalry,
and Hodson's Horse, commanded by Brigadier i^ittle.
4. First Infantry Brigade, comprising a battalion formed
of detachments of three regiments, 64th, 78th and 84th,
shut up in the residency, and the 2nd Punjab Native In-
fantry, commanded by Colonel Greathead, Brigadier.
5. Second Infantry Brigade, comprising the 93rd High-
landers, a wing of the 53rd Regiment, and 4th Punjab
Native Infantry ; also, a battalion formed of men proceed-
ing to join their regiments to be relieved, commanded by
Colonel Adrian Hope, Brigadier.
6. Third Infantry Brigade, comprising the 23rd Fusi-
liers, and a portion of the 82nd Regiment, commanded by
Colonel Russell, Brigadier.
Colonel Hope Grant, with the rank of brigadier-general,
directed the operations, untler the supervision of the com-
mander-in-chief. Sir Colin Campbell. This was our small
force, not numbering in all five thousand, which had to com-
pete in a war against over sixty thousand, mostly Sepoys
trained by ourselves, and in their own country. Thus it
can be seen that it required great generalship, as well as
determined men, to gain the victory in this great contest,
the second relief of Lucknow. The rule was victory or die,
and as right was on our side it was victory, which history
tells.
HJB
68
Life as a Soldier.
I stated above that Sir James Outrani sent a plan and
suggested the route he thought best for Sir Colin Campbell
to take on his advance to the residency. Sir James knew
all about the route, buildings, etc, while Sir Colin did not.
As we left Alam-Bagh, Sir Hope Grant, with a small
force, moved on Jelalabad, and beat the rebels, captured
two guns, and drove the men who were not killed from
the position held by them. He again met us before we
reached Dilkoosha, and reported to Sir Colin Campbell
what he had done. When he, 3ir Colin, heard from his
spy thai a force of the enemy was at Jelalabad, he wisely
thought it best to have them removed, and not allow them
the chance of attacking us in rear, or annoying the baggage
guard.
As our advance guard came in sight of Dilkoosha the
enemy opened fire on them from a battery they had in
position ; also their infantry fired from their matchlock
muskets, but did no harm. Sir Colin formed our force in
position ; and a few rounds from our guns, as well as from
our infantry, who supported the artillery in skirmishing
order, caused the rebels to leave their position ; when our
cavalry were ordered after them, and killed a number.
Two guns were captured here, and about one-half of the
enemy killed. It took us about three hours to capture
this place.
After a rest of about half an hour we moved on to the
Martluiere building, where we found the rebels in a far
stronger position, and in larger numbers both of n»en nnd
guns. Sir Colin and Sir Hope soon got our force in j)osi-
The Relief of Lucknow.
69
tion for attacking them, and after a heavy cannonading on
both sides, as well as infantry fire, we soon put them on
the run, leaving all their guns behind, and a number
killed. They made off towards the barracks, which was
the strongest position they iield during all the fighting this
day, each building near it being nothing less than a bat-
tery in itself, they were so loop-holed and manned by the
enemy. At a short distance from this, the mess house, a
-large building, stood, having larger and heavier guns
mounted on it as a fort. This we could see, and prepared
for work with the usual charge to capture it, which had to
be done before we could advuiice further. It being late,
however, we returned to the Dilkoosha, leaving a force to
liold the ground we had gained until the following morn-
ing, 15th. But our force remained here until the 16th.
By information Sir Colin had received, the attack o:< the
mess house could not be made on the 15th ; for in place of
moving on the Secmdra-Bagh, as suggested in Sir James
Outram's plan, the force had to move along the river bank
for about a mile, which brought us between two fires, and
we suffered much on account of it. Still it had *o be done,
for nearly all the enemy had collected on the route Sir
James wished Sir Colin to take. After the plan for attack
was made, tlic rebels had strengthened their position.
Although our force suffered here it was a gain at the end.
Another drawback was, that it took some time to get our
heavy guns in position to attack the Secundra-Bagh, whicU
is a square building surrounded by a wall of solid masonry,
and loop-holed all round. A village on the opposite side
70
Life as a Soldier.
was also loop-holed in every house. The square around
Secundra-Bagh is from one hundred and fifty to two hun-
dred yards in length. It tool all our guns, heavy and
light, as well as our infantry, to attack both these places,
for upwards of two hours. All this time our heavy guns
were trying to make a breach in the solid wall around the
building. At last a small hole only was made in it, then
the charge by the infantry was ordered. The two nearest
regiments were the 93rd Highlanders and the Sikhs.
Both these regiments made a great rush to see who would
be first, but only one man at a time could enter the hole,
and a few men of each corps were killed before the large
gate, which was a very strong one and strongly barred,
was opened. Then both regiments rushed in, and in a
short time the two thousand rebels who occupied tiie
building: were either shot or burned. In the meantime
our artillery and infantry had cleared every house in the
village. The loss of the rebels in both of these places
was heavv, over four thousand of them lav dead. Our
cavalry could not do much here on account of the houses.
When our force saw the burned at the Secundra-Bagh
building, thev remarked : " This is retribution for Cawn-
■ftj
pore.
The force then advanced and attacked the Shah Najuf,
a massively built mosque in the direct road to the resi-
dency, situated in a garden surrounded by very strong
loop-holed walls, and guns \u position. Captain Peel, with
his heavy guns, as well as our other heavy guns, fired on
t!iis mosque and wall for three hours, but couhl not make
The lielief of Luehnoic.
71
a breach in the wall or move the rebels from their posi-
tion. Sir Colin thought three hours long enough to keep
his force in front of an enemy to be fired at, and not gain-
ing anv advantaiie bv it. He therefore tjave the usual
order to his force to pre))are and take the mosque by the
charge, which was don( , for it never yet failed. Although
a large number of our force was killed, thoy, I may say,
slauo-htered the rebels, for very few of them ";ot clear.
This action was considered by Sir Colin C.impbell as hard
as any ever gained or fought by a British force. This
ended one day's work, for it was now late.
The next morning, 17th, the first thing done was to
1 ;'y the dead. Outside the Secundra-Bagh a large trench
was dug, about twenty feet square and six feet deep, in
which all killed and burned were i)uried. The force was
then ordered to advance on the mess hoii^e, of which I
have above given a brief description. On ou" approach to
this building we found it a far stronger position and better
fortified than the Secundra-Bagh. Again here our heavy
and light guns had to be brought up to attack the rebels'
heavy guns, which were mounte(» on and near the build-
iny: ; and for over two hours contiuuallv firiny: from our
heavy guns, it appeared to us as if there had not been a
round of shot fired at the building; for the rebels did not
stop their fire, or even nuikc a move to leave their posi-
tion. So our infantry had to be called on to capture it.
And as the infantry advanced for that i>urpose, the rebels
opened up a fire of shot and shell from their position at the
Kaisar-Bagh. This was somewhat of a surprise to all our
72
Life as a Soldier.
force. Still the advance continued, and never stopped
until thev drove the rehels clear of the mess house,
hospital, and barrack, witli thousands of dead left behind
them. Here again Sir Colin remarked: "The men
worked bravely." No doubt his remarks in this ease
were correct ; for all our force had made up their minds
to beat the rebels or die in the act ; for all had seen or
heard of the building in Ca»vnpore, where the fiend, Nana
Sahib, had committed the massacre. After the ditches
and mud wall were cleared, our force followed up what
few remained, and did not leave a man for our cavalry to
catch.
I will here name the corps who were in advance during
this attack, as well as o^ officers. Captain Wolsely of
90th, and Captain Hopkins of o3rd ; also Lieutenant
Powlett commanded a detachment composed of men of
90th and Punjab Native Infantry. The whole force, of
course, supported the movement, but the above named
were in skirmishing order, and the front or fighting line.
Still a!) available men under Sir Colin's command had
something to do, for volley after volley had to be fired
before our attacking force reached the enemy's position or
mess house. Our force still advanced towards tiie resi-
dency, but again had to attack the Moti Mahal, another
position held by the rebels, as well as otlier buildings near
it. Again we had to fight buildings, not men ; for a man
could not be seen. Still there wor- 'iiany of tliem at this
place, who fired from the loop-holes, as well as firing from
their heavy and light guns. Our heavy guns here knocked
The Belief of Lucknoic.
73
a house or two down ; but tliis was tedious work, so
thought our commander, for he ordered tlie char*i;e on tiie
Moti Mahal, wliicli was taken in a short time. The
•wliole force were then ordered to attack the otlier builil-
ings. Not a man of tlie rebels who were in one of the
buildings when our force reached them escaped, although
a number of them made off to join another position held
in our front.
We iiad now reached communication with the residency,
but the rebels in our front were yet numerous. In sj)ite of
this, Sir James Outram, Sir Henry Haveloek, who had now
been knighted, and their staff. Captain Haveloek (late Sir
Henry M. Havelock-Allan, Bt.), Colonel Napier, Vincent
Eyre, Dodgson, Sitwell, Kavanagh and Russell, all started
out to meet Sir Colin Campbell. During their coming to
us foyr of them were wounded — Captain Haveloek, Napier,
Sitwell, and Russell — although they had not come over
half a mile. So the reader can imagine that the rebels
kept a strict eye on the residency ; and the firing of the
guns at tlie Kaisar-Bagh was so heavy that the force in
the residency could not yet leave there. I need scarcely say
that the meeting of the three generals was not expected, at
least by Sir Colin Campbell. Still the usual congratula-
tions were made, and the wav to net the women and chil-
dren, etc., from the residency was talked over. When Sir
James Outram and his party above named returned to the
residency, just as Sir James was moving away he saw me
and came towards me, oflterlng his hand — and as I took
his hand he said, "McKenzie, I an) glad to see you safe."
74
Life as a Soldier.
Of course I returned the comj)liment. Wlieu Sir Colin
saw tliis lie reniark(;d, " Sir James, MeKenzie makes a
good aide-de-camp." Sir James's answer was " I know it
well." I may here say that I had performed the duty of
aide-de-eamp a few times by Sir Colin's order.
While our attack was going on at the Moti Mahal,
Sir James, in the residency, was not idle, for, as agreed
between Sir Colin and him, the mines in the residency
under the engine house, as well as the outer wall of the
garden, were blown up to enable him also to open fire on
the position we were attacking. This brought the enemy
again between two fires. Still they havitig so large a
force, over seventy thousand by this time, at Lucknow, it
it was a miracle that our troops ever left the residency.
Sir Colin saw the only way it could be managed was by
making a feint to attack with his whole force the Kaisar-
l>agh, and our force moved in that direction, which caused
the rebels to move off to the Kaisar-Bagh. Our heavy
mortars threw thirteen and one-half inch shell for about
two hours "I this place. In the meantime the force in
the residency were preparing to move out ; and they
having previously beaten the enemy from two of their
positions immediately outside of the residency, Sir Colin
ordered a strong j)icket to line a narrow lane leading up
close to the residencv. Thus the women and chiidren, with
the sick and wounded, passed from the resiik-ncy to the
l>ilkoosha without a sinjrle casualtv. This was on the
20th, and bv orders issued bv Sir Col'n, Sir James
Outram vacated the residency with his force, state prison-
The Relief of Lucknow.
76
ers, and baggage, which included tiie large quantity of
money and valuables he had in the treasury; and by
12 midnight on 22nd the whole force had moved to the
Dilkoosha, leaving the enemy still attacking the residency,
which was vacant for two days or so.
The women, children, and wounded were afterwards
sent under a strong escort to Cawnpore on their way to
Allahabad, and Sir Henrv Havelock was removed from
the Alam-Bao'h to the Dilkoosha. The men of SirColin's
force then learned for the first time that Sir Henry was
very ill. At first the doctors thought that by moving him
from the Alam-Bagh he would recover ; but it was not to
be, for on the 24th he died. I can truthfully say there
was not a man in the force but felt sorry for his death,
and from the highest to the lowest expressed themselves
so. The next morning, 25th, his corpse was moved to
Alam-Bagh, and the next day, 2Gth, was buried there.
Sir Colin and a large number of the force attended the
funeral. Sir James Outram could not attend, as he had
to remain in charge of the force at the Dilkoosha, but he
made arrangements to have the grave levelled and marked,
so that it could be found. T may here mention that
l)revious to my leaving the Dilkoosha with Sir Colin,
Sir James told me that I would be recommended for the
Victoria Cross, for that ray action on the 25th September
alone, when ordered to proceed to the haggage guard by
General Havelock with orders as an aide-de-camj), to
which he was an eye-witness, would entitle me to receive
it, and that he had told Major Bingham, then there at
Dilkoosha, about it.
76
Life as a Soldier.
The force being now relieved from tiie residency at
Liicknow, and as I had to leave Sir James Outram, with
Sir Colin Campbell, for Cawnpore, before continuing my
narrative, I wish to make the following statement.
As I iiad been closely connected during the Persian
campaign and Indian mutiny with both Sir Henry Have-
lock and Sir James Outram in my capacity as field bugler
to them, may I ask the reader to excuse me for giving
briefly ray opinion of these two generals, as to how they
looked after the force, etc., under their command. Sir
Henry Havelock, although carrying out discipline among
the force, always saw that the men received proper care
and rest, if jiossible; and during a march, if time per-
mitted, he would hcv. that each of the men had a cup of
coffee issued to them before the march was resumed. On
Sundays he would rest the force, if at all possible, and
have church service on our camp grounds, himself officiat-
ing as our clergyman. I may also here say that I have
seen him take the Bible and read from it in the morning
long before the force would be moving in camp or bivouac,
and he was considered by the whole force under him to be
a very good man, as veil as a good soldier.
Sir James Outram was equally thoughtful for the force,
but the orders given by him to the provost-marshal vvere
strict, which prevented looting (stealing). Still I have
often heard him say the discipline in the force could not
be better; and where Sir Henry Havelock would order
coffee for his brigade. Sir James would order a dram of
grog for his. I have also seen Sir James reading from
The Relief of Luchiow.
77
the Bible previous to leaving camp or bivouac. His fore-
thought was marvellous, for he ooukl at all times see
where an advantage could be gained, and make prepara-
tions for it beforehand. He was also very quick to see a
fault in a movement or otherwise, and I do not think he
committed a single mistake in the whole time I was witii
him that the force under him could complain of; but the
whole force saw many times the advantages he gained, and
in front of the enemy n'fhing would stop him from being
in front to lead his force.
As an explanation it may be necessary for me to here
state that I had to be close to the general commanding
both day and night, therefore had a good opportunity to
hear what was said as well as to see what was done.
The commander-in-chief. Sir Colin Campbell, now
divided the force, leaving about four thousand at Alam-
Bagh under command of Sir James Outram, the balance
to proceed with Sir Colin to Cawnpore. The orders for
Sir James Outram were to guard and hold the Alam-Bagh
until a force arrived for the recapture of Luck now. Now
Sir James saw that the onlers he had issued to Major
Mclntyre to fortify as much as possible tije position at
Alam-Bagh had been carried out very satisfactorily, and
found it to be a great advantage to hin) in front of an
enemy of over seventy thousand strong, when he had only
about four thousand of all ranks. It will be remembered
tiiat Sir James Outram was high commissioner in Oude as
well as general officer commanding.
CHAPTER IX.
Return to Cawnpork.
^^^f^FTER tlie reliof of Lncknow Sir Colin Campbell
^rla issued a general order tiiaidviiig the force for the
manner in which the relief had been perlormed. Allud-
ing to the withdrawal, he said it was a model of discipline
and exactitude, the result of which was that the rebels
were completely thrown off their guard, and the retire-
ment had been successfully carried out in the face of fifty
thousand of the enemy, through a narrow lane, the only
line of retreat open.
Leaving four thousand of all ranks with Sir James
Outran! at Alam-Bagh, Sir Colin took tlie remainder of
the force to Cawnpore, in number about six hundred
cavalry and five thousand infantry, with forty-two guns.
This force he divide<l into six brigades, as follows:
1. Cavalry Brigade, commanded by Brigadier Little.
This consisted of the [)th Lancers, parts of the 1st, 2nd
and 5th Punjab Cavalry, and Hodson's Horse.
2. Artillery Brigade, commanded by Brigadier Dupuis,
consisting of Cai)tains Peel's Xaval Brigade, Blunt's, Rem-
luington's, Bourchier's, Middleton's, Smith's, Longden's,
and Bridge's Batteries.
3. First Lifantry Brigade, commanded by Brigadier
Greathead. This consisted of the 8th, 64th, and 2ud
Punjab Regiments.
(78)
lieturn to Cuiriijioir.
79
4. Second Infantry Brii^adc, cuinmandod by Briiradicr
A. Hope, consisting of the 58r(l, 42n(l, 93r(], and 4tli
Punjab Ilogin)cnts.
5. Tliird Infantry Brigade, commanded by Brigadier
Inglis. This consisted of the 23rd, 32nd, and 82nd Kegi-
ments.
6. Fourtli Infantry Brigade, commanded by Brigadier
Walpole, consisting of tlie 2nd and 3rd Battalions Rifle
Brigade, and a part of the 38th Regiment.
This force, under command of Sir Colin Campbell, left
the Alam-Bagh for Cawupore on the 27th November, and
arrived at Munguhvar, a distance of fifty miles, on the
evening of the 28tli ; wiien Sir Colin immediately crossed
the river Ganges and met General Windham.
Previous to Sir Colin Campbell's leaving Cawnpore for
tiie relief of Lucknow, he left General Windham in charge
there, with the head-quarters of the 64th Regiment, about
five hundred strong, with a few Sikhs, and gave him
orders to hold the city, and not to move from the en-
trenchment on the river bank to attack the rebels. Dur-
ing Sir Colin's absence at Lucknow, General Windham
had received reinforcements, and as the Gwalior contingent
had collected around Cawnpore for some miles, under com-
mand of Tantia Topi and Nana Sahib, with a strong force
of over twenty-five thousand men, mostly Sepoys, divided
hito two distinct bodies, with forty guns. General Windham
had moved out to about six miles from the entrenchment
to attack them. In doing so he was completely beaten,
and driven back to the entrenchment, with heavy loss.
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80
Life as a Soldier.
The 64th Regiment lost more at this engagement than
they hud during till others at which they were present
(hiring the mutiny. They were onlered to attack Tantia
Topi's position, which they did, but the general did not
order any support to the regiment; therefore, they were
surrounded by the enemy, and not one-half of them got
back to the entrenchment, which the other part of the
force had reached long before them. After the rebels had
driven Windham and his force into the entrenchment,
they burned up every European house at Cawnpore ; also
the clothing and necessaries, stored in a house, for the use
of the whole force, and stole everything they could lay
hands on, among them some very valuable articles. This
was the state of affairs as found by Sir Colin on his return
to Cawnpore.
I will not state the few words I heard Sir Colin sav to
(General Windham when they met, but may say that he
was angry.
On the 29th Sir Colin and the force commenced to cross
the river, and took up a {losition on the plain formerly
held bv General Wheeler. At the same time the women
and children, with sick and wounded, were sent to Alla-
habad under an escort. It took four days to complete
arrangements. Sir Colin then examined the rebels' posi-
tion, wiiitih he found to be a very strong one, and at once
formed the force for attack, which was made on the 6th
December. After an artillery fire for about two hours
without much advantage bei.ig obtained, the First Infantry
Brigade, commanded by Brigadier Greathead, was ordered
Return to Caumpore.
81
to make a feint attack on the enemy's centre, while the
other three infantry brigades, commanded by Brigadiers
Hope, Wal)K)lc and Inglis, were ordered to attack their
right. Walpole's brigade at once crossed the canal and
attracted the fire of the rebels, while Hope's brigade, sup*
I)orted by Inglis's brigade, moved to the left, then wheeled
round and charged the unprotected flank of the rebels'
right, which completely drove them into confusion. Then
Inglis's brigade came forward, and the whole force beat
the enemy from their first position ; but their second posi-
tion, which was a stronger one, towards the canal, had yet
to be gained. Our force now changed position while the
artillery were firing on the rebels retreating, and our cav-
alry here did good work. So far a large number of Tantia
Topi's force had l)een killed. And here again Nana Sahib
was seen on his elephant, but could not be reached, either
by shot or bullet, and he took good care that no man
should catch him. We had thus fur (%iptured nine of
the relKils' guns, but they had several others yet to be
taken. Now the rebels' position could be fired on from
our entrenchment, and Sir Colin ordere<l General Wind-
ham to attack them with the guns he had, while our force
was preparing and forming to attack their second position.
When our force was formed the Second Brigade were
onlered to attack a bridge which the rebeli- had constructcil
over the canal in ciise they should l)e compelled to retire.
Our line of skirmishers advanced on this bridge. The
artillery fire made no impn^ssion on the rebels' heavy gun
mounted on the briilge; and the infantry was preparing
P
82
lije as a Soldier.
for the usual charge when Captain Peel rushed up with
one of his siege guns, which soon cleared the bridge, and
remained with other guns in the entrenchment firing on
the enemy's earth-works on the other side of the bridge ;
and our artillery and infantry by their flanking fire soon put
them on the run from their earth-works, leaving nearly all
their guns. Now our cavalry came into play and killed a
large number of the enemy. In this case the rebels did not
run in all directions, as others had done, but soon formed
and moved off in regular order towards the river Ganges
to cross into Oude, our force after them. Sir Hope Grant,
who was in Oude, had been sent for, and arrived just in
time to meet the rebels on the banks of the river and
prevent their crossing. His forc(> and the First Brigade of
Infantry followed them up, and completely slaughtered
them, taking every gun they had. The 9th Lancers and
the cavalry with Sir Hope Grant did great work here,
and after following them for over ten miles, fighting all
the time, returned to Cawnpore.
It can be seen that when the rebels retired in proj)er
order, fighting while doing so, they understood discipline
and had a good commander. Now once more Cawnpore
came into our possession, although it took three days' hard
fighting to again win it.
The next day Sir Colin learned that the rebels had
again assembled in larger numbers, and were moving
towards Fatehgarh. For the want of sufficient carriage
Sir Colin could not follow, but he sent brigades to occupy
Itawah and Manipuri ; and on the 23rd Sir Colin, with
Hetum to Cavmpore.
83
roi)er
[pline
ipore
[hard
had
[ving
riage
3upy
iwith
the balance of the force, marched on Fatehgarh. During
our march Brigadier Seaton met ns with his force from
Delhi, and the two brigades previously sent forward
joined us on approaching Kali Nudie. We had several
skirmishes on our way, but nothing of note occurred until
we arrived at this place, Kali Nudie, on 2nd January,
1858. Here we met the rebels in large numbers, occupy-
ing a strong position at a bridge and a fort or entrench-
ment on the other side of the river. The enemv had
partly destroye<1 the bridge. As our advance guard came
in sight the rebels attacked us from their position on the
bridge and entrenchments. Sir Colin then formed his
force and immediately attacked them with artillery and
infantry, and in consequence of the heavy fire, first on the
bridge, the enemy ran off, leaving the gun. Our force
now made towards the bridge to cross it, when it was
found to be dangerous to crass, as the enemy had, as stated
above, nearly destroyed it. Consequently we had to wait
until the bridge was repaired, and could not do more than
use our heavy and light guns on their position or entrench-
ments. The party repairing the bridge suffered ; and the
rebels even came close to the bank of the river to fire on
them, although we had a line of skirmishers on our side of
the river who kept them somewhat in check. The bridge
now being repaired the whole force advanced and crossed
the bridge, but in doing so lost very heavily, for we were
nothing but targets for the enemy to fire at, although our
artillery covered our advance. Still before one-half of our
force had crossed, the rebels were severely punished for
■*« !r
#"
84
Lift 08 a Soldier.
our loss. The whole force having crossal over formed to
attack the entrenchments, three in numl>er, and well con-
structed. Our artillery, with siege guns under Captain
Peel, fired continuously for over two hours, while the
infantry looked on resting themselves. But two hours
doing nothing was considered long enough ; for Sir Colin
gave onlers for the infantry to prepare to take the
entrenchments with the charge. On this order being
given every regiment was anxious to be first to get at
them. "The artillery cease firing. Infantry charge"
was the word of command, and the charge was well carried
out, for the three entrenchments and every gun the rebels
had were captured, and many hundreds of them were
killed in the entrenchments; in fact not one of them that
could be got at lived to tell the story. Although our cav-
alry had followed them, the ringleaders got clear with a
large numl)er. Over four thousand of the enemy here lay
dead. These had to be buried, with our own (not a hun-
dred), the next day. After performing this unpleasant
duty we marched into the fort at Fatehgarh erected by
Nuwab, a man equal to Nana Sahib in his cruelties towards
the Europeans.
Here we remained for about a month, until more troops
arrived, as a large number were arriving daily from Eng-
land, and continued to do so until Sir Colin's return from
Allahabad, where he went to meet the governor-general,
Lord Canning. This rest was badly needed by the force,
and as we now had of all ranks over ten thousand men,
the enemy could see that we had an army sufficient to
Return to Catcnpore.
85
roops
:ng-
Ifrom
keraly
force^
[men,
It ta
meet them, not the same as Sir Henry Havelock's fifteen
hundred or one thousand of all ranks, when we first
attacked them on our way to Cawnjwre, for the recapture
of that place.
I may here mention that our present field marshal,
Lord Roberts, was with this force, attached as one of the
quartermaster-general's staff, and during the siege of Delhi
and second relief of Luck now had done good work in that
department. I may also state that the present general,
the Right Honorable Sir Edward Lugard, commanded a
brigade during the mutiny, and wm considered the right
man in the right place by all ranks.
During Sir Colin Campliell's absence a force, consistii»g
of seventeen battalions of infantry, a large number of
cavalry, and one hundred and thirty-four guns of light
and heavy calibre, including mortars, most of them lately
from England, assembled at Cawnpore to be ready for the
siege of Lucknow. While this force was assembling, the
first brigade of Sir Colin's column, commanded by Briga-
dier Greathead, was sent towards Rohilcond to assist Sir
Hugh Rose in Central India. The 64th was in this
brigade, and I accompanied them, as Sir Colin went to
Allahabad. The troops failed to meet Sir Hugh, on
account of so many skirmishes with the rebels on the way.
It was nothing but fighting, day and night, for four days,
which was very annoying, as the rebels would not form,
nor take up any fighting position. Still they lost many
men and four guns. They made a stand at Kukrala,
where they were largely increased in number by a force
86
X(/e 08 a Soldier.
of rebels already in a position there. We immediately
formed for attack ; and after al)out three hours hard work,
by both artillery an<l infantry, wo beat them from their
position, and took three more guns from them. Once
we got them on the run our cavalry did splendid work,
killing every one they met. In all, their loss here was
about three thousand.
The brigade now rested for a day, and on the following
day we again marched after the rebels. But meeting
Sir Colin's column, we again joined him, and marched on
Shagihon{)ore, where it was rcporte<l that a large force
of the rebels, with Nana Sahib commanding, who had
been driven from Lucknow, had assembled ; but when we
arrived there. Sir Colin heard that they had moved off to
Bareilly. Sir Colin left a small force here, under com-
mand of Colonel Hale, to hold Shagihonpore. The
remainder of the force nov moved on to Bareilly, which
was a very strongly fortified place, with a large number
of the rebels, consisting of cavalry, artillery and infantry,
under command of the Maulavi of Lucknow, and Nana
Sahib of Cawnpore. Sir Colin formed the force at once
for attack. In the first line was the Highland Brigade,
composed of the 42nd, 79th and 93rd, supiK)rted by the
Sikh Regiment, the 4th Punjab Rifles, and the Baluch
Battalion. In the second line the 64th, 78th and 82nd
Raiments, and the 2nd and 22nd Punjab Infantry pro-
tected the baggage a?id siege train, with cavalry and
artillery on both flanks of each line. Having arrived in
front of the rebels' position, our artillery opened fire with
Return to Caionpore,
87
heavy shot on them, and our line of skirmiHhcrs, with a
rapid fire from their rifles, caused the rebels to fall liack
some, yet they held their position until our skirmishers
arrivetl within a few hundred yards of thoni. Just as they
were about to charge, to etipture two guns which were doing
much damage to our advanced line, the rebels made off,
taking these guns with them. Here their cavalry came
out to attack our lino of skirmishers, who had to form into
squares to resist them. However, a few volleys from the
squares, as well as gra|)e from our artillery, made their
cavalry break, when our cavalry went after them. At this
attack we lost considerably, but the rebels' loss was over six
to our one ; for the ground, as we advanced, was covered
with a very large number of them, either dead or dying.
Yet up to now we had not the pleasureof capturing any of
their guns; but l)efore the day's work was over all their
guns were taken. We now had a rest for a few minutes,
previous to advancing again, to allow our cavalry to again
get into |)osition. VVe again advanced, but had not gone
far before the rebels attackc*! us with their heavy guns
and infantry from a stronger position which they held just
in front of the town, as well as from loop-holed houses and
earth-works containing both artillery and infantry. Sir
Colin ordered our artillery to fire with their heavy guns,
the light guns l)eing moved to about two hundred yards
further from the flanks, when the whole, both heavy and
light guns, fired on the rebels' |K)sition. This soon caused
them to leave and run, but in this case leaving their guns
in the earth-works, as well as many killeil. In following
i:0- 1
88
L\fe aa a Soldier.
them up, we found tliey had as strong a iK)sition on each
side of the town. In fact, three siiles of Bareilly, as well
as the whole town, was fortified, and we had to attack each
in turn. As we beat them from one, they went to the
other. But they were, I may soy, slaughtered in doing
80, for all our force were engaged. Our cavalry could not
get at them as yet, but they did so liefore the fighting was
finished.
We were sure that we had Nana Sahib here, but it was
not to be, as he got off to Nipal l)efore the engagement was
half over. The R»l)els' cavalry again moved out to attack
us. This time they made for our baggage, but our bag-
gage guard soon made them retire. This gave our cavalry
a chance to get at them, which they did, and many of the
reikis' horses went gallo|)ing round the country and into
the town without a rider before our cavalry returne<l to
us. Our force was now large, and did not take hours or
days to gain a position, as was the case when our men
were only about one thousand strong, all ranks, against
from five thousand to ten thousand strong.
Sometimes, too, our force would have a needful rest in
a change of a position being made. Not so with Sir
Henry Havelock's small force, when it had to be all rush
to do the work, which history tells was done.
Now Sir Colin considered it best to attack the reliels'
position on the right, and drive them from their earth-
work and buildings. This attack was successfully carried
out, after which the attack was made on their earth-works
on the left of the town. This done both earth-works and
Return to Caumpore.
89
3t in
Sir
I rush
town were in our jioHSOssion, as well as all their guns.
The cavalry now had plenty of work in following them
up. Still a large numl)er of the rebels got clear, the
Maulavi of Lucknow, one of their commanders, among
them, and they again moved off in the direction of
Shagihonpore, where we followed them. This took five
days. On our arrival we found Colonel Hale, who had
been left there in charge, all ready in |K)6ition to receive
the rebels, but he was not strong enough to attack them.
Sir Colin at once formed the force for attack, and although
it took all day to lieat them it was done ; mostly by our
cavalry and artillery with n line of skirmishers, which
cora)ielled them to run, our force in pursuit. Between
our artillery fire, the cavalry charges, and tiie infantry
volleys in skirmishing order, many of the rebels were left
either killed or dying.
Sir Colin now distributed the brigades to different parts
and closed the campaign, as Rohilcond was reconquered
and every |K)sition held by the rebels was now in our
(possession. It was here tiiut Sir Colin and I parted, and
I will never forget the shake of his hand as I left.
Although we did not either (>apture or kill the Maulavi
of Lucknow, one of the principal ringleaders of the mutiny,
on his return to Oude he wanted to force the Rajah of
Powain, a friend of the British government, to take up
arms and join him. This request was not complied with,
and a brother of tlie Rajah shot him. Sir Hugh Rose's
force had previously killed the Rani of Jhansi, another of
the ringleaders. Still it is surprising that Nana Sahib, for
90
Life as a Soldier,
whom the government had offered £10,000, dead or alive,
escaped, as well as Tantia Topi, to some place unknown.
The different regiments here {larted, and although no
regular engagements of any consequence occurred, each
regiment had sufficient work to do in following the
rebels from place to place in a kind of guerilla warfare.
Si)eaking of guerilla warfare, I may here mention that
Captain Sir Henry M. Havelock,* Bt., son of Have-
lock of Cawnpore and Lucknow, oi^anized a mojinted
force in Onde and did excellent work there, killing a
large number in three days and clearing his part of
Oude from relx'ls. Our regiment, the 64th, had several
skirmishes, and took a rest for a day or so at Agra and
Meerut ; and although we only lost five men, many of
the rebels were killed. Our orders were to move until
we reached Mauh, the central military station between
the Bengal and Bombay presidencies, whicii place we did
not reach until late in August. After resting here for
several days we moved to our former station, Kurrachecv
in Bombay presidency, with about one-third of the num-
l)er we had l>efore leaving there for Persia in 1856. Here
we met the women and children of the regiment, but tiiey
had only a very small numl)er of husbands or fathers to
welcome back. So much for war.
I may explain for my readers the reasons why we l)eat
*Sir Henry M. Havelock, afterwards, on his marriage, took the
additional name of Allan. He rose to the rank of lieutenant-general.
He was killed December 30, 1897, while accompanying the expedition
on the north-west frontier of India.
Rdum to Oavmpore.
91
|i)eat
the
iraU
Ition
the rebels, although they nunibcrecl over six to our one,
ami .sometimes as many as twenty to one of us. They hnil
at one time a force against us of seventy-five thousand,
while we had not five thousand, of all ranks. Hut tlie
ringleaders of the mutiny comiicllcd all males capable
of bearing arms to join them ; and they of course, l)eing
undrilled and not understanding discipline as the Sepoys
did, would not stand before us. They were not even able
to move into any military position for attack when ordered
by their commander to do so. ConsequcMitly the moment
our force attacked them, and made an advance on them,
es|)ecially if by the charge, they would break away from
any formation they were assembled in, and run, leaving
their guns in our {)ossession. Although thousands of them
lay dead on the ground, the most of them had been shot as
they were running; and as we often said, " If they don't
stand for the bayonet, a bail will catch thcni." During
my many battles I have never once seen them stand to
their post to resist a charge, which was always made in
true British style, with such a cheer as Her Majesty's
forces only can give.
We were better pleased to learn that their force was
larger in numbers at each engagement we had ; for it was
always found that the quicker we could advance on them
the sooner we would have posse&sion of their position and
guns. Sometimes, however, it took a day to get them to
run; and, if possible, the flank movement was always
made on them. I know that in some cases they would
not have one hundred Sepoys among one thousand of
92
lAJe (u a Soldier.
them. In this way the reader may have an idea liow we,
with Havelock's fifteen hundred, should recapture Cawn-
pore when Nana Sahib had nearly that many thousands
against us. I think that British pluck helped the good
generalship. This occurred all through the mutiny, and
each dav the rebels increased in numbers. At Lucknow
there were over one hundred thousand, for they collected
there from all parts. Still our force under Sir Colin
Campbell's command relieved Sir James Outram and his
little band from the residency, as history tells, and re-
captured Lucknow, although many thousands of the rebels
were against him. As Sir Henry Havelock often said in
my hearing, " Right was on our side and God was with
us.
»
• •1
CHAPTER X.
At Kurrachee.
[Although the regiment returned to Kurrachee
only about one-third as strong as before leaving
that station for Persia, we found that during our absence
two drafts of recruits for our regiment had arrived from
'England, four hundred and thirty, all ranks, including
three officers ; and in less than six months after our arrival
the regiment was made up to its full strength from other
regiments which had arrived in India before we did, and
were now ordered home to England. Men are allowed to
volunteer or to be transferred in this way who may wish
to remain in India.
By general order the women and children were allowed
to remain on the strength of the regiment until the women
again married, which they soon did ; for from our seventy-
three widows on our return to Kurrachee, in less than a
3'ear there was not one. By this it can be seen that Eng-
lish women at this time, 1859, were very scarce; and
when a husband dies the widow is soon married again,
either to a European or native Christian. I have seen
girls, soldiers' daughters, not sixteen years of age, marry
Europeans, or natives, or half native and half English
men. On the other hand I have seen young men, soldiers'
sons, marry native girls who became Christians. All
females marry very young in India. This is not con-
(93)
94
lAjt as a Soldiei'.
sidered satisfactory, for their children are not strong
enough to bear the climate.
Lieutenant-Colonel G. VV. P. Bingham having been
promoted previous to our return to Kurrachee, now com-
manded the regiment; and Captain N. H. Shute, who
commanded one of the compv^nies that were l)esieged in
Lucknow with Sir James Outram and Sir Henry Have-
lock, was also promoted to major with Colonel Bingham.
Captain Valentine Ryan, the captain of my company,
asked me to take the color and pay-sergeantship of the
company, which I did, and gave up the drill-sergeantship
of the regiment. There was over a year's back pay, the
difference between sergeant's and color-sergeant's pay, due,
and as our regiment would soon be ordered home to Eng-
land, where no drill-sergeants are allowed to a regiment
with extra pay, I thought it financially better for me;
although the duties of a color-sergeant of a company are
considerably harder, for he has to act as the sergeant-major
of his company.
In the month of September, 1859, an army order from
Horse Guards, London, was read to the regiment, offering
four commissions as officers (ensigns) to our regiment, also
granting a year's service to all who took part at the relief
of Lucknow. I was one of the four chosen, but for jwcun-
iary reasons declined the offer. I had seen that other
officers, who rose from the ranks, two of them in our regi-
ment (who were killed during the mutiny), had a hard
time to support themselves in England for the want of
funds. This is not so in India; but as the regiment
At Kurrachee.
96
would soon return to England I remained as color-sergeant*
As our sergeant-major was sick from a wound he had re-
ceived during the mutiny, I was ap^iointed to assist him,
or as acting sergeant-major of the regiment, with extra pay
of six pence per day. In fact I had to perform the whole
of his duty, and continued to do so until I left the regi-
ment in 1861 for Canada; for the sergeant-major died on
our wav home from India.
Between both duties, that of sergeant-major of the regi-
ment and color-sergeant of my company, I was kept very
busy and had very little time to myself; and even less
after arriving in England, for I had to look after the
recruits who then joined the regiment to replace men
who were transferred to other regiments before we left
India. Almost all the recruits that we had received in
the two drafts above referred to had volunteered to remain
in India, but Lieutenant-Colonel Nevile Hill Shute, then
our commanding officer, would not allow them all to do
so, for othei-s, married men, wanted that privilege. In all,
four hundred and twenty of the regiment were transferred
toother corps remaining in India, before we left; which
left the regiment considerably below strength on arriving
in England. Hence the cause of the recruits joining as
above stated.
Nothing further of note took place before tlie regiment
left India for England.
In a previous chapter I mentioned how water for the
men to drink was kept cool. I will now explain tiie
wells, etc., for the information of those who never were in
96
lAft 08 a Soldier.
India. The wells are very deep and often are from fifteen
to twenty feet in diameter. The water is brought up on
a wheel, constructed nearly liks a paddle-wheel of a
.steamer, with large chatties attached to it, which dip and
lift the water as they go round, and on reaching the top
of the well, or as the chatties turn to again go down, the
water runs into a large tank with holes in the bottom of
it, to allow the water to run into drains in different direc-
tions to the soldiers' gardens which belong to the barracks ;
and very often it is the only water obtained, for the want
of rain. Buffaloes are used for raising the water from
the well by being attached to a shaft connected with the
wheel, and are continually going round on the outside of
the well, and are looked after by natives. The native
farmers water their gardens as above described.
After matters were settled, the regiment was allowed a
month's rest, during which time the usual clubs for foot-
ball, cricket and hand-ball matches, and theatrical pur-
poses, were formed, and a large number of our recruits
here took part with the older soldiers, and were found to
be of great assistance to us in this res|)ect. Before long
the regiment was again able to play in the garrison theatre
as well as they did before the Persian campaign. I may
here mention that our regiment was noted for the plays
they used to handle on the stage at every military station
we occupied, as well as for other games the military prac-
tised in India ; also for horse-racing, in which both officers
and men took part.
In March, 1861, the regiment embarked for home in
At Kurrachee.
97
icers
in
two sailing vessels, a wing in each, and after three months
and seventeen days arrived in Dover, England, where the
recruits for our regiment joined.
I mentioned in a previous chapter about the men bath-
ing on our way out to India, when two of them were
caught by sharks, and about the ship we were in being
blown back while rounding the Cape. I now may men-
tion that on our voyage home we called and anchored at
St. Helena, an island that stood, as Bonaparte pronounced
•it, in the " unfathomable ocean." We remained there
three days, taking fresh water and meat on board. The
natives of this island surround all ships that anchor there,
with all kinds of fruit, which is a great treat to all on
board. They, I may say, live in the water, and are able
to dive to a considerable depth. For instance, if any
money is shown to them at one side of the ship, and you
inform them that vou will throw it into the water on the
other side, they will dive under the shij), as in a race, for
it, and bring the money up. The sea here is very deep
and clear, and, as Napoleon Bonaparte put it, unfathom-
able. It is nearly so, for only on a small portion of one
side of the island can anchorage be found. A number of
our men, I among them, were allowed to go ashore. We
went up the ladder hill, so called, and visited Bonaparte's
tomb, where we had a rare view for miles over the ocean.
In going up the ladder we soldiers considered it as hard
as a day's march, for the hill is very steep. We brought
several pieces of stones of various kinds from this island.
I brought two of them to Canada, one I gave to the late
Q
98
Lije as a Soldier.
Dr. Hamilton, of St. John, New Brunswick ; the other I
lost at a fire in Fredericton in 1895. The island of St.
Helena is seven miles wide and ten miles long, and the
natives are very kind to Euroi^eans.
Talking of Bonaparte brings to my mind a brief story I
often heard my father repeat, which it may not be out of
place to mention liere. Previous to the battle of Waterloo
(where my father was present), a young officer approached
the Duke of Wellington and asked for leave for the day,
stating that his father and mother had just arrived, and
wished him to remain with them for a few hours. The
Iron Duke, so called, looked at him, and after obtaining
his name, replied, " Well, my fine young gentleman, I am
glad that you honor your father and your mother, that
your days may be long in the land ; but as our force
attacks the foe to-day you cannot have the leave, but
must, like a gooil British soldier, face your enemy."
The regiment having arrived at Dover in July, 1861,
after a voyage of over three months, commenced soldiering
once more with harder work than we had in India ; and as
our recruits were not yet fit for all kinds of a soldier's duty,
the work became harder on the older soldiers of the regi-
ment. I now had plenty to do in the two capacities,
that of color-sergeant, and sergeant-major. At the end of
August my brother and I obtained a furlough for three
weeks, and went to Glasgow, Scotland, to see one of our
sisters who was married there. On our return to the regi-
ment I went to the School of Musketry at Hythe, and
fourteen days afterwards returned to my regiment with a
At Kmrachee,
99
|regi-
and
ith a
qualified first-ehiss certifiaite from that school. But for
the time absent in both cases I had to pay the color-
sergeant the allowance, six pence iier day, which was made
to me as acting sergeant-major.
Regarding the course of musketry inst»'uction at Hythe,
three days after I entered the school the commandant
wanted me to return to my regiment, stating that he
would give me the necessary certificate, for he considered
that I was well qualified for it without attending the
• school ; but as I asked him as a favor (I wanted a rest),
he granted me the privilege to remain for fourteen days.
I was well up in musketry, having had to lecture on it, and
instruct the regiment by companies in it for years in
India. Still I considered having a Hythe certificate
might be an advantage to me in the ciipacity I then filled.
Here I may remark that when 1 first commenced to
instruct the St. John Engineer Company, in 1862, then
commanded by Captain John E. Boyd, and afterwards by
Majors Parks and Perley, the company paid great atten-
tion to the musketry lectures, etc., I use<l to give them.
The present major, T. Hartt (as good a shot as any in
New Brunswick), was a member of the company at that
time. I also instructed the other companies in St. John
in the same way, and could mention hundreds who derived
a benefit from the musketry instructions I imparted to
them. This fact is well known all over the Maritime
Provinces by the past and present militia, as militia
reports show.
CHAPTER XI.
In Dover.
jN October following, 1861, during the Trent affair, an
army general order called for sergeants to volunteer
as drill instructors for the volunteer militia in Canada.
The order also stated that such sergeants would l)e ex-
amined in drill, discipline, military law, etc., and a step
in rank would be allowed to those who should pass the
examination satisfactorily. I was one who passed this
examination. Major-General Garwick, then commanding
at Dover, was the examining officer. The examination
consisted of squad, company, and battalion drill, also
manual and firing exercises practically. At the oral part
of it only one candidate at a time was allowed to be present
with the general and officer commanding the candidate's
regiment. There were fifteen of our regiment, and seven-
teen of the 3rd Regiment examined, but only three of us
passed, two of the 3rd Regiment, and myself. As regards
my own examination, the general put all kinds of military
questions to me, from a private's to a commander's duty,
and many of them on skirmishing and outpost duty in
front of an enemy, etc., as well as on military law. I am
glad to say he failed to find one incorrect answer, and
repeatedly remarked to Colonel Shute, our commanding
officer, during the hour he kept me at this examination
(twice as long as he kept any other), " He is well up in
(100)
In hover.
101
the duties of a soldier and is fit to be recommended." On
the following day Colonel Shute sent for me, and gave me
a certificate from the general to that effect. This certifi-
cate I gave, on my arrival in Canada, to Lieutenant-Colonel
T. M.Crowder, adjutant-general of New Brunswick Militia,
who asked me for it to show the Honorable A. Gordon,
then governor of New Brunswick ; but since then have
not seen it. Colonel Crowder, when I asked him about
it, told me that the governor had mislaid it, and that he
* would obtain one from him in lieu of it. But I never got
it, for Colonel Crowder resigned the adjutant-generalship
and left for England soon afterwards.
Two days before I left for Canada, I was informed by
our colonel that no color-sergeants were allowed to go ; or,
in other words, I could not go holding the rank of sergeant-
major, as the order was for sergeants only. If approved,
they would rank as color-sergeants; or if lance-sergeants
as sergeants. I was told I could please myself in the
matter. As all belonging to me — father, inother, brothers
and sisters, except the sister in Glasgow and my brother
in the regiment — were then in Kingston, Ontario, and as
the order stated it might be only for a short time, I gave in,
and came to Canada. I cannot say tiiat I gained anything
by doing so, but think I lost by it. For when discharged
from Her Majesty's 64th Regiment in January, 1868, I
only received pension as a color-sergeant, although at that
time a sergeant-major of militia in the St. John Battalion.
At that time I sent forward my claim, strongly recom-
mended by three colonels of militia, then my commanding
102
Life 08 a Soldier.
officers ill St. John, for the rate of iionsion of a sergeant-
major ; but the authorities at Ciielseu, England, would not
grant it.
During my a'>«ence on furlough, Sir James Outrani,
while visiting Dover, callKl at our orderly room, and
requested (\>lonel Shute to send for me, stating that he
wanted to see me regarding the Victoria Cross, which he
considered I was entitled to receive. Colonel Shute told
him that I was then on furlough. Sir James promised to
call again, but did not do so before I left for Canada.
On my return from furlough, Cohmel Shute told me that
if I had been present when Sir James called, no doubt I
would have been recommended for the Victoria Cross.
The day Injfore I left the regiment for Canada, I asked
Colonel Shute to recommend me for it. He replied that
if Sir James again called he would speak to him on the
matter. About eight months afterwards I wrote Colonel
Shute regarding the Victoria Cross, and received a reply
to my letter four months after from him, stating that
Sir James had not since called at Dover, and that he had
not forgotten the matter. I waited for a few months
longer, then wrote direct to Sir James. Lady Outrara
returned the letter to me, with the sad news of Sir James's
death, he having died a few days before the date of my
writing to him.
Thus I missed the soldier's most coveted decoration.
My only satisfaction is, that, in the opinion of my general,
I had won it.
CflAPTER XII.
Some Testimoniaia
iEFOllE passing to the story of my life in Canada I
t.rfT^ wish to quote some evidence as to my character as
,a soldier for the twenty years I served in the regiment,
by publisliing tiie attached certificates received from tlie
colonel, major, ca|)tain of my company, and adjutant of
the regiment. During those many years, I am proud to
say that I never received one day's punishment for any
crime. Very few soldiers can say as much ; but I was
called always the steady boy, because I kept ciear of
all misconduct. This I ascribe to the discipline and
obedience learned when at school in the 94tii, which I
referred to in a previous chaj^ter narrating Her Majesty's
visit to Chatham, England, in 1840. The day before I
left Dover for London en route to Canada the following
were handed to me by the adjutant of our regiment :
Dover, 18th December, 1861.
I certify that Color-Sergeant Thomas McKenzie, 64th
Regiment, is about to proceed to Canada on duty. I have
much pleasure in giving him an excellent character for
smartness, honesty, and sobriety.
(Signed) Neville Hill Shute,
Lieutenant- Colonel Commanding 64th Regiment.
(103)
104
Life as a Soldier.
Dover, 2l8t December, 1861.
Color-Sergeant McKenzle lmvii)g applied to me for a char-
acter on proceeding to Canada, I beg to state that I consider
him a very good pay and color-sergeant, combining good con-
duct with ability and efficiency, and I have no doubt he will
be found useful and trustworthy.
(Signed) T. Anderson,
Major 64th Regiment.
Dover, 26th December, 1861.
Color-Sergeant Thoiiias McKenzie has been the color-
sergeant and pay-sergeant of niy company for upwards of
four years, and has always behaved himself with honesty
and probity. He is a smart, active soldier and a good drill.
He has received a silver watch as a testimonial from Sir
James Outram for his conduct in the field.
Color-Sergeant McKenzie having volunteered for active
service in Canada, I give him this certificate in the hope that
it may be of use to him.
(Signed) Val. Ryan,
Captain 64th Regiment.
Dover, 21 st December, 1861.
Color-Sergeant and Acting Sergeant-Major Thomas Mc-
Kenzie, 64th Regiment, being about to proceed on special
service to Canada, I have great pleasure in testifying to his
excellent character as a non-commissioned officer. He is a
most steady, careful, and at the same time smart soldier, also
an excellent drill, and will, I am sure, succeed well in any
duties he may be called on to perform.
(Signed) John T. Pack, Lieutenant,
Adjutant 64th Regimeyit.
Some Tesiimonktlx.
105
I tnuy here alf-o give a copy of a few lines liainlcd nw
by Lieutenant-Colonel Crowder, on Ins retirement from
the commaml of the militia in New Brunswick :
St. John, N. B.. 30th March, 18r)4.
Thomas McKonzie, Color-Sergeant 64th Regiment, han
held the appointment of senior drill instructor to the volun-
teer militia of this province during the two last years, and on
retiring froni the post of adjutant-general of militia, I have
the greatest pleasure in certifying to the efficiency with which
he has performed his various duties.
By his goo<l conduct, and hy the firm yet pleasant manner
in which he has performed the hy no means easy ta.sk of in-
structing the volunteers, he has gained the respect of all with
whom he has heen brought in contact.
He has also had charge of the arms and accoutrements,
and has superintended all issues of ammunition, etc., which
duties he has performed in the most correct and systematic
manner. (Signed)
Thomas M. Ckowdeu, Lieutenant-Colonel,
Adjutant- General of Militia.
CHAPTER XIII.
Arrival in Canada.
H LEFT DOVER, and reported my arrival at Horse
Guards, London, on 27tl) December, 1861, wlien
eleven other sergeants, drill instructors, for New Bruns-
wick were handed over to me, with orders to embark on
board of the steamer " Calcutta," which was under orders
to sail for Halifax, ^fova Scotia, with a field battery of
artillery, a few men of the army hospital corps, and the
96tl: Regiment.
I had never seen any of these sergeants until now, but
before we disembarked at St. John, New Brunswick, in
February, 1862, after being about forty days on board,
1 was well acquainted with them. We were called "the
twelve apostles," by the 96th Regiment, and retained that
name long after our arrival in New Brunswick.
We were wrecked, and had to call into St. John's, New-
foundland, for repairs, which took four days. During
this time I went on shore, and purchased a Newfoundland
(log, a brother to the one given as a present to the Prince
of Wales a few months before. I paid £\0 for this dog,
and must say that he was well worth that amount, for he
was a beautiful animal, and one of the best of that breed.
When I brought the dog on board, by the sanction of the
captain of the steamer, some men of the 96th Regiment
set a large dog, belonging to their colonel, on him. Con-
sequently, Colonel Cathcart ordered me to immediately
(106)
Arrival in Canada.
107
;on-
itely
take mine on shore again. This order T, of course, obeyed.
I did not see the do^ again until three months after arriv-
ing in St. John, X. B., wiien I had to send a furtlier sum
of £3 for his keep and express charges. I kept this dog
for several years, and was sorry when he died, for he waj^
very faithful.
The steamer " Calcutta," having been repaired, sailed
ibr Halifax, N. S., and on arriving there was ordered to
St. John, N. B. We arrived safely at St. John. The
troops on board at once disembarked, and took uj) tlieir
quarters in the railway car-shed, which was fitted up as a
temporary barracks for trooj)s that were arriving in New
Brunswick during the Trent affair. When we arrived at
the temporary barracks, we found a substantial dinner
awaiting us, which was prepared by the citizens of St.
John, as was customary at this time, and which was much
appreciated by us. The extra troops now coming into
Canada were not required ; for the Trent matter was satis-
factorily settled between the United States and England.
We (the twelve apcfctles so called) were sent to Freder-
icton, the head-quarters of the militia department of the
province, and I shall never forget the two days' drive
we had in sleds. It was very cold. Our resting-place for
the night, about half-way between St. John and Frederic-
ton, I must say, was not at all as it should have been ;
although only a barn, it was dirty and cold, and if it had
not been for the fires we had to keep on during the nigiit,
no doubt we would have been found frozen in the morn-
ing. It must he remembered that this was in the month
108
Life as a Soldier.
of February, which is far from a warm month in Canada.
We left this place before daylight the next morning, in
our not by any means pleasant conveyance, the English
sled, and arrived at Fredericton about three o'clock in the
afternoon. As it was mv duty to look after the other
sergeants in my charge, I went to the barrack-master,
Woolford, who was at the time with the barrack-sergeant,
the late, John Edwards, of Fredericton, issuing bedding,
etc., for the troops who arrived with us, a few of the army
hospital corps and engineers. On my asking him for a
barrack room, bed<ling, etc., he refused both, stating that
he did not know us, and had not received any orders
about us. Of course he was correct. We required, how-
ever, a soldier's right, nothing more; therefore we helped
ourselves, and took possession of a room in the barracks,
which was complete with beds, etc., left by some of the
trooi)s who had set out the day before for Quebec. The
next morning I found that Colonel John Robinson was
tiie adjutant-general of militia, to whom I reported our
arrival ; when he and myself went to the governor, the
Honorable Arthur Gordon, who was also commander-in-
chief of the militia in New Brunswick. He at once gave
me a note to the brigade-mujor of the regulars, asking that
we be taken on the strength of the troops, until Parlia-
ment, which was then in session, should make provision
for us. Tiiat afternoon we were in garrison orders to be
attached to the engineer company ; and in March we were
attached to the first battalion 15th Regiment, which had
arrived in Fredericton a few days before. We remained
*
Arrival in Canada. 109
iinada.
attached to that regiment for pay, etc., until July, 1862,
n ■ f
ng, in
when nine onlv of the twelve were taken on as drill in-
nglish
structors, by the Provincial Government, and came under
in the
the regulations for pay and allowances on the 15th July,
other
1862, in accordance with the militia law passed in that
naster,
year. Our ])ay then was seventy-five cents per day, and
geant,
twelve dollars per month lodging allowance. Although
dding,
not taken on by the Provincial Government as drill in-
J'^- -
army
structors until July, we instructed companies of volunteer
1.
for a
militia, at Fredericton, then commanded by Captains E.
RnRH
^ that
orders
Simonds, C. Brannan, J. McDonald, or J. L. Marsh ; also
a battery of artillery commanded by Captain Berton.
how-
lelped
As regards myself, I was sent to St. John, N. B., on the
26th April, 1862, by order of the governor, Honorable
•racks,
A. Gordon, to take charge of the militia stores, which
of the
were the first established in St. John, the militia stores
The
previous to this having been in charge of the Imperial
n was
store dej)artment. After I had received over the building
d our
for militia stores, which was at one end of the Custom
)r, the
House, over the Kinnear Brothers' establishment, I re-
ler-in-
moved the arms, accoutrements, etc., etc., belonging to the
i gave
militia, from the Imperial store to the then established
g that
militia store, giving the necessary receipt for the same to
*arlia-
Major Gregg, who was in charge of the Imperial stores at
vision
St. John.
to be
My duties now, as militia, storekeeper, were to receive
were
into store all arms, accoutrements, etc., etc., previously
1 had
issued by the Imperial store department to the volunteer
ained
militia of New Brunswick. Orders had been issued to all
r
1
1
no
Life as a Soldier.
I
officers then commanding volunteer companies to return
all government property in their charge to me at St. John.
This order was in accordance with the new militia law
passed in 1862. After I had the arms, etc., cleaned and
rejiaired by an armourer, they were to be reissued to such
companies as should re-enrol under the new law. All
deficiencies had to be paid for by the captains, but the
repairs were paid for by the government. These arms,
accoutrements, etc., arrived in St. John, addressed to me,
from all parts of the province, coming by all kinds of
conveyances — American boat, railway, teams, and schoon-
ers, and all marked "charges to be collected." It took
over four months before the two thousand five hundred
and twenty stand of arms reached me, and I had to
pay from my own funds for their transport more than
one hundred dollars before they all arrived. This
amount was afterwards paid back to me.* I may
here say that prior to my leaving London I drew £100
from the Bank of England, which I had transferred to
that bank before I left India. Had it not been for this
money I could not have received the arms, etc., for they
would not have been delivered to me without the transport
first being paid on them ; and the then adjutant-general of
militia, the late Lieutenant-Colonel John Robinson, had
no money r.l his disposal for this purpose, so he told me,
until the government should sanction a militia grant. I
may further say that I had no help at this work, The
reader can imagine that for one man alone to get large and
*See Militia Reports of 1862-63.
Ai'rival in Canada.
Ill
me,
lit. I
The
le aud
heavy boxes, containing twenty rifles, bayonets, eto., also
barrels large and small, up through a hatch about twelve
feet high from the ground floor, is not at all easy. Some-
times I got the cartmen whom I engaged to bring the
articles from the railway station, or steam-boat, or other
wharf, to assist me in hoisting the boxes, etc, At other
times they would not help roe, even though I proffered
pay, therefore I had to do it alone. There was a check
rope attached, which reached to the lower flat. After I
had raised a box to the height required, I i<ept it there by
tying the check rope to the post of the stairs until I went
up stairs to haul the box on to the floor. Once only an
accident occurred. I had hauled up a box of rifles and
tied the check ro|)e as usual, and went up stairs to bring
it on to the floor. Just as I got hold of the box the check
rope broke, when both box, and I on top of it, came down
to the lower flat at a very quick run. It was a miracle I
was not killed. I again wish to say here, as I did during
the Indian mutiny, that I think it must have been because
I was in the performance of my duty that I was saved.
I mentioned in a previous page that only nine of the
sergeants who came out with me were kept on as drill
instructors by the Provincial Government. At present
three of us reside in New Brunswick, viz., John Hewitson,
who rose to command the 71st Battalion as lieutenant-
colonel, but resigned that command in 1871, John L.
Marsh succeeding him, and is at present living on a farm
outside of Fredericton ; Alexander Templeton, who rose
to the rank of major in the 73rd Battalion, and now
112
Life (18 a Soldier.
resides in Chatham, N. B. ; and myself, now care-taker,
the third. Patrick MoCreary was also one of us, but he
died about two years ago in Kings County, N. B. He
served for some years, after discharge from Her Majesty's
service, in the 8th Regiment of Cavalry of that county,
and lived on a farm. The remaining five returned to
England, and obtained good positions, for, after being dis-
charged from Her Majesty's service, they were employed
by the Imperial Government, and often wrote me that
they were doing well. The cause of their leaving Canada
was, that after the formation of the Dominion in 1867, the
pay of the drill instructors was stopped, and an allowance
paid to the officer commanding a company or battalion.
The drill instructors' services, therefore, were no longer
required as such. At this time I was adjutant and drill
instructor, with rank of captain, in the 62nd Battalion at
St. John, N. B.
I will now continue my story. I mentioned that two
thousand five hundred and twenty stand of arms, etc., were
returned to me by commanders of volunteer corps in 1862.
I will now give a brief abstract from the book which I
then kept as to the number returned by each commander.
Some returned eighty, some sixty, and the lowest forty ;
and as the reader may wish to keep this for reference, I
w5!i here give the names of the captains who returned
nil',, •i"" , to me, and had then commanded companies of
N'olvi -iteci militia in New Brunswick. Captains Adams,
G'uv? v)ronk, T. Johnston, T. W. Baird, McGibbon,
G. H. Pick, T. Davis, C. R. Ray, Hurd Peters, R. W.
Arrival in Canada.
113
Crookshank, J. McLaclilan, Travis, J. Howard, J. Hawkes,
J. Jolinston, Kirkpatriok, D. 13. Stevens, F. P. Robinson,
Hatheway, Kilbiirn, J. L. Marsh, B. L. Peters, McFarline,
Gilbert, A. Rankine, Hoben, J. R. Macshane, Tong, Blaek,
Pickett, Wallace, J. Stockton, Yea'uans, C. R. Brannen,
Bnrpee, Botsford, J. A. Inches, W. E. Pcrley, W. A. Hiltz,
D. Wetinore, Silver, Whitlock, R. Palmer, Russell, John-
ston, and C. W. Stockton.
In accordance with the orders issued to the captains that
' they had to pay for all articles deficient, I was particular
in taking a proper account of rifles, accoutrements, etc.,
before commencing to clean them, and adopted the follow-
ing method in doing so. I entered in my book the num-
ber of the rifle and the same number of bayonet, scabbard,
ramrod, niuzzle-sto[)per, jaggs, pouches and belts, waist-
belts and frogs, cap-pockets, and slings. By this means
I was able to take a correct account of any one article
belonging to a rifle which might be deficient. This
enabled the captain to charge the same to the man it was
issued to, for I reported to the captain all such numbers
of deficiencies. This was extra <luty for me, but it was
for the benefit of the captain.
The whole of the captains iiad to pay for some of the
small articles, such as bayonets, scabbards, muzzle-stop-
pers and jaggs, also a few belts; and a few captains had
to pay for some rifles deficient. Although the order was
for each captain to put his name and address on a label
into one of their arm chests when sending them to me,
more than one-half of them did not do so, and it was
114
Life as a Soldia'.
montlis before I knew who sent them into slorp, or to me.
There was no record kept by the Injperial store depart-
ment of sending or issuing rifles, etc., to the captains
by name. All }««sues were made to Colonel Hayne, the
adjutant-general of militia, previous to 1862. The reader
therefore can see that it was no easy matter for me, who
had just came to the country, to find out where the rifles,
etc., came from. In addition to the deficiencies, more than
one-half of the rifles that came in were in a very bad state,
as well as being rusty ; and of the two thousand five
hundred and twenty stand, three hundred and seventy-six
were condemned as being not fit for reissue, when the
companies were re-enrolled.
I obtained permission for the armourer-sergeant of the
15th Regiment to repair the rifles, but it took nearly two
years before all were again fit for issue.
Although the companies in St. John, of which R. W.
Crookshank, C. R. Ray, J. S. Hall, J. R. Macshane, and
J. V. Thurgar were captains, had returned their rifles,
etc., as above stated, I drilled them at night from 8 to 10
p. m., one company each night, although we drill instruc-
tors had not yet been employed as such, but were taken
on as such in July following. Between the day and night
work I had very little time to do my office duty ; but I
made time by not going to bed until after twelve mid-
night. After drilling for the two hours, I did all my
writing, which was considerable; for my day's work had
to be kept and a report of the same sent to the adjutant-
general at Fredericton. This went on for years ; and that
Anneal in Canada.
115
the reader may see for himself, I publish an extract from
the Militia Report of 1863:
"The bulk of the volunteer force being in St. John,
and the head-quarters of the militia being in Frederictou,
much inconvenience has arisen from the want of some
recognized medium through whom to communicate upon
matters of genei-al importance to ilie St. John Volunteers.
Hitherto the correspondence between the adjutant-general's
office and the volunteers in St. John has had to proceed
to a great extent through the individual captains and the
senior drill instructor, Color-Sergeant McKenzie, 64th
Regiment, who, it is only just to mention, has been most
active and useful in the issue of arms, accoutrements, and
ammunition, during the whole year of 1862-63."
This Militia Report was the first made out and signed
by Lieutenant-Colonel T.* M. Crowder, who had been
appointed adjutant-general of militia on 1st July, 1862,
when Lieutenant-Colonel John Robinson left to join his
regiment, Her Majesty's 44th, then stationed in England.
When I called, on the 18th February, 1862, at Colonel
Robinson's office, which was then in Dr. Dow's building,
on the ground now occupied by the Hon. A. F. Randolph
as a wholesale establishment, to report the arrival of the
drill instructor sent from England for the New Brunswick
militia, he asked me if my name was McKenzie. I re-
plied that it was. He then told me that he knew me in
Dublin as field bugler to our commanding officer, then
Colonel Stratton, who afterwards exchanged with Colonel
James Stopford, of the 43rd Regiment, before we left for
'?
116
Life as a Soldier.
India in 1848 — the same Colonel Stopford who fell into
my arms when shot at the Dutch miul fort of Reshire in
Persia, in 1856, whieh I have described in a previous
chapter. He also told me that it was then, in Richmond
barracks, Dublin, that he joined the 44th Regiment, which
was stationed there with our regiment, the 64th, in 1845.
The nine drill instructors wore now, on the 15th July,
1862, taken on the strength of the militia staff and sent
to different parts of New Brunswick ; for some of the
captains of the former companies had sent in their rolls,
and requested the arms, etc., to be reissued to them as
soon as possible. The orders I then received from the
adjutant-general, Lieutenant-Colonel Crowder, were to
have the arms, etc., cleaned and repaired, and to issue
them to the ca[)tains in accordance with the lists he would
send me, which would be, as the companies were, a[)proved
by the lieutenant-governor.
I commenced to reissue the arms, etc., etc., to the cap-
tains on the 16th July, 1862; and the first who received
them was Captain G. H. Pick, No. 1 Battery of Artillery,
at St. John. Sixty stand of each was received by all, ex-
cept Captain B. L. Peters, who received eighty stand, and
Captain E. W. Chestnut, who only received forty stand ;
but he did not receive his until 9th February, 1863. Up
to this date the whole of the rifles, although cleaned, had
not been repaired, and a number of the companies did not
re-enrol, which can be seen by the list of captains to
whom they were issued. From the two thousand five
hundred and twenty returned into store to me only one
Arrival in Canada.
117
lie cap-
sceived
[tillerv,
ill, ex-
1(1, and
stand ;
I Up
1, had
lid not
ns to
II five
y one
thousand eight hundred and t* •enty were reissued up to
this date, and which included some new companies formed.
I took care that there was a proper record of them kept,
for I made out a receipt in duplicate to be signed by the
captain, one to be retained by him, the other to be sent
to me for transmission to the adjutant-general. These
receipts showed each article in detail.
The reader may wish to know the captains of our volun-
teer militia at this time. I therefore give the list from my
book of thirty -three captains of companies now enrolled.
Previous to the Militia Act of 1862, forty-seven captains
iiad companies. Compare both lists for the new com-
panies now formed. I might here say that uj) to Janu-
ary, 1863, from the thirty-three companies and batteries
formed under the Militia Act of 1862, fifteen belonged to
St. John City and County, viz., six batteries of artillery
and nine companies of infantry, including one company of
engineers commanded by Captain J. E. Boyd.
I will now give the names of the thirty-three captains
who had formed companies, and had received their arms,
and were instructed in drill, etc., by the drill instructors
who had come from England for that purpose.
Artillery — Captains G. H. Pick, Hurd Peters, B. Jj.
Peters, J. McLachlan, M. H. Peters, and S. R. Thomson.
Infantry — Captains R. W. Crookshank, C. R. Ray, J.
V. Thurgar, J. R. Macshane, J. S. Hall, H. Millett, J.
Howard, E. Simonds, J. L. Marsh, T. Davis, J. Harrisori,
Burpee, D. B. Stevens, Kirkpatrick, W. S. Smith, T. \V.
Baird, C. J. Sayre, H. A. Hiltz, J. A. Inches, Sandford,
■i
118
JAfe as a Soldier.
D. Wetmore, Whitlock, Knox, Babbit, Bailey, E. W.
Chestnut, and J. K. Boyd, engineers.
In addition to receiving the arms, etc., etc., into store,
cleaning the same, and reissuing them in 1862, 1 issued to
the several companies seventy-seven thousand seven hun-
dred rounds of ball ammunition, one hundred and eleven
kegs, during six months, and this mostly in one, two, or
three kegs only at one time, which took at least three
hours each time, for the an)munition for the militia was
kept in the Imperial magazine in the tower at Carleton.
I also issued nearly the same quantity of blank ammuni-
tion. I paid for all cartage of such ammunition from
my private funds, but it was refunded to me in a month
or two afterwards, as may be seen by the Militia Reports.
This was the same way each year I had charge of the
militia stores, or until September, 1865, when the first
superintendent of stores was appointed for New Bruns-
wick. I could not be appointed at that time, for I still
belonged to Her Majesty's service; therefore another got
the position on the recommendation of the Hon. John H.
Gray after the camp of instruction for twenty-eight days,
to which I will again refer.
During my very limited spare time I assisted the late
Colonel John V. Thurgar, Sr., Lieutenant-Colonel W. M.
Jarvis, and Captain T. B. Robinson, to frame laws, rules,
etc., for the Provincial Rifle Association (the present one),
and my suggestions then made regarding the rules, etc.,
were considered by all concerned to be very good, and
were adopted. I may here say that for many years I
Ari'ii-al in Canada.
U9
late
. M.
rules,
[one),
etc.,
and
Irs I
atteiuleil all matches, as a quartermaster, looking after
tiie sale and issue of the ammunition, as well as acting
instructor to the competitors. At this time all ccimpetitors
remained on the firing ground in tents, and cooked their
meals in rear of the row of tents, as is now the practice in
Her Majesty's service at target practice; but in these days
the competitors leave the range and go where they please
until the time comes for them to fire.
May I ask the reatler to go back with me to the time I
arrived in Fredericton, for I do think I should record in
this story of my life the following occurrence.
There was in February, 1862, a lodge of Sons of Tem-
perance called the York Division. We twelve apostles
(drill instructors) agreed to go in a body and join the
division. I was the one chosen to hand in our names,
which I did to Mr. James S. Beek, who is still, I am glad
to say, hearty. We paraded ourselves and were initiated
in the usual way. It was at that time a grand thing to
see twelve soldiers joii\ a temperance division in Frederic-
ton, and tiie next day both old and young had it around
the city, " The twelve apostles are now tem[xjrance men."
There is no doubt in my mind but tiie temperance soldiers
are tiie best. While speaking of this, I may mention a
few names of men wht) belonged to York Division at the
time we joined it. Our present minister of railways, Hon.
A. G. Blair, Mr. Henry Chestnut, Mr. J. S. Beek, Mr.
H. C. Creed, Mr. M. S. Hall, Colonel J. L. Marsh, the
present police magistrate, and Judge J. Stead man, all of
Fredericton ; also the late Messrs. S. W^. Babbitt, George
120
Life as a Soldier.
Bliss, Alex. P. Millar, Wra. Jarvis, Andrew Blair, A.
Inches, S. D, McPherson, J. Freeze, W. H. Needham,
who was a noted member of this division, and many
others who have left Fredericton.
During the summer months I instructed the militia
officers of Lieutenant-Colonels J. V. Thurgar and T. W.
Peters' battalion.', in drill and sword exercise for three
mornings in each week, meeting at 7 o'clock and drilling
until 8. The colonels, as well as the other officers, paid
great attention, and liked the work, the drill ground being
outside on Jeffrey's Hill, so called, or in front of both
colonels' residences.
As regards the volunteer companies in those days, they
had a ])icnic each summer for the amusement of tiie men,
when all military sports, etc., would be carried out, which
were much enjoyed by all. I introduced sports at those
picnics that are, I may say, now used at every picnic.
In March, 1863, I sent a formal application to the com-
manding officer of my regiment, 64th, Lieutenant-Colonel
N. H. Shute, for leave to marry. This application was
recommended bv hiy then militia commanding officer,
Colonel Thurgar. The application was returned to me
approved. My reason for sending the application to
Colonel Shute was, that I did not at that time know but
we drill instructors would he ordered to again join our
regiments; for we were only loaned to the New Brunswick
Government, and were liable at any time to be recalled to
England to join our regiments. If that should occur, I
should be on the strength of the regiment as a married
Arrival in Canada.
121
man, and entitled to the privileges granted as such, which
raakes a difference to all soldiers, no matter what tlicir
rank.
As the infantry companies re-enrolled in 1862, I in-
structed them in turn for five or six nights in each week.
There were at that time more than seven companies. But
when the other instructors were taken on, 15th July, 1862,
one of them, Samuel Hughes, of the 21st Regiment, was
sent to assist me in St. John in drilling the companies and
batteries of artiller}' in infantry drill. I drilled Captains
Crookshank, Ray, Thurgar, Hall, and Boyd's companies;
and Drill Instructor Hughes the other companies. I also
went occasionally to drill Captains B. L. Peters and M.
PI. Peters' batteries.
The infantry companies, except Ca[)tains Hall and
Thurgar's, drilled in a large room on the upj)er flat of the
Custom House. Captain Hall's company drilled in the
Portland Temperance Hall, and Captain Thurgar's com-
pany in a hall called the Old Water Works, on the City
Road near the Marsh Bridge. Caj)tain B. L. Peters' bat-
tery drilled in Mr. Roop's sail loft on Water street, and
Captain M. H. Peters' l)attery in a room in Carleton,
which was too small for the j)urjiose.
I am glad to place on record for the information of our
present militia force, and those to follow, that the vol-
unteer companies who formed or re-enrolled in 1862-G3,
in the city of St. John, far exceeded in numbers the
rifles, etc., issued to them. I never had for drill less than
sixty men in one company, and often as many as eighty,
122
Life as a Soldier.
although they furnished their own uniform. They were
of a good class of men, and very quick in learning a
soldier's duty in the ranks. I may also say that the pub-
lic, not volunteers, in those days gave them assistance in
many ways.
The volunteers now enrolled being equipped with arms,
etc., I asked to be allowed to exchange from St. John,
with one of the other instructors, on account of having to
purchase plain clothes to work with in the militia store,
without help or extra pay for the extra work. The other
instructors had only to attend and drill a company or two
for three nights per week. The lieutenant-governor
would not allow the exchange, for the officers in St. John
had requested Colonel Crowder not to recommend it. I
then asked for leave, wiiich was granted in this way : I
was ordered by the lieutenant-governor to go to Gage-
town, and get the company there, commanded by Captain
Davis, ready for the governor's inspection. After this
inspection I was sent to New Jerusalem, to prepare the
company there ; and after that company was inspected I
was sent to Salmon River to prepare the company in that
place. After that inspection I was ordered to Fredericton
for the same purpose, as Drill Instructor Hewitson was
then at Woodstock preparing the comj)anies there for their
inspection. When Colonel Crowder told me the route
and duty I had to do, on the 14th July, 1863, I got mar-
ried to Miss Wilson of St. John, in the Stone Church, the
ceremony being performed by the Rev. Mr. Armstrong.
We left St. John the following week for Gagetown.
Arrival in Canada.
123
I remained away on this duty for over three months,
and while at Frederict<m the late Judge L. A. Wilmot,
afterwards lieutenant-governor, who was then colonel of
the militia battalion to which Captains Simonds and
Marsh's companies were attached, had me frequently at
his house to ask questions regarding the Indian mutiny.
On obtaining the information he prepared a lecture on the
advance of Havelock to Cawnpore, taking in the massacre
gf the women and children as well as many other inci-
dents. The citizens of Fredericton may remember this
lecture, which was delivered in the old Temperance Hall
in 1863. It was also given at the camp of instruction,
held for twenty-eight days on the Exhibition grounds at
Fredericton, in the month of July, 1865.
Previous to this the Hon. John H. Gray had obtained
from me many incidents on different engagements during
the mutiny, and delivered a lecture in St. John on the
subject, which no doubt many people of that city will
remember.
I tried my best not to be again sent back to St. John,
for financially I was a loser by being stationed there.
Still, of course, I complied with the order when issued and
returned there on 28th of October, 1863, and took up my
former di:ty.
During my stay at Fredericton, preparing the two cora-
I)anies for inspection. Colonel Tiionias Anderson, who had
only just arrived in Fredericton, came to the drill room in
the Masonic Hall with Colonel Crowder one evening. I
was instructing Captain E. Simonds' company, wiio were
124
Life as a Soldier.
then armed with the old flint-lock musket, commonly
called Brown Bess. I had not seen the'.! enter the hall ;
but when I allowed the men to stand at ease, Colonel
Crowder called me, and as I approached him, Colonel
Anderson came forward and shook hands with me, saying
he was glad to see me. He also stated that I had not for-
gotten how to instruct the men in the platoon drill (firing
exercise these days), with the old musket. I replied,
*' No, sir ; " although I had not for many years back in-
structed or drilled with tiiis arm, and Captain Simonds'
company was the only one in New Brunswick which had
them, but previous to this had not been taught in the
platoon drill. Shortly after this the muskets were ex-
changed for rifles.
At j)resent, 1898, there are at Fredericton a number of
men who were in the ranks of this company at the time I
insiructed them in 1863. Among them are Majors A. F.
Street, H. A. Cropley, A. Lipsett, Mr. G. Barrett, and
Mr. W. Lockhard.
On my leaving Fredericton by boat for St. John, Mr.
A. F. Street, who was then a sergeant in Captain Simonds'
company, handed me a handsome gold pencil case, saying
that it was a present from the company. I accepted it
with thanks. I imagine the reason it was not presented
to me the evening before, while drilling the company, was
that an order had been issued some time before by the
lieutenant-governor, commander-in-chief of our militia,
• that no presents were allowed to be given to the instructors.
The Colonel Anderson above referred to formerly be-
iWt
Arrival in Canada.
125
longed to the 78th Highlanders, and while our own was
absent on leave in England, acted as interpreter of the
Indian language to our regiment. Hence the cause of his
knowing me in Canada. He afterwards was appointed
adjutant-general of New Brunswick militia, on Colonel
Crowder's resigning that position and returning to England.
On my return to St. John to resume charge of the
, militia stores, I found that, during my absence for the
three months. Sergeant Hughes, of the 21st Regiment, one
of the drill instructors wiiom I had left in charge of the
stores, had issued arms, etc., to two new companies. Orders
from the adjutant-general awaited me to issue sixty stand
of arms and accoutrements each to three other companies.
I also received orders to take into store the arms, etc.,
which I had previously issued for the Salmon River com-
pany. The reason of this was, that when I went there
to prepare the company for the annual inspection, I
found only about ten men, who had joined as a volunteer
company. This fact, as my duty called for, I reported to
the adjutant-general ; and when the lieutenant-governor
and the adjutant-general a few days afterwards came to
inspe(!t the company, they found my report to be correct,
and at once ordered the captain to return the government
property to the militia stores at St. John, and that com-
pany was struck off the list of volunteer companies. The
New Jerusalem company, a short time afterwards, was
also struck off the strength for the same reason.
I might here explain, for the reader's information, that
the government allowed each volunteer company efficient
: !
I
ij
1
126
Life (18 a Soldier.
in number only, the sum of eighty dollars per year for
drill room and care of arms, where the same was not
furnished by government ; or in other words, forty dollars
for a room ^nl 'y dollars for arms. Therefore if the
government furnished a drill room, as in St. John, only
forty dollars was paid the captain.
As regards the effici»^ncy of each company, and the num-
ber of men atle.. <ii<^; v.oh drill during the year, the drill
instructor kept a f-fui['.<'^\j recount on a form furnished
from head-c'artei's At tl.^ '^ 1 of each month this form
was signed by tne instv, n ;:• "t "t and forwarded to
the adjutant-general. There was also a form as to the
state of the arms, signed by both captain and instructor,
which accompanied it. By these returns the captains were
paid their contingent allowance.
I referred in another page to my attending meetings
with Colonels Thurgar and Jarvis, and Captain Robinson,
for the purpose of framing rules and regulations for the
Provincial Rifle Association. I now wish to say that at
any time the companies in St. John went to target practice
I accompanied them, and instructed in the same. And
as I previously informed the reader that I attended for a
number of years the Provincial matches in the capacity of
a quartermaster, may I here say that in those days I used
to compete, and held my own, although not the best shot ;
but I was satisfied with the prizes I obtained. At one of
these matches, held on Lieutenant-Colonel E. B. Beer's
grounds at Sussex, a match was got up between Her
Majesty's 15th Regiment, which was then stationed in St.
Arrival in Canada.
127
feer's
ler
St.
John, and the volunteers. I was one of the twenty vol-
unteers chosen, but had Musketry Instructor Sergeant
Higgins of the 15th against me, as well as other good
shots of that regiment. Still the volunteer militia team
came out ahead, but nothing to brag about, for in the
three ranges there were only five points of a difference,
and they were only gained at the last range of six hun-
.dred yards' distance. So it can be seen that the match
was a close one. Many of such matches were held from
time to time, which caused a good feeling between the
regulars and the volunteer militia corps.
Previous to my return to St. John in October, 1863,
the following companies, which were formerly attached to
the city and county militia battalions, were formed into
a battalion under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Hon.
John Robertson, to be called the Saint John Volunteer
Battalion :
No. 1 company. Captain R. W. CrooUshank commanding.
((
u
tt
n
«
2
3
4
5
6
((
«
tt
((
ti
<(
«
«
«
((
i(
u
((
tt
tt
C. R. Ray
J. V. Thurgar, Jr.,
J. S. Hall
H. Millett
J. R. Macshane
On my return I was appointed to act as sergeant-major
of the battalion, as well as instructor to it. This duty I
performed as well as that of militia storekeeper, and had a
battalion drill generally one evening per week, during the
summer time, on the Barrack Square. Lieutenant-Colonel
Thomas Anderson, late of 78th Highlanders, acted as
§1
128
Life 0.8 a Soldier.
major, and Captain Crookslmiik as adjutant. The fol-
lowing year Colonel Anderson was appointed adjutant-
general, Captain Crookshank as major of the battalion,
and Captain Ray as adjutant.
Both Colonels Robertson and Anderson offered prizes
to the non-commissioned officers and privates of the bat-
talion for the best answers in drill, etc., as to their different
duties. To prepare them for this, I gave lectures to
the companies. After the examination took place, both
colonels told me that they were well satisfied with the
answers given by all ranks; and I must say some of them
were very good. Of course, some of the non-commissioned
officers had received private lessons from me. Still, on
the whole, they were very good. It was particularly
creditable to hear a young volunteer, not six months in
the force, answer without a mistake, and describe how to
present arms or load a rifle, as well as how orders were
to be obeyed. Such subjects I hjctured on, and for years
afterwards kept up the same lectures in club rooms formed
for the purpose, as well as at drill and privately. I always
found the men willing to learn a soldier's duty, as well as
the officers.
This year, 1864, the annual Provincial rifle matches
were held at Torryburn. On the close of the competition,
the regulars, both artillery and infantry, as well as the
volunteer artillery and infantry, came from St. .John, and
Captain Simonds' company from Fredericton. In all,
about fifteen hundred troops were under arms; when a
grand review was held under command of Colonel Cole,
Airival in Qtnada.
129
latches
tition,
as the
n, and
n all,
hen a
Cole,
of the 15th Regiine'nt. Lieutenant-Governor Gordon was
present, with Governor Dundas and their resjjective staffs,
at this review and sham-fight, and over three thousand
spectators were on the ground. Both governors considered
the day's work very good, and expressed themselves in
that way when presenting the prizes to the successful com-
petitors. This meeting was about the best I ever attended
i;i New Brunswick ; and it was talked over many times
after at the other rifle matches.
Major Crookshank was at this time appointed lieuten-
ant-colonel to command the 62nd Battalion, with Captain
Ray as major and Captain Thurgar as adjutant. Captain
F. P. Robinson and Lieutenant F. T. C. Burpee had been
previously appointed to command Major Crookshank
and Ray's companies respectively, and now Lieutenant
W. H. Scovil was promoted captain to command Captain
Thurgar's company.
Nothing further than attending to my duties as drill
instructor, and the issue of arms, ammunition, etc., occurred
during the year 1864. But as the Provincial Government
had amended the militia law in 1865, allowing camp of
instruction to be held for the militia for a period of
twenty-eight days, the first camp was ordered to assemble
in July, 1865. Consequently I was in Juno ordered to
go to Fredericton, where the camp was to be held, to pre-
pare berths in the Exhibition building for the men, and
make contracts for supplying the camp with rations, as
well as getting cooks, sinking wells, etc., which would be
required for the camp. I brought with me the blankets
130
Life as a Soldier.
and other bedding, as well as marquees, tents, etc., from
the Imperial store department, and sufficient rifles and
waist-belts from the militia store.
The contractors were: For groceries and bread, Mr.
George Hatt ; for meat, Mr. H. Torrance ; and as master
cook, Mr. Baxter, who was to furnish what help he
required for cooking. I acted in the capacity of quarter-
master at the camp.
On the 5th July the men arrived from all parts of the
province, when a hot dinner was given them, and to each
captain a place for his company. It took nearly all day
and night before all the companies had arrived. The
next day was occupied in preparing the ground and such
like fatigue duty. The following day soldiering com-
menced, and every day after improvements could be seen.
All the instructors attended this camp with a few of the
15th Regiment as such. Some officers were able to instruct
more or less, but when I issued out the rifles the whole of
the instructors had plenty to do. I, of course, when my
duty as quartermaster did not require me, instructed the
same as the other drill instructors did.
Captain Hallows, of Her Majesty's 15th Regiment, acted
as commandant of the camp, with Captain Willis, late of
the same corps, as brigade-major, and Captain Moody,
aide-de-camp to the lieutenant-governor, as quarter-
master-geueral. Lieutenant-Colonel L. A. Wilmot com-
manded the first battalion, and Lieutenant-Colonel T. W.
Baird the second battalion. There were over nine hun-
dred men in both battalions, and each battalion was
AiTival in Canada.
131
my
the
divided into seven companies. It is not necessary for me
here to give a full detail of the different officers who
attended this camp, or even to give an account of the
different days' work done; but when General Doyle, the
commander of the troops, as well as our lieutenant-
governor, the Hon. A. H. Gordon, inspected the brigade,
they gave great praise to all for the efficient manner in
which the duties of a soldier had been learned. The late
, Lieutenant-Colonel Otty, who acted as major in the first
battalion, received praise for his word of command ; and
I must say that the staff officers of both battalions, viz.,
the late Colonels Wilmot, Baird, Otty, and Raymond,
and Majors Simouds, Wetmore, and Hurd Peters, per-
formed their respective duties before the end of the camp
as well as any such officers of the regulars could do ; hav-
ing given their best attention to learn them during the
camp.
The camp now being broken up, I remained in Fred-
ericton until 1 got the Exhibition building into the same
condition in which it was before the camp, and handed
over to the proper authorities. I sent off the blankets,
etc., to St. John, and returned by boat six days after the
camp broke up to resume my duties in St. John. After
my return there I was asked hundreds of questions about
the Indian mutiny, for the militia in St. John who had
attended the camp told on their return to that city how
Colonel (the late judge) Wilmot frequently mentioned my
name in the lecture he delivered in the Exhibition build-
ing during the camp, which, as I mentioned before, was
132
Life as a Soldier.
on Havelock's advance on Cawnpore and Lucknow, as
well as touching on the massacre of the women and chil-
dren by Nana Sahib at Cawnpore, about which I had
told him. *
I am sorry to say that our then adjutant-general of
militia, Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Anderson, although
ho had strongly recommended to the Provincial Govern-
ment and the commander-in-chief, Governor Gordon, that
such camps of instruction be held, was unable to attend
this camp, and resigned the position of adjutant-general,
when our present district officer commanding, Lieutenant-
Colonel George J. Maunsell, succeeded him as adjutant-
general, and up to this date, 1898, holds that position,
though it is now called district officer commanding Mili-
tary District, No. 8. Colonel Maunsell has commanded
the militia in New Brunswick, or District No. 8, ever
since November, 1865; except for three years, when he
was called to Ottawa, the head-quarters of the militia, to
take command of No. 4 District. After that period he
returned to New Brunswick to take charge, as command-
ant, of the School of Military Instruction, or permanent
force, which was established for infantry in January, 1884.
I mentioned in a previous page that superintendents of
militia stores had beerk appointed. There were two; one
for St. John, the other for Fredericton. Both appoint-
ments were the first ever made in New Brunswick, and
bear date September, 1865. The amendments to the Pro-
vincial militia law of that year authorized the govern-
ment to create such positions. Lieutenant-Colonel John
Arrival in Canada.
133
nd
'O-
n-
in
Hevvitson, late comninnding 71st Battalion, who was one
of the twelve instructors, but had taken his discharge from
Her Majesty's 2nd Regiment, received the appointment at
Frcdcricton ; and Major John Evans, who was formerly
adjutant of Her Majesty's 38th Regiment, received the
appointment at St. John. I myself was appointed assist-
ant storekeeper, with extra pay of forty cents per day. I
was, at this time, not eligible for the position, as I still
belonged to Her Majesty's service. The colonel, Hon.
John H. Gray, therefore recommended Captain Evans,
who was at that time commanding one of the companies
in Colonel Gray's battalion of militia.
Both Colonel Gray and the adjutant-general told me
afterwards that the commander-in-chief, Li*jutenant-Gov-
ernor Hon. A. H. Gordon, and other members of the
council were sorry I had not left Her Majesty's service, so
as to receive the appointment ; for they considered that as
I had filled the office for so many years to their satisfac-
tion, and was the first to establish a militia store in New
Brunswick, I was justly entitled to the position, and under
the circumstances increased my pay as above stated.
The reader will please remember that my period for full
pension did not expire until November, 1867, consequently
I waited until then before asking for my discharge from
Her Majesty's service.
In compliance with orders from the adjutant-general,
I handed over the stores to Major Evans in November,
1865, as he reported, in the best of order, and remained
with him as his assistant, as well as performing ray other
duties as drill instructor in St. John.
((
((
((
CHAPTER XIV.
The Fenian Scare of 1866.
W^ WAS present with the 62n(l Battalion, in the capacity
<^ of sergeant-major of the battalion, when called out
by the government, in Marcii, 1866, on account of the
Fenian scare. The battalion paraded in full strength.
The following is a list of the officers who attended the call
with their companies :
Staff — Lieutenant-Colonel A. C. Otty, commanding.
Captain D. Wilson, Acting Major.
J. V. Tiiurgar, Adjutant.
F. P. Robinson, Quartermaster.
H. Millett, Paymaster.
S. Z. Earle, m. d.. Surgeon.
J. L. Taylor, m. d., Assistant Surgeon.
Captains — T. Sullivan, H. Cummins, W. H. Scovil,
J. S. Hall, C. Campbell, and J. R. Macshane.
Lieutenants — W. S. Berton, W. S. Harding, A. W.
Peters, T. J. O. Earle, and J. B. Wilmot.
The battalion attended each day for drill, and in a very
short time were ready to take their place with any corps
of regulars, in case of need, against Fenians or any other
force which might invade their country, as the general
officers who inspected the battalion stated. By orders
issued, the battalion, as well as the artillery batteries of
St. John, had to guard magazines, banks, and such public
buildings, for many reports stated that the Fenians were
^134)
The Fenian Scare.
135
W.
approaching St. Jolin by different routes. It was, there-
fore, considered better to be prepared for any such attack,
than that they should he found, to use a military term,
asleep on their post.
Although the city of St. John had to be watched by the
volunteers, there was also in the city Her Majesty's 15th
Regiment. As the frontier, Charlotte County, had to l)e
' seen to, and watched, the battalion was ordered to St.
Andrews, to relieve a detachment of the 17th Regiment
from Halifax. Captain E. Simonds, with his company
from Fredericton, was also in St. Andrews. On arrival
of the 62nd Battalion, both the 17th Regiment and the
Fredericton company returned to their respective quarters.
During our stay at St. Andrews we had Captain Osburn's
battery of artillery and Captain Stevenson's company of
infantry attached. Colonel Otty commanded the whole
force at St. Andrews. The corps now went into barracks,
and had to perform the regular duty cf soldiers, both in
drill and otherwise. Captain Hall was sent with his com-
pany to Campobello, and remained there with Captain
Bryan's company of Charlotte County Militia ; and Lieu-
tenant Wilmot was stationed at Indian Island.
There were several other companies close at hand, in
case of need ; for the companies in St. Stephen, St. George
and Milltown were called out previous to the 62nd going
to St. Andrews.
I should like to say a kind word regarding the citizens
of St. Andrews as to the manner in which they treated the
whole battalion during our short stay there. They could
136
Life as a Soldier.
■i:l
not do enough for us; and often entertained individual
men of the companies, as well as the whole body; and
often afterwards did I hear men of the battalion refer to
their kindness.
I do not forget the night the " Cordelia" beat to quarters,
in May, a few days before we left St. Andrews for St.
John. I had kept my bed in the guard room, so as to be
on hand in case of a turn-out during the night. On the
night in question, about 12 midnight, on the first gun
being fired, I took the bugle, which I always kept close to
me, and immediately sounded the "assemble." Before
five minutes every man of the force in the barracks was
ready and fit for action. We marched off to our head-
quarters' post, where Colonel Anderson with the staff of
the battalion was already assembled. Many reports were
now raised, while the man-of-war was firing off her guns,
and it was difficult to keep the men from loading their
rifles after Colonel Anderson gave the order to loose the
packages of ammunition. While the battalion was form-
ing ready for attack, the artillery under Captain Osburn
was not idle, for they had already attacked and fired at
an imaginary enemy ; but luckily no harm was done.
After about one hour's waiting. Colonel Anderson ordered
the force to return to their quarters, when everything was
again quiet ; except such women and children as kept up
their fears until well into the day following.
All the officers, no matter how old, about St. Andrews,
were prepared to take part in the defence of their homes,
and of the Province of New Brunswick ; for it must be
The Fenian Scare.
137
remembered that Charloite County is on the frontier of
the province.
Woodstock was in about the same condition ; and the
vohmteer force was called out under command of the late
Colonel Baird. The following are the captains who then
commanded companies:
Captains G. Strickland, J. Kilburn, J. Y. Hoyt, R.
Ketchum, C. Burpee, A. Lindsay, H. Emery, G. E. Boyer,
G. E. Shea, and G. S. Baird. These companies were
drilled and prepared to meet any attacking force approach-
ing New Brunswick via Carleton County; and received
credit and praise for the way they paid attention to tlieir
duty as soldiers. The daily papers at the time gave full
account of the praise bestowed on them by their inspecting
officers, including Hon. A. H. Gordon, governor of New
Brunswick.
During the period when the 6i5nd Battalion was called
out for protection against the Fenians, I was presented with
a sword and belt by the officers of the battalion. Major-
General Doyle made the presentation with a few appro-
priate remarks. He also at this parade presented me with
the medal from Her Majesty for long service and good
conduct. Seeing the medals on my breast for Persia
and the Indian mutiny, he remarked that I had fought
for my country, and had on my breast medals that would
be considered valuable by any military man. The whole
force called out, both artillery and infantry, on this occa-
sion attended the parade.
After the nigiit attack, as the citizens of St. Andrews
138
Life as a Sqldier.
called it, when Her Majesty's ship "Cordelia" beat to
quarters, matters became quiet, and not a word about
Fenians could be heard. Consequently, the battalion was
ordered to return to St. John. On this information being
made public, Mr. Clinch of St. Andrews invited the whole
force, artillery and infantry, to a dinner he had prepared j
and, I must say, that the tables were well filled with all
kinds of eatables, and ample justice was done to the same
by the force. By the speeches made after dinner, I am
sure that all were well pleased, and appreciated Mr. Clinch's
kiudness verv much.
The citizens of St. Andrews presented an address to the
62nd Battalion before we left for St. John. This address
referred to the good conduct of the corps during their stay
in St. Andrews, as well as to their quick turn-out at mid-
night to face tiic enemy, which it was supposed they would
have to do when Her Majesty's ship "Cordelia" beat to
quarters. Colonel Anderson, who commanded the troops
on the frontier, also thanked the force for the good conduct,
as well as for the soldier-like promptitude with which they
turned out after midnight under the im[)ression that they
were going into action.
In accordance with the orders issued, the 62nd Battalion
returned to St. John, arriving there on June 1st, 1866»
They remained on service until the 20th. During this
time the battalion was inspected by tiie following on differ-
ent dates: On June 3rd, by the lieutenant-governor and
Colonel Cole ; on the 5th, by General Sir W. F. Williams
of Kars; and on the 11th, by Colonel Harding, command-
The Fenian Scare.
139
talioii
1866.
; this
differ-
r and
liams
nand-
ing 22iid Regiment. At each of these insjiections the
'oattalion was highly praised by the inspecting officers for
their appearance and qualifications as soldiers; and such
remarks were made as are usual by an inspecting officer
when addressing a corps which he finds efficient in all
its duties.
Before our battalion, 62nd, was relieved from service,
the citizens of St. John invited us to the Rink to partake
of a dinner. I can assure you, dear reader, that we soldiers
did justice to the same ; and appreciated the kindness of
the citizens, of whom many thousands were present, as
well as the band of the 15th Regiment, who furnished the
music. Mr. R. Reed also invited us to a lunch at his
residence. Mount Pleasant ; and after satisfying the inner
man we had great pleasure in vi*»wing his splendid grounds,
etc., accompanied by a number of ladies who were present.
During this Fenian scare Her Majesty's 22nd Regi-
ment arrived in New Brunswick. Previous to their land-
ing, I accompanied Colonel Otty and Adjutant Thurgar
on board the troop ship ; and obtained leave from the
officer commanding that regiment. Colonel Harding, for
the sergeants of his regiment to be allowed to come on
shore to a dinner we sergeants of the 62nd had prepared
for them, in Stubbs' Hotel, Prince William street. The
colonel sanctioned the privilege. In this case both regu-
lars and volunteers, I am sure, enjoyed themselves; and
the sergeants of the 22nd returned on board in good order,
and well pleased with their visit ashore. I may here say
that Color-Sergeant W. A. Daniel, of our present Military
140
Life 08 a Soldier.
School at Fredericton, was one of the 22nd sergeants above
referred to.
I have previously stated that the 62nd remained on
service until 20th June. In the orders issued by his
excellency the lieutenant-governor, relieving us from
further duty, on this date, he expressed himself as well
pleased with the efficient manner in which the duties had
been discharged by the corps during their three months on
active service. Although no longer on active service, the
battalion continued the usual drills in the evenings ; and
many applications were made by men to be taken on the
strength of the companies.
After this I resumed my usual duties as drill instructor,
and each night at drill many good words were spoiien
about the people of St. Andrews, Campobello, and Indian
Island, as well as the kindness of Mr. Reed and of the
citizens of St. John generally. It is pleasant to note that
after this Fenian scare the volunteers were more thought
of than they had been before during my time. Amongst
other evidences of this, a set of colors was furnished our
battalion, 62nd, by the ladies of St. John, and many per-
sons were in attendance when the colors were presented.
ts above
ined on
by his
s from
as well
ties had
)nths on
vice, the
gs; and
I on the
structor,
spoken
Indian
of the
ote that
|thought
mongst
ed our
Iny per-
lited.
CHAPTER XV.
Along the Border.
AM pleased to present my readers with the following
accounts of the border militia, which have been
written for me by my friends, Captain John McMullen
of St. Stephen, Captain Polleys of St. Andrews, and Mr.
Ludgate of St. George, and which, I am sure, will prove
of interest, as giving not only some interesting details of
military life, but also showing how the Fenian emergency
was met by the " Border" men.
[By Captain John McMiilIen, St. Stephen.]
During the Fenian threats in 1866, there was a very
respectable force assembled along the border in Charlotte
County, quite sufficient to have hurled back any force the
Fenian element was able to assemble. From Upper Mills to
St. Andrews was practically a skirmish line, as our own
militia were in many cases in actual touch and sight of men
at drill, with the intention, openly avowed, of crossing wher-
ever they thought the best chances of success were. No. 1
Company at St. Stephen was the first called out for active
service, and was under the command of Captain T. J. Smith,
with Lieutenant M. McGowan and Ensign J. P. Bixby.
They numbered about one hundred of all ranks, and were
considered the " crack " company of the upper part of the
county. They had had the services of an instructor from
the Imperial forces since 1862, and were in excellent condition
when called upon. This company was first organized under
(141)
142
Life as a Soldier.
Captain James A. Inches in 1862, and were presented by the
ladies of St. Stephen with a very handsome silk flag, which is
now in possession of his son, Walter Inches. On the breaking
out of the Fenian troubles. Captain Inches was promoted to
the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and given command of the
frontier force in St. Stephen, Milltown and Upper Mills, with
Major Andrew McAdam second in command. At the same
time a second company was raised in St. Stephen, with Captain
Henry Hutton in command, and Lieutenant S. Robinson and
Ensign Ed. Hill. Both companies had the services of an
instructor from the "regulars" (Sergeant Thomas Quinn),
and with the advantage of two companies drilling together
they were soon able to feel that St. Stephen was safe from a
successful attack, unless from a much larger force than was
expected could be concentrated at Calais.
After the Fenian troubles had subsided. Captain Smith
resigned, and as one company was considered sufficient at the
time for St. Stephen, Captain Hutton retained command of
his company until his death in July, 1875.
The company was reorganized in March, 1879, with John
Stewart, captain, John McMullen, first lieutenant, and Robert
Stevenson, second lieutenant. This being the only effective
company in the county, under the new militia regulalations
they were given the alternative of disbanding or joining the
67th Carleton County Battalion, or 71st York County. The
company unanimously decided to join the 71st, then under
command of Lieutenant-Colonel Marsh. Captain Stewart's
duties as railroad superintendent requiring all his time, his
military duties were performed by Lieutenant McMullen
until Captain Stewart retired in October, 1882, when Lieu-
tenant McMullen was appointed captain, with First Lieutenant
Along the Border.
143
Robert Stevenson and Second Lieutenant John McMurray.
Subsequently Lieutenant McMurray left the limits, and Ser-
geant Harry W. Broad was appointed second lieutenant. In
1886, through the kindness of the citizens of St. Stephen, the
company was furnished with a complete set of helmets, and
gold lace chevrons for the non-commissioned officers. As a
return for many favors accorded the company by the Citizens'
Band of St. Stephen, the company gave an " exhibition drill,"
under the command of Captain McMullen, and a concert by
the band, uhder the leadership of Sergeant George Ryder,
which was largely patronized by the citizens of Calais and
St. Stephen. The proceeds were handed to the band, and
furnished a set of plumes for their head-dress, and a sum for
the band fund. This company had a large percentage of
good shots, and sent a contingent annually to the Provincial
and Dominion matches. Sergeant Miner, in 1885 and 1887,
secured a place on the Wimbledon team, and won several
prizes in England ; the company being the only one in Char-
lotte County that furnished a representative to Wimbledon.
Sergeant Miner originally joined Captain Murchie's company
in 1866, and has remained an active member of the militia
to the present time. He has been winner of the Prince of
Wales' cup, and governor-general's medals ; indeed, his shoot-
ing trophies occupy quite a space in his home.
In November, 1888, Captain McMullen retired, and was
succeeded by Lieutenant Robert Stevenson, with First Lieu-
tenant George Ryder and Second Lieutenant Harry Steven-
son (Lieutenant Broad having retired). The efficiency of
the company was maintained under Captain Stevenson, until
his retirement in 1890, when Captain John D. Chipman * was
* Now M. P. P. for Charlotte County.
,:s:'
144
Lxje. as a Soldier.
given command, with Lieutenants Ryder and Stevenson.
Captain Chipman still retains command of the company, and
their efficiency in drill and shooting is attested by the very
high place they take at the semi-annual camps of instruction.
They maintain a "shooting club," composed of members of
the company, and have a "monthly shoot" for a cup, and
other prizes, with a similar club belonging to Company K
Maine Volunteers, and one from Milltown, Maine. As an
instance of the friendly relations that exist between the two
companies on either side of the line, it may be mentioned
that Company K, under command of Captain (now lieuten-
ant-colonel) Ernest T. Lee, with Lieutenant (now captain)
Thomas McCullough and Lieutenant L. R. Adams, by per-
mission from Ottawa and Washington, on the celebration of
Her Majesty's Jubilee, June 24th, 1897, crossed the bridge
fully armed into St. Stephen, were received by Captain Chip-
man's company with a salute, and accompanied by the men
of the Dominion cruiser " Curlew," under command of Cap-
tain Pratt, marched through St. Stephen, Milltown, and
Calais, Me.; and returning at noon each company, under
command of its own captain, fired & feu dejoie, and at the
same time a salute of twenty-one guns was fired by John
Ryder, Ed. Vroom, A. Cameron, and Robt. Hewett, and
timed by Captain McMullen. This is the first time since
1812 that either country has invaded the other as an armed
body. What a contrast ! In 1812 each met the other with
a "present," but it meant death and hatred. In 1897 they
met each other with a " present," but it meant respect and
welcome ; yet no two countries are more loyal to their flag
and traditions. Miss Constance, daughter of Captain Chip-
man, presented each member of Company K with a Jubilee
Along the Border.
145
medal as a souvenir of their visit, and Captain Chipnian
presented each officier, non-commissioned officer, and man of
his company with a »«imihir medal.
No. 3 Company was organized early in 1866 at Milltown,
under the command of Captain W. A. Murchie, with Lieu-
tenant John McAdam, Jr., and Ensign Henry A. Berry.
This company was the closest to the border of any in the
county at the time of the Fenian scare, as in many instances
the lines between the United States and Canada touch for a
considerable distance. The comj)any had the services of an
instructor from the regular army. Sergeant McMuUen ; and
as a fighting force, were " second to none." For practice in
a night attack, without notice, they have been half in skirm-
ishing order and firing, with half in reserve, in less than ten
minutes from the " alarm " being sounded. The sentries had
to furnish one or two "nasty" posts, owing to the proximity
to the line ; notably one at a covered bridge, perfectly dark,
the longest end being in United States territory. The
officers, fully alive to the danger of any looseness at this
post, when visiting the sentries at night, accompanied by the
corporal of the guard, would sometimes slip around to the
American side and approach the sentry from that point to
test his alertness; and generally before the challenge " Who
goes there?" would be heard the ominous " click," as the
rifle was placed at " full cock." If the reply to the challenge
did not come quick, the answer would be " S^and, or I'll fire."
Occasionally a Fenian in semi-uniform, green stripe, military
cap and " sunburst," would stroll over the bridge, and down
the main street, and have a look. at the "lobster backs," as
they called the volunteers. They were not molested except
by some one's remark, '• Glad to see you ; " " When are you
K
146
Life 08 a Sol(Hei\
coming ? " " Come over and bring your friends," etc. The
barrack of our company was set on fire one night, and
to prevent an armed crowd coming over with the United
States fire company, who hastened to aid in extinguishing the
fire, the company stood half at the bridge head and half in
reserve, bayonets fixed, and at the word " Ready," loaded ;
while the Fenians, at the further side, declined to attempt
the crossing, and contented themselves with throwing hard
names at the " lobster backs."
Major-General Hastings Doyle inspected the company in
the summer of 1866, while out on service, and complimented
them highly on their drill, discipline, and appearance. A
detachment of four companies of Her Majesty's 17th Regi-
ment was for a short time stationed in barracks between St.
Stephen and Milltown ; and with the companies from St.
Stephen and Milltown, were drilled as a battalion by the
officer commanding, and his remarks, when dismissing the
battalion were, " Men, you drill as steady as my regulars."
Milltown also furnished a " home guard " of about sixty
under command of Captain Robert Pool, a splendid specimen
of a Scotchman. They drilled nightly in a large hall, and
had in the ranks many of the wealthy men of Milltown, who
at much personal inconvenience, submitted to military dis-
cipline, and learned the rudiments of military knowledge, in
order to repel the would-be invaders of their homes.
Early in May, 1866, as the Fenians over the line seemed
to be increaiiing in numbers, it was thought necessary that a
force should be organized at Upper Mills, about four miles
above St. Stephen. A company was raised under command
of Captain Rex. M. King, with Lieutenant D. U. Porter and
Ensign E. B. Simpson, and would have given a good account
Along the Bordei'.
147
of themselves if attacked. They could handle pick-pole, or
peavy, and felt at home with a fixed bayonet and rifle.
«* Careless in their talk" but mighty" awkward in a row,"
they had the occasional services of Sergeant McMullen at
drill. They were very close to the border, and for a few
months of the summer expected an attack nightly, but were
always " ready, aye ready."
When the need for their services ceased, this and the Mill-
itown company were relieved from duty, and permitted to
return to their usual avocations. The force were thanked in
general orders by Colonel Inches for their exemplary conduct
under very trying circumstances. •
the
[By Captain E. S. Polleys, St. Andrews.]
The St. Andrews Volunteer Rifle Company was organized
July, 1861, with the following officers: Captain J. H. Whit-
lock, Lieutenants O. Jones and I. Smith. Subsequently, the
late Hon. B. R. Stevenson was elected lieutenant vice Smith.
In January, 1862, the company received arms and accou-
trements from St. John, New Brunswick.
Another company was organized in St. Andrews, with the
followi'i'^ officers: Captain T. J, Sanford, Lieutenants J,
ijOk V and T. McVey. These two companies combined in
fit ing Her Majesty's birthday, May 24, 1864.
The "Gordon" Rifles was organized July, 1865, with the
following ofllicers : Captain E. Pheasant, Lieutenants B. R.
Stevenson and " S. Polleys. In January, 1866, the company
was addressed y Lieutenant-Colonel Otty, D. A. G., and
immediately aienced drill under Sergeant Thomas Quinn,
of Her Majesi 21st Regiment, as drill instructor.
A battery o, artillery was organized January 15, 1866,
148
Life as a Soldier.
with the following officers: Captain H. Osburn, Lieutenants
T. T. Odell, N. T. Greathead and W. B. Morris. This battery
was on duty during the Fenian scare, from March to June,
1866, at St. Andrews. On the retirement of Captain Osburn
in 1868, Captain PoUeys succeeded him, with Lieutenants
William Whitlock and Stoop.
[By Mr. Liidgate, St. George.]
The first volunteer company in the province was organized
at St. George, N. B., in January, 1860, with the following
officers : Captain D. Wetmore, Lieutenants J. Campbell,
E. P. Knight and D. J. Wetmore. They received arms and
accoutrements the following month from the government, but
the uniform was furnished by the men.
In August, 1860, the government paid their expenses to St.
John on the occasion of the visit of the Prince of Wales to
this province, the journey being made by stage, and after a
very jolly ride of forty-five miles they landed at a hotel on
King Square. While going through Portland the battery
honored them by firing a salute. The next morning, headed
by the St. Stephen band, they marched to the Barrack
Green to the tune of " The British Grenadiers." On the
arrival of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, the
right half company, under command of Captain Wetmore,
were selected as a guard of honor, and placed on the extreme
end of Reed's Point wharf. The left half company, under
command of Lieutenant Campbell^ was stationed at the head
of the wharf. As His Royal Highness landed he saluted
them.
During the summer of 1861 this company invited the St.
Andrews and St. Stephen volunteer companies to a dinner.
Along the Border.
149
They were all in uniform. It was a gala day for the town,
the citizens participating in the good time. During the
Fenian scare, 1866, this company was under arms. The
officers at this time were as follows: Lieutenant-Colonel D.
Wetmore, Captain J. Bolton, and Lieutenants M. Hall and
A. Campbell. The other companies here on duty at that
time were commanded by Captains J. Bogue and J. O'Brien,
Lieutenants P. Brawley, W. S. Clinch, J. Murray, and J.
Milliken.
On Sunday morning, 15th April, 1866, while the men
were at church a telegram was received stating that Indian
Island was taken. All were served with an additional
amount of ammunition and marched to the new block-house
on top of Carleton Hill, whert the day was spent preparing
for an attack, the townspeople assisting in the work. The
greatest excitement prevailed for a day or two. A short time
after Her Majesty's ship " Cordelia," while in St. Andrews
harbor, turned her crew out at midnight for drill. The guns
were fired, und there being a fair wind, the reports could be
distinctly heard at St. George. There was a terrible commo-
tion for a time, women and children being on the streets in
their night clothes. The militia were called out, for there
was too much work for the volunteers, who were armed with
the old Jiuit musket, and carried sixty rounds of Enfield
cartridges. After doing duty for two days, they discovered
that they had no flints, pieces of hardwood having been in-
serted instead.
CHAPTER XVI.
Discharge from B.£h Majesty's Army.
WAS again called on to attend the camp of instruc-
tion held at Torryburn, seven miles from St. John,
New Brunswick, in July, 186(1. At this camp I per-
formed the duties of quartermaster, as I had done the
previous year at the camp held at Fredericton. Two
battalions were formed ; one of them all officers, the other
as a regular battalion, having only the proper proportion
of officers. Colonel Otty commanded the officers' battal-
ion, and Colonel Inches, of St. Stephen, commanded the
other. Colonel Maunsell, adjutant-general of militia, com-
manded the whole. •
The usual work was carried out by all ranks at this
camp ; and when inspected, they were considered by
Colonel Harding, as well as by the inspecting officer, to
be able to face Fenians or any one else. After the sham
fight which was held, both these officers stated that the
men in camp were fit to take part with any corps of Her
Majesty's service in front of an enemy; and praise was
bestowed both on officers commanding battalions, and on
all ranks. All the force, both regulars and volunteers,
artillery and infantry, of St. John, took part in this sham
fight. Many citizens were present, who spoke highly of
it. Any commander in front of an enemy is of little use
without a force of drilled and disciplined men at his call.
(150)
Dischnrge from Her Majedy^s Army.
151
After I returned from the camp of instruction at Torry-
burn, I resumed my duties in the militia store, as well as
that of drill instructor to the 62nd Battalion, for the re-
mainder of that year, without any unusual events happen-
ing. In the following year, as my period of service in Her
Majesty's 64th Regiment had expired, I made application
to ray regiment for my discharge from that corps; at the
•same time submitting an application for the meritorious
medal, with the annuity attached to it. For this I
obtained recommendations from the officers of the New
Brunswick militia who were then my commanding officers,
viz.. Colonels Otty, Crookshank, and Thurgar, Sr. These
officers strongly recommended that the medal be granted
to me, and I herewith record their recommendations,
which are as follows :
Saint John, New Brunswick,
16th December, 1867.
Sir — I have the honor to leconniiend for your consideration
the claims (request) of Color-Sergeant Thomas McKenzie, who
is about being discharged from Her Majesty's service, to (for"^
a silver medal and annuity.
Color-Sergeant McKenzie has for the last six years been
employed as a drill instructor to the volunteer and militia
forces of this province, during which time he has invariably
performed his duty faithfully and with credit to himself.
I have also to bring under your consideration, that when
the Saint John Volunteer Battalion, which I have the honor
to command, was called into active service to repel a threat-
ened attack of the Fenians upon our frontier, he served as
152
Life (18 a Soldiei'.
sergeant-major of the battalion, and always performed his
duty in a most exemplary manner to my entire satisfaction.
I have the honor to be, sir,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) Andrew C. Otty, Lt.-Colonel,
Commanding St. John Volunteer Battalion,
and D. A. G., N. B. Militia,
The Officer commanding H. M. 64th Regiment.
P. S. — Color-Sergeant McKenzie is already in possession of
a medal for long service and good conduct.
A. C. O., Lt.-Col.,
D. A. G. Militia.
St. John, N. B., December 14, 1867.
Sir— Color-Sergeant Thomas McKenzie being desirous of
obtaining his discharge from Her IVIajesty's service, I beg to
recommend him to your favorable consideration for the silver
medal and annuity. He is already in possession of the medal
for long service and good conduct.
I have been connected with the volunteer movement in this
province for a number of years, and during that time he has
been the drill instructor of the volunteer battalion, and in
that capacity faithfully performed his duty, with credit to
himself and to the regiment to which he is . ttached.
By his assiduous attention to his duties he has won the
respect of all the officers of the volunteer force, and is deserv-
ing of the fullest consideration that can be granted.
I have the honor to be, sir.
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) R. W. Crookshank, Colonel,
Late commanding St. John Volunteer Battalion.
The Officer commanding H. M. 64th Regiment.
Discharge from Her Majesty's Army.
153
St. John, N. B., 16th December, 1867.
Sir — I have the honor to reeoniniend to your favorable con-
sideration the request of Color-Sergeant Thomas McKenzie,
and sergeant-major St. John Volunteer Battalion, who, I am
informed, is about receiving his discharge from Her Majesty's
service, for the silver medal and annuity.
Color-Sergeant McKenzie has, for the last six years, been
employed as drill instructor to the volunteer and militia
forces of the Province of New Brunswick, during which
period he has discharged the duties of his position faithfully,
and in a way alike creditable to himself and beneficial to the
local forces of the province.
I have great satisfaction in stating most respectfully, that
I consider Color-Sergeant McKenzie's written request well
entitled to favorable consideration.
I have the honor to be, sir,
. ' With great respect.
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) John V. Thurgar, Colonel,
Commanding St. John City Bifle Battalion.
The Officer commanding H. M. G4th Regiment.
Although I applied for my discliarge in 1867, I did not
receive it from the regiment until January, 1868. I also
received a letter at the same time informing me that my
application for the medal with annuity was recommended
by the officer commanding ray regiment, and that it was
forwarded to the authorities at Horse Guards.
On account of the formation of the Dominion of Canada
in July, 1867, a new militia act was passed in the 1868
154
Life as a Soldier.
session of Parliament, to take effect in regard to militia
corps organizing under that act in October, 1868. Under
tiiis act I remained in the militia; for previously I had
been promoted to the adjutancy of the 62nd Battalion, a
position I could not before fill on account of being in Her
Majesty's service.
Tiie militia act did not provide the paying of drill in-
structors, as the New Brunswick militia law did, conse-
quently I was gazetted drill instructor of the battalion,
and received the allowance for such service paid by gov-
ernment to the officer commanding the battalion, which he
handed over to me. By this arrangement my pay was
less, by fifteen dollars per month, tiian that I was before
receiving from the New Brunswick Government as drill
instructor. This amount, including what I was paid as
assistant militia storekeeper, was not sufficient to support a
family in St. John, and as all my time was taken up with
my duties, I could not look for other employment. I put
up with this until September, 1869, when Colonel J. V.
Thurgar, Sr., told me that his son-in-law, Mr. Christian,
was then in St. John to establish a branch of the Bank of
Montreal in the city, and asked me if I would assist Mr.
Christian. I accepted this offer, and made arrangements
with Major Evans, superintendent of the stores, to get
another man to do mv work in the militia store, to be
paid by me.
Mr. Christian and myself carried on the business in the
bank, which was in the brick building on Princess street,
formerly occupied as a law office by the late Mr. Robinson
Discharge from Her Majesty's Army.
155
and liis son, F. P. Robinson, until I was ordered to take
charge of the government stores, grounds, etc., at Frederic-
ton, in January, 1870. Often I have been told that it
would have been better for me if I had stayed in the
Bank of Montreal, which was only just established; for
no doubt my salary would be mo! than I would ever get
in the militia. I replied to such people that I came from
England by the sanction of Her Majesty, and, as I had
all my life served her, I resigned my position in the bank
and went to Fredericton. I have ever since seen my mis-
take ; for I have not gained anything by it.
Under the Dominion militia act annual rifle matches
are allowed. The first one held by the Dominion was at
La Prairie, near Montreal, in 1868. I was selected by the
adjutant-general of militia at Ottawa as adjutant for the
Maritime team attending that match, of which Lieutenant-
Colonel E. B. Beer was commanding officer. There were
over one hundred competitors from Nova Scotia and New
Brunswick at this meeting; and before leaving for home
we were thanked and praised by the minister of militia.
Sir George E. Cartier, and the adjutant-generai, Colonel
McDougall, for our steadiness and good behaviour while
in camp.
I mav relate a circumstance M'hich occurred at this
meeting. When we arrived on the ground the camp
quartermaster was issuing out bedding, etc., to the other
corps. When I saw this, I at once prepared a formal
requisition for the articles required for our contingent,
showing each article in detail, signed by myself as adjutant
156
Life as a Soldier.
and quartermaster, and countersigned by Colonel Beer as
officer commanding. Before I received any, the camp
quartermaster looked up at me, when he read over my
requisition, and asked if I was ever in Her Majesty's
service. I replied "Yes." He then gave orders to issue
the articles to my fatigue men, whom I had waiting, less
the tents, which were already pitched ; but as I had in-
cluded the tents he ordered his sergeant to hand them over
to me. He immediately sent for the quartermasters of
other corps, and ordered them to make out new requisi-
tions in accordance with the one I had given. These
quartermasters blamed me for this, as they thought, extra
work ; and as their commanding officers were in Montreal,
they could not complete their requisitions until the follow-
ing day.
I may further say, that the night before the different
corps returned to their homes, a splendid supper was
served on the ground to all ; and the usual speeches were
made by Sir Geo. E. Cartier, the adjutant-general, and
many others. Our team arrived home, and all were well
pleased with the first rifle match held under the confedera-
tion of the provinces into a dominion.
I was again called on by the militia department in
1872 to act as camp quartermaster to the Dominion rifle
matches held in Fredericton that year, and received thanks
for the manner in which that duty was performed.
I mentioned in a previous page that I was recommended
for the medal with annuity on receiving my discharge
from Her Majesty's service. This medal with £10 per
Discharge from Her Majesty's Army.
157
annum was granted by Her Majesty, hut not handed to
me like the one for long service and good conduct was by
General Doyle at a j)arade of all the militia force in St.
John during the Fenian scare of 1866. Still a presenta-
tion parade was held, but the force present in this case, to
witness a far more honorable gift from Her Majesty, to a
cpmrade, were only a few old veterans or pensioners like
myself, and the officer who presented it was Captain B.
Stratford, staff officer for paying pensioners from Her
Majesty's service.
Very few men serving in Her Majesty's forces receive
this medal, for the persons entitled to it must be soldiers
who never during their term of service of twenty-one
years were convicted of any military crime which would
cause an entry against them in a company's defaulters'
book. Not so to entitle a soldier to receive the medal for
long service and good conduct, which is awarded to a
soldier if not tried by court martial for the last eighteen
years of his service.
On receiving the annuity medal I had to return the
medal for long service and good conduct to the secretary
of state for war, for no person can hold both these medals.
\.\
1
CHAPTER XVII.
Return to Fredericton.
I^S I was still assistant storekeeper, as well as adjutant
in the 62n(l Battalion, since the rejijulars had left
New Brunswick, 1 was ordered to Fredericton to take charge
of the government buildings and grounds, and the militia
stores there. I arrived at Fredericton on 12th January,
1870, and complied with the order. About three months
after Colonel Maunsell, D. A. G., asked me to go into his
office as clerk ; and as I had time I accepted his offer, for
there was fifty cents a day extra pay attached to it. This
position 1 retained for more than eleven years.
I will now give an account of the other military duties
I was called on to perform during that period.
In the year 1872, in compliance with orders previously
issued by the Dominion Government, a Military School of
Instruction was opened at Fredericton for six months,
from 1st January to 30th June, one drill instructor only
being allowed. The pay of the staff was one dollar per
day each to the deputy adjutant-general and brigade-
major, as commandant of the school and adjutant respect-
ively ; and four hundred dollars for the instructor for the
term. I was chosen as the drill instructor. As I was at
that time drawing over forty-five dollars per month pay
from the government, 1 asked permission to have art
assistant, stating that I was willing to pay him, or allow
to each one dollar per day. This request was granted.
(158)
Return to Frederictmi.
159
The cadets who passed, and received certificates that
they were qualified to command a company, etc., in ninety
days, received fifty dollars.
I took for my assistant the first year Major William
Morris, of the 71st Battalion, who filled the position most
satisfactorily. The second year, as he had other work to
attend to, he could not act ; consequently I got Captain
W. T. Howe, of the 71st Battalion, who had received a
certificate the previous year from the school. This officer
understood his work in everv branch l)efore the six
months expired, and became a very good drill instructor.
I also had W. A. Daniel, formerly sergeant in Her
Majesty's 22nd Regiment, the fourth year, in place of
Captain Howe, who could not attend. These are the
three who instructed in the school with me in Fredericton.
While these schools were being held, there were many
hundreds of officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates
of the active militia in New Brunswick, who received
certificates during the term of either six or three months
in each year, from 1872 to 1880.
There were as many as eighty in the school at one time,
and they learned everything necessary for a soldier to
know as regards drill, etc., and by lectures given either by
the commandant, adjutant, or myself daily, their other
duties.
In the years 1881 and 1882, as the deputy adjutant-
general's head-quarters had been moved to St. John, the
School of Instruction was held there; but for only tiiree
months in each year. By the new regulations then made
160
Life aa a Soldier.
the cadets received only seventy-five cents per dsiy as sub-
sistence fur the number of days thev attended ; but unless
tiiey qualified for a certificate tliey received no allowance.
Here I had Sergeant Hunter, of 8t. John, as instructor.
During this period, from 1870 to January, 1884, I was
doing the duty of clerk in the deputy adjutant-general's
office; and part of that time, after the brigade-major was
removed from Now Brunswick, did the duty of that
office, without extra pay for the brigade-major's duties.
In 1871 the first brigade camp was held in New Bruns-
wick under the Militia Act of 1868. I was chosen as
supply officer to that camp without any assistant; for it
was not until the following year that the five sergeants
were allowed to assist the staff officers at camps of instruc-
tion.
I will now briefly describe my duty in this capacity.
Previous to forming the camp, I prepared a list for each
quartermaster of the cor|)S in attendance, showing the daily
rations, etc., that each man was allowed, numbering from
one to fifty-five, the number that each company could
bring into camp. A pair of scales were provided for each
corps. This was my own idea, for I knew that quarter-
masters could not determine in a second or so the quantity
that each company would have to receive, when a ration
of tea is only one-quarter (|) of an ounce, and of pepper
one thirty-six (^y of an ounce in weight. The orders were
that the supply officer was to issue the rations in bulk to
the quartermaster for the number of men in his battalion,
which he would then issue to each company. This list
lichirn to Fre«Icrictov.
161
came handy to them, so they told nr,e, and in fact they
still use it. The staff officers had to make a report as to
tiie working of their duty at camp. I reported it was im-
possible for a supi)ly officer to he issuing groceries, bread,
meat, forage, wood, etc., from iliiferent stores or places of
issue, to nine or more corps in camp, at the siime time ;
therefore the following year the live sergeants were
allowed. The camp this year, 1871, had one thousand
four hundred and seventy-two for rations, the largest
number that attended any camp in New Brunswick, ex-
cept the camp held in Sussex in 1881, to which the militia
came from Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. This
camp was visited by the Marquis of liorne and Princess
Louise, as well as by the minister of militia and general
officer commanding, with others of the head-quarters staff?
I filled the same position, that of supply officer, in the
camps held at St. Andrews, Woodstock, Chatham, Monc-
ton, and Sussex, after the camp ground was purchased by
the Dominion Government, excepting the camp held in
1881. On this occasioji the late Lieutenant-Colonel J. B.
'Taylor, who was then deputy adjutant-general of New
Brunswick, requested me, as there was camp equi})age, etc.,
coming from Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, to
take the camp quartermastership. This was to prevent the
camp equipage from getting mixed, or in other words, that
the New Brunswick articles should not be sent to Prince
Edward Island, Nova Scotia, or vice versa. There was a
difference of a few dollars in the pay. Colonel* Taylor gen-
erously offered to make it good to me, but I declined it.
162
Life as a Soldier.
I may iierc relate a circumstance that occurred at this
camp. The morning that the INIarquis and Princess were
to arrive I had a fatigue party removing the flag-pole
belonging to the 8th Regiment of Cavalry, which was a
high one, to where 1 had ])reviousIy pitched two marquees
for the staff, and the party coming, to lunch in. The
guard of honor, consisting of one hundred men of the 78th
Highlanders of Nova Scotia Militia, with usual number of
officers, and thf, color, which was loaned by Colonel
Marsh, 71st Battalion, was formed up in front of the
camp staff tents, with staff officers. Colonel Blair com-
manding the coips furnishing the guard, and many others.
Colonel Taylor called me to prepare the guard for what
they would have to do when receiving the Marquis and
Princess. In performing this duty I directed the officers
to uncase the color. This being done, I detected the color
to be the wrong one, for it was the Queen's color. I
placed the guard in order, opened ranks, etc. My instruc-
tions were, on the word " Present arms," the officer carry-
ing the color to droop it. The first time it was done
was not to my satisfaction. I again gave the same in-
structions. This time both men and officer did well, but
I wanted to see the color come down or drooped on the
third motion of the rifle, and told the officer so. While
this practice was going on I overheard a few words, as if
arguing, in my rear, among the staff officers. I tried
once more, giving tlie same instructions regarding the
drooping of the color, when Major McDonald, wiio was
the brigade-major at the camp, said to me that tlie color
Bcturn to Frcderidon.
163
should not be drooped. I begged his pardon, and said
that that color should always be drooped, laying the
emphasis on the word " that." He still held to his first
opinion, wliile Colonel Taylor stood by not saying a word.
Colonel Blair took the same view with Major McDonald.
I repeated my words, as I thought, so that they could see
their mistake, not mine; for this time I made a long stop
between the words " when " and " that," saying " when
^ that color is at a guard of honor it is always drooped."
Still this would not satisfy them. I then asked if any
one had a copy of th.e Queen's Regulations, as I never
took one to cam[). Captain Josep). Ewing, who was
musketry instructor to the camp, answered "yes," and
brought one from his tent. I told him to look up section
three, and read paragraphs one to nineteen. On doing so,
they found that the Queen's color was not to be used
except for one of the Royal family. Colonel Macshane,
although brigade-major for New Brunswick at that time,
acted only as assistant brigade-major ; and, as I say above.
Major McDonald, whom Colonel Taylor ha<l had as
brigade-major at his camps in Ontario, was at this camp
in the same capacity. When Ca})tain Ewing read aloud
about the color, Colonel Macsiiane spoke cue, " Did not I
tell you he was right? What he does not know is very
little."
The other camj)s in New Brunswick for the years men-
tioned were about the same as described above. This was
the first camp in New Brunswick of which Colonel Taylor
was commandant. He therefore did net ask me anything
164
Life as a Soldier.
about the guard of honor, and it was by Colonel Mac-
shane's suggestion that I was called to prepare the guard.
Just here I may say, that although acting . s supply officer
at all other camps, I was called on by all ranks in camp
to give them some information regarding their duty; in
fact it was customary for all to say, " Go to McKenzie,
and he will tell you." Of course I did all I could in
imparting knowledge to them, and was thousands of times
thanked for it. I at all times made it my business at
these camps, where the militia attended to learn their duty
as soldiers, to impart my knowledge to them, and from
the commander down to the bugler was often called on for
that purpose. There is not at present an officer in New
Brunswick but can sav that I am correct in this statement.
I may also say a word about the supply officer's forms,
used by that officer at the first camps, as to how they had
to be made out. To my mind they were very complicated,
unnecessarily so ; for on the brigade abstract form in the
recapitulation each article had to be shown separately i. e.,
the weight and price of each ration had to be named.
The day's ration for each man was IJ tbs. bread, 1 ft),
meat, 2 ozs. sugar, 2 ozs. ciieese, 1 oz. barley, 1 ft), pota-
toes, I oz. tea, l oz. coffee, ^ oz. j)epj)er, and J oz. salt,
with 4 of a ration of fuel wood. The price of each of
these had to be shown, then the number of rations in each
battalion, and afterwards the total number in camp. This
form was afterwards modified to the present one; and now
any school boy can iiiake it out, the number of rations
being calculated in bulk as follows : Supposing one tho-js-
Betmifi to Frederidon.
165
and rations of bread at...c = ^..., one thousand rations
of groceries at..,c = %..., and so on; grand total, $...
No doubt but the reader will think a supply officer had
enough to look after his accounts at the first camps, witli-
out answering all kinds of questions not appertaining to
his duty. But, as I said before, I at all times was willing
to oblige any militiaman trying to learn the duty of a
soldier. The manner in which I performed my duty at
these camps was placed by the commandants in their
annual reports sent in, and published in the minister of
militia's report submitted to Parliament annually. This
ma :- ^^en by referring to them.
v'!( ( ilonel Maunsell's leaving for Ottawa, to take
charge of the military in that district, he presented me
with a silver salver for mv assistance to him for over
eleven years in his office, with the followi:ig inscription on
it: "To Captain Thomas McKenzie from G. J. H. for
zealous and efficient service, March, 1881." On this
matter of presentations, I may further mention that I
received manv for mv service to the cadets who attended
military schools; among them silver cake basket, silver
w;'ter pitcher, and a gold headed cane. These three at the
school held in 8t. John during the years 1881, 1882 and
1883. Four meerschaum pipes were given mo at different
times ; one of these was from the sergeants of our j)resent
military school co'^ps at Frederi(!ton. Colonel Maunsell
made the presentation, and the other officers of the corps
were present. In all these cases I of course thanked the
donors with a few remarks.
166
Life as a Soldier.
I have previously described the camps \vhich I attended
in New Brunswick, as supply officer, from 1872 to 1883.
I will now briefly outline my duty as acting brigade-
major at the camps in Nova Scotia in 1882 and 1883, of
which the late Lieutenant-Colonel J. B. Taylor, D. A. G.,
was in command. The first day's orders directed that
Brigade-Major Macshane was to attend the 7 a. m. drill
daily, and to attend to office work; and Acting Brigade-
Major McKenzie to attend guard mounting, and instruct
them in their duty, also the picket (a whole battalion);
attend the 10 o'clock parades under officers commanding
corps, and see that drill was properly carried out, instruct-
iiip jjrps if necessary. The afternoon j)arade the com-
mandant took to himself, but often called on me to instruct
a corps. By this I became acquainted with all officers
attending these two cann)s, held at Aldershot and Pictou
respectively.
As the reader may wish to have a record of them, I
give their names ; but may have forgotten some of them.
I may first say that I found them to be very willing to
learn a soldier's duty, and I think the whole of them
before I left had considered me their friend at the camp^.
The following are their corps and names:
68th Lattalion.
Lieutenant-Colonel Chipman commanding.
Majors Belcher and I^ydiard.
Captains Dcdge, Beckwitl:, Redden, ^teadman, Roscoe,
Borden, Harris, Ross, and Foster.
Return to Frederidon.
xar
3ers
Ip3.
Lieutenants Webster, Harris, Nortlirup, Ross, Kelly,
West, Cassidy, Ross, and Coleman (adjutant).
Staff Surgeon Shaw, Assistant Surgeon Borden, and
Quartermaster Brechan.
69th Battalion.
Lieutenant-Colonel Starratt commanding.
Majors Harris and Cole.
Captains Elliott, Morse, Wade, Charlton, Bailey, Buck-
ler, Turnbull, and Harris.
Lieutenants Graves, Miller, Purdee, Chcsley, Marshall,
Willett, Whitman, and Cornwell (adjutant).
Staff Paymaster Miller, Surgeon Primrose, and Quarter-
master Bishop.
72nd Battalion.
Lieutenant-Colonel Spurr commanding.
Major Shaffiner.
Captains Jacques, Roach, Bowl by, Taylor, Phinney,
and Morse.
Lieutenants Baker, Chipman, Gates, Phinney, and
Dodge.
75th Battalion.
Lieutenant-Colonel Kaulbacli commanding:.
Major Griffiths,
Captains King, Hamm, Langille, and Windrew.
Lieutenants Young, Kedy, and Hatcheis.
78th Battaijon.
Lieutenant-Colonel Blair commanding.
Major Sutherland.
I <
168
Uje as a Soldier
Captains Lawrancc, Rayne, Barnhill, Smitli, McKenzie,
and Maxwell.
liieiitcnants Hall, Domick, and Sutherland.
Staff Paymaster Chambers, Surgeon MeLean, and
Quartermaster Johnson.
93rd Battalion.
Lieutenant-Colonel Harrison commanding.
Major Black.
Captains Black, Harrison, Mills, and Oxley.
Lieutenants Christy, Harrison, Col burn, and Pace.
Staff Paymaster Church and Adjutant Donkin.
94th Battalion.
Lieutenant-Colonel Bingham commanding.
Major Hill.
Captains Cain, McRae, J. S. McNeil, D. McRae, and
J. D. McNeil.
Lieutenants A. McRae, Foyle, J. D. McRae, H. Mc-
Neil, and J. McNeil.
Staff Paymaster Bet 1 ,ne. Surgeon lucGillvray, Adjutant
Foyle, and Quartermaster McDonald.
Kentville Cavalry.
Captain Ryan commanding troop.
Lieuteiiants Masters and Beddcn.
During these two camps the brigade staff invited the
field and staff otHcers of eacli corps to a lunch, and they
returned the invitation ; consequently all the officers in
camp knew the brigade stafl', and many a friendly chat
took place, for all were like brothers. At the same time
Hehirn to Frederidon.
169
discipline could not be better carried out, and I never
heard an ill word spoken at these two camps, all doing
their best to help one another. -
I suggested to the commandant, Colonel Taylor, that a
sham fight be held. He agreed, and asked me to draw
up a programme and plan for the movements. I did so,
and he thought it a good one for the lay of the country.
I then asked him to allow me to assemble the officers to
' ie..^'lain it to them. This he also agreed to, and when they
met in the staff marquee I explained it fully to them ;
making the commanding officers of each battalion, and
captains of companies, understand each movement. On
the day it took place it was pronounced by thousatids
from Halifax, both militia and civilians, to be very good;
and the papers stated the like was never before done at
any camp held at Aldershot.
As Colonel Taylor left tiiis parade to me, I will briefly
describe the movements of both defence and attacking
parties. Tlie idea was that the supposed enemy (attacking
party) was to take the camp and cause the defenders to
break and run. But as the defenders knew the country
and the enemy did not, the cami) was to be recaptured by
the defenders. The brigade was divided into two ecjual
parts, under command of Colonel Starratt and Colonel
Chipman. The former was to defend the camp, the latter
to attack it as an enemy. My instructions to both were,
that the defending party was to send out pickets, a line of
sentries, and on the approach of the enemy they wei'c to
be reinforced from the picket and his main body and
170
Life as a Soldie)'.
compel the enemy to retire with loss, taking care that his
flank was not attacked by the enemy ; keeping up a con-
tinuous fire as the enemy advanced, and to form the most
of his force into a skirmishing or fighting line, and not
to retire unless compelled. I accompanied the attacking
party, who marched out about two miles from camp, and
formed for attacking the camp. I then ordered an advance
guard out in strong numbers, three companies, and went
W'ith them. On coming in sight of the camp I formed
them into a line of skirmisiiers, and on approaching
towards the defenders' chain of sentries opened fire on
them, being at the same time reinforced from the main
body, when the advance was 'uade by rushes of the skirm-
isiiing line while the balance of the force moved off to the
left and formed for attacking the defenders on their right
flank and to capture their camp. The line now formed, as
well as the attacking line of skirmishers, kept up a heavy
fire, and by that (;ross fire the defenders were compelled to
break ; and once the break was made the attacking force
did not give time for them to :gain form, but followed
them up and took or captured the camp. The defenders
knowing the country, while tne enemy (attacking force)
did not, they moved by another road, and, reforming,
advanced by that road and attacked the enemy on their
flank. This was a surprise to them. This advance was
followed up until they recaptured their camp with the
charge with very little loss.
When the brigade was again formed it was found there
was heavy loss on both sides ; but it happened to be blank
Return to Fi'edericton.
171
was
the
here
llank
ammunition, for there was not one round, from the twenty
rounds per man issued, could be found among the men to
fire a volley, which the brigadier was sorry for.
The spectators had a splendid view from the hill
towards Mr. Campbell's house, and could see every move-
ment of both forces.
Many such sham fights were held at tiie canips of in-
struction in Xew Brunswick at which I was present, and
which were highly spoken of l)y the papers at the time.
Colonel Maunsell, who lias commanded the militia in
New Brunswick since 1865, in his recent lecture to the
militia corps of St. John, said that tlie force in New
Brunswick, cavalry, artillery, engineers, and infantry, were
second to none in the Dominion, as the returns showed.
He pronounced them an excellent class of men. He
attributed their efficiency to the work piVformed by tiie
nine drill instructors sent from England to instruct the
volunteers at the time of the Trent affair in 1861. He
also said that b" the increase of the force two other drill
instructors. Sergeant Hughes of the Royal Artillery, and
Sergeant Wilson of the 15th Regiment, were taken on the
strength. He referred to Sergeant Hewitson, one of the
nine, who rose to command the 71st Battalion. I need
scarcely say that Colonel Maunsell is a fit person to judge,
for it is well known all over the Dominion that his opin-
ion on such matters cannot be questioned. He also in
that lecture said, " Mackenzie, one of the nine instructors,
is still serving Her Majesty in the force." v
Colonel Taylor, who commanded in Nova Scotia, often
172
Life (18 a Soldier.
in my hearing in his office at St. John, said that the force
of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia was as efficient as any
he had met in any ])art of Canada. And I wisli here to
say, that my opinion is, that botli colonels were correct
when they said the militia force of both provinces. New
Brunswick and Nova Scotia, are second to none. The
reader may say I am not competent to offer an opinion on
the qualifications of the force. Let that be as it may, I
wish to record it in this brief story of ray life. The
Sergeant Wilson above referred to is the same whom I
mentioned in a previous page as canteen steward in the
military school at Fredericton.
The day after the great fire of June 20th, 1877, at
St. John, Major Evans, who was the superintendent of
militia stores in St. John, gave up that position. As I
was the assistant storekeeper, and in charge of the militia
stores, etc., at Fredericton, Colonel Maunsell, who com-
manded the district, recommended that I be appointed to
succeed Major Evans; but his recommendation was not
heeded in this case, and another, by ^wire-pulling, as the
saying is, or using politics, got the appointment. I, as
assistant storekeeper, did not consider this just to me,
especially so as, after establishing the militia store in New
Brunswick, I had performed that duty for over three
years, from April, 1862, to September, 1865, without help
or any expense on the public during that time. A few-
years after this the offices of district paymaster and store-
keeper were made one, and on the retirement of Colonel
Baird, although I was once more recommended, wire-
Return to Frediridon.
173
the force
snt as any
li here to
re correct
ices, New
ne. The
pinion on
it may, I
fe. The
whom I
d in the
1877, at
tident of
. As I
J militia
10 com-
inted to
»vas not
, as the
I, as
to me,
in New
' three
it helj)
A few
store-
'olonel
wire-
pulling as before was again adopted, an.l another got the
position.
Just here I wish to say, that as I had ahvays attended
as a soldier to the Qneen's Hegulations, and obeyed her
orders, which are, that a soldier shall not take any part in
elections ; and often lectnred to that effect to the cadets
attending military schools, and to others under my com-
mand, J therefore did not try to pull any wires to obtain
a position of a military nature, but left it to my superiors
as is done in Her Majesty's service, to appoint in accord-
ance with seniority if the person is competent to fill the
office.
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CHAPTER XVIII.
In the Permanent Corps.
}N 1883 the government established infantry military
schools, three in number, to be formed by January,
1884. At the camp of instruction, held at Sussex in that
year, 1883, all the officers in the camp signed a memorial
to the Dominion Government recommending me for the
adjutancy of the school to be o})ened at Fredericton. Sir
S. L. Tilley, to whom the memorial was sent, replied that
I was to receive the appointment. Subsequently he wrote
me that he and Colonel Maunsell had talked the matter
over, and that my name was registered in the books at
Ottawa for the position above nametl. During the lime,
however, that both Sir Leonard and Colonel Maunsell
were in England, in November, 1883, the commandants
and other officers were 1 sup{K)se chosen ; for in December
the order was issued to form the three schools in January,
and the officers for the same were gazetted on the 21st of
that month, but no adjutant among them. I then wrote
to the adjutant-general, Colonel Powell, on the matter.
He replied that there was no appropriation made for pay-
ing an adjutant to the school, but he knew that Colonel
Maunsell wished to have me with him in the school at
Fredericton ; and as all the officers had been appointed I
would oblige him if I took the sergeant-majorship until a
vacancy should occur. When Colonel MaunB**)! returned
(174)
In the Permanent Corps,
175
military
January,
X ill tliat
memorial
J for the
ton. Sir
lied that
he wrote
e matter
luoks at
he lime,
ilauusell
liandauts
'ecember
anuary,
2l8t of
wrote
matter.
I'or pay-
olonel
liool at
nted I
until a
turned
from England he wrote me, as from the general, and asked
me to sink in rank for the time, and accept the sergeant-
majorship of the school ; stating that it would only be for
a short time, or until there was a vacancy for promotion.
I complied with this request, but never received the
promised promotion.
I was the first man enlisted on 7th January, 1884, in
the military school |)ermanent corps at Fredericton, and
remained in that capacity until the 22nd July, 1895,
eleven years and six months, when I was discharged from
the corps, or rather transferred to Sussex to take charge of
the government camp ground there. I imagine that the
reason I was sent to Sussex was in consideration of my
long and continuous service in the militia since 1862.
The general officer commanding, as well as the govern-
ment, put me in an eavsy ]x)sition for my previous services
tendered to them in many capacities, which the reader by
this time knows. This, however, did not long continue.
The present representative of that county, Kings, thought
some of his {lolitical friends l)ettcr entitled to the position ;
for in May last, 1897, 1 was again transferred, with less
pay by fifty-five cents per day, back to Fredericton as
care-taker of the drill hall and armories of the 71st
Battalion. I now receive only one dollar \)er day, which
is less pay than I received since I came to Canada, and
less than I was receiving before I left my regiment in
England. Still I do not (although the reader may) blame
any jierson, but am thankful for any position of a military
nature; for l)orn as I was, in the military, I would like to
176
Life, as a Soldier.
If-'
en<l my days serving Her J.Iajesty, no matter in what
capacity, for all my life lias been s|x>nt in her service.
I may here remark that my ninny friends among the
officers of the Maritime Provinces often said to me, that
the reason I was not i)roraotetl was that " I was of more
use to the militia in the capacity I filled in the school.*'
Perhn|)o they were right. The otttcers appointed to this
company were Major Gordon, and Lieutenants Young and
Hemming ; the two latter had not previously belonged to
the militia force.
I will now give a brief statement regarding this school
corps. Previous to the opening, and while I was at Camp
Pictou, N. S., I, exi)ecting the adjutancy of the school,
had lectured to the men in cartip, and explained fully to
them all about the school ; or, in other words, the duties
of men who would join, as well as the pay, etc., they
would receive. Consequently, shortly after the 7th Janu-
ary, several men joined ; and in a few months nearly the
one hundred men required had enlisted, and the work of
drilling, etc., had commenced. We had among them a
few others who formerly belonged to Her Majesty's service,
who gave very good assistance in teaching the men their
barrack-room work. From among these men there are
at present only two, Color-Sergeant W. A. Daniel and
Sergeant J. Wilson, canteen steward, who joined during
first month, a few days after the school was formed.
There are also among those who joined with me on 7th
January, Hospital-Sergeant R. Cochran and Private W.
I^eek. Others joined at the end of January, one of whom
In (lie Permanent Corps,
177
jrvice,
their
fe are
and
|uring
rmed.
7th
W.
rhom
\» A. J. Fowlio, wlio succeeded me in July, 1895, as
sergeant-major of ti>e school. This ])osition he is well
qualified to fill, and I believe gives full satisfaction to all
concerned. I may mention regarding him, that he at-
tended the old military school in 1881, when I was
instructor to that school under the old regulations, and
did well there for the certificate he received. Color-
Sergeant Daniel formerly was instructor, assisting me in
these schools for a few years. These schools were held
for three or six months in each year. Quartermaster-
Sergeant Walker, who lately was exchanged, was also a
non-commissioned officer in the regulars; but Quarter-
master-Sergeant Lemontagne, who came in his place, was
never in Her Majesty's service. Still he, I find, is very
smart, and understands his <luty fully; and Color-Sergeant
Daniel can l(x>k after the company as well as any color-
sergeant I ever met in the regulars. There are also two
drill instructors, Sergeants W. Duncan and H. T. Bi-ewer,
who understand their dutv well as such, and often i*et!eive
credit for it. The former was at one time in Her Majesty's
service, but the latter never was. Bandmaster C. J. Haye3,
who was transferred to Toronto sch<x>l corps, was also in
Her Majesty's service.
I may also here mention the sergeants and corporals
who were in the school when 1 left in July, 1895, viz.:
Sergeant-Bugler G. Offen, who teaches the band in the
corps, whose father was formerly baud-sergeant in Her
Majesty's 22nd Regiment, and Corporal J. M. Torrance,
who teaches the buglers attending the school from other
178
Lijt a» a Soldier.
:■!;
oorpe. The other non-oommisBioned officers are Sergeants
Nauifts, Bingham, Sheldon, and Paschke, and Corporals
Shaw, Hagans, Ross, and Bayers. These perform their
various duties satisfactorily, and hold qualifying certifi-
cates from the commandant.
Orderly room clerk. Sergeant G. Moore, was lately
appointed district clerk, which position he is well quali-
fied to fill, and performs his duty very satisfactorily.
The present orderly room clerk, Sergernt T. Burke, who
came from the military school, London, Ontario, is the
right man in the right place, fur he has his duties at his
finger ends. The master tailor. Sergeant George Harris,
is an excellent workman. He imports from England all
materials, cloth, gold lace, and other trimmings required,
from which he supplies and makes the uniforms for offi-
cers and non-commissioned officers requiring the same, not
only in the Fredericton military school, but to others of
the militia corps in different parts of the Dominion.
Although not at prcijcnt belonging to the school corps, I
am in a position to see the working of both the non-com-
missioned officers and privates therein, and I consider that
they have kept up their good character as soldiers of
Canada, and that they are doing good work in teaching
both the officers and men who attend the school from the
active militia.
As I had seen many crimes committed in the service
through drink, I shortly after the school was formed
organized a temperance club in the corps, and had over
eighty to join it in less than three months; which the com-
In the Permanent Corpt.
179
rgeants
trporals
n their
certifi-
I lately
I quali-
ictorily.
ke, who
is the
s at his
Harris,
land all
equired,
for offi-
me, not
hers of
•
corps, I
>n-coni-
ler that
iers of
ching
m the
Iservice
formed
over
le a>m-
mandant. Colonel Maunsell, considered a good scheme for
the prevention of crime. This club was kept up in the
corps for a few years. Then we formed ourselves into a
division of the Sons of Temperance, under the Grand
Division of New Brunswick, with Major Gordon as our
first worthy patriarch, and myself as deputy grand worthy
patriarch and treasurer of the division. The citizens of
Fredericton considered a temperance division among our
Canadian soldiers a great benefit. Of course, as the
Queen's R^ulations allow a canteen for the corps, there
were some who violated their pledge; but on the whole
the men saved in more ways than one by it, and the good
character of the corps maintained. While at camps of
instruction with other cor|)s of the district, or in barracks,
and when at cami)s, our men were an example for the
other corj)8 to follow, in carrying out discipline and obey-
ing orders as soldiers.
As r^ards the benefit derivc<1 by the country from the
Military Schools of Instruction, I can say that I con-
sider the institution to be a good one. During ray eleven
years and six months as sergeant-major of the school at
Fredericton it alone turnetl out many oflRcei-s, as well a«
non-commissioned officers and privates, qualified to take
command of a force, either as a defending or attacking
body, for the protection of Canada ; and who knew, I may
say, nothing about such duties before they attended the
military school. This I know to be correct, no matter
what the opponents of the schools who write in the news-
papers to the contrary may assert. At the Fredericton
180
Life as a Soldier.
i\
m
Hchool alone over sixty such men, averaging about one-^
iialf officers, receive qualifying certificateH yearly, anil I
I)elieve that the other military sch(H)]8 turn out about the
same numl)er. Hence my reason for saying. that I con-
sider the military schools a good institution. The same
may be said regarding the Military College, for at present
therc are many officers serving with Her Majesty's army
who attendwl and learned a soldier's duty in that institu-
tion ; and some who had qualified there, as Canadians
know, died in front of an enemy serving Her Majesty.
During my 8|>ai'e time I instructed the students attend-
ing the Normal School, and received many letters from Iwth
young men and women who had gone through the course
of instruction I gave them, informing me that they carrietl
on the same system in the schools they went to teach.
For this service I was presented with a gold headed walk-
ing cane accompanied by an address. Mr. E. Mullin is
principal of this school, and Messrs. Creed and Brittain
are teachers. These gentlemen drilled the same as the
students. I also went to the other schools for the same
purpose, and sometimes had as many as one hundred and
rtfty children at drill, which was principally physical drill
and extension motions, with a little marohing. Many
paragraphs appeared in the papers on this matter, such as
the following.
To the Editor of the Ohbe :
Sir — During my visit for a few days in Fredericton, I
attended the schools for the purpose of seeing the children
perform military drill under Captain McKenzie, and was
In the Permanei\t Covpfi.
181
it one*
anil I
:)iit the
I con-
c same
present
*s army
institu-
iiudians
(tv.
attend-
m\ both
} course
earrietl
teach.
1 walk-
ullin is
rittain
as the
same
'ed and
-al drill
Many
such as
cton, I
hildren
Qd was
highly delighted to see the children to do so well ; and when
I enquired the ohject of the drill I was informed that it was
for exercise and physical training — and as a medical man I
am strongly in favor of it, and would recommend the schools
in St. John to adopt it. I believe the captain gives his time
gratis, which should be considered valuable. To see him
perform the various movements you would take him to be a
young man of about twenty, in place of a man who has
instructed both ()fRcei*s and men of our militia for over that
time. I remember the Grammar School chihlren in St. John
were instructed previous to Captain McKenzie's removal to
Fredericton, and many parents found their boys the better
for it ; therefore I hope the School Board will make some
arrangement to have the same exercises in the schools here.
I am, respectfully, M. D.
St. John, October 31, 1885.
The captain gives also instruction to the students of tne
Normal School, and they feel that his exercises are the best
they have ever received.
I believe it should be taught in all schools, for it
strengthens every muscle of a young person, and causes
them to retain an upright position, etc., during life. On
this matter I may say that I taugiit the young men and
boys of the Grammar School, at St. John, their fii-st lessons
in drill ; and from them sprang the Boys' Brigade of New
Brunswick. I also gave instructions in the same way to
the children of both sexes, in the different schools at St.
John, during the years 1881, 1882, and 1883.
I mentioned that I was presented with a gold headed
182
Xri/e OB a Soidier,
IP'
I
cane by the students of the Normal School at Frederioton,
and herewith annex a paragraph which was published in
the daily papers regarding the same.
At the close of the opening exercises at the Normal School
yesterday morning Sergeant-Major McKenzic came in, by
request of the students, and took his seat on the platform.
Two of the young lady students, Miss Blanche Thompson and
Miss Blanche Hayes stepped to the front ; the former present-
ing him with a handsome gold headed cane, and the latter
read the following address :
To Seroeant-Major McKenzie, Infantry School Corps, Fredericton:
Sir — We, the student teachers in the Provincial Normal School,
who have for several montliH past been under your instruction and
training in military drill, desire to express to you now, at the close of
the term, our very high appreciation of the valuable services you have
voluntarily and gratuitously rendered. Your uniform kindness and
patience in dealing with tuich a body of " raw recruits " as we most
have seemed to you, your thorough qualifications for the duties of drill
instructor, and the actual benefits wliich we know we have received
from the course of training you have given us, will cause us to remem-
ber you always with kindly feelings. As a token of our hearty good
will, we beg you to accept the accompanying small gift, which we hope
will prove a support and comfort to you when advancing years shall
have brought the rest and rewards which the long service you have
rendered your country so well deserve.
Signed, on behalf of our fellow students,
Blanche Hayes, Carrie Kelly,
Bessie Taylor, A. W. Strong,
Blanche Thompson, M. £. Harrington.
Sergeant-Major McKenzie, in reply, said that it afforded
him much pleasure to know that the instructions in physical
drill which he had given them were appreciated by them.
In Ihe Permanent Cbrpa.
183
and he heartily thanked the students for the beautiful and
costly present, and the flattering remarks which they had
just bestowed upon him. They all knew how liable students
were to become round-shouldered and otherwise physically
injured by close sitting at the school desks. He had himself
suggested to the chief superintendent of schools the advan-
tages to be derived from such exercises, and the reasons that
prompted him to make the suggestion were that he had
instructed the students in attendance at some of the public
schools in England in the same kind of drill, and that it
proved, as he afterwards learned, to be of great advantage to
them. He had been for forty-four years in the service of
military drill, and had found it one of the best physical
exercises that young people could receive; and his remarks
to the chief superintendent, when asking {icrmission to in-
struct the students, were now, he was glad to learn, verified
by the students themselves. It was his wish that they would
carry ou the same kind of physical exercises in the schools
under their charge in the different parts of the province, and
give to the children the advantages they had received from
his important part of their education. At the present time
the students in most of the public schools in England are put
through physical exercises. It was the very best exercise for
straightening the body, expanding the chest, and strengthen-
ing the system throughout. With regard to the marching
exercises they had received they could, in consequence, hold
themselves up better and walk to and fro from their daily
labor with ease. He again expressed the hope the students
would not forget to train the children in their exercises, and
thanked them for their magnificent present and kind address
with which they had presented him.
184
Life 08 a Sofdier.
I
w :
Principal Muliiii referred in fitting terms to the valuable
services that 8ergeant•^[ujor McKonzic ha<l renclcred. lie
said that he had joined the young nicn while undergoing their
drill and found that it had proved of great advantage to him.
He \vai< pleased that the students were not forgetful of tho
gratuitous and valuable services Sergeant-Major McKenzie
had rendered, and he wished to join the students in their
expressions of appreciation of his cHorts.
The chief superintendent made a few complimentary re-
marks in relation to the work performed by Sergeant-Major
McKenzie. He was opposed, he said, to the giving or receiv-
ing of presents in connection with the free school system ; but
he congratulated the students upon the happy thought that
prompted them to show in this tangible way their apprecia-
tion of the services so freely and cheerfully rendered by
Sergeant-Major McKenzie. He hoped that the valuable
instructions which they had received from the sergeant-
major would not only be profitable to themselves, but through
them to those who might hereafter be placed under their
charge.
On one side of the cane were engraved the words " Ser<;eant-
Major McKenzie," on the other ^jde, " From Students of the
Provincial Normal School, Summer Term, 1885." The cane
was purchased at S, F. Shute's, and the engraving was done
at his establishment.
On the death of Brigade-Major C Reade, I made appli-
cation and was recommended *for that position ; but the
office was discontinued. To show my readers my claims
on the department, I publish a paragraph which appeared
at the time, with the editor's remarks on the same.
In the Peitnanent Corps,
186
ippli-
it the
llaims
?are(i
To the Editor of the G/ohe :
Sir — Wliile in St. John a fow days ago I heard a rumor
that a hrigade-niajor was to be appointed for District No. 8.
May I be i)erniitted to bring Captain McKenzie's services
and claims before the public, for it has been acknowledged
that he is well qualified and entitled (more so than any other
officer in New Brunswick) to fill the position of brigade-
major, as he acted and did all duties ap|iertaining to that
office from 1881 until the reappointment of the late Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Reade in^l882, and is the only acknowledged
officer in New Brunswick who was acting as brigade-major
since the formation of the Dominion. It is not necessary for
me to state Captain McKenzie's services; still I may say that
all the officers in New Brunswick know he performed more
than one duty at the brigade camps of instruction hehl in our
province, although only paid for one at each canip, and was
always on the staff. Again, any of us officers who required
any military information obtained the same from him ; and
the public already knows his services to the military schools.
Therefore, I hojie the authorities will see their Avay clear to
give such an officer promotion, which I am sure would be
satisfactory to all volunteers in Charlotte County, if not in
New Brun.swick. MiLrriA Officer of »Iany Years.
St. Andrews, 27th October, 1884.
We publish the communication of " Militia Officer of Many
Years Standing," because we believe the writer to be in
earnest; but it would be better had he sent his communica-
tion to a government organ. The fact of its appearance in
the Olobe will lead the Tories to imagine that Captain Mc-
Kenzie is not recommended on his merits. However, as the
minister of militia is a courteous gentleman, and a fair minded
''■:W
k
186
Life as a Soldier.
m
man, despite his politics, we will send him this, with the
assurance that we have no knowledge whatever of the politics
of the writer or of Captain McKenzie. But we know the
latter to be an earnest, devoted, and capable officer. It was
stated some time ago that no successor was needed to Colonel
Reade ; that the office of brigade-major was a sinecure, but
all that will not stand in the way of its being filled up.
During the rebellion in the Northwest, 1885, I was
present with the provisional battalion, which was formed
of twelve companies with the necAsary staff, and I here-
with give a list of the officers and companies who were
selected in New Brunswick for that duty.
Commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Maunsell.
Majors, Lieutenant-Colonels Blaine and Beer, of 62nd
and 74th Battalions.
Paymaster, Major McCulley, 73rd Battalion.
Quartermaster, Major Devlin, 62nd Battalion.
Adjutant, Captain McLean, 62nd Battalion.
Surgeon, Dr. MacFarland, 62nd Battalion.
Chaplain, Rev. G. G. Roberts, m. a.. Rector of Fred-
ericton.
Two companies of the Infantry School Corps, com-
manded by Major Gordon, and Lieutenant Young.
Four companies of 62nd Battalion, commanded by
Captains Sturdee, Godard, Hegan, and Edwards.
One company of 67tli Battalion, commanded by Captain
Bourne.
One company of 71st Battalion, commanded by Captain
Howe.
One company of 74th Battalion, commanded by Captain
Harper.
In ike Permanent Corps.
187
cora-
d by
ptain
ptain
ntain
This battalion only proceeded as far as Sussex, N. B.,
and was then ordered back. This, to ray mind, was not
fair to the militia force of New Brunswick ; for a battalion
in Halifax, which had to be organized, went to the North-
west, and received the medal and other honors for it. I
am, and always was since that rebellion, of the opinion
that the Infantry School Corps at Fredericton, which is
paid and equipped for such puriM)ses by the public, should
have been one of the first corps ordered to suppress that
rising; and should other corps have been required, they
could have followed. Here I may say that both Major
Gordon and myself telegraphed, offering our services to
the department. I worded my telegram that I was will-
ing to go in any capacity, and received a reply that my
offer was noted.
In 1887, the Jubilee year of Her Most Gracious Majesty,
I was requested by the officers of the 62nd St. John
Battalion to get leave from the military school to teach
them how to j)erform the ceremonial military movement
of " trooping the color." I obtained the lu'cessary leave,
and went to St. John for that purpose. After the battalion
had practiced this movement for a few evenings under my
instructions, they were able to troop the color as well as
any regiment in Her Majesty's service. " Trooping the
color" is considered a very fancy military movement, and
this was the first time that it was ever tried by any militia
corps in New Brunswick. This, a.« well as the other
movements in drill, both by the artillery and infantry that
day, was highly spoken of by the many thousands who
Its
188
Life as a Soldier.
witnessed it. Tlie daily papers also praised the whole
force for the manner in wliicii this part of a soldier's duty
was i)erfonned. Colonel Blaine was in command of the
v.'hole as brigadier, and Colonel Tucker as brigade-major.
Colonel Armstrong commanded the artillery; the Rifle
Company of St. John being attached to the 62nd Battalion.
Major A. Markham, of the 8th Cavalry, acted as orderly
officer to the brigadier ; and I acted as drum-major, which
is an important position in trooping the color.
I would like here to say that I have known Lieutenant-
Colonel Blaine since he first joined the force in 1863, now
over thirty-four years; and have watched his career as a
soldier since then. And as I consider him a friend, I am
glad to be able to here record that he rose from a private
in the ranks, serving in every grade, to the commander of
his battalion, which command he held for over sixteen
years; and I am sure his whole heart was in the move-
ment. He was my right hand supporter as sergeant-major
during the time I was adjutant of the 62nd Battalion.
In 1891 I thought I would make apj)lication to the
commissioners of Chelsea Hospital for an increase of an-
nuity. The difference in pension between a sergeant-
major and sergeant is about three shillings sterling a day.
When I came to Canada I was entitled to the pension of a
sergeant-major, as I had been filling that office for some
time. But I accepted the position of color-sergeant in
coming to this country, and when my time for pension
came, received only that of a sergeant. Under the circum-
stances, and considering my long service, I deemed it but
7/1 the Permanent Corps.
189
right to apply. Accordingly I wrote to General Sir H.
Havelock-Allan, Bt., asking him to support my applica-
tioD I subjoin his reply, which while it evinced his
regard for me, and confirmed my own impressions as to
the reasons for my not obtaining the Victoria Cross, at the
same time sliowed me the uselessness of endeavouring to
gain any increase in my allowance as a [pensioner of Her
Maj esty 's ser v ice.
Blackwell Hall, Darlington,
Dear Sergeant McKenzie. November 5th, 1891.
I am very pleased to hear from you. I should be very
glad if there were any possibility of my being able to get
what you want for you ; but I am aware from several similar
applications that there is not the smallest chance of the
Chelsea connnissioners, with whom the matter rests, increas-
ing your annuity. If Colonel Shute had taken pains about
the matter at the time you would probably, on Sir James
Outram's recommendation, have got the Victoria Cross ; but
never having been formally recommended for it, there would
not be the slightest chance of your claim being recognized now.
On the other hand, as you have served the military author-
ities of the Dominion of Canada for over thirty years, and
have performed practically the duty of a commissioned officer,
I do not see how they could refuse to recognize your claim to
higher pension.
As I am sure that the accompanying application would not
have the smallest chance, I herewith return it to you.
Yours faithfully,
Henry M. Havelock-Allan.
Sergeant-Major Thos. Mackenzie,
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.
CHAPTER XIX.
Officers with whom I have been Associated in
Canada.
I have been so long connected with the militia —
since 1862 — I wish, for future reference, to place on
record in this brief story of my life the names of militia
officers whom I have met during the performance of my
various duties. The record may be of use both to the
reader and in future years; if it should be thought
otherwise, I may be pardoned for inserting it.
Staff.
Adjutants General, Lieutenant-Colonels J. Kobinson,
T. M. Crowder, T. Anderson, and George J. Maunsell,
present D. O. C.
Brigade MajorSj, Lieutenant-Colonels A. C. Otty, J. A.
Inches, C. McCulley, and J. R. Macshane.
District Paymasters, Lieutenant-Colonel T. W. Baird,
and Major A. J. Armstrong.
Superintendents of Stores, Major J. Evans, Lieutenant-
Colonels W. Cunard, T. W. Baird, and Major A. J.
Armstrong, present one.
R. R. C. Infantry.
Lieutenant-Colonels, W. D. Gordon and L. Buchan.
Majors, D. D. Young and T. D. R. Hemming.
Captains, R. S. Wadniore, J. C. G. Drolet, E. Chinic,
J. D. Roche, J. A. Bremner, C. F. O. Fiset, A. E. Car-
(190)
Officers Associated in Canada.
191
m.
hinic,
Car-
penter, A. H. Macdonnell, and P. £. Thacker; also Captain
A. B. Nagle, 66th Fusiliers of Halifax, who is now pre-
paring for appointment to the corps.
Surgeons, T. C. Brown, m. d., and R. McLearn, m. d.
8th Regiment Cavalry.
Lieutenant-Colonels, J. Saunders, J. Domville, M. p.,
and A. Markham.
Majors, J. Darling and H. M. Campbell.
Adjutants, R. W. Otty and F. V. Wedderburn.
Paymasters, W. C. Drury and J. J. Woodward.
Quartermasters, H. Hallett, J. U. Fowler, and C. F.
Harrison.
Surgeons, L. Sharp and J. E. March ; Assistant Surgeo?»,
W. J. Norfolk ; Veterinary Surgeon, J. H. Frink.
Captains, W. Langstroth, N. H. Upham, T. H. Pearson,
J. W. Henderson, W. J. Brittain, F. E. Whelpley, Hon.
G. W. Fowler, m. p. p., D. J. I^owler, T. E. A. Pearson,
G. S. Maunsell, J. H. McRobbie, J. A. McDougall, A. J.
Markham, J. W. Domville, F. B. Black, and D. H. Fair-
weather.
Lieutenants, H. J. Crawford, C. H. Foshay, E. P.
DeBow, J. McKnight, C. W. Smith. T. L. Hay, W.
Langstroth, E. L. Wedderburn, D. Sears, J. E. Murray,
J. T. Warner, J. E. Eraser, and R. G. E. Leckie.
Second Lieutenants, J. W. Sproul, H. F. Keath, T.
Mallory, J. Wood, H. A. Scovil, A. Gillies, J. W. S.
Black, R. C. McMonagle, G. W. Gamblin, G. S. Kinnear,
C. Skinner, R. A. March, E. K. Parks, R. H. Arnold,
W. H. Fairweather, W. J. Brown, and J. Gilchrist.
192
Life as a Soldier.
Field Artillery.
Lieuteiiant-Coionels, R. R. C'all and H. J. Dibblee.
Captains, C. H. Emery and R. L. Maltby.
Lieutenants, J. Mitchell, E. C. Tozer, J. White, R. A.
Lawler, and J. F. Dolierty.
Second Lieutenants, A. A. Davidson, \V. C. Gootl, C.
Sergeant, and M. P. Smith.
Surgeons, S. Smith and F. L. Pedolin.
Veterinary Surgeons, J. Morrissy and H. Domville.
Garrison Artillery.
Lieutenant-Colonels, S. K. Foster, C. J. Melick, J. R.
Armstrong, and G. \V. Jones.
Major, J. Mount.
Captains, G. H. Pick, M. H. Peters, B. Lester Peters,
Hurd Peters, R. Farmer, J. Edgar, J. Bolton, T. F.
Gillespie, E. H. Clark, C. McGee, J. Kerr, E. S. PoUeys,
H. Osburn, H. Whitlock, T. J. Sandford, E. Pheasant,
G. B. Seely, E. J. Scammell, S. D. Crawford, J. B. M.
Baxter, R. H. Gordon, and T. E. G. Armstrong.
Lieutenants, J. A. Mann, J. A. King, N. T. Greathead,
W. P. Dormell, M. Hall, F. J. Letson, W. Vaughan, R.
A. Stewart, J. A. Kane, R. R. Ritchie, A. A. Clarke,
G. K. McLeod, A. D. Wetmore, J. A. E. Steeves, F. L.
Temple, H. C. Tilley, W. E. Foster, and F. C. Jones.
-^Second Lieutenants, T. Crockell, S. T. Baker, J. F.
Gammell, D. Crimraen, J. N. Rose, J. Meating, J. E.
Daly, J. E. E. Dickson, C. F. Harrison, F. A. Foster,
B. R. Armstrong, G. S. McLeod, E. VV. B. Scovil, S. A.
M. Skinner, and A. C. H. Grey.
Officers Associated in Canada.
193
Adjutants, J. D. Uiulerhill, C F. Langaii, and VV. W.
White.
Surgeons, J. Berrvman an<l J. W. Daniel.
Assistant Surgeon, J. Andrews.
Quartermasters, W. A. Lockhart and J. J. Gordon.
Paymasters, S. K. Foster, Jr., and G. F. Smith.
Engineers.
Lieutenant-Colonel, D. McLeod Vince.
Majors, J. E. Boyd, J. H. Parks, and H. Perley.
Captain, J. R. Tompkins.
Lieutenants, S. L. T. Carvell, A. Nevors, J. B. Steven-
son, J. McKean, J. F. Richardson, and M. P. Orser.
Rifle Company.
Major, J. T. T. Hartt.
Captain, E. A. Smith.
Lieutenants, J. F. McMillan, L. P. Tilloy, ami H.
Perley.
62nd Battalion.
Lieutenant-Colonels, Hon. J. Rol)ertson, R. W. Crook-
shank, C. R. Ray, J. R. Macshane, T. Sullivan, A. Blaine,
J. J. Tucker, m. p., and H. H. McLean, present com-
mander.
Majors, J. V. Thurgar, E. T. Sturdee, and F. H. Hartt.
Captains, W. H. Scovil, C. E. Godard, M. W. Maher,
R. Scott, C. Powers, W. C. Magee, F. B. Hazen, W.
Farren, J. P. H^an, G. F. Thompson, J. F. Eraser, D.
Churchill, S. B. Lordly, J. Manning, G. K. Berton, R.
Scott, and G. A. Eraser.
Lieutenants, J, Nugent, W. S. Harding, A. W. Lovett,
194
Life as a Soldier.
p;* '
M. W. Thompson, H. Mcliityre, J. P. Viwrn, G. M.
Cleveland, J. H. Kayc, George A. Iletheringtoii, H. P.
Wetmore, J. L. McAvity, Thos. S. Dunning, and C. E.
Macniichael.
Second Lieutenants, F. McLaugl)lan, J. B. StJibbs, W.
Frank Hatheway, F. 11. Bonn, VV. C. Sterling, W. Parks,
W. R. Mills, J. C). Sharp, W. C. Uankine, A. W. McKae,
H. A. McKeovvn, and F. H. J. Ilnel.
Adjutant, Major M. B. Edwards.
Quartermasters, M. McDonough, J. S. Hall (major),
and H. H. Godard.
Paymasters, C Campbell and J. Devlin.
Surgeons, S. Z. Earle and T. Walker.
Assistant Surgeons, T. J. O. Earle, M. F. Bruce, and
M. MacLaren.
67th Battalion.
Lieutenant-Colonels, C. R. Upton, C. W. Raymond,
and J. D. Baird, present commander.
Majors, G. E. Boyer and A. D. Hartley.
Captains, J. F. Adams, J. G. Hoyt, C. Bur[)ee, H. W.
Bourne, J. W. Adams, R. Kirkpatrick, L, R. Harding,
J. T. Fletcher, A. H. McLaughlan, J. W. Baker, G. D.
Perkins, J. W. Williams, J. J. Kupkey, and F. B. Carvell.
Lieutenants, C. White, A. McNinch, J. W. Boyer, W.
W. Ross, C. R. Carman, L. Kenne<ly, C. H. Ferguson,
E. W. Bell, H. H. Woodworth, J. F. Williams, D. W.
Pickett, C. W. Dickinson, J. E. Sutton, and G. Anderson.
Second Lieutenants, H. McGratli, W. W. Hemphill,
F. Brettin, F. W. Bourne, W. J. Carr, H. G. Fletcher,
OJioers Aimociated in Canada.
195
G. M.
H. P.
C. E.
)bs, W.
Parks,
Mellac,
[major),
ice, and
yinond,
H. W.
[arding,
G. D.
'arvell.
^er, W.
rguson,
D. \V.
lersoii.
nphill,
leteher,
J. Cyr, H. L. Ross, G. R. Smith, C. H. Taylor, J. John-
son, M. Hewlett, W. A. Kaye, J. L. Bull, and A. M.
Adams.
Adjutants, R. B. Ketchum and A. J. Raymond.
Quartermaster, H. Emery (major).
Paymaster, J. D. Ketchum.
Surgeons, C. P. Connell and I. B. Curtis.
Assistant Surgeon, E. W. Stevens.
7 1st Battalion.
Lieutenant-Colonels, J. Hewitson, J. L. Marsh, and T.
L. Alexander, its j)resent commander.
Major, W. S. Morris, J. Staples, T. G. Loggie, and
H. A. Cropley.
Captains, H. Beckwith, R. Davies, W. Christy, W. T.
Howe, W. D. Hartt, J. Boone, J. Christy, J. McMullon,
R. Stevenson, J. H. Hawthorne, R. Pinder, J. Burtt, J.
S. D. Chipman, J. D. Perkins, J. E. Sanson.
Lieutenants, I. Simmons, W. A. Barker, S. Turnhull,
G. A. Hoyt, E. J. Christy, A. Pringle, T. G. Kelly, G. P.
Ryder, S. H. MoFarlarie, and G. P. Christy.
Second Lieutenants, A. G. Blair, Jr., A. Massey, G. A
Murray, G. W. H. Thomas, W. PI. Grey, S. E. Oliver]
and S. H. Stevenson.
Adjutants, J. V. Johnson and W.S. Fisher.
Quartermasters, T. Hogg and A. Lipsctt.
Paymasters, J. W. Smith and A. Beckwith.
Surgeons, T. Gregory, D. R. Moore, and J. W. Bridges.
Assistant Surgeons, T. C. Brown and H. W. Gregory,
1
196
Life CM a Soldier.
|?1
hi ■
NV'
73rd Battalion.
Lieutenant-Colonels, D. Ferguson, and S. U. McCully,
present commander.
Major, A. D. Shirreff.
Captains, A. R. Ramsay, J. Black, J. Ullock, J. Wil-
lison, J. Sheridan, W. Fenton, A. McKnight, W. Mc-
Naugliton, H. Cameron, J. D. B. F. Mackenzie, G. \V.
Mersereau, and H. Phinney.
Lieutenants, J. Gray, A. M. Fraser, D. 8. Ullock, G. F.
Doherty, P. Loggie, W. McKnight, J. Cameron, and
H. Irving.
Second Lieutenants, C. Crammond, J. Patterson, A. M.
Rennie, R. McNaughton, M. D. Snowball, F. D. Phinney,
F. P. Torsten, A. Cameron, M. A. Kelly, F. H. Mer-
sereau, and D. McNaughton.
Adjutant, A. S. Templeton (major).
Quartermasters, J. Gray and R. Murray, Jr.
Paymaster, Hon. L. J. Tweedie, m. p. p.
Surgeons, W. P. Bishop and J. McG. Baxter.
74th Battalion.
Lieutenant-Colonels, E. B. Beer, and J. M. Baird, the
present commander.
Majors, O. R. Arnold, B. Harper, and C. H. Fair-
weather.
Captains, H. D. Wetmore, A. McDonald, W. C. Murray,
J. A. Bowes, H. C. Hannington, O. W. Wetmore, A. J.
Tingley, and F. Morrison.
Lieutenants, S. A. Watson, C. S|)ooner, J. R. Filter,
OJioera AsaooU^ed in Caiuida.
197
1, the
IFair-
irray,
.. J.
M. Sears, E. H. Hayward, C. W. Weyman, W. D. Forster,
F. W. Givan, and J. Mclntyre.
Second Lieutenants, J. H. Dunlop, H. G. Wadman,
D. R. McElman, J. J. Crotiman, E. P. Goodwin, C.
Plcaird, C. M. L. Flewelling, and C. T. Nevins.
Adjutant, H. S. Langstroth.
Quartermaster, W. C. Murray.
Paymaster, T. E. Arnold.
Surgeon, S. F. Wilson.
Assistant Surgeon, H« S. Trueman.
Some of the cavalry and artillery, and nearly all of the
infantry officers named in this list, as well as many others
l)clonging to corps in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward
Island, passed through and received certificates of qualifi-
cation from the schools of military instruction which I was
cither instructing under the old regulations or of which
I was sergeant-major in connection with the present Mili-
tary School Cor[)s at Fredcricton.
Ii»ster,
CHAPTER XX.
Conclusion.
^EAR reader, before concluding my story, I consider
it necessary that I should devote a chapter for your
information, whether you follow a civil or military occu-
pation, by comparing the diflf'erence lietween a soldier in
Her Majesty's service and one in our Dominion militia
]>ermanent force as regards pay, rations, punishments, and
comforts.
In Her Majesty's service the pay of a private soldier is
one shilling i^er day, and two |)ence per day is allowed
him as a deferred pay, which he receives as a gratuity on
his discharge. After twenty-one years' service he receives
a pension, in accordance with the rank then held, from one
to five shillings per day. While serving, if a married
man, one-half rations is allowed his wife, and one-quarter
to each of his children. During the period of his soldier-
ing the parades and other duty during peace time is, J may
say, only exercise which keeps him in health. Talking of
a soldier's health, this is always looked after. If a man
at any time should feel unwell, he can go to the hospital,
and the doctor at once attends to him. Should the soldier,
by accident or otherwise, happen to injure himself, he is at
once brought to the hospital by his comrades in the barrack
room. Each morning an orderly non-commissioned officer
inquires from the men if any of them are sick; and in
(198)
Crnichution.
199
(onsider
ir your
y occu-
klicr in
militiu
Its, and
ildier is
allowed
uity on
'ceivcs
lom one
larriwl
uarter
loldier-
I may
ing of
a man
ipital,
[oldier,
le is at
Track
lofficer
ud in
case men sliould not re|K)rt tlioniselvcH sick, there is a
weekly medical in8|)eotion held by the doctor. For the
number of days a soldier is in hos|)ital a portion of his
daily pay is deducted for extra hospital diet and medicine.
The punishment a soldier may be awarded is in these
days given by the captain of his company, who can now
award as high as seven days' confinement to barracks,
which carries with it extra drill. In my time of soldier-
ing all men were brought l)efore the colonel commanding
the regiment for punishment, but now only for such
crimes as drunkenness.
Our permanent militia forces are under the same regu-
lations as govern Her Majesty's forces, as detailed in the
Queen's Regulations, Articles of War, etc., to carry out
the discipline necessary for soldiers. At any time the
militia are called out for drill or training in camps of
instruction, or to quell a riot, or any such disturbance of a
civil nature, they are subject to the same rt^ulations.
Magistrates can call out on requisition such militiamen to
prevent disturbance, if they consider it necessary.
There is one very important difference between our i)er-
manent force and the regulars. The women and children
in Her Majesty's service receive rations, while none are
allowed them in the militia permanent force. My opinion
on this matter is, that when the Batteries of Artillery
were formed they did not include rations for women ; and
when women were allowed, by some error, rations were not
asked for. Since the formation of the infantry permanent
force for military school purposes, the general officers have
w
200
Life as a Soldier.
recommended that the rations be issued, but the govern-
ment 80 far have not approved of the same. *
Although the women or children do not get rations in
the |iermanent militia force, as they do in Her Majesty's
service, the rate of pay allowed to the militia exceeds that
paid to Her Majesty's force in all ranks, except in the case
of the sergeant-major, whose pay is about the same rate,
one dollar and twenty-five cents per day. The other non-
commissioned officers and privates receive more. From
the forty cents a day paid to a private, should he not
drink or smoke, he can save from sixty to eighty dollars
per year, and still have sufficient for any extra eatables or
inside ^lothing he may require. All non-commissioned
officers and privates are also allowed three dollars per year
to keep their underclothing serviceable. Each man below
the rank of sergeant receives good conduct pay of two
cents per day for his first term of three yeai's service, and
each term afterwards it is increased. This amount is not
paid until the time of his discharge, when it is given as a
gratuity. It can therefore be seen that the men of the
permanent force, if not married, can, as I say above, save
money. On the other hand, if married, they cannot do
so; and if it were not for their wives having the washing
to do for the single men, who pay two cents per day from
their pay for washing their underclothing, the married
men, although receiving quarters, etc., would have all
they could do to support a family on the forty cents per
day. The married men, however, are generally employed
to do the extra work for pay, and servants to the officers,
which brings in something per month.
Conclusion.
201
;overn-
ions in
ajesty's
ds that
he case
le rate,
er non-
From
he not
dollars
ables or
issioned
)er vear
1 below
of two
ce, and
is not
en as a
of the
e, save
not do
ashing
from
iiarried
ve all
Is per
[ployed
iffieers,
As regards the discipline, the general officer command-
ing the militia is responsible for the whole force to the
government. Consequently he holds all ranks under him,
from the adjutant-general to the lance-corporal of a corps,
responsible for the orders issued and other regulations
published for their guidance, as is done in Her Majesty's
service. There is also a quartermaster-general, who looks
after all buildings, clothing, etc., and the financial business
of the whole militia is done from the department at Ottawa
through the various paymasters or officers commanding
permanent corps.
I consider that the permanent military schools are ex-
cellent institutions, and do a good service to the country,
in teaching officers and others a soldier's duty, as well as
being the only available force ready to turn out, if re-
quired, without a moment's delay. And as they are the
only force kept up by the public as an army, I should be
sorry to hear of a reduction in their numbers ; but would
be pleased on the contrary to see our Dominion financially
strong enough to admit of a large increase.
I may further mention here that there is a great differ-
ence between civil and military law. The readers of this
account of my life may not know, that if either a civil
or military man holds any article of government property,
he is liable to a fine or imprisonment if he refuses to give
the same when called upon to do so, in accordance with
the Dominion Militia Law ; and militiamen are subject to
a like fine or imprisonment should they refuse to turn out
when ordered, for drill or otherwise, by proper authority.
202
Life as a Soldier.
The term of a milititmian's service is three vears ; and
he must receive his discharge from the captain of his com-
pany to clear him ; otherwise he is considered a member
of the company or corps he joins, and is still liable for
service.
Before parting with you, my dear reader, permit me to
say that I hope that this story of my life has somewhat
interested you, and tiiat the facts which I have thus
succinctly stated may be of use to you as a future record,
and that we part in friendship. No doubt you will say
that the story is shortly told. If this be in your mind,
please remember that I have not shown anything but
what I actually took part in ; and as I have included a list
of officers with whom I was more or less connected, it may
be valued as a remembrance by them, or their friends,
when we are of the past.
I am glad to find, that since I came to this country in
1862, very important measures have been adopted for the
better protection of the Dominion, as well as for a closer
connection with our mother land, which protects and
watches over Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria.
God bless her! I saw her at her marriage, and have
served her, as the reader knows, during my whole life,
and am ready, if called upon, to serve her still.
s; and
s eoni-
icmber
jle for
me to
lewhat
! thus
ecord,
II say
mind,
? but
a list
: may
iends,
ry in
►r the
closer
and
toria.
have
life,
it