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11 i^

7th Fuslliera; Trip

FBOM LOJfDUJ^, ONTARIO,

TO CLABICS CROSSIM, ^IW.T.

iiiiiH'tiiii;n;niiiiiiiiiliiiiiiii

Biiiiijintiiiiiimiitiiiiiliil

CONTAINING A FULL ACCOUNT OF THE
•-^ ^ ABOV£ TRIP; ALSO,

©HB OphTgIAL ;RePOF?IPS

^^fmmmmmtemmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm^tmmmmmmmm

OF THE OFFICERS IN CHABGE OF BOATS.

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IP^tOum, 4Dni:

Prke Pir"*? |*INTINC Company.

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THE LOG.

CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OK

The jtm ^Vsit.ib^s* Xmi

FKUM

LONDON, ONT, TO CLARK'S CROSSING, N.W.T.

i '

ALSO,

THE OFFICIAL REPORTS OF THE OFFICERS /A'
j CHARGE OF BOATS.

Jtonhon, (8)nt.:

Free Press Printing Company.
ISSS.

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PREFACE.

The writer's only object in publishing an account of
the " Trip " at this time, is with some hopes of reviving
the martial spirit of the "Boys of '85," by bringing to their
recollection what they were able to accomplish during a few
months of that stirring year. The writer would also remind
them that, as patriotic citizens, it is their dutv to keep the
good old corps from perishing. To Capt. C. F. Cox the
writer's thanks are especially due, for kindly placing his
diary at my disposal.

London, Ontario, ist October, 1888.

. H. A. STEVENSON, M. a

UONDONiONT.

» •

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THE LOG.

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The call to arms was not altogether unexpected by the 7th Fusiliers,
so that when awakened from a sound sleep, alx>ut 3 o'clock on the morn-
ing of the 1st April, 1885, by several vigorous blasts from a bugle, I
was not greatly surprised, but tried to distinguish some familar note
amongst the medley of sound. I failed.

The performer on the bugle subsequently informed me that he had
sounded the "assemble,"- and he ought to know. No sooner had the
bugler betaken himself to some other quarter of the city than a rig,
containing Capt. Frank Peters and his Sub. (2nd-Lieut. Cleghorn),
halted opposite my door, and again were my jieaceful slumbers disturbed
—this time by a loud knock, and a request that I would immediately
report myself at the drill-shed. I did so— by immediately "returning to
l)ed, well knowing that nothing would be done at that unearthly hour.

The appearance of those assembled in the drill-shed alwut 8 a. m.
was not particularly inspiriting, as, to judge from their looks, the war
fever had considerably ?' -^ed, leaving them limp and sleepy. Not a
single officer was present

Al)out 10 a. m. most of the officers had shown u;>, and orders were
issued for a " heavy marching-order parade " (whatever that was), at
2 p. m.

It would take an abler pen than mine to describe the scenes that
were now of daily occurrence,— the parading, tKe equipping, the in-
spections, and the noisy, crowded drill-shed,— so I shall skip all that.

The first regular guard was mounted on the morning of the 3rd,
Sergt. Beecroft being the first N. C. officer detailed for this duty, and
Sergt. Neilson the last (at Moose Jaw, on the return trip), * Privates
Tom Carey and W. Blackburn were the first prisoners, and Joseph
Deiorme, a rel>ei half-breed, the last.

* Fifteen minutes late for Guard-mounting Parade.

The 7th Fusiliers le^i London about 3 p. m., on the 7th April,
1885, <iivi(lc(i into five companies, as folh)ws :

No. I COMI'ANY.— Capt. McKenzie; 2ml Lieut. Hapty ; 2n(l Lieut.
Kazan ; 55 N. C. Officers and Men.

No. 2 Company.— Capt. Butler; Lieut. Chisholm ; Lieut. Greig
(R. M. C. Attached) ; 47 N. C\ Officers and Men,

No. 3 Com PAN Y. -Capt. Tracy ; Lieut. Cox ; 2nd Lieut. Payne ;
45 N.C. Officers and Men.

No. 4 Company.— Capt. Dillon ; Lieut. Hesketh (L. K. B. At-
tached) ; 47 N. C. Officers and Men.

No. 5 Company.— Capt. Peters; Lieut. Pope ; Lieut. Jones (Duf-
ferin Rifles, Attached) ; 49 N. C. Officers and Men.

Staff.— Lt. -Col. Williams ; Majors Smith and (iartshore ; Surgeon
Fraser; Quartermaster Smyth; Lieut, and Adjt. Reid ; Paymaster
Macmillan.

Total, 21 Officers, 244 N. C. Officers and Men.

Capt. Little and Lieut. Craydon were detailed to remain and organ-
ize a Depot Company, or what I believe is termed a Home Guard.
2nd Lieut. Cleghorn obtained sick leave to England. Capt. Leattie,
being unal)le to conclude some business arrangements in time, joined
at Winnipeg, when, waiving his rank, did duty as a '•Sub." in Capt.
Dillon's Company to the end of the campaign. He liecame famous
by his exploits as a leader of the " Sod Brigade."

Why the Regiment was divided into five Companies, instead of four
or six, either of which would have been more to the purpose,— or why it
took six whole days to prepare 265 men for the field, I could not at that
time understand. I have grown wiser since.

Just before the final parade some sneak thief walked off with a
parcel containing my underclothing ; and but for the prompt kindness
of Capt. Little, I would have left London without other underclothing
than what was on my back.

On the march to the station Pte. Shebacker received a rather severe
kick from a horse ridden by Col. Peters, L. F. B., ami, on arrival at
Carleton Place, was discharged and sent back to London.

We were well provided for in the matter of cars, so that Ixftween
London and Toronto all were conjfortaMe. At Woodstock, Color-Sergt.
McDonald met with a severe accident, where some enthusiastic natives
had plat cd fog signals on the track, a fragment striking him on the leg
with such force as to necessitate him Iwing sent to the h(jspital at
Ottawa. So ended his dream of glory.

We reached Toronto alxnit 8 p. m., and found in a heavy rain a
considerahle crowd waititig for us. The crowd was not very demon-
strative, no doubt having expendeil all its enthusiasm on the (Jrenadiers
and Queen's Own Rifles. We had lx.'en promised something to recruit
the inner man here, but did not get it, which only went to prove ihat
Militia .Staff-Officers are not infallil)le.

Our stay in the Queen City was just long enough for the transfer to
be made from the G. T. R. to the C. V. R., so that by 9 p. m. we were
off again. The accommodation on the C. I'. R. was none of the l)est,
the boys being so crowded that quite a number had to sit up all night •
however, all managed to get something of a "snooze," and turned-out
in the morning apparently none the worse for sleeping "heads and
thraws," as Major Gartshore put it.

We reached Carleton Place about 8 a. m. on the 8lh, and found an
excellent breakfast awaiting us. Here we received fui caps, mitts,
mufflers, and rubber blankets, an event which caused considerable
delay, as we had to await their arrival from Ottawa.

While hanging alxjut, killing time, we were agreeably surprised by a
visit from the Hon. John and Mrs. Carling, who came from the Capital
for that purpose.

Mr. and Mrs. Carling received the officers in their own car, in the
lobby of which was a generous supply of wine and cigars, presided over
by Mr. Fred. Carling, which supply was promptly attacked and cpiickly
annihilated by the said officers. After putting the enemy to flight, the
party visited the Companies in their several cars and wished each man
"good bye."

The regiment then formed up on the platform and was addressed
by Hon. Mr. Carling, who was treated to three rousing cheers, and a
selection by the bugle bend, who played the party to their own car,
which they were no doubt glad enough to reach. The visit was

tcftally unexpected, and therefore all the more appreciated by officers
and men ; and as we saw their train move off it seemed as if our last
link to home had been severed, and we were really launched upon the
uncertainties of active service.

The delay in forwarding our "traps" from Ottawa was so great
that We had *o get dinner, and it was 3 p. m. before we started on our
way again. While the train rolled merrily on, both officers and men
amused themselves with cards, novels, conversation, or practical jokes,
while a few thinkers kept their eyes fixed on the scenery along the
route, which in places was rather good.

We stopped for tea at Mattawa, which took us a little over an hour.
That accomplished, we once more boarded the train and prepared for
our second night on the rail. The preparations were all right, but
sleep for some time was out of the question, especially for those who
were unfortunate enough to possess air pillows ; as, settle themselves as
comfortably as they might, some joker would meanly take advantage of
their first sweet doze to deftly unscrew the top of the pillow, when the
air and sleep would at once disappear Remonstrance would have been
useless, so the sleeper would inflate his pillow again, and court the
drowsy god with one eye open.

Lamplight was also a signal for the musically inclined to make night
hideous with uproarious choruses, while every now and then the bugle
band would chime in with more noise than harmony, but all bearing
strong proof that they were in no way frightented by the dangers
ahead ; in fact, the good spirits of the boys were so apparent through-
out the journey, that those who had seen our predecessors on the road
declared that the 7th was the jolliest and most orderly body of men
that had yet been along. Of course, we believed it, more especially as
every other Regiment had been told the same.

The last night on the train before reaching the first "gap" was
celebrated by a concert, given by the members of No. 3 Company,
who had decorated their car very nicely for the occasion, by interlacing
their mufflers across the roof, while evergreen boughs ornamented the
lamps arid window* ; Pte. Bert. McBeth acted as Chairman, and con-
ducted the affair in a very efficient manner. Sergt. McGregor favored
the audience to a couple of solos on the Euphonium, to their great
delight, and taken altogether the programme was very enjoyable,

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I '

The entertainment was concluded with speeches from Col. Williams,
Capt. Tracy, Lieut. Cox and the Adjutant, when all joined in singing
" God Save the Queen," and returned to their several cars.

As we neared the first "gap " the track grew very rough, so that
slow time only could be made, while the country grew more barren and
wild-looking, and covered with deep snow, the only sign of vegetation
being an endless forest of dwarfed spruce trees, black and dead
evidently rendered so by fire, which had swept over the whole country!

The crust on the snow was very hard in some places, and the snow
being nearly four feet deep, afforded great amusement to the boys when
we stopped at a watering tank. he picture of a number of red coats
scrambling about was very attractive, as well as amusing, when viewed
from the car windows, as sometimes the crust would break, when one
foot and leg would entirely disappear, while the owner in his endeavors
to extricate himself, only made matters worse. Have you ever
watched the ineffectual efforts of a fly in trying to clear itself from a
sheet of sticky fly-paper ? If you have, for " fly " read " Fusilier. "

We reached the first " gap " on the morning of the loth, and after
waiting for an hour the sleighs that were to convey us drove up, and the
work of transferring the baggage and stores from the train began. This
proved a tedious job; but at last being completed, the fifteen sleighs,
with two fusiliers on each, as a guard, were ready for the march. While
the sleighs were being loaded by No. I Company, the others were doing
their level best to keep from freezing, which feat was by no means easy
of acomplishment ; however, the remainder of the teams soon arrived,
and we were again on the move, with fifty-five sleighs in the procession.'

The road was a new one, cut through the bush, and consisted
principally of stumps, big stones, big hollows and deep soft snow, and
was without exception the roughest road the writer ever travelled over.
The rocky road to Dublin was a fool compared to it. Whoever laid
out that road must have had a sneaking regard for the rebels, and a
deadly spite against the militia, for he turned aside for nothing, and as
the surface of the country is rocky and uneven, the sleighs seemed to
strike on all parts of the track at once. Occasion.^lly, we had to get
out and help the horses up a precipice, and as the snow was very deep
outside the track, the fun is better imagined than described.

The railwa' bed was graded all through, .o that sometimes our
sleighs ran along it ; but even that had its drawbacks, as in any
exposed places the snow was blown clean off, nothing being left but a
gravel road. A snow storm prevailed during the drive, and before long
our great coats were stiff and uncomfortable, owing to the snow melt-
ing and freezing. Before reaching Magpie Camp the snow turned to
rain, so that we entered in a thoroughly damp condition. It was
now about 7 p. m. , and having had nothing to eat since an early break-
fast, all were in prime order to enjoy the hot meal prepared for us.

The camp was a fairly large one, but not large enough to stand the
influx of a regiment of famished militiamen, besides 55 teamsters,
without a good deal of crowding ; consequently, seme little incon-
venience was experienced in trying to get near the fire for a thaw. The
camp edifices were all made of canvas and logs ; that is, the bottom
part, to a height of six or seven feet, was built of logs, and the balance,
roof and all, of canvas. The quarters of the " boss " contained a
stove, and it being only about 10 feet square, the temperature was very
comfortable. It was sacred to the officers.

The quarters of the men had a fire in the centre, with a hole in the
roof to let out the smoke. After a short wait dinner was announced.
We did not allow it to get cold. I had a crazy idea that our host
would have made money by saving the grease which was put in the
edibles ; however, grease and all rapidly disappeared, and was thor-
oughly enjoyed.

After dinner (or supper) the horses were hitched up, and we started
off, in pitch darkness, amid a continuation of both snow and rain.
Owing to the darkness this ride was much worse than the first, it being
next to impossible to keep on the track ; indeed, ^he sleighs were con-
tinually getting off the apology for a road, and upsetting into the deep
snow, causing the " pesky " things to be re-loaded when pulled back
on the track again.

The end of the first " gap " was reached about 2 a. m. on Satur-
day, having driven a distance of 39 miles, — although I heard several of
the boys remark that the distance was 2000 miles ! Contrary to ex-
pectation, no train was waiting for us ; and what was worse, no tents,
or shanty, large enough to afford shelter for the now nearly played-out

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"Fusiliers." The rain hail l;y this time turned to snow and sleet,
which, aided and abetted by a high wind, made things just a little un-
comfortable. After a good deal of hard work two big fires were
at last lit, but those who got near them were nearly as bad off as
those who did not, as the heat in front only seemed to intensify the
cold behind, while the steam from the wet clothing was a caution !
The writer managed to get near the fire, but became so sleepy that he
would have fallen headlong into it, had he not been caught by a man
standing near ; and I am certain that a number of men went fast
asleep standing on their feet.

The surgeon very properly insisted that none of the men be allowed
to lie down ; and the writer, after his mishap at the fire, went off to
have a look at the camping ground ; or was it to look for a quiet spot
for a snooze ? I found it, and had just lain down, congratulating my-
self on my smartness, when a couple of kicks in the ribs energetically
administered brought me to a sitting posture, to confront the doctor
and the adjutant. The kicks did not hurt me, but the unfeeling con-
duct of the doctor did ; and if an " injun " had come for his scalp
just then, he might have taken it, for all I cared ! I was*next seized
by the collar, jerked to my feet, and told not to lie down again ; and
as I watched the doctor and his satellite administer " medicine " to
some other sleepy-head, I enjoyed the fun, and didn't. The medicine
administered to the boys that night was better than all the stuff con-
tained in the medicine chest.

This place was christened " Calamity Camp," as, before the night
was ended, and daylight once more returned, nearly every man in the
regiment was suffering from a cold. It had been a rough, hard night
on the boys ; but, nevertheless, they stood it well, and proved that they
were made of the right stuff, for as daylight spread itself over "Calam-
ity Camp" their spirits rose, and although nearly all were more or less
hoarse, more jokes than groans were heard.

About 8 a.m. " hard-tack " was issued for breakfast, and an amusing
sight it was to watch a man with his " grub " in one hand, and a mess-
tin containing scalding tea in the other, hopping about on alternate feet
in a vain endeavor to keep warm and eat at the same time..

About lo a.m. the tr-?';! came along, and after getting the bag-
gage and stores on boarJ we started. The train was made up of

flat cars, boarded up about four feet high at the sides and ends, with a
plank running around the inside as a seat ; and in these we rode for ten
of the longest hours that I can remember ; while rain and soft snow
came down without a moment's cessation, making such a thing as sitting
down and keeping still an impossiVjility ; therefore, to keep a little
warmth in our half-benumbed bodies, we were obliged to remain con-
stantly on tht move, stamping about, or "marking time." By the
time we reached Heron Bay it was dark, and our great coats were
frozen stiff. We arrived about 7 p.m., and at once prepared to attack
a capital " feed ;" the only trouble being that about 40 men only could
sit down at one time. In an hour all hands were satisfied, the quantity
of "grub" concealed about the persons of the "Fusiliers" rendered
the settlement bankrupt iij this respect.

There being only 20 miles more of rail before coming to Port
Munro, the beginning of the second "gap," every one counted on
having a long night's rest in a good, warm place ; but, alas ! though
the distance was short, the time was long ; so that it was midnight be-
fore the train stopped — in the middle of a high embankment,— and
the bugle sounded for " markers."

The embankment was fourteen or fifteen feet high, so that we had
to scramble down in the dark, — most of the boys so chilled with cold,
that ihey were unable to assist each other in buckling on their knap-
sacks, and therefore had to carry them in their hand, together with
rifles, blankets, and rubber sheets, over a rough road covered with deep
snow. This job proved as much as most of them, and more than some
of them could manage.

I wish I could find a word in the English language strong enough
to express th'v disgust of the boys at the sleeping accommodation in
Port Munro ; — there was no one to show us where to put up, and many
men, more particularly those of No. 2 Company, wandered about until
2.30 a.m. before finding a place to rest their weary bodies ; and all this
time in a blinding snow-storm.

A number were housed (?) in the hold of a schooner that was frozen
up in the lake; the hold, or hole, being illuminated by an old tin
lantern, which only served to make the darkness visible ; and in this
place they passed the night, in damp clothes and frozen blankets, and
50 crowded that they had no room to stretch themselves, besides getting

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their great-coats smothered in something — it was not tar ! All who
were not lucky enough to get on a board floor, passed the night in well-
"ventilated" tents,— the officers' tent being a particularly chilly looking
affair, with a great hole in the side, and the ropes flopping about in the
wind. I do not know how many officers passed the night there.

After vainly seeking for some warm hole or corner where I could

"stow " myself, I at last found myself opposite the officers' tent, and

on approaching to reconnoitre, through the hole in the side, discovered

the Commanding Officer and Quartermaster seated on some blankets,

with a bale between them, a candle sputtering upon it ; the candlestick

was a pile of snow heaped around the candle. The C. O. had the

collar of his coat turned up; and a red tuque pulled well down over his

ears. The Qmr. also had his collar turned up, and sported a fur cap,

covering both ears and eyes. Neither spoke, but appeared to be buried

in deep thought, while their lugubrious faces (what I could see of them)

would have made a horse laugh. All this time the wind howled, the

tent ropes flopped, the candle sputtering, and the snow held "high

jinks " inside the tent. Still neither spoke nor moved. I suppose I

must have given vent to an involuntary chuckle, for the Qmr. looked

suddenly up, and "spotted" me. An invitation to enter and make

myself comfortable followed ; but having resolved that nothing short of

death would induce me to " roost " in that place, I started on a fresh

expedition in search of quarters.

Observing a light about half a mile oft", I made for it. The wind was
high, the snow was deep, but plodding steadily on, I reached the door,
opened it (without knocking) and walked in. Here an unexpected
sight greeted me. Around a table were seated four of the " Lally
Coolahs," with great-coats off and tunics open, while their host, a
stalwart Swede, was just clearing off what appeared to be the remains
of a bountiful supper. That movement was stopped at my request,
when after divesting myself of sword-belt and great-coat, not forgetting
to slily undo a few of the lower buttons of my tunic, I put away as
hearty a meal as a hungry militiaman could wish, — not that I was very
hungry, but I have always found it a good plan to victual the citadel
't'iivH provisions were pxcnLiiUi*

After a sleepy attempt at conversation, the "Lally Coolahs"
travelled up a ladder to t€d, where I will leave them.— But is it not

considered vulgar to snore ? As for myself, I laid flown on the floor
near the stove, a round log for a pillow, and was not awake long
enough to discover whether I snored or not. After a refreshing sleep
of about ten minutes, as I thought, I was awakened by a shake and the
voice of mine host. I don't know what he said, not being well up in
Scandinavian; but when he nodded towards the table, I understood him
at once. One of the " Coolahs " (Wanless) now made his appearance
down the ladder, quickly followed by his "chum" (Petitt), when we
seated ourselves at the talile, and commenced a furious onslaught on .
the viands. The coffee was good— no cream or sugar ; the pork was
not too fat, and done to a turn ; the bread contained more saleratus
than flour, a fact that was not noticed the night before ; but no matter,
we enjoyed our " Chota ^azara," or little breakfast, very much. The
two other " Coolahs " did not come down " stairs " for breakfast, there-
fore their feats in the feeding line must be left unrecorded, and their
names have escaped my memory.

After shaking hands and bidding " good bye " to my kind host, who
laughed and said something pleasant, I suppose, I trudged my way
through the snow in the direction of the camp, where I arrived in time
to see a half-dead bugler trying to nound " reveille " at 5.30 a. m.

At 6 a. m. , breakfast was served up by the railway camp hands.
The meal consisted of fried pork fat (not fat pork), saleratus, hot
water, and extra black molasses. Most of the boys set themselves up
for the march on the " saleratus " and molasses, the other articles being
a trifle more than the average " Fusilier " could manage. For my part,
I provisioned the "citadel " as usual.

No. 3 Company was detailed for duty this day ; so, after break/ast,
the right-half and pioneers, under the senior "Sub." (Lt. Cox, regi-
mental poet and artist,) were started off on a twenty-three-mile march,
as an advance guard ; the left acting as a rear and baggage guard.

As we started to cross the lake the storm was so bad that we could
hardly see fifty yards ahead, and most of the way we were knee-deep
in snow. Before starting Lt. Bapty discarded a valise that, from its
torn and ragged appearance, evidently deserved to be pensioned off. No
sooner had he thrown it down than it was caught by the wind and
whirled rapidly out of sight. One of our veracious reporters, in a

letter to his paper, described the valise as one of the boys' knapsacks,
kit and all, flying wildly over the surface of the lake.

Half-way across, the advance-gimrd halted and made a fire on a
small island, and prepared tea for the regiment on arrival. The tea
on being tasted was unaminously pronounced to \^ the vilest and worst
decoction that was ever made. It was brewed under the personal
supervision of the regimental poet, and as stringing together awfully bad
verses was more in his line, perhaps the boys were right. The gallant
" Sub." did his best to make the boys believe that the tea was all right.
Holding a tin-cup in his right hand, and a " chunk " of corned beef in
the other, his jaws kept moving, but I did not see h'"m try the liquid.
I provisioned the " fortress " as usual, the tea being very good— when
I came to it, after swallowing the hot water. Half our iron rations
were served out.

After lunch, divine service was conducted by Doctor Eraser. It was
very simple, but on account of the surroundings will no doubt be long
remembered by those who were present. After service was over the
march was resumed in the same " order " as in the morning ; but how
much worse, owing to the wind having "changed rounds," giving us
the full Ijenefit of its force squarely in the face, our only remedy being
to trudge on to the journey's end ; and greatly to the relief of everyone,
we got " thar " about 5 p. m.

The advance-guard had loaded the baggage on the train, and all
was ready to start when the regiment arrived, so that no time was lost
in McKellar's Harbor. How the baggage got in front I did not en-
quire, but supposed it to have got there by one of those peculiar strat-
egical movements 5 -ell known and so often practiced by Militia
Officers.

Here we are, once more on board our old friends the flat cars,
steaming merrily on to Jackfish Bay, where we arrived at 9 p. m., and
where, to our surprise, we found the Governor-General's Body Guard,
who had left Toronto sixteen hours before we left London. On en-
quiry it was ascertained that transport was only available across the
next *'gap" for one corps at a time; and as the G. G. B. G. had
arrived first, it was a case of " first come, first served," we being
forced to rest at least 24 hours.

Life at Jackfish Bay was rather monotonous ; the victuals were
about the usual stamp, but a very great improvement on Port Munro.
Our meals consisted chiefly of pork and beans, and beans and pork,—
good strong food, as considerably more than half the boys can testify ;
and I think the "regimental poet" monkeyed around the copper,
where the tea was made. However, I continued to provision the
" citadel," carefully eschewing beans from my stores, and thus escaped
the epidemic that broke out before leaving.

We had Commanding Officers' Parade, in marching order, in the
afternoon ; the chief, no doubt, being anxious to ascertain how many
articles had been lost on the way. The boys had cleaned up as well as
circumstances would permit, and with their wedged-shaped fur caps
looked fit to go anywhere. Tjie teams returned during the night, and
by five next morning we were called up, had breakfast, and were ready
for another drive across the frozen surface of " Old Superior " for 30
miles.

By elevea we had completed our sleigh ride, and were waiting for
the train at Winston's Dock. On the evening before leaving Jackfish
Bay, Lt. Jones, with a half company and the baggage, was sent 6n
with instructions to have the latter loaded on the carfe, in order that
the main body might not be detained on arrival. On nearing the dock,
the ice gave away under the weight of one of the sleighs, throwing the
load and its escort into the water. Fortunately, the accident happened
near the telegraph station, and the man was able to obtain shelter
without being very long exposed to the freezing atmosphere, or the
rjBsult might have been more serious.

After waiting about an hour the train arrived, and we were treated
to another dose of " flat car," which took us until 7 p.m. ; the rain and
snow still stuck to us, and of course the old expedients for preserving a
little warmth were resorted to.

The regimental poet, who rode in the "caboose," thus describes the
scenery: — "The scenery along this piece of rail was very fine, and excep-
tionally grand, the rocks towering up on each side of the track to a height
of i50Qfeetin some places. Occasionally we skirted the side of a
trcnicndous precipice, while far bciow lay the frozen lake, stretching
out for miles and miles before reaching open water, which could be
seen shimmering in the far distance. Now we dash through a tunnel,

blasted out of the solid rock, leaving one niagnirtcent spectacle only to
emerge upon what seemed by contrast a bit of nature, wilder and more
beautiful than ever." The gallant "Sub." here grows a trifle in-
coherent, and wants to know "if there is a man with soul so dead,"
etc., etc.. He also enquires for the man " who would not fight ' injuns,'
in order fo keep this magnificent country for our children." All right,
old man, I will ask my children to make their share over to you !

I am sorry 110W that I did not pay more attention to this " beautiful "
country ; but I didn't have the necessary amount of soul, I suppose ;
besides, I wore my head wrapped up in a blanket, not even a peep-hole'^
being visible.

Before getting to the end of the track night had again closed in ;
but as the last "gap" was in front, the boys started off in excellent
spirits across an arm of the lake for what was [ called a seven-mile
march, which would bring them to the end of all their trouble. For
the first half mile or so the road lay through a dense, rough pine wood,
while deep snow lined the road on either side, into which many a weary
" Fusilier " floundered, caused by a misstep in the darkness. The
frozen lake was reached at last, and after a wretched attempt to " on
the march, front form companies," we stepped briskly out in column,
or what answered just as well. On we trudged, sometimes up to our
knees in snow, and sometimes slipping and sliding on the ice where the
wind had blown the snow off. Several men, unable to keep up, had
fallen to the rear, in hopes of getting a lift on the baggage sleighs ; but
I believe the teamsters refused to receive them, having all they could
do to get the horses along. So these poor ' ' beggars " had no alternative
but to plod wearily on until the sleighs were unloaded and returned to
. pick them up. The darkness increased so much that we had the utmost
difiiculty in keeping the track; indeed, some of our "columns" did
wander off to a considerable distance. At last a strong light appeared
right ahead, and, with a cheer, the boys struck out with renewed energy.
Thinking from the position of the fire that a few minutes at most would
bring us to the end of our tramp, we pressed onwards ; but the faster
we marched the less we seemed to gain on that provoking light, which
one moment would shine out bright and strong, and the next die away,
until it appeared to vanish entirely. O^ course, our spirits rose and
fell with the blaze ; and to make matt. Ahorse, another e sprang in

existence some distance to the right of the first one. Here was an un-
looked for dilemma ; and for about five minutes the "cohmm" that I had
attached myself to halted, in doubt as to which fire was burning at the
desired goal. We decided to strike a middle course, and had pro-
ceeded some little distance, when a brighter glare than usual from the
first fire showed us something like railway cars. We changed direction
without word of command— reached the train about midnight, cold,
tired, hungry and sleepy, at Red Rock.

Pioneer Mercer was unfortunate enough to lose his way, and as he
did not turn up before leaving Red Rock, grave fears were entertained
for his safety. He subsequently turneil up all right.

The train accommodation was bad ; but the hard work of the day
—and night— acted as a sleeping draught, so that room or no room, all
had some sort of a sleep befofe 5 a.m., at which hour we arrived at
Port Arthur, where the boys were distributed around the several hotels
and eating houses for breakfast.

I accidentally met an old looth man here ; he was fat, rosy and
apparently a well-to-do citizen.

We left Port Arthur for Winnipeg about 9 a.m., in cars that the
most fastidious could not grumble at— emigrant sleepers for the men,
and a Pullman for the officers ; so all were happy. On the way the
boys were fully occupied cleaning up, in anticipation of a march through
the «' Prairie City," where we duly arrived about 8 a.m. on Thursday,
1 6th April, and where, amongst the crowd, I recognized the genial face
of Capt. Beattie, smiliiig like a " basket of chips."

After doing full justice to a capital breakfast in the C.P.R. dining
room, we fell in, and were marched to our camp ground, opposite
Manitoba College. The tents were soon up, and the boys prepared to
have a good time ;— but they didn't.

Winnipeg at this time had all the appearance of a well garrisoned
town ; besides ourselves there being the 9th Voltigeurs de Quebec ;
91st Winnipeg Light Infantry ; Governor-General's Body Guard, and
the Winnipeg Scouts. Our regimental military police picked up a
" sick " Frenchman out of a ditch, and conveyed him to the quarter

_, 1., „i.»,.v i„! t,r,iT«i He 5.\jiitiiicm,ca lu gesucuiaic ana talk at a

furious rate ; and the guard, not knowing whether they were being

>ha„ke,l „, al,use,i, o, whether .he " VoIHgcur " was saying his prayer,

or svear.ng a, .hem, a. las. 1„,„ pa.ience an.l ,„rne<l hi,J, .,u,. ' *

■ The wet weather which prevaile,! after the firs. ,lay, .,„„„! ,„,r

a.„p,nB groum. ,„t„ a swamp, making thing, very .lisagreeal.le hZ

the m,„l .,,,1 sttck ! So m„ch rain fell on .he nigh, of .he .,s., ha .he

eepers,„somes,x or seven .en.s were fl„„,le,l .,u., and had t, Jek

shelter ,n tents .ha. were pitched on a few dry s,K,ts ; while all who

gi :„7co, ' '" "'""'" r""' ■" ''•" ^"^- " -« » "•■--^ "

2 , / ""^ "" !""" "" ""= ^"^' "' ">>•■" h^l »l'ea<ly l,een tm.ler-
got^e Irni fa,r, ,f continued much longer, to seriously affect .he hea th
o the enttre regtment. However, in .he morning Major (iar.sW

;:::,; ;2r::ra:L:^ "■- *"-""■' "•""- -^ «"-= - -"•" --t

While under canvas, certain officers invested in small sheet-iron
stoves for .hetr ,en.s. These stoves, from the ,lay of .heir puTchlr
were pr«l„c.,ve of much amusement to all l,u, the victims , fir ce«2
other officers full of fun and good "spiri,s,"--or bad, were often tTe
seen mnocently hovering about the s.ove-pipe where i. protrude ,fom
.he tent sud,lenly the ten. became filled wi.h smoke, and .he oc-
cupa„,s burs.mg with indignation, would rushou. to fin.lhe pi,« filkd
w. h so<ls, and no one .o be seen. Can you wonder that the smoked
ou, owners of the tents used language more forcible than pome?

tent, and, with a look of innocence, calmly enquire " what all that
mfernal row was alx,ut ?" Usually an accomplice of the jok rs worfd
drop mto the doomed ten,, and engage .he occupants in Cnv r^o'
whtle ,he deed was being done , this person was always the lou~
expressing sympathy, and vowing vengeance on .he perpe.ra.ors im
Hesketh was very successful in personating .he sympfthizig friend
but as h,s appearance was generally followed by an outbreak of smoke'
he became tn t,me to be regarded with such .suspicion, that one of ,h:
occupants of the .en, would go outside ,o guard againJt ,»ssibk a"! k
on th s.ove-p,pe. The " So<l Brigade " remained in active existence
until the regimen, left Clark's Crossing r^r h„~. existence

During our stay .he Halifax Provisional Bat,.-,lion arrive<l brinrin^
with ,hem .he body of one of , heir men who had died between P^r, Arte

ami W'innipqp This Kattali.m was rompo(»«l of parts of the 63r(1,
66th. and lUhftii a*rrison Artillery. The apj arance of the ofticers,
with carbines slung ai their hacks, <U«I not impress me worth a rent
knowing that any officer wouhl have his hands full in looking after and
controlling the fire of his section.

On Sunday, the 19th, the regiment attended divine servic," at Holy
Tnmty Church. The sermon was half heroic and half political, n(.th-
ing being said about religion. If wrong on this latter point, I beg the
worthy rector's pardon. Mr. Hugh Hartshorn, a former Londoner,
kindly loaned me ten cents to put in the contribution box, which ten
cents I never repaid, noi do I intend to.

We left Winnipeg on the 22nd. I'rivafes Land, Davidson and Fysh,
hem^ found too ill to accompany us, were sent to the Hospital, where
tht^ received every care and attention, and on recovery were sent to
the.r homes. We stopped at Portage la Prairie, where the citizens had
provided a bounteous repast ; then on to Br.iuJon, where we were
agam hospitably received, the ladies having j^rovided a generous lunch
The night was passed in the train in the usual manner, and next morn-
ing we stopped for breakfast at Moose Jaw. About nine o'clock the
bugle summoned the Ixjys to take their seats, then off again for Swift
Current.

Swift Current was reached about four in the afternoon of the 23rd,
a cold, drizzling rain falling as we de-traned, and continuing while the
canip was being laid out and tents pitched ; but it cleared up befor.
night, and, though cold, the weather was dry.

I was one of the first to leave the train, and seeing a man fn ..
uniform that was new to me, I approached him for a closer inspection.
The.mdividual l>efore me was dressed in a neat-fitting uniform of grey
cloth, with sword, helmet, and long boots, but wearing none of those
badges by which I c M ascertain his rank. The man in grey asked
me where the Comu>ar. > . • ffic^-r was. I jerked my thumb over my
shoulder and purpos. :; <. tt: ;^, the word "sir," said, "In the car, I
suppose." The tone oi vo. -e in which .he grey man said, "What?"
convinced me that the grey uniform contained an old soldier ; so I came
_-„_.„. .{, ....,n..v.n, jiuvc my bcsi saiutt-, and said, "In the car
sir. This appeared to satisfy him, for he walked off, leaving me lost

/»^

in wonder as to wh(, the deuce he couhl 1,^.. The grey uniform I.K.ked
neat, an<l in every way fit for service ; but it wasn't " Regulation " I
was not long in finding out that the " n,an in grey " was Major ,en«.ral
i-aune, commanding the lines of communication.
^^ A .cgidar system of drill and routine was now the order of the day
Revedle sounded at 5.30 a. m.; Sergt. -Major's para ie, 6.30 to 7.30:
Adjutant s <lnll. ,0 to ,2; and Commanding Officer's parade/from
2 to 4. Outpost duty was practiced, as well as minor tactics, the Com-
pameshe.ng fre.,uently opposed to each other over the sv ells of the
breezy prame. The movements of the (,pposing forces were uu always
in accordance with the -general idea;" but. nevertheless, a good deal
ot mformation was picked up in a desultory kind of way.

Target practice was carried on under the superintendence t Caut
Dillon, assisted by Sergt. Neilson ; and if every man in the r, Hmeni
did not turn out to be a good shot, it was not their fault

The 9th Regiment arrived on the 24th of April, and camped . n our
left, but after a short stay of four days were ordered to Calgary

The regiment paraded for divine service at 10 a. m. on Sun lay
26th April, the service being conducted by the Bishop of Arthaba ka'
About a dozen men of the 9th paraded with us, the whole drawn u > so
as to form three sides of a scjuare, with the Bishop and big drum in he
centre. General Laurie, attended by Major Rickards, of the G n-
missanat Department, and Capt. Hudson, Acting Brigade A.ijutar t
also attending ; while a number of teamsters, and about ten or t we! I
noble red men," squatted themselves on the ground about fifty yan .
^AT and looked on. The Bishop's address over the big drum was ver^

On arriving at Swift Current we found two Companies of the
Midland Battalion in camp, under the command of Brevet Lt.-CoT
Deacon ; I also dro,>ped across another old looth man, in the person
of I^li Bowen. who was serving in one of the Midland Companies
Our bill of fare at Swift Current was fairly good. I had man/ time

who hTr ^^^^"^S."- ^^^J-ty - other climes ; and for those

who had long purses provisions were plentiful.

A chronic cause of complaint amongst the boys was the absence of
shot guns, as wild duck and geese could have been knocked over in

great numbers, the river and sloughs, a few miles from camp, being
covered u^ith them ; while, as it happened, we could only sit and watch
them floating about in peace and contentment. We were well supplied
with mail matter, the Free Press and Advertiser being sent to
us in liberal quantities. Sport was also attended to every evening,
foot-ball, quoits and boxing being indulged in.

The Halifax Battalion arrived at 9.30 p.m. on the 30th April, but
did not de-train until next morning. This was also the date of an in-
spection by General Laurie. After the regiment had been put through
a number of movements, he was pleased to inform us that, "from what
he had seen, he had no doubt but every man of the 7th was a soldier ;
while the good behaviour of the boys gave him great pleasure ;— that
the 7th was one of the best n^ilitia corps he had ever seen," etc. The
remarks of the General were highly appreciated by the boys, and at the
conclusion, Pte. Tom Carey pulled off his cap and called for three
cheers ; but the cheers did not come, being nipped in the bud by the
Sergeant-Major, who was greatly scandalized at this slight breach of his
beloved discipline.

I may as well record here the result of two foot-ball matches played
against a team of Halifax men. The first match came off on Saturday,
the 2nd May— Association Rules— and after an exciting contest, the
'* Fusiliers" were victorious, with a score of three games to nothing.
The second match was played on Monday evening — Rugby Rules —
the result being another victory for the " Fusilier " kickers ; 26 points
to nothing.

Capt. Tracy, assisted by Lt. Hesketh, L. F. B. , constructed a broad-
arrow kitchen, as well as a field oven, which added greatly to the com-
fort of the regiment, and reflected great credit on those officers, the
work being highly commended by General Laurie.

On Tuesday night, 5th May, orders were received from General
Middleton (it was said) for the 7th to proceed at once to Clark's
Crossing ; but we did not go just then, for the morning light saw the
order cancelled (it was said).

On Wednesday, the 6th, the Rev. W. S. Ball, our lonp-exnected
Chaplain, arrived, well loaded with goodly parcels for various members
of the regiment. The weather had now turned cold, especially on the

early morning parade. Snow fell on the 7th, and during the afternoon
parade a heavy hail storm came up.

Sometime during the last week of our stay, a prisoner of the
" Midland " was handed over to us, until such time as he could be for-
warded to Regina Jail. I had his kit searched on arrival, and took
possession of a sheath-knife, after some altercation. The prisoner in-
formed me that he had served in and been discharged from the 2nd
Batt. Liverpool Regiment, a corps that I was pretty well acquainted
with in old times. He had been sentenced to 42 days' imprisonn^ent for
mutiny, and to be dismissed the service with ignominy (not the first
time, I suspected). Previous to this I was not aware that a regimental
court-martial had power to discharge a man with ignominy ; anyhow,
whether a regirtiental or a field-general, I would give a trifle to see the
proceedings of that court.

A considerable amount of trouble was still caused by the guards and
sentries not doing their duty properly ; but as these duties were not
thoroughly understood, no fault could be found ; so no more on that
head (the boys did better before leaving Clark's Crossing). In dismiss-
ing the subject of guards and sentries, as well as other little matters
connected with discipline, I do not mean to insinuate that the 7th was
in any way behind any other corps in military knowledge, for I have
reason to believe that all were pretty much alike in this respect. That
the men composing the expedition were brave, and by day or night
ready to encounter any danger, I freely admit ; but that they were dis-
ciplined, or able to cope with disciplined troops well in hand, permit
me to doubt. * So far as my observations went, the officers were the
weak point.

, Nothwithstanding the good times they were having, the boys were
getting impatient at the long stay ;— they did not know that they were
being detained until certain flat-bottomed boats were built on the south
Saskatchewan. I had almost forgotten to mention that the " Sod
Brigade " continued to get in its work with fiendish glee.

The long expected order arrived at last, and on Saturday morning
we marched out of Swift Current, en route to the landing, headed by a
piper of the Halifax Batt., who played us almost a mile from the
village, then drew un to one side of the trail, and got three hearty
cheers from the boys as they passed. Capt. McKenzie's Company'

formed the advance guard ; 2nd Lt. Bapty with the leading file ; while
Capt. Peters with his Company brought up the rear. Just before
starting, General Laurie came over to say "good-bye :" he got three
cheers this time. The Halifax men also turned out and cheered ; and
thus, well loaded with cheers and good wishes, we took our departure.
The trail was good, but dusty ; and after covering some 12 miles,
we halted beside a large slough for refreshments. The rear guard came
in ahead of the baggage. At 2 p.m. the l)oys responded to the "fall
in," and the march was resumed until 5 p.m., when we halted for the
night near another slough, having completed 22 miles in five and a-half
hours, actual marching time. Of course, the time was too fast ; and
marching at the head of the leading Company, I several times tried to
check the pace, but I had either to get on or get walked over ; so I
got on.

The tents were soon pitched, the quarter and rear guards mounted,
tea made, hard tack served out and quickly disposed of; and now came
my satisfaction, for the boys were tired out and were soon fast asleep,
guards and all. As for myself, thanks to a ride on the Colonel's horse,
and a long apprenticeship to the trade, I did not feel extra tired,—
but had enough.

The next day (Sunday) " reveille " sounded at 6 a. m., breakfast
6.30, tents struck at 7, " fall in " at 8, and on again; but not nearly so
briskly as on the previous day. Until within a few miles of the landing
marchirtgwas easy ; but after that it was down hill of the worst kind,—
rough, wild, and awfully dusty.' The river was reached at last, and
with thankful hearts and tired feet we pitched our tend^ by the banks
of the classic Saskatchewan. I dont't know whether the river is
" classic " or not, but I do happen to know that' it is very muddy !

As soon as the camp was pitched a rush was made for the water by
the majority of the regiment, while a few contented themselves with
sporting in a creek that ran near the camp. We found Col. Deacon's
detachment of the Midland Batt. still here. We had church parade at
6 p. m., the Rev. Mr. Ball officiating.

Just before dark some of our officers got excited over the appear-
ance of two figures, seemingly watching us from the ton of a hiVh hill
some httle distance from camp. It was generally supposed that the
figures were two rebel scouts or spies. At last a party started out to

^ I

I i

! i

enquire into the identity of the strangers, when after a tiresome climb
they discovered two men of the " Midland," who had gone up there to
view the country. After christening the hill "Fusilier Point," the
party returned to camp, sad and weary.

It was intended that two companies of the 7th should remain at the
landing, bat after a little wire-pulling this arrangement was " knocked
on the head," and we all set off together. Midland detachment includ-
ed, the whole undsr command of Lt.-Col. Deacon, the senior officer.
My account of the voyage must necessarily be confined to the ship that
carried Caesar and his fortunes (the Sir John A. Macdonald).

We left the landing about 8.30 a. m., on Monday, nth May, on
flat-bottomed boats, oat-laden, and outward bound for Clark's Crossing
on the North Saskatchewan. On starting, four boats were fastened
together, with Nos. i and 3 Companies on board— or rather on oats.
After half an hour's sailing we passed a " flotilla," with Majors Smith
and Gartshore on board, stranded on a sandbank. Their appeal to us
for help was disregarded, as that would only involve us in a like
trouble ; so we let them severely alone, and continued on the even tenor
of our way. We made first-rate sailing until about i p. m,, when we
calculated that we had run between twenty and twenty-five miles, the
river being in military parlance " very rapid."

About 2 p. m. we passed two boats vainly trying to sail over a sand-
bar, and soon after took the ground ourselves. Officers and men strip-
ped, and took the water, before getting off. It was very good fun at
first, but after a bit the water felt dreadfully cold, and all were glad
enough to get into their clothes when the job was completed. The
compact formation was broken up after this, each boat keeping its own
course.— I believe Col. Deacon issued an order, for the leading boat to
halt— no ; " snub up "—at dark, the others keeping on, until the whole
" fleet " had assembled ; but, as the boats had become scattered, we
could not tell which one was leading ; so this order, like scores of
others, was not carried out. Before dressing, after getting the boat off,
the Adjt. thought she was going to stick again ; so, accompanied by
Sergt. Leslie and Pte. Carey, jumped over the side, to give her a final
push, expecting to drop about knee deep in the water ; but, owing to
the boat having changed its position, they plumped into about ten feet
of water, and of course disappeared. The expression of their faces

when they came to the surface again would have made their fortunes in
the undertaking line, and afforded amusement for an hour afterwards.

We tried to approach the bank about dark, for the purpose of
" anchoring" ; but the united efforts of our crew proved unavaiHng ;
so we just let her go until she came to anchor of her own accord on
top of a sand-bar, where we rested very solidly till morning. Pte.
Garnett went ashore in a small boat to make us some tea ; but after
making it could not paddle his way back against the current in the
darkness, so had to sleep on land without great coat or blanket ;— but he
had the tea. Sergt. Mills shied some biscuits to him in the morning.

About 4.30 a.m. all hands were called by the commander of the
"ship" (Capt. Tracy) to a good, warm breakfast— Here ! hold on ;
" wat are you givin' us?"~iNot at all— but to jump into the icy cold
water and shove the "schooner" off the sand-bar. Little did the
good citizens of London think that their sons and relations were about
to enjoy a bath at that "uncanny" hour of the morning ; — however,
when nearly all were undressed, the gallant Captain led the way by
leaping overboard into that awful water, soon followed by the bolder
spirits of our crew. A few of the more timid still held back, but on
being assured that the water was not cold (what a whopper !) tried it
with one foot, then with the other, finally concluded to chance it, and
"flopped "in.

We were now in a bad part of the river ; most of the time being
spent in the water until noon. During the afternoon we got along first
rate, only getting " wrecked " once before " snubbing-up " for the night.
It was a pretty bad stick, though, and took us a good long hour before
getting afloat again. Two other boats close to us were also stuck fast,
so we were not without company. My boat and one of the others got
off all right.

We anchored for the night in company with the other boat in a good
place, and making a fire, partook of our first square meal for two days.
The meal consisted of biscuit, soaked in water until soft, then fried in
pork fat, some canned beef and boiled tea. Sentries were posted this

nipfht. it bpincT rnmnrpd nmnnrrcf thf hrwc thnt n Inrrro fr^r'^o rsf " ini'Ts" "

were on the lookout for Fusilier scalps. They did not come ; so we
slept soundly until roused at 4 a.m. to continue the voyage.

After a favorable run of half an hour, we discovered the '* flag-
ship " of Rear- Admiral Deacon snugly lying at anchor in a sheltered
cove, and having on board our own Commanding Officer (Lieut. -Col.
Williams). The lookout having reported a sail on the starboard bow,
steering north, the Admiral came on deck and ordered us to "lie to."
There is no truth in the report that the officers were invited on board
the Admiral's ship to '^ splice the main brace."

We were now set to work to erect a rampart of oat sacks around
the sides of our craft, as a protection against any stray bullets-that
might be flying in our direction. About ii a.rn, the Admiral gave the
signal to weigh the anchor ; but the ship wouldn't budge ; and, before
getting oft we had to carry about 400 sacks on shore, and then carry
them back again ; besides rendering all our elaborate preparations for
the reception of stray bullets useless. At this time the good ship
" Sir John " carried three officers, Capt. Tracy (Commander), Lt. Cox
(Regimental Poet and Artist), and 2nd Lt. Payne, who was nothing in
particular, but took a hand in anything that was going on at the time.
It will thus be seen that the Adjutant had deserted the "Sir John."
The last I saw of him he was splashing through the river, with a box
of sugar on his head.

The "flag-ship" got off all vight and left us, but did not go far,
being compelled to run ashore for the purpose of repairing a broken
sweep. We passed the Admiral about i p.m., and had the good fortune
to run the remainder of the day without a mishap. Ducks and geese
were very plentiful ; but they had a tantalizing way of just keeping out
of the reach of a stick, that was trying to one's temper.

I made a desperate attempt to capture a fine fat goose or gander,
but lost my balance, and tumbled " kerslap " into the river, clothes and
all. The last thing I remember before reaching the water was a per-
fect roar of laughter from the crew. I felt pretty mad, but dared not
show it, as that would only increase the merriment. On clambering on
board again, I was greeted with yells of " Goose !" "Where's the goose?"
" Look at the goose ! " etc. Of course, I immediately decended to
my "state room," and changed my clothes ; that is I levied a contribut-
ion on all the blankets within my reach, and wrapped myself up until
old Sol chose to dry my wet clothes.

About 6 p. m. we "snubbed up" for the night, the wind blowing
very hard, and the crew very tired from working the sweeps, trying to
keep the ship from damaging the banks of the river. Ofificers and men
took their turn at this work, the crew being divided into three watches,
or reliefs ; and by the time a fellow finished his hour, he felt as if he
had sawed at least six cords of wood.

At 4 ?.. m. on Thursday we unmoored again, and apparently in a
mighty bad part of the river, as the sticks were frequent and hard.
By 8 a. m. the crew was obliged to take the water four times ; and at
nine happened the worst stick of the trip, the boys l^eing over four
hours in the water before getting off. To make matters worse, the
weather was cold and cloudy, with a strong, raw wind. The crew was
about half dead, when a boat passed and loaned us a pump, or we
would have been obliged t^ throw off our whole cargo, or be there yet !
While the boys were taking a rest, a flock of geese settled on a sand-
bar a short distance off, and, by their cackling, seemed to enquire what
we wanted on their domain. Capt. Tracy and Pte. Blackburn started
out to answer the enquiry. They advanced in extended order— twenty
paces interval ; dress, rifles and undershirts. The advance upon the
confiding geese was conducted upon the most approved methods, the
instructions contained in the " red book " regarding " cover " being
well attended to (about the only time). Could Big Bear or Pound-
maker have witnessed that stealthy advance, he would have gone
straight to his " tepee," calkd for his Winchester, and blown his brains
out— through jealousy. The geese at last, beginning to suspect hostile
intentions on the part of our overdressed friends, with a sunny smile
and a friendly cackle, spread out their white wings and sailed far away,
followed by two bullets which did them no harm.

We had only one more stick of any account this day. Dinner was
cooked on board, the boys having rigged up a "galley " in a corner of
the boat ; beans boiled with fat pork, biscuit fried, and strong boiled
tea, without sugar, formed the bill of fare ; and a very good one, too.
We " snubbed up " for the night about 8 p. m., when we were shortly
joined by Capt. Dillon's barge— the first time we had seen him since
the start. He was very short of provisions, his crew subsisting on one
biscuit each, and working seventeen hours a day, in order to catch
up, his boat having got badly stuck early on the first day of starting.

* I •

At the usual hour on Friday morning we started again, accompanied
by Capt. Dillon's boat, and had a very good run all day, "snubbing up"
at dark with five other boats in a narrow side channel. About mid-
night a sentry of the " Midland " was awakened from a doze by hear-
."ng a rustling in the bushes on the river bank, and thinking of nothing
but "injuns," fired off his rifle. Of course, every one sprang up,
seized his "shooting iron," and prepared for an immediate attack from
the lurking foe. The sides of the boats nearest the enemy fairly brist-
led with rifles. However, after waiting about twenty minutes, the foe
thought better of it, and our grim warriors returned to rest again.
I was sleeping alongside of Mr. Mclntyre, the '''■Free Press'" re-
porter, and resolved not to get up until I heard the "war whoop."
Mac did not wake up at all ; or, if he did, played " possum." Our
commander and first "luff" also displayed a considerable amount of
"gumption," by remaining quietly in their " little beds." 2nd Lt.
Payne went on deck. (The regimental poet recorded the events of the
night in verse. — See Appendix).

On Saturday morning the fleet started together and had a pleasant
run, until about 1 1 a.m., when the " Sir John" got a bad stick, being
compelled to sacrifice \QO sacks of oats before getting off.

Shortly after starting we overtook Capt. Dillon again, he having re-
ceived an addition to his crew of Capts. Butler and Beattie, Lieuts.
Chisholm and Hesketh, and being in the vicinity of " White Cap's "
reserve, the boats were fastented together as a measure of precaution.
I -^"rticularly noticed that Capt. Beaitie's nose had the skin nicely
peeled off, and the seat of Capt. Butler's unmentionables did not appear
to give any great amount of protection against the weather. After
running together until 5 p.m., the channel narrowed, compelling us to
separate, Capt. Dillon going ahead. In about half an hour Dillon was
once more wrecked on a bar. We bid him good-bye, and five minutes
later were in the same predicament. The crews stripped and took the
water ; but neither craft would move. The crews then combined, and
worked one boat at a time ; even then they could not be induced to
float, and it v^fas not until nearly all the cargo was carried on shore
that they were shoved into deep water.

The boats had now to be reloaded, and being about 9 p.m., all hands
quitted work for -that day.

Our bivouac was on the edge of a small island, composed entirely
of sand— nothing green on it -Yes ! there was ;— but I won't tell tales
out of school. Our crew had been altogether about seven hours in the
water ; so no wonder that all hands were soon sound asleep.

The next day, Sunday, we did not start until 9 a.m., although
haymg breakfast at 5.30. The day was lovely, and we had nice, easy
sailmg— stoppmg at noon, and having dinner on land. Durin- the
afternoon Capt. Dillon bagged two fine gee.se, using a Fletcher ^rifle.
V\ e only ran until 5.30, when we " snubbed up " for the night, and, in
addition to hard-tack, had "goose" for supper.

At 4 a.m. on Monday, we let go the anchor ; running with a smooth
sea and a flowing sheet until 8.30, when we again tried to sail over a
sand-bar. The boats had to be separated before getting off, Dillon
again taking the lead. AlJout noon we passed the flag-ship of Rear-
Admiral Deacon, wrestling with a sand-bar. Dillon also got wrecked
on the same sand-bar. We gave the stranded vessels a wide berth,
keeping steadily on for an hour, when, the wind blowing a gale, making
It very difficult to keep the channel, we ran ashore and "snubbed
up, ' soon joined by Capt. Dillon.

During the night a storm arose, wetting our blankets, and otherwise
making it very disagreeable for the boys. I slept most of the time, so
don t know how long it lasted, a few others being equally indifferent.

Tuesday morning we up anchor and started at 3.15 a.m. (an en-
croachment on the liberty of the subject). Four o'clock was bad enough,
but 3. 15, -ugh ! I began to consider it my duty to keep an eye on
our Captain, being doubtful as to the state of the poor fellow's mind •
but after watching him for at least five minutes, and seeing no sign of
insanity, I-but never mind. We started at 3. 15 a.m., the boats lashed
together until about ii a.m., when Dillon's boat came to grief on a
large stone. We separated for the last time from our " consort," coming
together no more. About three miles from Saskatoon we passed a man
standing on the bank overlooking the river ; we yelled at him as long
as he could be heard. He was understood to say that a battle had been
fought, the rebels licked, and Batoche occupied by General Middleton's
troops. It was all true, but nobody believed it. We soon passed
another man, accompanied by two children ; this man gave us the same
information as the first, with the addition that Kiel had been captured.

\ ,

I was not the least bit disappointed to hear that all the fighting was
over— (who's afraid?)— then and there proposing a vote of thanks and
three cheers to the gallant men who had won Batoche.

Saskatoon is, or was then, a collection of about twenty frame houses,
mostly built on the same plan, and nearly all occupied by wounded men.
We stopped for a short time to allow the boys to see the sights ; then,
with the anchor apeak, bore away for Clark's Crossing. Shortly after
leaving Saskatoon a river steamer passed, having on board Louis Kiel
and his escort ; but we did not know it at that time. Our Chaplain
was also on board. How he got there, I don't know.

One more night was spent on board the Sir John A. Macdonald,
when starting about 6 a. m, on the following morning, we reached the
Crossing about 9.30 a. m., completing the voyage of 320 miles in nine
days and five hours.

And now, after bringing the 7th Fusiliers from London to Clark's
Crossing, let some other chronicler record the the boys' doings while
there, and bring them home again. I shall leave them speculating on
the voyage, and in considerable doubt as to their being soldiers or sail-
ors ; but, without any doubt, perfectly willing and ready to serve their
country again in either capacity.

APPENDIX.

-j^bS*^^*

Extract from Brigade Orders,
Headquartkrs, Moose Jaw, 9th May, 1885.
Brigade Morning Order by Major-General Laurie, Commanding Lines
of Communication : —

No. 4._Referring to Brigade Order No. 3 of yesterday's date, the
7th Fusihers on arrival at Saskatchewan Landing, the headquarters,
and these companies, will embark in Mr. Boyd's barges for conveyance
to Clark's Crossing. Two companies and Major Smith, will remain on
duty at the Landing until further orders. The detachment (Midland
Battalion), under Lt.-Col. Deacon, will also embark on board the barges
lor Clark's Crossing, the Senior Officer assuming charge of the whole
lorce embarked, and the men will be distributed under arrangements
with Capt. Boyd, but will proceed with the utmost expedition to their
destination, and on arrival he will report to the Major-CJeneral
Commanding.

By order,

Wm. Hudson, Capt.,

Staff-Adjutant.

Extract from Brigade Order Book by Lt.-Col. Deacon, Commanding
Saskatchewan Brigade, en route Saskatchewan River.

May i6th, 1885.

No. I.— Officers commanding barges are requested to send in for
the information of the Officer Commanding, immediately on arrival at
Clark's Crossing, a detailed report showing their daily progress as far
as can be ascertained, and particularly as to the amount of government
stores unloaded or abandoned by them, and giving their reasons for such
unloading or abandonment. They will also endeavor to report as ac-
curately as possible the circumstances attending, together with the
number of times that their men were obliged to take to the water to
facilitate the progress and insure the safety of their barges.

No. 2.— The officer in charge of the barge in which the rations of
the 7th -Fusiliers were embarked, will send a separate statement in

" 34

writing explaining the reasons why he left that Hattalion for the greater
part of the time i4K)n short rations. As these statements will l)e sent
to the (ieneral commanding the North-West field forces, it is requested
that the same \k prepared with the greatest accuracy and promptitude.
No. 3.— Reveille will sound at 4 o'clock to-morrow (Sunday);
breakfast at 4.30 a.m., and the advance at 5 a.m.
By order,

Edward Harrison, Capt.,

Brigade Orderly Officer.

Reports of thi ,eveml Officers in c/iari^e of boats.

River Bar(;e, Lt. Nki.les, May 20th, 1885.
.Sir :— I have the honor as senior officer on this boat (having on
board Major Gartshore, .Surgeon Fraser, Acting- Asst. Surgeon Camj)-
bell, myself, and 28 N. C. Officers and men of No. 4 Company, 7th
rusiliers), to report, that when we started from Saskatchewan Landing
on the morning of the nth inst., the barge " Capt. Leonard " (having
on Iward Capt. Dillon, with the remainder of No. 4 Company, and
Capt. Butler, with a section of No. 2 Company,) was tied to this barge.
We stranded on a sand-bar within sight ot the landing, and were
obliged to separate. The " Capt. Leonard " got off first, but this
barge did not get off until 12.30 p. m., after great exertions, shifting
cargo from one side to the other, men out in the water using levers, etc.
This was now the last Ixtat, all the others having been a long time out
of sight ; it is the smallest, and was the heaviest loaded in i)roportion.
We were stranded three other times during the day. About dusk, we
sighted the Capt. Leonard stranded in an exceedingly bad place. We
put into shore as soon as possible, alx)ut three miles further down, to see
if they could get ou,, but could not succeed in communicating with
them. Not thinking it wise to leave the last boat behind, especially as
I knew that they were short of provisions, (as we were ourselves ; nor,
had we any tools, lumber or nails, for repairs,) we waited for them
next morning until 11.30, when they came up, having found it necessary
to discharge part of their load. We again tied together, but were
obliged to separate the first time we struck a sand-bar ; the Capt.
Leonard getting away first, ours was again the last boat. We got off

. .

** I >

this san(l-l)ar with great difficulty, but stranded

again several other

wc were a day's run lichind

je a very had spot,

times the same day. I now estimated that
the main body. On approaching wn.;i a|)peared to I
I pulled into shore, and sent the small lM)at forward to examine it, and
found it would be impossible to take the barge through with its load.
So after consulting the officers on board, decided to put some of the
cargo on shore, in preference to throwing it overlx)ard when stuck in
the sand. We therefore piled 138 bags of oats on the left bank, say 35
miles from the landing. After starting again, we got badly stuck in
the sand, and got off with the greatest difficulty ; even with the lighten-
ed barge nearly all hands having to get into the water. We had the
same experience every day since, the men having to get out several
times a day, but we got on faster, and my anxiety was relieved by hav-
ing come up with the main body. We had no one on l)oard who bad
any experience in river navigation. Major Gartshore proved to be the
"navigator," and he was invaluable, assisted by .Sergt. Jacobs, whose
services are worthy of special mention.

I have the honor to Ix;, Sir,

Vour obedient servant,

A. M. Smith,

Major 7th Fusiliers.

Clark's Crossing, N. W. T., 20th May, 1885.
Sir :— I have the honor to report, that on the loth inst. I left the
Saskatchewan Landing in charge of barge "Capt. Leonard"; having on
board 30 Officers, N. C. Officers and men, as follows :— 5 Officers, 4
N. C. Officers, 21 men, being part of Companies 2 and 4, 7th Fusiliers;
also their necessaries and a large cargo of oats. At 9 a. m. we got
stranded, our men having to take to the water, and after two hours
hard work succeeded in floating her. At 3 p. m. we again grounded,
and labored until 6.30 p. m. in the water without any effect ; we then
rested for the night, and tried it again early in the morning, without
any hope of success. About 6 p. m. a small boat arrived from Major
Smith, 7th Fusiliers, asking the trouble. I informed him by letter, stating
that unless he sent help to take me off, I would have to unload on the
following morning. I received a message to save the cargo, if possible ;
but if I could not, to unload. After working until 10 a.m., I de-

• 36

cided to unload, and, in order to save the oats as much as possible,
I made a base of hay bales, and piled the oat bags on top, leaving them
high and dry, about 20 miles from the landing on the right side. We
continued getting stranded four to six times each day, our men having
in most cases to strip and remain from a-half to two hours each time
until Saturday. On that day, about 10 a. m. , I noticed the Capt. J. A.
McDonald stuck fast, with all the men in the water ; although far in
advance, I thought it proper to "snub-up" and wait, on account of her
being the last boat. She got loose about 2 p. m. , and we sailed in
company until 5 p. m., when both got stranded. The men of both
boats got out and worked on my boat, but could not free her until we
unloaded, which we did ; and cleaned her out. When cleaning her out,
we found a quantity of oats and water (eight inches) in the hold. It
took us until 9 a. m. Sunday t^ get her loaded and floating again.
During the entire time we were separated from the flotilla ; the reveille
was sounded at 3.30 a. m., and we ran till dark, making every efibrt to
counteract our difficulty.

Before closing this report, I beg leave to draw your attention to the
helpless condition my boat was left in. Our rations were so limited
that I had to limit my men to three, and afterwards to two hard tacks
per day, while I understand some of the flotilla had plenty and to
spare. And I assure you, if it had not been for the timely aid rendered
us by your boat, our men might have suffered from hunger.

I beg leave also to state the absence of any medical assistance. A
number came from the water attacked with cramps, and we were per-
fectly helpless. We met with several accidents to the boat, and found
no tools for repairs on board, which also caused delay.
I have the honor to remain. Sir,

Your obedient servant,

R. Dillon, Captain.

Clark's Crossing, 20th May, 1885.

Sir : — I have the honor to report, that I was in command of the
barge "General Middleton ;" left the landing at 9 a.m. on Monday,
May nth, arrived here at 10 a.m. W^ednesday, May 20th.

The third day out, on account of high winds and swift current, we
ran into a long creek (about 4 miles in length), coming into shallow

water, where we found it totally impossible to get out ; and after trying
every means in our power— digging in the water with spades, etc., men
being in the water from 3 p.m. .to 9 p.m., and from daylight to 9 a.m.—
we were under the necessity of dumping out 60 bags of oats. The
sixth day we took over from Col. Deacon's barge 25 bags. Our men
were in the water repeatedly every day, and acted splendidly, their con-
duct being worthy of the highest praise ; arriving here without further
loss of cargo.

I have the honor to be, Sir,

Your obedient servant, -^'

Edward McKenzie,

Captain 7th Fusiliers.

Clark's Crossing, 19th May, 1885,
Sir :— I beg to report, that on the morning of the second day out I
took command of barge " Boyd and Crowe." That on the third day,
late in the afternoon, after having all the men in the water for from 5 to
6 hours, I was compelled to throw from 40 to 50 bags of oats in the
river, in order to float the barge. That, thereafter we found the barge
floated all right, although it was repeatedly necessary for the men to get
out and work the boat off" sand-bars. Arrived at Clark's Crossing
about 4 p.m. Sunday, without further loss of cargo.

I have, etc.,

George M. Reid,

Lt. and Adjt. 7th Fusiliers.

Camp, Clark's Crossing, 20th May, 1885.
Sir : — I have the honor to report, that I was in charge of the barge
"General Laurie," which left Saskatchewan Landing at about 8 a.m.
on the nth inst, and arrived here at i p.m. on the i8th, having on
board Sections i, 3 and 4 of No. 2 Company, 7th Fusiliers, making a.
total, including myself, of 32 souls. We experienced considerable diffi-
culty in navigating the river, and each day frequently run aground on
shoals, the men at such times having to undress and jump into the river
m order to push the barge n to the proper channel, which the men in-
variably did willingly and with great energy. We succeeded in bring-
ing in our full cargo, with the exception of two bags of oats, which burst

38 .

in several places owing to the inferior quality of the canvas. From the
same cause a small quantity of oats were spilled, and are now lying in
a loose state amongst the bags. Our oars were broken several times,
and having no tools on board with which to repair them, we were put
to great inconvenience and delay, and were finally obliged to put ashore
and construct new oars as best we could, lashing the several timbers to-
gether with ropes. Had it not been for these mishaps, we should have
arrived much earlier.

I have, etc.,

W. R. Greig,
Lieut. No. 2 Co., 7th Fusiliers.

Camp, Clark's Crossing, May 20th, 1885.
Sir :— I have the honor to teport, that I was on board the barge
"Capt. Kerr," which left the landing about 9-15 a.m., nth May, being
attached to three others. After a few hours, however, we were dis-
connected, to release us from a sand-bar, and continued the trip alone.
On the second day out Capt. Kerr and Mr. Boyd came on board, the
clerk and cook being already there. This made a total of 35 souls on
board. We had considerable trouble in navigating the river, men
having to strip and jump into the water many times, in order to get
back into the proper channel, in many cases which looked hopeless.
After working hard for hours we invariably succeeded, the men working
cheerfully and with energy ; we had trouble also from the oars breaking
often at critical times. We succeeded in bringing in our cargo entire,
with the exception of one bale of hay which slipped overboard as Capt'
Kerr was endeavoring to move it to another part of the boat. We
should have arrived sooner at our destination, if we had not waited
for stragglers.

I have, etc. ,

Harry Bapty,

Lieut. 7th Fusiliers.

Camp, Clark's Crossing, 19th May, 1885.
Sir :— I have the honor to report with reference to the trip of ^he
double barge " Major Smith and Capt. Evans," as follows :— We left
Saskatchewan Landing on Monday morning, nth inst., at about 8

o'clock, and arrived here on Sunday following at about 6 p.m. On the
second day after leaving we stranded, and after working vainly for four
hours, I ordered the oats to be carried ashore. Accordingly, about 250
sacks were left on the north shore, I should think about sixty or seventy
miles from the place of embarkation. About fifty miles as near as I
can judge from here, having become "very badly stranded again, and
being too far from shore to land the oats, I ordered sacks to be thrown
overboard, and about 51 were dumped into the river. We stranded on
the average two or three times a day. The oars on the barges were
very weakly constructed, and after the second day out had to be con-
stantly repaired, and as we had not the proper appliances, great diffi-
culty was experienced in doing so. We had strong head winds for
about three days, and the constant battling with wind and waves was
all the more unfortunate on account of the defective oars. I consider
it would have been almost impossible to have taken the barges through
with the heavy cargo on board, — and the oats were not removed until
every effort had been made to move the barges without doing so.

I have, etc.,

S. Frank Peters, Capt.,

No. 5 Co. 7th Fusiliers.

Report of run down the Saskatcheivan River from Saskatche^van

Landing to Clark's Crossings by Capt. T. Tracy, Commanding

part of '' C" Co., on board *' Sir John McD."

Sir : — Left the Landing on Monday, nth May, four boats being in
company, containing "A" and "C" Companies. During the after-
noon all struck a sand-bar, and the boats had to be separated before
getting off, the men and officers having to jump into the water and work
very hard to do so. The trip from that out was a succession of good
runs, and bad sticks on sunken sand-bars, and our boats being very
heavily loaded, it sometimes took us hours to work into deep water
again, some of the men suffering rather severely from being forced to
work so long in the water. We managed to keep all our load on till
about the south end of the "White Cap" Indian Reserve, where we
siuCK very bacily, and if v^apt. xjinovi s boat havt not nappcncM lO be
fast in the same place, so that we could unite our forces in getting the
boats off separately, we could not possibly have got away. We

labored for over six and one-half hours in the water, attempting to
move the boat, and at last were forced to leave part of our cargo piled
on the beach, and place some more in Capt. Dillon's boat after we got
his free. I was sorry to have to do this, but as we were getting short
of provisions, it could not be avoided. All the men worked very hard
throughout, and deserve great praise, as our day's work lasted from four
a.m. to eight p.m. But owing to the shifting nature of the channel
and the great number of sand-bars, we were unable to reach Clark's
Crossing till Wednesday, the 20th inst., being in all nearly ten days
on the way. I have, etc.,

Thos. H. Tracy, Capt.,

"C" Co., 7th Fusiliers.

A MIDI^IGHT ALARM.

By Lieut. Charles F. Cox, 7th Fusiliers.
O'er a high bank, the rising moon

Had shed its first faint ray ;
And 'neath the shadow of the hills
The " Sir John Macdonald " lay.

A good flat-bottomed lx»at v/as she,

Composed of planks and nails ;
A good long sweep at either end.

But ne'er a sign of sails.

Her weather-beaten hull had braved

The wash of cross-grained waves ;
Her hold was filled with oats withal,

And some Ontario braves.

Without the ship a chosen brave

Paced up and down the land,
And through the night this sentry bold

Watched o'er our little band.

His eagle eye scanned every bush

Vic vOuiu u lOciiiuu nuvcr ;

And eagerly he strained each ear

For sounds from hidden cover.

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The orders strict, no doubt, had filled

His mind with anxious fear,
Lest some base-minded Indian

Should scalp his comrades dear.

So up and down he paced the beach

Till nearly twelve o'clock,
When suddenly his high-strung nerves

Received a dreadful shock.

Some poor misguided rabbit had —

No doubt, in search of food —
Stepped heavier than intended

On a small dead bit of wood.

Of course it broke, the rabbit squeaked,

And on the midnight sky,
Our chosen vigilant was shocked

To hear the dreadful cry.

" Halt ! Who comes there ?" he cried aloud ;-

Poor bunnie answered not.
And so throughout the stillness rang

A wild, alarming shot.

Awake ! awake ! stand by your guns —

Gird all your armor on !
And soon we stood in battled front

On board the good ** Sir John."

But still no foe swooped down the hill ;

No bullet pierced the air ;
No painted warrior sought to twist

His fingers in our hair.

And thus we fought a glorious fight,—

One shot, and it was won ;
And thus we scared a rabbit brave,

And made the varmint run.

c. ••

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4»

No men could more courageous be,
Nor clothes more quickly don,

Than did Ontario's braves that night
On board the good " Sir John."

SEVENTH FUSILIERS.

Air: "British Grenadiers."

We fight beneath the Union Jack,
That floats around the world ;
'}. In every land beneath the sun
Our banner is unfurled.
':• - And step Jjy step, and side by side,
With the British Grenadiers,
■ Will march the pets of Canada, —
The Seventh Fusiliers,

Chorus : —

Then step by step, and side by side,
With the British Grenadiers, —

Will march the pets of Canada,
The Seventh Fusiliers.

Our packs upon our sturdy backs,

Our rifles in our hands ;
Our Willing feet kept steady beat

Behind the best of bands ;
And every eye emits a beam.

And every voice it cheers,
For those paragons of soldiers.

The Seventh Fusiliers.

Chorus :— Then step by step, etc.

When Bonaparte in days of old

Attacked the boys in red,
TLey quickly knocked him off his pins.

And stood him on his head.

And if a foeman should appear
In the land we all revere,

He'll fine, the same old fighting stuff
In each vSeventh Fusilier.

Chorus : — Then step by step, etc.

We put our trust in Providence,

But keep our bayonets bright ;
We do not care to bark, because

We find it best to bite ;
Some talk, you see, of Battery " B"

And the Toronto Grenadiers ;
But the proper model infantry

Is the Seventh Fusiliers.

Chorus :— Then step by step, etc.

WHEN THE BOYS COME HOME AGAIN.

Air: "IVkateverVouLike."
To troubled regions far away,

We see our comrades go ;
With spirits dauntless, light and gay

They advance to quell the foe ;
They'll all prove true, dear home, to you,

Thy laws they will sustain,
And shouts of praise the land shall raise.

When the boys come home again.

Chorus : —

When the boys come home again,
When our boys come home again,- -
And sounds of joy shall reach the sky,
WTien our boys come home again.

Ah ! many a thrilling tale they'll tell
Of "hardships they've gone through,

Yet how they to their country's trust
Were ever fast and true ;

And of marches long they spent in song,

And bore the trying strain ;
So grand shall be the jubilee,

When the boys come home again.

Chorus : — When the lx)ys come home again, etc.

Their every sweetheart shall rejoice,

Her absent love to see.
And eyes in parting wet with tears,

Shall beam with heartfelt glee ;
The struggle done, the victory won,

Then peace again shall reign ;
Fond lips shall meet in kisses sweet,

WTien the boys come home again.

Chorus :— When the boys come home again, etc.

DOWN THE RIVER.

Air: " Blue Alsatian Mountains:

Down the dark Saskatchewan River,
In those good flat-bottomed boats.

Through the home of the otter and beaver.
Floated we with the government oats-
Floated we with the government oats

And we posted out our sentries.
While we slept dark nights out ;

And we slumbered in blissful silence,
Till we heard the sentry shout :

Chorus :— -

Turn out ! Turn out ! Turn out !

Your dreams I must dispel,
For the Indians are upon us, —

Soon we'll hear their savage yell.

Now we've passed those treacherous Indians,
And we rest here in our tents ;

And each day we nibble our hard-tack,
And slug oats for fifty cents —
And sKig oats for fifty cents —

But at night our dreams are broken,
By the memory of that shout,

And we fancy we hear the Sergeant-Major
Say : " The oats are afloat— Turn out ! "
Chorus :— Turn out, etc.

Now, when the war is over,

And we're home with friends again,
No cruel reveille shall wake us,

And we'll live like civilized men —

And we'll live like civilized men ; —
Where no oats will e'er need slugging,

No hard -tack and no flat boats ;
Where there'll be no infernal tugging

To save the government oats.
Chorus : —

Turn out ! Turn out ! Turn out !

The same as in the lx)ats,
For the river is rapidly rising

And we must move the oats.

THROUGH THE "GAPS."

Come, gather, lads, together, and we'll sing a little song
About the 7th Fusiliers, with voices loud and strong ;
We're short and tall, but good men all, as ever drew a sword,
And able each and all to clear the "gaps."
Chorus : —

Then hurrah ! hurrah ! we're 7th Fusiliers ;

Hurrah ! hurrah ! our hearts are dead to fears ;

rVe re a roanng, rollicking, joiiy crowd,

And we're bound to carry it through ;

Whether in or out of the Lake Superior "gaps."

46
Withj, G.lo„el .all, an.l „„r Majors »„„-.ll, and long, and thin! and

^"'or coR "" '"■""^' ""'' '"''' """""=■' '""«• '« '"^ '^-'h" ho"

While we are marchinj,' through the " gaps."

Chorus :— Then hurrah, etc.
Captain Peter,, to hea.l the list „f our Company Officers ranks,

.Lt";a™s. "'' ^"''"' McKenzie, and Dillon all full of

And they're good for a twenty-mile march across the ■' gaps."
Chorus :— Then hurrah, etc.

°" a^fdlme"" "" ''""''*' ""'' '"^' '" "'' ''"'• "'' ''"''''>■'» ^°' 80«
^'^cl'ri'r- ^"" ''^•''^' -" '^-*. -^ Chisholm, and

"Tp wttgi:!'""^^' ^"" ''"'^'^"J°--'»-»'"ays iceep
While we are marching through the " gaps."
Chorus :- -Then hurrah, etc.

^"' bU fester"' '''"^' ""^''^ ""'' "°' '"^ ^' '°"^' "'"'' "'^^'^ ^^ «""g ^

"^tZ^Slc^T" ^''"' ^^ '""^'^^ ^^^' assisted by Ca.pl>.,,
We will all charge— gallantly charge across the "gaps ! "

^0.

The following Staff-Sergeants accompanied the regiment :— Sergeant-
Major, R. J. Byrne ; Quartermaster Sergeant, J. Jury ; Orderly Room
Clerk, J. Conroy ; Paymaster Sergeant, Smythe ; Hospital Sergeant,
A. Campljell Bugler- Major, J. Page.

The following reporters accompanied the regiment :— Mr. Mclntyre,
Free Press ; Mr. Hutchinson, Advertiser.

The followmg are the names of a few places passed through en route
to Winnipeg. The spelling is all right, but the pronunciation— oh !—
Walniapitae, Sudbury, Vermillion, Onaping River, Pogamasing,
Spanish River, Eureka, Biscotasing, Woman River, Wakamagamsing,
Nemogosenda River, Lake Otowagama, Lake Kebsquashesing, Lake
Kawnemeksewska, Lake Maquestigwnda, Nipissi River, Lake
Oganuisigiw.