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Enterid according to Act ol Ihe Parliamp.nt of Canada, in 
 the year Nineteen Hundred and Seven, at ihe Depart- 
 ment of Ai/riculture. by Louis M. Fresco 
 
The Honourable Sir F. W. Borden, K.C.M.G., M.D., M.P. 
 Minister of Militia since July 13th, 1896. 
 
The Canadian Militia 
 
 A HISTORY OF THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE FORCE 
 
 by 
 
 Captain Ernest J. Chambers 
 
 (Corps of Guides) 
 
 Author of tile liistories of The 1st Prince of Wales' Regiment; The 3rd (Montreal) Field Battery; The 2nd Queen's Own Rifles; The Montreal 
 
 Highland Cadet Battalion; The Governor General's Body Guards; The lOlh Royal Grenadiers; 1 he 43rd Duke of Cornwall's 
 
 Own Rifles; The 5th Royal Highlanders of Canada; "Le 65me Carabiniers Mont Royal"; The Royal Norlh- 
 
 Wesl Mounted Police; The 90lh Winnipeg Rifles, Etc. Etc. 
 
 L.M. FRESCO. - MONTREAL 
 PublUker 
 
 THE MORTIMER PRESS, OTTAWA-MONTREAL 
 

 • • • • 
 
 • ■ • • • 
 
 • • • • • 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
 Page 
 PREFACE. 7 
 
 CHAPTER I. — The Canadian Militia of the French Regime 9 
 
 CHAPTER II. — The Change of Flags and Transfer of Allegiance. — Military Rule in Canada. — 
 
 The First British Canadian Militia 15 
 
 CHAPTER III. — Sir Guy Carleton's Militia and Volunteers 20 
 
 CHAPTER IV. — The Upper Canada Militia. — ^The Original Organization under Governor Simcoe.— 
 
 The War of 1812 and The Rebellion of 1837-38 33 
 
 CHAPTER V. — The Militia of Lower Canada. — The Principles of the French Militia System 
 Retained. — The Royal Canadian Volunteers. — Lower Canadian Militia and Volunteer Corps 
 of 1812-14 and 1837.— The Militia a Butt of Political Discord 44 
 
 CHAPTER VI.— The Militia of United Canada.— The Mother Country While Conceding Self 
 Government to Canada Expects Her to do More in Her Own Defence. — The Trent Aflfair and 
 Fenian Raids. — The Militia Becomes a National Defensive Force Instead of a Mere Auxiliary to 
 the Regular Army 61 
 
 CHAPTER VII.— The Maritime Province Militia 76 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. — Militia of the Dominion. — The First Dominion Militia Act and Amending 
 Legislation.— The Fenian Raids of 1870 and 1871.— The Red River Expeditions. The North- 
 west Rebellion and The South African War. — Canada's Defensive Force Emerges From The 
 Experimental Stage 87 
 
 CHAPTER IX. — Recent Developments. — The Canadian Militia Becomes an Effective Army With 
 Its Own Staff and Departmental Organizations And Arsenals. — Canada Assumes The Whole 
 Responsibility of Keeping the L^nion Jack Flying in North America. — Departure of the Last 
 British Regulars 104 
 
 m2^o:k)9 
 
PREFACE 
 
 THE remarkable progress made by Canada during the past eight or ten years 
 in the development of her natural resources, in the extension of her domestic 
 industries and in the expansion of her internal and foreign commerce, has 
 been accompanied by a development of wholesome national military spii;it and by 
 an expansion of the defensive force of the Dominion just as noteworthy and 
 unquestionably just as essential to the continued prosperity and happiness of 
 the inhabitants of the Dominion as a people. 
 
 T[The sound, sober military spirit which permeates the loyal and patriotic popula- 
 tion of Canada is unquestionably one of the most valuable assets of this great 
 country. History proves beyond all cavil that the continued possession of a ster- 
 ling military spirit is absolutely essential to-llie preservation of the liberty, the 
 material prosperity, the higher standards of moral and religious life, and the true 
 happiness of nations. Ancient empires like Assyria, Babylonia, Egypt, Phoenicia 
 and Lydia, only succumbed when the virile military spirit which had established 
 their prosperity and glory was extinguished. When the Lydians, during a momen- 
 tary revival of national military spirit, endeavored to throw off the Persian yoke, 
 Cyrus (559-531 B.C.) decided that the subjugation of the proud race should be 
 crushing and final. He did not lay the rebellious country waste nor put its people 
 to the sword. The Lydians were fabulously rich, so much so that the name of their 
 king Croesus to this day stands as a synonym for vast wealth. Cyrus, who com- 
 bined the wisdom of a philosopher with the skill and courage of a mighty con- 
 queror, decided that the national wealth of the Lydians coupled with the oblitera- 
 tion of the military spirit prevailiiig among them should be made to work the 
 nation's death. They were deprived of their arms and all trophies and monuments 
 recalling past military glories. They were forbidden to practice military evolutions 
 or anything resembling them, and were actually compelled to live in the idle enjoy- 
 ment of the wealth they possessed, in order that the race might become demora- 
 lized and effeminate. This policy soon accomplished its purpose. 
 
 IThanks to the oft-recurring outbreaks of unfriendliness among sections of the 
 people of the neighbouring but not always neighbourly repul)lic, and to the deep- 
 rooted determination of the Canadian people, begotten of their royalist stock, to 
 preserve inviolate at all costs the territory of Canada as the home of British par- 
 liamentary institutions and the ark of true freedom in North America, there has 
 always been more or less military spirit in this country, and the existence of 
 the Canadian Militia, even during the periods of most pronounced neglect, has 
 done not a little to foster and nourish it. 
 
 IThe South African War stimulated the military spirit in Canada as it had not 
 been for years; and in demonstrating the mighty scope which existed for co- 
 operation between the Mother Country and her daughter nations in defence of 
 the Empire, at once raised the Canadian Militia from the level of a mere auxiliary 
 of the regular army, liable to be called upon to furnish men, and perhaps a few 
 selected officers, in cases of local emergency, to the status of a powerful and 
 necessary unit of the Imperial defensive force. 
 
 IfThe Canadian people and the Canadian Militia have manfully assumed the 
 increased responsibility, and the intervening few years have seen an incompletely 
 organized, a poorly supported, and an oft-neglected militia transformed into an 
 effective army with a carefully selected and trained staff, with modern armaments 
 and equipment, and with its own arsenals, magazines and departments. 
 
PREFACE— Cmitinued 
 
 ^And Canada, possessing, as her oft-tried loyalty well warrants, the absolute con- 
 fidence of the Mother Country, has dutifully and proudly assumed the full respon- 
 sibility of keeping the flag of the Empire flying in the northern half of this continent. 
 The last soldier on the pay rolls of His Majesty's regular army has left Canadian 
 soil. 
 
 ^A new epoch in the history of the Canadian forces has been reached, and the time 
 seems opportune for taking a glance backward and for reviewing the various stages of 
 the development of the Canadian Militia. It might now, more correctly, be styled 
 the Canadian Army. 
 
 1[For many years the writer has had in contemplation the production of a volume 
 or series of volumes giving, in comprehensive detail, a record of the origin, develop- 
 ment and services of the Canadian Militia, and he hopes yet to carry out that idea. 
 When he was first approached by the publishers of this book and invited to under- 
 take the writing of it, he hesitated somewhat, as the time and space placed at his 
 disposal were limited; but realizing that the volume proposed could hardly fail 
 to be of immediate practical use to his comrades of the militia and others in- 
 terested, for a book of the kind has been long needed, he agreed to do the work. 
 
 TJThe Minister of Militia, Sir Frederick Borden, had been already interviewed by 
 the publishers and kindly expressed his approval. He also most courteously 
 promised the writer that any departmental information he required should be 
 placed at his disposal. 
 
 fOn account of the lack of space at his command the author found that it was 
 impossible in this volume to give more than a passing notice to the campaigns of 
 the Militia, deeming it of more practical importance to trace the development 
 of the force and to record the successive changes which have taken place in its 
 organization and internal administration. 
 
 ^Thanks have to be accorded to Doctors De Celles and Griffin, Librarians of Parlia- 
 ment, and to their staff of the Parliamentary Library, Ottawa, more particularly 
 to Lieut. -Colonel A. H. Todd and Messrs. Sylvain and MacCormac; to Dr. Arthur 
 Doughty, CM. G., Dominion Archivist; to Colonel F. L. Lessard, Adjutant-General 
 of Militia; to Colonel D. A. MacDonald, Quartermaster-General; to J.W.Borden, 
 Accountant and Paymaster-General; to Major R. J. Wicksteed, author of a most 
 interesting pamphlet on the militia (1875); to Mr. Lane, Librarian of the Militia 
 Department; to Major Irving, of the Canadian Military Institute, Toronto, and 
 to a large number of military and literary friends who have placed material 
 and pictures at the author's disposition. 
 
 ^There is in the Dominion Archives a veritable mine of invaluable information 
 with reference to the infancy of the Canadian defensive force, and it must be a 
 subject for congratulation to all interested in the force to know that this material 
 is being so skilfully and carefully arranged that it will be directly and usefully avail- 
 able to them. In the preparation of the following pages the Archives have been 
 largely drawn upon and so have the annual reports of the Militia Department, 
 parliamentary papers and the Hansards of the Senate and House of Commons. 
 
 ERNEST J. CHAMBERS. 
 325 Daly Ave., Ottawa, July 1, 1907. 
 
CHAPTER I 
 
 THE CANADIAN MILITIA OF THE FRENCH REGIME 
 
 ALTHOUGH as it at present exists, the Canadian 
 Militia* system bears the impress of the 
 influences of the old miUtia organizations of 
 England rather than that of those of New France, 
 there are many points of connection entitling the 
 present Militia of the Dominion of Canada to 
 claim some sort of relationship to the gallant 
 Canadian Militia of the French Regime. The 
 Act of Capitulation of Montreal, cancelling the 
 authority of the King of France in Canada, of 
 course voided, or to be more accurate, for the capitu- 
 lation, was subject to subsequent treaty, suspended 
 that sovereign's commissions in the colony, including 
 those of the officers of Militia. But the ink upon the 
 document in question was scarcely dry before the 
 British authorities provided for the recommissioning 
 of such of the militia officers as would take the oath 
 of allegiance. True, the object of the British wa.s to 
 obtain the services of the officers of the old Canadian 
 Militia in their civil rather than in their military 
 capacities. But it was the old militia organization 
 which was temporarily revived under British auth- 
 ority, nevertheless. After the formal cession by treaty 
 of Canada to Britain the French commissions were 
 cancelled by ordinance, but the authorities appear to 
 have availed themselves of the good offices of the 
 militia captains, and it was they who were relied upon 
 to raise and command the first British Canadian 
 
 armed force raised in Montreal, Quebec and Three 
 Rivers in 1764 for use in the operations against the 
 western Indians. Similarly it was the officers of the 
 old French militia who raised and officered the most 
 of the volunteer corps which served, not only in re- 
 pelling the American invasion of 1775-76, but rendered 
 good service with the Loyalist armies during the 
 revolutionary campaigns in what is now the United 
 States. And when the first colonial acts respecting 
 the organization of a militia under the British rule 
 were drafted the militia laws and practices of tlie old 
 regime were taken into consideration and had a 
 marked effect on the legislation in question. As to 
 the personnel of the first Canadian militia under 
 British rule, the muster rolls of that period could be 
 easily mistaken for those of the splendid but poorly 
 appreciated militia that rendered such fine service 
 under Montcalm and de Levis, so many of the officers 
 who hat! fought so valiantly to uphold the fleurs-de- 
 lys, accepting similar appointments under the Union 
 Jack. To all effects and purposes the first Canadian 
 militia organized under the British regime was the 
 same body as had served the Bourbons so well before 
 the Capitulation of Montreal. 
 
 Few people realize what a powerful force the militia 
 of the old French colony was. The year of the first 
 battle of the Plains of Abraham, 1759, Montreal con- 
 tained 4,000 inhabitants, and yet the militia organiza- 
 
 *The word "militia" (from the Latin miles, a soldier) is generally con- 
 sidered by encyclopedists and historians as meaning that portion of the 
 military strength of a nation enrollpd for discipline and instruction, hut 
 local in its orsanization, and enffaiied in active service only in case of emer- 
 gency, the organized national reserve in fact. Clearly, from the derivation 
 of the word, this present acknowledi^ed m'-anin^ was not its oriKtnal one, 
 and we know'*from parliamentary history that old English representatives 
 
 in the House of Commons, realizing the national dreatl of military dictator- 
 ship, objected to the application of the term "militia" to the constitutional 
 and popular branch of the defensive forces of the country. In the generally 
 accepted sense referred to the term is now a misnomer applied to the 
 defensive force of Canada, for what we call the ' 'Active Militia" is the Domin- 
 ion' s first line of defence, and includes a force (small it is true), of perman- 
 ently embodied troops — regulars — with a complete permanent staff. 
 
 9 
 
tion of the province was so perfect, that Montreal 
 alone had a militia force of about 1,000 men on service 
 in the field. This enrollment of such a large pro- 
 portion of the population was accomplished by the 
 aid of the Feudal law of Fiefs. 
 
 Under the French Militia Ordinances, based upon 
 this law, every man in the colony, the clergy and 
 noblesse excepted, was required to enroll himself 
 in the militia. The military administrative organiza- 
 tion in each district, outside of Quebec, where the 
 colonial administration was located, consisted of a 
 Governor, a Lieutenant du Roi and a Town Major, 
 all under salary. In every parish there was a Captain 
 of Militia, responsible for the drill and good order of 
 his men, while the seigneurs were generally commis- 
 sioned as colonels. The Governors, in cases of 
 emergency, decided what quotas were required from 
 each seigniory and town and forwarded a requisition 
 therefor to the Town Majors and Seigneurs. These 
 officials in turn decided upon the strength of the 
 quotas of the various parishes, and requisitioned 
 the Captains of Militia therefor, the Captains raising 
 the men by a draft, and marching them under escort 
 into the nearest town where the Town Major fur- 
 nished each militiaman with arms and clothing. 
 
 Many duties of a civil nature in connection with 
 the administration of the law, the regulation of statute 
 labour, and the making and maintenance of roads, 
 bridges and other public utilities were imposed upon 
 the Captains of Militia, these useful officials being 
 compensated for their services in time of peace by 
 grants of powder and ball. At least from the year 
 1754 until the Capitulation of Montreal every parish 
 was a garrison, commanded by a Captain of Militia, 
 whose authority was not only acknowledged but 
 rigidly enforced. From the date first mentioned 
 until the appearance of Saunders' fleet in the St. Law- 
 rence, the militia of Quebec, Montreal and Three 
 Rivers was frequently exercised, the Quebec militia 
 including a carefully trained artillery company which 
 performed good service during the siege. 
 
 The clothing supplied the militiaman can scarcely 
 be described as a uniform. At the embodiment of the 
 levies the Town Mayor furnished each militiaman 
 with a gun, a capote, a Canadian cloak, a breech 
 clout, a cotton shirt, a cap, a pair of leggings, 
 a pair of Indian shoes and a blanket. The old 
 Canadian militiaman during the French regime 
 must certainly have looked more serviceable than 
 soldierly, particularly to the critical eyes of those 
 used to the prim, tight-laced soldiers of those days. 
 But he showed in the field and forest that he could 
 do the work required of him. 
 
 10 
 
 After receiving their equipments, the militiamen 
 were marched to the garrison for which they were 
 destined. The French authorities do not appear to 
 have made any serious attempt, apart from the case 
 of the Quebec artillery company, to make trained line 
 soldiers or artillerymen out of the militia. They pre- 
 ferred to rely upon the smart professional soldiers 
 of the Carignan, Languedoc, Bearne, Guienne 
 La Sarre, Berry and Royal Roussillon regiments 
 and the Troupes de la " Marine" for the line of battle, 
 leaving to the militia the just as dangerous, and con- 
 sidering the country, just as important, functions of 
 partisans and bushrangers. As the country was not 
 suitable for cavalry, the commanders depended largely 
 upon the militia for the important duties of the scouting 
 and intelligence service. Consequently, while clothing 
 the peasant soldiery in a fashion as much unlike the 
 military uniform of the day as anything well could be, 
 the French officers made no attempt to instill into the 
 ranks of the militia any idea of drill and discipline 
 beyond such as was necessary to secure a fair show of 
 order while on the march. The employment as scouts 
 and skirmishers was congenial to the warlike race, 
 and they readily came forward whenever the war drum 
 sounded. 
 
 Sometimes the old French Canadian militia dressed 
 exactly like their Indian allies. Some of the Canadian 
 prisoners captured in affairs of outposts during Wolfe's 
 siege of Quebec were naked, with their bodies daubed 
 with red and blue paint, and with bunches of painted 
 feathers in their hair. According to Parkman, they 
 were said to use the scalping knife as freely as the 
 Indians, in which respect they resembled the New 
 England Rangers. 
 
 The old French militia was, according to War- 
 burton, generally reviewed once or twice a year for 
 the inspection of their arms; that of Quebec was 
 frequently exercised, and the artillery company at- 
 tached thereto was very efficient. 
 
 During the Anglo-Indian French war, says Rogers 
 in his "Rise of Canada," in 1754 to be exact, when 
 the English American colonists had determined upon 
 the four expeditions against Crown Point, Niagara 
 and the French fortresses in Nova Scotia and on the 
 Ohio, the Marquis du Quesne, then Governor of 
 Canada, organized the militia of Quebec and Montreal; 
 minutely inspected and disciplined the militia of the 
 seigniories, and atctahed considerable bodies of regular 
 artillery to every garrison. When the Marquis de 
 Vaudreuil de Cavagnac arrived in 1775 to succeed 
 du Quesne, he found all Canada in arms. 
 
 The French governors undoubtedly appreciated 
 
the value of the force, and when the last decisive 
 struggle was impending, at the close of the year 1758, 
 the Marquis de Vaudreuil issued a proclamation to the 
 officers of the Canadian militia to excite their zeal 
 and quicken their activity in preparations for resist- 
 ance. "Notwithstanding our glorious successes," said 
 he, " the state of the colony is perilous. No time must 
 be lost m organizing our defence." He then directed 
 that all the male inhabitants of the province, from 
 sixteen to sixty years of age, should be enrolled in the 
 militia, and should remain in readiness to march at a 
 moment's notice. The Captains of militia faithfully 
 endeavoured to comply with these orders, but the 
 habitants showed some disinclination to leave their 
 farms. In many cases the levies, under the law of 
 universal conscription, were carried out to the letter, 
 sections of the country remained waste, and eventually 
 the country was involved in a state of absolute famine. 
 On the occasion of this last appeal of the French 
 governor there was really a magnificent response, for, 
 at the time of the conquest, according to British 
 official returns, the effective militiamen of the colony 
 numbered 20,433 men, divided among the military 
 districts as follows: — Quebec, 64 companies or 7,976 
 men; Three Rivers, 19 companies, 1,115 men; Mont- 
 real, 87 companies, 7,331 men. 
 
 The "Troupes de la Marine," which formed the 
 permanent military establishment of Canada, might 
 be described as forming a part temporarily of the French 
 Colonial militia. Francis Parkman, in his pre-eminently 
 interesting and accurate volumes "Montcalm and 
 Wolfe," speaking of this force says :—" Though at- 
 tached to the naval department they served on land, 
 and were employed as a police within the limits of 
 the colony, or as garrisons of the outlying forts, where 
 their officers busied themselves more with fur trading 
 than with their military duties. Thus they had 
 become ill-disciplined and inefficient, till the hard 
 hand of du Quesne restored them to order. They 
 originally consisted of twenty-eight independent com- 
 panies, increased in 1750 to thirty companies, at first 
 of fifty, and afterwards of sixty-five men each, form- 
 ing a total of 1,950 rank and file. In March 1757, ten 
 more companies were added. They wore white uni- 
 forms of similar pattern to the line regiments, but with 
 black facings." 
 
 The colonies, in fact, were administered by the French 
 Department of Marine, which maintained an army of its 
 own, distinct from the Royal Army, for colonial service. 
 The officers of this service while on duty in Canada 
 signed themselves "Captain" or "Lieutenant," as 
 the case may be, "of a company of the troops detached 
 from the Marine, in Canada." 
 
 And, now, as to the origin of the French Militia in 
 Canada. Practically all of the first settlers, except 
 the priests, were soldiers, and equipped to do duty as 
 such. 
 
 Courage and self-sacrifice were required on behalf of 
 all concerned to maintain the little colony. Pestilence 
 and famine, the prowling savage, and the treacherous 
 courtier, combined to endanger the very existence of 
 the settlements; but the brave colonists, undaunted, 
 worked out the salvation of themselves and of New 
 France. The annals of this heroic period of Canadian 
 history have a peculiar fascination for the reader. 
 
 The population of the colony did not extend very 
 rapidly during its earliest years, but the geographical 
 bounds of its commercial activity increased tre- 
 mendously. Although the population of New France, 
 as compared with that of the English, Dutch and 
 Spanish colonies along the Atlantic seaboard, was 
 insignificant, the hardy pioneers of the colony on the 
 banks of the St. Lawrence pursued their explorations 
 completely around, and well beyond the spheres of in- 
 fluence of all rival colonies. New France had the 
 great advantage which Canada has to-day, of the 
 greatest inland waterway in the world, and so it came 
 that the Mississippi, the western prairies, and the 
 distant Rocky Mountains were discovered and first 
 explored by parties from this colony. 
 
 With the extension of the colony a purely commercial 
 element sprang up and developed, with other matters 
 to engage their attention than defence. The import- 
 ance of that question could not be overlooked by the 
 authorities, and we find as early as 1627 the first legal 
 enactment imposing military responsibility on the 
 population at large. On the date mentioned an order 
 was issued that all the male inhabitants of Port Royal 
 (now Annapolis, N.S.) were required to assist the 
 soldiers in garrison duty if needed. In 1648 mention 
 is made of the organization of some of the inhabitants 
 in Acadia and along the St. Lawrence into companies. 
 
 In 1649 the first call upon the inhabitants for actual 
 militia service appears to have been made. The whole 
 male population of the colony did not exceed 1,000 
 men, yet fifty men were called out and placed under 
 arms to assist in repelling one of the ever-recurring 
 Iroquois attacks. That same year 100 volunteers were 
 called out as a "camp volant" to patrol the country 
 between Montreal and Three Rivers, and this service 
 appears to have been maintained continuously until 
 1651. In 1653 was organized a sort of volunteer corps 
 of 63 men, known as the "Fraternity de la Tres Sainte 
 Vierge." In 1664 the whole male population of Mont- 
 real able to bear arms was enrolled as volunteers as a 
 precaution on account of threatened Indian troubles. 
 
 11 
 
And similar precautions were doubtless taken in the 
 other settlements. 
 
 A strong military element was about this time 
 bodily incorporated in the population of Canada. 
 When the Marquis de Tracy arrived to take over the 
 duties of Viceroy in 1664, he brought with him as 
 settlers the then newly disbanded regiment of Carignan- 
 Sallieres, which had returned to France after fighting 
 the Turks in Hungary. These men, who had aided 
 in setting bounds to Mahomedan encroachment, were 
 admirably adapted for settlement in a country in which 
 constant fighting was going on with the Iroquois and 
 the English colonists, and when the regiment returned 
 to France in 1669 many of its officers and men remained 
 in Canada, and their descendants are here to this 
 day. 
 
 Much of the glory of the first campaigns against 
 the Iroquois belonged to the Canadian levies. 
 
 April 3rd, 1669, the King of France wrote M. De 
 Courcelles, Governor of New France, to organize all 
 the male inhabitants of Canada into companies in 
 order to teach them the use of arms. (Canadian 
 Archives.) 
 
 Between 1674 and 1676 Frontenac, the iron governor 
 of New France, thoroughly reorganized the militia, 
 giving that body the form it retained up to 1759-60, the 
 able-bodied men of each parish or c6t6, forming a com- 
 pany of militia, " milices," to be brigaded in time of 
 war only. 
 
 May 16, 1677, an Edict was issued creating the 
 office of "Pr6v6t" in Canada, and providing for six 
 "officiers d'archers," to execute its ordinances and 
 decrees. 
 
 Although the internal organization was progressing, 
 the colonial officials felt the need of regular troops. 
 
 In 1679, M. de Frontenac, the Governor-General, 
 on account of trouble with the Iroquois and English, 
 wrote to the French government demanding re-inforce- 
 ments of troops. 
 
 In 1682, M. De La Barre, the then governor, again 
 appealed to the King for military aid to protect the 
 colony against the Iroquois. The same year M. de 
 Meules, intendant, writing on the state of the colony 
 to the minister, complained that there were no guard 
 houses for the troops in Montreal and Three Rivers. 
 The following year de La Barre wrote another letter 
 to the King renewing his request for troops to make 
 war upon the Iroquois, and petitioned His Majesty 
 to award a commission in the navy to a son of M. de 
 Saurel, recently deceased. In those early days the 
 ambition of young Canadians to serve in the regular 
 armed forces of the Crown was very marked, and 
 many of them served in the French army and navy 
 
 with distinction. November 12, 1707, M. de 
 Ramezay, Governor of Montreal, wrote the minister 
 thanking him for having appointed his son to a com- 
 mission in the Marine Guards. November 1st, 1711, 
 de Ramezay wrote to Governor Vaudreuil requesting 
 a commission for his second son, his first having been 
 killed the year before in an expedition to Brazil. 
 
 April 10, 1684, the King wrote M. de La Barre that 
 200 soldiers had been sent from France to assist the 
 colony. The Governor had, meantime, made pre- 
 liminary arrangements for a punitive expedition 
 against the Iroquois, causing a number of friendly 
 Indians to assemble at Fort Frontenac (now King- 
 ston), and reviewing them April 17th. June 5th, the 
 reinforcements from over the ocean not having arrived, 
 the Governor wrote to the minister praying that the 
 reinforcements asked for be sent or that he may be 
 permitted to resign and return to France. Meantime 
 de La Barre proceeded with his preparations for the 
 expedition, and assembled a force of Canadians and 
 Indians at Fort Frontenac and reviewed them there 
 Augu&t 14, 1684. 
 
 From this time forward drafts of the Canadian 
 militia were on almost constant service, and, according 
 to the reports of the commanding officers, acquitted 
 themselves with distinction. 
 
 In 1684, a company of Canadian militia from Cap 
 Rouge, commanded by Captain Denis Joseph Juch- 
 ereau de La Ferte, served in de La Barre's expedition 
 against the Iroquois, and this same militia officer 
 serving with d' Iberville in the Hudson Bay in 1689, 
 at the head of a party of Canadian militia, captured 
 near Fort Nelson, the English governor of New Severn. 
 
 During this period there was almost constant trouble 
 with the Iroquois, and the governors and other officials 
 were firmly convinced that the Indians were instigated 
 by the English colonists. The Chevalier de Callieres, 
 Governor of the Island of Montreal, was so firmly 
 convinced of this that he submitted a scheme to the 
 minister for the capture of New York, volunteering 
 to carry the scheme into execution himself chiefly with 
 militia. The proposition was favourably entertained 
 at Court, and instructions as to its execution issued to 
 Count de Frontenac, who had returned to Quebec as 
 Governor-General . 
 
 In his reports to the minister on the successful 
 repulse at Quebec of the British Colonial fleet under 
 Admiral Phipps in 1690, de Frontenac gave great 
 credit to the Canadians, and suggested that as a reply 
 to Phipps' expedition Boston be captured. 
 
 The drafting of so many of the inhabitants for 
 militia service caused considerable trouble in the 
 colony, shortages of crops often resulting. To obviate 
 
 12 
 
this danger constant demands were made for regular 
 troops. 
 
 In 1691, de Frontenac wrote the Kmg asking for 
 fresh regular troops, and September 15th, 1692, a 
 memorial was despatched to the minister by de Fron- 
 tenac, and M. de Champigny, the Intendant, setting 
 forward the urgent need for a thousand soldiers. 
 Similar requests were made in 1693, and in October of 
 the last-named year, some reinforcements were re- 
 ceived. 
 
 In a letter dated November 10, 1695, to the minister, 
 de Champigny and de Frontenac spoke of having 
 despatched 700 men to Fort Frontenac, and highly 
 praised the Canadians operating with the Royal 
 troops. The following year the old governor left 
 Montreal on his chief punitive expedition at the head 
 of 2,200 men, a large proportion of them militia. 
 
 The war party sent to the Boston country under 
 command of d'Eschaillons and de Rouville in 1708 
 was composed principally of Canadians. 
 
 October 18, 1708, M. Randot, Intendant, wrote to 
 the Minister with reference to salaries for Councillors, 
 Militia Captains, etc., the duties of the latter having 
 extended so considerably as to call for regular official 
 recognition. September 20, 1714, M. de Vaudreuil, 
 governor general, reported to the minister upon the 
 reorganization of the troops and militia. 
 
 In 1714, Governor de Vaudreuil forwarded a mem- 
 orandum to the Council of Marine on the danger to 
 Canada in the event of war with England, in view of 
 the small number of inhabitants able to bear arms. 
 The same year he forwarded another memorandum 
 on the same subject to the Duke of Orleans, Regent 
 of the kingdom. He contrasted the small number 
 of the inhabitants of Canada fit to bear arms with 
 the large proportion of English colonists. He asked 
 that regulars be sent out, and steps 'taken to settle 
 and fortify the colony in every way. 
 
 It was fully realized by the officials of the colony 
 that each succeeding year placed New France at an 
 increased military disadvantage compared with the 
 New England colonies, and every precaution was taken 
 to make the most of what military resources the colony 
 possessed. 
 
 Governor de Vaudreuil, May 22, 1725, wrote the 
 minister of Marine recommending that soldiers marry- 
 ing in Canada and settling here be allowed to retain 
 their muskets. This suggestion was apparently ad- 
 opted, and in September 28, 1726, M. De Beauharnois, 
 de Vaudreuil's successor, recommended that muskets 
 be also given to old soldiers who had previously 
 married and settled in the colony. In a letter dated 
 Quebec, October 17, 1830, Hocquart, the Intendant, 
 
 wrote acknowledging the receipt of permission to 
 distribute muskets to discharged soldiers remaining 
 in the colony. October 20th, 1727, M. Dupuy, In- 
 tendant, wrote to the Minister of Marine that an in- 
 creased public expenditure had been caused by the 
 assembling of militia to be sent to Choueguen. 
 
 In Quebec, the corps of militia artillery maintained 
 to assist the regular troops in the manipulation of the 
 big guns in that fortress, attained considerable dis- 
 tinction for its efficiency, and an official statement 
 dated Quebec, October 1, 1728, contains the names 
 of the burgesses and citizens of Quebec who presented 
 themselves in order to learn the gim drill during the 
 years 1725, 1726 and 1727. 
 
 About this time the French Government impressed 
 with the comparatively rapid development of the 
 military resources of the English colonies, and pro- 
 bably anxious to avoid the constant demands of the 
 Canadian governors for regular troops, drew the 
 attention of the officials in the colonies to the desir- 
 ability of husbanding the local resources. How well 
 the situation was appreciated in France is shown by 
 a document among the Dominion Archives. On the 
 24th of May, 1728, De Maurepas, Minister of Marine, 
 writing to M. Dupuis, then Intendant of Canada, 
 wrote: — "The policy of the people of New England 
 being to labour at the thorough cultivation of their 
 farms and to push on their settlements little by little, 
 when it comes to a question of removing to a distance 
 they will not consent to do so, because the expense 
 
 woidd fall upon themselves The settlers of 
 
 New France are of a different mind. They always 
 want to push on, without troubling themselves about 
 the settlement of the interior, because they earn more 
 and are more independent when they are further away. 
 The result of this difference in the mode of proceeding 
 is, that their colonies are more densely peopled and 
 better established than ours." 
 
 The exigencies of military service, however, made it 
 necessary to use the Canadian settlers on far distant 
 fields on militia service. When Celeron de Bienville, 
 June 15th, 1749, left Lachine on his celebrated ex- 
 pedition to the Valley of the Ohio, he had no less than 
 180 Canadian Militia with him, the rest of his force, 
 exclusive of Indians, being 14 officers and cadets and 
 20 soldiers. This was about the ordinary proportion 
 of regulars and militia of the numerous hard-fighting 
 war parties of those years, for after the departure of 
 the Carignan regiment the regular garrisons did not 
 exceed in the aggregate 300 men, and they were com- 
 manded by a Captain of Infantry. Six or seven extra 
 companies were sent to the colony, however, at 
 different times between 1684 and 1713-7. 
 
 The militia system in New France appears to have 
 
 13 
 
been in many respects in advance of that of the Mother 
 Country. "Les Milices Provinciales " of Old France 
 were auxiliary troops recruited upon emergency. 
 They comprised in principle all able-bodied men 
 between the ages of sixteen and forty, but exclusive 
 of the two first orders, the clergy and the nobility. 
 The lists', very arbitrary in practice, were drawn up 
 by the intendants. The King fixed by an ordinance 
 the number of men to be called out, and this number 
 was, in council, divided among the provinces. In each 
 province the intendant determined what contingent 
 was to be furnished by each community, and those 
 enrolled determined by lot who were to go with the 
 draft. The militia on being drawn were given three 
 francs, uniform and underclothing, the King charging 
 himself with the arms and equipment. The men so 
 drawn and equipped were eligible for service for ten 
 years, but they were not called out except in case of 
 war. During peace the regimental staffs (cadres) 
 only were maintained. This institution had its origin 
 in the militia of the Communes, and was first put into 
 
 effect by Louis XIV between 1688 and 1697, when a 
 temporary militia force of 25,000 men was maintained 
 in France. It became permanent in 1726 under the 
 administration of the Duke of Bourbon; but the first 
 drawing in Paris did not take place until March, 1743. 
 The militia of France in 1749 formed 40 regiments of two 
 battalions each, 13 of one, and 29 separate battalions. 
 The political government of Canada before the 
 conquest was very simple, if arbitrary, all power 
 practically residing in the Governor and Intendant, 
 the Council having little real power. Office, rank and 
 authority were divided among the gentry with due 
 degrees of subordination, the gentry being drawn into 
 still closer attachment to the governments of their 
 posts by commissions in the Provincial (Les Troupes 
 de la Marine) and Royal troops. As a matter of fact 
 the seigneurs owed their titles and estates to past 
 military services, and their capacity for rendering 
 valuable aid in the defence of the colony. This is 
 clearly shown by the instruments creating the various 
 seignories. 
 
 14 
 
CHAPTER II 
 
 THE CHANGE OF FLAGS 
 
 Military Rule in Canada. — The First British Canadian Militia. 
 
 LOUISBURG,C.B., capitulated to General Amherst 
 July 26th, 1758 ; Fort Niagara was captured 
 by the British force under Brigadier General 
 Frideaux and Sir Wm. Johnson, July 25, 1759 ; the 
 first Battle of the Flains of Abraham was fought 
 September 13, the last named year, and Quebec 
 capitulated September 18. 
 
 The change of flags in Canada dates from the capitu- 
 lation of Montreal, SeptembeT 8, 1760, when the 
 Marquis de Vaudreuil and General de Levis, submit- 
 ting to the inexorable logic of a vastly superior force, 
 surrendered the French armies and the whole of New 
 France to General Amherst. 
 
 When quitting Canada, de Vaudreuil paid this 
 homage to the Canadian people in a letter to the French 
 ministry: — "With these beautiful and vast countries 
 France loses 70,000 inhabitants of a rare quality; a 
 race of people unequalled for their docility, bravery 
 and loyalty." 
 
 That this tribute was richly deserved one has but to 
 study the history of the Old Regime to realize. 
 
 The militiamen of Montreal must have felt keen 
 pangs of regret when the Union Jack replaced the 
 Fleurs de Lys on the little citadel near the site of the 
 present Place Viger Station, the morning after the sign- 
 ing of the capitulation. But they had been for years 
 growing disgusted at the rapacity and rascality of many 
 of the French colonial officials and at the slights put 
 upon them by some of the regular officers. 
 
 The ordinary people, too, had suffered con- 
 siderably in many cases from the overbearing 
 
 conduct of the seigneurs, and consoled themselves 
 in the hour of the triumph of their hereditary 
 enemies by the hope that it might deliver them from 
 aspeciesof petty tyranny which they knew did not exist 
 in the English colonies. There was a feeling, too, in the 
 colony that New France had been to a considerable ex- 
 tent left to its fate by the Mother Country. And 
 above all, to the war-scarred veterans of the militia 
 the proud consciousness of having, during many 
 years of most exacting service, done their whole duty, 
 robbed defeat of its bitterest sting. Though the 
 fortimes of war had been against them and Britain 
 had won their country, they had gained, at least, as 
 much honour out of the prolonged contest as their 
 conquerors' many armies of conceited and quarrelsome 
 colonials, and of contract-raised, and poorly handled 
 " regular " regiments that had often suffered defeat at the 
 hands of the Canadian militia, and the white-coated colon- 
 ial troops and regulars of France before this day of final 
 defeat. To the rich harvest of imperishable glory 
 reaped by the devoted supporters of the cause of the 
 Bourbons during this, to them, disastrous campaign, 
 the gallantry, the amazing hardihood and the pathetic 
 devotion of the Canadian militia fairly contributed 
 the lion's share. There was no disgrace for such men 
 as these in the final defeat of the cause for which they 
 had so heroically and, for long, so successfully, fought. 
 When General Murray, in the spring of 1760 ascended 
 the St. Lawrence from Quebec, with his army, to par- 
 ticipate in the operations against Montreal, he received 
 the submission of the various parishes on his way, 
 
 15 
 
the rural militiamen considering the comitry lost, 
 depositing their arms. No less than 1,400 men of 
 the seigniory of Boucherville alone took the oath of 
 neutrality. Murray issued a proclamation that all 
 Canadians found in corps serving with the French 
 would be transported to France with the regular 
 troops. 
 
 A detachment of the British army entered Montreal 
 to take formal possession the day after the signing of 
 the capitulation, and at Place D'Armes the regular 
 regiments of the garrison were drawn up and surren- 
 dered their arms. The British force at once mounted 
 guards and posted sentries, and that night, for the first 
 time, English drums beat the sunset tattoo in the streets 
 of Montreal. The French regulars and officials were 
 without any unnecessary delay shipped home to J>ance. 
 The English colonial troops with Amherst's armies 
 were also returned to their homes. 
 
 September 19th General Amherst instructed Colonel 
 Haldimand to assemble the militia of Montreal who 
 
 
 
 had served under the French regime, at once, and order 
 them to give up their arms. That done, provided 
 they would take the oath of allegiance to the British 
 Crown, the arms would either be returned to them or 
 placed in an armory as might be determhied. From 
 subsequent proceedings it appeared that the British 
 army authorities, who thus found themselves respon- 
 sible for the government of the newly acquired 
 colony, were anxious to acquauit themselves with 
 the personnel and spirit of the militia for the 
 purpose of enlisting their assistance in the civil 
 administration of the country. The admuiistration 
 of justice and of public and communal affairs^ 
 generally, including such public works as roads, 
 bridges, etc. had under the old regime been in the hands 
 of the militia officers, and as these matters had to 
 be attended to by somebody, it was thought that, to 
 some extent, the old officials might safely be entrusted 
 with these duties, if they evinced any willingness to 
 act. On this point the British army officers appear 
 to have been perfectly satisfied, for when General 
 Amherst established his military governments in the 
 colony he made provision for several courts of justice 
 composed of militia officers, who decided cases brought 
 before them in a summary way, with an appeal to a 
 court composed chiefly of officers of His Majesty's 
 Army. 
 
 The military government established by Amherst 
 divided the country into three districts — Quebec, 
 Montreal and Three Rivers. Over the first was placed 
 General James Murray, who was also to act as Com- 
 mander in Chief. General Thomas Gage was the first 
 military governor of Montreal, and Colonel Ralph 
 Burton of Three Rivers. 
 
 The three governors seem to have been left pretty 
 much to their own discretion in carrying out the details 
 of their systems of administrations, but the various 
 governments were all of a military pattern, and to 
 some extent the services of the officers of the old 
 French militia were called into requisition to assist 
 in their accustomed capacities as the local admin- 
 istrators of the laws of the country, which, of course 
 remained in force pending the final disposition of 
 Canada by treaty. 
 
 In the government of Montreal the militia officers 
 found themselves re-instated in practically all their 
 former functions, if in fact their authority was not 
 increased; but in Quebec, whether on account of that 
 district being the seat of the chief administration, or 
 that the population was not so well disposed towards 
 the new rulers, the militia appears to have been only 
 called upon to assist in the regulation of the statuory, 
 labour, the repairs of roads and bridges, etc. 
 
 Murray constituted a military council for his district 
 (Quebec) composed of seven army officers, as judges 
 of the more important civil and criminal pleas. This 
 council held bi-weekly sederunts. Murray reserved 
 to himself the jurisdiction, without power of appeal, 
 over other cases; or left them to the care of military 
 subalterns in the country parts. Two prominent 
 French Canadians were appointed public procurators 
 and legal commissaries before the military tribunal 
 of Quebec City: one being Jacques Belcourt de La- 
 fontaine, ex-member of the sovereign coimcil, for the 
 country on the right bank of the St. Lawrence; the 
 other, Joseph Etienne Cugnet, seigneur of St. Etienne, 
 for that on the left side of the river. 
 
 At Three Rivers, almost the same arrangement was 
 made. 
 
 General Gage, in his district, (Montreal) authorized 
 the parochial militia captains to settle any differences 
 amongst the people according to their own discretion, 
 but dissatisfied clients had a power of appeal to the 
 nearest British commandant or to himself. 
 
 An ordinance dated at Montreal, October 13, 1761, 
 set forth that "His Excellency Thos. Gage, Governor 
 of Montreal and its dependencies, &c., &c., taking hito 
 account the administration of justice of his govern- 
 ment, and being desirous of rendering it moi-e prompt 
 and less expensive to those obliged to resort thereto, 
 had seen fit to prepare the present ordinance and release 
 for the courts of justice of the government of Montreal." 
 
 The government was divided for the administration 
 of justice into 5 districts. In each one there was to 
 assemble a court (Un corps d'Officiers de Milice) on the 
 first and fifteenth of each month. These courts of 
 militia officers, were to be composed of not more than 
 seven, or less than five members, of which one should 
 
 16 
 
hold the rank of captain, the senior to act as president. 
 The officers of militia of each district were summoned 
 to meet in their parishes on the 24th October, to make 
 arrangements for the whole of these courts, and to 
 prepare rosters of officers for duty therein. The town 
 of Montreal was set apart as a judicial district of its 
 own with a local Board of Officers o administrate the 
 laws. From these courts appeal was to be allowed 
 to three Boards of Officers of His Majesty's Troops, 
 one to meet at Montreal the other at Verennes, and the 
 third at St. Sulpice, these Courts of Appeal to sit on 
 the 20th of eacli month. From these courts a further 
 appeal to the Governor in person was provided for. 
 
 In the event of capital crimes, officers of militia 
 were authorized to arrest the criminals and their 
 accomplices, and to conduct them imder guard to 
 Montreal, the militia officers to furnish with each 
 prisoner an account of the crime and a list of witnesses. 
 In civil cases involving small amounts, not exceeding 
 20 livres, all the officers of the militia were individually 
 granted authority to adjudicate with an appeal to, 
 and no further, than the militia courts of the district. 
 Provision was made for the payment of the militia officers, 
 for all of these duties by a scale of fees, a treasurer to 
 be appointed for each court. The officers of militia 
 were specially enjouied to mamtain peace and order 
 within their respective districts. 
 
 October 17, 1761, the "ConseUdes Capitaines de 
 Milice de Montreal" presented a memorial to the 
 Governor, in which they expressed their willingness 
 to administer justice gratuitously, as they had done 
 in the past, but requested, as a favor from His Excel- 
 lency, that they be exempted from the obligation to 
 billet troops in their domiciles. They requested that 
 six cords of wood be purchased to heat the chamber 
 in which their sittings were held, and that Mr. Panet, 
 their clerk, be compensated for his services at the rate 
 of 30 " sols " for each sentence. Two militia sergeants 
 had been appointed to act as bailiffs and criers of the 
 court and a tariff of fees was asked for to provide for 
 their pay. These sergeants, it was also explained, 
 were not only made use of in the admhiistration of 
 justice, but also for the district, for the supervision of 
 the statutory labour or "corvee." This memorial, 
 which was signed R. Decouagne, was approved by the 
 Governor. 
 
 The placing of the administration of the law to such 
 an extent in the hands of the officers of the old French 
 militia was clearly an honest attempt to place the 
 administration of the French laws, the temporary 
 continuance of which had been promised to the Cana- 
 dian people at the capitulation of Montreal, in the 
 hands of those considered to be the best versed in 
 them. The commissions in the militia were generally 
 
 held by the seigneurs and the other notabilities of their 
 respective districts, and these persons were not merely 
 the best educated but, often the most highly esteemed 
 men in the country, and they had shown themselves to 
 be good soldiers. The victorious officers,with that strong 
 professional regard which engenders a species of deep- 
 seated comradeship even between members of hostile 
 armies, naturally felt inclined to rely upon the honour 
 of brother soldiers, though late enemies, rather than 
 upon that of civilians. 
 
 And it is gratifying to relate that this reliance upon 
 the honor of the officers of the Canadian militia at 
 this trying period of the national history was not 
 misplaced, although from this period doubtless dates 
 back the intimacy between the old noblesse and the 
 British officials which resulted in the former class 
 exerting a preponderating, and not always just and 
 enlightened, influence upon the early years of British 
 civil government in Canada. 
 
 It is satisfactory to note that on retiring from the 
 governorship of Montreal, Gage forwarded a letter 
 to " Messieurs, les Capitaines de la Chambe de Milice de 
 Montreal," dated Montreal, October 1763, in which he 
 wrote " I cannot help expressing the satisfaction that 
 I have always derived from your conduct, durhig the 
 time I have had the honour to be your chief; and it 
 becomes my duty before leaving your country to tes- 
 tify as to my lively recognition of the services which 
 you have rendered to your king and country. Con- 
 tinue to do your duty in advancing the public welfare, 
 and not only increase the good reputation you have 
 already acquired among your fellow countrymen, 
 but earn what you will certainly not fail to receive, 
 the gratitude and protection of the king." 
 
 The Treaty of Versailles ceding Canada to Britain 
 was signed in February, 1763, but not proclaimed in 
 Canada until the following May. October 7, the 
 same year, a Royal Proclamation was issued providing 
 for the government of the new colony somewhat along 
 the lines of the prevailing system, but only so far as it 
 did not conflict with the laws of Great Britain. 
 
 Three veiy different opinions were entertained as 
 to the effect of the Royal Proclamation of October 7, 
 1763. There were those who argued that the proc- 
 lamation repealed all the existing laws and established 
 English laws in their places; others were of the opinion 
 that the Canadian laws remained unrepealed. They 
 argued that according to the spirit of English law, 
 upon the conquest of a civilized country, the laws 
 remain in force till the conquerors shall have expressly 
 ordained to the contrary. Others again thought that 
 the effect of the proclamation and the resultant Acts 
 was to introduce the criminal laws of England and to 
 confirm the Civil Law of Canada. 
 
 17 
 
Brigadier General Burton, removed from Three 
 Rivers to replace General Gage as Governor at Montreal, 
 upon assuming his new government, issued a proc- 
 lamation announcing that all the orders for the regu- 
 lation, good order and police service in the government 
 would be maintained exactly as they had been institut- 
 ed under the administration of Major General Gage. 
 Special mention was made of the fact that " civil justice 
 would be administered by the militia and military 
 courts," with the appeal as heretofore to the Governor. 
 
 When British civil government was proclaimed in 
 Canada, notice was given of the cancellation of the 
 existing French laws. For the time being, however, 
 failing the proclamation of new laws, many of the old 
 French ones were continued in force in accordance 
 with the maxim already referred to. 
 
 So, many of the features of the military administration 
 continued for some time subsequently to the pro- 
 clamation of civil government. New laws to meet 
 all the existing local conditions could hardly be ex- 
 pected to be produced at once. The old population 
 of the colony, but more particularly the seigneurs 
 and gentry, who were in closest touch with the British 
 colonial officials, rather favored a continuation of the 
 military rule. Being a brave and military people, 
 immured to war and military discipline, they had 
 taken kindly to military rule as administered in 
 Canada by the British, but the gradually growing 
 British civilian population did not like it, and one 
 of the objects of the proclamation of 1763 was to 
 encourage a larger British immigration into the 
 province. 
 
 The proclamation may be said, broadly, to have es- 
 tablished in Canada the English criminal law, but to have 
 recognized the "ancient customs" and civil laws of 
 New France. For the interpretation of these the 
 administration continued to avail themselves of the 
 services of some of the tribunals composed of militia 
 officers. At this time there was considerable un- 
 certainty as to the limitations of the two systems of 
 judicature, and there was much overlapping of systems 
 and many disputes as to procedure, etc. Friction 
 arose, and more or less local ill-feelling was gradually 
 consolidated into a wave of national discontent. The 
 authorities found themselves too much occupied other- 
 wise to find time to draft a new militia law. 
 
 Not only were the militia officers and non-com- 
 missioned officers used for mere court duties at this 
 time, as some have assumed. The captains of militia 
 were looked to as responsible for the statute labour, 
 bridges, roads, etc., as in the days of the old regime. 
 This is clearly proved by many existing placards of 
 the time, one, for instance, issued by Governor Burton, 
 May 9, 1764, drawing attention to the necessity for 
 
 the improvement of the roads and maintenance and 
 construction of bridges, etc. The principal clause of 
 the proclamation read as follows: — 
 
 "We expressly inform all the captains and officers 
 of the militia within the boundaries of this government 
 to take steps immediately on the posting of the present 
 placard, to see that the roads and bridges are repaired 
 and that the ditches are cleared out. Each officer of 
 militia in his district or parish will attend to this in the 
 customary manner, under penalty of arbitrary measures 
 being taken dgainst the captains or other officers of 
 the parish militia who neglect to have the roads and 
 bridges in their district placed in a satisfactory order 
 by the time the inspection will be made, one month 
 after the issue of the present proclamation." 
 
 To strengthen the hands of the militia officers a 
 certain number of arms were issued them for free 
 public distribution, on loan, during good behaviour, 
 in order that the recipients might hunt and "keep 
 their hands in," in case of emergency. It was doubt- 
 less felt that this would help to maintain the au- 
 thority of the militia officers who had been friendly 
 enough to the new authorities to take the Oath of 
 Allegiance. In one case the recipients of these arms 
 refused, insolently, to perform public service in con- 
 nection with the military transport service, and ah 
 order from the new governor of Three Rivers, Colonel 
 Fred. Haldimand, was issued to the militia captain 
 concerned to call in the arms. 
 
 The governors were not slow to avail themselves 
 of the advice of the militia officers. March 26th, 1764, 
 the captains of the Montreal militia drew the governor's 
 attention to an interference which had been made with 
 customary practice, in a formal document. 
 
 Burton promptly accepted the explanation, and 
 ordered the obstacle complained of removed. 
 
 And now Britain was about to call upon her new 
 subjects in Canada for actual military service. The 
 mighty uprising of the western Indians, known as 
 Pontiac's conspiracy, had broken out, and armaments 
 were preparing to suppress the uprising and relieve 
 the few English posts that still held out. 
 
 The British authorities recalled the splendid service 
 the Canadians had rendered the French armies as 
 bush fighters and voyageurs, and determined to avail 
 themselves of the service of a Canadian detachment. 
 
 March 5, General James Murray, Governor of Quebec 
 and Commander-in-Chief, wrote to Lord Halifax that 
 he had made a requisition for 300 Canadians to serve 
 in the approaching campaign. He was strongly of 
 opinion that the whole number should and could be 
 raised by voluntarily enlistment, and hoped to be 
 able to prevent his neighbors, the Lieut.-Governors of 
 Montreal and Three Rivers, from puttmg the draft 
 
 18 
 
into force. He had prepared proclamations setting 
 forth the terms of service, and he wished that all the 
 men should be raised according to them. One of 
 these proclamations as issued by Governor Haldimand 
 at Three Rivers, and addressed to "All the Captains 
 of Militia," read as follows: — 
 "Sir:— 
 
 "Although I have already verbally informed you 
 of the desire with which His Majesty is possessed of 
 ensuring the happiness of his subjects, and of the firm 
 resolution which he has taken to bring back to reason 
 some of the Indian Nations, whose evil spirit has 
 revealed itself through treason and violence, and to 
 compel them to ensure the return of a paying trade 
 and peace so necessary to his peoples, I have deemed 
 it advisable to inform you that for this purpose the 
 Government has resolved upon adding five companies 
 of Canadians to the troops to be engaged in this service. 
 These companies will comprise 60 men each. Two 
 will be raised in the Government of Quebec, two in 
 that of Montreal and one in that of Three Rivers and 
 will be under the command of Canadian officers. Only 
 those who, of their own free will, are determined to 
 become subject of His Majesty will be enrolled in 
 these companies. In recognition of, and as a reward 
 for the good will of those who enroll themselves, there 
 will be given twelve dollars in money to each volunteer, 
 there will be distributed to them one coat, two pairs of 
 Indian mocassins and a pair of mitts; they will be 
 furnished with arms, munitions and supplies during 
 the whole time of the campaign. The pay for each 
 man will be six English pence per day, and they will be 
 accompanied by a priest to discharge the duties of his 
 ministry. The service of these volunteers will end 
 with the campaign, and after that each of them will 
 be at liberty to return home. Such a step indicates 
 in the Government confidence in the subjects of His 
 Majesty. We are in the right in expecting that they 
 will not only enroll readily, but will show great faith- 
 fulness to fulfill their engagements wherever they 
 may be placed by circumstances and for the good of 
 the service. They should act as much through honour 
 and duty as through gratitude and through zeal in 
 their own interest. Pending the time when you may 
 be at liberty to publish this ordinance at the church 
 door next Sunday, you will do all you can to render 
 it public, more especially among the young men, so 
 that they may be informed of all the conditions which 
 are offered them." 
 
 "Made and delivered at Three Rivers, under the 
 seal of our arms, on the 12th of March, 1764. 
 
 (Signed) " Fred. Haldimand." 
 
 April 18, 1764, Haldimand wrote that he had raised 
 the sixty men required as the quota from his govern- 
 ment for the Canadian corps. He met with a difficulty 
 in regard to volunteering, as the Canadians, accustomed 
 to be ordered out or drafted, feared that by volun- 
 teering and accepting the bounty, they would be 
 enlisted for life. They were at last convinced, and 
 all the men required, volunteered. 
 
 In a letter from General Murray to Lord Halifax, April 
 24, 1764, the Governor reported with apparent gratifica- 
 tion that the Canadian Corps had been raised and equip- 
 ped in fourteen days, and left Montreal for Oswego on the 
 sixth of that month. 
 
 This pioneer militia corps of the British regime 
 in Canada was placed under the command of one 
 of the most capable officers of the old French 
 service, Jean Baptiste Marie des Bergeres de Rigau- 
 ville, who was temporarily commissioned as Major. 
 This gentleman was born at Berthier-en-bas, Octo- 
 ber 28, 1726, and for distinguished service in the 
 Militia was rewarded with a commission in the 
 Troupes de la Marine. As one of the senior officers 
 of that hard fighting body of men, he participated 
 with marked distinction in the battle of Ste. Foye, 
 often spoken of as the second battle of the Plains of 
 Abraham, in the spring of 1760. He was especially 
 thanked for his services in connection with the sup- 
 pression of the Pontiac uprising, and was called to the 
 Legislative Council in 1775. The same year he formed 
 part of the heroic garrison of St. Johns, being wounded 
 and taken prisoner of war. While in prison at Bristol, 
 Penn., he succumbed to his wounds and exposure, 
 October 30, 1776, and was buried at Philadelphia. 
 
 The other officers of this corps were all men 
 who had distinguished themselves in the militia of the 
 French regime, such men as Antoine Jucherean Du- 
 chesnay. Saint Ange de Bellerive, Godefroy Baby 
 and many others whose names are familiar to the 
 readers of Canadian history. The service they per- 
 formed in connection with the expedition against 
 Pontiac and his Indians was of the most useful and 
 gallant kind, gaining the unstinted praise of the 
 commanding officers, and winning the confidence and 
 esteem of their British comrades. 
 
 19 
 
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 CHAPTER III 
 
 SIR GUY CARLETON'S MILITIA AND VOLUNTEERS 
 
 THE year 1766 saw a change in the administration 
 of the old province of Quebec, General Murray, 
 the first Governor General, retiring in June and 
 being replaced by General Sir Guy Carleton, another 
 of Wolfe's officers, in September the same year. The 
 name of Carleton (later Lord Dorchester) is intimately 
 bound up with the history of the Canadian militia. 
 
 When the new governor arrived he found affairs in 
 a decidedly critical state. The vmcertainty as to the 
 exact application of the Royal Proclamation of 1764 
 and the subsequent ordinances had caused much 
 confusion in the administration of justice, and bitter 
 disputes between the English and French speaking 
 people. Local agitations and ill-feeling were prevalent; 
 trouble between Great Britain and her older American 
 colonies was rapidly developing into revolution, and 
 while the agitators in New England were anxious to 
 induce the French Canadians to participate in their 
 movement, emissaries of the French government were 
 also attempting to turn the Canadian people from 
 their newly sealed allegiance to Britain. 
 
 At this juncture the fair and honourable treatment 
 of the Canadian people by the British during the first 
 few months of the new regime was repaid and with 
 interest, although a few months later it looked for a 
 time as though the generosity of the British had been 
 forgotten. It is interesting at this point to recall that 
 immediately after the conquest the distress to which 
 the French Canadian inhabitants had been reduced 
 was such as to render relief necessary, and in 1761 the 
 sum of 600 pounds sterling was raised by subscription 
 among the merchants and others, and each soldier 
 in the regular army gave one day's provisions monthly 
 
 to relieve the immediate distress. Supplies were also 
 sent out from England for free distribution. Much of 
 the distress had arisen from the non-payment of the 
 obligations incurred by the French Government, 
 settled for in paper money, of which large amounts 
 were outstanding at the cession, and which remained 
 unpaid for several years. The British authorities not 
 only made efforts to obtain payment for the new 
 subjects from the Court of France, but also took steps 
 to warn the Canadians from disposing of their paper 
 money at a sacrifice to jobbers and speculators. 
 
 The honourable attitude of the first military authori- 
 ties towards the Canadians is well illustrated in a letter 
 written to General Amherst by General Gage from 
 Montreal, in 1762, in which the writer explained: 
 " I feel the highest satisfaction that I am able to inform 
 you that during my command in this government I 
 have made it my constant care and attention that the 
 Canadians should be treated agreeable to His Majesty's 
 kind and humane intentions. No invasion on their 
 properties or insult to their persons has gone unpun- 
 ished. All reproaches on their subjection by the fate 
 of arms, revilings on their customs or country, and 
 all reflections on their religion have been discounten- 
 anced and forbid. No distinction has been made be- 
 tween the Briton and Canadian, but they have been 
 equally regarded as subjects of the same Prince. 
 The soldiers live peaceably with the inhabitants, and 
 they reciprocally acquire an affection for each other. 
 I have, notwithstanding, made known His Majesty's 
 pleasure on these particulars to the several commanders 
 of corps, that every individual may be acquainted 
 therewith, which will, no doubt, add the greatest 
 
 20 
 
weight to the orders and directions which have been 
 already given. And you may be assured that the troops, 
 who have ever shown the most ardent desire to advance 
 the interests of their Sovereign, and paid the most 
 exact obedience to his commands, will vie with each 
 other in brotherly love and affection to the Canadians 
 over whom His Majesty has extended his royal favor 
 and protection." — (Report on Canadian Archives for 
 1790, p. xi.) 
 
 The correspondence of all the governors at this time, 
 no less than their actions, indicated the honest desire 
 to deal justly by the French Canadians. And so 
 much was this appreciated that some Canadians 
 of good family who had gone to France after the cession 
 returned to Canada, preferring to submit to the 
 British rule as administered in Canada than to remain 
 content with the unfulfilled promises of the French 
 Government. 
 
 There is no doubt that there were those in authority 
 in France who from the beginning looked forward to 
 the future reconquest of Canada, and the Canadian 
 military officers who returned to France were continued 
 on the pay-rolls at increased rates of pay for some years, 
 the only apparent object being to retain their services 
 for use in future operations in Canada. 
 
 Being a thorough .soldier, one of the first things that 
 impressed Carleton after his arrival was the defenceless 
 and dangerous condition of the colony, and before he 
 had been manj' months in Canada he addressed a 
 communication to Lord Shelburne, of the British 
 Government, dated Quebec, 25th Nov., 1767 — 
 (Dominion Archives Series Q, vol. 5 — 1, p. 260), in 
 which he clearly and in complete detail set forth the 
 actual position. After showing the poor state of 
 repair of the defences of Montreal and Quebec, Sir 
 Guy proceeded to detail the force available for the 
 colony's defence, writing as follows: — "The King's 
 ' forces in this Province, supposing them complete to 
 the allowance, and all in perfect health, rank and file, 
 would amount to sixteen hundred and twenty-seven 
 men, the king's old subjects (of British or British 
 Colonial birth), supposing them all willing, might fur- 
 nish about five hundred men able to carry arms, 
 exclusive of his troops, that is supposing all the king's 
 troops and old subjects collected in Quebec, with two 
 months hard labor, they might put the works in a 
 tolerable state of repair, and would amount to about 
 one-third of the forces necessary for its defence. 
 
 "The new subjects could send into the field about 
 eighteen thousand men, well able to carry arms; of 
 which number, above one-half have already served, 
 with as much valour, with more zeal, and more military 
 knowledge for America than the regular troops of 
 France, that were joined with them. 
 
 " As the common people are greatly to be influenced 
 by their Seigneurs, I annex a return of the Noblesse of 
 Canada, showing with tolerable exactness, their age, 
 rank, and present place of abode, together with such 
 natives of France, as served in the colony troops so 
 early in life as to give them a knowledge of the country, 
 an acquaintance and influence over the people, equal 
 to natives of the same rank; from whence it appears 
 that there are in France, and in the French service, 
 about one hundred officers, all ready to be sent back, 
 in case of a war, to a country they are intimately 
 acquainted with, and with the assistance of some 
 troops, to stir up a people accustomed to pay them 
 implicit obedience. It further shows there remain 
 in Canada not many more than seventy of those, who 
 ever had been in the French service, not one of them 
 in the King's service nor one who, from any motive 
 whatever, is indviced to support his Government and 
 Dominion, gentlemen, who have lost their employ- 
 ments, at least, by becoming his subjects, and as they 
 are not bound by any offices of trust or profit, we 
 should only deceive ourselves by supposing, they would 
 be active in the defence of a people, that has deprived 
 them of their honours, privileges, profits and laws, 
 and in their stead, have introduced much expense, 
 chicannery, and confusion, with a deluge of new laws 
 unknown and unpublished. Therefore all circum- 
 stances considered, while matters continue in their 
 present state, the most we may hope for from the 
 gentlemen who remain in the province, is a passive 
 neutrality on all occasions, with a respectful sub- 
 mission to Government, and deference for the King's 
 Commission in whatever hand it may be lodged; this 
 they almost to a man have persevered in, since my 
 arrival, notwithstanding much pains have been taken, 
 to engage them in parties, by a few, whose duty, and 
 whose office should have taught them better. This 
 disposition the French minister seems to have foreseen, 
 as appears by orders calculated to draw them from 
 Canada into France, well knowing that such as re- 
 mained, were bound by duty and honour to do nothing 
 against their allegiance to the king, under whose 
 Government they live, whereas those who go to France, 
 are to all intents and purposes officers in the French 
 service, and liable to be sent on any service. 
 
 "For these reasons, I imagine, an edict was pub- 
 lished in 1762 declaring, that notwithstanding the low- 
 state of the king's finances, the salary of the captains of 
 the colony troops of Canada should be raised from four 
 himdred and fifty livres, the establishment at which 
 their pay was fixed at first, to six hundred livres a 
 year, to be paid quarterly, upon the footing of officers 
 in full pay, by the treasurer of the colonies, at the 
 quarters assigned them by his majesty in Touraine, 
 
 21 
 
and that such of them, as did not repair thither, 
 should be struck off, the king's intention being, that 
 the said officers should remain in that province, until 
 further orders, and not depart from thence without a 
 written leave from the Secretary of State for the 
 Marine Department. 
 
 " A few of these officers have been sent to the other 
 colonies, but the greater part still remain in Touraine, 
 and the arrears due to those who have remained any 
 time in this country, are punctually discharged, upon 
 their emigration from hence, and obedience to the 
 above mentioned injunction. 
 
 " By the Secretary of State's letter, a certain quantity 
 of wine, duty free, is admitted to enter the towns, 
 where these Canadian officers quarter, for their use, 
 according to their several ranks." 
 
 The summaries of the lists sent with this letter are 
 as follows : — ' 
 
 " Names of the roots of noble families in Canada 
 the titles of which are unquestionable, and whose 
 children and descendants have remained in the pro- 
 vince since the conquest, viz.: — • 
 
 " Families whose titles of nobility are enregistered : — 
 Baron de Longueuil, title granted in 1700; Hertel, 
 Boucher, Louis Couillard De Beaumont, Aubert De La 
 Chesnay, Juchereau Duchesnay, ennobled in Canada. 
 
 "Families whose ancestors received the title of 
 esquire, in their commissions as officers: — Xavier De 
 Lanaudiere, De Langy, De Normanville, Duverger, 
 Denoyelle, Sabrevois De Bleury, Denys De la Ronde, 
 De Richarville, De Montigny, came out in the regi- 
 ment of Carignan, the first that arrived in Canada, 
 about the year 1652 or 1653. 
 
 "Officers who were all necessarily gentlemen by 
 birth: — Daillebout, De La Corne, De Beaujeu, St. Ours 
 De Dechallion, De Varennes, Chabert de Jonquieres, 
 Desbergers De Rigauville, De La Valtrie, De Ganne, 
 Picote De Belestre, officers in the colonial corps. 
 
 Chaussegros De Lery, engineer in the colonial corps; 
 De Bonne, officer in the colonial service; De Vassal' 
 officer in the Queen's regiment; De Salaberry, captain 
 in the Royal Navy. 
 
 "Families whose ancestors were councillors in the 
 superior council established in 1663, by act of the 
 Parliament of Paris, the provisions of which are en- 
 registered: — Damour Duchaufour, in 1663, first coun- 
 cillor; Villeray, Lepinay, La Durantaye, in 1670; 
 Chartier De Lotbiniere, 1680, first councillor; Hazeur 
 Delorme, 1700; Guillemin, 1715; De la Fontaine, 1730; 
 Taschereau, 1732. 
 
 "Godefroi De Tonnancour held the title of esquire, 
 by the king's commission of lieutenant-general of the 
 district of Three Rivers." 
 
 " French Noblesse in the Province of Quebec, Novem- 
 ber, 1767: — Captains having the Order of St. Louis, 9; 
 captain named in the Order but not invested, 1; 
 captains who have not the Order, 4; lieuts. having the 
 Order, 1; lieuts., 16; Ens., 20; officiers de r&erve, 2; 
 cadets, 23; have never been in the service, 44; in the 
 upper country who have never been in the service, 6; 
 total, 126. 
 
 "French Canadian Noblesse in France, 1767: — 
 Grand Croix, 1; governors, lieut.-governors, majors, 
 aide majors, captains and lieut. of ships of war having 
 the Order of St. Louis, 26; aide major and captains 
 not having the Order, 6; lieutenants, 12; ensigns, 19; 
 Canadian officers in actual service whose parents have 
 remained in Canada, 15; total, 79. 
 
 "Natives of France, who came over to Canada as 
 cadets, served and were preferred in the colony troops, 
 and are treated in France as Canadian officers: — 
 Captains not having the Croix of St. Louis, 7; had the 
 rank of captain in 1760, raised to that of lieut.-colonel 
 in France K. of St. Louis, 1; lieutenants, 7; was captain 
 in the colony troops at Mississippi, came to Canada in 
 1760, and is raised to the rank of colonel in the Spanish 
 service at Mississippi Kt. of St. Louis, 1; having had 
 civil employments, 5; officers of the port, 2. 
 
 (Canadian Archives, Series Q, Vol. 5-1, p. 269.) 
 
 It appears that Carleton had already advised that 
 some steps be taken to give military employment to 
 the French Canadian gentry, as a measure of relief, 
 as a means of securing their interest in the new regime, 
 and for the purpose of securing a valuable addition to 
 the forces of the crown. The raising of a regiment 
 officered by French Canadians had been proposed, 
 and it had been also suggested that commissions in 
 the army might be given. But Carleton was met 
 with the reply that under the old laws upholding 
 Roman Catholic disability, the French Canadians, 
 being Roman Catholics, could not hold commissions 
 in the army. 
 
 However, Carleton persevered in his idea, and we 
 find in a letter to Lord Hillsborough, preserved in the 
 Dominion Archives, (Series Q, Vol. 5-2, p. 890), which 
 he wrote November 21st, 1768, in reply to some queries 
 regarding some treasonable correspondence supposed 
 to have been received in Canada, the following obser- 
 vations on this same subject: — 
 
 "My Lord, — Since my arrival in this province, I 
 have not been able to make any discovery that induces 
 me to give credit to the paper of intelligence inclosed 
 in your Lordship's letter of the 14th of May last; nor 
 do I think it probable the chiefs of their own free 
 notion in time of peace, dare assemble in numbers, 
 consult, and resolve on a revolt; or that an assembly 
 of military men should be so ignorant, as to fancy 
 
 22 
 
they could defend themselves by a few fireships only, 
 against any future attack from Great Britain, after 
 their experience in fifty nine. 
 
 "Notwithstanding this, and their decent and respect- 
 ful obedience to the king's government hitherto, I 
 have not the least doubt of their secret attachments 
 to France, and think this will continue as long as they 
 are excluded from all employments under the British 
 government, and are certain of being reinstated, at 
 least in their former commissions, under that of France, 
 by which chiefly they supported themselves and families. 
 
 " When I reflect that France naturally has the affec- 
 tions of all the people; that, to make no mention of 
 fees of office and the vexations of the law, we have 
 done nothing to gain one man in the province by 
 making it his private interest to remain the king's 
 subject; and that the interests of many would be greatly 
 promoted by a revolution, I own my not having 
 discovered a treasonable correspondence. Never was 
 proof sufficient to convince me it did not exist in some 
 degree, but I am inclined to think, if such a message 
 has been sent, very few were entrusted with the secret. 
 Perhaps the Court of France, informed a year past by 
 Mons. de Chatelet, that the king proposed raising a 
 regiment of his new subjects, caused this piece of 
 intelligence to be communicated, to create a jealousy 
 of the Canadians, and prevent a measure that might 
 fix their attachments to the British Government, and 
 probably, of those savages who have always acted 
 with them. However that be, on receiving this news 
 from France last spring, most of the Gentlemen in the 
 province applied to me, and begged to be admitted into 
 the king's service, assuring me they would take every 
 opportunity to testify their zeal and gratitude for 
 so great a mark of favour and tenderness, extended, 
 not only to them, but to their posterity. 
 
 "When I consider further, that the king's dominion 
 here is maintained but by a few troops, necessarily 
 disp>ersed, without a place of security for their maga- 
 zines, for their arms or for themselves; amidst a numer- 
 ous military people, (the Gentlemen, all officers of exper- 
 ience, poor, without hopes, that they or their descen- 
 dants will be admitted into the service of their present 
 sovereign),! can have no doubt that France, as soon 
 as determined to begin a war will attempt to regain 
 Canada, should it be intended only to make a diversion, 
 while it may reasonably be undertaken with little 
 hazard, should it fail, and where so much may be 
 gained should it succeed. But should France begin 
 a war in hopes the Briti-sh Colonies will push matters 
 to extremities, and she adopts the project of supporting 
 them in their independent notions, Canada probably 
 will then become the principal scene, where the fate 
 of America may be determined. Affairs in this 
 
 situation, Canada in the hands of France would no 
 longer present itself as an enemy to the British colonies, 
 but as an ally, a friend and a protector of their indepen- 
 dency. 
 
 " Your lordship must immediately perceive the many 
 disadvantages Great Britain would labour under in a 
 war of this nature; and on the other hand, how greatly 
 Canada might forever support the British interests 
 on this continent — for it is not united in any common 
 principle, interest or wish with the other provinces 
 in opposition to the supreme seat of government — was 
 the king's dominion over it only strengthened by a 
 citadel, which a few national troops might secure, 
 and the natives attached, by making it their interest, 
 to remain His subjects. 
 
 " My letters to the Earl of Shelburne, Nos. 20, 23, 24, 
 25 and 26 contain more fully my humble opinion of 
 the measures necessary to obtain this desirable end, 
 convinced, that the affections of the Canadians, or 
 a great force, is necessary to secure this province in 
 time of war, or, at least till the marine of France is 
 thoroughly subdued. To those letters I refer your Lord- 
 ship for further particulars, and am, with great regard 
 and esteem, 
 
 "Your Lordship's 
 
 " most obedient 
 " and most humble servant, 
 
 " GUY CARLETON. 
 
 " To the Earl of Hillsborough. " 
 
 The reply to this communication is interesting as 
 expressing the views held at court on the subject under 
 discussion : — 
 
 Whitehall, Jan. 4, 1769. 
 
 "Sir: — I have received and laid before the king your 
 secret despatch of the 21st of November. 
 
 "The remarks you make upon the state and temper 
 of His Majesty's new subjects will be of great utility 
 in the consideration of the measures now under deliber- 
 ation, and do evince both the propriety and 
 necessity of extending to that brave and faithful people 
 a reasonable participation in those establishments 
 which are to form the basis of the future government 
 of the colony of Quebec, but I fear that from the spirit 
 of the laws of this kingdom, as well as from the general 
 prejudices of mankind, and the dispositions that appear 
 in all parties and factions to make every measure, 
 however well-considered and intended, the foundation 
 of clamour and opposition, it will hardly be practicable 
 to extend such participation to the military line, 
 although, for my part, I clearly see and agree in opinion 
 with you that great advanatges might be deduced 
 
 23 
 
both to the colony and to the Mother Country, from 
 an establishment of that sort, under proper regulations. 
 
 " I am, &c., 
 
 "HILLSBOROUGH." 
 
 Carleton was anxious to properly organize the 
 sedentary militia, but found the law on this, as on 
 other subjects, confusing. 
 
 In December, 1767, some progress had been made in 
 preparing a summary of the laws of Canada as they 
 existed under the French regime and previous to the 
 establishment of civil government in Canada, and 
 Carleton wrote to the colonial authorities in London 
 calling attention to the confusion which existed in 
 administering the laws since the Ordinance of 1764, 
 and recommending the repeal of that ordinance, leaving 
 the old Canadian laws almost entire. — (Dom. Archives 
 Report for 1890, p. xiii). 
 
 January 20, 1768, Carleton wrote to Lord Shel- 
 burne urging various means for impressing the new 
 subjects with attachment and zeal for the king's 
 government, suggesting among other things that a 
 Canadian corps be raised and that offices in the king's 
 service be bestowed upon them. 
 
 September 4, 1774, Governor Gage of Massachu- 
 setts, from Boston, forwarded to Quebec, for Carleton, 
 a suggestion that two regiments of Canadians be 
 raised for service in Massachusetts in view of the 
 unruly disposition of the people there. Carleton of 
 course could not comply. 
 
 February 4, 1775, Carleton, at Quebec, wrote to 
 General Gage at Boston stating that the French 
 Canadians generally seemed pleased at the passage 
 of the Quebec Act. The gentry were well disposed to 
 serve in regular corps but did "not relish commanding 
 a bare militia." The sudden dismissal of the Canadian 
 regiment raised in 1764, at the time of Pontiac's con- 
 spiracy, without gratuity or recompense to officers, 
 was still uppermost in their thoughts. As for the 
 peasantry, government had retained so little power, 
 that it would require time and discreet management 
 to recall them to habits of obedience. To embody 
 them suddenly as militia and march them off to war, 
 " would give color to the language of the sons of sedition, 
 'that it was the intention to rule over them with the 
 former despotism.'" He recommended raising a batta- 
 lion or two of Canadians, which would find employment 
 for and attach the gentry, giving them an influence 
 over the lower classes and securing the Indians. 
 
 Meantime some of the newly arrived English settlers, 
 most of them from the older American colonies, and 
 some of the civil officials, a number of whom were 
 French Protestants or "Swiss," and naturally not 
 
 favourably regarded by the inhabitants, were acting 
 in such an arbitrary or a greedy way as to cause dis- 
 affection among the high-spirited French population. 
 And the refractory and democratic spirit, which from 
 the date of the landing of the first settlers had existed 
 and been fostered by gross misgovernment, was 
 rapidly drifting on towards rebellion in New England 
 and the southern colonies. The whole patchwork 
 fabric of British Colonies in North America, with the 
 exception of Nova Scotia and the Hudson Bay terri- 
 tory, appeared about ready to fall to pieces. All sorts 
 of tardy conciliatory measures, most o!" them most 
 absurdly devised, were taken by the home authorities. 
 
 In the hope of conciliating the French Canadians the 
 British Parliament in 1774 passed "the Quebec Act" 
 which extended the boundaries of the Province of 
 Quebec from Labrador to the Mississippi, and from the 
 Ohio to the watershed of Hudson Bay, abolished 
 Roman Catholic disability, confirmed the tithes to the 
 Catholic clergy, but exempted Protestants from pay- 
 ment, re-established the French civil code and the 
 seignorial tenure, confirmed the English criminal code, 
 and vested authority in a governor and an appointed 
 council. This act, whUe received with gratification by 
 the French Canadian seigneurs and clergy, greatly dis- 
 pleased the mass of the French-Canadian people, the 
 English-speaking colonists in Canada, and the people 
 of the older English colonies. This act made no re- 
 ference to the militia. 
 
 The measure was founded on petitions and repre- 
 sentations of the French noblesse; every clause of it 
 showed that the wishes of the British colonists in 
 Canada especially had been unjustly and contemp- 
 tuously rejected. Nor did the Bill recognise the 
 wishes of the mass of the French Canadian people. 
 
 The French noblesse, of whom many, under the 
 Quebec Act, were received into the Coimcil or ap- 
 pointed to executive offices and the Roman Catholic 
 clergy, who were restored to the possession of their 
 estates and their tithes, acquiesced in the new form of 
 government, but by a large part of the British residents 
 it was detested, as at war with English liberties, and 
 subjecting them to arbitrary power. 
 
 The Act was unquestionably an honest attempt to 
 satisfy the French Canadians, but the mistake was 
 made of accepting altogether the representations of 
 the seigneurs and clergy, more particularly those of 
 the seigneurs. The latter class, by reason of their 
 superior social positions, not always an indication of 
 sound judgment, of unselfish patriotism, of familiarity 
 with popular views or of knowledge of national require- 
 ments, were naturally thrown into closer contact with the 
 first British colonial officials than their fellow country- 
 men of less pretentious social status, but who were 
 
 24 
 
better able to give expression to sound popular views 
 on public questions. The seigneurs appeared to have 
 succeeded in keeping from the ears of the British 
 administrators the truth as to the ill-feeling which had 
 been produced throughout the mass of the French 
 Canadians by the arbitrary, greedy, and often corrupt 
 conduct of many of the old seigneurs during the 
 French regime, for if the peasant of New France had 
 owed compulsory military service to the king, he also 
 had owed to the seignior crushing feudal obligation, 
 and this obligation was but too often most cruelly 
 exacted. Even Carleton, whose advice had been 
 sought in framing the Quebec Act, sagacious though 
 he was, and public spirited, failed to receive with due 
 discrimination the representations of the self-seeking 
 seigneurs, and in a letter written by Chief Justice Hay 
 to the Lord Chancellor in 1775, he pointed out that 
 Carleton had acted very injudiciously in depending 
 so much upon the seigneiu's, whose elation at the 
 supposed restoration of their old privileges had given 
 offence to their own people and to the English mer- 
 chants. 
 
 On the 1st of June, 1775, Congress passed a resolu- 
 tion setting forth "That, as this Congress has nothing 
 more in view than the defence of these colonies, no 
 expedition or incursion ought to be undertaken or 
 made by any colony, or body of colonists, against or 
 into Canada.' 
 
 The resolution was translated into French, and 
 distributed throughout Canada. In the light o^. the 
 subsequent action of Congress, this resolution must 
 be regarded as an attempt to cheat either the Govern- 
 ment or people of Canada into a sense of security, the 
 better to overrun and overwhelm them. For, on the 
 27th of June, Congress passed another resolution, in- 
 structing General Schuyler to proceed without delay 
 to Ticonderoga, and, if ho found it practicable, "im- 
 mediately to take possession of St. John's and Mont- 
 real, and pursue any other measure in Cnaada which 
 might have a tendency to promote the peace and 
 security of these colonies." 
 
 The.se things did not escape the notice of Governor 
 Carleton one of the most praiseworthy military men 
 that ever governed a British dependency; the man who 
 preserved Canada to the Empire. Carleton, on the 
 9th June, 1775, proclaimed that he had put the pro- 
 vince under martial law; at the same time he called 
 out its militia, depending chiefly upon the seigneurs 
 for the enrollment. 
 
 The malign influence of the Quebec Act, now that 
 the fate of Canada was about to be placed in the balance 
 of war, was everywhere felt in disastrous disappoint- 
 ment. 
 
 The peasants believed that the Quebec Act revived 
 
 those powers of Crown and noble which had been their 
 scourge and their horror in the French period. An 
 opinion prevailed in the province, that the seigneurs, 
 by the tenure of their lands, owed military service to 
 the King of England. Further, that it was part of the 
 same tenure, that they should engage for the personal 
 service of all their vassals. It was also believed that, 
 as the Quebec Act revived the laws and customs of 
 Canada, the seigneurs had a legal right, whenever the 
 king or his representative called on them, to command 
 the personal service of all their tenants. 
 
 The seigneur of Terrebonne, M. La Corne, was de- 
 puted by General Carleton to enrol his tenants. La 
 Corne took high ground with the peasants. He told 
 ihem that, by the tenure of their lands, he had a right 
 to command their military services. Their answer 
 was the most pregnant commentary on the conquest: 
 "They were now become subjects of England, and did 
 not look on them.sclves as Frenchmen in any respect 
 whatever." Then followed uproar. 
 
 M. la Corne struck some of those who spoke loudest; 
 this maddened the people. He was forced to fly to 
 Montreal, threatening to bring back two hundred 
 soldiers. The people armed them.selves for resistance, 
 determined to die rather than submit to the seigneur. 
 But the prudence of Carleton soothed them. He 
 would not give La Corne soldiers; but .sent with him an 
 {'English officer, a Capt. Hamilton. In reply to Hamil- 
 ton the people said: If Gen. Carleton requires our 
 services, let him give us English officers to command us; 
 or if not, common soldiers, rather than those people" 
 (the seigneurs). The peasants only dispersed when 
 Hamilton promised that La Corne should come no 
 more among them. 
 
 A Mr. Deschambaud, son of a .seigneur, went to his 
 father's estate on the River Richelieu, to raise the 
 tenants. He harangued them in an arbitrary strain. 
 They replied defiantly. He then drew his sword; 
 whereupon the people surrounded him, and beat him 
 severely. The result of this incident might have been 
 fraught with the very worst consequences, had it not 
 been for the admirable tact of Carleton. 
 
 The peasants, fearing that it might go ill with them, 
 as.sembled to the number of three thousand at Fort 
 Chambly, and began to march to Fort St. John's 
 to face two regiments of regulars there, whom they 
 suspected the governor would use against them. 
 Carleton promised to forgive them if they dispersed; 
 they did so, and he kept his word. 
 
 Mr. Cuthbert, a former officer in the British regular army, 
 seigneur of Berthier, made a peremptory demand on the 
 militaryserviceofhistenants. They toldhimnota man of 
 them would follow him; and made an oath on the public 
 cross, at the place of meeting, that they would never 
 
 25 
 
take up arms against the Americans; that if any one 
 of them offered to join the government, they would 
 burn his house and barn, and destroy his cattle; and 
 that, if Carleton attempted to compel them into the 
 service, they would repel force by force. M. Lanaudiere, 
 seigneur of St. Anne's went to Berthier to make the 
 attempt in which Cuthbert failed. The people seized 
 him, with seventeen of his companions, and held 
 warm debases as to whether they should send him to 
 the American camp at St. John's. Finally, on his pro- 
 mise to obtain for them the governor's pardon, and 
 never again to come amongst them on a like errand, 
 he and his. friends were set at liberty. 
 
 The main reason why the peasants — when aroused, 
 a determined and warlike race — refused to do military 
 service was, not that they disliked their new rulers, 
 but that they detested the new Bill. The men of 
 Berthier declared that if Governor Carleton would 
 promise, and affix the promise to the church door, 
 that he would do his best for the repeal of the Quebec 
 Bill, they were ready to defend the Province. They 
 said "that on a sudden, without any provocation on 
 their part, they had been reduced to their former state 
 of slavery. They were told to regard the invaders 
 as enemies. But then the invaders said that they 
 were not enemies but their best friends. The invaders 
 were now in arms for the defence of the peasants 
 from their oppressors; and made the repeal of the 
 Quebec Bill one of the conditions for laying down 
 their arms. (Maseres papers). 
 
 The conduct of the peasants drew out hints from 
 the government, that their refusal to obey the seigneurs 
 had justified the forfeiture of their lands, and that 
 suits at law would be taken to dispossess them. The 
 peasants admitted that they had incurred forfeiture, 
 but were determined to hold possession of their lands 
 by force. Happily for Canada and Great Britain, the 
 soldier-statesman who governed the Province did not 
 allow any actions for forfeiture to be taken. 
 
 But it was not the peasants only to whom the 
 Quebec Act was a menace and a grievance. The men 
 of the towns held the measure in detestation. In 
 Montreal, the captain of the French Canadian militia 
 declared to Carleton "that his compatriots would not 
 take arms as a militia unless His Excellency would 
 assure them, on his honour, that he would use his 
 utmost endeavours to get the Quebec Bill repealed." 
 The governor thereupon gave the promise. 
 
 The government of Canada felt that it had, in all 
 justice and generosity, an irresistible claim on the 
 Roman Catholic Church in the Province. It invoked 
 the aid of the church to influence the peasants. But 
 the children closed their ears against the advice of 
 
 their mother, and steeled their hearts against her 
 entreaties. (Maseres) . 
 
 After the conquest, the grand vicar and clergy of 
 Quebec, the see being vacant by the death of its former 
 occupant, Mgr. Pontbriant, applied to the Captain 
 General, Murray, asking that their right to elect should 
 be recognized. The governor transmitted the matter 
 to the home authorities, and recommended the granting 
 of the demand. In 1763 the law officers of the Crown 
 decided that the Penal Laws against the Roman 
 Catholics in the British Islands did not extend to the 
 colonies. Accordingly, the Chapter of Quebec elected 
 as their bishop, M. de Montgolfier, Superior of the 
 Seminary of St. Sulpice, Montreal, a native of France 
 who had held himself aloof from the British. The 
 governor took exception to the nomination, and 
 M. Briand, a Breton by birth, one of the canons and 
 Grand Vicar of Quebec, was designated for the vacant 
 Episcopate. M. Briand was chosen. In the same 
 year, 1764, he visited London, and received, with the 
 consent of the King, his bulls on investiture from 
 Pope Clement XIII; and then repairing to Paris, was 
 there consecrated. To the Province of Quebec, which 
 had been without a bishop from 1760 to 1766, Mgr. 
 Briand returned in the latter year, a stipendiary of 
 the King of England to the extent of £200 sterling 
 annually. His acceptance of the yearly pension, and 
 his subsequent administration, contributed to his 
 unpopularity and lessened his influence. It seemed, 
 on his return to Canada, that he would exercise only 
 the milder and more beneficent duties of his high 
 office. In his reply to those who welcomed his arrival 
 he deprecated pomp and ceremony. He told them that 
 " he did not come into the province to be a bishop on 
 the same high footing as his predecessors in the time 
 of the French Government; that he was 'un simple 
 faiseur de prStres' — a mere ordainer of priests." 
 
 Mgr. Briand, in 1775, at the instance of the Govern- 
 ment issued an encyclical letter to the French Canadian 
 people. In this epistle the bishop exhorted them to 
 take up arms for the Crown against the American 
 invaders. To those who obeyed, he promised indul- 
 gences. Over the heads of those who should refuse, 
 he suspended the thunders of excommunication. The 
 reception accorded to the letter was another instance 
 of a phenomenon sometimes witnessed in history — 
 that when the political passions of men begin to boil, 
 the elements of religious kinship and obligation begin 
 to evaporate. The very quarrel then in progress 
 between Great Britain and her colonies was proof to 
 the point. 
 
 The people not only turned deaf ears to the in unctions 
 of the bishop, but expressed the opinion that his 
 
action in the dispute was quite unsuitable to the 
 character of a Christian prelate, who ought to have 
 no concern in anything that involved the shedding 
 of blood. They even went further than this. They 
 assumed that Bishop Briand's conduct had been 
 influenced by the pension of £200 a year he received 
 from the King of England, and by the expectation 
 he had formed of a larger gratuity. The French 
 Canadians not only disobeyed their bishop, but went so 
 far as to lampoon him in more than thirty songs, which 
 were circulated during the summer of 1775. (Maseres). 
 
 The situation Carleton had to face was certainly a 
 perilous one. The army of occupation in Canada, 
 owing to the exactions of the wars in Europe, had been 
 reduced to an insignificant force. And according to 
 Allison (History of Europe, chap, xci), the whole military 
 force of the empire did not amount to 20,000 men. 
 The whole population of Canada consisted of 90,000 
 souls, of whom perhaps 1,000 were English speaking. 
 The population of the English colonies in revolt was 
 3,000,000. 
 
 The governor, realizing that it would be absolutely 
 impossible to raise a force under the old militia laws, 
 or under any sort of compulsion, decided to do the 
 best he could with the few men — principally of the 
 seigneur class and retired British soldiers — who offered 
 their services as volunteers. 
 
 Here, perhaps, it might be explained, that although 
 the French Canadian peasants refused in so many 
 notable cases to serve in the militia, they showed 
 less practical sympathy with the Continentals than 
 did their neighbors of English speech, the larger pro- 
 portion of whom had drifted into Canada from the 
 older English colonies. 
 
 In an official list Carleton forwarded to England 
 of "the principal persons settled in the province who 
 very zealously served the rebels in the winter of 1775 
 and 1776, and fled upon their leaving it" there does 
 not appear one French Canadian name. The list in- 
 cluded 29 of Scottish, 21 of American, five of English 
 and one of French (old France) birth. 
 
 Blood was shed at Lexington and Concord in April, 
 1775, and a few days afterwards. Colonel Warner, 
 with a view, even at that early stage of affairs, of 
 preparing for an expedition into Canada, obtained the 
 mastery of Lake Champlain without any loss of men. 
 The first invasion of Canada after its passing under 
 British rule speedily followed. A detachment of 
 revolutionary troops under Benedict Arnold was 
 despatched down that old route of invasion — the 
 Richelieu River, and St. Johns, garrisoned by a ser- 
 geant and ten men, fell an easy prize about the end of 
 May. 
 
 A few days afterwards, June 10, this important 
 
 fortress was retaken by M. de Belestre at the head of 
 
 eighty Canadian volunteer militiamen raised in Mon- 
 treal and vicinity. The victory is one of great his- 
 torical interest as the first recorded feat of arms of a 
 force of Canadian militia fighting alone under the flag 
 of England. 
 
 De Belestre's detachment included a goodly repre- 
 sentation of the blue-blood of New France, and several 
 old officers of the former French militia, as attested 
 by such names as the Chevalier de Belestre, de Lon- 
 gueuil, de Lotbiniere, de Rouville, de Boucherville, 
 de la Come, de Labrui^re, de St. Ours, Perthuis, Her- 
 vieux, Gamelin, de Montigny, d 'Eschambault and 
 others. 
 
 For this service. General Carleton publicly thanked 
 them. In September of the same year, this party, 
 with the assistance of a number of Quebec and Three 
 Rivers volunteers, viz : Messrs. de Montesson, Duches- 
 nay, de Rigouvill, de Salaberry, de Tonancour, 
 Beaubien, Demusseau, Moquin, Lamarque, Faucher 
 and others, started for St. Johns to relieve a detach- 
 ment of the 7th and 26th regiments, then in charge of 
 the fort, and who expected a siege, but after being 
 beleaguered, the fort surrendered on the 2nd of Novem- 
 ber to General Montgomery. The Canadians and 
 soldiers were carried away prisoners of war. Congress 
 refusing to exchange the Canadians, "they being too 
 much attached to the English government and too 
 influential in their own country." Two, Messrs. 
 de Montesson and de Rigouville, died prisoners of 
 war; de la Corne, Perthuis and Beaubien had been 
 killed during the siege; de Lotbiniere had an arm shot 
 off; de Salaberry was twice wounded. The garrison 
 under Preston made a gallant defense, successfully 
 withstanding a fierce assault delivered during a severe 
 storm. 
 
 June 26, Carleton wrote to Lord Dartmouth from 
 Montreal that with his best efforts he had only been 
 able to assemble 500 men at Chambly and St. Johns, 
 artillery included. 
 
 July 1st, Lord Dartmouth wrote from Whitehall, 
 authorizing Carleton to raise 3,000 men, either to act 
 separately, or in conjunction with the regular troops, 
 as should be deemed most expedient. The arms and 
 clothing had been ordered, and the same pay would 
 be given to officers and men as to the British regular 
 troops. July 24th, in consequence of despatches 
 received from Gage, Dartmouth again wrote ordering 
 Carleton to raise 6,000, instead of 3,000 men. 
 
 Carleton did everything he could to raise men, but 
 apart from the corps organized in the leading centres 
 of population, the number of militia recruits offering 
 was very small. The governor offered tempting 
 conditions. For men who would volunteer for the war 
 
 27 
 
for each unmarried private he offered grants of 200 
 acres of land, married ones 250 acres, besides 50 more 
 for each of the children ; the land to be held free of all 
 imposts for 20 years. Yet these offers attracted few- 
 recruits. 
 
 Carleton desired to succor St. Johns by means of the 
 armed rural populations of the Montreal and Three 
 Rivers districts, but nearly the whole militia of the 
 district of Three Rivers refused to march at the com- 
 mand of the governor. Some few hundreds of rural 
 royalists, responding to the call to arms, assembled at 
 Montreal; but, perceiving that Carleton was dubious 
 of their fidelity, most of them returned to their homes. 
 The Chambly people joined a Continental detachment, 
 and actually assisted in the capture of the fort at that 
 place, but Carleton did not abandon hope of relieving 
 the besieged garrison of St. Johns. The fort there 
 was only a poor affair, planking being the only shelter 
 afforded from the beseiger's fire, although the fort was 
 the key of the frontier line of defence. Colonel Mac- 
 lean the commandant at Quebec led 300 of his 
 militiamen as far as St. Denis, where he expected to 
 be joined by Carleton with the Montreal militia, but 
 the govenror got no further than Longucuil, fearing 
 to disembark, as he learned that some of his men 
 contemplated joining the enemy. Maclean returned 
 to Sorel, where nearly all of his men, being gained over 
 by emissaries from the Chambly sympathisers, deserted 
 to the enemy. This desertion, coupled with the 
 inability of Carleton to rely upon his corps of 800 
 militia raised in the Montreal district, left Maclean 
 with no alternative but to retreat to Quebec, and after 
 a siege of 45 days. Fort St. Johns, with its garrison of 
 500 men, .surrendered. 
 
 September 25, an attempt was made to take Montreal 
 by surprise by Colonel Ethan Allen and Major Brown. 
 Allen with 110 men crossed to the Island of Montreal, 
 and was assured of assistance from sympathisers in 
 the city, but was encountered and captured near 
 Longue Pointe by a force of 60 regulars and 300 of 
 the town militia commanded by Major Carden, who 
 was mortally wounded in the fight which took place 
 before the invaders surrendered. 
 
 At this time Montreal was a small place of 7,000 or 
 8,000 population and defended by a feeble and decided- 
 ly dilapidated wall. At one place a pile of rubbish 
 was lying against the outside of the wall and reached 
 almost to the top of it. In another place some of 
 the citizens, in a delightful spirit of independence, 
 had broken down a section of the wall to make a con- 
 venient entrance for the teams drawing wood into the 
 city, thus saving a considerable detour to the nearest 
 gate. Military defences had not been allowed to stand 
 in\he way of business convenience. There were rusty 
 
 guns mounted in the little citadel, but their carriages 
 were rotting away, and there were but few gunners to 
 man them. The governor had barely enough regular 
 soldiers for the guard, and only a portion of the militia 
 could be depended upon. The English-speaking mer- 
 chants were generally dissatisfied, especially some of 
 the leading ones, who had come from the older English 
 colonies, and the people of the suburbs were practically 
 friendly to the Continentals. This had been shown by 
 the refusal of the suburbanites to deliver up their 
 ladders to the garrison, the governor having deemed it a 
 wise precaution, in view of the possibility of an attempt 
 l)y escalade, to have all ladders placed in the citadel. 
 
 November 12, 1775,' when Montgomery's army 
 crossed the St. Lawrence to the Island of Montreal, 
 the energetic Carleton, made his escape by night in a 
 boat from the lower part of the town. Montgomery 
 simply had to march his men into the city to take 
 possession. The Continental general explained to the 
 inhabitants that being defenceless they could not 
 stipulate terms, but he promised to respect their 
 personal rights on condition that the keys of the public 
 stores were turned over to him. 
 
 The possession of the public stores was no insig- 
 nificant matter, for Montgomery found himself badly 
 supplied with clothing, food and ammunition. As 
 he advanced further from his base the wants of his 
 army naturally became more acute. The campaigning 
 about Lake Champlain and the Richelieu had been 
 very rough and trying on equipment, and the Con- 
 tinental soldiers had been very glad to appropriate 
 and don the reserve uniforms of British troops they had 
 found in the military stores of St. Johns and Chambly. 
 And so it happened that when Montgomery and his 
 army entered Montreal by the Recollet Gate on 
 November 13th, quite a number of the Continentals 
 wore scarlet coats. 
 
 The story of the siege of Quebec by the Continentals 
 imder Arnold and Montgomery belongs rather to the 
 pages of national history than to this volume. 
 On December the 22nd, Carleton ordered all who 
 would not join in the defence of the city to leave it 
 within four days. After their departure he found 
 himself supported by 300 regulars, 330 Anglo-Canadian 
 militia, 543 French Canadians, 485 seamen and ma- 
 rines, and 120 artificers capable of bearing arms. In 
 all 1,778 men. 
 
 A very important part was played in the repulse 
 of the combined assault on Quebec by the Canadian 
 militia. It was Captain Chabot, a militia officer, 
 who gave the command to fire which swept the head 
 of Montgomery's assaulting column away and laid 
 the general himself low. A handful of Canadians 
 opposed Arnold's column, holding their ground foot 
 
 28 
 
by foot with great obstinacy. When the Continentals 
 planted their scaling ladders against the inner bar- 
 ricade on St. James Street, a town militiaman named 
 Charland, an intrepid and robust man, advanced 
 amidst a shower o balls, seized the ladders and drew 
 them inside the barricade. This post was held by 
 Captain Dumas' militia company, and its relief was 
 finally effected by Captain Marcoux's company rein- 
 forced by a few regulars. The elder Papineau (Joseph), 
 served as a volunteer in Captain Marcoux's company. 
 
 About the middle of May, part of Arnold's army, 
 which had retreated from before Quebec on the 6th, 
 arrived in Montreal. Reinforcements were coming 
 to the Continentals via the Richelieu, but so were 
 British reinforcements, via the Atlantic. In June, 
 Arnold and the remnant of his and Montgomery's 
 armies reached Montreal, Arnold establishing his 
 headquarters at the Chateau de Ramezay. He found 
 that but few Canadian sympathizers remained, for the 
 failures of the Continentals and the energy of the 
 British had a depressing effect upon the disloyal, and 
 encouraged the French Canadian clergy and gentry to 
 make redoubled efforts to wean the mass of the people 
 from their temporary lapse of indifference. 
 
 The merchants of Montreal, and the Canadian 
 "habitants" as well, soon ceased to be indifferent. 
 They found the ill-provided, half-starved, and generally 
 mutinous Continentals very different from the well- 
 found and thoroughly disciplined troops of the British. 
 The Continentals, for want of money, seized goods 
 on promises to pay, and the promises were never 
 redeemed. The British paid for all the goods the 
 merchants could spare, and for all the produce the far- 
 mers could supply, in good yellow gold. The Con- 
 tinental soldiers performed all kinds of arbitrary 
 and illegal acts, and their officers would not or dare 
 not bring them to book; while British soldiers charged 
 with offences against even the local French colonial 
 ordinances, the habitants remembered, had been 
 promptly arrested, and even handed over to courts 
 of which French Canadian militia officers officiated 
 as judges, for trial. 
 
 French Canadians, in several districts, took the 
 field against the Continentals. 
 
 Ogdensburg was still a British post, and fairly 
 strongly held, and Arnold feared that the commander 
 of the place might try a sudden dash upon Montreal 
 via the St. Lawrence. To guard against such a con- 
 tingency he posted a considerable force at the Cedar 
 Rapids, where any force descending the St. Lawrence 
 would have to make a portage. Considerable con- 
 sternation and alarm was caused in the Montreal 
 garrison when it became known that this party had 
 Ijeen attacked and captured by a party of French 
 
 Canadian militia, for the French Canadians all through 
 the country were becoming more and more unfriendly 
 and aggressively hostile. 
 
 A retirement of the Continental garrison of Montreal 
 was ordered without delay, and by June 16th the last 
 Continental soldier had crossed the river. The ad- 
 vance guard of a British force from Quebec marched 
 into the little citadel, the Union Jack was once more 
 raised over Montreal, and there it has remained ever 
 since. 
 
 Once the Continental troops evacuated Canada 
 there was no grave danger again during the war, 
 owing to the arrival of strong reinforcements from 
 England. 
 
 Between 1776 and 1783, Governor Carleton main- 
 tained three companies of Canadian militia, raised by 
 voluntary enlistment, on a war footing, and he de- 
 tailed a certain number of non-commissioned officers 
 from these companies as well as from the regular 
 regiments, to act as instructors of the sedentary 
 militia, who had been enrolled after the old French 
 method. 
 
 As soon as the invaders had been expelled, Carleton 
 set himself to work to endeavor to place the militia 
 on a sound footing, but his time for some months was 
 largely taken up providing for the large force of re- 
 gular and Hessian troops sent to Canada to operate 
 against the revolting colonies by way of Lake Cham- 
 plain and Lake George. He realized that the first 
 thing to do was to prepare and have passed a militia 
 ordinance clearly defining the authority of the govern- 
 ment and the duties to be imposed upon the people. 
 
 For various reasons he was led to favour the old 
 French laws and customs as the basis of the new 
 ordinance rather than the English militia law. Militia 
 laws framed after the English model had been for 
 years in existence in most of the New England and 
 southern colonies and had proved most defective, 
 the generals commanding in the old French wars 
 being never able to depend upon obtaining the levies 
 ordered from the various colonies. Moreover, such 
 levies as did reach the camps of mobilization were 
 often insubordinate and mutinous, and seldom amen- 
 able to ordinary discipline. 
 
 On the other hand, the French militia laws and 
 usages had put practically the whole male population 
 in the field upon emergency, and kept them on service 
 in a useful state. 
 
 Carleton would naturally suppose, too, that the 
 Canadians would prefer an ordinance similar to those 
 to which they had been accustomed, and of course the 
 seignorial influence about him would encourage him in 
 that view. 
 
 So it came to pass that at the historical session of 
 
 29 
 
the Legislative Council held at Quebec in 1777, among 
 the sixteen ordinances passed was one providing for 
 the regulation of the militia, based largely upon the 
 laws and practices which prevailed, or were supposed 
 to have prevailed, during the French regime. Critics 
 of the measure declared that the council was misled 
 by the over-zealous seigneurs who had seats at their 
 board, and charged that the new militia ordinance 
 established for a common rule, obligations which were 
 in New France never imposed on the militiamen, ex- 
 cepting under extraordinary circumstances, as when 
 public spirit and popular readiness with regard to 
 the defence of the colony exceeded the demands of 
 the government. As a matter of fact the new ordin- 
 ance subjected the inhabitants to rigorous military 
 service, such as to bear arms beyond Canada for an 
 indefinite time, to do vicariously, agricultural labour 
 for absentees serving in the army, etc.; all to be 
 gratuitously performed, under heavy penalties for 
 refusal or neglect. Provision was made for calling out 
 the militia for corvee or statute labour, a very im- 
 portant duty, particularly with the need of making 
 and keeping in repair the roads from Montreal to the 
 scene of active operations on Lakes Champlain and 
 George and the Upper Hudson. 
 
 In a letter of Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George 
 Germaine, dated Quebec, 20th May, 1777, he wrote — 
 "Three hundred Canadian militia are also to make 
 the campaign (Burgoyne's via Lake George and the 
 Hudson), to be disposed of by Lieut.-General Bur- 
 goyne, the same I had ordered while I flattered myself 
 I should have the conduct of the war on the frontiers 
 of this province, which Canadians, with those necessary 
 for scouring the woods towards the New England 
 provinces, and a great number which must be em- 
 ployed for the forwarding all things for those two 
 expeditions, is, I think, in the first dawning of good 
 order and obedience, as much as ought, in prudence, 
 to be demanded from this unfortunate province." 
 
 July 10, Carleton wrote Lord Germaine that the 
 number of militia called out being insufficient, en- 
 couragement was given to volunteers. St. Luc La 
 Come, Lanaudiere and others assembled about 170 
 and joined the Western Indians under Campbell ; 
 those from the interior of the province were led by 
 Fraser. A corvee of 500 men forBurgoyne had gone off 
 with a better grace than was expected. So soon as 
 the transport was finished the number should be in- 
 creased. He would do everything possible to assist 
 Burgoyne. These services were a burden on the people ; 
 and there were difficulties in the way of restoring the 
 old usages, especially as he had been deprived of sup- 
 port by the appointment of an inferior officer (Bur- 
 goyne) to the command of this army. There had been 
 
 desertions among the armed militia force, but two men 
 for each deserter had been ordered from the respective 
 parishes. He enclosed the opinion of the new Attorney 
 General as to the legal proceedings in such cases. In 
 1775, he asked for no lawyer's opinion, but, having 
 full confidence in the judgment of the ministers then, 
 he took the steps that were necessary without waiting 
 for orders. 
 
 After the war the Canadian people appear to have 
 devoted some attention to the question of defence. 
 Considerable agitation arose against the militia laws 
 on account of the provisions imposing statute labour 
 upon the people, English and French being associated 
 in the agitation. 
 
 In the celebrated "Appeal" of Pierre du Calvet, 
 whose name figures so prominently in the history of 
 Montreal and the province of that time, published in 
 1784, was a suggestion that a permanent regiment 
 of two battalions be established hi the province, with 
 the ultimate object of expanding this force to provide 
 for small detachments in each parish, to serve as an 
 example and point d'appui for the sedentary militia. 
 Du Calvet suggested that the chief officers should be 
 British, and discouraged the idea of recruiting from 
 the militia, as the Canadians were required for the 
 cultivation of the soil. Apparently his idea was that 
 the subalterns and non-commissioned officers should 
 be Canadians, the superior officers and privates, 
 British, the latter, probably, discharged men from the 
 army. 
 
 June 13th, 1787, Lord Dorchester (formerly Guy 
 Carleton) wrote to Lord Sydney announcing the pass- 
 ing by the Council of " An Act to Regulate the Militia." 
 The ordinance provided for detachments being em- 
 bodied for two years; Dorchester would have preferred 
 three. He expressed the hope that the ordinance 
 "would have the effect of curing the dangerous 
 supineness produced by the disuse of all militia service 
 to train up youth in discipline and obedience, and to 
 teach the people that the defence of the country is 
 their own immediate concern; and would provide for 
 many natives and residents of distinction." 
 
 The governor proceeded to explain that the corps 
 to be raised under this ordinance may be increased 
 as exigencies require, and always preserved complete. 
 He asked leave to embody three battalions, two of 
 Canadians and one of British or loyalists, on the 
 same plan as those existing in England, except that 
 the colonel should have neither pay nor emolument. 
 The governor, in concluding his communication to 
 the minister, wrote: — "If this measure cannot be 
 carried out in peace there is little hope of drawing 
 out the strength of the country in case of invasion." 
 September 14th, the same year, Lord Sydney wrote 
 
 30 
 
Dorchester that the proposal for the establishment 
 of a Canadian militia was approved of, and that cloth- 
 ing for the proposed battalions would be sent out 
 early in the spring. 
 
 Sir Guy Carleton later added two battalions raised in 
 Canada to the 60th Royal Americans, now the 60th 
 Royal Rifles. The two new battalions, according to 
 Mr. Suite, were placed under the command of Colonel 
 Louis Joseph Fleury d'Eschambault, an officer in 
 H. M. 109th Regiment, whose father had been the 
 richest and one of the most patrioic men in New 
 France before the change of flags. The two bat- 
 talions so raised served not only in Canada, but in 
 the Antilles, Jersey, Guernsey and elsewhere, but 
 being annoyed at being considered, for purpo-^es of 
 promotion, etc., without the pale of the regular army, 
 the officers asked for disbandment, which was ac- 
 corded. 
 
 Early in 1788, Dorchester issued circulars to the 
 lieut. -governors, the object being to show the people 
 the necessity for standing forward in their own de- 
 fence. On the 9th of January he wrote Lord Sydney, 
 drawing attention to the want of small arms, and 
 recommending that 30,000 be sent, namely, 20,000 for 
 Quebec (old province, which practically included the 
 present province of Ontario), and 5,000 each for Nova 
 Scotia and New Brunswick. He also urged the 
 despatch to Canada of strong reinforcements of re- 
 gulars. 
 
 September 25th, 1790, Lord Dorcheste • wrote from 
 Quebec to Mr. Grenvi le that the prospect of a war 
 with Spain seemed a proper occasion to call on each 
 of the Provinces for its own defence, so that the 
 troops might be united for general defence. General 
 orders respecting the militia had been ordered for 
 this province, and copies sent to Nova Scotia and 
 New Brunswick for consideration. The governor 
 pointed out that corps formed from the militia were 
 the only reinforcements that could be had on a sudden 
 emergency. If a certain number of militia were 
 kept always embodied, one-half or one-third to be 
 discharged annually and replaced from the mass, it 
 would be the means of restoring habits of mi itary 
 service, and revive a spirit of national defence. It 
 was the wisest course to rely on the people for their 
 own defence. 
 
 In 1791, the Constitutional Act was passed dividing 
 the old colony of Quebec into two provhices. Upper 
 and Lower Canada; from which time, until the pass- 
 age of the Act of Union in 1842, the militias of Upper 
 and Lower Canada were distinct forces under separate 
 staffs and separate laws. 
 
 While the Constitutional Act was under discussion. 
 Lord Dorchester, the governor, urged upon the British 
 
 government the importance of establishing "a res- 
 pectable militia." He wrote: — "To effect this in 
 Canada a law was passed in 1787, enabling the governor 
 to embody draughts to serve for two years in rotation, 
 under a permanent corps of officers. This measure 
 has not yet been carried into execution. It should 
 be extended to all the king's colonies. Without it 
 the dominion of Great Britain on the continent of 
 America will always be precarious. A quantity, of 
 small arms should also be deposited in the king's 
 colonies for use of the militia in general in case of 
 emergency." 
 
 To this Lord Grenville replied: — "It is conceived 
 that Lord Dorchester might be instructed to propose 
 a new law to the Legislature for embodying two or 
 three battalions of militia, stating the time of service 
 to be for two or three years, and then to have fresh 
 ballots, and so to proceed as often as the militia is 
 called out at the end of every two or three years. This 
 would be an Act for a regular permanent militia. But 
 Query? Whether it would be necessary to keep the 
 same embodied more than a month or six weeks, in 
 every year, during which time only the men and officers 
 are to be paid. 
 
 "The expense otherwise would be considerable. 
 
 "The other particulars mentioned by Lord Dor- 
 chester seem proper. 
 
 "It appears by the 5th suggestion that no steps 
 were taken to carry into execution the Militia Act 
 passed in Canada in 1787, and I am of opinion that 
 it might now be a proper measure to propose a per- 
 manent Militia Act, which as far as local circum- 
 stances will admit of, should be in the general out- 
 lines of its formation in a great measure similar to our 
 own. 
 
 "The time of service I apprehend should not be 
 less than three nor more than five years, and then 
 each corps to be renewed by fresh ballots. But 
 neither the men nor officers should receive any pay 
 except during the time they remain embodied, such 
 
 time not to be less than in every year and only 
 
 one-half of the militia to be called out. At the same 
 time there should be a provision to enable the governor, 
 at his discretion, to call the whole out at any time, 
 
 but not to keep them embodied longer than weeks 
 
 without the consent of the Legislature of the pro- 
 vince . 
 
 " I will only add that the Act for so important a 
 measure as the constituting of a permanent militia 
 should either be transmitted home for His Majesty's 
 assent or rather a copy of the Bill before its passage 
 thro' the Provincial Legislature. 
 
 " It will be certainly necessary to deposit a pro- 
 portionable quantity of small arms within the pro- 
 
 31 
 
vince, and it will be equally so that some coercive 
 mode should be adopted for their preservation, and 
 their regular and freciucnt production." 
 
 The arrival of H. II. H. the Duke of Kent, father 
 of her late Majesty Queen Victoria, at Quebec in 1791, 
 as Colonel of the 7th Royal Fusiliers, (City of London 
 Regiment), is an event of some interest to the Canadian 
 militia. During his sojourn in Quebec the Duke made 
 himself very agreeable with leading French Canadian 
 families, and was instrumental in securing commis- 
 
 sions in the regular army for some dozen j'oung French 
 Canadians, several of whom have left their mark 
 on the militia force and on national history. Among 
 these proteges of the Duke were four of the de Sala- 
 berry family, two of that of Juchereau-Duchesnay, 
 and two of that of Des Rivieres. 
 
 Meantime France had been passing through the 
 revolutionary period, and the long-threatened war 
 between the two mother countries of the Canadian 
 people had broken out. 
 
 An example of Popular Interest in the South African Contingent.s. 
 Crowds at Quebec watching the Departure of the " Sardinian," October 30th, 1899. 
 
 32 
 

 CHAPTER IV 
 
 THE UPPER CANADA MILITIA 
 
 The Original Organization under Governor Simcoe. — The British Model of the New Force. — 
 
 The War of 1812 and the Rebellion of 1837-38. 
 
 BY the Constitutional Act two provinces, " Lower 
 Canada" and "Upper Canada," were created 
 out of what was left of the original Province 
 of Quebec after the treaty of peace with the United States. 
 To each province was left the regulation of its militia. 
 
 At the time of the cession the territory comprised 
 within the Province of Ujjper Canada was virtually a 
 wilderness. There were trading posts at a few places 
 and a respectal^le frontier military post — or rather 
 its ruins — at Frontenac, now Kingston. Practically 
 there was no settlement and no militia. 
 
 Immediately succeeding the conquest there was a 
 small influx of immigration into the Upper Canadian 
 wilderness but it remained for the great upheaval 
 of the American Revolution to furnish the province 
 with her first settlement of any great account. The 
 story of the United Empire Loyalists, of their pathetic 
 and noble loyalty, of their sacrifices, their hardships, 
 and their settlement in what is now the Province of 
 Ontario, in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, and in New 
 Brunswick, isapartofthenational history of this country 
 and a part whicli will never be forgotten by the people 
 of Canada. 
 
 By 1791, thanks largely to the settlemen; of the 
 United Empire Loyalists, the population of Upper 
 Canada had attained such dimensions as to give weight 
 to the expres.sed wish of the inhabitants, to whom the 
 French laws and usages of the old the Province of Quebec 
 
 were irksome, that they be accorded a separate govern- 
 ment, hence the Constitutional Act. In the light 
 of present development, the population of Upper 
 Canada at that time does not seem very considerable, 
 being only about twenty-five thousand, but it was a 
 population strongly imbued with pure patriotic prin- 
 ciples and high military spirit. 
 
 We are able to form some idea of the feelings of the 
 men of Upper Canada of that time from the knowledge 
 that the first business of the second session of the first 
 parliament of Upper Canada, March 31st, 1793, was 
 the passage of a Militia Act (33 George III. Chap. 1). 
 
 Up to this time, according to section xxxiii of the 
 Constitutional Act (31st George III. Chap, xxxi) all 
 laws, statutes and ordinances which had been in force 
 in the original Province of Quebec continued to be 
 of the same force, authority and effect in the province 
 as if the Act in question had not been passed. 
 
 The original Upper Canada Militia Act was drafted 
 by Governor Simcoe himself and provided for the 
 organization of the proNdncial militia on a system 
 very closely indeed approximating to that then existing 
 in England. This English militia system had been the 
 development of many centuries of experience and 
 legislation, and a brief review of that development 
 is essential to a clear appreciation of the principles 
 which guided the original organizer of the provincial 
 militia of Upper Canada in his work. 
 
 33 
 
The actual origin of the English militia is lost in 
 antiquity. The Roman invasion was stoutly resisted 
 by armed tribes resembling a militia and possessing 
 both organization and military ability. 
 
 Under the Anglo-Saxon kings of England, when the 
 question of defencs against the Scots, the Welsh, and 
 particularly the Danes and other over-sea raiders, 
 was a very live one in England, all men were required 
 to bear arms as a sort of body-rent for the land they 
 held, but there was no special organization until 
 King Alfred's reign. That wise sovereign about the 
 year 880, organized the militia or fyrd, making land 
 the basis of numbers, but the family system that of 
 discipline. So many families were a tything, ten 
 tythings a hundred, and hundreds were united into 
 county powers, each under its heretoga, leader, dux 
 or duke. Each section of the community had not 
 only to furnish its quota in time of war, but also to 
 provide arms, keep them in repair, and train its men 
 or "general levy" for so many days every year. 
 
 Britain was not by any means, as often stated, the 
 home of the militia system. The most ancient national 
 military organization of which we have any authentic 
 record is the great military caste of Egypt, really a 
 national militia. The defensive force of Egypt at the 
 command of the Pharoahs of the Old Testament, 
 eighteen centuries before the Christian era, consisted 
 of the soldier-farmer caste, the men of which were 
 agriculturists in peace time; soldiers in time of war. 
 
 The occupancy and tillage o' the soil imposed upon 
 them the obligation to military service, and each man 
 provided himself with his own arms and had to be in 
 readiness to serve when called upon. The old Egyptian 
 armies chiefly depended upon the number and skill 
 of their archers, who fought either on foot or in chariots. 
 Scarcely any repre.sentations of Egyp ian cavalry are 
 found on the monuments, but frequent mention is 
 made in Holy writ of the horsemen of Egypt, as 
 accompanying Joseph, as pursuing the Israelites, and 
 as being thrown in the Red Sea. . 
 
 But to return to the militia force in Britain. After 
 the Norman conquest, A.U. 1066, the baronial troops 
 introduced with the continental feudal system, rendered 
 the militia largely unnecessary, but it never ceased 
 wholly to exist, and when the period of contention 
 between the Crown and the barons began, the kings 
 found their most powerful instrument in the Saxon 
 militia. 
 
 It is after the Norman conquest that we first hear of 
 the "feudal levy" in addition to the "general levy" 
 of Saxon days, the distinction between these forces 
 being that while obligation to serve in the latter rested 
 upon being a male, within certain limits of age, service in 
 the "feudal levy" depended upon tenure of land under 
 
 the king, as feudal lord. The general levy probably 
 constituted the larger part of the infantry, while the 
 feudal levy consisted of knights, who, with their re- 
 tainers, mounted and a"med, were bound to attend 
 the king at their own expense. 
 
 Henry II established in 1181 "an assize of arms," 
 at which every holder of land was bound to produce 
 one or more men fully equipped and capable of fighting 
 in the national defence. An Act passed in the reign 
 o" Edward I. (13 Edward I., cap. 16) decreed that 
 every, freedman between the age of fifteen and sixty 
 was to be available to preserve peace within his county 
 or shire, and liable to serve elsewhere "upon the 
 coming of strange enemies into the realm." During 
 the reigns of Mary and Elizabeth, the statutes bearing 
 upon the military obligations of subjects wei'e con- 
 solidated, and the Lieutenants of Counties were con- 
 stituted as the agents of the Crown for the purpose 
 of effecting levies for the internal defence of the 
 country. 
 
 In 1604, four years before Champlain founded 
 Quebec, James I. abolished the old Saxon "fyrd," 
 and substituted "trained bands," a force being estab- 
 lished numbering 160,000 men, partaking of the nature 
 both of volunteers and militia, but deficient in dis- 
 cipline and drill. 
 
 During the reign of Charles I. (1625 to 1648), fre- 
 quent disputes arose between the King and the Parlia- 
 ment as to the command of the "trained bands," 
 and during a Parliamentary debate on this subject the 
 name militia appears to have been first given to the 
 trained bands. A Parliamentarian of the day, White- 
 locke, piously expressed his regret "that this great 
 word, this new word, 'the militia,' this harsh word," 
 had ever been introduced in the House. 
 
 One of the first acts after the restoration, was one 
 to establish the militia on a constitutional basis, 
 owners of property, by the Act of 1662, being obliged 
 to furnish horses, horsemen, foot soldiers, and arms 
 in proportion to their property. The similarity of 
 this system and that of feudal days, when the nobility 
 were called upon to supply their quota of retainers, 
 must strike any one. In 1757, the English militia, 
 having been several times called out in the meantime 
 on active service, a re-organization took place, and 
 the obligation to supply the men, horses, etc., was 
 transferred from the owners of property to the counties 
 and parishes, which had to provide fixed quotas. 
 Obligatory service by ballot was also introduced. 
 The period of service was for three years, the age 
 limits being 18 to 50, with certain exemptions. An 
 Act passed in 1758 was the first to officially recognize 
 volunteers as counting toward the quota. 
 
 It was in 1794, a year later than the passage of 
 
 34 
 
Goveriior Simcoe's Militia Act, that Mr. Pitt passed 
 his bill " for the encouragement and discipline " of 
 the British volunteers, and made his historical appeal 
 to the "gentlemen and yeomanry" in each county, 
 and as a result of which the Fencible or Militia Cavalry 
 began to be called "Volunteer Yeomanry Cavalry." 
 
 Ireland and Scotland did not furnish any regular 
 militia until 1715 and 1797 respectively, although in 
 Scotland, militia existed long before 1797, namely, in 
 Perthshire, in 1684. The Irish militia when first 
 raised, in 1715, was restricted to Protestants between 
 the ages of 16 and 60. 
 
 In accordance with his wish to follow, as far as 
 possible, the English militia system, Simcoe intro- 
 duced by his first Militia Act into Upper Canada the 
 office of Lieutenants of Counties, an office held in 
 England by gentlemen or noblemen of loyalty and 
 distinction, as military deputies for the king, for the 
 government of the militia in their respective counties. 
 
 On the division of the counties or ridings, Simcoe 
 appointed a lieutenant in each whose duty was the 
 delimitation of the militia districts, with a general 
 oversight and power or recommendation of officers 
 to the command of the militia force. Simcoe's views 
 on this subject are found in a letter he wrote to Col. 
 Alex. McKee on his appointment to the office of 
 Lieutenant of E.ssex County, as follows: — 
 
 "It may not be improper to observe that this high 
 office, under the constitution of Britain, is generally 
 conferred upon the persons who seem most respectable 
 to His Majesty's Government, for theirproperty, loyalty, 
 abilities, and discretion in their several counties, and 
 from a combination of such possessions and qualities, 
 acquire that weight, respect, and public confidence 
 which render them the natural support of constitutional 
 authority. If on the one hand this office has been at 
 all times bestowed by the Sovereign with the circum- 
 sjjection and caution due to the important trusts which 
 it involves, on the other it has been a principal object 
 of honourable ambition, which the British Constitution 
 approves, in the first men of the state, making a due 
 provision of power for that local aristocracy which 
 the experience of ages has approved necessary to the 
 balance and permanency of her inestimable form of 
 government." 
 
 The office of Lieutenant of Counties does not seem to 
 have suited the conditions of the new country, and it 
 did not last long. The granting of commissions in 
 the militia was preferred to be vested directly in the 
 Crown, without the intermediation of the Lieutenants 
 of Counties. In this only did Simcoe s plan fail of 
 success. 
 
 The governing principle of this first mUitia law, 
 and the principle has been retained ever since, was 
 
 practically universal liability to service. With certain 
 very natural limitations, the whole male population 
 between the ages of 16 and 50, composed the militia. 
 Every lad on attaining the age of sixteen was obliged 
 to enroll himself with the militia officer in charge of 
 the district under penalty, for neglect, of a fine of four 
 dollars. This first militia of Upper Canada was some- 
 thing more than a sedentary militia; though not much 
 more perhaps. The force was divided into regiments 
 and companies, and every company had to be paraded 
 and inspected by its captain at least twice a year, a 
 serious enough obligation in those days, with the 
 difficult means of communication taken into considera- 
 tion. Though there was no provision for pay for these 
 parades, the officer who absented himself was liable 
 to a fine of eight dollars, and the private to one of 
 two dollars for each offence. 
 
 There was no provision in this Act for the training 
 of the officers and non-commissioned officers, a most 
 obvious shortcoming for any practical militia enact- 
 ment, but it must be remembered that a goodly pro- 
 portion of the most influential settlers of Upper Canada, 
 from whom officers and non-commissioned officers 
 would naturally be drawn, were men who had served 
 their king and country long and faithfully in the ranks of 
 regular or colonial regiments. The country at this 
 particular time had in fact all the trained officers it 
 was likely to require, and it must not be forgotten that 
 many of the more ordinary pioneer settlers of those 
 days, the men who would compose the rank and 
 file of the infant militia force, were al.so men who had 
 seen military service. In fact the whole male popula- 
 tion of those days, whetherof any previous military exper- 
 ience or not, were well qualified by the very nature of their 
 pioneer existence to play the part of soldiers, upon 
 emergency, well and usefully. So the brave old Sim- 
 coe's militia Act was well devised for the particular 
 occasion upon which it was required, although under 
 existing conditions it would have been absolutely 
 worthless. In fact it was not long before the rapidly 
 changing conditions of the country, and the equally 
 rapid changes in the character of the population, made 
 radical amendments absolutely necessary. 
 
 The first enrollment under this Act produced a force 
 of 4,213. The result appears to have fallen short of 
 expectations, and in the following year (1794) the 
 Militia Act of Upper Canada was amended so as to 
 make men up to sixty years of age eligible for the militia, 
 and the scope of the force was at the same time ex- 
 tended, the militiamen becoming liable for service 
 on the war vessels on the lakes. 
 
 This was a stirring time for Europe, and also for 
 Canada. The French revolution, with its excesses 
 and upheavals, affected the whole world. Continental 
 
 35 
 
Europe stood aghast; England girded up her loins 
 for the inevitable conflict. 
 
 In 1793, Genest, the Ambassador of the French 
 Directory in the United States, began to fit out private- 
 ers against British commerce. The anti-federalists 
 (or Democrats) encouraged him, and when France 
 declared war upon Britain they urged that the United 
 States should enter into alliance with the new French 
 republic in return for the assistance France had given 
 during the Revolutionary War. George Washington, at 
 this time in his second term as ' President of the United 
 States, requested the French Government to recall 
 Genest, and the request was complied with. The war 
 fever he was fostering subsided considerably upon the 
 recall of the French agitator, but while it lasted it 
 caused considerable excitement in Canada, particularly 
 in the infant Province of Upper Canada, which con- 
 sidered itself, as it were, between two fires — the zealous 
 hatred of the tyrannical democracy of the United States 
 on the one hand, and the, to them, questionable fidelity 
 of the French-Canadians of Lower Canada on the other. 
 
 And there remained after the recall of Genest other 
 causes for threatening agitations and war talk in the 
 United States. The western Indians were firm in 
 their demands that the United States withdraw from 
 the country north of the Ohio, and, of course, the 
 United States would do nothing of the kind. It was 
 claimed that the obstinacy of the Indians was due to 
 British interference, based upon a desire to keep the 
 Indian country under the British flag. The retention 
 of Detroit and the western posts was pointed to as 
 proof of Britain's determination to keep the United 
 States hemmed in to the westward. Britain had no 
 such designs, for she repeatedly called upon the 
 government of the United States to do its part towards 
 fulfilling the articles of the treaty of peace of 1783 
 with respect to the confiscated property of the expelled 
 loyalists and the debts due them, promising that as 
 soon as that was done the British troops would be 
 withdrawn from the western posts. The out-aud-out 
 democrats agitated, "talked war" and urged the 
 conquest of Canada. Probably only the great 
 personal influence of George Washington preserved 
 peace at this juncture. Jefferson, Madison, and the 
 whole of their party were wholly in sympathy with 
 the French revolution, and adopted even the extra- 
 vagant dress and symbols of the Sans-Culottes of Paris. 
 
 The anxiety naturally created in the minds of the 
 Upper Canadians by this agitation for war in the 
 United States was increased by a scheme for the 
 invasion of Canada from Louisiana by French, 
 Spanish and Indian forces via the Mississippi and 
 Michigan. The project never materialized, as President 
 Washington, much to the indignation of Jefferson, 
 
 Madison and the Democrats, refused to allow a Franco- 
 Spanish army to traverse United States territory to 
 attack the colony of a friendly power. 
 
 It was under these circumstances that the Militia 
 Act of 1794 was passed with a view to making the 
 Upper Canada militia more efficient. Heretofore the 
 militiamen had been expected to provide their own 
 arms. 
 
 During this year there was a considerable distribu- 
 tion of arms throughout the province at the public 
 expense. A general Indian war had been in progress 
 in the western part of the United States, and General 
 Wayne, after defeating the Shawnees with great 
 slaughter, declared his intention to attack Detroit 
 and the other British posts in the west. It was as 
 much as Washington and his government could do 
 to persuade the general from carrying out his threat. 
 
 Governor Simcoe, while this invasion was threaten- 
 ing, acting on instructions from Lord Dorchester, the 
 Governor-General, quietly called out 600 of the new 
 Upper Canadian militia for active service. Two 
 hundred of these men were placed in garrison at 
 Detroit, still held by Britain, the remaining four hun- 
 dred being disposed along the Niagara frontier. 
 
 This force remained on duty until the signing of the 
 treaty concluded by John Jay, Washington's special 
 ambassador, and Lord Grenville, in 1794. 
 
 This same year of anxiety and threatened invasions 
 (1794) also saw the organization of the Royal Canadian 
 Volunteer Regiment, the first battalion of which was 
 recruited exclusively in Lower Canada; the second 
 battalion of nhie companies drawing some of its officers 
 and recruits from Lower Canada, and the rest from 
 the Upper Province, chiefly from among the LTnited 
 Empire Loyalists of Glengarry. This regiment proved 
 the training school for many of the best militia officers 
 of 1812. 
 
 After the American Revolution, the district which 
 now forms the Counties of Stormont, Dundas and 
 Glengarry, was set aside as one of the places of settle- 
 ment for the United Empire Loyalists, expelled from 
 their homes in the United States. A large majority 
 of the United Empire Loyalists who went to the 
 district were Scottish Highlanders, descendants of 
 men who, after Culloden had been transported to the 
 southern plantations in the Carolinas and Georgias. 
 During the brief peace of 1802, among other veteran 
 regiments which had fought against the F ench, 
 disbanded, was the 'Glengarry Regiment" of Roman 
 Catholic Highlanders, raised by the Rev. Father 
 Alexander McDonnell, of Glen Urquhart, who, as the 
 regiment's chaplain, accompanied it on its campaigns. 
 On its disbandment he obtained aid from the British 
 Government to transport the men to Canada, and he 
 
 36 
 
accompanied them, joining the Highlander loyalists 
 frona the Southern States in the Glengarry District. 
 The brave chaplain to the Glengarry Regiment rose 
 to the Episcopate and died, universally beloved, 
 Bishop of Kingston. 
 
 Under Governor Simcoe's militia laws, each county 
 has its own militia regiment looking formidable enough 
 on paper by reason of the lists of full complements of 
 officers, but the ranks cannot have been very full, 
 for there were not at this time more than 12,000 white 
 people, men, women and children, in the whole of 
 Upper Canada. 
 
 In 1801 the Militia Act was amended to a trifling 
 extent, but the change was not productive of much 
 good. 
 
 By 1805, with Britain, fighting on in her old grim way 
 in Europe, almost isolated, with Canada practically 
 denuded of regular troops, and with the spirit of 
 hostility developing apace in the United States, the 
 question of national defence had again assumed serious 
 importance. The militia were especially warned to 
 hold themselves in readiness, arid some 4,000 stands 
 of arms were distributed among them. A return of 
 the militia showed that there were 652 officers and 
 7,947 non-commissioned officers and men enrolled, 
 but also revealed the disquieting fact that of the whole 
 number only 200 had received any training for several 
 years. 
 
 During 1807 one fifth of the whole militia of the 
 sLster Province of Lower Canada was called out em- 
 bodied, and trained. November 26, the same year, 
 Governor Gore of Upper Canada issued a circular to 
 Lieutenants of Counties directing them to cal out the 
 militia, and by volunteers or by ballot, to form de- 
 tachments of one-quarter of the whole, which after 
 being hispected and dismissed, were to be held in 
 readiness to assemble at an hour's notice. 
 
 In 1808, at the fourth .session of the fourth Parlia- 
 ment of Upper Canada, all of the existing Acts, relative 
 to the militia were repealed their provisions, with some 
 vitally important amendments, being consolidated into 
 one comprehensive Act (Chap. 48, George III), which 
 received the assent of Lieutenant-Governor Gore, 
 March 16th, 1808. 
 
 The new Act provided for much more organization 
 within the militia, and enabled the Governor to march 
 the militia out of the province to the assistance of 
 Lower Canada when invaded or in a state of insurrec- 
 tion, or in pursuit of an enemy "who may have invaded 
 this Province, and also for the destruction of any vessels 
 built or building, or any depot or magazine formed 
 or forming, or for the attack of an enemy who may be 
 embodying or marching for the purpose of invading 
 this province, or for the attack of any fortification now 
 
 erected or which may be hereafter erected to cover 
 the invasion thereof." 
 
 Among the provisions of this important Act were the 
 following: — Officers in the regular army were given 
 precedence over militia officers. Each district was to 
 have its regiment, and each company its own limits. 
 The limits of age were fixed at 16 to 60, those between 
 50 and 60 being exempted, except in case of emergency. 
 There was an annual muster day, a mere formal, per- 
 sonal enrollment, and the man absenting himself was 
 liable to a penalty of a fine of two dollars. The Act 
 still adhered to the original Saxon militia rule as to 
 armament, providing as follows: — "Each militiaman, 
 after enrollment, shall within six months after such 
 enrollment provide himself with a good and efficient 
 musket, fusil, rifle or gun, with at least such six rounds 
 of powder and ball." For failure to comply with 
 this law he was liable to a fine of five shillings in 
 peace time, and a larger one in war time, unless excused 
 by his commanding officer. 
 
 Training was aimed at, but in a very modest and 
 imperfect manner. The law obliged captains to call 
 out their companies not less than twice nor oftener 
 than four times each year for arm inspection and 
 training. 
 
 One clause of the Act, the 31st, authorized the 
 formation of troops of cavalry in the various regimen- 
 tal districts, and it was under this clause that fourteen 
 years later the original troop of the present Governor- 
 General's Body Guard, Toronto, was first raised. 
 
 On the whole, this Act imposed serious obligations 
 upon the male population of Upper Canada, and in 
 view of the readiness with which they submitted to 
 so many exacting terms of service it is difficult to 
 understand how the United States politicians succeeded 
 in inducing themselves to believe that they had but to 
 "send a flag and a proclamation" to Canada to capture 
 the country. They found their mistake in due course 
 of time. 
 
 At the session of 1811 a bill was passed providing for 
 the raising and training of the Upper Canada militia, 
 and on the 30th of September of the same year Lieu- 
 tenant-Governor Francis Gore resigned the government 
 of Upper Canada into the hands of Major General 
 Isaac Brock, formerly commandant of the garrison of 
 Quebec, and of the British troops in Canada. 
 
 The parliament of Upper Canada in 1812 voted 
 5,000 pounds sterling for the training of the provincial 
 militia. The population of the province was small 
 compared with the older province, and its revenue 
 comparatively insignificant. At the close of the war 
 the whole population of Upper Canada did not quite 
 number 84,000 souls. This makes the successful 
 defence of the country, considering the small number 
 
 37 
 
of regular troops in the province, all the more remark- 
 able. 
 
 On the breaking out of hostilities with the United 
 States in 1812 the regular force in Upper Canada 
 amounted to barely 1,500 men, including seamen, as 
 under:— 41st Regiment, 900; 10th Veterans, 250; 
 Newfoundland Regiment, 250; Royal Artillery, 50; 
 Provincial Seamen, 50; total, 1,500. 
 
 This force had to occupy the forts St. Joseph, Am- 
 herstburg, and Chippawa, Fort Erie and Fort George, 
 — and York and Kingston — to maintain the superiority 
 on the lakes; to preserve the communication and 
 escort convoys between Coteau du Lac and Kingston; 
 and to de'end an assailable frontier of nearly 800 miles, 
 reckoning from the confines of Lower Canada to 
 Amherstburg. 
 
 At this critical juncture in its history, Upper Canada 
 had a tower of strength in its active and clever governor. 
 General Isaac Brock. While in command for several 
 years of the garrison in Quebec Brock had evinced an 
 intelligent interest in the defence of the Upper Province. 
 
 As commander of the troops in Canada at the time, 
 on October 6 1807, Colonel Brock was written to at 
 Quebec by Lieutenant Governor Sir Francis Gore 
 as follows:— 
 
 " I must again beg leave to direct your attention to 
 the present situation of our militia, being almost 
 without arms, and I consider it to be my duty to call 
 upon you for a further supply, and that this supply 
 may be forwarded to Upper Canada in the most 
 expeditious manner. If the militia were properly 
 armed, I then might be enabled to assist the Lower 
 Province." 
 
 A marginal note in pencil showed that Brock had 4,000 
 stand of arms forwarded at once to York. 
 
 February 12th, 1807, Colonel Brock wrote from 
 Quebec to the Right Hon. W. Windham of the British 
 government, as follows: — 
 
 Quebec, February 12, 1807. 
 
 I have the honour to transmit for your consideration 
 a proposal of Lieut.-Colonel John M'Donald, late of 
 the Royal Canadian Volunteers, for raising a corps 
 among the Scotch settlers in the county of Glengarry, 
 Upper Canada. 
 
 When it is considered that both the Canadas furnish 
 only two hundred militia who are trained to arms, the 
 advantages to be derived from such an establishment 
 must appear very evident. 
 
 The military force in this country is very small, and 
 were it possible to collect it in time to oppose any 
 serious attempt upon Quebec, the only tenable post, 
 the number would of itself be insufficient to ensure a 
 vigorous defence. 
 
 This corps, being stationed on the confines of the 
 
 Lower Province, would be always immediately and 
 essentially useful in checking any seditious disposition 
 which the wavering sentiments of a large population 
 in the Montreal district might at any time manifest. 
 In the event of invasion, or other emergency, this 
 force could be easily and expeditiously transported by 
 water to Quebec. 
 
 The extent of the country which these settlers occupy 
 would make the permanent establishment of the staff 
 and one sergeant in each company very advisable. 
 I shall not presume to say how far the claims of the 
 field officers to the same indulgence are reasonable 
 and expedient. 
 
 In regard to the Rev. Alexander M'Donald, * I beg 
 leave to observe, that the men being all Catholics, it 
 may be deemed a prudent measure to appoint him 
 chaplain. His zeal and attachment to government 
 were strongly evinced whilst filling the office of chap- 
 lain to the Glengarry Fencibles, during the rebellion 
 in Ireland, and were graciously acknowledged by His 
 Royal Highness the commander-in-chief. 
 
 His influence over the men is deservedly great, and 
 I have every reason to believe that the corps, by his 
 exertions, would be soon completed, and hereafter 
 become a nursery, from which the army might draw a 
 number of hardy recruits. 
 
 The original proposal was not entertained, but 
 November 21, 1811, Colonel Baynes writing to Major 
 General Brock at York, from Quebec, stated: — "Gover- 
 nor Gore has revived the formation of the Glengarry 
 Fencibles, and I have shown Sir George Prevost what 
 passed on a former occasion. I hope the latter will 
 be able to provide for his school-fellow, Major General 
 Sheaffe, and he expresses himself very anxious to do so. 
 
 December 12, the same year Colonel Baynes wrote to 
 « Major-General Brock, from Quebec, as follows: — 
 (Official) 
 
 "I am directed to transmit herewith a copy of 
 proposals for raising a corps of Glengarry Fencibles. 
 The commander of the forces has selected an officer 
 of the king's regiment, a Captain George M'Donnell, 
 an avowed Catholic, and a relation of the Glengarry 
 priest of that name, to attempt the formation of a 
 small battalion, to be in the first instance under his 
 command with the rank of major; and in case a more 
 respectable body can be collected, a lieutenant colonel 
 commandant will be appointed. Captain M'Donnell 
 will leave this in a few days, and he will be directed to 
 take an early opportunity of communicating with you 
 as soon as he has felt his ground a little in Glengarry, 
 and is able to form a correct idea of the prospect and 
 extent of success that is likely to attend his exertions. 
 
 *Afterwards R.C. Bishop of Regiopolis, in Upper Canada. 
 
 38 
 
" I shall have the honor of sending you by the next 
 post a regulation for the payment of clergymen per- 
 forming religious duties for the troops at the different 
 stations in Canada. The officiating clergyman at York 
 will receive the garrison allowance of a captain, together 
 with a salary of 70 pounds army sterling per annum. 
 (Private) 
 
 " Sir George will fill up the new Glengarry corps with 
 as many officers as he can from the line, with permanent 
 rank, and I have availed myself of the opportimity to 
 propose one, in whose advancement I know you feel 
 an interest. He has allowed me to note Lieutenant 
 Shaw, of the 49th, for a company ; and you are at liberty 
 to inform his father, the general, of Sir George's 
 favourable intentions towards his son." 
 
 Brock wrote from York, U.C, January 2, 1812, as 
 follows : — 
 Sir,— 
 
 I have the honor to acknowledge Your Excellency's 
 letter (duplicate) of the 13th ulto., stating that Cap- 
 tain Macdonnell of the King's Regiment has been 
 directed to proceed to Glengarry for the purpose of 
 ascertaining the disposition of those people to form 
 a Fencible corps. The favourable terms which Your 
 Excellency has authorized Captain Macdonnell to 
 offer cannot fail of success, and I beg leave to assure 
 Yoiu" Excellency that I shall gladly lend my best efforts 
 in aid of so desirable an object. 
 
 I have the honor to be. Sir, 
 
 Your Excellency's most obedient 
 and very humble servant, 
 
 ISAAC BROCK, M.-Gen'l. 
 To His Excellency, Lt.-Gen'l Sir Geo. Prevost, &c., &c., 
 
 It will be observed that Brock's original plan had 
 been considerably altered, the new plan providing for 
 a regularly embodied corps. 
 
 Brock, from York, Feb. 6, 1812, wrote Sir George 
 Prevost, as follows: — 
 
 "I am happy to inform Your Excellency that the 
 House of Assembly which met last Monday appears 
 disposed to meet my wishes in every particular. The 
 Militia Act is to undergo a revision much for the better, 
 and I am not without the hope of being able to get 
 the House to consent to allow the field officers of the 
 line to command all denominations in the militia." 
 
 The gallant general was doomed to disappointment, 
 and February 25th he wrote Sir George Prevost as 
 follows: — ■ 
 
 " I had every reason to expect the almost unanimous 
 support of the two branches of the legislature to every 
 means government thought necessary to recommend, 
 but after a short trial found myself egregiously mistaken 
 in my calculation. 
 
 "The many doubtful characters in the militia made 
 
 me very anxious to introduce the oath of abjiu-ation 
 into the bill. There were twenty members in the 
 House when this highly important measure was lost 
 by the casting vote of the Chairman. The great 
 influence which the vast number of settlers from the 
 United States possess over the decisions of the Lower 
 House is truly alarming, and ought by every practical 
 means to be diminished. To give encouragement to 
 real subjects to settle in this province can alone re- 
 move the evil. The consideration of the fees ought 
 not to stand in the way of such a politic arrangement, 
 and should your Excellency ultimately determine 
 to promise some of the vast lands of the Crown to such 
 Scotch emigrants as enlist in the Glengarry Regiment, 
 I haive no hesitation in recommending in the strongest 
 manner the raising of a Canadian corps upon similar 
 terms, to be hereafter disbanded and distributed 
 among their countrymen in the vicinity of Amherstburg. 
 
 At the session of the legislature of 1812, at Brock's 
 request, militia laws were passed which enabled him 
 to organize the flank companies of the militia, unac- 
 companied, however, by the desired oath of abjuration 
 so as to exclude settlers from the United States and 
 persons of doubtful loyalty. 
 
 Brock, on April 22, wrote Sir Geo. Prevost that he 
 had by partial and gentle means, already commenced 
 to give the new law operation, and he had not the least 
 doubt that a sufficient number would be found ready 
 to volunteer to complete the flank companies. He 
 added: — "I here beg leave to call Your Excellency's 
 attention to the clause which authorizes the training 
 of the flank companies six times in each month; but 
 as no provision is made for remunerating the men, I 
 presume to submit for Your Excellency's indulgent 
 consideration, that the commissaries be instructed 
 to issue rations for the number actually present at 
 exercise. These companies, I expect, will be composed 
 of the best description of inhabitants, who in most 
 cases will have to go a great distance to attend parade; 
 and, unless this liberal pfovision be allowed, will be 
 liable to heavy expense, or be subject to considerable 
 privations. According to my present arrangements 
 the number embodied will not exceed 700, and when the 
 companies are completed throughout the province, 
 they must be calculated at 1,800; and, as during harvest 
 and the winter months few or no parades will take place, 
 the total expense attending the measure can be of no 
 material consequence in a pecuniary point of view, 
 and may in a political light be productive, at this 
 juncture, of considerable benefit." 
 
 The.se flank companies were the back bone of the 
 Upper Canada militia during the war. 
 
 The battalion of incorporated militia, which is spoken 
 of so frequently in histories of the war, and which 
 
 39 
 
lost so heavily at Lundy's Lane, was a Canadian 
 regular regiment recruited in 1813, almost exclusively 
 from among the men of these flank companies. The 
 flank companies were really regarded as the active 
 part or first line of the militia; the bulk of each regi- 
 ment, formed when an emergency called for its em- 
 bodiment into companies, called the service companies, 
 being considered as a reserve, only called out when 
 absolutely necessary. 
 
 Brock thus practically divided the militia into two 
 distinct classes, first, a voluntarily enrolled, organized, 
 trained, available body — an active force; and, secondly, 
 the rest of the militia liable by law for service, but not 
 
 the "local militia" being organized into regiments, 
 the men, from 18 to 30, serving for four years. 
 
 Brock's system of extracting from the Canadian 
 general militia a select or active force by the organ- 
 ization of fiank or service companies, was early justified 
 by the excellent work of the militia at the capture of 
 Detroit and the battle of Queenston Heights. The 
 flank companies which took part in the capture of 
 Detroit were probably the first Canadian militia to be 
 fully uniformed, Brock, at the suggestion of Major Evans 
 of the 8th Regiment, having clothed them in the 
 reserve clothing (red coats) of the 41st Regiment. 
 
 In 1814 a general order was issued prescribing the 
 
 The Chateau de Hamezay, Montreal, Official Residence of the (iovernor during the French 
 Regime. Occupied by the Continentals in 1775, now occupied as a Museum. 
 
 embodied or trained. The creation of this distinction, 
 which continues, theoretically, to the present, was in 
 line with the development of the parent service in 
 the Mother Country. 
 
 In 1806 a "Training Act" was passed in England, 
 which provided for the raising by ballot of a force 
 of 200,000 men to be trained for a whole year every 
 third year. Any man Ijalloted had the option of serving 
 as an efficient in a volunteer corps. In 1808 a force of 
 "local militia" was established in England and Scot- 
 land by Lord Castlereagh in addition to the "general 
 militia" which became a sort of sedentary militia. 
 
 uniform of the Canadian Militia to be similar to those 
 of H.M. Army, scarlet with blue facings. 
 
 July 12, 1812, Major-General Brock wrote to Sir 
 George Prevost, from Fort GeorgCj as follows: — 
 
 "The militia which assembled here immediately 
 on the account being received of war being declared 
 by the United States, have been improving daily in 
 discipline; but the men evince a degree of impatience 
 under their present restraint that is far from inspiring 
 confidence. So great was the clamour to return and 
 attend to their farms, that I found myself in some 
 measure compelled to sanction the departure of a 
 
 40 
 
large proportion; and I am not without my apprehen- 
 sions that the remainder will, in defiance of the law, 
 which can only impose a fine of £20, leave the service 
 the moment the harvest commences. There can be 
 no doubt that a large portion of the population in this 
 neighbourhood are sincere in their professions to defend 
 the country ; but it appears likewise evident to me that 
 the greater part are either indifferent to what is 
 passing, or so completely American as to rejoice in 
 the prospect of a change of government. Many, who 
 now consider our means inadequate, would readily 
 take an active part were the regular troops increased. 
 These cool calculators are numerous in all societies." 
 
 Although the "service companies" of militia did 
 good service whenever urgently required, the efforts 
 of the army officers during the war, as regards the 
 militia, were largely devoted to perfect the incorporated 
 militia of permanently embodied corps, and the various 
 "provincial corps". 
 
 The positions of lieutenant-governor and military 
 commander being combined in one man the militia 
 during the war, as regards organization and main- 
 tenance, were brought directly under the army author- 
 ities. All departmental duties were performed by 
 the regular army. Rations, supplies, arms and equip- 
 ment were provided from the army stores, and nearly all 
 staff duties in the field were performed by regular officers. 
 
 Bounties were given by the army authorities for 
 recruits for the embodied militia. Major-General 
 R. H. Sheaflfe, the Major-General commanding in 
 Upper Canada in 1813, on March 15, wrote to Sir 
 George Prevost as follows: — 
 
 "The importance of having without delay an 
 efficient force from the militia, and of giving effect, 
 at its first publication, to the new plan adopted for 
 that purpo.se, struck me so forcibly that I determined 
 to offer in the instructions I had prepared an additional 
 ten dollars to each volunteer for the incorporated militia. 
 I hope the critical situation in which this province is 
 placed will justify me for having adopted the mea- 
 sure without waiting for Your Excellency's answer 
 to my application on the subject." The sviggestion 
 was approved of. 
 
 The Incorporated Militia, while permanently em- 
 bodied and paid by the army authorities, was raised 
 under and subject to the mQitia laws of the province, 
 but several Canadian corps on service during the war, 
 as for instance the Provincial Light Dragoons, the 
 Artillery Drivers, the Canadian Light Dragoons, etc., 
 were regularly enlisted and attested, and were under 
 Martial Law, subject to the rules and regulations of 
 the army and to serve under any officer in His Majes- 
 ty's service. These were known as "Provincial 
 Corps," in contradistinction to militia. 
 
 The Treaty of Ghent, which closed the war, was 
 signed December 24, 1814, and soon after, steps were 
 taken for reducing the Incorporated Militia. 
 
 At the session of the legislature of 1815 an act 
 (55 George III. Chap, xiii) was passed "granting to 
 His Majesty a certain sum of money for the uses of 
 the .Incorporated Militia of this province and other 
 purposes therein mentioned. £5,883 6s. 8d. to be 
 applied as follows: — 
 
 To the officers, non-commissioned officers and privates 
 of the Incorporated Militia, six months pay £4,594 
 15s. 2d. To the officers and non-commissioned 
 officers of the line attached to the Incorporated Militia, 
 the net pay of their respective ranks in the said corps 
 £1,000, To the officers and non-commissioned officers 
 and privates of the Incorporated Militia Artillery, six 
 months pay £288 1 Is. 6d. To the Speaker of the House 
 of Assembly to purchase a sword to be presented to Col. 
 Robinson, late of the Incorporated Militia, 100 guineas." 
 
 During the peace which succeeded the battle of 
 Waterloo (1815), the whole English speaking popu- 
 lation of the world seemed to be carried away with 
 the idea that the millennium had arrived and that the 
 time had at last come for turning the swords into 
 ploughshares, and the spears into pruning-hooks. 
 At any rate, in the Mother Country, the armed forces 
 of the empire were allowed to fall into neglect, and it 
 is not surprising that in Canada, where there were so 
 many calls upon public attention and national energy, 
 in the development of the young country's virgin 
 resources, that little or no attention was for many years 
 given to the question of the maintenance of the militia. 
 
 In 1816 an act (56 George III, Chap, vii) was passed 
 granting 165 pounds additional salary to the Adjutant- 
 General of Upper Canada militia. 
 
 At the same session of the assembly an act (56 
 George III, Chap, xxxi) was passed, entitled " An Act 
 to amend 48 Geo. Ill, entitled "An Act to explain, 
 amend, and reduce to one Act of Parliament the several 
 laws now in being for the raising and training of 
 the militia of this province." 
 
 Section 1 of this Bill provided that only British 
 subjects were compelled to enroll in the militia. Section 
 2 authorized the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor or 
 per.son administering the government of this province 
 to issue two warrants in favour of the Adjutant-General 
 of militia of this province, and cause him to be paid all 
 such expenses as he shall incur for the postage of letters, 
 stationary and other contingent expenses of his office." 
 
 At the session of 1819 an act (59 George III., Chap. 
 xii) was passed, amending 48 George III. This act 
 contained the following provisions: — • 
 
 "Whereas there is now no provision by law for 
 assembling a Court Martial unless when the militia 
 
 41 
 
of this province shall be called out on actual service, 
 by reason whereof it may happen that persons against 
 whom charges may have been preferred before a Court 
 of Enquiry, may have no opportunity of making their 
 defence against such charges, before a Court competent 
 to receive such evidence upon oath, in their behalf, 
 for remedy whereof be it enacted by the King's Most 
 Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent 
 of the Legislative Council and Assembly of the Province 
 of Upper Canada, constituted and assembled by virtue 
 of and under the authority of an act passed in the 
 Parliament of Great Britain, entitled "An act etc., 
 etc.," and by authority of the same that the 25th clause 
 of an act passed in the 48th year ***** shall be 
 and the same is hereby repealed. 
 
 " In all cases where a General Court Martial shall be 
 prayed for by any officer against whom any charges 
 have been made or may be preferred when any part 
 of the militia may be called out on actual service, 
 the governor or person administering government 
 may direct a General Court Martial to be held, to be 
 assembled in same manner and under same provisions 
 as provided by law in time of actual service. Provided 
 that such General Court Martial in peace time in the 
 event of convictions may inflict such penalty propor- 
 tioned to the offence as the Court shall judge proper, 
 either by censure or suspension, or depriving him of 
 his commission, and degrading him from his rank, 
 and no other." 
 
 In 1829 an important step was taken providing for 
 
 the division of the militia in peace time into active 
 
 and reserve forces. The method of accomplishing 
 
 this is set forth in the following interesting order : — 
 
 Militia General Order, 
 
 York, Upper Canada, 16th May, 1829, 
 
 No. 1. His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor has 
 been pleased to direct that in future the several regi- 
 ments of Militia in this province shall consist of two 
 battalions each, the first battalion to be composed of 
 men not exceeding forty years of age; the second or 
 reserve battalion of such men as may be within the 
 limits of the Corps, from that age to the period establish- 
 ed by law. 
 
 No. 2. The attendance of the reserve battalion 
 may be dispensed with on next day of assembling. 
 
 No. 3. The establishment of the first battaliozi 
 will be eight companies of light infantry (when they 
 can be formed of thirty men each). These will be 
 divided into a right and left wing. 
 
 No. 4. One company in each wing will be armed 
 with rifles. 
 
 No. 5. Young men under the age of eighteen en- 
 rolled for the militia will not be assembled with the 
 battalion, but commanding officers will make arrange- 
 
 ments for their being instructed in small divisions in 
 their own homes. 
 
 No. 6. It is recommended that the militia fines, 
 which are placed at the disposal of colonels of regiments 
 for the incidental expenses of the corps may be ex- 
 pended in remunerating one sergeant in each company 
 to be employed in drilling the young men who are not 
 called out with the battalion. 
 
 "No. 7. Colonels will be responsible that the fines 
 are demanded from every individual who may be absent 
 on the days appointed by law for the assembling of 
 the militia. 
 
 Colonel James Fitz Gibbon, whose name had become 
 so conspicuous during the war of 1812, who was 
 gazetted Colonel of the West York Regiment in 1826, 
 and who at this period held a position in the Adjutant- 
 General's office, subsequently becoming Deputy Ad- 
 jutant-General, under the auspices of Sir John Colborne, 
 formed a drill corps during the year 1835, for such young 
 men of Toronto as desired military instruction. A hand- 
 ful of well-connected young men availed themselves 
 of the opportunity. In 1836 Colonel Fitz Gibbon 
 devoted himself with redoubled ardor to preparations 
 for the insurrection which he declared would break 
 forth before the next winter. He got together a 
 rifle corps to the number of seventy, and drilled them 
 twice a week with tireless enthusiasm, declaring that 
 when the hour of trial should come he and "his boys" 
 would be found in their places, however the rest of the 
 community might see fit to demean themselves. 
 ("Dent's Story of the Upper Canada Rebellion.") 
 
 As the time of the actual outbreak approached, 
 the government continued to rest in undisturbed 
 confidence. All through the autumn the Governor 
 and his advisers received regular intelligence of secret 
 drillings, of the manufacture of pikes, and of other 
 seditious proceedings, but all to no purpose. It 
 appeared as though they persisted in regarding all 
 the preparations as being merely for effect and to 
 intimidate the government. The Governor sent all 
 the regular troops to the Lower Province, not even 
 as much as a company being kept as a garrison in Tor- 
 onto, which was the seat of the provincial government. 
 The last detachment to be sent out of the province to 
 Lower Canada consisted of a subaltern and thirty men, 
 withdrawn from Penetanguishene in November. 
 When this little party was on its way to Toronto, 
 Colonel Fitz Gibbon urged the Lieutenant-Governor 
 to keep them in the city, in order that their presence 
 might have an effect upon the local militia. "No, 
 not a man," answered His Excellency, "The doing so 
 would destroy the whole morale of my policy. If the 
 militia cannot defend the province, the sooner it is lost 
 the better." " Then, sir," entreated the hero of Beaver 
 
 42 
 
Dams and many another hard fight, "let us be armed, 
 and ready to defend ourselves." "No," responded 
 Sir Francis, " I do not apprehend a rebellion in Upper 
 Canada." (Dent.) 
 
 The only preparation the Governor had consented 
 to make was to permit of 4,000 stands of arms being 
 brought from Montreal, but even then, he had neglected 
 to have them properly guarded. As a matter of fact, 
 they were handed over to the municipal authorities, 
 who placed them in the old City Hall, with a couple of 
 constables to keep watch over them at night. Fitz 
 Gibbon, who appears to have been the only military 
 official on the alert, was afraid that the rebels would 
 some night overpower the two constables and gain 
 possession of the arms. To guard against such a 
 contingency, he induced his rifle corps, whom he 
 continued to drill with vigilant regularity, to volunteer 
 a nightl}^ guard of fifteen to twenty men to watch 
 the City Hall, and to furnish two sentries to guard the 
 approaches to Government House. The Governor 
 refused, however, to have this arrangement carried 
 out, remarking: "But that I do not like to undo what 
 I have already done, I would have those arms brought 
 from the City Hall and placed here in the Government 
 House, under the care and keeping of my domestics." 
 
 This was only a day or two before the Governor 
 and the City of Toronto received that rude midnight 
 awakening to learn that the rebels had fired the first 
 shots of the rebellion at Montgomery's Tavern. 
 
 In his despatch. No. 132, dated Toronto, Dec. 19, 
 1837, Sir F. B. Head wrote: — "I might also have most 
 advantageously availed myself in the field of the 
 military services of Colonel Foster, the commander of 
 the forces in Upper Canada, of Captain Baddeley of 
 the corps of Royal Engineers, and of a detachment 
 of eight artillerymen, who form the only regular force 
 in this province; but having deliberately determined 
 that the important contest in which I was about to 
 
 be engaged should be decided solely by the Upper 
 Canada militia, or in other words, by the free inhabi- 
 tants of this noble province, etc." 
 
 The Governor reported that bands of militiamen 
 from all directions poured in upon him. According 
 to the best reports he could collect, from 10,000 to 
 12,000 men simultaneously marched towards the 
 capital to support him in maintaining for the people 
 of Upper Canada, the British Constitution. (Despat- 
 ches in S. F. B. Head's " Narrative.") 
 
 After the first alarm the established militia organ- 
 izations were used to raise an effective force, no less 
 than five battalions of incorporated militia, organized 
 and imiformed like troops of the line, being raised, 
 some of which were not finally disbanded until 1843. 
 Besides there were twelve battalions of provincial 
 militia on duty for various periods, and thirty-one 
 corps of artillery, cavalry and rifles. 
 
 According to MacMullin's History, militia lists 
 for Upper Canada at the end of the rebellion showed 
 an establishment of 106 complete regiments. "There 
 were four battalions of incorporated militia, organized 
 and clothed like troops of the line; twelve battalions 
 of provincial militia on duty for a stated period; thirty 
 one corps of artillery, cavalry and riflemen, while 
 most of the militia corps (infantry regiments?) had 
 a troop of cavalry attached to them." 
 
 While the excitement produced by the rebellion 
 was still maintained, in 1839, an important Militia 
 Act (2nd Victoria Chapter ix) was passed, which 
 provided for the establishment of mounted corps, 
 artillery, light infantry, rifle and marine corps as 
 separate units, quite distinct from the territorial 
 militia regiments. 
 
 The Act of Union passed by the British Parliament 
 in 1840 came into effect by royal proclamation February 
 10, 1841, and since that date the militia of UpperCanada 
 has formed part of a Canadian national force. 
 
 43 
 
Wrhl^-) *5);ti^s 'CA)^i^h %>),Hl<'iS V>))e^h ^Wi^h ^), 
 
 CHAPTER V 
 
 THE MILITIA OF LOWER CANADA 
 
 The Principles of the French Militia System Retained. — The Royal Canadian Volunteers — 
 Lower Canadian Militia and Volunteer Corps of 1812-14 and 1837. — The Militia a Butt of 
 Political Discord. 
 
 ACCORDING to the Constitutional Act (31 George 
 III, Chap.xxxi) section 31, all laws, statutes and 
 ordinances which were in force on the day fixed 
 for the commencement of the act within the new provin- 
 ces, or either of them, or in any part thereof, respectively 
 remained and continued to be of the same force, 
 authority and effect in each of the said provinces, as, 
 if the Act in question had not been made, and as if 
 the said Province of Quebec had not been divided, 
 except in so far as the same were expressly repealed or 
 varied by the Act. 
 
 In the preceding chapter it has been explained how 
 the first assembly of Upper Canada at its second 
 session passed a Militia Act based upon the English 
 system, completely replacing the old act, based upon 
 the French system, which had existed in the old Pro- 
 vince of Quebec But in Lower Canada the old militia 
 system, with a few amendments, was continued, as best 
 suited to the habits of the population and the needs 
 of the province. At the time the Constitutional Act 
 was passed there was much uncertainty as to some 
 of the details of the militia system. There were 
 various overlapping acts and ordinances, some of 
 which had really lapsed naturally, having been merely 
 temporary, but which continued in practice. Again, 
 new acts and ordinances had been enacted regulating 
 certain points, without the legislation they were in- 
 tended to replace, being specifically repealed. Most 
 
 details of militia administration were regulated by 
 orders. But the main principles of militia organiza- 
 tion were understood. Every male of age was a 
 militiaman, and liable, not alone for military duty, 
 as in Upper Canada, but for the "corvee," or statute 
 labour. Various civil duties, generally cherished as 
 perquisites, fell to the lot of the militia officers. 
 
 During the first sitting of the new assembly of the 
 Province of Lower Canada, April 25, 1793, a message 
 was received from the governor informing the house 
 that "the persons exercising the supreme authority in 
 France had declared war against His Majesty." In 
 answering this message the assembly stated that they 
 would immediately proceed to a revision of the militia 
 laws. The subject was taken up and discussed, but 
 as no alterations were made in the militia ordinance 
 then in force, it is to be inferred that such were deemed 
 unnecessary by the assembly. 
 
 In his speech dismissing the house at the close of the 
 
 ■ session, the governor, however, asked the members 
 
 during recess to reflect upon "such further regulations 
 
 as may appear necessary for the better organizing 
 
 and more effectually calling forth the militia." 
 
 November 26, 1793, the Governor-General, Lord 
 Dorchester, issued a proclamation drawing attention 
 to the fact that alien enemies from France and else- 
 where were in the province busying themselves in 
 propagating revolutionary principles, and requiring 
 
 44 
 
"all magistrates, captains of militia, peace officers, 
 and others of His Majesty's good subjects, to be 
 vigilant," etc. 
 
 Two acts affecting the militia were passed at the 
 session of the assembly this year. The first, a sort of 
 consolidation of the main militia laws, but intro- 
 ducing no material change, (34 George III, Chap, iv), 
 was entitled: — "An act to provide for the greater 
 security of this province by the better regulation of 
 the militia thereof, and for repealing certain acts or 
 ordinances relating to the same." This act was to 
 be in force until July 1, 1796, "or until the end of the 
 war." 
 
 The other act (34 George III, Chap, vi) conferred 
 the power to act as coroners upon militia officers. 
 The full title of this act was : An act for the division 
 of the Province of Lower Canada, for amending the 
 judications thereof, and for repealing certahi laws 
 therein mentioned," and section 36 read as follows: — 
 "And whereas the great extent of this province may 
 render it often impracticable for the coroner of the 
 district to give his attendance at the different places 
 where it might be necessary; be it further enacted 
 by the authority aforesaid, that the captains or senior 
 officers of militia shall be, and hereby are empowered, 
 in their respective parishes, when any marks of violence 
 appear on any dead body, to summon together six 
 reputable householders of his parish to inspect the 
 same, and he shall, according to their opinion, report 
 the manner and cause of such death, in writing, to the 
 nearest justice of the peace, that a further examination 
 may be made therein, if necessary." 
 
 In 1796, another act (36 George III, Chap, ix) was 
 passed affecting the special civil functions of militia 
 officers. The act was entitled: "An act for making, 
 repairing and altering the highways and bridges 
 within this province, and for other purposes," and 
 sections 26, 28, 29 and 78 read :— " XXVI— And be it 
 enacted by the authoritj^ aforesaid that the grand 
 voyer or his deputy shall and may divide every parish, 
 seigniory or township of his district into such number 
 of divisions, being not more than nine, as he shall 
 judge proper and necessary, and to each of which 
 divisions there shall be allotted by him an overseer 
 of the highways and bridges, who shall be chosen in 
 manner following, that is to say: the grand voyer or 
 his deputy shall in the month of August next, and in 
 the month of August every second year thereafter 
 issue an order to the eldest captain or senior officer 
 of militia in each parish, seigniory or township, for 
 the purpose of electing overseers of the highways and 
 bridges, who is hereby required upon receipt of such 
 order, to fix; and publish or cause to be fixed and pub- 
 lished at the church door or place of divine worship 
 
 of the parish, seigniory or township after mornmg 
 service, .... a day on which the householders 
 thereof shall meet for the purpose of such election, 
 which day shall be a Sunday or a holy day between 
 the first day of September and the fifteenth day of 
 October, .... at which meeting the said eldest 
 captain or senior officer of militia shall preside, and 
 the same shall be held in the public room of the parson- 
 age house of the parish, seigniory or township, or 
 where there shall be no such public room, then at 
 such other place as shall be appointed by the said 
 captain or senior officer of militia; and then and there 
 the said householders, or the majority of them so 
 assembled, shall choose a fit and proper person from 
 among the householders of the parish, seigniory or 
 township for each of the said divisions thereof ... to 
 serve the office of overseer of highways and bridges; 
 .... and each of which overseers shall enter upon 
 the execution of his office on the first day of January 
 following, and shall serve for two years; and any person 
 so chosen and nominated to serve, who shall refuse or 
 neglect to signify to the said captain or senior officer 
 of militia his consent to enter upon such service, for 
 the space of eight days after such nomination, shall 
 forfeit and pay the sum of five pounds current money 
 of this province for such refusal or neglect, or who 
 consenting to accept such office shall refuse or neglect 
 to obey the lawful orders of the grand voyer or his 
 deputy, or to oversee and perform any of the duties 
 required of him by this Act, shall for every such refusal 
 or neglect, forfeit and pay the sum of twenty shillings; 
 and it shall be the duty of every officer of militia who 
 shall have presided as aforesaid at any such meeting, 
 openly to declare to the persons so assembled, the 
 names of the parties then and there chosen as over- 
 seers, and to make a return of such nomination and 
 choice to the grand voyer or his deputy within ten 
 days after such meeting; and every such officer of 
 militia who shall refuse or neglect to call such meeting 
 or to preside therein, or to make such return, shall 
 forfeit and pay the sum of five pounds for every such 
 refusal or neglect." 
 
 XXVIII. Provided also, and be it further enacted, 
 that clergymen, captains of militia, licensed school 
 masters, and one miller to each mill, and persons 
 upward of sixty years of age, shall be exempted from 
 being chosen or appointed surveyors or overseers of 
 highways and bridges," 
 
 " XXIX. And be it further enacted that the officers 
 of militia shall continue to do the duty of overseers 
 until the first day of January next, provided that no 
 officer of militia, who shall have so served as overseer, 
 shall be liable to be rechosen to serve eiter as sur- 
 veyor or overseer under this act within eight years 
 
 45 
 
from the first day of January next, unless he shall con- 
 sent thereto." 
 
 "LXXVIII.Andbe it further enacted by the authority 
 aforesaid, that the deputy of each grand voyer, the 
 surveyors and the overseers of the highways for the 
 time being shall and hereby are exempted from trans- 
 porting effects belonging to Government, and from 
 being called out to serve in the militia, excepting 
 in the case of invasion of the province, or of insur- 
 rection in the county where they are respectively 
 serving the said officers.',' 
 
 The same year an act (36 George III. Chapter xi) 
 was passed continuing 34 George III. Chap, iv.) 
 
 In the summer of 1796, Carleton returned to England 
 after completing arrangements for the carrying out 
 of his long cherished scheme of founding a permanently 
 embodied establishment of Canadian troops. The 
 result was the raising of " The Royal Canadian Volun- 
 teer Regiment." 
 
 At this time Napoleon was just attaining the zenith 
 of his power, the interest of the world in 1796 being 
 concentrated upon his brilliant campaign in Italy 
 and the Tyrol. For years, emissaries of the French 
 government had beefn busy in Canada attempting to 
 stir up the French Canadians against Great Britain, 
 and others at Washington were trying to embroil the 
 United States government with Britain. The Cana- 
 dians, however, were not to be so easily won 
 from their British allegiance, and gave but a deaf 
 ear to their hindred from across the sea. The 
 clergy, particularly, and the gentry, threw the 
 great weight of their influence in the balance against 
 the foreign agitators, holding up to the Canadian people 
 the horrors of the French Revolution and the failure 
 of the invasion of the province by the American Re- 
 publicans in 1775-1776 as arguments against any 
 suggestion to unite Canada politically once more with 
 old France. 
 
 The Royal Canadian Volunteers consisted of two 
 battalions, the first composed of French Canadians, 
 raised and equipped in Quebec, the second battalion 
 composed largely of English speaking men, and raised 
 and equipped iii Montreal. Each battalion consisted 
 of eight companies, including a grenadier and a light 
 infantry company. The strength of each com- 
 pany was seventy men, and there appears to have 
 been no difficulty in securing officers or recruiting the 
 men. The regiment was raised, equipped and admin- 
 istered as a regular regiment, the officers and men being 
 obtained in Canada and their terms of enlisting calling 
 upon them for military service anywhere in the colony. 
 The uniform was of the regular infantry cut, with 
 scarlet coat and blue facings. The men wore grey 
 cloth breeches, the officers white, with long black 
 
 gaiters buttoned to above the knee. The head dress 
 was a three-cornered hat with black cockade (tassels 
 for the officers) except the grenadier company, the men 
 of which wore the usual talf, conical cap. The men 
 were armed with the old flint lock and bayonet. The 
 regimental motto, duly emblazoned on the colours, was 
 "Try Us." During 1796, 1797 and part of 1798 the 
 1st battalion was stationed at Quebec, the 2nd battalion 
 at Montreal. The 1st battalion went under canvas 
 for some months during the summer of 1797, and 
 while the headquarters of the 2nd battalion were at 
 Montreal, detachments or perhaps the whole bat- 
 talion was stationed for periods at Laprairie, St. Johns 
 and Sorel. In the spring of 1798 the battalions ex- 
 changed garrisons. In 1799 pressure was brought 
 upon the officers to consent to be placed on the same 
 footing as other fencibles for service abroad, but the 
 proposal did not meet with favour. 
 
 However, the signing of the Treaty of Amiens, 
 October 1st, 1801, restored peace, and steps were taken, 
 in time, to disband the various colonial corps. The 
 Royal Canadian Volunteers were disbanded in August 
 and September, 1802. At the time the battalions were 
 read out of the service, the First Battalion had five 
 companies and headquarters in Montreal with detach- 
 ments therefrom at Three Rivers, Sorel, and St. Johns, 
 and three companies at Quebec. The second battalion 
 upon disbandment had only one company in Lower 
 Canada, the others being distributed throughout Upper 
 Canada as follows: York, 2 companies; Fort George, 
 (Niagara) 3 companies; Kingston, one company; Fort 
 Erie, a half company; Chippewa, a half company. 
 (Surgeon-Major Neilson, R.C. A., in V. R. I. Magazine). 
 
 In the Quebec almanac for 1797, the officers of the 
 Royal Canadian Volunteers appear as follows: — 
 
 First battalion Royal Canadian Volunteers. 
 
 Lieut.-Col. J. DeLongueuil;Major Louis De Salaberry. 
 
 Captains, Francis Dambourges, Desaulnier, Beaubien, 
 Francig Piedmont, Pierre Marcoux, C. S. De Bleury, 
 Louvigny de Montigny, Francois Vassal, J. Bte. Des- 
 timeauville. 
 
 Lieutenants, Daniel Dupre, Peter Duchoquet, A. J. 
 Duchesnay, Joseph de Beaujeu, C. S. Lanaudiere, 
 Hipolite Hertelle, Pierre Bazin, Henry Hay, Joseph 
 Bouchette, Benjamin Jobert. 
 
 Ensigns, J. B. J. Duchesnay, Ant. Petrimoulx, Louis 
 Montizambert, Honore Bailie, Antoine Lanaudiere, 
 Stephen La Morandiere, Richard Hay, Francois 
 Boucher, Robert Anderson, Francois Duval. 
 
 Chaplain, Salter Mountain ; Adjutant, Robert Ander- 
 son; Quarter-Master, Louis Feromenteau; Surgeon, 
 James Davidson; Mate, J. B. L. Menard. 
 
 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Volunteers. 
 
 Lieut.-Col. John M'Donnell, Major Hazelton Spencer. 
 
 46 
 
Captains — Peter Drummond, Hector McLean, Hugh 
 McDonnell, Niel M'Lean, Miles M'Donell, Richard 
 Willkinson, Alexander McMillan. 
 
 Lieutenants — Richard Ferguson, Wm. Fraser, Wm. 
 Crawford, Chichester M'Donell, Thomas Fraser, 
 Donald M'Donell, Wm. Johnson, Angus M'Donell, 
 — Taschereau, Pierre Ignace Major. 
 
 Ensigns — Pierre Boucherville, Wm. Deace, Peter 
 Grant, George Ermatinger, Charles Lanniere, Joseph 
 Boardwine, Robert Wolsey. 
 
 Chaplain — Father Duval; Adjutant — John Cromp- 
 ton; Quarter-Master — Andrew Cameron; Surgeon — 
 James Davidson; Mate — Cyrus Anderson. 
 
 It will be remarked that while there are but three 
 names which are not distinctively French Canadian, 
 among those of the officers of the 1st Battallion, that 
 there were five French Canadian officers in the second 
 battalion. While the 1st Battalion had 34 officers, 
 the second, of the same nominal establishment, had 31. 
 Evidently, the military spirit was, at least, as strong 
 among the French Canadians as among their neighbors 
 of British origin. 
 
 The peace of Amiens did not last very long, and few 
 expected it would, apparently. The great Napoleon 
 had not attained the summit of his ambition in 1801, 
 and until he had, there was to be no lasting peace, at 
 least so long as he held the supreme power in 
 France. 
 
 Within a few months of the signing of the treaty, 
 the British government and Napoleon were embroiled 
 in dispute as to the execution of the terms of the treaty, 
 England refusing to evacuate Malta, the Cape of Good 
 Hope and Alexandria so long as Napoleon failed to 
 restore his continental conquests to the powers con- 
 cerned and continued to increase his armaments at 
 strategical points threatening Great Britain. Napo- 
 leon was then Vice Consul, and French royalists who 
 had taken refuge in the Channel Islands and London, 
 in the public press and pamphlets, were engaged in 
 sarcastic and bitter attacks on him and his government. 
 The French papers retorted and attacked England, and 
 the English papers retaliated. Napoleon demanded 
 that the British government muzzle the press and 
 banish the French royalists refugees to Canada. The 
 British government, of course, explained that it could 
 not interfere with those very British institutions, the 
 liberty of the press and the right of refuge. After 
 menaces had been made on both sides, the British 
 government in March, 1803, ordered 10,000 additional 
 men enrolled for the navy, and the British Militia was 
 called out. Napoleon ordered large additions of troops 
 to the camps which had been forming at the ports 
 along the English Channel. Finally, April 29, 1803, 
 England declared war on Napoleon. 
 
 Both Britain and France entered into the contest 
 with zest, each nation being aroused to the highest 
 pitch of enthusiasm, the English people being spurred 
 to make great exertions by Napoleon's taunt that 
 England would not and could not stand alone against 
 France. As to the progress of the several campaigns 
 which followed, of Napoleon's triumphal campaigns of 
 Jena, Auerbad, Eylau, Spain, etc., and of the British 
 victories at sea first and afterwards in the Peninsula, 
 the Pyrenees and the South of France, it is necessary 
 to refer here; but the student of Canadian history 
 has to have some knowledge of the war in Europe 
 to appreciate the events preceding and during the 
 war of 1812-14. 
 
 The authorities of Lower Canada were at this im- 
 portant juncture anxious to do more to bring the 
 national defensive force into line with military jequire- 
 ments and more in touch with the population. 
 
 Lieut. -Governor Robei't Shore Milnes in a letter to 
 the Minister on the real situation in Canada, Nov- 
 ember 1st, 1800, speaking of the social conditions pre- 
 vailing, remarked " The counties are divided into 
 parishes, the principal person in each of which is the 
 priest, and the next the Captain of Militia." He 
 went on to show that the influence of the government 
 might be extended by the co-operation of the clergy, 
 and next through the militia. The bishop and priests, 
 he pointed out, could be depended upon to use their 
 influence " to encourage a spirit of loyalty in opposition 
 to the spirit of democracy, which has fortimately not 
 made much progress in Canada." The Governor 
 proceeded : — " The population is computed to be about 
 160,000, nine-tenths of whom reside in the parishes, 
 the militia 37,904, with 292 captains and 16 of a staff, 
 the latter chiefly seigneurs. The powers of the Cap- 
 tains imder the French rule were great, the feeling of 
 which remains, though the power is withdrawn. But 
 they are stiU employed in performing services for the 
 Government, for which the only remuneration is the 
 sense of the honour of being so employed, but this is by 
 no means equivalent to the expenditure of the time 
 and trouble." The Governor proceeded to suggest 
 that by some honorary and pecuniary reward, or by 
 some other plan, the militia officers might be brought 
 to consider themselves as, and to be actually made, 
 officers of the Crown. In this way a spirit of loyalty 
 would be diffused through the whole province, "a 
 spirit which is natural to the Canadians. " His Honor 
 was pleased to add — "I would like to call attention , 
 to the relative expenditure for civil and military pur- 
 poses, the latter out of proportion to the latter, whilst, 
 by a proper system, not only would the military ex- 
 penses be greatly lessened, and the country secured 
 from internal commotion, but the co-operation of the 
 
 47 
 
inhabitants could be secured for the defence of the 
 country. " (Dom. Archives.) 
 
 During 1802, as a result of the warlike outlook in 
 Europe, there was, a mild outbreak of military excite- 
 ment in Montreal, and the local militia voluntarily 
 assembled for drill, muskets being lent them for the 
 purpose from the regular army stores. Governor 
 Milnes, on November 29th, 1802, made a requisition 
 upon Lieut. -General Hunter, the commander-in-chief, 
 in the following terms: — "The officers of the British 
 and Canadian militia at Montreal having represented 
 to me that at the time Your Excellency was so good 
 as to order muskets to be delivered to them for the 
 purpose of enabling the militia of Montreal to practise 
 the use of firearms, they omitted to ask also for belts 
 and pouches which are essentially necessary to their 
 attaining any degree of perfection in their exercise; 
 I shall be much obliged to Your Excellency to give 
 directions for belts and pouches being delivered to 
 them in proportion to the number of muskets, as I 
 have the satisfaction to find they mean to continue 
 practicing during the ensuing winter, and their ex- 
 ample may be of considerable service in the province." 
 
 At the first session of the parliament of Lower 
 Canada in the year 1803, the militia laws were re- 
 newed, on the advice of the governor, by a new act (43 
 George III, Chap. i). The second session took place 
 in August on the resumption of hostilities between 
 Great Britain and France. The Alien Act, and that 
 for the preservation of His Majesty's government 
 had been allowed to expire at the time of the peace, 
 but the return of war rendered their revival necessary, 
 and they were revived. Upon the recurrence of war, 
 there was a strong manifestation of loyal feeling uni- 
 versally throughout the province. The lieutenant- 
 governor sent down, late in the session, a message to 
 the assembly stating that he had "the satisfaction to 
 acquaint them that a considerable number of His 
 Majesty's subjects in this province, actuated by a 
 spirit of loyalty and zeal for the interests and honour 
 of his crown, had offered to form themselves into 
 volunteer companies for the defence of the province 
 at the present moment, and to serve under such 
 officers as His Majesty's representative should appoint 
 to command them." He recommended the subject 
 accordingly to the consideration of the House. 
 
 A bill was introduced, passed, and sent up to the 
 Legislative Council relative to it, but too late, the 
 prorogation taking place the next day. No incon- 
 venience, however, was felt from the circumstance, 
 the Militia Act of the earlier session being in force, 
 and sufficient for every practical purpose at the time. 
 
 The act in question authorized the governor to 
 spend 2,500 poimds sterling annually, as he should 
 
 judge expedient, towards the formation of an efficient 
 militia. He was authorized to embody annually,, for 
 28 days annual drill, a force of 1,200 men. The act 
 was limited to four years' duration. It provided for 
 pensions for disabled militiamen. 
 
 Governor Milnes lost no time proceeding to put the 
 new Militia Act into effect, and the requisition he made 
 on Lieut. -General Hunter for arms and equipment 
 gives us at once an idea of the scope of the bill and 
 of the absolute dependance of the militia of those 
 days on the regular army for equipment. In this 
 document, which is dated Quebec, 28th April, 1803, 
 the governor wrote : — 
 
 " In consequence of new regulations which have 
 passed the legislature respecting the militia in this 
 province, a power is vested in the Executive Govern- 
 ment to embody for twenty-eight days annually 
 twelve hundred men. I have, therefore, to request 
 Your Excellency will give the necessary orders to for- 
 ward a measure so important to His Majesty's service, 
 that six hundred stand of arms may be delivered 
 upon my requisition, which, whenever this measure 
 shall be adopted, will, with the six hundred you have 
 already had the goodness to order to be at my dis- 
 posal at Montreal, complete the complement. 
 
 " It is probably known to you, that Lord Dorchester, 
 in the year 1796, received from England clothing and 
 accoutrements for the number of men now fixed by the 
 legislature to be called out. I have the honour to in- 
 close a statement of the articles intended for the use of 
 the militia, and which, being in the military store, I 
 shall further request Your Excellency to give directions 
 that these, or any part of them, may be delivered to 
 me when required." 
 
 The return mentioned in the preceding included, 
 among other details, the following: — 
 
 Privates. — Cloth, brown, 4,179^ yards; mixt, 1,910J; 
 yellow, 152 J. Hats and cockades, 1,100. 
 
 Sergeants. — Cloth, brown, 104f yards; mixt, 57^ 
 yards; yellow, 18^ yards. Hats and cockades, 80. 
 
 Drummers. — Cloth, yellow, 40} yards. Hats, 16. 
 
 Besides, there were buttons by hundreds of gross, 
 braids, looping, sixty pounds of thread, two thousand 
 needles, a hundred and twenty tailors' thimbles, forty 
 epaulets, linen, linings, etc., etc. 
 
 The following extract from a letter by Governor 
 Robt. S. Milnes to His Excellency Lieut .-General 
 Hunter, Quebec, Nov. 11, 1803, is interesting in the 
 same connection : — 
 
 "I have the honor to enclose Your Excellency an 
 extract of a dispatch which I have this day received 
 from Lord Hobart, authorizing me to 'receive from 
 His Majesty's magazines at Quebec such arms as 
 may be necessary for the use of the militia,' and I 
 
 48 
 
shall be obliged to Your Excellency to receive the 
 amount of 1,200 stand of arms with proportionate 
 accoutrements, at such times and in such proportions 
 as may be requisite for this branch of His Majesty's 
 service." 
 
 This letter received a reply from Lt.-General Hunter, 
 dated York, December 9, 1803, reading in part as 
 follows : — ■ 
 
 " I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of 
 Your Excellency's letter of the 11th November, with 
 an extract from Lord Hobart's letter to you of the 
 9th September, authorizing you to receive from His 
 Majesty's magazine at Quebec such arms as may be 
 
 March 29th, 1804, Major-General Mann, in command 
 at Quebec, wrote Lieut. -Col. Green, military secretary, 
 as follows: — 
 
 " Lieut.-Governor Milnes has acquainted me with his 
 intention of giving a proportion of arms to the militia 
 of the City of Quebec only, to the amount of two 
 hundred stand for the Canadian and one hundred 
 stand for the British Militia, who have been training 
 as far as they could do without arms all the winter. 
 The arms are to be deposited at the Chateau, and 
 delivered out only at such times as they may be 
 wanted for exercise. I shall accordingly, when re- 
 quired by Sir Robert Milnes, order the issue of the 
 
 His Majesty, King Edward VII, presenting His Colours ^ the Strathcona Horse on their return to London 
 
 after the South African Campaign. 
 
 necessary for the use of the militia, and requesting to 
 the amount of twelve hundred stand of arms, with 
 proportionate accoutrements, at such times, and in 
 such proportions as may be requisite for this branch 
 of His Majesty's service. 
 
 "I have by this opportunity given Colonel Mann 
 the nece,s.sary directions to order the ordinance store- 
 keepers to issue to such persons as Your Excellency 
 may authorize to receive them to the amount of six 
 hundred stand of arms, which, with the six hundred 
 stand of arms formerly issued to you for this service, 
 make up the number required." 
 
 above quantity of arms, conformably to Lieut.-General 
 Hunter's orders signified in your letter to me of the 
 8th December last." 
 
 Some trouble appears to have arisen as to the further 
 issue and also the care of these arms, and July 25, 1805, 
 we find Lieut.-Governor Sir Robert Shore Milnes 
 writing to the commander-in-chief as follows: — 
 
 " I have had the honor of receiving Your Excellency's 
 letter of the 24th inst., respecting the arms issued from 
 the ordinance stores by Your Excellency's order in 
 consequence of Lord Hobart's despatch to me, dated 
 9th of September, 1803, by which I was authorized to 
 
 49 
 
receive from His Majesty's magazines at Quebec such 
 arms as may be necessary for the use of the militia 
 of this province. 
 
 " I shall take the earliest occasion to lay before His 
 Majesty's Secretary of State the subject matter of your 
 letter, in the expectation that His Lordship will send 
 out to the person administering the government during 
 my absence such further instructions with respect to 
 the arms in question as he may judge proper, till when 
 I shall consider myself as responsible for the safety 
 of those arms to His Majesty's minister only. 
 
 " In consequence of the information Your Excellency 
 has honored me with, respecting a musket with the 
 Tower mark, which was exposed for sale at McCary's, 
 the auctioneer, on the 20th of this month, I shall take 
 every possible step to ascertain whether or not it 
 belongs to the present militia; but I am inclined to 
 think it may possibly be one of those muskets that were 
 placed in the hands of the militia by Lord Dorchester 
 in the year 1787, and were never afterwards withdrawn, 
 and which from the lapse of time, it is not improbable, 
 may, in this instance, have been erroneously considered 
 as private property." (Dominion Archives.) 
 
 May 22, 1806, we find the following request addressed 
 by the Hon. Thomas Dunn to Colonel Barnes, command- 
 ing His Majesty's forces: — 
 
 " I have to request you will be so good as give direc- 
 tions that forty-six carbines, complete, may be delivered 
 from the ordinance stores to the order of Colonel 
 Hale for the use of his battalion of militia, for which 
 an equal number of muskets complete will be given 
 up in exchange." 
 
 The 27th of the same month the following requisition 
 was made: — • 
 
 "I have to request that you will give directions 
 that two field pieces (six pounders) complete may be 
 delivered to the order of Lieut. -Colonel Panet for the 
 use of the battalion of Quebec militia under his com- 
 mand." 
 
 During the year 1807, Mr. James Cuthbert, Seigneur 
 of Berthier, son of the first Seigneur of the name, 
 who was a retired army officer, organized the 
 pioneer volunteer corps in the country districts. The 
 following letter from Colonel Brock, then in command 
 at Quebec, to Mr. Cuthbert shows the importance 
 attached by the authorities to the organization of 
 -the Berthier company: — 
 
 "Quebec, October 12, 1807. 
 
 " You may well suppose that the principal subject of 
 conversation at headquarters is the military state of 
 this country. I have been careful, in justice to you, 
 to mention to Sir James Craig the public spirit you 
 have manifested in forming a company from among 
 the inhabitants of youi seigneurie without the least 
 
 pecuniary aid, or any other assistance from govern- 
 ment. 
 
 "His Excellency is exceedingly pleased to find a 
 principle in some measure established by your in- 
 dividual exertions, the basis of which he means to 
 pursue in forming an extensive, and, he trusts, an 
 efficient system of defence; and he requests you to 
 state the nature of the engagements under which the 
 men assemble for exercise, and the degree of service 
 they are under promise to perform. 
 
 "You must be aware that in any future general 
 arrangement it will become an essential object with 
 government to secure a more substantial hold on the 
 services of the men than their mere promise; and as 
 it is intended to give every possible latitude to their 
 prejudices, and to study in everything their con- 
 venience, it is thought no regulation to that effect can 
 operate to diminish the number of voluntary offers. 
 
 "As you have been the first to set such a laudable 
 example, Sir James thinks it but just that Berthier 
 should take the lead in any new project he may adopt, 
 and he desires me to ask your opinion in regard to the 
 following points: — 
 
 "Government will undertake either to provide or 
 give an allowance for clothing. 
 
 "Arms and accoutrements must, for obvious reasons, 
 ^ be provided as far as practicable by the individuals 
 themselves. 
 
 "One shilling will be allowed every time the volun- 
 teer assembles for exercise, not to exceed thirty days 
 during the year. 
 
 "The men to be bound to attend drill whenever 
 ordered, and to be in constant readiness to march to 
 any part of the province in case of emergency, at the 
 discretion of the governor-general. From the time 
 they receive the order to march, to be placed pre- 
 cisely upon the same footing with His Majesty's 
 regular troops in regard to pay and allowance. 
 
 "Such are the chief conditions which I miderstood 
 Sir James to say he wished might be adopted. He, 
 however, will be always ready to attend to any sug- 
 gestion that tends to improve, and give spirit to, the 
 object in view. 
 
 "A proportionate number of non-commissioned 
 officers will unquestionably be allowed. 
 
 " I can say nothing in regard to the officers — they, 
 of course, will not be forgotten in the arrangement, 
 but they cannot expect to be exalted to such a height 
 as to interfere with the just pretensions of the regulars. 
 
 "Being in some measure pledged for the success 
 of the experiment, I shall be under considerable 
 anxiety until I hear your sentiments. 
 
 "Every consideration of policy ought to make the 
 proposal to appear to come from yourself; therefore, 
 
 50 
 
when you consult those around you, it will be un- 
 necessary to state your having received a communica- 
 tion on the subject." 
 
 Mr. Cuthbert wrote in reply, and Brock, on Dec. 
 13, wrote again, forwarding a copy of a note received 
 from Sir James Craig, to whom he had submitted 
 Cuthbert's letter. This note was to the effect that 
 some legal difficulties had arisen over the carrying 
 out of Cuthbert's project, but which he trusted would 
 be got over immediately. Arms, such accoutrements 
 as were in store, and a supply of ammunition were 
 in readiness, and His Excellency promised should be 
 forwarded "as soon as the business is brought to a 
 conclusion." 
 
 Apparently the legal difficulties proved insur- 
 mountable, for on July 7, 1808, Brock wrote to Cuth- 
 bert that the general had very substantial reasons 
 for objecting to any issue of arms at that time. He 
 added: — "Were your corps the sole consideration, 
 be satisfied he would not hesitate a moment; but he 
 cannot show you such marked preference without 
 exciting a degree of jealousy and outcry which might 
 occasion unpleasant discussions." 
 
 As the war between Britain and France developed, 
 and with it the ambition of the ruling faction in the 
 United States to secure possession of Canada, the war 
 party in the republic industriously circulated the 
 report that the Canadians only awaited the unfurling 
 of the stars and stripes in Canada to rise in a body 
 against British rule. In refutation of this libel on 
 the loyalty of the French Canadians, the acting 
 governor (President of the Council), Mr. Dunn, made 
 arrangements for a grand military demonstration to 
 be made during the summer of 1808. One fifth of 
 the militia of the province were called out for training. 
 The ballotting for men was carried out with the greatest 
 spirit, giving the lie to the doubts which had been cast 
 upon the loyalty of the people. At the ballotting, 
 young bachelors competed with one another to pro- 
 cure the service tickets of married men who drew 
 them. Some men, who were not drawn, purchased 
 tickets from others who were, but not a few married 
 men refused to sell out. After the men required had 
 been selected by ballot, and everything prepared for 
 their mobilization. Sir James Craig, the new governor, 
 arrived at Queljec, and he thought it best not to pro- 
 ceed any further. Consequently an order was issued 
 excusing the drafted force from service, but in a 
 general order issued November 24, 1808, the governor 
 lauded the Canadians for the loyal and heroic spirit 
 they had manifested. 
 
 In 1809, Sir James Craig, then governor, and who 
 had commanded Carleton's advance guard at the 
 expulsion of the Continental troops in 1776, dismissed 
 
 from the Quebec militia five officers, on the ground 
 that the step was necessary for His Majesty's service. 
 The cause assigned for this action was that the gover- 
 nor could place no confidence in the services of persons 
 whom he had good groimds to consider to be pro- 
 prietors of a seditious and libellous publication (Le 
 Canadien). They were Col. Panet, Capts. B6dard 
 and Taschereau, Lieut. Borgia and Surgeon Blanchet. 
 
 In 1808 a new Militia Act (48 George III, Chap, i), 
 was passed, entitled: — "An act to explain, amend and 
 reduce to one act of parliament the several laws now in 
 being for the raising and training of the militia of the 
 province. " 
 
 The session of parliament of Lower Canada in 1812 
 ojiened on the 21st of February and passed a bill (52 
 George III, Chap, ii) authorizing the governor. Sir 
 George Prevost, to embody 2000 young immarried 
 men for three months in the year, who, in case of in- 
 vasion, were to be retained in service for a whole year, 
 when half of the embodied would be relieved by fresh 
 drafts. In the event of imminent danger, he was em- 
 powered to embody the entire militia force of the pro- 
 vince, but no militiaman was to be drafted into the 
 regular forces. For drilling, training and other pur- 
 poses of the militia service, £12,000 was voted, and a 
 further sum of £30,000 was placed at the disposal of 
 the governor, to be used in the event of a war arising 
 between Great Britain and the United States. 
 
 Sir George Prevost, who had shortly before arrived to 
 succeed Craig, had reported to the Home Government 
 that he proposed to carry out a levy of the militia for 
 drill and for the purpose of executing some necessary 
 military works; but the suggestion was overruled 
 by the British Government who, at this period, still 
 persisted in exercising direct control over military 
 matters in the colonies. This point is clearly exposed 
 in a letter addressed to Sir George Prevost, on this par- 
 ticular occasion, and preserved in the Dominion Ar- 
 chives. It reads as follows: — 
 
 "Horse Guards, 30th May, 1812. 
 "Lieut.-General 
 
 Sir George Prevost, Bart, 
 &c., &c., &c., 
 
 "Sir, — Having had the honour to receive and lay be- 
 fore the Commander-in-Chief your letter of the 4th of 
 March, I am commanded to acquaint you, that upon 
 the receipt of your original dispatch on the same sub- 
 jecf,, dated the 4th of December last, a reference was 
 made to His Majesty's Government as to the expe- 
 diency of carrying the levy therein proposed into 
 effect, and it is only lately that an answer was received, 
 intimating the view which had been taken of the inex- 
 pediency of this measure, as communicated to you in 
 the Secretary of State's dispatch of the 31st of March. 
 
 51 
 
" I am also to observe, that His Royal Highness is 
 of opinion that no arrangements of this kind should 
 be put in a course of execution, without a previous 
 authority; and that it is usual for the Commander-in- 
 Chief to communicate with the Government upon all 
 military formations whatever. His Royal Highness is, 
 however, fully sensible of the very zealous and proper 
 motives by which you were actuated upon this occasion. 
 "I have the honor to be, Sir, 
 
 Your obedient, humble servant, 
 
 J. P. TORRENS." 
 
 But this letter fortunately reached Canada too late, 
 for May 28, 1812, 21 days before the United States 
 Congress passed the bill empowering the President to 
 declare war against Great Britain, Sir George Prevost 
 raised four battalions of embodied militia in Lower 
 Canada; and a regiment of " voltigeurs, " a sort of 
 "corps d'dlite," was raised, the latter being placed imder 
 the command of Major de Salaberry. 
 
 Companies of "voltigeurs" were first raised in the 
 French army during the rule of the Great Napoleon, 
 the idea being to secure the services of men of the small- 
 est stature in the army. The decree of March 3, 1804, 
 provided for the raising of a company of voltigeurs 
 as a "Compagnie d'elite", for each battalion of light 
 infantry, and a decree dated Sept. 21, of the same year, 
 introduced voltigeurs into the infantry of the line, 
 one company for each battalion. These men were in- 
 tended to be transported about the theatre of opera- 
 tions, rapidly, being intended to accompany mounted 
 forces in swift attacks, etc., the voltigeurs being ex- 
 ercised at riding on the pommels of the cavalrymen's 
 saddles. The maximum standard of height for the 
 French voltigeurs was four feet eleven inches, and the 
 smaller they were the better. They were armed with 
 light guns, and at first with sabres, but a decree of 
 October 7th, 1807, provided for the retirement of the 
 latter arm. The voltigeurs, unlike other French 
 troops at that time, had no drums, their instrument of 
 music being a " cornet, " a sort of small hunting horn 
 which was later replaced by an instrument much 
 resembling the modern trumpet. 
 
 The voltigeurs made such an impression by their 
 useful services that two regiments of conscripts raised 
 as chasseurs to form part of the Young Guard, peti- 
 tioned in 1810 to be allowed the designation of 
 voltigeurs. Under the second empire the voltigeurs 
 were accorded the same pay as grenadiers, and shared 
 with that branch of the service the charge of the colours. 
 The voltigeur companies occupied the left of each 
 battalion. Besides the company of voltigeurs, which 
 existed in each battalion of infantry of the line, there 
 were in the Guard four regiments of voltigeurs. 
 
 The Canadian Voltigeurs, who were light infantry 
 
 or riflemen, were raised without any delay, in fact 
 the strength being reported complete in forty-eight 
 hours. This historical regiment was composed ex- 
 clusively of French Canadians. It was to de Salaberry 
 and the voltigeurs that the French Canadians owe the 
 proudest laurels of the chaplet of glory they so gallantly 
 earned during this war. 
 
 The "Canadian Fencible Infantry Regiment" (10 
 companies), already serving in the province and carried 
 on the establishment of the regular army, was largely 
 recruited among the French Canadians, its officers 
 being taken almost exclusively from the regular army. 
 
 The complete list of officers of the Canadian Fencible 
 Infantry in 1812 was as follows: — 
 
 Colonel — Major-General Thomas Peter (1); Lieut- 
 Col., — Major-General David Shank, George Robertson; 
 Major — Francis Cockburn (1). Captains — James 
 Eccles (2), William De Haren, Thomas Hay (2), Ed- 
 ward Cartwright (2), Dugald Campbell, George R. 
 Ferguson (2), Ewan McMillan, Alex. McQueen, James 
 Pentz. Lieutenants — John Reid (2), William Marshall, 
 Ronald M'Donell, Wm. Radenhurst, Henry Weather- 
 ston, John Johnston, Daniel Dupre(2),Archid. K.John- 
 son, Alexander Grant, R. M. Cochrane, Edward 
 Dewar (staff). Ensigns — Alex. McMillan, Charles Pin- 
 guet, Thomas F. Gunter, Benjamin Delisle, Ulysses 
 Fitzmorris. Paymaster — Lieut. Wm. Marshall; Ad- 
 jutant — Lieut. R. M. Cochrane; Quartermaster — 
 Alex. Fraser; Surgeon — Michael Mabey; Asst.-Sur- 
 geon — Alex. Cunningham. 
 
 The list of officers published in 1813 showed a few 
 changes. Captain De Haren had been promoted 
 major, and Lieut. Patrick Nowlan had been brought 
 in to replace Lieutenant Cochrane, detailed to other 
 duty, as Adjutant. The company officers in (1813) 
 stood as follows : — 
 
 Captains — Thomas Hay (2), Edward Cartwright 
 (2), George R. Ferguson (2), Alex. McQueen, James 
 Pentz, John Hall, G. S. Peach, W. H. HaUes, Wm. 
 Marshall, Josias Taylor. 
 
 Lieutenant — Wm. Radenhurst, Henry Weatherston, 
 John Johnston, Alex. Grant, Chas. Pinguet, Noah 
 Freer, Benjamin Delisle, Ulysses Fitzmorris, Pierre 
 Gamelin. 
 
 Ensigns — G. De Hertel, B. Gugy, E. W. Antrobus, 
 G. C. Peach, Walter Davidson, Louis Dufresne, Robert 
 Tagart, Wm. Taylor. 
 
 During the years immediately preceding the 
 war much progress had been made in the organization 
 of the militia, and by the year 1812 the militia force of 
 Lower Canada had undergone considerable change and 
 had developed greatly. At its head was the following 
 imposing staff: 
 
 (1) Absent. (2) Temporary Rank 
 
 S2 
 
Adjutant-General — Lt.-Col. FraiiQois Vassal de Mon- 
 viel. 
 
 Deputy Adj.-General — Lt.-Col. Xav. de Lanaudiere. 
 
 Assistant Adj.-General — Major Charles Fremont. 
 
 Orderly Clerk to the Adj.-General — Charles Simon 
 Turcot, Orderly Sergeant. 
 
 Adjutant of Provincial Militia — Lt.-Col. A. L. Ju- 
 chereau Duchesnay. 
 
 Provincial Aides-de-Camp — Lieut.-Col. P. de Bou- 
 cherville, Lieut.-Col. M. H. Percival. 
 
 Adjutants for the Town of Quebec — Capt. J. Bte. 
 Destimauville, Capt. Louis de Montizambert, Lieut. 
 Joseph Gary. 
 
 Adjutants for the Town of Montreal — Capt. R. 
 Griflfin, 1st Bat.; Capt. J. G. Delisle, 2nd Bat.; Lieut. 
 Ls. Charland, 3rd Bat. 
 
 Adjutant for the four divisions south of the St. 
 Lawrence, District of Montreal — Capt. L. R. C. Delery. 
 
 Adjutant for the District of Trois Rivieres — Capt. 
 F. Boucher, for the north, Lieut. M. J. de Tonnancourt, 
 for the south. 
 
 Adjutants for the Eastern Townships — Captain Jacob 
 Glen, Captain Philip Byrne. 
 
 Adjutant for the Chambly Division de — Captain 
 D. Lukin. 
 
 Adjutant for the Gaspe District — Lieut. H. O'Hara. 
 
 The district of Quebec comprised 8 regimental divi- 
 sions, that of Montreal, 13; Three Rivers, 2; Eastern 
 Townships, 6; Gaspe, 1. 
 
 As soon as war was declared the regular troops were 
 moved to Montreal, and Quebec was garrisoned by 
 the militia. At Montreal, the militia also turned out 
 for garrison duty. On the 6th of August the whole 
 militia were commanded to hold themselves in readi- 
 ness for embodiment. A military 'epidemic seized 
 young and old; but there was an exception to the rule 
 of martial enthusiasm. In the Parish of Pointe Claire, 
 on Lake St. Louis, some young men, who had been 
 drafted into the embodied militia, refused to join their 
 battalions. Of these, four were apprehended; but 
 one was rescued, and it was determined by his neigh- 
 bours to organize a party to liberate such others of their 
 friends as had already joined the depot of the embodied 
 militia of the district at Laprairie. Accordingly, on 
 the following day, some three or four hundred persons 
 assembled at Lachine for this purpose; but it soon 
 appeared that the trouble was due to a misunderstand- 
 ing. The habitants refused to believe the assurances 
 of the magistrates that the militia law was simply 
 being enforced. They shouted "Vive le Roi" and 
 announced their readiness to serve in the field provided 
 they were regularly called out by the governor, but 
 held that the embodiment had been done without 
 authority. As the rioters refused to budge, two pieces 
 
 of artillery and a company of the 49th Regiment, 
 which had arrived from Montreal, confronted the 
 crowd. The Riot Act, after great provocation, was 
 read, and after the troops and rioters had fired several 
 volleys over each others' heads, the soldiers were 
 ordered to shoot into the mob, and one man was killed 
 and another dangerously wounded. The mutineers 
 then dispersed, leaving some of the most daring among 
 them to keep up a straggling fire from the bushes. 
 The military made thirteen prisoners, and as night was 
 setting in, left for Montreal. Next day, four hundred 
 and fifty of the Montreal Militia marched to Pointe 
 Claire, and from thence to St. Laurent, where they 
 captured twenty-four of the mutineers and took them 
 to Montreal. But the Pointe Claire habitants bitterly 
 repented the resistance which they had made to the 
 militia law, and many of them craved forgiveness, 
 which was readily given. 
 
 One of the first measures decided upon by Congress 
 was the capture of Montreal. Strategy proper, and 
 political strategy alike justified the attempt, and a 
 powerful and well equipped army of 10,000 men was 
 concentrated around Champlain, N.Y., and placed 
 under the command of General Dearborn. De Sala- 
 berry was entrusted with the command of a line of 
 outposts established along this side of the line. An 
 advance base was established at Lacadie. The force 
 at this point consisted of the flank companies of the 
 8th, 100th, and 103rd Regiments of Foot, the Canadian 
 Fencibles, the flank companies of the embodied militia, 
 and a six-gun battery of artillery. 
 
 During the night of November 20th, a column of 
 some 1,200 Americans made a reconnaissance in force 
 into Canadian territory, and came to grief at Lacolle, 
 where they found their progress opposed by a picquet 
 of some 500 militia and Indians. Through their faulty 
 dispositions for the attack, the invaders fired into 
 their own men, the result being an immediate retreat. 
 
 The provincial militia organization during the war 
 included a recognized establishment of volunteers, 
 several companies in Quebec and four in Montreal, 
 the latter attached to the First Battalion of Montreal 
 militia. The officers of the volunteer companies, 
 which were organized "to perform garrison duties 
 voluntarily, or to take the field if necessary," were 
 regularly gazetted, and the companies in Montreal 
 were brigaded, with a commandant and adjutant of 
 their own, but they were attached to their territorial 
 militia regiments. 
 
 The battalions of embodied militia raised at various 
 times in the province during the war were recruited by 
 districts, under militia officers, but equipped from the 
 magazines of the regular army, and subsisted from 
 the regular commissariat. Minor details of organization 
 
 53 
 
were referred to the regular staff in the province. 
 These battalions were of considerable strength and 
 well equipped. From requisitions, parade states, etc., 
 in the Dominion Archives, it appears, for instance, 
 that the 3rd battalion of embodied militia, Lieut. - 
 Col. James Cuthbert, raised in the Three Rivers 
 district, consisted of 880 rank and file. The imiform 
 consisted of green jackets, blue trousers, caps (decorated 
 with feathers, rosettes and bugle badges), and moc- 
 casins. The sergeants carried pikes and wore sashes 
 like those of regular regiments. 
 
 Occasionally the embodied militia were hard put to 
 it for uniform. Lieut. -Colonel Voyer, commanding 
 the 4th battalion "Select and Embodied Militia," 
 writing from his regimental headquarters at Chateau- 
 guay to the military secretary of His Excellency, 
 September 26, 1814, complained that upwards of 500 
 men of his battalion had not been supplied with any 
 clothing or shoes since June, 1813, and a great many 
 of the men had no other but linen trousers. 
 
 Several levies of the sedentary militia were made, 
 not merely in Cases of invasion, but to carry out 
 military works at Isle aux Noix and other points 
 along the exposed frontier. August 16, 1813, Major- 
 General Sheaffe was informed from headquarters that 
 no more corv6e or levying of the militia for manual 
 labour alone was to be required. 
 
 The Lower Canadian militia, and more particularly 
 "provincial corps", raised in the Lower Province, took 
 a much more important part than they usually get 
 credit for in the campaigns in Upper Canada. The 
 organized Corps of Voyageurs was not sufficiently 
 numerous to do all of the water transportation work 
 between Montreal and Kingston, and parties of men 
 were drafted from the various battalions of embodied 
 militia to do this work. And these parties frequently 
 took part in the skirmishing which took place along 
 the line of communications between the head of Lake 
 St. Francis and Kingston. Detachments of the 
 Voltigeurs were present at the battle of Chrysler's 
 Farm, and rendered valuable service. 
 
 Two provincial corps were raised in Montreal early in 
 1813, " His Majesty's Canadian Light Dragoons," Captain 
 Thomas Coleman commanding, and a provincial field 
 artillery corps. Captain John S. Sinclair commanding. 
 These corps went through the very thick of the fight- 
 ing in the Upper Province, but writers generally have 
 lost sight of their identity, confusing them with the 
 regular and Upper Canadian corps. 
 
 Documents in the Dominion Archives give par- 
 ticulars of the raising and services of these corps. 
 
 December 22nd, 1812, Captain Noah Freer, military 
 secretary to the governor, wrote to General de Rotten- 
 
 burg at Montreal that the officer commanding the 
 Royal Artillery desired the formation in the Montreal 
 district of a corps of drivers for the artillery, more 
 efficient than the existing establishment. 
 
 In those days the drivers of the field guns, with 
 their horses, formed a corps distinct from the artillery. 
 Now, they form part of the artillery corps as much as 
 do the gunners. 
 
 General de Rottenburg, December 26th, 1812, re- 
 plied to the letter, mentioning that it was his decided 
 opinion that the most eligible mode to raise the corps 
 "will be to recruit the men amongst the Canadians, for 
 the space of eighteen months, or during the war with 
 the United States, and to grant them a bounty of five 
 pounds currency, which should cover the reward given 
 to the bringer, and supply them with certain articles 
 of necessaries. 
 
 " About eighty would be wanted, and I should think 
 that men of the description required might be readily 
 got, from the general predilection that the Canadians 
 have to be about horses; and another strong induce- 
 ment will be the superior rate of pay of the corps. 
 
 "Should, on trial, the recruiting fail, the expedient 
 of taking, from the sedentary militia, eligible men and 
 such as should prefer to join one of the incorporated 
 battalions, may be resorted to. 
 
 "As for procuring volunteers from the embodied 
 militia, as stated in your letter to complete the number 
 of gunner drivers, appears to me to militate against 
 the Law, Vide 52, George 3rd, Section 60, where it is 
 said: — 
 
 "Every militiaman ordered out or ballotted, who, 
 being in actual service, shall enroll himself in a corps 
 of troops or embodied militia, shall be confined in 
 prison, without bail, during a space of time not exceed- 
 ing one month, and his enlistment shall be null, &c. " 
 
 Captain Sinclair reported his corps as raised to the 
 full strength March 30th, and soon after, it was sent to 
 the front. Captain Sinclair, in the correspondence, 
 sometimes calls the corps "The Royal Montreal Driv- 
 ers," and at others "The Troop Provincial R. C. Ar- 
 tillery Drivers." Gunners appear to have been 
 included in the establishment, for September 13, 1813, 
 Sinclair wrote Captain Freer, the military secretary, 
 Quebec, as follows: — 
 
 "I enclose for the authority of His Excellency a 
 request for clothing for 22 additional gimners who are 
 entering on their second year of service, 12 of them 
 are now at Kingston. May I trouble you to present it." 
 
 Captain Thomas Coleman raised his troop, "H.M. 
 Canadian Light Dragoons," in Montreal about the 
 same time. April 15, 1813, the strength of the troop 
 was 1 captain, (Coleman); 1 lieutenant, (Benjamin 
 Holmes); 1 cornet, (Pierre Lefevre); 2 sergeants, 4 
 
 54 
 
corporals, 2 trumpeters, 43 privates and 51 horses. 
 The strength appears to have been increased consider- 
 ably before being despatched to Upper Canada. Cap- 
 tain Coleman having asked Sir George Prevost to 
 advise a uniform, he recommended the following: — 
 blue jacket with red cuffs and collar, white buttons; felt 
 helmet with bearskin trimming; grey overalls strapped 
 with leather; Canadian beef half-boots, to lace in front. 
 
 The troop not merely served on the lines of com- 
 munication between Montreal and the Niagara frontier, 
 but participated in some of the hardest fighting and 
 other military operations, including Proctor's move- 
 ments, the affairs at Forty-Mile Creek, Beaver Dams, 
 St. Davids, the Cross Roads, Sandwich, etc. The 
 troop baggage upon one occasion was lost, and several 
 of the troop were taken by the enemy and held prison- 
 ers for a considerable time. 
 
 January 22, Lieutenant-General Sir Gordon Drum- 
 mond at Kingston recommended the .augmentation of 
 Captain Coleman's troop by a cornet and ten men, 
 adding that from the report of Major-General Vincent 
 and other officers at the front he was perfectly satisfied 
 of the utility of the corps' services. 
 
 Captain Coleman, in an official report of March 27, 
 1815, remarked of his men, "They have conducted 
 themselves generally in a soldierlike manner, and I have 
 never had to use corporal punishment. The troop was 
 disbanded at Montreal May, 12, 1815, the officers and 
 men receiving pay up to the 24th. 
 
 One of the most important permanent organizations 
 of the war carried upon the militia establishment of 
 Lower Canada was the Corps of Voyageurs, a corps of 
 Canadian boatmen for the transportation of troops 
 and supplies up and down the St. Lawrence, particularly 
 between Montreal and Kingston. 
 
 The officers of this corps, many of them North- West 
 traders, were in 1813 as follows: — 
 
 Wm. McGillivray, Lieut. -Col. Commandant; Angus 
 Shaw, 1st Major; Archibald N. McLeod, 2nd Major. 
 
 Captains — Alexander McKenzie, William McKay, 
 John McDonell, Pierre de Rocheblave, James Hughes, 
 Kenneth McKenzie. 
 
 Lieutenants — James Goddard, Joseph McGillivray, 
 Joseph McKenzie, William Hall, Peter Grant. 
 
 Ensigns — Pierre Perras, James Maxwell, John Mc- 
 Gillivray, Andr6 Baron, Louis Joseph Gauthier, 
 Pierre Rototte, fils. Aeneas Cameron, Paymaster; 
 Cartwright, Adjutant; James Campbell, Quartermas- 
 ter, Henry Monro, Surgeon. 
 
 During this campaign, steamboats were used for the 
 transportation of troops and military stores between 
 Quebec and Montreal, among the vessels so employed 
 being the "Accomodation," the pioneer St. Lawrence 
 steamer, which was launched at Montreal in 1809, by 
 
 Mr. John Molson. Was this the first occasion on which 
 steam power was put to use in military operations? 
 
 There was considerable legislation affecting the 
 militia during the war. By the preamble of 52 George 
 III, Chap. 2, it appeared that that act was only to apply 
 to the then present year. The act, 53 George III, 
 Chap. 2, made an appropriation for certain expenses 
 of the embodied militia during the war. The act, 55 
 George III, Chap. 1 (May 8, 1815), revived and amended 
 43 George "ill. Chap. 1 and 52 George III, Chap. 1, 
 and continued them as amended until May 1, 1816, 
 and to the end of the war. An act (55 George III, 
 Chap. 10, made permanent the 31st section of 43 George 
 III, Chap. 1, granting pensions to certain classes of 
 wounded Militiamen, and to the widows of those 
 killed on service. 
 
 After the conclusion of peace, with the exception of a 
 volunteer troop of cavalry or a company of rifles here and 
 there, not amounting in both provinces to 300or400 men, 
 there was no armed force in the country exclusive of 
 ihe regulars. The few isolated cavalry and rifle corps 
 were of an independent character, officers and men 
 uniforming and maintaining the corps at their own 
 expense, and even purchasing the arms privately. Of 
 course they received no pay or allowances, and were 
 not subjected to any systematic oversight. 
 
 The members of the legislature of Lower Canada 
 found something else to interest them besides military 
 matters — The country — and this is equally true of 
 both provinces of Canada — was about entering upon 
 the hardest and most bitter phase of the long struggle 
 between the popular representatives and the bureau- 
 cracy, for responsible government. Issues affecting 
 finances, administration, representation and the con- 
 stitution itself were of paramount importance. The 
 militia languished, and practically ceased to exist 
 except upon paper. The long lists of the officers of 
 the sedentary militia made a brave show, and the form 
 of holding the annual muster on June 29th each year 
 was kept up. 
 
 The militia law in force at the termination of the 
 war of 1812-14 was a temporary one, requiring renewal 
 every few years, and lapsed for want of re-enacting in 
 1820. At the request of the governor-in-chief, the 
 Earl of Dalhousie, who remarked that the constitutional 
 provision for the defence of the country had been 
 shown by the late war to be peculiarly well suited to 
 Lower Canada, the legislature, by passing 59 George 
 III, Chap. 3 re-enacted the law for another two years. 
 By the acts 1 George IV, Chap. 4 and 22 (1821), 
 3rd, George IV, Chap. 28, and 5th George IV, Chap. 21, 
 the act was further continued. The period of the last ex- 
 tension terminated at a most awkward time for the admin- 
 istration. The struggle between the legislative assembly 
 
 55 
 
of Lower Canada on one side, and the governor-in- 
 chief on the other, regarding the forms and accounts in 
 connection with the votes for the expenses of the 
 civil government, reached a climax in 1827, and the 
 differences on this one question were so acute that 
 they caused the rejection by the legislature of every 
 measure which the government presented, including 
 the bill to renew the Militia Act. The administration 
 claimed that by the expiry of the Militia Act, two old 
 militia ordinances of the legislative council of the 
 old Province of Quebecof 1787 and 1789, were automatic- 
 ally revived, they never having been absolutely 
 repealed. This of course was disputed by the opposi- 
 tion, and the militia became a source of discord and 
 agitation. The governor promptly ordered the formal 
 musters of the militia to be made under the old ordinances, 
 and some militia officers, who protested publicly that the 
 proceeding was illegal and tried to dissuade the militia- 
 men from attending muster, had their commissions 
 cancelled. This action was held up as a further 
 arbitrary abuse of the executive powers. 
 
 The militiamen's duty was exceedingly light, in 
 fact only nominal, under either the temporary lapsed 
 acts or the old re-instated ordinances. The militiamen 
 had to meet after divine service on a Sunday, or other 
 holiday, once a year, and answer to the call of their 
 names, as an acknowledgment of obedience to the 
 laws, and their duty was done. 
 
 While the affairs of the provincial militia were in 
 this unsatisfactory condition. Lord Dalhousie under- 
 took to effect an important reform in the system under 
 which the militia in the City of Quebec were divided 
 into " British " and " Canadian " battalions, a system 
 which tended to keep alive an inexpedient and im- 
 politic distinction. Consequently a militia general 
 order was issued under date April 28, 1828, reading 
 as follows: — 
 
 "His excellency the governor-general and com- 
 mander-in-chief, being desirous to do away with the 
 distinction which has always been supposed to exist 
 in the militia of Quebec as forming one English and 
 two Canadian battalions, has thought proper to 
 order that to each battalion be allotted a certain 
 portion of the city, in which all householders or lodgers 
 shall be enrolled, whether British or Canadian born, 
 that no distinction of religion shall be considered — 
 and that arrangements shall be made gradually, to 
 appoint to each battalion those captains and officers 
 and non-commissioned officers, who, as householders, 
 are resident within the limits of the battalion. The 
 governor-in-chief is sensible that this may create at 
 first some trouble and inconvenience, but the object 
 is too important to admit of any consideration of such 
 a difficulty, etc., etc." 
 
 This system was in 1847 reversed, and the old order 
 of things restored, by Lord Cathcart. The unwise 
 change was attributed to the advice given His Excel- 
 lency by Lieut.-Col. Tache, then adjutant-general 
 of the militia in Lower Canada. — (Christie.) 
 
 During the session of 1829, while Sir James Kempt 
 was acting as administrator, much time was occupied 
 discussing a new militia bill. The assembly passed 
 the bill with a clause declaring that the removals 
 and appointments of officers that had been made since 
 May 1st, 1827, when the militia ordinances of 1787 and 
 1789 came into force again in consequence of the lapsing 
 of the temporary acts, were illegal and null. The 
 legislative council considered that this entrenched 
 upon the prerogative of the executive, amended the 
 bill accordingly, and sent it back to the assembly for 
 concurrence. The assembly refused to accept the 
 amendments, and the bill fell through. 
 
 At the following session, the question of the militia 
 was again revived, at first apparently with the object 
 rather of impeaching the former governor than with 
 that of placing militia matters in the province on a 
 more satisfactory basis. The result of the first dis- 
 cussion of militia matters during the session was the 
 adoption of a petition to the King by " the Commons 
 of Lower Canada, in Provincial Parliament assembled," 
 which is interesting as giving a review of the militia 
 legislation of the province since the conquest. 
 
 According to the terms of the petition: — 
 
 "Certain ordinances for the better regulation of the 
 militia of the then Province of Quebec, were made 
 and passed by the governor and legislative council 
 of the said province in the years of 1787 and 1789, 
 which ordinances were inadequate, arbitrary and 
 vexatious in their provisions, unnecessarily bother- 
 some to the subject, subversive of personal freedom 
 and the right of property, and subjected all the male 
 inhabitants of the said province, between sixteen 
 and sixty years of age, to an exercise of martial law 
 in time of peace. 
 
 "That by an act passed in the second session of 
 the first Provincial Parliament of Lower Canada, 
 in the 34th year of the reign of your Majesty'& royal 
 father of revered memory, (George III), it was declared 
 and enacted that from and after the passing of the said 
 act, the said ordinances shall be, and they are hereby 
 repealed, and certain temporary provisions were 
 substituted in lieu thereof. 
 
 "That the said provisions and other temporary 
 provisions for regulating the militia were continued or 
 enacted by various other acts of the provincial parlia- 
 ment, and continued from time to time, till the first day 
 of May in the year 1816, when they expired in con- 
 sequence of a premature dissolution of the house of 
 
 56 
 
assembly, and were revived by another temporary act 
 of the provhicial parliament, passed on the twenty- 
 second day of March in the following year. 
 
 "That during the interval between the first day 
 of May in the year 1816 and the said 22nd of March, 
 1817, the aforesaid ordinances, nor any other law 
 for regulating the militia were enforced or pretended to 
 be inforced, or known to be in existence by the body of 
 the inhabitants of the said province fit for militia 
 duty. 
 
 The Rt. Hon. Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal, P.O., G.C.M.G., 
 
 Honorary Colonel, the 3rdjVictoria Rifles. Commanded a 
 
 militia company at Wiimipeg during the Fenian Raid of 
 
 1871. Raised Strathcona's Horse during the South 
 
 African War at his own expense. 
 
 "That all the provisions for regulating the militia 
 of this province revived, continued or enacted by the 
 provincial parliament, at or subsequently to the said 
 22nd day of March, in the year 1817, expired on the first 
 day of May, 1827, after a sudden prorogation of the 
 
 provincial parliament, which was followed by a pre- 
 mature dissolution of the assembly. 
 
 " That the aforesaid ordinances of the governor and 
 legislative council, for regulating the militia of the late 
 Province of Quebec, were pretended to be revived, and 
 were enforced by the late governor of this province, 
 soon after the said prorogation, whereby he assumed a 
 legislative authority over your Majesty's subjects in 
 this province, and attempted to establish arbitrary 
 power over their persons and property, under colour of 
 
 law." 
 
 Among the British' names appearing in the divi- 
 sion list as supporting this petitioit were those of 
 Messrs. Leslie, Brookes, Child, Scott, Peck, Cannon, 
 Neilson and Knowlton. 
 
 On receiving the petition, his excellency stated 
 that he would not fail to transmit it to the King, 
 but added: — "I must, however, observe on the 
 present occasion that His Majesty's courts of justice 
 in this province, having determined that the ord- 
 inances in question are laws in force, my duty neces- 
 sarily requires me to be governed by such judicial 
 decision initil a new act shall be passed by the pro- 
 vincial parliament for the regulation of the militia, 
 a measure which I sincerely hope will be effected 
 in the course of the present session. 
 
 It is understood that the Home Government took 
 no notice of this petition. 
 
 Later in the session a militia bill (10 and 11 
 George IV, Chap. 3) was passed, putting at rest the 
 difficulty that had arisen between the executive and 
 the assembly, relative to the old ordinances of 1787 
 and 1789. This bill enabled the governor to call the 
 legislature together in time of war, etc., exacted a 
 property qualification in persons commissioned to 
 the militia, and residence within their respective 
 territorial divisions. 
 
 Before the departure of Sir James Kempt, 
 (October 30, 1830) he made a beginning with the 
 reorganization of the militia, reinstating several, if 
 not all, of those deprived of their commissions, leav- 
 ing the consummation of the work of conciliation 
 and reform to his successor, Lord Aylmer, who 
 arrived at Quebec, to assume the reins of govern- 
 ment, in H.M.S. Herald, October 13, 1830. Hence 
 the earliest association of the Aylmer family with the 
 national defensive force of Canada. 
 
 In opening the session of the legislature in 1834, the 
 governor in his speech remarked: — "Amongst the acts 
 which are about to expire, I think it necessary to draw 
 your particular attention to the act 10 and 11 George 
 IV., Chap. 3, intituled An act to provide for the better 
 defence of the province, and to regulate the militia 
 
 S7 
 
thereof, coutinued by 2nd William IV., Cap. 55. 
 Should it be judged e.xpedient further to continue that 
 act, I would recommend to you to consider the expe- 
 diency of embodying in it the provisions of the act 2nd 
 William IV., Cap. 42, intituled 'An act to authorize 
 the appointment of courts of enquiry, for investigating 
 the qualifications of militia officers in certain cases,' 
 which act is also about to expire. " 
 
 In proroguing parliament the governor thanked the 
 legislature for having passed the militia bill as recom- 
 mended. 
 
 At this period there was some small effort within 
 the militia of Lower Canada to maintain what may be 
 called an active force of drilled vokmteers, several 
 volunteer companies being organized at Montreal and 
 Quebec. At first they appear to have been uniformed 
 and equipped at the pVivate expense of the members, 
 and there was, oi course, no idea of obtaining pay for 
 drill; but for a short time some of these volunteer 
 corps connected with militia organizations had the 
 distinction of obtaining official recognition and of even 
 being armed, and to a very sligljt extent, equipped, 
 at the public expense. 
 
 In the Dominion Archives, at Ottawa, is a return 
 dated October 16, 1824, of "Arnis, accoutrements, 
 ammunition, etc., issued to different regiments of 
 militia in the Montreal District from March Quarter, 
 1823 to September Quarter, 1824. " 
 
 This return shows that there were issued to the Fifth 
 Battalion Township Militia in March Quarter, 1823, 
 under authority of an order dated February 21st, 1823, 
 sixty swords of scimitar pattern and fourteen belts 
 for same, the whole of a value of sixty one pounds, 
 eleven shillings and eight pence. 
 
 To the "Montreal Militia" there were issued in the 
 June Quarter, under authority dated June 5, 1823, 
 fifty muskets complete and 150 musket ball cartridges, 
 the whole of a value of one hundred pounds, nine 
 shillings. 
 
 To the " Royal Montreal Cavalry, " in the December 
 Quarter, on authority dated November 29, 1823, there 
 were issued 40 saddles and bridles, 60 swords ("Scy- 
 mitar") with scabbards, 60 cavalry pistols and 160 
 buff leather slings and infantry pouches. 
 
 To the last mentioned corps a further issue was 
 made during March Quarter, 1824, on authority dated 
 January 24, 1824, of 50 saddles and bridles, 40 swords 
 and scabbards, 40 saddle bags and 180 buff slings and 
 pouches, the whole issue to the corps being valued at 
 £573, 3s., 4d. 
 
 To the Montreal Rifle Corps in June Quarter, 1824, 
 under authority dated May 28, 1824, there were issued 
 900 ball cartridges described as "French musquets," 
 
 and fourteen and a half pounds of fine grain powder, 
 the whole of a value of £3, Is, Id. 
 
 To the Beauharnois Militia in the June Quarter, on 
 authority dated March 10, 1824, there were issued 100 
 musquets, 100 sets of accoutrements complete and 1,000 
 ball cartridges. 
 
 The value of the whole issue was £993, 15s., Id., as 
 certified by F. Sisson, the storekeeper at Montreal. 
 
 The apparent triumph of these enthusiastic volun- 
 teers was not to be of long duration, thanks to a com- 
 bination of red-tape and political exigency. 
 
 December 27, 1824, the secretary of the Ordnance 
 Department wrote to the Colonial Office in London, 
 transmitting a detailed account for these arms and 
 accoutrements and asking on behalf of the Board of 
 Ordnance that the Earl of Bathurst, the colonial 
 secretary, be asked to order payment of the amount of 
 £993, 14s., Id., to the Treasurer of the Ordnance. 
 
 February 11, 1825, the Colonial Department on be- 
 half of Lord Bathurst transmitted the correspondence 
 from the Board of Ordnance to the Earl of Dalhousie^ 
 the governor-in-chief, then in England, with the re- 
 quest that the governor would report "for His Lord- 
 ship's (Bathurst's) information the fund from which 
 the payments referred to can be made. " 
 
 The governor-in-chief replied on the 17th of the 
 same month, and his letter was answered by one 
 which is very interesting as indicating the attitude of 
 the Imperial Government, at that date, towards the 
 local forces of the colonies. The colonial secretary's 
 letter to the Earl of Dalhousie was as follows : — 
 
 Downing Street, 
 
 5th March, 1828. 
 My Lord: — 
 
 I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your 
 despatch of the 17th February. 
 
 I approve of the issues which have been made, 
 under your directions, of ordinance stores to certain 
 corps of militia in the district of Montreal, and I have 
 to convey to you my authority for the payment of 
 their value, £993 18s. Id from the military chest at 
 Quebec to be charged upon the army extraordinaries. 
 I must, however, apprize you that although free grants 
 of arms are allowed by His Majesty's Government to 
 colonial militias on their first establishment, with a 
 view to encourage the formation of such corps, yet 
 this encouragement is given in the confident anticipa- 
 tion that the colonies, when the militias are so formed, 
 will maintain them properly accoutred and armed, 
 without further assistance from His Majesty's Govern- 
 ment other than the advantage of receiving from time 
 to time the necessary supplies from the ordinance 
 
 58 
 
stores on payment of the price at which they were 
 originally contracted for in this country. You will 
 therefore consider that the province under your govern- 
 ment must provide for all future supplies of this nature, 
 unless they are for the purpose of facilitating the 
 formation of a new corps, or under some special cir- 
 cumstances, on which you will enable me to take His 
 Majesty's pleasure. 
 
 It appears, moreover, by representations which have 
 been made by the Master-General and Board of Ordi- 
 nance that in all cases of supplies furnished to the 
 colonial militias, whether gratuitously or otherwise, 
 it is necessary that an application should be previously 
 transmitted to me, and after communication with the 
 ordinance, having been approved by this office, direc- 
 tions will be given for such a delivery being made as 
 shall be then authorized, and upon notice of their 
 having been so delivered, the agents of the respective 
 provinces must be duly authorized, by the proper 
 authorities, to pay the Ordinance for them at the rate 
 at which the Ordinance may have contracted for them. 
 
 I have the honour to be 
 my lord, 
 
 Your lordship's obedient 
 
 humble servant, 
 
 BATHURST. 
 
 Further correspondence ensued between the officials 
 in Canada, which shows that during 1824 certain arms 
 and accoutrements had also been issued to various 
 Quebec militia corps, including"The Artillery Volunteers" 
 " Grenadier and Light Companies of the 1st Battalion," 
 " Light Company, 2nd Battalion," "Quebec Volunteer 
 Cavalry," "Quebec Volunteer Rifle Company," "Volun- 
 teer Militia Companies in the Township of Hull." 
 
 In a letter of October 28, 1825, addressed to Major 
 General Darling by Ralph Gore, ordinance storekeeper 
 at Quebec and Capt. G. Coffin, commanding the 
 Royal Artillery, to whom the matter had been referred, 
 the following was stated : — " All the arms and accoutre- 
 ments which were issued were articles which had been 
 used and repaired, and the arms in particular, although 
 called serviceable, were only fit for the exercise or train- 
 ing of troops and were not fit for actual service. A 
 great proportion of the articles issued to the militia 
 in the Montreal district were supplied from the stores 
 at Quebec." 
 
 The two officers declined to place any value on the 
 articles in question for this reason. 
 
 This was the exact period when the acrimonious 
 discussion over the financial system of the government 
 was at its very height, the governor-in-chief being 
 
 accused of making use of the public monies illegally, 
 without the previous authority of the legislature, 
 Particularly had he been censured by Papineau and 
 others for certain advances made from the military 
 chest to the receiver-general. As the army authorities 
 would assume no responsibility, even so far as to place 
 the actual value on the arms and accoutrements, 
 Lord Dalhousie appears to have ordered all the goods 
 issued to be returned into stores, and August 2, 1826, 
 Lord Bathurst wrote him approving "of the measure 
 you have adopted for causing the arms and accoutre- 
 ments issued to be returned into ordinance stores." 
 In the same letter Bathurst expressed the opinion that 
 arms might be sold to men of good character who 
 formed themselves into military corps, but held sub- 
 ject to recall. 
 
 During the period immediately preceding the out- 
 break of the rebellion in 1837 the militia of Lower 
 Canada had little encouragement, and the few 
 volunteer corps less. If volunteer corps were main- 
 tained in the cities of Montreal and Quebec at all, 
 it was due rather to the military spirit of the 
 officers and men and to the popular apprehension that 
 the perpetual political agitation would eventually 
 result in rebellion, than to any encouragement received 
 from the authorities. 
 
 When the rebellion actually broke out in the autumn 
 of 1837, Montreal, and in fact the whole of Canada, 
 had very little in the way of military protection. The 
 position was very critical indeed. There were only four 
 or five regiments in Canada, the First Royals, 15th, 
 24th, 32nd, and 66th. 
 
 The sedentary militia battalions were in a hopeless 
 state of disorganization, and the only volunteer corps 
 in the Montreal district which was chiefly affected, 
 were a troop of cavalry at Lachine, a troop in Mont- 
 real, and a rifle company in Montreal. 
 
 When the authorities realized that they had a rebel- 
 lion on hand they at once authorized the enrollment 
 of volunteer corps. The loyal male population of the 
 City of Montreal which was not enrolled in volunteer 
 corps was formed into "Ward Drill Associations" or 
 "Home Guards". 
 
 These corps and drill associations were soon up to 
 full strength, and the whole British population, and 
 many loyal French, went in for soldiering with enthu- 
 siasm. All the available halls and warehouses in 
 Montreal were pressed into service as drill 
 halls, and the volunteers drilled night and 
 day. Each corps had a sergeant from one 
 of the regular regiments attached as drill instructor, 
 and a few weeks of such hard work as they put in 
 speedily got the various miits into very good shape 
 indeed. 
 
 59 
 
The Governmetit furnished these corps with flint- 
 locks and accoutrements. They were not served 
 with uniforms the first year, but supplied with military 
 overcoats and immense fur caps. 
 
 After the rebellion, there ensued another period of 
 depression in military affairs in Lower Canada. It 
 was, so far as military matters were concerned, the 
 time of the most inactive part of the era of torpor in 
 England, which intervened between the battle of Water- 
 loo and the Crimean war. In 1840 the Royal Cana- 
 dian Rifle Regiment was organized in Canada. The 
 regiment was in no way connected with the militia, 
 being an Imperial corps raised for garrison purposes 
 in Canada and recruited among veterans who had 
 not served less than seven years in line regiments. 
 As might be supposed the men were a remarkably 
 sturdy and generally fine lot. The Regiment per- 
 
 formed garrison duty until 1871, when it was dis- 
 banded. This corps did its part in keeping up some 
 military spirit in Canada previous to 1855 and, 
 moreover, in the year last mentioned did good service 
 for the newly organized active militia regiments by 
 providing them with very efficient instructors. But 
 this is anticipating. 
 
 The Act of Union was drafted by Lord Sydenham 
 and passed by the British parliament in 1840, the 
 object being to obviate difficulties which had arisen 
 between the sister provinces. Before the drafting of 
 this act, the special council of Lower Canada had 
 agreed to the union and to the assumption by the 
 United Provinces of the large debt of Upper Canada, 
 and a month after this agreement had been reached, 
 namely, in December, 1839, the legislative of Upper 
 Canada had also agreed to the union. 
 
 60 
 

 
 i 
 
 ^ 
 
 m 
 
 CHAPTER VI 
 
 THE MILITIA OF UNITED CANADA 
 
 The Mothkr Country, While Conceding Self-Government to Canada, Expects Her to Do More in 
 Her Own Defence. — The Trent Affair and Fenian Raids. — The Militia Becomes a National 
 Defensive Force. 
 
 AT the time of the Union, the muster rolls of 
 the sedentary militia in Upper Canada, known 
 as "Canada West" in the Union, showed 
 248 battalions with 117,000 men, while in Lower 
 Canada, ("Canada East") there were 178 battalions 
 with 118,000 men. 
 
 It will have been observed by the reading of the 
 preceding chapters that, although the systems on 
 which the militia of the two provinces of 
 "United Canada" were organized were of completely 
 different origins, they were both based upon the under- 
 lying principle of universal liability to military service 
 of the adult male populations, with a few natural 
 exceptions. Conscription was the theory of both, 
 the ballot being available to raise any force for active 
 service in case an insufficient number of volunteers 
 offered, and there was a provision in both provinces 
 for the acceptance of volunteers towards the quota. 
 There were some clearly defined points of difference 
 in the militia systems of the two provinces somewhat 
 to be wondered at, in view of the continual interchange 
 of civil and military administrators between the sister 
 provinces. 
 
 In Upper Canada the militia was composed of all the 
 male inhabitants between the ages of 18 and 60, and 
 they had, as a matter of duty, to muster once only each 
 year, and merely for enrollment. Colonels, however, 
 had the optional right to assemble their commands 
 
 one day in each month for drill and inspection, but 
 they seldom, if ever, did it. In Lower Canada the 
 service age was from 16 to 60, and there were three 
 co;npulsory muster days each year, namely, in June, 
 July and August. The object of these musters was 
 not merely enrollment, but "to review arms, to fire 
 at marks, and for instruction in the exercise." In 
 Lower Canada, moreover, in line with the practices 
 of the old French regime, the militia officers and 
 even non-commissioned officers continued to exercise 
 important functions in connection with the civil 
 administration, the maintenance of highways and 
 bridges, the enforcement of the statute labour laws, 
 the holding of coroner's inquests, etc. 
 
 At the time of the Union the question of Canadian 
 defence was under serious consideration in England, 
 reports on the subject having been prepared by army 
 officers then serving in Canada. The British govern- 
 ment urged that as Canada was being accorded more 
 fully the right to govern herself, and was also being 
 given direct control of her national assets and revenues, 
 she should assume her own share of responsibility 
 in connection with the defence of her frontier. In 
 fact, British statesmen began to think that it was 
 time for Canada to do something more than supply 
 the men for an auxiliary force to the British army 
 in the case of war or invasion. One of the most im- 
 portant communications ever received from England, 
 
 61 
 
upon the subject of Canadian defence, bears date as 
 far back as 1841, and was contained in a despatch 
 from Lord John Russell, then colonial secretary, to 
 Lord Sydenham, governor-general, which read as 
 follows :— 
 
 "Downing Street, 3rd May, 1841. 
 " My Lord, 
 
 " The despatches which I have received from you on 
 the general state of the Province of Canada, the re- 
 ports with which you have furnished me on several 
 important subjects, and the approaching meeting of 
 the council and assembly of the United Province have 
 induced me to explain to you, at this time, the views 
 which Her Majesty's government entertain on the 
 topics most interesting to the welfare of Canada. 
 
 "In any measure that may be adopted, it must be 
 taken for granted, that Her Majesty persists in the 
 determination to maintain, at all hazards. Her Royal 
 authority in Canada. Neither the honour of Her 
 Majesty's crown, nor the support due to Her Royal 
 subjects in British North America, nor the provident 
 care of the interests of the empire at large, would 
 permit any deviation from this fixed principle of 
 British policy. 
 
 "At the same time. Her Majesty's advisers are not 
 insensible to the difficulties imposed upon them in 
 carrying into execution the purpose of the crown. 
 
 "A province bordered by an open frontier of more 
 than a thousand miles, approached with ease at all 
 times by the citizens of a neighboring and powerful 
 state, separated from England, not only by the ocean, 
 but by the rigours of climate and season, must be 
 maintained by a judicious preparation for defence 
 in time of peace, and vigourous exertion of the re- 
 sources of the empire in time of war; or not at all. To 
 trifle with the fortunes of men, whose lives and pro- 
 perties are freely devoted to the service of England, 
 or to encourage foreign aggression by neglect or apathy, 
 would be far worse than the spontaneous surrender 
 of these important possessions of the crown. 
 
 "The Canadians might, in such a case, incur the 
 risk; no blood need be shed, and the treasures of no 
 empire might be spared. The other course would be 
 cruel to a brave people, and unbecoming the character 
 of the country. 
 
 "But, as I have already said, we have no alternative. 
 We have only to consider the means of binding Canada 
 more firmly to this country — of developing her re- 
 sources — of strengthening her British population — of 
 defending her territory, and of supporting and en- 
 couraging the loyal spirit of the people. 
 
 " In this spirit, then, I shall touch upon the prin- 
 cipal topics connected with these views. 
 
 "I have perused with great interest the enclosures 
 
 in your despatch of 24th December, 1840, containing 
 reports from Lieut-General Sir Richard Jackson, and 
 Col. Oldfield, the commanding othccr of engineers, 
 on this subject. 
 
 "The question is one of so much importance, that I 
 was not satisfied with referrhig your despatch to the 
 Master-General and Board of Ordnance, but I also 
 asked the opinion of the commander-in-chief, and 
 requested him to consult the Duke of Wellington, 
 whose high authority on every military subject, is, 
 in this instance, of peculiar weight, from the attention 
 he has for many years given to this matter, both on 
 political and on military grounds." 
 
 " Their opinions are transmitted with this despatch. 
 
 "Her Majesty's Government agree in opinion with 
 Lord Hill and Sir Richard Jackson, that no dependence 
 upon the decided superiority of our troops and arrange- 
 ments made for defence, connected with them, should 
 lead us to neglect the construction, and completion of 
 permanent works calculated for the protection of the 
 points of most importance to us. 
 
 "They likewise concur in His Lordship's opinion 
 that, in the event of the construction of these or any 
 other works, a large effective regular force, and a militia, 
 registered and enrolled, but not called from their 
 districts, except in case of invasion, will be indispen- 
 sable. 
 
 "But it cannot be reasonably expected that works 
 on a large scale should be undertaken without reference 
 to the great expense to be incurred. 
 
 " I have therefore to inform you that the Government 
 are prepared to state their opinion that beyond the 
 ordinary estimates of the year, £100,000 should yearly 
 be applied for the defence of Canada. At present this 
 sum is nearly absorbed in the maintenance of the militia 
 and volunteers, but by a more economical plan this 
 expense might be greatly diminished, and a great 
 portion of the sum of £100,000 left for the improvement 
 of military communications, and the erection and repair 
 of fortifications. 
 
 " You wiU hear further from me on this point when 
 I have more fully considered the various plans pro- 
 posed. 
 
 (Signed) J. RUSSELL." 
 
 According to the Act of Union, the old laws of each 
 province were to remain in force therein until replaced 
 by legislation enacted by the parliament of Canada. 
 Consequently the old militia laws remained in force for 
 some time. 
 
 The first act of the parliament of United Canada 
 affecting the militia (4 and 5 Victoria, Chapter II), 
 " An act to amend the Militia Law of that part of this 
 province formerly constituting the Province of Upper 
 
 62 
 
Canada") merely provided for the amendment of two 
 clauses of the old act, that affecting Quakers and others 
 have conscientious scruples against military service, 
 and that relating to the collection of fines, in default 
 of militia service, from Aliens. 
 
 With this exception the old laws of the two formerly 
 distinct provinces continued to remain in force until 
 1864. 
 
 This was the time of the outbreak of anti-British 
 feeling and war talk in the United States over the 
 Oregon Boundary dispute, when the slogan of the 
 agitators was the historic formula " Fifty-four-Forty 
 or-Fight. " Naturally the unsatisfactory state of the 
 militia laws, with one code in force in one part of the 
 united provhice and a different one in the other, was 
 realized, and June 9, 1846, assent was given to a com- 
 prehensive and elaborate Militia Act (9 Victoria, 
 Chapter 28). 
 
 This act was supposed to be a consolidation of the 
 militia laws of the two former provinces ; but the 
 influence of the old Upper Canada laws predominated, 
 and a large proportion of the clauses of the new statute 
 were adopted in their entirety from the laws in question. 
 The militia were relieved of the various civil duties 
 which had been a feature of the Lower Canada laws 
 and the service age limit was fixed at from 18 to 60, 
 divided into two classes, 18 to 40, first class; 40 to 60, 
 second. An enrollment period for men of both classes, 
 extending from the first to the 20th of June, was pro- 
 vided for. An active quota, ordinarily not to exceed 
 30,000 men, was provided for. Enrollment for this 
 quota was to be voluntary, except in case the quota 
 was not filled, when the ballot could be resorted to. 
 In case of invasion or war the governor could call out 
 the whole militia. In the event of actual service, one 
 half the men of the active quota, to be determined by 
 lot, might be permitted to return home, the other half 
 to serve the full term. Militiamen drawn by ballot for 
 active service and not wishing to serve were allowed to 
 provide substitutes, but the whole of the first class in 
 peace time were to assemble "for muster and dis- 
 cipline" one day each year, namely on June 29. The 
 governor was authorized to form volunteer regiments 
 of infantry or other corps of militia — dragoons, ar- 
 tillery, rifles or light infantry. 
 
 This bill was brought in during the Draper adminis- 
 tration, and the opposition of the day, headed by Mr. 
 Lafontaine and Sir Etienne Tache, came forward to 
 support the government in carrying this measure. 
 
 This Act has been described as the first stepping 
 stone between the old purely sedentary militia system, 
 and the present one. It was a temporary Act, ter- 
 minable in three years, but subject to re-enactment. 
 
 like the old English Army and Militia Acts, a reminder 
 of the national dread of military domination. 
 
 This act was in due course continued by the Act 
 13 and 14 Victoria, Chapter 11. 
 
 In 1846 the Montreal Fire Brigade, then a volunteer 
 organization, was formed into a battalion of militia 
 under command of the then mayor, the Hon. James 
 Ferrier, Mr. John Fletcher, afterwards Lieut. -Col. 
 Fletcher, C.M.G., being appointed adjutant. This 
 battalion drilled, but without arms, in the market hall, 
 during the winter months, for several years, and made 
 good progress. The duties of the battalion as a fire 
 brigade, and the musters at fires and company parades, 
 served to maintain it in its strength as a volunteer 
 militia corps long after the excitement of the Oregon 
 incident had died away. 
 
 On the breaking out of the Crimean war in 1854 
 Captain Fletcher, with authority, offered the services 
 of one hmidred men of the Montreal Fire Battalion 
 to the Imperial government as volunteers, for the war, 
 and received the thanks of the Secretary of State for 
 War therefor. 
 
 In August, 1854, there was organized in Montreal, 
 a volunteer corps under the name of "The Montreal 
 Rifle Rangers", which after a continuous existence 
 of over half a (;cntury, is now Number One Company 
 of the First Prince of Wales Fusiliers. The company 
 originally numbered sixty-four rank and file. 
 
 While the excitement aroused by the Crimean war 
 was at its height, the Canadian government, after 
 considerable correspondence with the Imperial govern- 
 ment, agreed to enroll and maintain a small active 
 force for internal purposes, and to act as auxiliaries 
 to the British regular troops in the event of foreign 
 war or invasion. This force was to be composed of 
 men engaged in the ordinary avocations of civil life, 
 but held equipped, officered, and fairly well drilled in 
 the elements of military work, and available for service 
 at short notice. By the terms of the agreement between 
 the home and colonial governments all the works and 
 lands in Canada held by the Imperial government, were 
 to be transferred to the government of Canada, except 
 at five posts, namely, Quebec, Montreal, Kingston, 
 Niagara and Sorel, which were to be retained by the 
 home government so long as regular troops remained 
 in garrison at these points. At this time the Imperial 
 authorities announced it to be their intention, eventually, 
 to remove all the regular troops in Canada, except the 
 garrisons of Halifax, and a naval base in British 
 Columbia. 
 
 The Canadian government agreed to assume the 
 responsibility, and the bargain so far as the Mother 
 Country was concerned was in course of time com- 
 
 63 
 
pleted by the transfer of many millions of dollars worth 
 of military property to the Canadian government. 
 
 With British and French troops fighting bravely 
 side by side in the Crimea, there was a keen military 
 spirit at this period throughout the length and 
 breadth of Canada, and several small volunteer 
 organizations sprang into existence. Owing to the 
 drain upon the military resources of Great Britain, 
 Canada was practically denuded of regular troops. 
 
 The Canadian people felt that the time had come to 
 assume more direct responsibility than they had 
 hitherto done for the defence of the country, and this 
 feeling found expression in a very important statute. 
 
 The Militia Act of 1855 (18 Victoria, Chapter 77) 
 marks a notable step in the development of the active 
 militia of Canada as we have it to-day. The few 
 volunteer corps which had sprung up in Canada, 
 and very few of which had been maintained 
 for any time, had been tolerated rather than encour- 
 aged by the authorities. The militia systems hitherto 
 in force, since the cession, had been good for little else 
 than to provide for the occasional mustering of the 
 territorial militiamen in peace time and to furnish 
 as simple and economical a system as possible for the 
 mobilization of the men to form an active force to act as 
 auxiliaries to the regular army in case of emergency. 
 The act of 1855 recognized the old, territorial, sedentary 
 militia system as the back bone of the national defen- 
 sive force, but, and herein lies its historical importance 
 sanctioned the raising and maintenance of a perman- 
 ently organized active force to act as the nucleus of 
 a national Canadian army. 
 
 This Act (18 Victoria, Chapter 77), which was based 
 upon the report of a Royal Commission, provided 
 that the governor should be ex-officio commander- 
 in-chief of the provincial militia. 
 
 The whole country was divided into a certain num- 
 ber of districts for military purposes, and these were 
 again divided into regimental districts. Two divisions 
 of the militia," sedentary " and "Active," were provided 
 for. 
 
 The sedentary militia was to consist of all male 
 inhabitants, with a few exceptions, between the ages 
 of 18 and 60. In time of peace no actual service or 
 drill was required of the sedentary militia. This 
 militia was divided into two classes, " service men" 
 and "reserve men," the service men class again being 
 sub-divided into "1st class service men" and "2nd 
 class service men." All the service men (from 18 to 
 40 years of age) required to attend one muster a year, 
 the Queen's Birthday in Upper Canada; June 29 in 
 Lower Canada. The reserve men were exempted 
 from attending muster. The Lst class service men 
 included unmarried men and widowers without children, 
 
 the 2nd class service men included married men and 
 widowers with children. In the event of the sedentary 
 militia being called out for service, volunteers from 
 the service men were first to be taken, then the 1st 
 class service men drafted, followed, if necessary, by 
 the 2nd class service men, and finally, the reserve men. 
 Arms for the sedentary militia were to be kept in 
 armories in various centres. There was no provision 
 for training the sedentary militia. 
 
 The "Active or Volunteer Militia" force was not to 
 exceed 16 troops of cavalry, 7 field batteries, 5 foot 
 companies of artillery, and 50 companies of riflemen, 
 or 5,000 oflficers and men altogether. The organization 
 of engineer and marine companies was also auth- 
 orized. 
 
 "Arms and accoutrements, such as the commander- 
 in-chief may direct" were to be i-ssued at the expense 
 of the province. Field batteries were to perform an 
 annual training of twenty days, 10 of which were to be 
 continuous. Ten days annual training was exacted 
 of other volunteer militia units, and a fairly liberal 
 scale of pay was provided. 
 
 Section XXXVIII of this Act contained for the first 
 time a provision for the volunteer militia being called 
 out in aid of the civil power. 
 
 Section XL provided that members of the volunteer 
 militia should be exempt from serving as jurors and 
 "constables, seven years service entitling volunteer 
 militiamen to such exemption in perpetuity. 
 
 Under this Act, each of the former provinces of 
 Upper and Lower Canada was divided into 9 military 
 districts. Colonel de Rottenburg was, on the 9th 
 July, 1855, appointed Adjutant-General for Canada. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Melchior Alphonse De Salaberry, 
 Deputy Adj.-Gen. for Lower Canada, and Lieut.-Col. 
 Donald Macdonald, for Upper Canada. 
 
 The first companies of volunteers enrolled under 
 this Act were two rifle companies, one at Quebec, 
 the other (the Montreal Rifle Rangers) at Montreal, 
 the formation of which was regularly authorized by- 
 general order, 31st August, 1855. 
 
 New organizations were raised in all the chief centres 
 of population, and early in 1856 the full number of 
 corps authorized had been organized, and in several, 
 equipped, at the expense of the officers and men them- 
 selves. 
 
 Considerable impetus was at the start given to the 
 little active force in Canada by the indignation aroused 
 in Canada over the atrocities of the Indian mutiny 
 and the authorization given by the Imperial Govern- 
 ment in 1858 to the governor, Sir Edmund Head, to 
 accept the offer of a regular regiment made by the 
 people of Canada. This was the origin of the 100th 
 Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians). 
 
 64 
 
In 1856 an amendment (19 Victoria, Chapter 44) 
 was made to the Militia Act, which emphasized the 
 development of the voluntary idea in the Canadian 
 militia. By this Act the muster day of the sedentary 
 militia was discontinued. 
 
 In 1856 the enrollments under the provisions of the 
 Act of 1855 amounted to four thousand nine hundred 
 and ninety-nine men. That Act marked a consider- 
 able step in advance in the development of the organiza- 
 tion of the Canadian militia, but after all, up to the 
 time of the Trent excitement in 1861, little more than 
 the mere laying of the foundation, on which the present 
 organization exists, can have been said to have been 
 accomplished. 
 
 In 1859 there was another important development 
 of the vokmteer system,, a new Act (22 Victoria, 
 Chapter 18) being passed providing (Section 15) that 
 where possible the independent companies should be 
 grouped together and organized into regiments or 
 battalions, of not less than six, nor more than ten 
 companies. The nine companies in Montreal were 
 brigaded mider the title "The First Battalion Volun- 
 teer Militia Rifles of Canada," by a militia general 
 order dated Quebec, 17 November, 1859. This corps 
 still exists as the First Prince of Wales Fusiliers. 
 
 By order, dated Quebec, April 26th, 1860, the four 
 rifle companies in Toronto, with the Barrie Rifle Com- 
 pany and the Highland Rifle Company of Whitby, 
 were constituted into a battalion styled the "Second 
 Battalion Volunteer Militia Rifles of Canada." It is 
 scarcely necessary to add that, as the 2nd Queen's Own 
 Rifles of Canada, one of the most efficient and most 
 historic corps of the service, this regiment still exists. 
 
 The Act XVIII Victoria, Chapter 77, which was 
 officially designated "An Act to Amend and make 
 Permanent the Laws Relating to the Militia of this 
 Province," did something more than provide for the 
 regimental organization of the volunteer militia and 
 the permanency of the militia laws. Provision (Sec- 
 tion 12) was made for uniformity in clothing, it being 
 laid down that there should be a service iniiform for 
 each service, similar in colour, pattern and design, to 
 be approved by the commander-in-chief. • 
 
 This act placed certain restrictions upon the strength 
 and drill periods which were much resented in the 
 service at the time, but which were considered neces- 
 sary owing to the rapid increase of the force, volunteer 
 companies springing into existence everywhere, and 
 exhausting the militia appropriations. The period 
 of drill for field batteries was reduced to twelve days a 
 year, six of which had to be consecutive. Other 
 volunteer corps had to drill for six consecutive days 
 each year. The paid establishments were reduced to 
 30 men per company, but captains were given the 
 
 option to raise 20 additional men and distribute the 
 pay among the full company. It was provided that 
 the arms were to be kept in armouries where such 
 existed, otherwise they were left in charge of the 
 captains, to whom an allowance was made. "The 
 schedule for pay, rising from one dollar a day for 
 non-commissioned officers and men, as fixed by the 
 former act, remained the same. 
 
 The "Trent" excitement in the years 1861 and 1862 
 had an important and beneficial effect upon the active 
 militia, the menaces of invasion arousing the military 
 spirit of the whole Canadian people and stimulating 
 the energies of the newly organized defensive force. 
 Many of the existing organizations of the active 
 militia trace their existence back to those stirring 
 months. Voluntary drills went on morning, noon and 
 night, and while the infant Canadian defensive force 
 was trying to get itself into serviceable shape, the 
 Mother Country poured regular troops into Canada. 
 
 Towards the end of January, 1862, with a view of 
 more effectively organizing the militia, the governor 
 general issued a commission on which, were 
 placed Colonel Daniel Lysons, C.B., of H.M. Army, 
 Colonel the Hon. Sir Allan N. MacNab, Bart., Colonel 
 the Hon. Sir E. P. Tache, C.B., Colonel Campbell, C.B., 
 of St. Hilaire, and Colonel Cameron of Kingston. The 
 regular service was represented on the commission by 
 Colonel Lysons, sent out specially on this service by 
 the Imperial government, as having large experience 
 with English volunteers; and each one of the four 
 colonels appointed to the commission command- 
 ed militia districts in various sections of the 
 province. Two of them had been members of a 
 former militia commission. Lieut. -Colonel Wily, of 
 the 1st Battalion, who had had much experience with 
 volunteers in Canada, was secretary of the commission. 
 The formation of any more new corjjs was suspended 
 until a new law could be brought into force. 
 
 The commission recommended that an active force 
 of 50,000 men should be raised, the usual period of 
 training to be 28 days. A vitally important recom- 
 mendation was that a qualification of military efficiency 
 should be exacted from militia officers. Upon this 
 recommendatipn the Cartier-Macdonald administration 
 introduced a bill providing for an aimual expenditure 
 of $1,000,000. 
 
 Upon introducing this bill into parliament the Hon. 
 J. A. Macdonald (later Sir J. A. Macdonald) explained 
 its provisions at length. 
 
 A military authority of great value — Sir John 
 Burgoyne — had given it as his opinion that to hold 
 the country in the face of a foreign foe, 100,000 militia- 
 men would be required to assist the British arm of the 
 service. 
 
 G5 
 
An interesting statement was laid before the com- 
 mission by Colonel Lysons, showing the distribution 
 that would be actually requisite for making at least 
 a show of defence of this country with 50,000 men, 
 and an examination of the map would show that to 
 make anything like a show of defence, 50,000 men 
 would be the smallest force available for that purpose. 
 The commission reported therefore that a force of 
 50,000 men would be required for the defence of this 
 coimtry, in addition to the reserve. And the plan, as 
 pointed out by the commission in the report, was 
 simply this : that a force of 50,000 men should be 
 organized, and that they should be trained for a period 
 of three years, as regards the rural population of the 
 country, and for five years as regards the population 
 of the cities and towns. The report recommended that 
 the country should be divided into a certain number of 
 military districts. The number under the existing 
 system was 19. It was not proposed by the report 
 that that number should be altered. But it was pro- 
 posed that each military district should be divided 
 into a certain number of regimental divisions. It 
 was considered of great importance that in forming 
 regimental divisions, the 'county divisions should be pre- 
 served as much as possible. It was thought of great im- 
 portance, for keeping up the esprit du corps, that each 
 countyin this country, as in England, should have its own 
 militia, in order that there might be that wholesome com- 
 petition which was exemplified both in Upper and Lower 
 Canada, when there were the Glengarry militia, and 
 several other county corps. 
 
 It was proposed by the commission that in each 
 regimental division there should be a central rallying 
 point, where the arms and the clothing for the regimen- 
 tal division should be kept. Each regimental division, 
 it was proposed, should be divided into so many bat- 
 talions of sedentary militia. There might be eight or 
 nine battalions in a regiment, and each battalion would 
 furnish a company for active service. Those active 
 service men would form what is called an active bat- 
 talion. This active battalion would be enrolled for 
 three years. 
 
 It was proposed that from each regimental division 
 a regular active battalion shall be formed, commanded 
 by officers who should have passed such an examination as 
 to show they could be entrusted with the command of 
 a battalion. The men were to be enrolled 
 for three years. They were to meet annually 
 at their central point, and then they were to be drilled 
 for such a period, annually, as parliament might fix. 
 While the report stated that the drill should be for not 
 more than 28 days, it recommended that it should not 
 be for less than 14 days. It would be for parliament 
 to say how many men should be taken out for drill. 
 
 and for how many days' drill an appropriation should be 
 made. In the opinion of the commissioners, to obtain 
 full efficiency in the force, it was necessary that the 
 men be drilled for 28 days in the year. 
 
 Supposing there should be an alarm of war, the opera- 
 tion of the system, as proposed, would be this, on an alarm 
 of war being given, the active militia would assemble at 
 their central point, their armory. It was proposed 
 that at each armory there shall be a staff officer, an 
 adjutant, who shall be a fully trained officer, obtained 
 from the regular service. He would be the inspector 
 in drill of the active battalion, and the executive 
 officer. He would be there on the spot, and on the 
 active battalion, in the event of an alarm of war, 
 meeting at the central point, he marched with it to 
 the frontier, or wherever it might be ordered. 
 
 At the end of three years, having received during 
 that period an annual drill of from 14 to 28 days, as 
 might be ordered, the regular or active battalion would 
 fall into the reserve. It became a reserve battalion 
 for three years more. And during the three years 
 that the men were in reserve, their acquaintance with 
 the drill they acquired while in the active force, would 
 be kept up by a drill of six days, annually. Suppose 
 the report of the commissioners carried out to the 
 fullest extent there would be a force of 50,000 men for 
 three years, those 50,000 men would become reserve, 
 and other 50,000 men would assume the position of 
 being the active force. Thus the military spirit, which 
 is so essential in every country, would grow up, and 
 would extend every year after the first three years, so 
 that, ere long, of all the men in the country capable of 
 bearing arms, a large proportion would know how to 
 use those arms, and to use them efficiently. 
 
 It was not proposed to ignore the volunteer system. 
 But the Commission and the Government felt that 
 the system of drill must vary in the rural and in 
 the urban districts. In the towns and cities, where 
 a number of people were collected together, they could 
 be easily assembled for the purpose of drill. But 
 that system was not practicable in the country, where 
 the inhabitants lived apart from each other, it may be 
 in districts' that are not thickly settled. It would be 
 necessary that the volunteers in the country parts 
 should be assembled for stated periods and receive 
 their drill for a number of consecutive days, and not, 
 as in the cities, for a few hours each day; for that in 
 the country would be out of the question. With 
 regard to the volunteer principle, it would be the same 
 in the country as in the towns. Volunteers would be 
 called for in the first instance, and it was only in the 
 case of volunteers not being procured, that there would 
 be any necessity for the ballot. With regard to cities, 
 the bill provided that each city specified 
 
in it should form a military district in itself, 
 and such a volunteer system would be adopted as 
 would not re<iuirc the force; to drill for a numl)or of 
 consecutive days; but the men would drill as theycould, 
 consistently -with their engagement, and as the volun- 
 teers had previously been doing. It was provided, 
 however, that if the volunteer organization failed or 
 broke down in the cities or towns, the population 
 would not escape from their duty as militiamen, but 
 would be liable, like the population in the country 
 parts, to organization under the regular or sedentary 
 system provided by the bill. It was provided in the 
 bill that all those volunteer corps, which did not exist 
 in the cities, but in the rural districts, might be main- 
 tained and kept up, and that others might be formed on 
 the same conditions as volunteer corps then in the 
 cities, this is to saj', they might procure arms, if parlia- 
 ment should see fit to supply them, but no pay. When 
 the bill went to committee of the whole, he proposed to 
 move a clause in extension of the principle, for the pur- 
 pose of giving encouragement to the volunteers of 
 towns and villages, in the same manner as they were 
 encouraged in the cities, under the bill. This was 
 done to enable the volunteer corps that might be formed 
 out of the cities to become useful, available and sub- 
 servient to the defence of the country, and at the same 
 time not destroy the regular militia force in the country 
 — that is, the regular as distinct from the volunteer 
 force. And in this way, every town and village would 
 be within the bounds of some regidar regimental 
 division ; and where a volunteer company was formed in 
 a village within a regimental division, that corps 
 would form a portion of the regular battalion raised 
 within the division. 
 
 It seemed desirable that every battalion of volun- 
 teers should, in addition to its own officers, have the 
 assistance of two officers of the service, one, a field- 
 officer, and one. an adjutant, to assist in the instruction 
 and dicipline of the corps. These officers would be 
 considered as belonging to the army, and in every 
 respect enjoy their rank, pay and other advantages, 
 as if they were actually serving in the army. The 
 expense of this arrangement would be considerable; 
 but from the great superiority which a battalion, with the 
 benefit of such officers, would have over one trained under 
 their own officers, without such assistance, though with 
 the utmost zeal and diligence, the expense would be 
 abundantly compensated by the perfection which the 
 corps would attain. 
 
 Instead, however, of having a field-officer and ad- 
 jutant in every battalion, it was proposed that there 
 should be an officer in every battalion who could 
 discharge the duties of adjutant, and a sergeant. The 
 measure provided that the commander-in-chief might 
 
 call out a battalion every year from every regimental 
 division ; but it also provided that he might dispense, at 
 his discretion, with a portion of the numl)er of days' 
 drill, thus reducing, if it be thought advisable, the 
 annual expense. 
 
 Mr. Macdonald proceeded to point out that the bill 
 was an enabling bill. The report recommended cer- 
 tain things. The bill did not say such and such 
 things should be done, but it enabled the commander- 
 in-chief to carry out the system as approved of by 
 the military authorities and by parliament. It was 
 an enabling bill, like the Mutiny Act hi England, 
 which parliament passed annually. The militia, in 
 England, was not an annual, but a permanent force, 
 while, on the other hand, parliament voted every year 
 upon the army, so that should there be danger from 
 it to the popular liberties, the parliament of the 
 country could readily deal with it. In this bill there was 
 no provision for the perpetual organization of the 
 militia, but the annual vote would be such as parlia- 
 ment in its wisdom saw fit. 
 
 Hon. Mr. Sicotte objected to the discussion pro- 
 ceeding xmtil some estimate of the cost of the proposed 
 system was presented to the house. 
 
 Hon. Mr. Macdonald explained that if 50,000 men 
 were raised and drilled for 28 days, the expense would 
 approach £250,000 a year, and it might exceed that. 
 As regards the cost of the armories it would vary. 
 In the country parts they would not be expensive. 
 The estimate was that they would cost £750 a piece, 
 and there would be about sixty of them. 
 
 The following would be the maximum cost, if the 
 full provisions of the bill were carried out: — 56 ad- 
 jutants, $51,000; 60 sergeant-majors, $18,000; 10 
 field batteries of artillery, $26,180; 27 troops of 
 cavalry, $61,236; 10 battalions volunteer militia, 
 $129,164; 49 battalions regular militia, $600,916; 
 clothing allowance of volunteers, $27,879; cost of 
 clothing for militia, $122,253; annual cost of ammuni- 
 tion for practice, $73,556; making a total of $1,110,- 
 204. He added that there was no estimate of the cost 
 of the arms, for it was the ambition of the government 
 to ask the Imperial Government to supply them. The 
 probable cost of the arms would be about £4 a 
 set. There was no item for marine or engineer corps, 
 as these would not be raised except in case of war. 
 The expense stated, contemplated the cost of the whole 
 50,000 men if they were drilled 28 days in the year. 
 If only 20,000 men were called out and only drilled 
 for 14 days, the expense would be proportionately so 
 much less. 
 
 Hon. Mr. Drummond enlarged upon an admission 
 by the Hon. Mr. Macdonald that it was not as yet 
 known if the Imperial Government would give the 
 
 67 
 
arms which should be necessary to equip the 50,000 
 men. Now, he (Mr. Drummond) thought the govern- 
 ment had been extremely neglectful of their duty in 
 not ascertaining this point before they brought in the 
 bill. The fact was that the whole proceeding was a 
 mere partizan proceeding from first to last, and un- 
 worthy of the parties who had managed it. The true 
 question to be answered was what was the policy of 
 England towards us? and as this had not been ascer- 
 tained it was then his duty to exhibit the extraordinary 
 neglect that had been exhibited. 
 
 Colonel Rankin rose to ask whether the government 
 had decided what the numerical force of the militia 
 would be? Did they desire to conceal tneir intentions 
 until they had ascertained those of the house? After 
 the eloquent way in which the necessity of the measure 
 had been presented, he thought the government should 
 say that they really did propose to do. He could not 
 fail, however, to remark what a most extraordinary 
 selection had been made to advise the Crown on this 
 subject. With the solitary exception of Col. Lysons, 
 there was not a person on the commission, who had the 
 slightest fitness for the duty they had assumed. He 
 would have liked on this occasion, though an uncom- 
 promising opponent of the ministry, to have given this 
 his countenance and support, but they had shown 
 themselves so wholly unprepared to meet the house, 
 after all the time they had had to consider the measure, 
 that he felt obliged to oppose them. They had not 
 had the courage to come down and say what they 
 wanted, and why had they not? Just because they 
 were afraid of losing their offices. They could not say 
 whether 50,000 would be wanted or 20,000 men; but 
 if the opposition limited them to 2,000 or 500, or even 
 to a solitary company, they would take the number, 
 whatever it might be, for they were evidently prepared 
 to submit to any degree of humiliation. 
 
 Hon. Mr. Loranger said he had expected that when 
 the government came forward with such a measure 
 they would be prepared to say why, when the country 
 had hitherto only paid $40,000 per annum for militia 
 purposes, it was at once to devote $2,335,304 for the 
 first year and 1,110,304 for every succeeding year. 
 The country was less able than it had for many years 
 been to bear such expense, for it was well known that 
 there was great commercial depression, and that, in 
 fact, the country was in a pecuniary sense, in extremely 
 low circumstances. 
 
 Hon. J. H. Cameron said he wished the Attorney 
 General West (Hon. Mr. Macdonald) would come down 
 boldly with a demand for a definite number of men, 
 and he believed the house would cordially support 
 him. The ways and means for meeting the expense 
 should also be stated, and if the government could 
 
 not carry their point they should leave it to the opposi- 
 tion to do so. 
 
 Hon. J. Sandfield Macdonald said if there ever was a 
 measure which required to be well defined and" clearly 
 stated, it was that measure before the house. He was sorry 
 to say that the government had failed to tell the house 
 what they really proposed to do. If they had asked 
 a million of money, and then said what they were 
 going to do with it, the house would have known how 
 to act. But no, they brought in the measure in an 
 indefinite manner, for the express purpose of finding 
 out the opinion of the house, as to the number of men 
 it would consent to provide for. In fact, instead of 
 coming to advise the house, they came to the house 
 to be advised — in other words, they were putting the 
 cart before the horse. 
 
 During the debate the Hon. A. T. Gait, who was 
 speaking (May 6) on behalf of the government, was 
 asked who was to supplj^ the arms. Mr. Gait explained 
 that the province already owned 7,000 Enfield rifles, 
 which were purchased under the existing militia act. 
 At the period of the Trent difficulty, those were the 
 only arms belonging to the province. The necessities 
 of the country were represented to the Imperial 
 Government; which sent out immediately 30,000 stand 
 of rifles, which were then at Halifax awaiting trans- 
 portation to Canada. These arms, it was understood, 
 would, on the recommendation of the military authori- 
 ties, be placed at the disposal of the provincial govern- 
 ment. The arms were a most expensive part of the 
 equipment, and if the government of this country were 
 called upon to provide rifles for 50,000 or 100,000 men, 
 a very large expenditure would be required. He sp»oke 
 of 100,000 men, thinking it desirable to refer to the 
 arming of the sedentary as well as the regular militia, 
 because if circumstances were to arise, requiring the 
 services of 50,000 men, the same necessity would calf 
 for the placing of the reserve of 50,000 in a position 
 to take their places, or to serve with the 50,000 of 
 regular militia. Such a cost as that which the pur- 
 chase of 100,000 rifles would entail would be too great 
 for the provinces, and must devolve on the Imperial 
 Government. This was only reasonable. If difficulty 
 arose with the United States so as to imperii the safety 
 of Canada, it must arise as a consequence of imperial 
 policy as distinguished from colonial policy. And 
 under such circumstances, coupled with the examples 
 already possessed of the liberal behaviour of the 
 Imperial Government, there was no reason to doubt 
 that the application for arms would be readily res- 
 ponded . to. The Canadian Government had good 
 reason to expect that arms would be given either to 
 the militia of Canada by the Imperial Government, 
 or placed at their disposal for service, but still re- 
 
maiiiing the property of the Imperial authorities. 
 The only specific information the government pos- 
 sessed was that Great Britain had already sent out 
 arms to be used by the Canadians, in the manner 
 already described. It might be said it was only a pre- 
 sumption that the Imperial Government would supply 
 arms. If it was nothing more tlian a presumption, it 
 was a presumption based on the fact that when diffi- 
 culty arose and arms were required, arms were sent out, 
 accompanied by the assurance that a large number 
 would be forwarded as soon as possible. Before the 
 navigation of the St. Lawrence closed the previous 
 autumn, the government of this province, — although 
 they did not doubt the good-will towards Canada of 
 the people of the United States — thought it would be 
 incurring some risk if they did not represent to the 
 Imperial Government the absence of arms from this 
 country. That representation was made, accompanied 
 by a suggestion that the arms Great Britain might be 
 disposed to send to Canada could be placed in store, 
 to be used in case of need, the necessity for calling out 
 the militia for training not having at that time pre- 
 sented itself. The Trent difficulty occurred shortly 
 afterwards, and Hon. Mr. Vankoughnet, who was in 
 England when the news of that difficulty reached 
 Great Britain, immediately applied to the Home 
 Government, and urged the importance of the request 
 of the Canadian Government being complied with 
 without delay. The result was seen in the shipment a 
 few days afterward of 30,000 stand of arms, an hitima- 
 tion being given at the same time that if more were re- 
 quired they would be dispatched. Happily, the cloud 
 of war blew over, and with it the necessity ceased for 
 a supply of arms. But looking at the pledge England 
 had given over and over again, that the whole force 
 of the empire would be exercised in Canada's favor 
 in the event of her being involved in war in consequence 
 of imperial policy, Canadians had every reason to 
 suppose that she would treat them, in such circum- 
 stances, in the fairest and most liberal spirit. If the 
 country was to be made a battle ground it would, as a 
 matter of course, be solely as the result of imperial 
 policy; but he did not see that there was any founda- 
 tion on which to ground a belief that the whole force 
 of the empire would not be placed at our disposal 
 in case of danger. 
 
 A great deal had been said about the doctrines urged 
 by certain parties in the British House of Commons, 
 but Canadians should bear in mind that those perssons, 
 who thus mistook the position of Canada, and based 
 their theory upon it, were not the men who held the 
 destinies of the empire in their hands. As forming 
 part of the empire we should be prepared to share in 
 her difficulties as well as her prosperity. If the mother 
 
 country were assailed, Canadians should not, and would 
 not, stand by with folded arms. But, on the other 
 hand, they were entitled to expect in the hour of 
 danger, from the mother country, that support and 
 assistance to which they were entitled and which they 
 had always received. Those who said, in the House 
 of Commons, that Canada would receive no assistance 
 were also those who maintained that England should 
 have no colonies. Their doctrine relative to Canada 
 was therefore part of their system and policy. 
 
 Altogether this proved to be one of the most im- 
 portant and interesting militia debates which has ever 
 taken place in a Canadian parliament. 
 
 Opposition to the bill rapidly developed. It was 
 urged, among other things, that the withdrawal of 
 so large a body as 50,000 men from industrial pursuits, 
 though only for a short time, might cause incon- 
 venience, and, which was represented as much more 
 important, that the constant recurring service for five 
 years would worry, and, aimoy the men, be much more 
 expensive, and leave them, after all, far less efficiently 
 disciplined than an equal, or even shorter, period of 
 continuous instruction. 
 
 At the time, the government happened to be weak 
 politically, and in view of the objections raised to the l)ill 
 it was deemed a useful instrument to effect the defeat 
 of the administration, and when on May 20, 1862, 
 the motion for the second reading of the bill was made, 
 the vote was taken without any further speaking, and 
 the government defeated by a vote of 54 to 61. The 
 government the next day resigned, and the Hon. J. 
 Sandfield Macdonald was called upon to form a new 
 government. 
 
 May 23rd, Mr. Wallbridge, on behalf of the new 
 administration, read to parliament a memorandum of 
 the government's policy, which stated that the 
 ministers proposed to bring in an amendment to the 
 militia law so as to secure a proper enrollment of the 
 available force of the province under efficient officers. 
 The promised bill was brought in by Colonel Haultain, 
 June 5th, 1862, the honourable gentleman explaining 
 that the government desired to leave the law as it 
 then stood, as far as was compatible with the ex- 
 tension of the volunteer system. The financial cir- 
 cumstances of the country were such, as, in their opinion, 
 prevented any large sum being appropriated to militia 
 purposes. As an old military man, it could be easily 
 conceived that he would rather see a vote of $1,000,000 
 for this purpose than $250,000, but the funds of the 
 country precluded the hope of that desire being ful- 
 filled. Such being the case, they must make the best 
 of their limited resources. It must also be borne in 
 mind that the government had not at their disposal 
 all the information desirable to be possessed with a 
 
 69 
 
view to their framing a more complete measure. And 
 in preparing the bill riow before the house, they were 
 guided by the state of the finances and by the belief 
 that they should ask for powers to act in accordance 
 with the information at their disposal. The chief 
 feature of the bill was at once apparent. It was to 
 give, as far as practicable, full scope to the volunteer 
 movement. He believed the feeling in the country 
 was general, that that system shctidd be extended. 
 Hitherto there had been many hindrances to the move- 
 ment spreading, foremost amongst which were the cost 
 of the clothing and the limited number of men who 
 were entitled to pay whilst being organized and drilled. 
 To a great degree, this bill would remove such draw- 
 backs, by providing clothing and payment for drill for 
 a greater number of men. Another important feature 
 of the bill was the means of instruction it furnished 
 to volunteer companies. He held that the basis of 
 all efficiency among military bodies was the ability 
 of those who were appointed to instruct and command, 
 and that a system established on any other foundation 
 must certainly fail to accomplish the end in view. 
 (Hear, hear.) All the country could hope to do at the 
 time was to furnish that basis to the extent of its 
 means. The bill enabled the commander-in-chief 
 to employ, from time to time, as many drill instructors 
 as were necessary, such drill instructors to be paid by 
 the province. With these facilities afforded, it was 
 hoped that there was to be found in the country 
 patriotism to induce men of various ranks in society 
 to enroll themselves for the defence, if need be, of their 
 country. It was as yet a matter of experiment 
 whether the volunteer system would succeed. On 
 that subject there were differences of opinion. Some 
 were persuaded that compulsion must be resorted to, 
 whilst others were equally persuaded that the feeling 
 existing among the people would induce them to come 
 forward readily when the hindrances of which he 
 had spoken were removed. For the reason he 
 had stated, the absence of precise information, the 
 government had thought it advisable to make the 
 amendments to the existing act as fair and simple 
 as possible, and the new arrangements to be affected 
 would be of a provisional character, and be subject to 
 such future changes as experience might teach to be 
 necessary to be carried into effect. 
 
 With a few amendments, this bill was passed and 
 became the Act 25 Victoria, Chapter 1, "An Act to 
 amend the Act respecting the Militia," assented to 
 June 9, 1862. Among its provisions were the follow- 
 ing:— 
 
 Section 1 — The following paragraph shall be added to 
 the twentieth section of " An Act respecting the Militia, 
 Chapter thirty-five of the Consolidated Statutes of Canada. 
 
 "The commander-in-chief may, whenever he deems 
 it necessary, order that a corrected roll of every 
 company of the sedentary militia, be made out; and it 
 shall be the duty of every officer commanding a com- 
 pany, within ten days after such order has been re- 
 ceived, to make out such corrected roll, etc., etc. 
 
 "22. — The active militia of the province in time of 
 peace shall consist of volunteer troops of cavalry, 
 military train, field batteries of artillery, gari^ison 
 batteries of artillery, companies of engineers and 
 companies of infantry, and marine and naval com- 
 panies, to be armed and equipped according to their 
 respective services and to be formed at such places 
 and in such manner as may from time to time be 
 designated or ordered by the commander-in-chief; but 
 except as hereinafter provided, the total strength of 
 such volunteer corps shall not exceed ten thousand 
 officers and men in Class A." 
 
 "3. — Each volunteer militiaman shall, in the discre- 
 tion of the commander-in-chief, be supplied with uni- 
 form clothing, while on drill or service, or receive such 
 sum not exceeding six dollars per annum in lieu thereof, 
 as may be directed by the commander-in-chief." 
 
 "5. — The commander-in-chief may appoint brigade 
 majors, not exceeding one for each military district. 
 .... Each of the brigade majors shall be paid by 
 the province at a rate not exceeding $600 per annum 
 and travelling expenses." 
 
 "40. — The non-commissioned officers and men of 
 the active militia (Class A) shall be paid for each day 
 of actual and bona-fide drill not exceeding twelve in 
 number, the sum of fifty cents per diem, and a further 
 sum of one dollar per diem for each horse actually 
 and necessarily present, belonging to and used for 
 such drill by such non-commissioned officers and men. 
 Such days of drill need not be consecutive unless so 
 ordered by the commander-in-chief, who may also 
 determine the manner in which such number of days 
 of drill shall be computed." 
 
 Section 43 provided that sergeants-major of field 
 batteries be paid $200 per armum, and musketry and 
 drill instructors, a dollar and fifty cents a day. In time 
 of active service in the field, officers and men were to 
 have same pay and allowances as the regular army. 
 
 Provision was made for the raising, in the event of 
 war, in addition to the active and sedentary militia, 
 of regiments of militia by voluntary enlistment for 
 general service. The organization of associations 
 for drill, and of independent companies of infantry in 
 universities, schools and other institutions, but without 
 pay or allowances for clothing, was also authorized. 
 
 The rejection of the Militia Bill of the Cartier- 
 Macdonald government drew from the English press, 
 and from not a few English statesmen, the most em- 
 
 70 
 
phatic declarations — many times repeated — that Eng- 
 land could not and would not undertake the defence 
 of Canada, unless Canada was prepared to contribute, 
 and that in no slight measure, towards her own pro- 
 tection. 
 
 At the second session of parliament in 1863, the John 
 Sandfield Macdonald administration submitted a com- 
 prehensive new "Militia Bill" and also a separate 
 "Volunteer Bill," both of which received the support 
 of parliament and were assented to October 15, 1863. 
 The "Militia Act" (27 Victoria, Chapter 2) divided the 
 militia into three classes: 1st class service men, 2nd 
 class service men, and reserve; and provided that the 
 service militia might be called out for six days drill 
 each year, the men to receive pay at the rate of fifty 
 cents a day. Further provisions of this Act included 
 the establishment of a militia department under a 
 responsible minister, the establishment of military 
 schools in connection with the British regular regiments 
 then in Canada, for the training of officers, the laying 
 down of the rule that officers must have qualifying 
 certificates to secure promotion, the authorization 
 of drill associations or cadet corps in universities and 
 schools. Officers of the regular army were to outrank 
 militia officers, and when called out on actual service, 
 the militia were to be given the same rates of pay as 
 corresponding ranks in the regular army. 
 
 The second act (27 Victoria, Chapter 3, "An Act 
 Respecting the Volunteer Militia Force") indicated a 
 desire to keep the volunteer service quite distinct from 
 the militia, as in Britain, where there had been a 
 marvellous revival of the old volunteer movement in 
 1859 and 1860 as a result of the menaces of French 
 invasion at the time of the excitement over the Orsini 
 conspiracy, the volunteer force in a few months ex- 
 panding from 70,000 to 180,000 men. 
 
 This Canadian "volunteer" Act provided for a force 
 of 35,000 men, exclusive of commissioned officers. 
 Uniforms and arms were supplied by the country, and 
 the arms were to be kept in armouries or in the per- 
 sonal charge of commanding officers. Section 34 pro- 
 vided that "volunteers shall always be considered 
 senior to officers of militia of the same rank." Volun- 
 teer officers were required to qualify for their com- 
 missions before a board of examiners separate from 
 the militia boards. When called out for actual service 
 volunteers were to receive pay at the same rate as the 
 British army, and they were liable to be called out in 
 aid of the civil power. There was no provision for 
 drill pay as in the militia, but an appropriation of 
 $2,000 per annum was made for prizes, to be competed 
 for by corps, for proficiency in drill, discipline and 
 target practice. A further allowance was also made 
 of not less than $50, nor more than $400 per battalion. 
 
 as an efficiency grant, the aggregate sum, however, 
 not to exceed $5,000. 
 
 The success of the system inaugurated by these bills 
 depended almost entirely on the establishment of a 
 couple of military schools, to be attached to imperial 
 regiments serving in Canada, in which the militia 
 officers were to be trained for some two months, if 
 they chose to attend. 
 
 The first big rifle meeting participated in by marks- 
 men from all parts of Canada was held in Montreal in 
 1863, and continuing twelve days. It was under the 
 nominal patronage of Lord Monck, the prizes being 
 furnished by a fund contributed by the Corporation 
 of the City of Montreal, the baiiks, merchants and 
 others. General Sir Fenwick Williams of Kars fired 
 the first shot, and all matches were open to the British 
 regulars as well as to the militia. The Guards and 
 other regiments forming the strong garrison of Montreal 
 at that time furnished complimentary guards of fifty 
 men every day of the meeting. 
 
 Up to the autumn of 1864 not one single company 
 of militia had been organized, or received even the 
 six days' drill which was the maximum permitted, 
 not enjoined, by the new bill. 
 
 At this period a statesman who had even then at- 
 tained a national reputation (Sir Richard Cart- 
 wright) , advocated strongly in parliament and pamphlet 
 a scheme which comprised these propositions: — 
 
 1. — A distinct understanding, convention or treaty 
 with the imperial government in which Canada's con- 
 tribution, as a province of the empire, towards her own 
 defence, be defined. 
 
 2. — The volunteers to be regarded purely as an 
 auxiliary body; chief expenditure to be devoted to 
 disciplining a certain proportion of the "regular" 1st 
 class militia, the number to be fixed by convention as 
 above stated, but supposed likely to range from 
 50,000 to 100,000 men. 
 
 3. — These to be trained in annual instalments of 
 so many thousand a year, each detachment to serve 
 for, say six months, in the open field. 
 
 4. — These trained men to be thenceforward free 
 from all further duty in time of peace, but liable for 
 actual service for 10 years, and thereafter to be formed 
 into a reserve, not to be called out except in extreme 
 emergency. 
 
 In the autumn (September and October), 1864, the 
 London Times and other English papers had much to 
 say about Canada's unpreparedness for war and her 
 responsibility in that regard. "Take care of your- 
 selves, for we can do nothing for you," was, according 
 to one shrewd pamphleteer of the day (''Backwoodsman" 
 of Templeton, Que.), the plain English of all the Times' 
 writings of that time about Canadian defence. 
 
 71 
 
" Backwoodsman " in a foot note to one of his pam- 
 phlets wrote : — " The last Times received here contains, 
 in an article on the above subject, these pregnant 
 sentences: — 'The question (of defence) is momentous 
 for Mexico and for Canada, and we have endeavoured 
 to discharge our duty by pointing out the necessity of 
 defence, and endeavouring to arouse our own colony 
 to a sense of its danger. The language we have held 
 has been plain and uniform, and yet, though plain, not 
 such as could give reasonable offence to any com- 
 munity which feels a respect for itself, and estimates 
 properly its duties and its responsibilities. We have 
 stated that Canada leans on a broken reed if she 
 supposes that, in case of an invasion from America, 
 any considerable portion of the burden of her defence 
 can be borne by this country.' " 
 
 What is known as the St. Albans Raid in 1864 
 threatened serious complications with the United States. 
 The United States held the authorities on this side of 
 the line to be responsible, and prompt measures were 
 taken in this country to prevent a repetition of the 
 raid. Provisional battalions were organized from the 
 volunteers for special service in November. The 
 special order issued by the commander-in-chief pointed 
 out that the militia were not to be employed for the 
 purpose of warfare "but with the object of aiding the 
 civil power in its efforts to prevent aggression on the 
 territories of a friendly state, on the part of persons 
 enjoying the right of asylum in Her Majesty's do- 
 minions; and to maintain, as regards Canada, complete 
 neutrality with respect to the war existing in the 
 United States, which Her Majesty has enjoined on all 
 subjects." 
 
 The organization of the militia at this time made 
 considerable progress, and so did the erection of drill 
 sheds. By the end of 1864 there was an imposing 
 array (on paper) of drill sheds in Canada. 
 
 One of the first steps taken towards the successful 
 carrying out of the new legislation was the securing 
 of a capable imperial officer to assume the duties of 
 adjutant-general. The choice fell upon Colonel Patrick 
 L. Macdougall, of whose selection Lord Wolseley, in 
 his book "The Story of a Soldier's Life," wrote: — 
 
 "The 'Trent Affair' had caused all Canadians to 
 study seriously how defenceless would be their pro- 
 vince should we be forced into war with the United 
 States. Hitherto the people of Canada had been too 
 prone to rely upon England for protection. 
 The first step towards the reorganization of the Cana- 
 dian militia was to obtain the services of a thoroughly 
 able soldier to organize and command it. His Royal 
 Highness the Duke of Cambridge wisely selected 
 General Patrick MacDougall for this duty, and no 
 better selection could have been made. He was very 
 
 able, highly educated as a soldier in his profession, 
 and was gifted with the most charming, the most 
 fascinating manner towards all men — by no means a 
 poor recommendation for any one who has to get on 
 well with politicians. He had also the great advantage 
 of knowing Canada and its good people thoroughly, 
 from having formerly served there many years. 
 No man knew better than General MacDougall 
 the difference there is between the educated 
 officer and the ordinary amateur in uniform, and 
 the best of the Canadian militia soon came to 
 recognize their new commandant's military worth, 
 and the value of the new system he introduced. 
 It was, however, very uphill work, for he never could 
 induce Canadian ministers to supply him with the 
 funds required to start schools of instruction upon an 
 adequate scale. There is no idle or 'leisured' class in 
 any part of Canada. Every one has to work there, 
 and it is not easy for the hard-toiling man in any office 
 to spare even a few hours per week for the study and 
 practice of the military arts and science. Colonel 
 MacDougall began the heavy task before him by the 
 creation of an efficient militia staff, and of military 
 schools at every station where we had regular troops. 
 At these schools militia officers were to be taught, 
 and young Canadian gentlemen rendered fit for the 
 position of officers. After these schools had been a 
 season at work, he collected those who had qualified 
 at them in a camp he formed at the old disused barrack 
 of Laprairie, which is south of the St. Lawrence river, 
 near Montreal. He asked me to be its commandant, 
 and, always anxious for any interesting emploj^ment, 
 I gladly accepted the offer. These cadets were formed 
 into two battalions, one of Upper, the other of Lower 
 Canadians, and two excellent officers of the Canadian 
 militia were selected to command them. The mcjre 
 drill they were given the more they enjoyed their 
 camp life. 1 may say, that it was at the Laprairie 
 camp nearly all the best militia officers of that genera- 
 tion were drilled and given some practical knowledge 
 
 of military duties I liked all those men I met 
 
 at this camp, and thoroughly enjoyed my life there. 
 General the Hon. James Lindsay — a first-rate soldier 
 and a most charming man — who was then command- 
 ing our troops in the Quebec province, helped me much, 
 and took a deep interest in my work. He marched the 
 Montreal garrison of infantry and field artillery to 
 Laprairie, and with my two battalions of cadets we had 
 an instructive field day, which my embryo warriors 
 thoroughly enjoyed. I refer thus to this Laprairie 
 camp, because it was the birthplace of the very fine 
 Canadian militia force with which I was subsequently 
 intimately associated, and because it was, I think, 
 the first practical effort made to convert the excellent 
 
 72 
 
military material Canada possesses so abundantly, 
 into useful soldiers. A considerable number of those 
 trained at Laprairie subsequently accompanied me 
 in the expedition I led in 1870 from Lake Superior 
 to the Red River, and no commander could wish to 
 have better soldiers than those of the two Canadian 
 militia battalions who constituted the bulk of the 
 brigade I then had with me." 
 
 The excitement of the Fenian Raids of 1866 gave a 
 great impetus to the volunteer force, which, by its 
 ready response to the call to actual service, and by its 
 really good work in the field, asserted its claim to be 
 considered the first line of defence of the country. 
 
 The first call upon the national defensive force was 
 made November 15th, 1865, when a militia general 
 order was issued calling out one volunteer company for 
 active service in each of the following places: — Quebec, 
 Montreal, Ottawa, Morrisburg, Toronto, Port Hope, 
 Hamilton, Woodstock and London. The order ex- 
 plained that "His Excellency, having had under con- 
 sideration the possibility of raids or predatory in- 
 vasions on the frontier of Canada during the winter, 
 and being impressed with the importance of aiding 
 Her Majesty's troops and repelling such attempts," 
 had decided to place a portion of the volunteer force 
 on active service. 
 
 Several calls for service detachments were made 
 during the year 1866, to furnish guards for armouries, 
 to hold strategical points along the frontier, etc. 
 
 The expectation of trouble from the Fenians this 
 year had good effect upon the militia force, and during 
 the three months of March, April, and May the nominal 
 strength of the active militia increased from 19,597 
 to 33,754. Meantime the Fenian leaders had not been 
 inactive, and four simultaneous descents upon Canada 
 had been planned, one from Chicago, the second from 
 Buffalo and Rochester, the third from Ogdensburg, 
 and the fourth from New York, Troy, and Albany. 
 May 29th, telegraphic advices to the public press re- 
 ported parties of men on the move northward from 
 points even as far south as Tennessee. Subsequent 
 reports showed that the movement had become general, 
 and the government's private reports confirmed them. 
 During the evening of the 31st, orders were issued at 
 Ottawa for the calling out of four hundred of the 
 Toronto militia, and their despatch to Port Colborne 
 on Lake Erie. The following morning news of the 
 crossing of O'Neil's force of Fenians to Fort Erie was 
 received, and orders were at once issued for the des- 
 patch of all available troops to the Niagara frontier 
 to protect the Welland Canal, and expel the invaders 
 from Canadian soil if po.ssible. The Queen's Own 
 Rifles, the 13th Battalion, the York and Caledonian 
 Companies and the Welland Canal Field Battery, 
 
 armed as riflemen, formed a force of about nine 
 hundred strong at Port Colborne at the head of the 
 canal, the point of that work nearest to Fort Erie, 
 the Fenian base. The senior officer was Lieutenant- 
 Colonel Booker of the 13th. At Chipewa was assembled 
 on the morning of June 2nd a force composed as fol- 
 lows:— Field Battery Royal Artillery, 200 of H.M. 
 16th Regiment, 350 of H.M. 47th Regiment, the 10th 
 Royals and the 19th Battalion of St. Catherines; all 
 told about sixteen hundred men, of whom six hundred 
 were regulars. Having secured the head of the canal 
 and the bridges over Chipewa Creek or Welland River, 
 Colonel Peacocke, commanding H.M. 16th Regiment, 
 and the senior officer at the front, issued orders for 
 the junction of the two forces at Stevensville. This 
 movement resulted in the action of Lime Ridge or 
 Ridgeway, and the fighting at Fort Erie which fol- 
 lowed. 
 
 By the Third none of the Fenian force remained 
 on Canadian soil except as prisoners. A few days 
 later a couple of incipient raids were made across the 
 Vermont frontier of Canada East, upon the last occasion 
 a minor skirmish taking place near Pigeon Hill, between 
 the raiders and a force consisting of the Fourth Bat- 
 talion, 60th Rifles and a Montreal volunteer cavalry 
 corp)s, the Royal Guides. 
 
 The Sandfield Macdonald Government had been de- 
 feated March, 1864, and the Tache-John A. Macdonald 
 Government was formed on the 30th of that month. 
 July the third, 1866, the new government through 
 the Hon. J. A. Macdonald, Attorney General, presented 
 a bill to amend the Militia Act, which passed, and was 
 assented to as 29 and 30 Victoria Chapter XII "An 
 Act to Amend an Act respecting the Volunteer Militia 
 Force." 
 
 This Act repealed the restriction that the volunteer 
 force should not exceed 25,000, the niunber being left 
 to the discretion of the government, and gave to the 
 Commander-in-Chief more extended authority to call 
 out the volunteer force, he having no right under the 
 Act, as it stood, to call out the force except "in case 
 of war, invasion, or insurrection." The organization 
 of mounted infantry, mounted rifles, military train, 
 commissariat, staff, hospital and ambulance corps, and 
 also naval companies, was provided for. In cities, no 
 infantry units smaller than a battalion were to be 
 accepted or gazetted as "Volunteer Militia," and the 
 establishment of troops of cavalry, batteries of garrison 
 artillery and companies of infantry was fixed at one 
 captain, two lieutenants, 3 sergeants, 3 corporals and 
 48 privates. An important provision, and one much 
 objected to in parliament was that municipalities 
 might spend their funds in support and encourage- 
 ment of the Volunteer Force, for the building of armor- 
 
 73 
 
ies, the care of the families of volunteers on service, 
 etc., etc. Municipal by-laws for raising and expending 
 such monies were subject to disallowance by the 
 Minister of Militia. Section 8 provided that the Volun- 
 teer Force should be subject to the Queen's Regula- 
 tions and Orders for the Army, and while on Active 
 Service to the Rules and Articles of War and to all 
 other laws applicable to Her Majesty's troops except 
 that no man should be subject to any corporal punish- 
 ment except death or imprisonment. 
 
 During the same session that this Act was passed 
 the sum of $134,060 was voted for the purchase and 
 maintenance of the gunboats it had been found neces- 
 sary to place upon the St. Lawrence and the great 
 lakes, at the time of the Fenian Raids. An -item of 
 $250,000 to purchase improved fire arms for the volun- 
 teers was also passed, and one of $36,880 for depart- 
 mental salaries. The staff provided for was an Ad- 
 jutant General, two Deputy Adjutant Generals, four 
 Assistant Adjutant Generals, a Superintendent of 
 Military Schools, a Military Surveyor, Provincial 
 Aide-de-Camp, etc. The opposition having objected 
 to the large increase of the staff, a letter from Colonel 
 MacDougall, the Adjutant-General, was read in which 
 he asserted "it is utterly impossible to work advan- 
 tageously in time of pressure, with departments sud- 
 denly created for the emergency, and without ex- 
 perience. If departments are expected to work well in 
 time of war they must be created and gain experience 
 of routine duties, and have at their command all the 
 knowledge and appliances in times of peace, which 
 they would have to bring to bear in time of war. " 
 
 For some time after the withdrawal of the militia 
 from the frontier, Fenian agitators continued to dis- 
 play considerable activity in the border cities of the 
 United States and, as a matter of precaution, the 
 military authorities decided to form, on August 14th, 
 a camp of observation under the command of Colonel 
 Wolseley, now Field Marshal Lord Wolseley, at 
 Thorold, on the Welland Canal. The force in this 
 camp consisted of the Governor-General's Body Guard 
 of Toronto, one wing of H.M. 16th, Regiment, Lieuten- 
 ant Colonel Hoste's Field Battery, Royal Artillery, 
 thi'ee or four battalions of militia infantry, and a troop 
 of cavalry. The infantry battalions were relieved 
 every ten days, the time in camp being used to put in 
 the customary annual drills. The men received a 
 dollar a day pay, and free rations. 
 
 Between the spring of 1866 and the end of the year 
 the volunteer force of Ontario and Quebec increased 
 from 348 companies, with a nominal strength of 
 19,597 men, to 569 companies with a nominal strength 
 of 33,754 men. 
 
 Great inconvenience was experienced during this 
 year from the fact that the force consisted for the 
 most part of isolated companies; the volunteers of the 
 principal cities having been alone formed in battalions. 
 Thus, when in the spring a sudden call was made for 
 the service of the whole force, it became necessary to 
 form the isolated companies into provisional battalions, 
 and to appoint a provisional' staff to each battalion 
 in a hurry, and at an obvious disadvantage. The 
 adjutant-general therefore obtained the authority of 
 the commander-in-chief to form the isolated companies 
 into permanent battalions with permanent command- 
 ing and staff officers. This was effected, wherever 
 possible, by forming the isolated companies into bat- 
 talions by counties. 
 
 The force w;is, in the autunui of 1866, told off into 
 field brigades and garrisons of posts, and an arrange- 
 ment for combining in the most viseful manner the 
 action of the force with the regular troops was made 
 by the lieutenant-general commanding. This arrange- 
 ment, originally suggested by Lieutenant-Colonel Earle, 
 was as follows: — 
 
 The nucleus of each field brigade consists of one 
 regular regiment, and its composition was as follows :— 
 Regular infantry, 1 battalion; volunteer infantry, 3 
 battalions; artillery, 1 field battery (regular or volun- 
 teer); cavalry, 1 troop (volunteer). 
 
 The staff of each brigade was as follows :^Commandant, 
 brigade major, commissariat, engineer officer, surgeon 
 in charge, regular officers; mounted provost, a regular 
 sergeant; assistant brigade major, volunteer officer; 
 assistant commissary, with as many aids as may be 
 necessary, volunteer officers or N.C. officers. 
 
 Of these brigades three were formed in Western 
 Canada, four in Eastern Canada. The component 
 corps and brigade staff were detailed, and the points 
 of assembly fixed. The staff officers were provided 
 with a list of the stores which were required to enable 
 each brigade to take the field, and would draw then 
 from the storekeepers who had orders to issue them 
 on the shortest notice. Similarlv the commissariat 
 officer of each brigade was prepared to provide the 
 necessary transport to enable it to move at the shortest 
 notice. Those volunteer corps which did not form 
 part of the above moveable columns were formed into 
 brigades by districts, of which each had its volunteer 
 commandant and brigade major. 
 
 These corps were to be employed in garrison duty, in 
 guarding frontier towns and villages, and important 
 points on the lines of canal or railroad communication. 
 The duties of the commandant and brigade major were 
 to organize a system of lookout parties and patrols 
 suited to the localities; and to visit constantly all the 
 posts within their respective brigade districts. 
 
 74 
 
During the period of active service by the vokinteer 
 force in the summer of 1866, much inconvenience was 
 occasioned by the inexperience of the officers and men 
 generallj', and by the absence of specific instructions 
 for their guidance, and by His Excellency's command 
 the adjutant-general prepared and circulated a code 
 of regulations for the volunteer militia. 
 
 In his annual report at the end of this year the 
 adjutant-general drew attention to the disadvantage 
 each militia unit was under owing to the absence of a 
 properly paid battalion staff. In order that a bat- 
 talion should be efficient, he considered it indispensable 
 that it should be provided with an adjutant and 
 sergeant-major, who should give up their whole time 
 to their military duties. 
 
 The apprehension of further hostile intentions by the 
 Fenians, which existed generally along the frontier of 
 Canada during the spring of 1867, led to the adoption 
 of measures of precaution. Three thousand Pea body 
 breech-loading rifles were purchased by the govern- 
 ment; and these, together with four thousand five 
 hundred Spencer repeating rifles which were at the 
 disposition of the government, were distributed to the 
 vokmteer corps in the localities most exposed to attack; 
 that is to say, generally along the frontier from Lake 
 Memphremagog, on the east, to London on the west. 
 In addition, the whole of the Montreal brigade 
 was supplied with the Westley-Richards breech- 
 loading rifle from the imperial stores. The 
 corps which were supplied with these new weapons 
 were ordered to drill twice every week to accustom 
 the volunteers to their use, which they did accordingly 
 between the 20th March and the 30th June, 1867. 
 These were later exchanged for the Snider rifle, and 
 the adjutant-general had the satisfaction to report 
 at the end of the first year of Confederation that 30,000 
 of these rifles were then in the hands of the volunteers 
 of Ontario and Quebec. 
 
 The adjutant-general this year recommended that 
 the garrison artillery should receive sj^ecial instruction, 
 and that at least two eighteen-pounder guns should 
 be supplied to each garrison artillery corps. In order 
 to ensure the efficiency of this most important arm, 
 it was, in the opinion of the adjutant-general, indis- 
 pensable that one deputy and one assistant adjutant- 
 general of artillerj' should be appointed to superintend 
 the organization of the artillery force of the Dominion, 
 who should have obtained the rank of lieut. -colonel 
 in the Royal Artillery, and would thereby bring to the 
 service of the country that knowledge of all the details 
 of artillery science which none but an educated artillery 
 officer could possess. 
 
 The schools of military instruction, established in 
 connection with the service militia of the Province of 
 Canada, and in operation at Confederation, were four 
 in number, established respectively in the cities of 
 Quebec and Montreal, in the Province of Quebec; and 
 Kingston and Toronto, in the Province of Ontario; 
 and the adjutant-general in his annual report ex- 
 pressed his high sense of the efficient manner in which 
 the duties of histruction had continued to be per- 
 formed by the respective commandants and staff. 
 
 In addition to these schools, two schools of gunnery, 
 one at Montreal and the other at Toronto, as also a 
 cavalry school in the latter city, had been temporarily 
 formed, and were in operation, affording every facility 
 to officers and non-commissioned officers of militia, 
 and candidates for commissions therein, to acquire a 
 knowledge of the duties connected with those arms 
 of the service. The adjutant-general recorded his 
 acknowledgements to Colonel Anderson and to Lieut. - 
 Colonel Pipon, of the Royal Artillery, and to Colonel 
 Jenyns, of the 13th Hussars, for the able, indefatigable, 
 and kindly manner in which they had carried out the 
 instruction of the graduates in the schools committed 
 to their superintendence. 
 
 75 
 

 CHAPTER VII 
 
 THE MARITIME PROVINCE MILITIA 
 
 CONFEDERATION brought the miUtia forces of 
 Nova Scotia and New Brunswick into the militia 
 of the new Dominion of Canada. 
 
 The French attempted to occupy Nova Scotia in 
 1598, and again the following year. In 1605, a French 
 colony was established there, and was the first actual 
 settlement by Europeans within the boundaries of the 
 Dominion of Canada. In 1621, Nova Scotia was 
 annexed to Scotland and named Nova Scotia by James 
 I, and in 1625 the Scottish Order of Baronets was 
 founded. Nova Scotia was ceded to P^rance by 
 Charles I, whereupon Richelieu formed a colonization 
 company to colonize the country. It was conquered 
 by Lord Protector Cromwell. Again ceded to France, 
 it remained really, or nominally, under France till 
 ceded to Great Britain by the Treaty of Utrecht, in 
 1713. 
 
 Halifax was founded in 1749, at the expense of the 
 Imperial Government, under the direction of the 
 Lords of Trade and Plantations, and. was named in 
 compliment to George Montague, Earl of Halifax, 
 under whose immediate auspices the settlement was 
 undertaken. The scheme for a settlement on the 
 shores of Chebucto Bay is said to have originated with 
 the people of Massachusetts, who, in calling the atten- 
 tion of the British Government to the claims of the 
 French on the territory of Acadia, suggested the 
 necessity of, as well as the great commercial advantage, 
 to be derived from such an undertaking. A plan was 
 .submitted to government in the autumn of 1748, and 
 was warmly supported by Lord Halifax. Parliament 
 voted £40,000, and supplied 13 transports and a sloop 
 of war, by which Colonel the Hon. Edward Cornwallis, 
 designated Captain-General and Governor of Nova 
 
 Scotia, his suite, and 2,576 settlers, were conveyed to 
 the bay. 
 
 The Halifax coloni.sts were largely of a military class, 
 and the colony was really established as a military 
 post, so that from the first British occupation there 
 may be said to have been a British militia organization 
 in the province. The French maintained a militia 
 organization among the Acadians, particularly in 
 Cape Breton, until the capture of Louisburg, and 
 their desperate services on behalf of the Bourbon 
 cause are recorded in history. 
 
 Nova Scotia militiamen served under Monckton and 
 Winslow in 1755, when they captured the French fort 
 Beausejour, some Halifax companies serving in this 
 expedition claiming to have been in existence since 
 1749 or 1750. 
 
 It is interesting to observe that according to Dr. 
 James Johnson (Alphabet of First Things in Canada) 
 the first suggestion of Confederation as applicable 
 to British North America as at present founded, is to 
 be found in a report made by Colonel Robert Morse, 
 R.E., who was .sent in 1783, at the instance of Sir Guy 
 Carleton (then commander of His Majesty's forces in 
 North America), to report on the military defences 
 required for Nova Scotia. In his report (1784) 
 Colonel Morse says: " In the course of this examination 
 my mind has been strongly impressed with the idea 
 of uniting these provinces of Canada to the advantage 
 of both, since by establishing the same laws and 
 inducing a constant intercourse and a mutual interest, 
 a great country may yet be raised up in North Am- 
 erica." 
 
 The first attempt to form a regular force in what 
 is now Canada was in 1792, when the King authorized 
 
 "ti 
 
the raising of a regiment in each of the provinces, and 
 permitted them to take the title of " Royal." The 
 raising of the Royal Canadian Volunteers has already 
 been referred to. The first of these regiments to be 
 raised, however, was the Roj'al Nova Scotian Regi- 
 ment, which, by June, 1793, was complete. Its officers 
 were men of considerable means, and they served 
 without pay. They led the way in obtaining the 
 desired distinctive " Royal, " title as is seen in the 
 fact that Sir John Wentworth, in December, 1793, 
 returned thanks for the permission to use the word 
 "Royal." About the same time a Royal New Bruns- 
 wick and a Royal Newfoundland Regiment were 
 raised. 
 
 In a letter dated Halifax, October 12, 1799, the 
 Duke of Kent wrote to his friend. Major Louis de Sala- 
 berry: "His Majesty has thought proper to make it 
 known that he would be pleased if all the provincial 
 regiments would offer to serve in all the American 
 colonies, in place of being confined to the one whose 
 name they bear. In consequence of accepting this 
 offer they would be placed on the establishment as the 
 Fencibles are in England and as is the Newfoundland — 
 that is to say the officers would rank through all North 
 America the same as they do at present in their res- 
 pective provinces, and the adjutants and quarter- 
 masters would be sure of half pay in case of reduction, 
 and the regiments would be commanded by officers 
 taken from the line who would be proprietors. 1 
 believe it is the intention of forming a brigade of 
 Canadians after the manner of the 60th, of which the 
 commander-in-chief of the troops in North America 
 would be colonel, as the Duke of York is of the 60th. 
 The proposition has been made already to the Nova 
 Scotian and New Brunswick Regiments, and both have 
 expressed in the most loyal manner their willingness 
 to serve wherever His Majesty may think projjer." 
 
 In August and September of 1802, the several pro- 
 vincial regiments were disbanded, Governor Went- 
 worth, of Nova Scotia, writing on 11th October that 
 the disljanded men of the Royal Newfoundland and 
 Royal Nova Scotian Regiments were all quietly dis- 
 persed through the province. The Royal New Bruns- 
 wick Regiment later became the 104th Regiment. 
 
 During the long war with France the Nova Scotia 
 militia were embodied, armed and drilled and used 
 for garrison duties. 
 
 Lieut. -Governor Wentworth wrote to H. E. Major- 
 General Clarke, 8th May, 1793:— "Brig'r-General 
 Ogilvie has, no doubt, reported to your excellency the 
 reduced state of this garrison. The harbor is also 
 without a ship of war. In the town I have 700 good 
 militia, who may be depended upon. One company, 
 about 60 freeholders, are formed into artillery, and are 
 
 now practising with great assiduity, under the in- 
 structions of the detachment of Royal Artillery in this 
 garrison. It will be necessary to furnish the militia 
 with arms from the King's stores, as there are not 
 any to be had in the province. I have another select 
 regiment of 1,000 men, commanded by half-pay 
 officers, and composed of privates, most of whom 
 served under these officers during the late war. They 
 have two companies of artillery and one troop of 
 horse, and can be assembled at Halifax in six day's 
 notice — part of them sooner. The King's Nova Scotia 
 Regiment, raising under my command, exceed 100 men, 
 now in garrison." 
 
 June 4th, Mr. Wentworth stated to Mr. Dundas that 
 the town militia were nearly six hundred strong, com- 
 pletely armed from H.M. Ordnance office. There was 
 also an artillery company, 56 men, chiefly merchants 
 and freeholders, who were daily exercised. Many of 
 them had served in the army. 
 
 Three distinct corps of militia were enrolled in the 
 western portion of the province, viz., the regiment 
 raised by Colonel Barclay — one under Colonel Millidge, 
 and a body of Acadians, commanded by Lieut. -Colonel 
 Taylor. 
 
 July 19. — H.M. frigate Boston appeared off Halifax 
 harbor to procure a pilot for the American coasts, 
 upon which Brigadier-General Ogilvie, then command- 
 ing the troops, ordered the signals of alarm to be made. 
 On this, the King's Nova Scotia Regiment were in a 
 few minutes paraded, and the first battalion of Halifax 
 militia assembled, completely armed, in fifteen minutes, 
 before Government House. This is stated b}' Governor 
 Wentworth, in a letter of July 23, to Mr. Dundas, 
 the Secretary of State. He added: "In case of any 
 invasion of this town, it will, in twenty minutes, put 
 under the command of Brigadier-General Ogilvie, 900 
 militia, in two hours to be reinforced with 600, being, 
 the second battalion, who reside a few miles round the 
 town, and these as fast as possible by the militia 
 legion of Nova Scotia, consisting of 1,000 effective 
 men, commanded by Colonel Barclay, anil other res- 
 pectable officers, upon half-pay." 
 
 Of the Halifax militia artillery, he wrote: "Among 
 the privates are men of from £100 to £600 per annum, 
 clear, estate, who, from a declared principle of 
 loyalty, and utter abhorrence of French democratic 
 tyranny, have voluntarily offered their services." He 
 considered the militia everywhere well disposed and 
 faithful. On emergency, he reckoned on 4,000 of them 
 to join him, and in an extreme case 2,000 more. He 
 estimated the whole force of the country at 9,160 men. 
 He requested arms for Barclay's legion. The people 
 of the harbours on the Atlantic coast were ready to 
 assist in defence. 
 
 77 
 
October 9th, 1795, on intelligence as to the French 
 fleet at New York preparing and being nearly ready 
 for sea, and that they were supposed to be destined 
 for Halifax or the fisheries, the lieutenant-governor. 
 General Ogilvie and Commissioner Duncan united in 
 opinion that Halifax was in danger, and that the 
 country militia should be brought to town, and the 
 council approved of the measure. Governor Went- 
 worth issued orders for 1,000 men to be marched from 
 the regiments of Hants, King's and Annapolis counties 
 to Halifax, with all possible despatch. General Ogilvie 
 promised all the unoccupied barrack room, and the 
 lieut .-governor stated to Mr. Dundas, October 10, that 
 nearly 400 could be lodged in the place he had proposed 
 for the French prisoners from St. Pierre, (Melville 
 Island). About 105 effectives, exclusive of officers, 
 marched into town with all possible speed and alacrity. 
 Mr. Wentworth wrote: "Perhaps a finer body of 
 athletic, healthy young men, were never assembled 
 in any country, nor men more determined to do their 
 duty." 
 
 One company, under Captain Willet, marched from 
 Granville to Halifax, performing 135 miles in 35 
 hours. Of the French Acadians, 75 youths came near 
 20 miles, zealous and gratified to unite with the English 
 colonists. The behaviour of the militia while in 
 Halifax was unexceptionable. Colonel Barclay, the 
 adjutant-general, came with his men, and declined 
 any pay. The lieutenant-governor commended him. 
 Colonel Van Cortlandt, of King's county, and 
 Lieut .-Colonel Howe and Colonel Brymer, of Hants. 
 The militia and regulars at the capital amounted, 
 as it was computed, to near 4,000 men. Lieuten- 
 ant-Governor Wentworth, finding that the French 
 armament had left the American coast on 
 the 9 October, and were believed to be on their way 
 to Newfoundland, and the apprehension of their 
 attempts on Nova Scotia ceasing as the .season passed, 
 on 31st October called the council together, and stated 
 to them his intention to send the militia to their homes, 
 in which the council concurred. He accordingly, on 
 November 2, published his thanks to them for their 
 prompt obedience and good conduct, and dismissed 
 them after a garrison service of about four weeks. 
 The last division marched off on November 8. 
 The expense of this service was paid by the British 
 Government, Mr. Wentworth drawing bills on the 
 Lords of the Treasury for £4,597 sterling to cover 
 the pay, subsistence and contingencies of the militia. 
 
 July, 1799, 1,000 militia were embodied for service in 
 the Halifax garrison. In addition, 2,000 more select men 
 were under orders to come in on the shortest notice 
 in case of any attempt to be made by the enemy. The 
 Duke of Kent requested that another battalion should 
 
 be embodied and called into the garrison, but Sir John 
 Wentworth was unwilling to accede to it, and re- 
 monstrated with him by letter, shewing the ill effects 
 it would produce upon the people and their agriculture. 
 The embodied militia were discharged 24 October 
 
 In a letter to Captain Fenwick, 17th February, 1800, 
 the Lieutenant-Governor estimated the militia of the 
 province at 10,000 effective men, and said he thought, 
 in case of invasion, that 6,000 more would be found 
 able and disposed to serve. 
 
 Nova Scotia having suffered very severely in the 
 early part of the war from the cruisers of the enemy, 
 fitted out a number of privateers in order to retaliate 
 on, and to extort compensation from the foe. Within 
 four j^ears, twelve or fifteen ships of war were fitted 
 out by the Nova Scotians, and of this number one 
 half were owned by the little village of Liverpool. 
 
 Lieut .-Governor Wentworth at all times gave much 
 attention to the militia of the province. They were 
 but scantily supplied with arms. Many of his letters 
 remain, requesting of the generals who commanded 
 in the garrison supplies of muskets — 40 for one com- 
 pany, and 20 or 30 for another. In 1805, there were 
 three battahons of Halifax militia. Of these, the 
 companies of Captains Morris, Bremner, and Fillis 
 had volunteered, (the law requiring only 4 days duty 
 in the year). Fillis commanded 60 men, who had 
 begun their artillery exercise. Captain Mcintosh's 
 company were to do duty at York redoubt, being 
 fishermen, living near it. Sir John suggested their 
 being instructed on Sunday afternoons, as they were 
 generally employed in their boats in the week. There 
 were companies of artillery in other mihtia regiments 
 who had Ijeen instructed by men from the force who 
 had been discharged and settled in the province. One 
 company of 40 men, under Captain Thompson, resided 
 near Chester. 
 
 In 1807, every exertion was being made in Nova 
 Scotia by the Governor, Generals Hunter and Skerret, 
 Admirals Berkeley and Cochrane, in anticipation of 
 an American war. The 98th Regiment and the New- 
 foundland Fencibles were sent to Quebec by order 
 from England. 1,000 militia were placed in garrison 
 in their stead ; and in October, on the request of Major- 
 General Skerret, 500 more were drafted from the 
 country to strengthen the place. By the 26th October, 
 part of the reinforcements of militia had come in.- 
 Halifax militia were working on the fortifications. 
 Admiral Berkeley designed to employ 140 men, 
 accustomed to boats and vessels, in gun brigs, for 
 defence; and Mr. Monk was directed to secure the aid 
 of the Micmacs. Two companies of militia (150 men, 
 under good and well-informed officers, well clothed) 
 trained and skilful, were frequently exercised in the 
 
batteries to which tiiey were attached. In the other 
 militia regiments there were at least 150 more good 
 artillery men, and a company of 50 free blacks was 
 also engaged. 
 
 December 26, 1808, Major-General Hunter, by 
 letter, requested that 1,000 militia should be im- 
 mediately embodied, 200 to be stationed at Annapolis, 
 and 800 at HaUfax, and a further 1,000 got ready to 
 be called into service on the shortest notice. This 
 (December 29), the lieutenant-governor and council 
 agreed to do. 
 
 These regiments of militia were in February, 1809, 
 embodied in Nova Scotia, and employed in actual 
 service. It was proposed to have one troop of light 
 horse, in number 35 officers and men, who should find 
 their own horses. The artillery (militia) could at 
 this time furnish 124 men, capable of assisting the 
 regulars either in batteries or with field pieces. The 
 town militia mounted guards in rotation, being only 
 paid when on actual duty. The whole trained force 
 reliable, was 1,800 men, and great harmony pre- 
 vailed between them and H. M. regular troops. (Sir 
 F. Wentworth's letter of March 26 to Lord Castle- 
 reagh.) 
 
 On April 18, the militia was estimated at 9,000 men, 
 and it was decided to call the assembly together on 
 May 19, to amend the militia laws. The effective 
 force of the militia in Nova Scotia, the Governor con- 
 sidered, would not exceed 3,000 men — in New Bruns- 
 wick, 700. Cape Breton and Prince Edward Island 
 together could furnish 400. The Governor wrote at 
 this date: — "Hitherto the male population composed 
 the militia. It was rather a levee en masse, of which 
 one-third only will be called out for training and 
 instruction." 
 
 The Assembly in their session this year thanked 
 the Imperial Government for " the supply of arms, 
 clothing and camp ecuiipage, so graciously granted, 
 for the use and acconmiodation of our militia." 
 
 Saturday, June 18, 1808, the Lieutenant Governor 
 informed a committee of the house that "in addition 
 to 2,000 stand of old arms and accoutrements now in 
 H.M. stores, he will order the issue of 2,000 stand of 
 new arms and accoutrements" just arrived, on a 
 pledge from the house that it would, at its next 
 session, make provision for the payment for such arms, 
 the price of new arms to be estimated at the Tower 
 prices, and the old at reasonable rates, also promising 
 to apply for as many more as might be required to 
 complete arming the militia on a similar pledge. The 
 assembly accordingly, June 20, resolved to pay for all 
 arms and ammunition which should be issued for the 
 use of the militia. Several inspecting field officers 
 
 of militia (regular officers) were employed and paid 
 this year. 
 
 Thursday, June 23, Sir George Prevost closed the 
 session, thanking the house for the militia laws they 
 had passed, &c., and prorogued the assembly. Although 
 the new militia law was a great improvement, he 
 considered it very defective still, which he ascribed 
 " to the jealously manifested against measures emanat- 
 ing from government, and to a tendency to democracy, 
 imbibed from our neighbours." 
 
 Sunday night, June 28, 1812, a messenger, with 
 despatches from General Hunter, who commanded in 
 New Brunswick, with intelligence of the declaration 
 of war, arrived at a late hour at Halifax. His Ex- 
 cellency held a council at 10 a.m. on Monday, and the 
 intelligence was then made pul)lic. The Lieutenant 
 Governor ordered the first class of the militia (able- 
 bodied men from 18 to 50) to be ballotted from, for 
 service, and a proportion in each district to be at once 
 embodied, to protect the most exposed parts of the 
 coast, as he could not spare regulars for the purpose. 
 He also directed a few guns to be mounted at the 
 entrance of some of the most exposed harbours, to be 
 used against the depredations of privateers; and 
 where there were suitable boats to carry them, he 
 sent small guns. 
 
 The assembly met Tuesday, July 21, (10th assembly, 
 2nd session.) It was convened on account of the 
 war, and His Excellency requested it, in his open- 
 ing speech, to make provision for the extra pay allowed 
 by the provincial statute to the militia. (Act 1808, 
 sec. 56, which directed the militia, when embodied, 
 to have same pay and allowances and the same rations 
 as regulars. Sec. 57 fixed the pay of sergeant, per day, 
 at 2s.; corporal, trumpeter, drummer or fifer. Is. 6d.; 
 private man, Is.) He also called for provision to be 
 made for such other expenses as the security of the 
 province demanded. 
 
 The house voted £8,000 for block-houses, temporary 
 work, arming boats, telegraph, &c.; £12,000 for extra 
 pay to militia, now to be embodied; £10,000 for a 
 further force embodied, if found necessary; 7s. 6d. a 
 day each to clerks of paymaster and adjutant-general 
 of militia; £150 for carriage of arms; £40 stationery 
 and printing, and £120 for medical attendance on 
 embodied militia. They also resolved to borrow 
 £30,000, at 6 per cent., for defences. (Burdock's 
 History of Nova Scotia). 
 
 Interest in the militia was kept up even after the 
 close of the war. A bill providing for the reduction 
 of the force was discussed at some length during the 
 session of 1819. A longer term of service seems to 
 have been advised by the governor. Several members 
 dissented. 
 
 79 
 
Mr. Haliburton observed, that during the American 
 war no inconvenience was felt in the existing system, 
 and he thought it strange that in time of peace they 
 should find difficulties that did not exist then. It 
 appeared from the plan, that they were to take a part 
 of the first class and enrol them for the term of seven 
 years. If it was necessary to drill them so frecjuently 
 now, how happened it that it was not necessary 
 in time of war? One quarter of the militia, he be- 
 lieved, were labourers, and when they arrived at the 
 age of twenty-one they removed to different places, 
 and it would be found necessary to have recourse to 
 continual drafts to supply their places. 
 
 Mr. Mortimer doubted whether the province had 
 any militia at all, for all the service required of them 
 was to turn out three days in the year,; approved of 
 the plan as far as the staff officers were concerned, 
 but not of a reduction of the battalions proposed. 
 
 Colonel William Dickson, member for Truro, stated 
 that he was not able to comprehend His Excellency's 
 views on the subject, particularly as regards the re- 
 duction of the battalions. His Excellecyseemed to think 
 the offices of quartermaster-general and adjutant- 
 general of militia were not of much use towards 
 rendering the force more efficient, and that both 
 offices might be executed by one person. This amend- 
 ment, he thought, was a very proper one. During the 
 late war, he said, there were three inspecting field 
 officers, for the Western, Eastern and Middle districts 
 respectively. 
 
 Mr. Roach (of Cumberland) moved that a committee 
 be appointed to report what aijiendments were neces- 
 sary to be made to the existing militia law, which 
 motion was adopted and passed by the house. On this, a 
 committee of eleven members was named. This com- 
 mittee advised, next day, to alter the age of enrol- 
 ment, to be from 18 to 60, instead of 16 to 60; that 
 the first class for service be from 18 to 40; to add one 
 day for battalion meeting, and to provide for two 
 inspecting field officers in place of the adjutant-general 
 and quartermaster-general. 
 
 The oldest existing militia organizations in Nova 
 Scotia at Confederation traced their origin back to the 
 volunteer movement in Nova Scotia co-incident with 
 the big volunteer movement in England. 
 
 Meetings were held in the city of Halifax during the 
 autumn of 1859, and it was evident that the material 
 for military organization was not confined to the old 
 country. From the outset there was an inclination 
 exhibited to organize by nationalists, and in December, 
 1859, English, Scotch, and Irish companies were 
 formed, each keeping its particular national character. 
 This had the effect of causing a healthy rivalry, that 
 
 tended to keep up the interest and promote a pride 
 in each company, and an interest by citizens who 
 were unable to join the ranks as active members. 
 
 " Regulations and Orders " for the local forces of 
 Nova Scotia, 1861, shew that the utmost freedom was 
 allowed in the selection and appontment of com- 
 missioned officers, and in other matters connected 
 with the formation of volunteer companies. The re- 
 gular mode of proceeding was laid down. The com- 
 missioned officers were elected by the company, and 
 a certificate, signed by the secretary and chairman 
 of the meeting, that the candidate had a majority 
 of the votes of the company, was all that was re- 
 quired by the adjutant-general, to entitle the appli- 
 cant to a commission, provided, of course, there was 
 no charge of disloyalty against him. 
 
 The volunteer force not only had the privilege of 
 paying for their own clothing and accoutrements, but 
 were allowed full liberty to select such styles and 
 colors as the fancy of the members, or their financial 
 resources, would allow. The result was a great want 
 of uniformity, for, although the color generally selected 
 was gray — that being considered most suitable in 
 England— -the shade of colour, quality of material, 
 and style of facings were very different. 
 
 On the evening of April 16, 1860, a public meeting 
 was held in Halifax, Earl Mulgrave, the governor, 
 presiding. Earl Mulgrave, in his remarks, stated 
 that there were at that time thirty-two effective 
 volunteer companies in the Province, with a total 
 strength of two thousand three hundred and forty-one 
 (2341) men. In the city there were eleven (11) com- 
 panies with a total strength of eight hundred and 
 sixty-eight (868) men. 
 
 Major Egan's " History of the Halifax Volunteer 
 Battalion," published in 1889, gives a full account of 
 the development of the Nova Scotia volunteer force. 
 
 On the 24th of April the South Barrack (now the 
 engineer barrack) yard, was handed over by the 
 imperial authorities for a drill ground for the city 
 companies, and drill instructors from the regiments 
 in garrison were furnished, the companies having the 
 use of the ground on alternate evenings; some of the 
 companies also mustering on the Grand Parade for 
 morning drill at 6.30 a.m. 
 
 On the 14th May, 1860, a meeting of representatives 
 from the Volunteer Artillery, Scottish Rifles, Che- 
 bucto Greys, the Mayflower, Halifax, Irish and Vic- 
 toria Rifles and Halifax Engineers, was held in Lieut. 
 Halliburton's office. Col. Sinclair. Adjutant-General 
 Nova Scotia Militia presided, and Lieut. Halliburton 
 acted as secretary. On motion by Capt. Samuel 
 Caldwell, Halifax Engineers, seconded by Lieut. Mac- 
 kinlay, Scottish Rifles, it was resolved, "That the 
 
 80 
 
Halifax Volunteer companies be formed into a bat- 
 talion." 
 
 During the summer of 1860, the Government having 
 granted an allowance of ball cartridges, the city com- 
 panies proceeded to Point Pleasant range to go through 
 their regular course of position drill and rifle practice. 
 The "Scottish" and the "Grej-s" encamped on the 
 ground, but the other companies marched down each 
 day. Sixty rounds per man was the allowance, and 
 the scores of the last twenty rounds, which were fired 
 under the inspection of an officer, were returned to 
 headquarters. For private practice the price of 
 ammunition was £11 7s. 3d. per thousand, caps two 
 shillings and eight pence half-penny per thousand. 
 Among the regulations issued at this time from head- 
 quarters, was one allowing the sum of five pounds (.$20) 
 per company to provide armories, and one shilling and 
 three pence (25 cents) per annum for the care of each 
 stand of arms and accoutrements, and another which 
 regulated the transfer of men from one company to 
 another. 
 
 By a general order, dated May 3rd, 1862, Major J. W. 
 Laurie (unattached) was appointed Inspecting Field 
 Officer of the Volunteers and Militia of Nova Scotia, 
 with the rank of colonel. The duties of inspecting 
 officer had up to this time been performed by Col. 
 Sinclair, in addition to the duties of adjutant-general. 
 In June the volunteer battalion made an effort to secure 
 the services of Capt. Milson, of the 62nd Regiment, 
 as adjutant, the intention being to have a paid ad- 
 jutant. The idea did not meet with the approval 
 of Earl Mulgrave, but Captain Milson was soon after 
 employed by the Adjutant-general, and in March, 
 1863, appointed as Inspecting Field Officer, with the 
 rank of lieut.-coloncl. 
 
 During 1862, great activity was displayed in re- 
 organizing and enrolling the regular militia of the 
 province. "The Regulations and Orders for the 
 General Management and Guidance of the Volunteers 
 and Militia" shewed that the militia of Nova Scotia, 
 previous to the organization of the volunteer force, 
 was in a very crude state, but, with the military spirit 
 and training introduced by the Volunteer movement, 
 a new state of affairs came about, and the regular 
 militia was now organized. Previously there was no 
 means of getting trained officers for that force, and 
 the commissions were consequently held by men who 
 were, from a military point of view, in many cases 
 totally unfit for their position. From the volunteer 
 companies competent men were now drawn by the 
 offer of commissions in the regiments of militia and 
 paid drill instruction being introduced, no excuse for 
 non-efficiency was allowed. The Halifax battalion 
 lost some of its best members at this time, the tempta- 
 
 tion of a commission in the militia taking many from 
 its ranks. At one time it was in contemplation to 
 form the counties into districts, and to place the 
 militia in each under brigadiers. 
 
 During the fall of 1864, the subject of reorganiza- 
 tion was taken up by the officers, the term of service 
 for which the men had enrolled expiring in January, 
 1865. Quite a number of meetings were held, and 
 application was made to the Commander-in-Chief to 
 secure a grant from the government to assist the 
 volunteers, the sum of five dollars per man being 
 suggested, that being the amount allowed the volun- 
 teers in England and Canada. The uniform of the 
 companies, which had now been in use for five years, 
 requiring to be renewed, a committee of officers was 
 appointed to consider the subject, and they recom- 
 mended " Rifle green " as the most suitable color. 
 This was adopetd by all the companies except the 
 Scottish, this company continuing to wear their dark 
 plaid clothing. 
 
 During the winter of 1866 overcoats were issued to 
 the battalion by the government, and the long "En- 
 field" rifle (muzzle loader) which the battalion had 
 used from its organization, was replaced by the short 
 rifle and sword bayonet. 
 
 In March, 1866, the first Fenian scare took place. 
 Rumors of an inroad by the Fenian Brotherhood from 
 the United States caused considerable alarm, and the 
 departure of an armed ship from New York, in a 
 mysterious manner, seemed to point to Halifax as 
 the scene of attack. The Halifax battalion was 
 called out for active service, and each company told 
 off to its post, the .signal of alarm being three guns 
 fired in succession from the citadel. 
 
 Although the fears of a Fenian invasion in March 
 proved groundless, the result showed that there was 
 some cause for alarm. In consequence of an inroad 
 into Canada and the withdrawal of a portion of the 
 garrison, the Halifax battalion was ordered out for 
 duty. One hundred and fifty men, with the proper 
 complement of officers, being detailed, in the following 
 proportions: — The men were required to provide 
 their own rations, and two men for fatigue were told 
 off with each guard, whose duty it was to look after 
 the provisions; as a rule the families of the men sent 
 their meals ready cooked to the guard rooms. By the 
 general order, dated July, 31st the battalion was 
 relieved from garrison duty, having served from the 
 6th June. By this general order the thanks of the 
 commander-in-chief were conveyed to the men, and 
 a despatch from Earl Carnarvon expressing his ap- 
 proval of the services of the battalion was also pub- 
 lished. 
 
 81 
 
How the old Halifax battalion came to be called the 
 63rd in the Dominion active militia has never been 
 satisfactorily explained, the regiment being really 
 entitled to the third place in the roll of regiments of 
 the Active Militia of Canada, it having had an unbroken 
 existence since the 14th of May, 1860. The only other 
 battalions senior in Canada were the 1st Battalion 
 "Prince of Wales" Regiment, Montreal, organized 
 November 1st, 1859, and the 2nd Battalion "Queen's 
 Own," of Toronto, organized 26th April, 1860, eighteen 
 days before the 63rd. (Major Egan's History of the 
 Halifax Volunteer Battalion.) 
 
 As adjutant-general of the militia of Nova Scotia, 
 Colonel R. Bligh Sinclair, December 31, 1867, reported 
 on the provincial force, this report giving a good idea 
 of the organization prevailing at and immediately 
 prior to Confederation. The following extracts from 
 this report are interesting on this account: — "The 
 organization is the result of about six years' work, 
 commencing first with the military instruction of 
 volunteers and militia officers, the men not being 
 called out till the latter were fit to instruct, in 1863. 
 The whole available militia force has now been called 
 out for five days' training for five successive years, 
 and the result has been more favorable than antici- 
 pated from such a limited period of drill. By far the 
 most valuable effect has been on the officers of the 
 force, all of whom passed examinations in field 
 exercise before receiving commissions, and besides had 
 a good deal of training to qualify them.selves to com- 
 mand. Officers promoted also passed the higher 
 grades of examination. The adjutants all had to pass 
 the highest grade of examination, as well as the com- 
 manding and field officers. Of 230 officers from the 
 country, thoroughly trained at headquarters, during 
 the last two years, a considerable proportion were 
 adjutants of regiments. 
 
 "The Provincial Army List gives a fair idea of the 
 state of the organization. Officers are nominated to 
 serve, with acting rank, as cadets, until they pass the 
 required examination for commissions. Hitherto these 
 examinations have been limited to field exercise. 
 Light infantry has been as yet little practised, as, 
 irrespective of the body of the militia force being only 
 lately armed to any considerable extent, five days 
 only suffices for heavy drill. Light infantry was, 
 however, taught to the officers trained at headquarters, 
 and the regiments armed were trained in it to a limited 
 extent,- during the Fenian alarm." 
 
 "In several previous reports I have represented the 
 good results which would be derived from establishing 
 a reasonable amount of military instruction with prizes 
 in all schools ; far less training will have greater effect 
 as soon as the benefits of early training begin to operate. 
 
 The college at Windsor and the Normal School at 
 Truro have adopted military training. 
 
 "It is my duty to represent to your Excellency that 
 the annual five days' training of the whole force has now 
 fully attained the object originally aimed at — the com- 
 plete organization of the whole force of men of martial 
 age for administrative purposes, and giving them a 
 tolerable idea of parade, discipline and marching, 
 while the more intelligent have gained an amount of 
 military knowledge which would be useful if required . 
 
 "It affords me sincere pleasure to be able to report 
 that nothing could exceed the willing and loyal spirit of 
 the militia of Nova Scotia during the five years they 
 have been called on to render gratuitous services, 
 which must have been heavUy felt. 
 
 "As the final returns are not complete at the date 
 of commencing this report, I take the returns of 1866 
 as a base for remarking, that the aggregate training for 
 that year (45,767 men for five days) was equivalent 
 to 223,835 days. This is equal to training 5,720 men 
 for six weeks. 
 
 "From drill experience, I can safely submit, that, 
 with intelligent officers and men, six weeks' con- 
 secutive drill of five hours a day, per annum, is the 
 most advantageous period of training. 
 
 "By a system of service men and reserves, the 
 service would be relieved of much that now weighs on 
 individuals with inconvenience, and no advantage 
 to the service. For instance, during the constructive 
 organization of the whole force, all under forty-five, 
 had to be called out for drill at the same time, and 
 business and private convenience had to suffer in a 
 say that is now avoidable. 
 
 "Whatever be the periods of training hereafter, 
 should it not conflict with general plans, I venture to 
 recommend to your Excellency's consideration that 
 this year, subject to such further orders as may be 
 deemed expedient, the whole of the militia force of all 
 arms, excepting those between the ages of 18 and 22 
 (attained), be formed into reserve, for muster only 
 during peace. 
 
 PH" During the past season a good deal has militated 
 against militia training. Amongst other things, un- 
 avoidable political excitement — which I need not 
 further advert to — ^and a misconception raised in some 
 districts that the militia law was suspended. The 
 militia regiments, which from the above causes, and 
 the advanced season, could not be called out, will be 
 observed in returns. 
 
 "I have reason to notice that the amount of drill 
 performed by the Halifax volunteer battalion under 
 the militia staff, has been equal to former years. 
 
 "The volunteer artillery, and 1st, 2nd and 3rd 
 brigades Halifax militia artillery, being inspected by 
 
 82 
 
Lieut .-Colonel Hardy, and the 4th brigade by Lieut. - 
 Colonel Sawyer, are in a good state of discipline and 
 training. The volunteer artillery have learned the 
 Armstrong gun exercise, having a battery of six of 
 those guns. 
 
 "I have to note for your Excellency's consideration, 
 Colonel Laurie's suggestion that volunteers be here- 
 after subsidized according to the year's work per- 
 formed (shown by diaries), and their consequent 
 efficiency." 
 
 Lieut. -Col. Laurie, Inspecting Field Officer, District 
 C, remarked in his report: — "I feel it my duty again 
 to bring to notice how desirable it would be that some 
 acknowledgement should be made to effective officers 
 of militia, who, often at considerable inconvenience, 
 attend their annual 28 days' training, and carry out all 
 the duties connected with the organization. I do not 
 think it would be well to reduce the number of days' 
 training required of them under the present system, and 
 would again suggest that they obtain the same exemp- 
 tions as effective volunteers, from whom far less duty 
 is required. 
 
 "The volunteer companies were this year inspected 
 with the regiments to which they are attached — thus 
 gaining some knowledge of battalion drill. A system 
 of classifying the volunteer companies so that their 
 subsidy should be proportioned to their efficiency is 
 most desirable; at present all, whether highly or in- 
 differently trained, are classed under one rate. 
 
 "I am happy to state that in each county in this 
 district a county rifle association has been formed, and 
 competitions have been held, thus carrying the interest 
 in rifle shooting much more home to the people." 
 
 The following figures give an idea of the efficiency 
 of the Nova Scotia Militia at Confederation: — In 1866 
 the total first class enrolled were 58,031 ; in 1867, 59,147; 
 increase, 1,116. 
 
 Total trained in 1866— first class, 45,767; 1867, first 
 class, 41,997; decrease, 3,770. 
 
 Number of officers with substantive rank in 1867 — 
 Lieutenant-colonels, 110; majors, 171; captains, 797; 
 1st lieutenants, 268; staff, 274. 
 
 New Brunswick was separated from Nova Scotia in 
 1784, and had a militia force of its own, but resem- 
 bling that of Nova Scotia. 
 
 During the war of 1812 a sort of neutrality was 
 observed between the people of New Brunswick and 
 their Maine neighbours 
 
 The Federal party, who were dominant in Massa- 
 chusetts and Maine at this period, were openly adverse 
 to the war; and the injuries done to commerce by the 
 embargo, non-intercourse, and final war measures of 
 the democratic government at Washington, were 
 much resented. Governor Strong, refused to place 
 
 any part of the state militia under the orders of the 
 officers of the general government. President MadLson 
 then availed himself of an act of Congress, passed in 
 February previous, which authorized hiiji to accept 
 the services of 80,000 volunteers from the different 
 states; and General King, of Bath, (Kennebec), a 
 violent democrat, was sent to Eastport to make 
 arrangements for raising three regiments of volun- 
 teers, in the district of Maine. Conventions and meet- 
 ings were held, and spirited resolutions passed in 
 opposition to the general government. 
 
 As little as possible was done by the authorities of 
 New Brunswick to antagonize their neighbours. 
 
 About the close of the year 1812, some field works, 
 block-houses and batteries were begun for the defence 
 of the city and river of St. John, in New Brunswick, 
 and a permanent pentagonal work was proposed on 
 the Washademoiac. Major General Smyth, who com- 
 manded in New Brunswick, and Sir John Sherbrooke 
 differed in opinion about some of these fortifications, 
 and Captain Nicolls, engineer, was sent to the River 
 St. John in consequence. 
 
 The small military force in New Brunswick does not 
 seem to have been reinforced from the declaration 
 of war. On the contrary, the 104th Regiment was 
 sent to Canada, while the 2nd battalion of the 8th 
 remained in New Brunswick. The detachments of 
 the 104th left St. John in February, and the people 
 helped them with sleighs. Apprehension of invasion 
 having made the people in New Brunswick uneasy. Sir 
 John sent on ten 24-pounders for the batteries on 
 Patridge Island, which commanded the entrance of the 
 harbor of St. John, with ammunition and other re- 
 quisites, and 1,000 stand of muskets, but the store ship 
 Diligence, in which they were laden, was lost. She was 
 separated from H.M.S. Rattler, her convoy, in a 
 snow storm. It happened that 400 of the muskets 
 were in the Rattler, and got safe to St. John, but the 
 Diligent, and what was saved of her cargo, fell into the 
 hands of the enemy. Sir John had no means of re- 
 placing these until more ordnance stores came from 
 England. 
 
 In New Brunswick, the militia assisted the regulars 
 in garrison duty, detachments from Westmoreland 
 going to St. John, where the local militia were also 
 embodied. 
 
 According to the New Brunswick revised statutes of 
 1854, the militia consisted of all white male inhabitants 
 from 16 to 60. Each county was a battalion district 
 and each regiment or battalion was to as.semble one 
 day in each year "for inspection and exercise," and to 
 "rendezvous two days in each year for di.scipline," &c. 
 
 In 1862 a Militia Act, 25 Victoria, Chapter 20, was 
 passed which divided the New Brunswick Militia into 
 
 83 
 
«aAa^- 
 
 MINISTERS OF MILITIA, 1867 to 1880 
 
 1. Sir Georj^e E. Cartier, July ist, 1867 to May 20th, 1873 
 3. The Hon. Wni. B. Val, Sept. 3olh, 1874 to June 1st, 1878. 
 5. The Hon. L. R. F. Masson, Oct. iglh, 1878 to Jan. i6lh, 1880. 
 
 ■2. The Hon. A. G. Jones, Jan. 21st, 1878 to Oct. 17th, 1878. 
 4. The Hon. VVm. Ross, Nov. 7th, 1873 to Sept. 3olh, 1874. 
 6. The Hon. Sir Alex. Campbell, Jan. i6th, 1889 to Nov. 8th, 
 1880. 
 Note. — It was impossible to secure a satisfactory portrait for reproduction of the Hon. Hu^h McDonald. Minister from July ist, 1873 to Nov. 6th, 1873, 
 
 84 
 
two classes: — Active Militia, men from 18 to 45 years 
 of age, sedentary from 45 to 60. The Active Militia 
 was divided into Class A (volunteer cavalry, artillery 
 and riflemen) ; Class B (unmarried men and widowers 
 without children) ; Class C (married men and widowers 
 with children. Class A drilled for 6 days each year and was 
 provided with ammimition at the expense of the prov- 
 ince. Classes B and C were to be enrolled and muster 
 one day in each year. The Sedentary Militia was not 
 required to enroll regularly. 
 
 The following extracts from a report by Lieut. - 
 Colonel George J. Maunsell, Adjutant General of New 
 Brunswick Militia, dated January 1st, 1868, give an 
 idea of the organization and work of the New 
 Brunswick force just previous to and at Confeder- 
 ation : — 
 
 "The volunteers have hitherto been considered the 
 'advance guard' of the local forces, well drilled, as a 
 rule, and when drilled every man is furnished with a 
 uniform coat and cap by government; they attend a 
 number of drills annually to entitle them to a capita- 
 tion allowance, which is intended to provide for the 
 proper care of the arms and accoutrements issued to 
 them, Ijut unhappily, in consequence of the absence 
 of 'government drill sheds, this allowance is inadequate, 
 and has frequently to be expended in obtaining in- 
 sufficient accommodation for drill purposes in such 
 buildings as are available, and officers commanding 
 have had, at their own cost, to defray the other neces- 
 sary expenses of their corps. Hence, I would remark, 
 it is highly creditable that the volunteers retain the 
 efficiency for which they have been justly commended. 
 I must admit that, in some cases when volunteers 
 serve their time of engagement, they appear unwilling 
 to re-engage, and in consequence of the inability of the 
 officers to recruit to the strength required by law, the 
 service of the corps are dispensed with. 
 
 " It is not my intention to urge this as an argument 
 against the voluntary system. I hold the opinion 
 that each corps serves as a school of instruction on a 
 small scale in its own district. The number of well- 
 drilled officers the volunteers have furnished to the 
 militia, proves the truth of my as.sertion; and as the 
 services of one corps are dispensed with, another has 
 been speedily organized, a knowledge of drill and 
 military ardour being thus diffused over a large por- 
 tion of the Province. I grant that under the exist- 
 ing law, which is admitted to be defective in many 
 important particulars, and the consequent impossibility 
 of success attending the organization of a corps in any 
 but a thickly settled district, or town, there is a limit 
 to the progress of the volunteer system, and although 
 I can with truth state that our volunteers generally 
 are in a satisfactory condition, probably that limit has 
 
 been attained under the present system. I may state 
 that the men composing the force are, as a general 
 rule, taken but from one class of the community, all 
 are engaged in industrial pursuits, and when the 
 volunteers were called out on service during the past 
 year, the absence of the men from the usual avocations 
 was much felt. 
 
 " His Excellency General Doyle, being fully aware 
 of the comparatively small numbers of available local 
 forces, (1,800 volunteers, 500 home guards), of the 
 defective law enabling him to call out the militia but 
 for one day's muster, and the disadvantages under 
 which the volunteers served, had it in contemplation 
 to have a scheme for training the militia, in conjunction 
 with the volunteers, laid before the legislature of this 
 province at the last session, and which, while 
 strengthening the volunteers as an 'advance guard,' 
 was calculated to furnish a drilled 'support' of the 
 remaining portion of the active militia, the sedentary 
 to form the 'reserve.' I regret that (the union of 
 the provinces intervening) His Excellency was pre- 
 vented from carrying this scheme out." 
 
 "The militia is divided into two classes — active and 
 sedentary: the former of these is subdivided into three 
 classes, termed respectivelj' class A, B, and C. The 
 volunteers, or class A, of the active militia consists of 
 cavalry, artillery, engineers, and infantry, and num- 
 bers 2,079." 
 
 " I may observe that there is not a government 
 magazine in the province. His Excellency, Major- 
 General Doyle obtained authority from the Imperial 
 Government, to place anmiunition, purchased for the 
 militia, in Carleton Tower, Saint John, as a tem- 
 porary measure, until a magazine be erected. There 
 is but one militia store in the province (at Fredericton) . 
 Considerable sums are paid as rent for a building in 
 which to store arms, accoutrements, and other govern- 
 ment property, at Saint John." 
 
 "The furnishing of uniform, tunics and forage caps to 
 'effective' members of corps at government expense, 
 has been a large item in the annual expenditure. The 
 term 'effective' is, by law, applied to those who per- 
 form at least fifteen drills in each month. As none but 
 effective members are provided with government 
 uniform, another inducement is thus offered volunteers 
 to attend drill regularly. I can bear testimony to the 
 soldier-like appearance of the men at inspection 
 parades. Many obtained uniformed trowsers at their 
 own cost. As the supply of uniform for voluateers 
 is limited, so is that system regarding it at present 
 far from perfect." 
 
 " Scarcely a year has elapsed since the establishment 
 of the Provincial Rifle Association by His Excellency 
 Major-General Doyle, which, with the subsequent 
 
 85 
 
formation of several county rifle matches in con- 
 nection with the association, has been a complete 
 success, and surpassed the expectations of the most 
 ardent." 
 
 "By the provisions of the Militia Act passed on 31st 
 May, 1865, classes B and C consist of all the male 
 inhabitants of the province, (except class A and 
 certain exempts) between the ages of 18 and 45; 
 class B being unmarried men and widowers without 
 children ; class C, married men, and widowers with 
 children." 
 
 " Your lordship being well aware that no advantage 
 could accrue from the one day's muster of battalions, 
 provided for in the existing law, was pleased to order 
 it to be dispensed with. However, eight battalions had 
 already mustered when your excellency's order was 
 published. It is creditable to officers and men that 
 the attendance at muster parades has been in any 
 respect satisfactory, as the difficulty, if not impos- 
 sibility, of enforcing obedience and collecting fines 
 under a defective law, is such, that in cases of men 
 absenting themseves from muster, and having escaped 
 punishment by fine, a precedent is established, 
 which has a tendency to increase the number of absen- 
 tees, to diminish the power of commanding officers, and 
 has an injurious effect as regards discipline. That the 
 important classes of which I now treat, composed 
 of young active men, the 'bone and sinew' of the 
 community, should be only called upon under such a 
 law, and such unsatisfactory circumstances, to con- 
 tribute to the military strength of this province, is 
 indeed to be regretted. It is true that the efforts 
 made to instruct militia officers, and to drill a quota 
 %from every battalion at an annual camp, were accom- 
 plished with a view to facilitate a future system of 
 training, and it cannot be doubted that these efforts 
 have been attended with excellent results." 
 
 "The principles upon which the camp of instruction 
 was based were in themselves admirable, and were in 
 general terms : — 
 
 "1. That at least fifteen companies, consisting of 3 
 officers and 60 rank and file each, should assemble 
 annually for 28 days at a specified time and place. 
 
 "2. The men to be drawn, by the voluntary system, 
 in equal proportions from every battalion, or in such 
 proportions as the commander-in-chief should deem 
 expedient. 
 
 "3. Any officer commanding a battalion failing to 
 furnish the required quota, must resort to the draft. 
 
 The practical execution of these principles has 
 been attended with many difficulties, amongst others 
 were these : — 
 
 " In consequence of the limited funds placed at the 
 disposal of the commander-in-chief, and the neces- 
 sarily large sums required for the transport of those 
 men who reside in distant parts of the province to and 
 from camp, and for the erection or hire of a building 
 in which to house the assembled force, either the 
 course of drill had to be curtailed, or a smaller number 
 of men called upon to attend than it was previously 
 considered desirable to have at Camp. 
 
 "2. Although commanding officers were requested 
 to select officers and men for duty at the camp who 
 were residents in the province, and whose services 
 would subsequently be available in imparting instruc- 
 tion to their respective companies, it was found that 
 this selection was in some cases impracticable, as many 
 men of this class failed to attend, the excuse being 
 that absence from their homes and ordinary occupa- 
 tions for a lengthened period would be with incon- 
 venience to themselves; and the vacancies their 
 absence from camp caused, had necessarily to be filled 
 from the so-called 'migratory class.' However, the draft 
 was not resorted to in any instance. And it must be 
 admitted that the camp of instruction has been the 
 means of diffusing a good practical knowledge of drill 
 throughout the province, and of shewing the system by 
 which the interior economy of a battalion is con- 
 ducted to those who otherwise would have no oppor- 
 tunity of obtaining such information." 
 
 "The only remaining class is the sedentary militia, 
 comprising all male inhabitants of the province, with 
 the same exceptions as classes B and C, between the 
 ages of forty-five and sixty. They are attached to the 
 battalions comprising the districts in which they 
 reside, and are not called upon to muster, but should 
 be carefully enrolled as Section 39 of the Act pro- 
 vides. A return of them has been made by the com- 
 manding officers of most battalions, but I cannot 
 vouch for the accuracy of their numbers, which, as 
 taken from the returns would amount only to 7,193." 
 
 The dress regulations of the New Brunswick militia, 
 as per order dated April 7, 1863, provided for uniforms 
 for the various arms similar to those of the British 
 army. 
 

 ¥i 
 
 CHAPTER VIII 
 
 MILITIA OF THE DOMINION 
 
 The First Dominion Militia Act and Amending Legislation. — The Fenian Raids of 1870 and 1871, 
 The Red River Expeditions, The Northwest Rebellion, and the South African War. — Canada's 
 Defensive Force Emerges from the Experimental Stage. 
 
 THE Confederation of the provinces, consummated 
 in 1867, had, of course, a momentous effect upon 
 the militia. As a matter of fact, the desire to pro- 
 vide an adequate system of national defence was one of 
 the main motives which led to the adoption of the scheme 
 of Confederation. For instance, we find that the 
 Hon. John A. (later Sir John A.) Macdonald, in his 
 speech in the United Canada Legislative Assembly 
 February 6th, 1865, said: — "One of the great advant- 
 ages of Confederation is that we shall have a united, 
 a concerted and uniform system of defence. We are 
 at this moment with a different militia system in each 
 colony — ^in some of the colonies with an utter want 
 of any system of defence. We have a number of 
 staff establishments, without any arrangement between 
 the colonies as to the means either of defence or offence. 
 But under the union we will have one system of de- 
 fence, and one system of militia organization. We 
 will have one system of defence and be one people, 
 acting together alike in peace and war." 
 
 At the time of Confederation there were 22,390 
 active militia maintained in the four originally con- 
 federated provinces, divided as follows: — Upper Canada 
 12,199; Lower Canada, 7,398; New Brunswick, 1,791; 
 Nova Scotia, 1,002. 
 
 The "British North American Act" (30 and 31 
 Victoria, Chapter 3) gave the management and control 
 of the militia during peace to the Dominion, which 
 
 came into being on July 1st, 1867, but for some months 
 thereafter the old provincial militia organizations 
 were maintained pending the drafting and adoption 
 of a militia act for the entire Dominion. 
 
 The first Dominion Militia Act, (31 Victoria, Chapter 
 xl), entitled "An Act respecting the Militia and De- 
 fence of the Dominion of Canada," was assented to 
 May 22, 1868. 
 
 During the year 1868, this Act was carried into effect, 
 and the organization contemplated under its pro- 
 visions, assumed a practical form. By that law the 
 militia consisted : — 
 
 1. "Of all the male inhabitants of Canada, of the 
 age of eighteen year? and upwards, and under sixty — 
 not exempted or disqualified by law, and being British 
 subjects by birth or naturalization," but Her Majesty 
 might require all the male inhabitants of the Dominion, 
 capable of bearing arms, to serve in case of a levee en 
 masse : 
 
 The male population so liable to serve in the militia 
 were divided into four classes: 
 
 The first class comprised those of the age of eighteen 
 years and upwards, but under thirty years, who were 
 unmarried, or widowers without children. ; 
 
 The second class comprised those of the age of thirty 
 years and upwards, but under forty-five years, who 
 were unmarried, or widowers without children; 
 
 87 
 
The third class comprised those of the age of thirty 
 years and upwards, but under forty-five years, who 
 were married, or widowers without children; 
 
 The fourth class comprised those of the age of forty- 
 five years and upwards, hut under sixty years; 
 
 And the above was the order in which the male 
 population could be called upon to serve. 
 
 The militia was divided into active and reserve 
 militia: — 
 
 The active militia consisted of the "volunteer 
 militia," the "regular militia," and the "marine 
 militia." The volunteer militia was composed of 
 corps raised by voluntary enlistment. The "regular 
 militia" was composed of men who voluntarily en- 
 listed to serve in the same ; or of men ballotted to serve ; 
 or of men who voluntary enlisted to serve with the 
 ballotted men, and of men l)allotted to serve. The 
 marine militia was composed of seamen, sailors, and 
 persons whose usual occupation was upon any steam 
 or sailing craft, navigating the waters of the Dominion. 
 The reserve militia consisted of the whole of the men 
 who were not serving in the active militia at the time 
 being. 
 
 The four provinces of which the Dominion was 
 originally composed, were divided into nine military 
 districts, viz.: one comprising the province of Nova 
 Scotia, one comprising the province of New Brunswick, 
 three in the Province of Quebec, and four in the 
 province of Ontario. These nine military districts 
 were divided into 22 brigade divisions, and again 
 subdivided into regimental divisions. 
 
 The law provided for annual paid drills for 40,000 
 officers and men, in addition to the officers of reserve 
 militia, for not less than eight nor more than sixteen 
 days, the number being regulated by the money vote 
 of Parliament each year. The men required for drill 
 could be comprised entirely of volunteers, or if the 
 required number was not furnished in that way in the 
 several divisions, the men could be drawn from the 
 reserve by ballot, subject to the exemptions, which 
 were reduced to the minimum. 
 
 Ballotted men could be exempted, on providing a 
 substitute, on payment of $30. If the substitute was 
 drawn his principal had to supply his place. 
 
 Section 27 provided for the calling out of the militia 
 in aid of the civil power. 
 
 Section 28 provided for the appointment of an 
 adjutant-general of militia to be "a person educated 
 to the military profession and who has attained the 
 rank of field officer in Her Majesty's regular army." 
 It was provided that the adjvitant-general should be 
 charged with the military command and discipline 
 of the militia. 
 
 As, prior to the date of the union, the several Pro- 
 vinces had military forces organized under local laws, 
 to bring these organizations under the direct authority 
 of the Dominion, section 7 of the new law provided for 
 their reorganization in the words following: — 
 
 "3. Every volunteer corps duly authorized pre- 
 viously to and existing on the day on which this Act 
 shall come into force, including the officers com- 
 missioned thereto, shall for the purposes of this Act 
 be held to be existing and shall be continued as such, 
 sul)ject to the provisions of this Act; and within three 
 months after the day on which this Act shall come into 
 force, all such corps shall be mustered by their captains 
 or commanding officers, the provisions of this Act 
 shall be explained to them, and such of the men as have 
 not previously given notice of their desire to be dis- 
 charged, shall take the oath hereinafter prescribed, 
 and be enrolled as volunteer militia, and each man 
 shall sign a muster roll; and thereafter such men of 
 any volunteer corps, d,s complete three years, including 
 any previous continuous service in the same corps 
 immediately before such muster, or had served three 
 years continuously in such corps immediately before 
 such muster, and are discharged after giving the 
 required notice, shall not be liable to be ballotted 
 for any period of drill or training of the active militia, 
 until all the other men in the first, second and third 
 classes of militiamen in the company division within 
 which they reside, have volunteered or been ballotted 
 to serve." 
 
 The re-enrolment of the volunteer militia and the 
 enrolment of the reserve militia, were carried on 
 simultaneously. 
 
 In the volunteer force, as it stood on the 1st October, 
 1868, there were many men who had completed their 
 periods of service, and others who did not desire to 
 re-enrol. These men had the benefit accorded under 
 the law for previous service, and the corps were per- 
 mitted to enrol other men as volunteers to complete 
 the strength in each instance to the regulated standard, 
 or in the event of failure to maintain such complement 
 of men as was considered necessary for efficiency. If 
 any corps became inefficient, it was intended they 
 should be disbanded, and others were raised in stead. 
 The re-enrolment of the volunteer militia was highly 
 satisfactory, and in addition to the old corps pre- 
 viously in existence, many new ones were added te 
 the strength in parts of the country where no local 
 organization had previous existence. 
 
 The Dominion Rifle Association was founded in 1868, 
 Col. Botsford being the first President. 
 
 The numl)er of the corps of active militia, with their 
 
 88 
 
nominal strength as they stood at the end of the year 
 1868 was as follows: — 
 
 Ontario, Total of all arms 21,816 
 
 Quebec, do 12,637 
 
 New Brunswick, do 1,789 
 
 Nova Scotia, do 928 
 
 Dominion total 37,170 
 
 There appeared no doubt that the total authorized 
 number of active militia could be raised and main- 
 tained by voluntary enrolment in the several pro- 
 vinces, in proportion as the population of each com- 
 pared with the other. In Ontario the quota was 
 complete at the end of the year, and in the other 
 proxnnces the deficiences w'ere being rapidly filled. 
 
 As regards the reserve militia, the following plan was 
 contemplated by the law. The several regimental 
 divisions, which with few exceptions were identical 
 with the electoral divisions for representation by 
 members of the House of Commons, were divided into 
 company divisions, and the officers appointed thereto 
 were resident within their company limits, thus 
 securing to a large extent a personal knowledge of the 
 men enrolled, and also being a guarantee that the ballot 
 when called into u.se, would be conducted with fairness 
 and impartiality. 
 
 The drill for 1868-69 was performed in the several 
 provinces under orders and regulations having local 
 application, and being based upon the old provincial 
 laws. In the rural parts of Ontario and Quebec, the 
 several battalions performed the days of annual drill 
 in camp at their battalion headquarters. It was felt 
 that these corps made up of companies (although 
 within the same county), widely separated as regards 
 distance, could not in any other way be instructed to 
 act in concert. The vote of eight dollars per man was 
 paid to each country corps for eight days drill in camp, 
 the volunteers paying out of that sum the expense 
 of the camp, and providing rations which amounted 
 to from three to four dollars a man. 
 
 During the year, 2,000 circular tents complete, and 
 10,000 blankets were procured and added to the public 
 stores; the linen tents from England, and the poles, 
 pins, mallets and blankets manufactured in Canada. 
 
 It will be recalled that military schools for the 
 practical training of officers, were originally established 
 in the year 1864, after the apprehension of troubles 
 arising out of the Trent affair. These schools were 
 formed in connection with regiments of the regular 
 army, at Quebec and Toronto, and to encourage can- 
 didates to apply for admission to these schools, gra- 
 tuities of S50 were granted with both first and second- 
 class certificates. The call was responded to from 
 
 89 
 
 all parts, and candidates became so numerous that 
 in the year 1865, four more schools were established, 
 at Montreal Kingston, Hamilton and London. The two 
 schools last named, failing to draw a sufficiently numer- 
 ous attendance of cadets, were closed by the end of the 
 year. The number of cadets who had up to 1870 
 been granted certificates by the several commandants 
 (officers of the regular army), who had charge of 
 the schools in Ontario and Quebec, exceeded 5,000, of 
 whom 24 per cent, had taken first-class certificates. 
 The whole of these cadets were distributed throughout 
 the two Provinces of Quebec and Ontario, and so 
 continuous had been the applications from these 
 provinces, that the number of cadets in Quebec only 
 exceeds that of those from Ontario by eighty-eight. 
 Quebec had the advantage of first class certificates, 
 as during the period that gratuities were given for 
 first class certificates, two were taken in Queljec for 
 every one in Ontario. 
 
 In addition to those previously in existence, schools 
 of military instruction for infantry were opened during 
 the year 1868 at Halifax and St. John, in connection 
 with the regiments of the line stationed in those cities, 
 and separate schools for artillery and cavalry were in 
 successful operations in each of the cities of Montreal 
 and Toronto. 
 
 In his annual report for this year, Lieut.-Col. Walker 
 Powell, deputy-adjutant general of militia, explained:— 
 " As an evidence of the success which has attended the 
 opening of schools of military instruction, it may be 
 observed that some five years ago, when it was decided 
 to extend the operations of the volunteer system, and 
 largely increase the number of men which had pre- 
 viously been under training, the chief obstacle to the 
 raising of corps in the rural parts, was the difficulty 
 in obtaining local officers and instructors capable of 
 commanding and drilling the men ; to provide for this 
 want the schools were established, and the result has 
 shown that in every regimental division in Ontario 
 and Quebec, where corps of active militia are required, 
 competent officers can now be found, and the question 
 of instructors is no longer an impediment." 
 
 Towards the end of the first year of the existence 
 of the Dominion militia, those interested in militia 
 affairs received a pointed intimation that the system of 
 military schools in connection with the units of the 
 Imperial army stationed in Canada was only a temp- 
 porary expedient, and that the time was drawing near 
 when Canada would have to make arrangements for the 
 establishment of military schools of her own. Colonel 
 S. G. Jenyns, commanding the 13th Hussars, notified the 
 deputy adjutant general of fnilitia that in pursuance 
 of the plan of the home government to withdraw the 
 regular troops from Canada, his regiment was about 
 
MINISTERS OF MILITIA, 1880 to 1896. 
 
 1. The Hon. Sir Adolphe P. Caron, Nov. 8th, 1880 to Jan. 25th, 1892. )i. The Hon. Sir Mackenzie Bowell, Jan. 25th, 1892 
 to Dec. sth, 1892. 3 The Hon. J. C. Patterson, Dec. sth, 1892^0 March 26th, 1895. 4. The Hon. A. R. Dickey, March 26th, 
 189s to Jan. 15th, 1896. o. The Hon. D. Tisdale, May 1st, i8g6 to July Sth, 1896. ti. The Hon. Alphonse Desjardins, Jan. 15th, 
 1896 to April 27th, 1896. 
 
 90 
 
to return to England, and he was about to sell his 
 troop horses. Consequently the cavalry school main- 
 tained at Toronto could not be carried on. Colonel 
 Jenyns remarked in his communication: — "I do not 
 like to resign the appointment of commandant without 
 specially bringing to the notice of the minister of 
 militia the great zeal which I have found exists in all 
 ranks. With very few exceptions, I have found that 
 every officer, non-commissioned officer and private 
 came there to learn, and did his best to render himself 
 efficient, and it was quite surprising to me to find how 
 much very many did learn in the short time they were 
 under instruction, owing to their unremitting attention. 
 Although some could hardly sit on a horse when they 
 entered the school, a great many officers and non- 
 commissioned officers are quite capable of drilling 
 their respective troops, particularly as a considerable 
 number of men under them have passed through the 
 cavalry school." 
 
 During the time the militia force of the new Domin- 
 ion was being organized the military spirit of the country 
 was maintained at a high pitch as a result of the 
 continued threats of Fenian invasions. Meantime the 
 carrying into execution of the home government's policy 
 of withdrawing the regular garrisons was partially 
 suspended, or at any rate delayed. 
 
 October 9th, 1869, all officers commanding battalions 
 and volunteer militia in the Toronto brigade district 
 received warning to hold their battalions in readiness 
 to turn out for active service at short notice on account 
 of another of the periodical Fenian scares of that time. 
 The men of the local volunteer militia corps were 
 instructed to take home their rifles and accoutrements, 
 and the regiments were ordered alternately to mount 
 one sergeant and three men as a guard over the maga- 
 zine in the Toronto drill-shed. October 12th, in 
 accordance with district orders, the 10th Royals and 
 Queen's Own resumed evening parades as in 1866, the 
 order specially requesting the commanding officer 
 to have the regiments kept in hand without causing 
 alarm. These drills and guards were maintained 
 until January 12th, 1870. 
 
 During the year 1870 there was a considerable 
 stirring up of the military spirit throughout Canada 
 as a result of the Fenian raids across the Quebec 
 frontier and the Red River uprising. 
 
 At the beginning of the year 1870, Colonel P. Robert- 
 son Ross, adjutant-general of militia, wrote in his 
 annual report: — "Although as yet the military system 
 of Canada is in its infancy, it may be said at all events 
 with equal truth, that if required for the defence of 
 the country, the commander-in-chief has but to give 
 the order, and in a very few hours more than 40,000 
 
 men of the active militia, who are at least admirably 
 armed, would stand forth to form the first line of 
 defence, animated with as much courage and deter- 
 mination to defend their Queen and country as has 
 ever been exhibited by any nation, and their ranks 
 might be hourly swelled by men from the reserve 
 militia. But to enable the men of Canada to fulfil 
 with success the .sacred duty of defence, sufficient time 
 for military training ought to be afforded them. The 
 necessary reserve of arms and stores should be at all 
 times available, and an adequate and permanent 
 staff maintained to secure their training in time of 
 peace, and their guidance in time of war. The ques- 
 tion of the maintenance and support in a prof)er state 
 of efficiency' of the militia of the Dominion to under- 
 take the defence of the country, depends entirely upon 
 the liberality of Parliament." 
 
 During the year 1870, events of great importance in 
 connection with the development of the defensive force 
 of the Dominion, and involving considerable action on 
 the part of the militia and the department, occurred. 
 This resulted partly from the attempted invasion by 
 Fenians from the United States, in the early part of 
 thfe year, partly from the necessity of raising and 
 organizing a militia force for service in the then 
 Northwest Territories, and despatching them to the 
 Province of Manitoba, in conjunction with a portion 
 of Her Majesty's regular troops; but chiefly from the 
 labour and responsibility that devolved upon the 
 militia department, in taking over the entire military 
 charge of the country west of Quebec, consetjuent on 
 the withdrawal of the regular troops from all parts of 
 the Dominion west of that station. 
 
 Early in the month of April, apprehension being 
 entertained of an intended Fenian raid from the 
 United States on the southern frontier, the adjutant- 
 general, Col. Robertson Ross, was called on by Govern- 
 ment, to take the necessary steps to hold in readiness 
 such number of the active militia as might be deemed 
 sufficient for the emergency. Col. Robertson Ross 
 submitted for adoption the following measures: — 
 
 1st — That the four frontier battalions of active 
 militia, belonging to military district No. 5, south of the 
 St. Lawrence and west of Lake Memphremagog, viz.: 
 The 50th Battalion, headquarters at Huntingdon, 
 numbering 29 officers and 258 non-commissioned 
 officers and men; the 51st Battalion, headquarters at 
 Hemmingford, numbering 31 officers and 314 non- 
 commissioned officers and men; the 52nd Battalion, 
 headquarters at Knowlton, numbering 29 officers and 
 250 non-commissioned officers and men; and the 60th 
 Battalion, headquarters at Durham, numbering 21 
 officers and 200 non-commissioned officers and men, 
 should at once be called out for active service, and 
 
 91 
 
placed upon frontier dutj' for the military protection 
 of that part of the country. 
 
 2nd. — That the Montreal Troop of Cavalry, number- 
 ing 3 officers and 30 troopers, should be directed to 
 proceed at once to Hemmingford, to be employed on 
 patrol and outpost duty along the frontier, west of the 
 Richelieu. 
 
 3rd. — That the Cookshire Troop of Cavalry, number- 
 ing 3 officers and 45 troopers should be sent by rail 
 (the roads at that time being in very bad condition) 
 via Sherbrooke, St. Lambert and Stanbridge, and 
 from thence march to Frelighsburg, as their head- 
 quarters, for outpost and patrol duty east of Lake 
 Champlain. 
 
 4th. — That the above force should be placed under 
 the immediate command of the deputy adjutant- 
 general commanding, military district No. 5, subject 
 to such orders as he might receive from time to time. 
 
 5th. — That in the event of the regular troops being 
 ordered from Montreal to the front, all the active 
 militia corps there should be held in readiness to turn 
 out for garrison duty in Montreal, or for such other 
 service as might be required. 
 
 6th. — That such portions of Col. Rodier's battalion 
 of active militia (the 64th) as were then equipped 
 and ready, having their headquarters at Beauharnois, 
 should, together with the St. Martine Company, be 
 placed on active service for the protection of the 
 Beauharnois Canal, acting also as supports and posts 
 of communication with the Huntingdon line of de- 
 fence. 
 
 7th. — That the militia gunboat "Rescue," then lying 
 at Kingston, should be manned, armed, and placed on 
 duty at Prescott, for patrol service on the river frontier 
 of military district No. 4, and that the gunboat "Prince 
 Alfred," then lying at Goderich, should be likewise 
 placed on service and ordered to Sarnia for the pro- 
 tection of the St. Clair frontier. 
 
 8th. — That the above force should remain on duty 
 until the alarm had subsided, and that to ensure 
 unity of command, arrangements should be made to 
 enable the lieut. -general commanding Her Majesty's 
 regular troops to assume the command in chief of the 
 militia so called out. 
 
 All these recommendations were duly approved of 
 by an Order in Council, dated 9th April, 1870, the 
 command in chief of the militia called out being 
 placed in the hands of the lieut. -general commanding 
 the regular troops. Lieut.-Col. Osborne Smith, 
 deputy adjutant-general commanding Military District 
 No. 5 (an officer well acquainted with the roads and 
 localities on the frontier of his district, the one then 
 most threatened), assumed the immediate command 
 of the force in his district, proceeding to post the 
 
 various pickets, and to make the necessary military 
 dispositions. 
 
 On the 12th April, for the protection of the St. 
 Clair frontier, a force of militia, consisting of a demi- 
 battery of field artillery (two guns, with 35 gunners 
 and drivers), two companies of the 7th battalion of 
 infantry (100 men), was placed on duty at Sarnia, 
 and the St. Thomas troop of cavalry, 40 strong, the 
 Windsor company of 55 strong, and the Leamington 
 independent company of infantry, 55 strong, posted 
 at Windsor; the force at Sarnia being vmder the com- 
 mand of Lieut.-Col. Shanly, of the London field battery, 
 and that at Windsor under Major Walker, of the 7th 
 battalion. 
 
 On the 11th of April, in consequence of additional 
 information received by Government, it was considered 
 desirable to call out an additional force of 5,000 men, 
 to be taken chiefly from military districts Nos. 5, 6 
 and 7. To this call the active militia in those districts 
 at once responded with promptitude and alacrity, 
 and within forty-eight hours after the receipt of the 
 order very many were assembled at, and all on their 
 way to, their respective posts. 
 
 The remainder of the force called out at this time 
 was concentrated at Montreal and Quebec, except 
 that a proportion of the Grand Trunk Brigade was 
 judiciously disposed at certain vulnerable points 
 along the line of the Grand Trunk Railway, by its 
 commandant, Lieut.-Col. C. J. Brydges. Including 
 the troops on the St. Clair frontier, a force in all of 
 6,000 men was stationed where required, in a very 
 short space of time. By returns received from Mont- 
 real, dated 20th April, upwards of 2,000 of the active 
 militia were held there in reserve, ready, if required, 
 to support those on duty on the Missisquoi, Hunt- 
 ingdon and Hemmingford frontiers, and at Quebec 
 1,637 officers and men were concentrated. 
 
 On the 21st April, it being considered by that time 
 unnecessary to retain the whole of the force then em- 
 bodied, on duty, orders were transmitted for the 
 release from duty of all, with the exception of the 
 50th, 51st, 52nd. 60th, and 64th, and the two troops 
 of cavalry originally placed on the southern frontier, 
 and who remained at their posts until the 29th April, 
 when they were also withdrawn. The gunboats 
 "Rescue" and "Prince Alfred," however, were still 
 kept on their respective stations. 
 
 About the middle of May rumours of Fenian invasion 
 from the United States again became current, and 
 although at first many disbelieved in the probability 
 of such, it soon became evident from the active mili- 
 tary proceedings adopted by the Fenians in con- 
 centrating arms and war material on the frontier 
 that mischief was intended. On May 24th, then being 
 
 92 
 
celebrated as the anniversary of Her Majesty's birth- 
 day by the inhabitants and mihtia in the large cities 
 throughout the Dominion, the fact of the presence of 
 the invaders at different points on the frontier becom- 
 ing actually known, the necessary orders were issued. 
 A sufficient number of the active militia was called 
 out in the districts threatened, those in districts 5, 6 
 and 7 being brigaded with the regular troops under 
 the immediate orders of the Lieut.-General commanding 
 the British troops, (General Lindsay), who, by virtue 
 of an Order in Council, dated 24th May, again assumed 
 the command in chief of the militia forces so called out. 
 
 On exposed points of the frontier, where no regular 
 troops were at hand, the necessary protection was at 
 once furnished by the men of the militia. On the St. 
 Clair frontier, Sarnia was occupied by 322 infantry 
 and a demi-battery of field artillery from London; 
 Windsor by 234 infantry, and patrols of cavalry or 
 mounted riflemen established in the vicinity of each 
 of these places. The co-operation of the militia gun- 
 boat "Prince Alfred" on this line of frontier, could 
 not upon the occasion of this second alarm be ob- 
 tained, that vessel (which, during the winter months, 
 had been altered and converted into an effective fight- 
 ing craft, armed with four guns, and fitted with iron 
 shutters to protect the gunners from rifle fire), being 
 employed at the moment in connection with the Red 
 River expedition. 
 
 On the Niagara frontier, a force of 1,159 men, in- 
 cluding the Welland field battery of artillery, with four 
 guns, was judiciously posted by Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Durie, the deputy adjutant-general of militia, military 
 district No. 2. 
 
 The defence of the St. LawTence River frontier from 
 Brockville eastwards to Cornwall and Vaudreuil, 
 was likewise provided for by the militia alone, with 
 great rapidity; a force of 2,230 officers and men with 
 a field battery of four guns occupying Cornwall, its 
 line of canal, and the towns of Prescott and Brock- 
 ville. 
 
 As the Dominion militia gunboat "Rescue," whose 
 usual station was at Kingston, was also employed with 
 the North-West expedition, and not available to 
 co-operate in the defence of this portion of the river 
 frontier, authority was obtained to hire, at Brockville, 
 a small steam vessel, and after placing on board one 
 six-pounder gun, with a small detachment of militia 
 artillery, she was despatched to Prescott, and sub- 
 sequently to Cornwall, to be at the disposal of the 
 deputy adjutant-general of militia of military district 
 No. 4 (who was charged with the command there), 
 ready to intercept the landing of any hostile force; 
 and if such force had landed, available to act on its 
 line of communication and cut off its retreat. 
 
 Four hundred and .seventy officers and men were 
 likewise called out at Kingston. 
 
 On May 25th, at a place called Eccles Hill, hi 
 advance of Cook's Corners, on the Missisquoi frontier, 
 the first attempt during the year 1870 to invade the 
 territory of the Dominion was made, but the invaders 
 were instantly met with gallantry and repulsed with 
 loss, in the act of crossing the line from the State of 
 Vermont, by a small force of the Canadian militia, 
 consisting of forty men of the 60th (or Missisquoi 
 Battalion), and 37 farmers, resident in the neighbor- 
 hood, (the only officers on the ground at the moment 
 being Lieut. -Col. Chamberlain, M.P., who commanded 
 the 60th Battalion, and Captain Bockus of the same 
 corps). The men had been previously judiciously 
 posted by Lieut. -Col. Osborne Smith, deputy adjutant 
 general, commanding the militia, in military district 
 No. 5. 
 
 On the advance of the enemy, apparently about 200 
 in numljer, across the frontier, the leading man was 
 immediately shot dead, and several others wounded 
 (some of whom were subsequently reported dead), 
 and the rest speedily retired in disorder. At 6 p.m., 
 on the same day, Lieut. -Col. Osborne Smith having 
 in the meantime arrived with reinforcements, the 
 invaders were driven out of certain houses on the 
 boundary line, in which they had taken refuge after 
 their repulse in the morning, and being already de- 
 moralized, fled in all directions, seeking shelter in the 
 neighboring woods, throwing away their arms and 
 ammunition, and having one of their leaders, called 
 Donnelly, and styled as general, wounded. They also 
 abandoned a small field gun, which they had fired 
 several times during the evening, and which sub- 
 sequently fell into the hands of the Canadians. 
 
 On the 27th May, another body from the 8tate of 
 New York, again crossed the border in arms, at Hol- 
 brook's, or Trout River, near Hinchinbrook, on the 
 Huntingdon frontier, but were instantly engaged and 
 driven back with rapidity across the lines by one 
 company of Her Majesty's 69th regiment, then forming 
 part of the Quebec garrison, and the 50th (Huntingdon) 
 Battalion of active militia. 
 
 Although official recognition of the services of the 
 rank and file who participated in the repulse of the 
 raiders was decidedly tardy, the service medal not 
 being issued until 1900, the British government did 
 not lose much time in marking its appreciation of the 
 services of the Dominion militia officers who held 
 responsible commands on the Quebec frontier during 
 the raids. October 20, 1870, a very interesting cere- 
 mony took place in the large reception-room of the 
 St. Lawrence Hall, Montreal, when an investiture of 
 the insignia of Companion of the Order of St. Michael 
 
 03 
 
and St. George was held by His Excellency the Govern- 
 or-General, Lord Lisgar,the recipients being Lieut.-Cols. 
 Osbo'rne Smith, Fletcher, and McEachran. This was 
 the first occas.on on which the decorations of the 
 then new order had been offered to any in the British 
 colonies. 
 
 Before handing over the insignia of the Order, His 
 Excellency delivered a speech in which he remarked 
 that the Imperial government had marked the public 
 spirit displayed by the Canadians, and before any 
 communication from him could reach Her Majesty's 
 ministers, they had resolved to confer the order on 
 any Canadian militia officer who might be deserving 
 of it. 
 
 His Excellency's subsequent remarks are historically 
 interesting as indicating the routine followed in pro- 
 curing these honors for the gentlemen concerned, and 
 as specifying the exact services for which the honours 
 were conferred. 
 
 His Excellency said : — " I was particularly asked 
 whether there were any officers in command of 
 the colonial forces who were actually engaged in 
 the recent repulse of the Fenians on the frontier, whom I 
 would recommend on that account for the honor of a 
 Companionship of the Order of St. Michael and St. 
 George, and I stated that there were gentlemen whose 
 names I should be happy to have the opportunity for 
 submitting for consideration under the circumstances, 
 feeling assured as 1 did, that the conferring rewards 
 upon them would have an excellent effect throughout 
 the Dominion, animate and encourage the volunteer 
 militia, and be received with the utmost gratitude 
 in all quarters as a gracious boon on the part of Her 
 Majesty. Accordingly I communicated with the 
 lieut. -general in command, the Hon. James Lindsay, 
 and the Honorable the Minister of Militia, Sir George 
 E. Cartier, and in accordance with their views, I re- 
 commended for the distuiction in question the names 
 of the gentlemen following: — Lieut.-Col. William 
 Osborne Smith, deputy adjutant-general of militia, 5th 
 district, who commanded on the Missisquoi frontier, 
 arranged the defence of Eccles Hill, and provided for 
 the defence of that post on the 25th May; was present 
 there in command on the afternoon of the same day 
 when skirmishing took place. Lieut. -Colonel John 
 Fletcher, brigade major of St. John's militia brigade 
 district, was in command on the Huntingdon 
 frontier previous to the arrival of Her Majesty's 
 69th regiment, when Col. Bagot, the officer commanding 
 that regiment assumed the command of the field 
 force. Col. Fletcher accompanied the troops when 
 advancing to attack, and though not in command, 
 was present with the advanced guard when it drove 
 the Fenians across the border. Lieut.-Col. A. Mc- 
 
 Eachran, commanding 50th Huntingdon Borderers, 
 commanded on the Huntingdon frontier until the 
 arrival of Lieut.-Col. Fletcher; commanded his own 
 corps when it drove the Fenians across the border 
 at Trout River. Lieut.-Col. Brown Chamberlin, M.A., 
 U.C.L., commanding 60th Missisquoi battalion of 
 militia, commanded at Eccles Hill, and drove the 
 Fenians back when they crossed the frontier, and 
 attacked the position named on the forenoon of the 
 25th of May. 
 
 "Lord Kimberly, who had in the meantime suc- 
 ceeded Lord Granville at the Colonial Office, acknow- 
 ledged the receipt of my despatch, submitting the 
 names of the four officers, and strongly recommending 
 them for the distinction named. In reply. Lord 
 Kimberly stated that he had much pleasure in sub- 
 mitting the names of the four gentlemen to the Queen 
 for the Royal approval, and Her Majesty was graciously 
 pleased to direct that the decoration should be offered 
 to them." 
 
 It speaks volumes for the efficiencj^ of the newly 
 created militia department that, while arrangements 
 were being made for the mobilization and equipment 
 of the powerful force placed in the field to resist the 
 Fenian raiders, plans were progressing concurrently 
 for the raising of a force to restore order in the new 
 Red River Province, or Manitoba. Of course, the 
 department had the great advantage of the cheerful 
 assistance of the staff and the departmental organiza- 
 tions of the British regular troops still remaining in 
 Canada, and the imperial magazines were drawn upon 
 to a considerable extent. Still the work accomplished 
 this year by the new militia department and staff was 
 extremely creditable, both in connection with the 
 successful resistance of the Fenian raids and with the 
 suppression of the half-breed uprising in the Red 
 River Valley. 
 
 From 1670 until 1869 the Hudson Bay Company 
 asserted jurisdiction over the vast region which com- 
 prises the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, 
 Alberta and the Northwest Territories. Thanks to 
 the intervention of the British Government, and for 
 certain considerations, the company, March 9, 1869, 
 relinquished its charter and its authority over the 
 whole region of Rupert's Land, or the Hudson Bay 
 Territory, on the understanding that the territory 
 was to be transferred to the Dominion. A delay in 
 the issue of the proclamation announcing the transfer 
 was productive of much trouble. 
 
 The first attempt to raise a Canadian militia force in 
 Manitoba was during the stirring winter of 1869-70. 
 Louis Riel and his followers were running things with 
 a high hand in Fort Garry or Wiimipeg. The Honour- 
 able William MacDougall, the Lieutenant-Governor 
 
 94 
 
designate, was making his residence, for the time 
 being, across the international frontier at Pembina, 
 being forbidden by Riel's government to enter the 
 country. The expected proclamation by the Queen 
 announcing the transfer of Rupert's Land to the 
 Dominion of Canada had not been received, and even 
 loyal Canadians residing in Manitoba doubted whether 
 they had any legal right to offer armed assistance to 
 the men who had assumed the authority. As a matter 
 of fact the Hudson Bay Company remained the only 
 constituted authority in the colony. Meantime Riel 
 had armed his men with the weapons left in Fort 
 Garry by the last detachment of British troops who 
 had been in the countr}- (1). 
 
 On the first of December, Mr. Macdougall, with 
 some of those of his party, crossed the frontier and, in 
 British territory, issued a proclamation assuming the 
 duties and authority of lieutenant-governor in virtue 
 of a commission issued to him at Ottawa, and knowing 
 the first of December had originally been decided upon 
 as the date for the transfer of the country from the 
 Hudson Bay Company to the Dominion of Canada. 
 As a matter of fact the date for this event had been 
 postponed, but, being out of direct communication 
 with Ottawa, he could not keep himself informed of 
 the course of events. 
 
 The same day as he issued this proclamation, Mr. 
 Macdougall, in virtue of the assumed authority con- 
 ferred by his own commission, issued a commission to 
 Lieut. -Col. John Stoughton Dennis, appointing him 
 to be his " Lieutenant and Conservator of the Peace, 
 in and for the Northwest Territories." Colonel Dennis, 
 who had charge of one of the Dominion Government 
 survey parties which had started to survey the country 
 in anticipation of its regular transfer to the Dominion, 
 had been connected with the old Upper Canada militia, 
 and had figured prominently in the operations in the 
 Niagara Peninsula in connection with the Fenian 
 raid of 1866-67. 
 
 The commission issued to Colonel Dennis, after 
 setting forth the condition of affairs in the colony and 
 explaining his selection, proceeded: — "I do hereby 
 authorize and empower you as such to raise, organize, 
 arm, equip and provision a sufficient' force within the 
 said Territories and with the said force to attack, 
 arrest, disarm or disperse the said armed men, so 
 unlawfully a!5.sembled, and disturbing the public peace; 
 and for that purpose, and with the force aforesaid. 
 
 (I) In 1817 Lord Selkirk led a military expedition to Manitoba via the 
 Great Lakes, consisting of one hundred officers ami men of the De Meuroti 
 and Watteville rcKimeiits, two auxiliary Swiss corps (lisbanded in Canada 
 after the war of 1812. In 184f) a body of ;i8;i persons under command of 
 Colonel ,1. F. Crofton, including detachments of the Royal Engineers, Royah 
 Artillery anfl (ith Foot was sent from England to Fort Garry via Hudson 
 Bay, being relievetl in 1848 by a force of 56 men despatched by the same 
 route. In IS.'ST, 100 of the Royal Canadian Rifles were sent round to Fort 
 Garry via Hudson Bay, 
 
 to assault, fire upon, pull down or break into any 
 fort, house, stronghold or other place in which .said 
 armed men may be found; and I hereby authorize you, 
 as such Lieutenant and Conservator of the Peace, to 
 hire, purchase, impress and take all necessary clothing, 
 arms, ammunition and supplies, and all cattle, horses, 
 wagons, sleighs or other vehicles which may be re- 
 quired for the use of the force to be raised as aforesaid; 
 and I further authorize you to appoint as many officers 
 and deputies under you, and to give them such orders 
 and instructions from time to time, as may be found 
 necessary," etc., etc. 
 
 This was surely a comprehensive enough commission, 
 but unfortunately, apart altogether from its doubtful 
 authority, the means for giving it effect were decidedly 
 meagre, Riel having the chief supply of arms and 
 ammunition in the country under his hands. 
 
 Colonel Dennis lost no time in proceeding to give 
 effect to his orders. On December 1st, he was at 
 Winnipeg, and on the 2nd he reached the Stone Fort, 
 or Lower Fort Garry, a Hudson Bay post twenty 
 miles down the river towards Lake Winnipeg, By 
 eight o'clock that evening there were 70 young men 
 assembled in a large room in an upper part of one of 
 the buildings of the fort, and they were given an 
 hour's drill, A guard for the fort volunteered for the 
 night from those present, which was increased by a 
 reinforcement from Chief Prince's band of christianized 
 Indians of some 70 to 100 men. Colonel Dennis sent 
 all of the Indians home except the chief and 50 men, 
 whom he retained to serve as a permanent guard for 
 the fort, considering it .safer to avail himself of their 
 services in that way rather than to have them exposed 
 to any actual fighting. 
 
 Reporting that night to Mr. Macdougall, Col. Dennis 
 explained that he propo.sed to organize a full battalion 
 of infantry throughout the colony, he to have the 
 immediate command, with Major C, W. Boulton, a 
 former officer of H.M. 100th Regiment, who was one 
 of the staff of his surveying party, as second in com- 
 mand. Dennis also reported having called in Messrs. 
 Hart, C.E., and Webb, C.E., with their surveying 
 parties, to assist in organizing the forces, most of the 
 surveyors having been through the military schools 
 which had been conducted by the imperial troops, 
 when ([uartered in the older provinces. The 
 colonel expected to have a military school 
 man to command each one of the companies. 
 The other, and more subordinate oflScers, he intended 
 to let the men select from among them.selves. 
 
 While Colonel Dennis requisitioned and purchased 
 arms, supplies and ammunition, he commissioned 
 Major Boulton to visit the various parishes, supervise 
 the enrolling of the companies, appoint the officers 
 
 95 
 
and drill them. There was a very general response 
 to the call. 
 
 This force had but a chequered and brief career, 
 the average number a days' service performed by 
 those enrolled being four. 
 
 The activity of Colonel Dennis, Major Boulton and 
 their officers caused much stir throughout the country, 
 and particularly in Fort Garry and Winnipeg. Dennis 
 was anxious to avoid a collision until he had a suffi- 
 ciently large and well-formed force in hand to guarantee 
 complete success, and meantime he urged caution upon 
 his subordinates. But so much drilling and organizing 
 in a slim community could not go on unnoticed. Riel 
 called in his sympathizers, and there was an unexpectedly 
 generous response. Nothing succeeds like success, 
 and, while this encouraged the French half-breeds and 
 other disaffected, it had an opposite effect on the 
 timorous and indifferent. Among the white popula- 
 tion were many loyal British subjects who rightly 
 doubted the legality of the position of either Mr. 
 Macdougall or Colonel Dermis. While matters were 
 in this condition things came to a crisis in Winnipeg. 
 
 Dr. Schultz (afterwards Sir John) was the leading 
 spirit in the colony in opposition to the Riel movement" 
 and in his warehouse was stored a large quantity of 
 Canadian government provisions brought from the 
 east to supply the various survey parties and the 
 workmen on the government roads. Riel had mani- 
 fested a disposition to take possession of these valuable 
 stores, while to protect them the enrolled volunteers 
 and others had assembled and established themselves 
 in the warehouse and other buildings in the vicinity. 
 Saturday, December 4th, Major Boulton arrived, and, 
 taking command, told the men off into guards, etc. 
 The same night orders arrived from Lieut .-Col. Dennis 
 to abandon the premises and stores and withdraw to 
 the Scotch church, where they were to serve as an 
 outpost and rendezvous for the loyal in case of any 
 demonstration being made by Riel's party on the 
 lower settlement. Dennis feared that the presence 
 of the force on Dr. Schultz's premises, in such close 
 proximity to Riel's headquarters, would provoke a 
 collision. The next day Boulton proceeded to the 
 Stone Fort to consult with Dennis, the latter per- 
 sisting in his orders for the abandonment of the posi- 
 tion in Winnipeg. On the evening of the 6th, Dennis 
 reiterated his orders to the "enrolled Canadians" in 
 Winnipeg to leave the town and establish themselves 
 at Kildonan school-house. How Dr. Schultz and his 
 men persisted in remaining, how they were surrounded, 
 surrendered and were made prisoners is a matter of 
 Canadian history. 
 
 Tuesday, December 7th, Colonel Dennis received 
 from Mr. Macdougall a proclamation directing the 
 
 former officials of the colony to continue to discharge 
 their several duties as previous to the 1st instant, 
 and by Thursday, 9th, having become convinced that 
 it was useless longer to entertain any expectation of 
 being enabled to get a reliable force with which to put 
 down the party in arms, Dennis issued a proclamation 
 which, after reciting the expressed wish of the "French 
 party" to confer with Mr. Macdougall, went on to 
 say: — "Under the belief that the French party are 
 sincere in their desire for peace, and feeling that to 
 abandon for the present the call on the loyal to arms, 
 would, in view of such communications, relieve the 
 situation from much embarrassment and so contribute 
 to bring about peace and save the country from what 
 will otherwise end in universal ruin and devastation, 
 I now call and order the loyal party in the Northwest 
 Territories to cease from further action imder the 
 appeal to arms made by me; and I call on the French 
 party to satisfy the people of their sincerity in wishing 
 for a peaceable ending of all these troubles by sending 
 a deputation to the lieutenant-governor at Pembina, 
 without imnccessary delay." 
 
 That was only forty-five years ago, and in these days 
 of direct rail, telegraphic and telephonic communica- 
 tion, it is almost hard to believe that it was December 
 18th before Mr. Macdougall's report of his doings in 
 the first of that month reached Ottawa. When the 
 report reached the capital, as may be supposed, it 
 created great consternation, for the transfer of authority 
 had been postponed until the Hudson Bay Company 
 was prepared to transfer not only its own rights, but 
 the territory itself, to Her Majesty. 
 
 December 4th, Hon. Joseph Howe, Secretary of State, 
 wrote Mr. Macdougall in part: — "As it would appear 
 from these documents that you have used the Queen's 
 name without her authority — attributed to Her 
 Majesty acts which she has not yet performed — and 
 organized an armed force within the territory of the 
 Hudson-Bay Company, without warrant or instruc- 
 tions, I am commanded to assure you that the grave 
 occurrences which you report have occasioned here 
 great anxiety. The exertion of military force against 
 the misguided people now in arms, even under the 
 sanction of law, was not to be hastily risked, con- 
 sidering the fearful consecjuences which might ensue 
 were the Indians, many of them but recently in con- 
 tact with the white inhabitants of the neighboring 
 states, drawn into the conflict. But as the organiza- 
 tion and use of such a force by you was, under the 
 circumstances, entirely illegal, the governor-general 
 and council cannot disguise from you the weight of 
 .responsibility you have incurred." 
 
 In short, the first militia enrolled in what is now 
 the Province of Manitoba, under Canadian authority, 
 
 96 
 
\- 
 
 was raised in an absolutely irregular way and con- 
 trary to the laws and usages of Canada, and more than 
 that, raised, armed and drilled before the Canadian 
 government had the least authority in the colony. 
 
 There was no doubt as to the legal status or the 
 practical efficiency of the next Canadian militia units 
 seen in the Red River Valley, the two battalions of 
 Canadian militia which formed part of Colonel Garnet 
 Wolseley's historic expedition of 1870. 
 
 These two battalions were raised under the Dominion 
 Militia Act, 31 Vic, Chap. 40, and being "Rifles," 
 wore a uniform in all essential respects similar to that of 
 the 60th Royal Rifles, the first battalion of which 
 corps formed part of the expedition. 
 
 Early in the spring of 1870, it was agreed by the 
 Dominion government to raise and despatch a mili- 
 tary contingent, in conjunction with a portion of 
 Her Majesty's regular troops, to the Fort Garry. In 
 accordance with instructions received, Colonel Robert- 
 son Ross, the adjutant-general of militia, submitted a 
 scheme of organization for the Dominion force required 
 (750 men), which was duly approved of by an Or- 
 der-in-Council, dated 16th April, 1870, and adopted. 
 
 In that report it was recommended that the Do- 
 minion contingent should consist of two battalions of 
 riflemen, to be designated respectively the 1st or 
 Ontario Battalion of Rifles and the 2nd or Quebec 
 Battalion, each corps to consist of seven companies, 
 and each company of fifty non-commissioned officers 
 and men, having one captain, one lieutenant and one 
 ensign to each company. The staff of each battalion 
 consisted of one lieut. -colonel, one major, one adjutant 
 with rank of captain, one paymaster, one quarter- 
 master-sergeant, one hospital sergeant, one surgeon, 
 one sergeant-major, one armoury sergeant and one 
 paymaster's clerk, thus making the strength of each 
 battalion 375, including officers, staff sergeants, non- 
 commissioned officers and men; and it was further 
 recommended that two chaplains should be appointed 
 to accompany this force, one from the Church of 
 England, the other from the Church of Rome. 
 
 It was recommended that the officers and men for 
 these battalions should be allowed to volunteer from 
 existing corps of active militia, if possible drawn in 
 equal proportions, according to the strength of the 
 active militia in the seven military districts forming 
 the Provinces of Quebec and Ontario; that the rate of 
 pay and allowances for the officers should be the same 
 as laid down in paragraph 286 in the "Rules and 
 Regulations for the Active Militia," with free rations 
 when on the march or encamped, and the pay of the 
 non-commissioned officers and men ^as follows: — 
 Sergeant-major, $20 per month; quartermaster-ser- 
 geant, $20 per month; hospital sergeant, $18 per 
 
 month; paymaster's clerk, $18 per month; armour 
 sergeant, $18 per month; color sergeant, $18 per month; 
 sergeants, $15 per month; corporals and buglers, $13 
 per month; privates, $12 per month. Each non- 
 commissioned officer and man receiving, in addition to 
 his pay, free rations and lodgings. 
 
 It was further recommended that the men so selected 
 should be between the ages of eighteen and forty-five 
 years, of good character, and as the service upon 
 which they were about to be employed required more 
 than ordinary strength and power of endurance, a 
 strict medical examination was necessary; the men 
 l)eing required, moreover, to sign a service roll and be 
 regularly attested before a magistrate to serve for one 
 year at least, and one more in addition if required 
 by government. 
 
 The force was mobilized at Toronto, and left there 
 May 20th, 1870, for Fort Garry, 1,280 miles distant, 
 via the lakes, Prince Arthur's Landing (Port Arthur), 
 the Kaministiqua River and the chain of rivers and 
 lakes so frequently used by the old fur traders. 
 
 The detail was as follows: — Seven companies of the 
 1st Battalion, 60th Rifles, 350 men; Royal Artillery, 20 
 men, 4 seven-pounders; Royal Engineers, 20; Depart- 
 mental Corps Details, 10; 1st Ontario Battalion 
 (Rifles), Active Militia, 350; 2nd Quebec Battalion 
 (Rifles), 350; Voyageurs, 330. 
 
 The expedition reached Fort Garry without mishap 
 on August 24. 
 
 October 5th, 1870, the regular troops returned from 
 Fort Garry, the militia battalions remaining as a 
 garrison until near the expiration of their term of 
 enlistment. A couple of small companies, one from 
 each battalion, were then re-enlisted for service in the 
 province, and left at Fort Garrj^ under command of 
 Major Irvine. 
 
 During 1870 an important step forward was taken in 
 the training of the active force, by the introduction, 
 for the first time, at the annual drill, of a regular 
 system of target practice by companies in succession, 
 under their own officers, on the system, as far as cir- 
 cumstances would admit, then observed in the regular 
 army, each man firing, under supervision, five rounds 
 at 200, five at 400, and five at 600 yards, 15 rounds 
 per man in all ; and with view to the encouragement of 
 this most important part of military training, a certain 
 number of prizes (to be given to those who obtained, 
 at the annual drill, the highest shooting figures of 
 merit), were given by government. The amounts of 
 these prizes, with other details were published in 
 General Orders, dated 26th August, 1870. 
 
 When the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova 
 Scotia became part of the Dominion Confederation, 
 schools of military instruction in connection with the 
 
regular army were established at St. John, N.B., and 
 Hahfax, N.S., on the 20th January and 1st of February, 
 1869, respectively. In Nova Scotia the attendance 
 during the year 1870 was moderately fair, eight first, 
 and eighty second class certificates having been granted 
 by the commandant. At St. John, N.B., sixty cadets 
 were granted certificates, three of whom received first 
 class certificates, with very high recommendations from 
 Colonel Hawley, 4th Battalion, 60th Rifles, the com- 
 mandant. 
 
 During 1870 the question of uniforms for the militia 
 was carefully gone into, and Lieut .-Colonel Walker 
 Powell, then deputy adjutant-general of militia at 
 headquarters, was despatched to England for an ex- 
 amination, in all its details, of the Royal Army Clothing 
 Factory at Pimlico, from which depot he obtained 
 patterns of cloth and clothing, a list of the prices at 
 which materials were being supplied to the Imperial 
 government, and other information relating to the 
 several descriptions of army clothing then in use in 
 England, all of which proved of much value in making 
 decisions for the supply of articles required for Canada, 
 and enabled him to form an opinion for future re- 
 ference, as to whether cloth and clothing of the des- 
 criptions required for the militia could be satisfactorily 
 manufactured in Canada, either by contract, or 
 directly by material being procured and made up 
 under supervision of the government, and according 
 to the system then prevailing at Pimlico. 
 
 It may be well to state that when the description 
 of clothing to be worn by the active militia of Canada 
 was adopted, the consideration that uniformity with 
 that worn by regiments of Her Majesty's regular army 
 was imjxjrtant, in view of the fact that many of these 
 regiments of Her Majesty's regular army were stationed 
 in the country, and that they would, in cases of in- 
 vasion, or other necessity, act in concert with the 
 militia, and thus, while giving confidence to the latter, 
 the similarity in colour of clothing would, in cases of 
 attack by an enemy, prevent any undue advantage 
 being taken as against the militia. The colours then 
 adopted were scarlet, with blue facings, for infantry; 
 rifle green, with scarlet facings, for rifles; blue, with 
 scarlet facings, for artillery; and, blue with buff facings, 
 for cavalry, and as similar cloth and these colours 
 could not at the time be satisfactorily manufactured 
 in Canada, it was found that the manufacture of 
 army cloth and army clothing were special branches, 
 and as cloth such as that required was only made in 
 England, under contracts for delivery, as required 
 from time to time, a considerable saving was effected 
 by procuring the supplies for the militia from manu- 
 facturers who were under contract with the Imperial 
 government, while at the same time the government 
 
 of Canada had the advantage accruing from the ex- 
 perience of the Royal Army Clothing Factory in 
 decisions as to durability of materials taken into wear 
 by the army from year to year. — (Col. Powell's Report). 
 
 An amendment to the Militia Act (34 Victoria, 
 Chapter xvii) was passed during 1871, and received 
 the assent April 14. This provided that the Militia 
 Act should apply to Manitoba at once, and to British 
 Columbia whenever that colony should become part 
 of the Dominion of Canada. Each province was to 
 be created a separate military district, and the total 
 strength of the active militia was increased from 
 40,000 to 45,000 men. 
 
 At the time the Pacific Province entered Confed- 
 eration the militia organization of British Columbia 
 was very simple and crude. No. 117 of the Revised 
 Statutes of 1871 authorized the enrollment of 
 volunteer corps, the colony to make a grant of .$500 
 for each corps of not less than 30 members raised, 
 ■ towards the cost of establishment, and to supply the 
 arms. Capitation grants of five dollars to each 
 effective volunteer and of ten dollais to each 
 "marksman" qualified in the annual class firing was 
 provided for. 
 
 During the year 1871, many measures were intro- 
 duced, calculated to increase the efficiency of the 
 active militia, and the military organization of the 
 Dominion. Among the most prominent of the 
 measures adopted, may be mentioned: — 
 
 1st. The inauguration of a uniform and systematic 
 mode of carrying out the annual drill of the active 
 militia in "camps of exercise," more in accordance 
 with the requirements of modern warfare; the great 
 majority of the troops assembled at these camps being 
 concentrated with rapidity, paid and supplied as if on 
 actual service, and placed in every district imder the 
 command of those officers appointed for the purpose. 
 
 2nd. Many batteries of garrison artillery, (hitherto 
 practised mostly in infantry exercises), at the time of 
 the annual training went through a short course of 
 instruction in " gun drill " at various forts and batteries, 
 firing creditably at target practice the annual allowance 
 of shot and shell. The better inspection, and instruc- 
 tion moreover of both field and garrison batteries, 
 was effected by, or imder the orders of the inspector of 
 artillery and warlike stores. 
 
 3rd. The establishment of two schools of artillery, 
 one at Kingston, the other at Quebec, under the com- 
 mand of specially trained officers of the Royal Artillery, 
 affording means for the complete training in artillery 
 exercises, of such officers and men of artillery corps, 
 as were attached thereto. 
 
 4th. The performance, by nearly the whole of the 
 infantry, at the annual training, of a prescribed course 
 
of target practice, with the Snider rifle, under revised 
 regulations, 584 government money prizes, with appro- 
 priate badges, being awarded to the successful corn- 
 competitors. 
 
 During the year the second periodical enrolment of 
 the reserve militia was made, shewing a large in- 
 crease in the number of men available for the defence 
 of the country. 
 
 A military expedition to Manitoba, to assist Her 
 Majesty's subjects resident in that province, in re- 
 pelling Fenian invasion, was undertalien this year. 
 
 October 12, the adjutant-general received instruc- 
 tions by an Order-in-Council to organize and des- 
 patch to Fort Garry, via the Dawson route, a military 
 expedition consisting of 275 officers and men. The 
 200 riflemen who formed part of the expedition were 
 recruited half in Quebec, half in Ontario, the command 
 being held by Lieut.-Col. Thomas Scott. Owing to 
 the late season, hardships greater even than those met 
 by Wolseley's expedition the year previous had to be 
 surmounted, but November 18, three weeks from 
 the issuing of orders to mobilize the force, it arrived 
 safely at its destination. 
 
 Meanwhile the Fenians, under General O'Neil, who 
 had been identified with the eastern raids in 1866 and 
 1870, crossed the Manitoba frontier near Fort Pem- 
 bina and seized a Hudson Bay post. Major Irvine, 
 with a force of some 200 men, including the service 
 companies and some local militia, marched towards 
 the threatened point, but a force of the 20th U. S. In- 
 fantry, under Lt.-Col. Wheaton, followed the Fenians 
 across the lines, and, taking the leaders prisoners, 
 conveyed them back to United States territory. October 
 16, 1871, Manitoba was converted into military dis- 
 trict No. 10, and placed under command of Lieut.-Col. 
 W. Osborne Smith. The same date British Columbia 
 was constituted military district No. 11. 
 
 October 20, 1871, orders were issued providing for 
 the organization of "A" and "B" Batteries, the 
 nucleus of the present permanent force. They were 
 first considered rather as schools of artillery than as 
 service units. In November, the 1st battalion of 
 the 60th Royal Rifles, Lieut.-Col. Fielden, the last 
 Imperial regular corps in garrison at Quebec, marched 
 out of the'Citadel and embarked on atransport, "B" Bat- 
 tery taking charge of the Citadel. Apart from the gar- 
 rison of Halifax, no British regulars remained in Canada. 
 
 The first Canadian rifle team to participate in the 
 matches of the National Rifle Association went to 
 Wimbledon in 1872, being sent by the Militia De- 
 partment. The following year the D. R. A. assumed 
 the responsibility of selecting and despatching the 
 team. 
 
 In 1872, Colonel Robertson Ross made a reconnais- 
 sance of the great Northwest to report upon the best 
 means of providing for the opening up of that comitry , 
 and May 3, 1873, Sir John A. Macdonald introduced 
 in parliament a bill which, as the Act 36 Victoria, 
 Chapter 35, provided for the organization of the 
 Royal Northwest Mounted Police. This force has 
 always been quite distinct from the active militia, 
 but its connection with the national defensive force 
 has been very intimate. During its first mobilization 
 it was placed temporarily under command of the 
 D.A.G. in Manitoba, but Lieut.-Col. G. A. French, 
 (now Major-General Sir George French, R.A.), com- 
 manding "A" Battery and school of artillery, was the first 
 permanent commissioner. In the autunm of 1873, 
 three troops or divisions were organized from drafts 
 from the east, Winnipeg being the point of mobiliza- 
 tion. During the summer of 1874, three new divisions 
 were mobilized at Toronto and despatched to Manitoba, 
 unarmed, via Chicago and St. Paul. 
 
 The Act, 36 Vic, Chap. 46, passed in 1873, amended 
 the Militia Act to provide that magistrates could call 
 out the militia in anticipation of riots without waiting 
 for rioting to occur. 
 
 November 6, 1873, the Hon. Alex. Mackenzie suc- 
 ceeded as Prime Minister to Sir John A. Macdonald. 
 
 May 5, 1874, the Hon. Wm. Ross, minister of militia, 
 introduced into the House of Commons a bill pro- 
 viding for the establishment of a military college 
 "after the model of the one at West Point in the 
 United States." The resolutions were adopted with- 
 out amendment, a bill presented and passed, and 
 finally assented to May 26, as the Act 37 Victoria, 
 Chapter 36. June, 1876, the Royal Military College 
 at Kingston opened with a class of eighteen cadets. 
 
 By the Act 37 Victoria, Chapter 36, passed at the 
 same session, the Militia Act was extended to Prince 
 Edward Island, then just admitted to Confederation. 
 
 Prince Edward Island has had a legally established 
 militia since 1780, an old colonial statute 20 George 
 III, Chap. 3, providing that all male persons between 
 16 and 60 years should bear arms. The Act 3 Wil- 
 liam IV, Chap. 30, divided the militia into two 
 classes, all above 45 years of age to form the second 
 class or reserve. A salaried Inspector was provided 
 for and regimental, battalion and company districts 
 created, the various units to be called out once a 
 year. The Act of Victoria, Chap. 6, provided for the 
 establishment of volunteer companies in connection 
 with the militia battalions to be trained 20 days 
 each year. An amending act, 14 Victoria, Chap. 6, 
 provided that the Militia would only be called out 
 for training or muster except in cases of emer- 
 gency. 24 Victoria, Chap. II, provided for the enroU- 
 
 99 
 
GENERAL OFFICERS COMMANDING THE MILITIA OF CANADA 
 
 1. Lieut-General Sir Edward Selby-Smyth, April 20th, 1875 to May 31st, 1880. 2. Major-General Richard Georjjfe Amherst Luard, Jul}' 
 1st, 1880 to April 30th, 1884. 3. Lieut-General Sir Frederick D. Middleton, C.B., K.C.M.G., July 12th, 188'! to June 30th, 1890. 
 4. IMajor-General Ivor John Caradoc Herbert, C.B., C.M.G., November 20th, 1890. 5. Major-General William Julius Gascoig-ne, 
 September 19th, 1895 to June 30th, 1898. 6. Major-General E. T. H. Hutton, C.B., A. D.C., August 11th, 1898 to Feb. 11th, 1899. 
 7. Major-General the Rt. Hon. the Earl of Dundonald, C.V.O., C.B., July 20th, 1902 to June 15th, 1904. 8. Major-General R. H. 
 
 O'Grady Haly, C.B., D.S.O., July 19th, 19(MI to July 19, 1902, 
 
 100 
 
ment of volunteer corps, to be mustered 16 times 
 each year. A new Act, 29 Victoria, Chap. 2, divided 
 the Island Militia into Active and Sedentary, the lat- 
 ter comprising the men between the years of 45 and 
 60. The Active Militia consisted of "Volunteer 
 Militia" and "Regular Militia," who were to drill 
 not more than 10 days a year. A grant of one 
 pound sterling a year was granted to each uniformed 
 volunteer militiaman. Under this act schools of mil- 
 itary instruction were established. 
 
 April 8, 1875, assent was given to the Act 38 Victoria, 
 Chapter 8, which provided: — "There shall be ap- 
 pointed to command an officer holding the rank of 
 colonel or superior thereto in Her Majesty's regular 
 army, charged with the militarj' command and dis- 
 cipline of the militia. He will have the rank of major- 
 general in the militia." 
 
 Provision was also made for an adjutant-general 
 at headquarters. 
 
 In accordance with this Act, Major-General Edward 
 
 Selby-Smyth, who since October 1, 1874, had held the 
 
 appointment of adjutant-general, was appointed to 
 
 the command; Colonel Walker Powell, April 21, being 
 
 ' appointed adjutant-general. 
 
 April 28, 1877, the Militia Act was amended bj' 40 
 Victoria, Chapter 40, which more clearly defined the 
 responsibility of mimicipalities in regard to the pay 
 of troops on service in aid of the civil power. 
 
 This same year the " Provisional Force " maintained 
 in Manitoba ever since 1870 was disbanded. This 
 force which performed much hard service, on one 
 occasion, in 1874,. marching .333 miles across the 
 prairie to Fort Qu'Appelle, in 1872 consisted of a 
 demi-battery of artillery and a battalion of rifles 
 (300 officers and men). In 1873 the dismounted 
 force was transformed from rifles into red-coated 
 infantry, a concession to the respect and veneration 
 held by the Indians for the British troops their fore- 
 fathers had fought along with in the olden days. 
 
 April 29. 1880, another amendment to the Militia 
 Act (43 Victoria, Chap. 2) became law, providing 
 that the militia might be called out and paid for duty 
 at the opening and closing of parliament, for attend- 
 ance upon the governor-general, and for guarding 
 armouries. 
 
 Another Act (45 ^'ictoria, Chapter 10) assented to 
 May 17, 1882, provided that the enrollment of the 
 active militia should be considered as an embodiment 
 in the meaning of the Militia Act. The same year the 
 government cartridge factory was established at 
 Quebec. 
 
 ■*In July, 1882, Sir John A. Macdonald again acceded 
 to power, and in 1883, the Hon. A. P. (late Sir A. P.) 
 Caron, the new minister of militia, introduced a new 
 
 bill consolidating all the existing Acts affecting the 
 militia, which (May 17) became law as 46 Victoria, 
 Chapter 11. 
 
 An order of August 10, 1883, provided for the estab- 
 lishment of "C" battery, Canadian Artillery, at Vic- 
 toria, B.C., but it was 1887 before the battery was 
 actually organized, although special courses of in- 
 struction at the new artillery school connected with it 
 were held in 1884 and 1886. In 1883, the three per- 
 manent batteries were brigaded to form "The Regi- 
 ment of Canadian Artillery under command of the 
 inspector of artillery. 
 
 General orders of Dec. 21, 1883, provided for the 
 organization of the first troop of permanent cavalry 
 and the first three companies of permanent infantry, 
 and the establishment of a military school in con- 
 nection with each unit. The original cavalry troop 
 (hussars) was raised at Quebec, and first known as 
 " The Cavalry School Corps," the infantry companies, 
 "The Infantry School Corps, "being raised as follows: — 
 "A" Company at Fredericton, N.B., "B"at St. John's, 
 Que., and "C" at Toronto. 
 
 June, 1884, the care of all military buildings and 
 fortifications was transferred from the public works 
 to the militia department, and an "Engineer Branch" 
 established. 
 
 During the Soudan campaign of 1884-85 the active 
 militia was represented in the field by Major (now 
 Colonel) James Frederick Wilson of "A" Battery, 
 R.C.A.,and Major P. O. J. Hebert, "B." Battery, at- 
 tached with authority to the Royal Artillery. Major 
 Hebert succumbed to the campaign. 
 
 The Canadian Voyageurs (378 men) raised for this 
 campaign by the imperial government through the 
 governor-general and his personal staff, was commanded 
 by Lieut. -Col. F. C. Denison, Governor-General's 
 Body Guard, the other officers all being borrowed 
 from the active militia as follows: — Medical Officer, 
 Surgeon-Major J. L. H. Neilson, "B" Battery; Quarter- 
 master and Paymaster, Lieut.-Col. J. H. Kennedy, 
 90th Winnipeg Rifles; Captains Mackay, 7th Fusiliers, 
 London, and F. Aumond, Governor-General's Foot 
 Guards, Ottawa, commanding companies. 
 
 In 1885 occurred the Northwest Rebellion, which 
 forever set at rest all question as to the practical 
 military utility of the active militia. March 27, word 
 was received of the action between the rebels and 
 Major Crozier's force of mounted police and Prince 
 Albert volunteers (enlisted as special constables of the 
 N.W.M.P.) at Duck Lake, and orders were at once 
 issued for the calling out of several corps of the active 
 militia, including "A" and "B" Batteries and "C" 
 Company of the Infantry School Corps. The situation 
 was complicated on accoiuit of the non-completion 
 
 101 
 
of the Canadian Pacific Railway, the troops having 
 to march in frightfully cold weather across several un- 
 completed gaps through the bleak, rocky desert north 
 of Lake Superior. The campaign was prolific of many 
 long, hard marches, a great deal of exposure and some 
 very awkward fighting, but the militia and the Mounted 
 Police who were on duty with them, acquitted them- 
 selves well. 
 
 During the campaign 251 officers, 3,042 non-com- 
 missioned officers and men, 141 horses and 6 guns were 
 sent from Nova Scotia, Quebec and Ontario to the 
 Northwest. In addition, there were on active service 
 100 officers, 1,563 rank and file, 445 horses and 2 guns 
 from Manitoba and the North-West Territories, ex- 
 ,clusive of the Mounted Police, (500 officers and men 
 with one gun, who were placed during the campaign 
 under the general officer commanding the militia, 
 Major-General Sir Fred.Middleton, C.B.). So that the 
 total force on service included 5,456 officers and men, 
 586 horses and 9 guns, including two machine guns 
 purchased during the campaign. 
 
 Notwithstanding the vastness of the field of opera- 
 tions, the fighting capacity of the Indians and Half- 
 Breeds, and the remoteness of the front from the base, 
 the rebellion was completely suppressed and all the 
 leaders killed or made prisoners by July 2. 
 
 The casualty lists of the actions in which the active 
 militia participated were as follows: — Fish Creek 
 (April 24) 10 killed, 40 wounded; Cut Knife Hill (May 
 2) 8 killed, 14 wounded; Batoche (May 9, 10, 11 and 12) 
 8 killed, 46 wounded; Frenchman's Butte (May 28), 3 
 wounded. 
 
 The campaign revealed many glaring defects. The 
 equipment was proved to be defective, and the field 
 organization about as bad as it could be. Three com- 
 plete staffs had to be extemporized in the field and a 
 fourth at the base. Systems of transport and supply 
 had to be organized and many most essential articles 
 of equipment purchased. The waste of time and mon- 
 ey was very extensive. 
 
 During the latter part of 1885, the School of Mounted 
 Infantry at Winnipeg, later changed to Dragoons, and 
 now the Royal Canadian Mounted Rifles, was organ- 
 ized under an order dated September 18. 
 
 During 1887-88, "D" company of the Infantry 
 School Corps was raised at London, Ont., and in the 
 latter year the new School of Infantry connected there- 
 with organized. The total strength of the permanent 
 corps was limited to 1,000 men. 
 
 In 1886, there was a consolidation of the Dominion 
 Statutes, and the Militia Act of 1883, with some minor 
 amendments incorporated, was drafted as a new Act 
 (49 Victoria, Chapter 41, "An Act respecting the 
 
 Militia and Defence of Canada). This Act, with a 
 couple of amendments (which will be presently re- 
 ferred to) remained in force imtil the passage of the 
 Act at present governing the force, 4 Edward VII, 
 Chapter 23. 
 
 The present government, after the defeat of the 
 former Conservative administration at the polls, came 
 into power, July 13, 1896, the Honourable Dr. F. W. 
 Borden, (now Sir Frederick Borden, K.C.M.G.), a 
 veteran officer of the Nova Scotia Militia, being awarded 
 the portfolio of Minister of Militia. 
 
 The question of a reorganization of the staff was 
 soon afterwards taken up. 
 
 In July, 1897, two old district staff officers were 
 transferred to the Infantry Reserve of officers, " their 
 services being no longer required," while three old 
 district officers commanding were retired with gra- 
 tuities. September the same year the appointments 
 of seven district paymasters and superintendents of 
 stores were cancelled, and three district staff officers 
 were permitted to retire retaining rank. 
 
 In December, 1897, Lieut.-Colonel D. A. Mac- 
 donald was appointed chief superintendent of stores, 
 and in January, 1898, the position of deputy-assistant 
 adjutant-general at headquarters was abolished. 
 
 At the session of 1898 a bill was passed, assented 
 to June 13, as 61 Victoria, Chapter 19, providing that 
 in addition to the salary of the general officer com- 
 manding the militia, ($4,000 per annum), there might 
 be paid to that officer $2,000 per annum in lieu of 
 allowances. 
 
 February 15, 1898, Major R. Cartwright, R.R.C.I., 
 was appointed assistant adjutant-general at head- 
 quarters, and Surgeon Lieut. -Col. J. L. H. Neilson, 
 R.C.A., director-general of medical staff. 
 
 In January, 1899, the following appeared in general 
 orders: — "As a preliminar}' step towards the formation 
 of a Canadian general staff, arrangements have been 
 made for a course of instruction in staff duties to take 
 place under the direction of the commandant. Royal 
 Military College, Kingston, commencing 1st February 
 next and terminating on or about 31st May following. 
 
 General Order of 13th February, 1899, announced 
 that "In order to meet an urgent want and to con- 
 form to the requirements of the military service in the 
 Dominion, orders will be issued daily from head- 
 quarters on and after Wednesday, February, 1, 1899, 
 Sundays and public holidays excepted. . Copies of 
 the daily orders will be printed and issued bi-weekly, 
 as follows: — One for each regiment of cavalry and 
 artillery, battery of artillery, battalion of infantry, 
 and other independent units." 
 
 Orders of June, 1899, provided for the organization 
 of "The Canadian Militia Army Medical Department" 
 
 102 
 
including Militia Army Medical Staff Service and 
 Regimental Medical Service. To this date there had 
 been no organized medical service except a provisional 
 one organized during the Northwest Rebellion. Each 
 unit was allowed a surgeon, and the larger ones assistant 
 surgeons, and many corps maintained bearer sections. 
 
 In 1797, a strong detachment of the active militia, 
 under command of Colonel Lord Aylmer, adjutant- 
 general, was sent to London to assist in the official 
 celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. 
 
 The South African war, on account of the par- 
 ticipation therein of the Canadian contingents, the 
 military spirit aroused in the Dominion, and the 
 recognition of the colonial militia militias as part and 
 parcel of the armed forces of the empire, marks an 
 epoch in the history of the militia. Space forbids any 
 reference to the distinguished services rendered by 
 the Canadian militiamen during the trying cam- 
 paigns in the Free State and Transvaal. 
 
 The strength of the various Canadian contingents 
 despatched to South Africa with the dates of their sail- 
 ing, were as follows: — 2nd (Special Service) Battalion of 
 the Royal Regiment of Canadian Infantry, 1,039 officers 
 and men, October 30, 1899; 1st Battalion Canadian 
 Mounted Rifles (from August 1, 1900, designated the 
 Royal Canadian Dragoons), 375 officers and men, 
 February 21st, 1900; 2nd Battalion Canadian Mounted 
 Rifles (subsequently designated "The Canadian 
 Mounted Rifles"), 275 officers and men, January 27, 
 1900; Brigade Division of Royal Canadian Artillery, 
 539 officers and men, January and February, 1900; 
 draft to replace casualties in the 2nd Battalion R.R.C.I., 
 103 officers and men, March 16, 1900; Strathcona's 
 Horse, 548 officers and men, March 16, 1900; draft to 
 reinforce Strathcona's Horse, 51 officers and men. 
 May 1, 1900; South African Constabulary, March 
 29, 1901, 1,200 officers and men; 2nd Regiment 
 Canadian Mounted Rifles, 901 officers and men, January 
 28th, 1902; No. 10 Field Hospital Company, 62 officers 
 
 and men, January, 1902; 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Regi- 
 ments Canadian Mounted Rifles, 539 officers and men 
 each, May 8th to 2.3rd, 1902. This makes a grand 
 total of 7,349 officers and men. 
 
 In addition, the Dominion Government raised and 
 equipped the 3rd (Special Service) Battalion of the 
 Royal Regiment of Canadian Infantry, which per- 
 formed garrison duty at Halifax, N.S., thus relieving 
 the service in the field the regular regiment at the time 
 in garrison. 
 
 The casualties among the Canadian contingents in 
 South Africa were as follows : — Killed or died of 
 wounds, 65; died from disease or accidentally killed, 
 79; wounded, 197; missing, 2. On the return of the 
 various contingents, no less than 310 officers and men 
 remained in South Africa, with permission to join vari- 
 ous military bodies. 
 
 In 1900, an Act of some importance affecting the 
 militia: — "63-64 Victoria, Chapter 18: An Act to Am- 
 end the Militia Act was passed. 
 
 This Act amended- Section 41 of the Act which 
 originally provided for deputy adjutants-general being 
 appointed to command districts. The amendment left 
 the designation or name of office of district command- 
 ing officers in the hands of the government. 
 
 Section 45 was also amended, providing for the 
 granting of the honorary rank of colonel to officers 
 placed upon the retired list. Previously the honorary 
 rank of lieutenant-colonel was the highest which could . 
 be granted under such circumstances. 
 
 Section 47 was also amended to provide that when 
 ever the militia is called out for active service in the 
 field, officers of rank superior to that of colonel, but not 
 higher in any case than that of major-general, may be 
 appointed. 
 
 Even before the passing of this Act, the officers 
 commanding districts had been designated as " Dis- 
 trict Officers Commanding," instead of deputy ad- 
 jutants-general. 
 
 103 
 
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 s;vj v/)=^-7 c^j,=:-syii erj,=iSJ:) -;jy=i«^.y ^llii^.y >^K5is^, 
 
 ^""^ISi^iS^SiF^ 
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 
 RECENT DEVELOPMENTS 
 
 The Canadian Militia Becomes an Effective Army, With its Own Staff, Departmental Organ- 
 izations AND Arsenals. — Canada Assumes the Whole Responsibility of Keeping the Union 
 Jack Flying in North America. — Departure of the La.st British Regulars. 
 
 THE beginning of the twentieth century found the 
 reorganization of the militia staff in full pro- 
 gress, and during the year 1901 there were 
 several new appointments at headquarters created. 
 
 February 6, Lieut.-Col. V. B. Rivers, R.C.A., was 
 appointed intelligence officer at headquarters, attached 
 to the quartermaster-general's department. 
 
 Colonel W. H. Foster, R.E., quartermaster-general, 
 having accepted employment in the intelligence depart- 
 ment at the War Office, vacated his appointment 
 April 30, and in May, Col. W. H. Cotton, A.A.G. for 
 artillery, was appointed to the vacancy. 
 
 The same month Lieut.-Col. R. Cartwright, A.A.G., 
 was appointed inspector of musketry, with the status 
 of an assistant adjutant-general. A school of musketry, 
 imder the command of the inspector of musketry, was 
 established. 
 
 In July, Lieut.-Col. B. H. Vidal, D.O.C. district No. 8, 
 was appointed deputy adjutant-general vice Cartwright; 
 and Paymaster and Honorary Major J. L. Biggar, from 
 the 15th Regiment, was gazetted to be deputy assistant 
 adjutant-general for army service corps duties at head- 
 quarters, with the rank of major. Provision having 
 been in the meantime made for the organization of the 
 Canadian Army Service Corps, Major Biggar was, in 
 Noveml^er, promoted Lieut. -Colonel to command the 
 corps, with the appointment of assistant quartermaster- 
 general at headquarters. 
 
 July 1, 1901, Major and Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel 
 R. W. Rutherford, R.C.G.A., was appointed assistant 
 adjutant-general for artillery at headquarters. 
 
 The first few months of the present century saw 
 arrangements made by the Militia Department for the 
 establishment in Canada of the first manufactory for 
 the production of military small arms, the works of the 
 Ross Rifle Company at Quebec. 
 
 In the year 1900, when the Dominion gov^ernment 
 wanted to purchase rifles through the imperial govern- 
 ment, it was impossible to secure a thousand rifles in 
 Great Britain during the time of the South African war, 
 and Sir Frederick Borden thought that it was the duty 
 of the government, under the circumstances, to make 
 as soon as possible some arrangement by which rifles 
 could be manufactured in Canada. The Minister of 
 Militia was in England in 1900, and went to the Birm- 
 ingham small arms people and tried to induce that 
 company to come to Canada. He quite recognized 
 the desirability of having, if possible, precisely the 
 same rifle in Canada as is used by the British army, 
 because if the militia of this country should ever be 
 called out for war, he realized it would be better that 
 they should have the same rifles as the imperial troops. 
 
 It was found impossible to prevail upon the Birming- 
 ham Small Arms Company, or any other small-arms 
 manufacturers in Engand, to come out here and start 
 a factory. About that time Sir Charles Ross happened 
 
 104 
 
to be here. He had not then come to Canada for the the Army Service Corps (British) was appointed 
 
 first time, but had been hving in British Columbia, and 
 had spent a great deal of money there in developing 
 water-powers and establishing electrical works. He 
 was introduced to Sir Frederick liorden and brought 
 other letters from the most reputable men in Canada. 
 He explained to the minister that he had a rifle factory 
 in the United States, and was selling sporting rifles, 
 rifles similar to what are being manufactured in Quebec 
 now. He said that he would be willing to establish a 
 factory to manufacture rifles for Canada with the same 
 bore and to use the same cartridge as the Lee-Enfield 
 rifle. It seemed to Sir Frederick that it was a patriotic 
 thing to recommend, and on the part of the govern- 
 ment to accept, this opportunity to secure a factory 
 which would turn out rifles for Canada. 
 
 As to the rifle itself. Sir Frederick Borden appointed 
 a committee composed of Genercl Otter, of Toronto; 
 Col. Gibson, of Hamilton, for many year.s president of 
 the council of the D.R.A., and a crack shot; Lieut-Col. 
 Anderson, engineer, of the Marine Department, an 
 other e.xpert mark.sman ; Col. Samuel Hughes, M. P., (1) 
 another veteran rifle shot, and who had served with 
 great distinction in various responsible staff appoint- 
 ments during the South African war; and Major Gaudet, 
 superintendent of the Dominion arsenal. 
 
 This committee examined the Ross rifle, subjected 
 it to various tests and reported favourably upon it. 
 After the reception of this report the minister had no 
 hesitation about entering into a contract for the pur- 
 chase of sufficient Ro.ss rifles to re-arm the militia, the 
 company agreeing to make the rifles at a factory to be 
 erected in Canada. 
 
 And so the Ross rifle factory came to be established 
 at Quebec with a normal capacity of 1,000 a month, or 
 2,000 upon emergency. 
 
 About the same time, the capacity of the Dominion 
 arsenal at Quebec, the output of which was under a 
 million rounds of cartridges a year, was increased, 
 so that it has an output of 10,000.000 or 12,000,000 and 
 its capacity is very considerably above that quantity. 
 
 The year 1903 was a particularly important one in 
 the development of the headquarters staff. 
 
 In February, Major and Lieutenant-Colonel E. 
 Fiset, A. M.S., was appointed staff adjutant of medical 
 services. 
 
 By general order 61 of April, 1903, the formation 
 of the Corps of Guides, a unit to be specially trained 
 in the duties of reconnaissance, scouting, military 
 sketching, map reading, guiding and intelligence, 
 with a director of intelligence at headquarters and a 
 district intelligence officer for each district, was 
 provided for. April 22, Major W. A. C. Denny of 
 
 (1) Now Fresid^t of the Council of the Dominion Rifle Association. 
 
 director of intelligence at headcjuarters. 
 
 October 15, Lieut. -Colonel Henry Smith was ap- 
 pointed military secretary at headquarters. 
 
 October 23, the formation of the Ordnance Stores 
 Corps was provided for in orders, and the following 
 staff appointments gazetted: — 
 
 To be director-general of ordnance: Colonel Donald 
 A. Macdonald, I.S.O., from the reserve of officers. 1st 
 July, 1903. 
 
 To be assistant director-general of ordnance: Lieu- 
 tenant-Colonel J. B. Donaldson, from the unattached 
 list. 1st July, 1903. 
 
 To be director-general of engineer services: Lieu- 
 tenant-colonel P. Weatherbe, Canadian Engineer 
 Corps. 1st July, 1903. 
 
 To be assistant director-general of engineer services: 
 Major G. S. Maunsell, Canadian Engineer Corps. 1st 
 July, 1903. 
 
 Orders of October 24, provided for the organization 
 of the Signalling Corps. 
 
 With a view to placing the administration of the 
 Department of Militia and Defence upon a more 
 satisfactory and systematic basis, it was decided to 
 transfer the custody, care and issue of arms, clothing, 
 equipment and military stores of all descriptions, 
 from the civil to the military branch thereof, hence 
 the organization of the "Ordnance Stores Corps," 
 which was forriied from the officers and men previously 
 employed in the Military Stores Branch of the Depart- 
 ment of Militia and Defence. Commissions in the 
 Ordnance Stores Corps were granted to oflicers serving 
 in the Military Stores Branch of the Department of 
 Militia and Defence, and the authorized establishment 
 of warrant officers, non-commissioned officers aiid men 
 was recruited from the former employees of that 
 branch, mider the same conditions as to qualifications 
 and length of service as applied to the other units of 
 the permanent force. 
 
 The organization of the military staff at head- 
 cjuarters up to that date was outlined in a minute of 
 Council dated October 29, 1903, which was promul- 
 gated as General Order 159. Of this order the follow- 
 ing is an abstract: — 
 
 " 1. The general officer commanding shall be charged 
 with the military command and discipline of the 
 militia, shall issue general orders, and hold periodical 
 inspections of the militia. He shall be the principal 
 adviser of the Minister of Militia and Defence on all 
 military questions, and shall be charged with the 
 control of the branches of the adjutant-general, the 
 director-general of military intelligence and military 
 secretary, and the general supervision of the other 
 military branches. He shall be charged with the 
 
 105 
 
1. Colonel Patrick Leonard McDougall (later, General Sir P. L. McDoiigall, in command of the Imperial Forces in North America) 
 Adjutant-General of Canadian Militia, October ist, 1868 to May 4lh. 1869. 2. Colonel Walker Powell, Adjutant-General, 
 April 2ist, 1875 to January ist, 1896. 3. Major-General Rt. Hon. Lord Aylmer, Adjutant-General, January ist, 1896 to Nov. ist, 
 1904 ; Inspector General, Nov. 1st, 1904 to April ist. 1907. 4. Colonel B. H. Vidal, Adjutant-General, Nov. 1st, 1904 to April ist, 
 1907, when he was appointed Inspector-General, o. Colonel Charles Eufjene Panet, Deputy Minister of Militia, Feb. 4th, 1875 to 
 Nov. 22nd, 1898. 6. Colonel Louis Felix Pinault, C.M.G., Deputy Minister of Militia, Dec. 7th, 1898 to December, 1906. 
 
 NoTK.— Colonel P.Hrick Robertson Ross was Adjutant-General of Militia. May sth, i86<) to Aup. i6tli. 187.!. and Charles Selby-Smyth from Oct. ist, 1874 
 to April 19th. 1875, when he was appointed to the command. Colonel George Futvoyne was Deputy Minister, May 29th, 1868 to Jan. ist, 1875. 
 
 106 
 
general distribution and localization of the militia, 
 and with the ^election and proposal to the Minister 
 of Militia and Defence of fit and proper persons to be 
 recommended for commissions hi the militia, of fit and 
 proper officers for promotions for staff and other 
 military appointments, and for military honours and 
 rewards. He shall be charjjed with the preparation 
 and maintenance of plans for defence and for the 
 organization and mobilization of the militia. In the 
 absence of the general officer commanding, the ad- 
 jutant-general shall act for him. 
 
 " (a) The adjutant-general shall be charged, under 
 the control of the general officer commanding, with 
 interior economy, military education and training of 
 officers, warrant officers, non-commissioned officers 
 and men of the militia, etc., etc. 
 
 "(b) There shall be a director-general of military 
 intelligence who shall, under the control of the general 
 officer commanding, be charged with the collection of 
 information on the military resources of Canada, the 
 British Empire, and foreign countries, etc., etc. 
 
 " (c) There shall be a military secretary who shall, 
 under the control of the general officer commanding, 
 besides other duties, be charged more particularly to 
 deal with appointments, promotions and retirements 
 of officers of the militia, and with military honours and 
 rewards, etc., etc. 
 
 "2. The quartermaster-general shall, under the 
 supervision of the general officer commanding, be 
 charged with supplying the militia with food, forage, 
 fuel, etc. 
 
 "3. There shall be a director-general of engineer 
 services who shall, under the supervision of the general 
 officer commanding, be charged with the selection of 
 sites for barracks, etc. 
 
 "4. There shall be a director-general of ordnance, 
 who shall, under the supervision of the general officer 
 commanding, be charged with supplying the militia 
 with warlike stores, etc. 
 
 " 5. The director-general of medical services shall, 
 under the supervision of the general officer command- 
 ing, be charged with the administration of the medical 
 establishments." 
 
 The principle of having the ciuartermaster-general 
 and other heads of what are called departments in the 
 imperial service, u^ider the supervision of the general 
 officer commanding and advising the head of the 
 department direct, was borrowed from the War Office, 
 and the organization of the militia department in 
 October, 1903, was similar to that of the War Office at 
 that date. 
 
 After the South African war, which had re- 
 vealed certain weaknesses in the orgaiuzation, and 
 more particularly the administration, of the defensive 
 
 forces of the mother country, and of the empire at 
 large, the ([uestion of effecting an improvement in 
 those respects had been a very live one in Oreat 
 Britain. The subject was referred to the Defence 
 Committee, and, in view of contemplated changes 
 in the Dominion Militia Act, the British government 
 invited the Minister of Militia to proceed to England to 
 discuss the question of defence with the Defence Com- 
 mittee, and endeavour to bring the Dominion and 
 British systems into uniformity. Sir Frederick Borden 
 consequently left for England in November, 1903, met 
 the Defence Committee and made a number of arrange- 
 ments mutually advantageous to the mother country 
 and tp Canada. 
 
 One immediate result was that arrangements were 
 made with the imperial authorities to admit a certain 
 number of Canadian officers, yearly, to the Staff 
 College. On the invitation of the imperial govern- 
 ment, Colonel Otter, Colonel Evans and Colonel Drury 
 had already attended the manoeuvres held in the 
 south of England in September this year. 
 
 On account of the numerous changes already made 
 or deemed to be necessary in the militia system, and 
 to bring the law more in accordance with modern 
 requirements in Canada and in touch with the system 
 either prevailing or to be introduced in England, Sir 
 Frederick Borden submitted, March 17, 1904, a new 
 Militia Bill to parliament. In introducing it, he 
 stated, in part: — 
 
 " Let me say, in the first place, that the existing 
 militia law is practically the same law which has been 
 on the statute-book since Confederation, and indeed 
 it was on the statute-book of old Canada long before 
 that date. Times have changed since the existing law 
 was enacted ; Canada has grown and the militia force 
 has grown, and it has been found impossible to carry 
 on our militia system advantageously under the 
 existing law. Instead of amending the present Act, 
 I thought it better to bring in an entirely new Bill, 
 which provides for the repeal of the existing law, but 
 which, of course, includes and retains many of its 
 
 provisions I may say that we have examined, 
 
 not only the imperial laws and the laws of other 
 colonies of the empire, but the laws of other countries 
 as well, and we have endeavoured to incorporate in 
 this Bill the best there is in them all. 
 
 " It will be found that in the Bill which I now intro- 
 duce there have been changes made in certain of the 
 provisions of the existing law; there have been im- 
 portant additions to it, and there have been important 
 omissions from it. Among the more important 
 omissions from the present law is, in the first place, 
 the disappearance of any reference to the naval militia. 
 This is due to the fact that a Bill will be introduced by 
 
 107 
 
the Minister of Marine (Hon. Mr. Pr6fontaine) which 
 will meet all the requirements in this regard. I may 
 say that this is done at the suggestion and under the 
 advice of the Colonial Defence Committee and of the 
 Admiralty. (1). 
 
 "The next important omission from the pre.sent law 
 is that restriction which prevents the appointment of 
 a Canadian officer as commanding officer of our militia. 
 The existing Militia Act provides that no one but an 
 imperial officer, and no one below the rank of colonel 
 in the British army shall be appointed general officer 
 commanding the militia of Canada. The new Bill 
 omits this restriction and leaves it open to a Canadian 
 or to any qualified person within the British empire to 
 be appointed by the government as commanding officer 
 of the Canadian militia. The next important omission 
 — military men will consider it important, although in a 
 sense it is perhaps a matter of minor importance — 
 the next omission from the liill is the provision in the 
 present law by which an officer of the British army of 
 the same rank as a Canadian officer, but of junior date 
 of appointment, takes precedence of the Canadian 
 officer in the militia of Canada. This provision is not 
 included in the present Bill, so that in futiu'e imperial 
 officers who come here to serve in Canada will rank with 
 officers of the Canadian militia according to the date 
 of their appointment. 
 
 "The next important provision which is not included 
 in the present BUI, but which exists in the law as it 
 now stands, is with reference to the powers of the im- 
 perial officer commanding the imperial troops at Hali- 
 fax. Under the law as it now stands, in case of war, 
 the imperial officer commanding the imperial troops at 
 Halifax, no matter how junior he might be, would 
 immediately take command of the whole militia of 
 Canada over the head of the general officer commanding 
 the militia of this country. That provision has been 
 eliminated from the present Bill, and no allusion what- 
 ever is made to the general officer commanding at 
 Halifax. If he is a man of senior rank, he would in 
 time of war, by virtue of his seniority, take his position 
 as head of the forces in this country. 
 
 " One other omission is made. There is no reference 
 in the Bill I am now proposing to the King's Regula- 
 tions — Under the law as it now exists the King's 
 Regulations are made a part of the law of Canada. This 
 has been found to be troublesome and cumbrous, and 
 
 ( ) The question of the orfcanization of a Canadian Naval Militia was 
 taken up energetically by the Hon. Mr. Pr(5fontaine, who prepared an 
 elaborate naval militia bill, and gave notice of its introduction during the 
 seysioii of 1905. Owing to the lateness of the session it was left over until 
 the following one. Alread.v the active Minister of Marine had had the 
 crews of the fisheries jjrotective cruisers organized and drilled on a naval 
 system, and as he contemplated making the crews of the departmental fleet 
 the regularly enrolled nucleus of the new naval militia, he. during the winter 
 of 1904, despatched officers and men on an instructional cruise on the 
 D.G. cruiser "Canada" to the West Indies. Unfortunately, while on a trip 
 to Europe on business connected with his <lepartment. Mr. Prt?fontaine died 
 suddenly at Paris, December 25, 1905. Since then the organization of the 
 naval militia has remained in abeyance. 
 
 to add to the difficulties of the administration of the 
 militia. Therefore, we shall rely in future upon the 
 regulations made in Canada for the administration of 
 the militia of Canada, except that the Army Act will 
 apply. It was at first thought that we might re-enact 
 the Army Act in this country; but it is a very long 
 document and is being changed from time to time; and, 
 after taking the best advice I could get in this country, 
 it was thought wiser to adopt the British Army Act 
 rather than to attempt to re-enact a similar Act here at 
 present 
 
 "Now, I will mention some alterations which have 
 been made in different provisions of the law. First, 
 it is proposed to increase the permanent force of the 
 militia to 2,000. The present law provides for 1,000. 
 In the near future the population of this country will be 
 double the population of the country at the time the 
 present provision was made. The Northwest and 
 British Columbia have since that time become parts 
 of the Dominion. Important settlements are taking 
 place in the Northwest, and gradually as the country 
 becomes settled the Northwest Mounted Police will 
 proceed to other spheres of usefulness, and the militia 
 of the country will have to take the responsibility of 
 maintaining order there, and depots will be required. 
 In fact, at the last session of parliament, I explained 
 that we were taking a sum of money to pay for an 
 addition of 500 men to the permanent force. So that 
 I think this increase of 1,000 will be considered to be 
 entirely within the present demands of the country. 
 
 "Another change which I propose refers to the pay 
 of the permanent force. At present it stands at forty 
 cents a day, with certain good-conduct pay. It is pro- 
 posed to adopt the rate of pay of the Northwest 
 Mounted Police as that of the permanent force of this 
 country. I need not stop here to argue the point, 
 because this can be better done on the second reading; 
 but I may say that the permanent force is the teaching 
 force of this country, the one upon which we must 
 largely depend for the training of the active militia, 
 and therefore it is exceedingly desirable that it should 
 be composed of first-class men. The pay is to begin 
 at fifty cents a day, and increase at the rate of five 
 cents each year until it reaches seventy-five cents as 
 the maximum. 
 
 "The next change is in the rate of pay of the active 
 militia. That matter has been discussed here on many 
 occasions. I am happy to be able to say that this 
 Bill provides that while the pay shall begin as it does 
 now at fifty cents a day, there shall be a provision by 
 regulation, which shall be laid on the table of the 
 House, allowing for an increase year by year until at 
 the end of three years $1 a day may be paid to men 
 who have shown by their good conduct and their 
 
 108 
 
proficiency in rifle shooting that they have earned it. 
 
 " Another change which has been made is in the pro- 
 vision for giving aid to the civil power in time of riot. 
 It is proposed to amend the law as it now stands by 
 providing that the active militia shall only be used 
 in the suppression of riots or in aid of the civil power 
 when the permanent force is not available, or not in 
 sufficient number to be utilized. 
 
 " One other alteration proposes to extend the period 
 for annual drill from sixteen days to thirty days. It 
 is not compulsory, but it will be possible, if ocfcasion 
 requires, to make that extension of time. The present 
 law provides for sixteen days, but it has been the 
 custom to make the period twelve days. It is not 
 probable that that will be exceeded, but it was thought 
 desirable that power should be given to the govern- 
 ment, if at any time it might be necessary, for the drill 
 to be extended in certain cases to thirty days. 
 
 " I now come to the additions to the law proposed 
 in this Bill. I shall at first call attention to the pro- 
 visions in reference to cadets. We have had many 
 discussions in this House on this matter, and it was pro- 
 mised that when the new Bill was proposed, provision 
 would be made for the enrolment of cadets. I cannot 
 do better than read the clauses: — 
 
 '"73. The minister may (a) authorize boys over 
 12 years of age who are attending school to be formed 
 into school cadet corps; (b) authorize boys over 14 
 years of age and under 18 years of age to be formed 
 into senior cadet corps; (c) authorize senior cadet 
 corps or any portion thereof to be attached to any 
 portion of the active militia for the purpose of drill 
 and training. 
 
 '"74. All cadet corps shall be subject to the auth- 
 ority and imder the orders of the district officer com- 
 manding. 
 
 '"75. Cadet corps shall be drilled and trained as 
 prescribed, and may be furnished with arms, am- 
 munition and equipment under the conditions pre- 
 scribed ' 
 
 "There is a provision in the Bill for the appoint- 
 ment of officers to rank as brigadier-generals tempor- 
 arily. This will be found necessary under the pro- 
 posed increase of the militia at times of camp. There 
 is a fiu^ther provision that the rank of major-general 
 may be conferred upon colonels on retirement, who 
 have held the highest executive appointments on the 
 headquarters staff, for distinguished service in the 
 country." 
 
 A protracted debate took place on this bill, indicating 
 the greatly increased interest taken by the country's 
 public men and their constituents in the once-neglected 
 question of national defence. While the bill was 
 before parliament, a lengthy, able, but somewhat 
 
 acrimonious discussion was precipitated by what is 
 known as the " Uundonald Incident." 
 
 The Earl of Dundonald, commanding the militia, 
 at a dinner tendered to him by the officers of the 
 Montreal division, June 4, used language reflecting 
 upon the conduct of a member of the government in 
 connection with the filling of military appointments, 
 charging that political intrigue rather than military 
 efficiency had determined the selection of some of the 
 officers of a newly organized cavalry regiment. 
 
 The government's attention was drawn to the 
 matter in parliament on June 9, and after investigation, 
 taking the ground that not only was there no justifica- 
 tion for the specific reflections made, but that the 
 conduct of Lord Dundonald was in direct violation 
 of the principles of military discipline and the rules 
 of the service, and subversive of the principles of con- 
 stitutional government, an order in coimcil was passed 
 dispensing with Lord Dundonald's services as general 
 officer commanding the militia. 
 
 This regrettable incident resulted in the discussion 
 on the Militia Bill being pcolonged, and for some time 
 speeches assumed a rather bitter tone. 
 
 While the bill was still under discussion, an entirely 
 new system was adopted at the War Office in London 
 as a result of the adoption by the government of the 
 report of the committee known as the Esher Com- 
 mittee, which was appointed by the Balfour govern- 
 ment for the purpose of investigating and reporting 
 on all matters connected with the organization of the 
 War Office, and making a report. This report pro- 
 vided for a practical reconstruction of the War Office. 
 The results seemed to be so far satisfactory by July, 
 1904, that the Hon. Sir Frederick Borden, minister of 
 militia, in view of the course which had been pursued 
 by the War Office, a course which had resulted from 
 difficulties which were found to exist in working out 
 the complicated system which had obtained in Eng- 
 land, and which, to some extent, had been in existence 
 in Canada, thought it advisable to provide, in the 
 new Militia Bill then before parliament, the machinery 
 by which the government of Canada might follow the 
 example of the imperial government. 
 
 July 11, Sir Frederick outlined in parliament the 
 principal changes he proposed to make in the bill. 
 He explained that the system in force since Confedera- 
 tion had not operated satisfactory, and continued, in 
 part: — "There are many difficulties which I think 
 act against the public interest in the endeavour to work 
 out this system, difficulties which will be overcome 
 entirely or very largely by the new system. One of 
 these difficulties is that there has been absolute want 
 of continuity under the existing system. Each new 
 general officer commanding who comes to this country 
 
 109 
 
seems to be possessed with the idea that it is his duty 
 to overturn and change everything done by his pre- 
 decessor. There are no records to show m detail the 
 reasons for the conclusions which the different general 
 officers commanding have reached. Under the new- 
 system there will be a militia council corresponding 
 to what is in England called the army council. That 
 council will be composed of the minister of militia, as 
 chairman of the council, with four military men and 
 two additional civilians. Everything that is done at 
 that council will be made a matter of record, or at any 
 rate every conclusion of importance which is reached 
 by that council will be made a matter of record, so 
 that if there be a change of ministers or a change of 
 officers, the record will remain there for the guidance of 
 those who may come afterward.s, and when changes 
 are suggested, means will be found to compare new 
 proposals with old proposals. 
 
 "The minister for the time being will be the chairman 
 of the militia council; the principal military officer will 
 be known as the chief of the general staff. Then there 
 will be the adjutant-general, the quartermaster-general 
 and the master-general of ordnance. The two addi- 
 tional civilians would be the deputy minister and, 
 probably, the chief accountant of the department. 
 
 " I think that so far as the reconstitution of the head- 
 quarters is concerned the conditions are similar to 
 those of the war office in England, and I cannot see 
 any difficulty at all on that score. All my hon. friends 
 who have written me on the subject and some of the 
 most eminent military authorities agree that there 
 will be no difficulty whatever in applying the system 
 so far as the war office is concerned. When it comes 
 to the question of decentralization it may be that 
 we will not be able to go as far in this country 0,s 
 they have gone in England. I do not think that 
 policy can be carried out in coimection with the militia 
 force as easily as in connection with the regular army. 
 
 "Under the system there will be no general offioer 
 commanding. There is no commander in chief in 
 England to-day, and there will be no general officer 
 commanding here. There would be a first military 
 officer known as the chief of the general staff, the most 
 important military officer in the country, as he is 
 to-day the most important military officer in England, 
 except some of the generals commanding in chief in 
 some of the large districts. Under the new system 
 we would have more important commands than we 
 have to-day. The centralization would be carried 
 out to some extent, perhaps not to the same extent 
 as in England, so that officers commanding districts 
 would have much greater powers than they have at 
 the present moment, and properly so, because these 
 men, if they are ever to be fit to command, must have 
 
 experience in times of peace which will enable them 
 to perform the duties which may be required of them 
 in times of war." — See H. of C. Hansard, July 11 and 
 (3rd Reading of Bill) Aug. 2, 1904. 
 
 The bill as thus amended by the Minister of Militia 
 finally passed, and was assented to as Act 4, Edward 
 VII, Chapter 23, August 10th. 
 
 Among its most important new provisions were the 
 following: — 
 
 " Section 7. The Governor in Council may appoint a 
 militia council to advise the minister on all matters 
 relating to the militia, which are referred to the council 
 by the minister. The composition, procedure and 
 powers of the counci' shall be as prescribed." 
 
 "Section 30. There may be (1) appointed an officer 
 who shall hold rank not Ijelow that of the colonel in 
 the militia or in His Majesty's regular army, who may 
 be, subject to the regulations and under the direction 
 of the minister, charged with the military command of 
 the militia, and such oflficer shall have the rank of 
 major-general in the militia, and shall be paid at such 
 rate, not exceeding $6,000 per annum, as is prescribed. 
 
 "31. There may be appointed an officer who shall 
 hold rank not below that of colonel in the militia or in 
 His Majesty's regular army, who may be, subject to the 
 regulations and under the direction of the minister, 
 charged with the military inspection of the militia, and 
 such officer shall be paid at such rate, not exceeding 
 $6,000 per annum, as is prescribed. 
 
 " 32. The duties and authority of each of the officers 
 respectively referred to in the two next preceding 
 sections shall be defined by the Governor in Council." 
 
 "36. The Governor in Council may establish a 
 general staff, headquarters staff, and district staff, 
 and may appoint a chief of the general staff and such 
 officers to the respective staffs as are deemed necessary, 
 and shall define their duties and authority." 
 
 General Orders of June 15, 1904, provided that 
 Colonel the Right Honourable Matthew, Lord Aylmer, 
 adjutant-general, would act as officer commanding the 
 Canadian militia in succession to the Earl of Dun- 
 donald, retired. By G.O. 166, November 1, 1904, 
 Lord Aylmer was appointed " Inspector-General of 
 the Canadian Forces, " with the rank of brigadier- 
 general. 
 
 The same order contained the following : — Brigadier- 
 General P. H. N. Lake, C.B., Chief Staff officer, 
 Southern Command, Great Britain, is appointed 
 (temporarily) chief of the general staff, with rank of 
 brigadier-general in the Canadian forces while so em- 
 ployed, such rank to date from 2nd March, 1904, under 
 
 (1) Appeared as "There shall be, etc." in the bill as originally presented 
 to the House. 
 
 1111 
 

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 9 
 
 THE MILITIA COUNCIL (1) 
 
 1. Colonel E. Fiset, D.S.O., G.G.H.S., P.A.M.C, Deputy Minister of Militia, Vice-President. 2. Major-General P. H. N. Lake, 
 C.B., C.M.G., p.s.c, Eng-., Chief of the General Staff, (First Military Member). 3. Colonel F. L. Lessard, C.B., A.D.C., 
 Adjutant-General (Second Military Member). 4. Colonel D. A. Macdonald, I.S.O., O.S.C Quarter master-General (Third 
 Military Member). 5. Colonel W. H. Cotton, Master-General of the Ordnance ( Fourth Military Member), (i. J. W. Borden, Esq., 
 
 Accountant and Payma.ster-General (Finance Member), 
 
 (I) The Hon. Sir F, W. Borden, K.C.M.G., etc.. Minister of Mi>itia, is President of the Militia Council. See'Frontispiece. 
 
 Ill 
 
provisions of section 47, Militia Act. 1st November, 
 1904. 
 
 lirigadier-General Lake had already served a term 
 in Canada as quartermaster-general of militia with 
 universal acceptance, and had temporarily acted as 
 general officer commanding after the departure of 
 Major-General Gascoigne. 
 
 In the same order Lieut. -Colonel and Brevet Colonel 
 B. H. Vidal was appointed adjutant-general to the 
 Canadian forces with the substantive rank of colonel. 
 
 General Order 167, November 15, p ovided for the 
 following changes in the headquarters staff: — 
 
 Colonel D. A. Macdonald, I.S.O., D.G. of O., to be 
 quartermaster-general. 15th November, 1904. 
 
 Colonel W. H. Cotton, Q.M.G., to be master general 
 of the ordnance, under the provisions of section 35 of 
 The Militia Act, 1904. 15th November, 1904. 
 
 G.O. 17., dated December 28, 1904, provided for the 
 following appointments to the headquarters staff: — 
 
 To be director-general of medical services: Colonel 
 E. Fiset, D.S.O. 1st December, 1904. 
 
 To be director of clothing and equipment : Lieuten- 
 ant-Colonel J. B. Donaldson, from assistant director- 
 general of ordnance, 1st December, 1904. 
 
 To be director of transport and supplies: Lieutenant- 
 Colonel J. L. Biggar, from assistant quartermaster 
 general. 1st December, 1904. 
 
 To be director of artillery: Lieutenant-Colonel R. W. 
 Rutherford, from assistant adjutant-general of artil- 
 lery. 1st December, 1904. 
 
 To be director of engineer services: Lieutenant- 
 Colonel P. Weatherbe, from director-general of en- 
 gineer services. 1st December, 1904. 
 
 During the year 1904, the whole of the regimental 
 establishments of active militia were revised, and 
 new lists providing establishments on a peace 
 and war footing were issued. A number of sub-target 
 guns were procured for the use of the militia in con- 
 nection with musketry instruction. 
 
 In accordance with the new Militia Act an increased 
 scale of pay for all ranks was authorized, and efficiency 
 pay for warrant officers, non-commissioned officers 
 and soldiers of the active militia, the permanent force 
 excepted, provided for, with a view to increasing the 
 efficiency of the several units of the militia by inducing 
 men to continue to serve therein. 
 
 During the year 1,770 officers, 19,10S non-com- 
 missioned officers and men, and 4,400 horses received 
 12 days training in district camps; and 979 officers, 
 12,997 non-commissioned officers and men, and 1,032 
 horses (city corps) at local headquarters. 
 
 The present order of things as regards the adminis- 
 tration of the force was inaugurated at the beginning 
 of 1905, the first general order of that year, dated 
 
 January 3rd, reading as follows: — By an Order in 
 Comicil, dated the 17th November, 1904, as amended 
 by an Order in Council dated the 7th December, 1904, 
 which read as follows, the organization of the Militia 
 Council was authorized: — 
 
 "On a report dated 15th November, jl 904, from the 
 Minister of Militia and Defence, submitting that, by 
 the Militia Act, 1904, sec. 7, it is enacted as follows: — 
 'The Governor in Council may appoint a Militia Council 
 to advise the minister on all matters relating to the 
 militia which are referred to the Council by the minister. 
 The composition, procedure and powers of the council 
 shall be as prescribed.' 
 
 "The minister submits that it is expedient that a 
 Militia Council be appointed accordingly, and re- 
 commends that it be constituted under the title of 
 'The Militia Council,' and that it be composed of the 
 following members: — 
 
 "President — ^The Minister of Militia and Defence. 
 
 "1st Military Member— The Chief of the General 
 Staff. 
 
 "2nd Military Member — The Adjutant-General. 
 
 "3rd Military Member — The Quartermaster-General. 
 
 "4th Military Member— The Master -General of 
 Ordnance. 
 
 " Civil Member — The Deputy Minister of Militia and 
 Defence. 
 
 "Finance Member — The Accountant of the Depart- 
 ment of Militia and Defence. 
 
 "With a secretary to be nominated by the Minister 
 of Militia and Defence from among the clerical staff of 
 the Department of Militia and Defence." 
 
 G.O. 65, dated Headquarters, Ottawa, April 4, 1905, 
 provided for the creation of the higher commands, 
 with the following officers commanding: — 
 
 Western Ontario Command — To command, (with 
 temporary rank of brigadier-general), in addition to 
 the command of No. 2 military district: Colonel W. D. 
 Otter, C.B., A.D.C.. 1st May, 1905. 
 
 Eastern Ontario Command. — To command, (with 
 substantive rank of colonel), in addition to the com- 
 mand of No. 3 military district: Lieutenant-Colonel 
 and Brevet Colonel W. D. Gordon. 1st May, 1905. 
 
 Quebec Command — To command, (with substantive 
 rank of colonel), in addition to the command of No. 5 
 military district: Lieutenant-Colonel and Brevet Col- 
 onel L. Buchan, C.M.G. 1st May, 1905. 
 
 Maritime Provinces Command — To command, (with 
 substantive rank of colonel) in addition to the command 
 of No. 9 military district: Lieutenant-Colonel and 
 Brevet Colonel C. W. Drury, C.B., R.C.A. 1st May, 
 1905. 
 
 The grouping of the military districts of eastern 
 Canada into higher units had been advocated by 
 
 11-2 
 
successive G. O. C. for years previously. Nos. 
 1 and 2 military districts became the Western 
 Ontario Command; Nos. 3 and 4, the Eastern Ontario 
 Command; Nos. 5, 6 and 7, the Quebec Command, 
 and Nos. 8, 9 and 12, the Maritime Provinces Command. 
 
 The objects of this organization were, first, to afford 
 selected officers of the militia practice in the higher 
 duties of command and administration, by placing 
 them in charge of large bodies of troops approximating 
 to the commands which they would exercise in the 
 event of war; secondly, decentralization, with the 
 object of relieving militia headquarters of a great 
 mass of detail questions which could be far better 
 dealt with locally, and, thirdly, the introduction of a 
 system of administration which would be the same 
 both for peace and war. Incidentally the creation of 
 these commands opened up a far more attractive pro- 
 fessional career for officers of ability than it had hitherto 
 been possible to offer them. 
 
 The following staff officers and heads of departments 
 were allotted for each of these commands: — Staff 
 officers: — Chief staff officer, deputy-assistant-adjutant- 
 general. 
 
 Heads of departments: — District engineer, senior 
 Army Service Corps officer, principal medical officer, 
 senior Ordnance Stores Corps officer, senior paymaster, 
 principal -veterinary officer. 
 
 During 1905, the cavalry and infantry were organized 
 into brigades, and the Royal Canadian Field Artillery 
 was reorganized as Horse Artillery. 
 
 The attendance at annual drill during 1905, and 
 especially at the camps of instruction, was highly 
 satisfactory. Indeed, the total number of men trained 
 reached a higher figure by 4,900 than that of aiiy 
 previous year. This was no douijt largely attributable 
 to the efficiency pay introduced in 1904. 
 
 During the year, the department carried out the 
 project for acquiring a suitable territory for a central 
 training camp, land at Petawawa, Ont., l)eing secured. 
 The new camp ground is situated in the county of 
 Renfrew, near Pembroke, on the line of the Canadian 
 Pacific Railway, and is, roughly speaking, about eight 
 miles by ten. It lies upon the Ottawa river, and 
 affords excellent ranges for both artillery and infantry. 
 Steps have since been taken to prepare it for regular 
 occupation, and suitable buildings, ranges, etc., erected. 
 
 In .lune, 1905, the military members of the Militia 
 Council submitted to the minister a memorandum on 
 general militia policy, which was approved by him and 
 laid before parliament. To the carrying out of that 
 policy the efforts of the department have been steadily 
 directed with satisfactory results. 
 
 But by far the most important event in 1905, from 
 a military jX)int of view, was the fact that the Dominion 
 
 took over from His Majesty's regular troops the res- 
 ponsibility for the maintenance of the Imperial for- 
 tress of Halifax, N.S., the control of which is now 
 entirely in the hands of Canada. The Dominion 
 government also arranged similarly to assume control 
 of Esquimault. Canada thus relieved the British tax- 
 payer of the burden of any military expenditure what- 
 ever for military purposes within her borders. On her 
 part, the mother country treated Canada with liberality, 
 in handing over the fortresses free of charge, complete, 
 up to date, and fully equipped in every respect. 
 
 In consequence of the decision of the Dominion 
 government to assume the entire defence of the Do- 
 minion, an increase of the permanent force was au- 
 thorized from 2,000 to (if necessary) 5,000of all ranks, 
 and recruiting was actively commenced in the month 
 of April, 1905, for the additional force required in con- 
 nection with the gar ison at Halifax. The recruiting 
 was satisfactory in point of numbers, and the class of 
 recruits obtained was good, their physique being much 
 above the average for infantry of the line. 
 
 Owing to this large augmentation, it was necessary 
 to obtain, for service in the permanent force, a few 
 officers, non-commissioned officers and men from the 
 Imperial army. The Imperial government granted 
 the non-commissioned officers and men (ree discharges, 
 with permission to enlist in the permanent force, the 
 Dominion government undertaking to give them in the 
 permanent force the rank they held in the army, and 
 to count their army service towards pay, promotion 
 and pension, the portion of the pens on earned in the 
 army to be borne by the Imperial government. 
 
 Two additional companies were formed to replace the 
 two companies of the Royal Canadian Garrison Artil- 
 lery sent to Halifax from Quebec. 
 
 An increase in the strength of the Royal Canadian 
 Engineers was authorized. 
 
 Five additional companies were added to the Royal 
 Canadian Regiment, and were organized to reinforce 
 the five old companies, which were recruited as nearly 
 as possible to their full strength. 
 
 It was also found necessary to organize a corps of 
 military staff clerks as a separate unit of the permanent 
 force, with a strength of one warrant officer and thirty 
 staff-sergeants and sergeants. 
 
 May 16, the following appeared in orders: — " Brig- 
 adie -General (temporary) P. H. N. Lake, C.B., having 
 been appointed a major-general in His Majesty's re- 
 gular army from the 2.3rd March, 1905, is, under the 
 provisions of paragraph 47 of the Militia Act, granted 
 the rank of ma or-general (temporary) in the militia 
 from the above date, and is confirmed in his appoint- 
 ment of chief of tlie general staff." 
 
 113 
 
October 23, 1905, Major and Brevet Lieutenant- 
 Colonel W. G. Gwatkin, Manchester regiment, ap- 
 peared in orders as being appointed "Director of 
 Operations and Staff Duties on the General Staff," 
 with the temporary rank of Lieutenant-colonel in the 
 militia, taking rank and precedence in the militia 
 from Jan. 6, 1904, that being the date o his army 
 rank as lieutenant-colonel. 
 
 In connection with the transfer of the fortress of 
 Halifax to the Dominion government, it was found 
 necessary to temporarily retain the services of Major- 
 General Sir Charles S. B. Parsons, K.C.M.G., com- 
 manding, and a numbe; of his subordinate officers 
 after the date fixed for the withdrawal of the British 
 troops, and arrangements having been made with the 
 Imperial government, they were temporarily taken 
 on the st ength of the Canadian militia. (See G.O. 
 296, Dec. 9, 1905). 
 
 This transfer of a number of senior Imperial officers, 
 in their army ranks, to the Canadian militia empha- 
 sizes the great change in the status of the national 
 force from the days when the militia was a mere 
 auxiliary of the regular army, whose chief usefulness 
 in war time was the raising of recruits to form pro- 
 visional battalions. 
 
 The transfer, to the Dominion of Canada, of the 
 garrison, fortifications and military buildings of the 
 Imperial fortress at Halifax, N.S., which was nearing 
 completion at the end of 1905, was practically com- 
 pleted during 1906. 
 
 Similarly the coaling station at Esquimault, B.C., 
 was entirely taken over from the Imperial troops during 
 the year. 
 
 The formal transfer of the two fortresses took place 
 on January 18, 1906. The command of Halifax being 
 assumed by Col. C. W. Drury, C.B., commanding 
 Maritime Provinces; that of Esquimault by Col. J. G. 
 Holmes, commanding M.D. No. 11. 
 
 The increase to the permanent force, required in 
 order to enable the infantry, artillery and engineers to 
 provide efficiently for the necessary garrisons of 
 Halifax and Esquimalt, proved difficult. Recruiting 
 suffered seriously from the state of the labour market 
 and the universal demand for labour at high wages. 
 To meet the resulting shortage of men, until such time 
 as the classes from which recruits are drawii in this 
 country become better aware of the advantages offered 
 bv military service, the experiment was tried of en- 
 listing volunteers from certain British regular regi- 
 ments, which, during the year, were in process of dis- 
 bandment, direct into the permanent force. The Army 
 Council was good enough to give its consent. 
 
 A new departure was made during the year by the 
 completion of arrangements for the temporary inter- 
 
 change of selected officers with the governments of 
 India and Australia. 
 
 Captain J. H. Elmsley, Royal Canadian Dragoons, 
 was attached to the Indian army for a year, while 
 Lieut.-Col. O. B. S. F. Shore, D.S.O., 18th 'Tiwana' 
 Lancers, was sent to the Canadian militia to fill his 
 place. 
 
 Similarly Lieutenant E. Clairmonte, Royal Canadian 
 Artillery, was attached to the Australian Permanent 
 Forces and Lieutenant P. S. Long-Innes, Royal Aus- 
 tralian Artillery, took his place. 
 
 It was hoped that the new scheme would afford 
 officers of the Dominion an opportunity of studying 
 the military systems of other portions of the empire 
 and of widening their military knowledge and ex- 
 perience thereby. 
 
 During this year a considerable improvement was 
 effected in the training system of the active militia. 
 Steps were taken at the camps to eliminate as far as 
 possible all movements not of general utility, with a 
 view to giving more attention to essentials, and with 
 good results. As city corps generally suffer from too 
 constant drill in drill-halls and too little work in the 
 field, an opportunity to remedy this defect was 
 offered by giving permission to city corps to form 
 provisional battalions for four days attendance at the 
 district camps. 
 
 During the year 1906, 1,950 officers, 24,112 non- 
 commissioned officers and men, and 6,567 horses re- 
 ceived 12 days training in district camps; and 912 
 officers, 12,330 non-commissioned officers and men, 
 and 284 horses similar training at local headquarters. 
 162 officers, 1,334 non-commissioned officers and men, 
 and 64 horses received less than 12 days training. 
 
 Although authority was obtained from parliament 
 in 1905 to raise the establishment of the permanent 
 force to a maximum not exceeding 5,000 men, in 
 order to provide for the garrisons of Halifax and 
 Esquimalt and other requirements, it was decided that 
 the increase should only proceed gradually, and as funds 
 were available. For the year 1906 it was determined 
 that the numbers should not, for financial reasons, ex- 
 ceed the following: — Royal Canadian Dragoons, 200 
 all ranks; Royal Canadian Mounted Rifles, 120; Royal 
 Canadian Horse Artillery, 258; Royal Canadian Garri- 
 son Artillery, 790; Royal Canadian Engineers, 300; 
 Royal Canadian Regiment, 1,067; Army Service Corps, 
 100; Army Medical Corps, 100; Ordnance Stores Corps, 
 120; total, 3,055. 
 
 The permanent force was served during the year with 
 the Ross rifle, Mark II, and many rifle associations 
 with the same rifle, Mark I. 
 
 Complaints, as to these rifles (the first of Canadian 
 make issued to the militia), according to the annual 
 
 114 
 
\ 
 
 report of the Militia Council, did not appear to be more 
 frequent than those made about other service rifles, 
 at their first introduction. Defects observed were 
 being rapidly remedied. 
 
 As this rifle aims at being a modification of all 
 modern patterns of small-arms, its introduction re- 
 vealed the weak points inherent in new models. They 
 are now well known, and good progress has been made 
 towards remedying them. A very careful and thorough 
 inspection is made, during manufacture, of components, 
 and of the finished rifle. The materials entering into 
 the composition of the rifle are carefully tested, and 
 defects, as far as possible, obviated. In addition to the 
 above, investigations have been made at the factory 
 by the inspector of small-arms on the following main 
 points, in the matter of which some defects have shown 
 themselves: — Sights, bands, butt plates, magazine feed 
 and extractor. 
 
 The remainder of the field batteries were completely 
 re-armed with 12-pr. B.L. guns during the year, and 
 the full complement of ammunition completed. This 
 distribution released from the fi^d forces the 9-pr. 
 R.M.L. This gun being obsolete, it is not proposed 
 to re-i.ssue it a.s a service weapon. As, however, the 
 12-pr. gun is being replaced in other armies by a more 
 modem quick-firing weapon, a supply of the new 18-pr. 
 q.f. gun adopted for the British service has been 
 ordered from England, the delivery of which is shortly 
 expected. 
 
 The expenditure on account of the militia for 1905-6 
 amounted to $5,594,009 or .$1,644,167 in excess of the 
 amount expended during 1904-5, the increase being 
 distributed as follows: — Permanent force, $1,014,166; 
 annual drill, $110,000; military stores, $100,000; 
 military properties, $48,600; Dominion arsenal, $64,- 
 500; defence, Escjuimalt, $69,263: clothing, active 
 militia, $80,000; allowances,$76,000; sundry, $81,638, 
 
 The increase in expenditure on the permanent force, 
 $1,014,166, which amount did not include contingent 
 expenses, such as transport, &c., was due to the 
 Canadian government taking over the fortresses at 
 at Halifax and Esquimalt, the two garrisons requiring 
 between them about 1.500 men and entailing the 
 following extra expenditure: — 
 
 (a) Additional pay funds for the permanent force 
 consequent upon the increase in the establishment. 
 In 1904-5, the average strength was about 1,200 all, 
 ranks. In 1905-6 the average was about 1,000 greater, 
 the total strength June 30, 1906, including about 70 
 semi-military employees at Halifax, standing at 2,448. 
 
 (b) Larger expenditure for clothing consequent upon 
 the augmentation of the force. 
 
 (c) .$220,000 paid to re-imburse the Imperial govern- 
 ment for garrisoning Halifax some six months after 
 July 1, 1905, the date from which Canada agreed to 
 assume the cost; $200,000 being taken from the vote 
 for "pay," and $20,000 from the vote for "supplies" 
 for the permanent force. This was due to the fact 
 that it was not possible to replace all at once the Im- 
 perial troops by Canadian ones; the exchange had to be 
 carried out gradually. 
 
 A statement given in the annual report of the Militia 
 Council for the year ending December 31, 1906, shows, 
 in detail, the expenditures on account of the militia 
 during the fiscal years 1896-97 to 1905-06 inclusive. 
 For the first, fifth and last years of this period the 
 expenditures were as follows: — 
 
 
 1896-97. 
 
 1900-01 . 
 
 1905-06. 
 
 Pa.v of headquarters an»i district staffs. . 
 
 Pay of Permanent P^orce. including 
 officers, n.c.o.'s and men attaclied, 
 l^ards of honour and military survey . 
 
 Allowances for care of arms, drill in- 
 struction and postage to Active Militia 
 
 .\nnual drill, including supplies and 
 
 S 
 41,353 
 
 265,476 
 
 63,280 
 
 430,168 
 67,868 
 39,101 
 73,491 
 
 S 
 
 41,093 
 
 248,639 
 70,882 
 
 454,357 
 86.495 
 39.203 
 
 191,858 
 
 76,104 
 85,171 
 
 209,657 
 
 121,790 
 
 39,824 
 
 36,035 
 
 72,520 
 
 110,783 
 
 131,551 
 
 5,411 
 
 48,046 
 
 128,140 
 
 S 
 
 143,880 
 
 1,118.836 
 122,897 
 
 809,924 
 7 2,603 
 50.523 
 
 254.427 
 
 132 747 
 
 Salaries and wages of civil employees . . 
 Military properties — maintenance ..... 
 
 — construction 
 
 — rifle ranges and 
 
 Warlike and other stores 
 
 Clothing and necessaries for Permanent 
 
 50,427 
 
 232,167 
 
 115,899 
 
 43,998 
 39,950 
 59,616 
 58,492 
 745,965 
 5,158 
 45,123 
 45,119 
 
 174.980 
 
 429,727 
 
 463,668 
 
 84,856 
 45,825 
 
 Provisions and supplies for Permanent 
 
 Transport and freight, other than an- 
 
 Grants to rifle as.sociations and bands. . . 
 
 
 290,037 
 1,092,128 
 
 
 
 Miscellaneous votes 
 
 41,470 
 179,256 
 
 
 
 Halifax, provisional garrison 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Totals 
 
 12,413,651 
 
 S2, 197,559 
 
 (1) 
 
 $5,594,009 
 
 
 (I) $908,682 expenses in connection with special service in South 
 Africa and Halifax provisional garrison not included. 
 
 ns 
 
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 Manufacturer of Military Clothing 
 
 Q Uniforms of every descrip- 
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 ^ Tenders furnished on ap- 
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 Office: 326 Notre Dame St. W. - Factory: 337 Notre Dame St. W. 
 
 MONTREAL 
 
A. W. ROBERTSON. 
 
 HUGH QUINLAN. 
 
 OUINLAN & 
 ROBERTSON 
 
 CONTRACTORS 
 
 BLACK'S BRIDGE, 
 
 Montreal, Que. 
 
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 p. O. Box 244. 
 
 Phone Main 1122. 
 
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 MONTREAL. 
 
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 E. B. NIXON 
 
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 WINNIPEG, 
 
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 I 7401 
 
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 -° '"?&'^i Post Office 
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 Main 860 
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 MANUFACTURERS OF 
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 F. J.BERRY, 
 
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 t Sovereign Bank Building, 
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 Montreal, Que. 
 
 REPRESENTING: 
 
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 ==IMPORTER 0F== 
 
 IRISH 
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 Telephone Up 2488 
 
 Montreal 
 
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 Leaves Montreal every day 9:00 a.m. 
 7 hrs. 20 min. to Toronto; 13 hrs. 50 
 min. to Detroit. First-class coaches, 
 cafe, parlor and library cars and Pull- 
 man cars on this train. 
 
 FEATURES OF THE GRAND 
 TRUNK ARE: 
 Excellent Road>bed. 
 Beautiful Scenery. 
 Polite and Attentive Employees. 
 Fast Time, Punctual Trains and Best 
 Equipment. 
 
 W. E. DAVIS, 
 Passenger Traffic Manager, Montreal. 
 
 Canada's Double Track Railway 
 
 The only double track railway between Montreal, Toronto, 
 Niagara Falls, Detroit and Chicago. The finest and fast- 
 est trains in the Dominion are operated over these lines. 
 
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 THE "INTERNATIONAL LIMITED" 
 (The Railway Greyhound of Canada) 
 
 G. T. BELL, 
 General Passenger and Ticket Agent, Montreal 
 
 44- 
 
 
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 ************************************** 
 
 Established in 1892. 
 
 CUDDY & BRODEUR CO. 
 
 Importers and Wholesale Dealers in 
 
 China, Crockery, Glassware, Lamps, Hotel 
 
 Silverware, Cutlen,', Burners, Chimneys, 
 
 Cut Glass, Electroliers, Bronzes 
 
 and Fancy Goods. 
 
 We control the sales of several makers in England and on 
 the continent, and we can give to our customers a very well 
 assorted stock to select from on account of our 
 TWO RETAIL STORES 
 
 533 St. Catherine St. E. 327 St. Lawrence Blvd. 
 MONTREAL, CANADA. 
 
 ************************************** 
 
 GEO. T. 
 
 DAVIE & SONS, 
 
 LEVIS, QUE. 
 
 ****»****♦******♦**************+****+* 
 
 * 
 * 
 
 ^ * 
 
 ^ Machine Shop at Cable Address: ^ 
 
 at ST. JOSEPH DE LEVIS. DAVIE, LEVIS. * 
 
 Patent Slip and Docks, Twin Screw 
 Salvage Steamer "Lord Strathcona" 
 
 Steam Pumps and ail necessary gear 
 for floating and assisting Stranded 
 Vessels 
 
 Also Ship Builders and Ship Repairers 
 
 
 ************************************** ************************************** 
 
 Thos. Powers 
 
 Contractor 
 
 LEVIS 
 
 QUE. 
 
 * 
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 Windsor & Woodley 
 
 TORONTO 
 
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 * 
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 cbdb********** ************************** ' ************************************** 
 
Dominion Bridge Company, 
 
 LIMITED 
 
 MANUFACTURERS OF 
 
 BRIDGES ^ STRUCTURAL METAL WORK 
 
 Combined Railway and Highway Bridge over the Fraser River at New Westminster, British Coluinbia, 
 Built by Dominion Bridge Company, Limited, for the Government of British Columbia, 1905. 
 
 General Offices and Works at LACHINE LOCKS> P.O. 
 
 ' ' Branches at ' ' 
 TORONTO, ONT., and WINNIPEG, MAN. 
 
' ' ♦ 
 
 LIMITED 
 
 SPECIALTIES: SKEDDEN BRUSH Co. 
 
 Machine Brushes Moulders' Brushes 
 Factory Brushes jewellers' Wheel 
 Loom Du^ers Brushes 
 
 Household Painters' Standard 
 
 Brushes Brushes 
 
 Rifle Brushes 
 
 ESTABLISHED 1895 
 
 ♦ 
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 I 
 
 #> . 
 
 HAMILTON 
 
 ONT. 
 
 <§> 
 
 D. A. BETHl'NE 
 
 PLUMBING 
 HEATING AND 
 VENTILATION 
 
 DHOMcc /residence - UP 3157 
 
 287a BLEURY STREET 
 MONTREAL, QUE. 
 
 ^ 
 
 <§> 
 
 •<©•<&# 
 ♦ 
 
 JNO. E. RUSSELL 
 
 General Contractor 
 
 Crib and Dock 
 Building, Pile 
 Driving, Sub- 
 marine Work 
 and Heavy Con- 
 crete Construc- 
 tion : ; : : 
 
 307 LOGAN AVE. - TORONTO 
 
 PHONES M 2007 and M 4626 
 
 
 PHONE 2699 
 
 WILTON BROS. 
 
 Successors to G. OLAFSON & CO. 
 
 ^ The Leading Produce, Flour and Feed, Grain and Hay Merchants of Winnipeg 
 
 ^ All Varieties of Stock Foods 
 
 I Cor. KING and JAMES STS. WINNIPEG, MANITOBA 
 
 xiii 
 
BANK OF MONTREAL 
 
 (established 1817.) 
 INCORPORATED BY ACT OF PARLIAMENT. 
 
 C^PUM. [all paid up) $14,400,000.00 
 
 REST, 11,000,000.00 
 
 UNDIVIDED PROFITS, 422,689.98 
 
 HEAD OFFICE— MONTREAL. 
 
 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 
 
 Rt. Hon. Lord Str.\thcona and Mou.xt Royal, G.C.M.G. , Honorary President. 
 Hon. Sir George .\. Drummond, K.C.M.G., President. E. S. Clouston, Esq., Vice-President. 
 
 A. T. Paterson, Esq. E. B. Greenshields, Esq. Sir William C. Macdonald. 
 
 R. B. Angus, Esq. James Ross, Esq. R. G. Reid, Esq. 
 
 Hon. Robt. Mackay. 
 
 H. 
 
 E. S. Clouston, General Manager. 
 A. Macnider, Chief Inspector, and Superintendent of Branches. 
 V. Meredith, Assistant General Manager, and Manager at Montreal. 
 
 C. Sweeny, 
 
 W. E. Stavert, 
 
 ( Superintendent of Branches 
 
 \ Superintendent of Branches 
 
 \ British Columbia w . i^. ^i^ivcn.., -^ Maritime Provinces 
 
 F. J. Hunter, Inspector N. West and Br. Col Branches. E. P. Winslow, Inspector Ontario Branches. 
 
 D. R. Clarke, Inspector Maritime I^ovinces and Newfoundland Branches. 
 
 prov. of ontario. 
 
 alliston, 
 
 ALMONTE, 
 
 AURORA, 
 
 BELLEVILLE, 
 
 BOVV.MANVILLE, 
 
 BKANTFORl), 
 
 BROCKVILLE, 
 
 CHATHAM, 
 
 COLLINGVVOOD, 
 
 ■' Ontario Hk Bmnch 
 CORNWALL, 
 DESERONTO, 
 EGLINTOiX, 
 FE.NELO.N FALLS, 
 FORT WILLIAM, 
 GODERICH, 
 GUELPH, 
 HAMILTON, 
 
 " Sliertnan Ave. 
 
 HOLSTEIN. 
 KING CITY, 
 KINGSTON, 
 
 " Ontario Bk. Branch 
 LINnS.VY, 
 LONDON, 
 MILLBROOK. 
 .MOUNT FOREST, 
 
 PROV. OF ONTARIO. 
 
 Continued. 
 NEWMARKET 
 OTTAWA. 
 
 Bank St. 
 " Ontario Bk. Branch 
 PARIS. 
 PERTH, 
 PETERBORO. 
 
 " Ontario Bk. Branch 
 PICTON. 
 PORT ARTHUR, 
 PORT HOPE, 
 QUEENSVILLE, 
 SARNIA. 
 STRATFORD. 
 ST. MARYS. 
 SUDBURY 
 
 TORONTO, 
 
 Yon^e St. 
 W'ellington St. 
 Queen St. 
 Richmond St. 
 Carlton St. 
 
 TRENTON, 
 
 TWEED, 
 
 WALLACEBURG, 
 
 WARSAW, 
 
 WATERFORD, 
 
 BRANCHES: 
 
 IN CANADA: 
 
 PROV, OF QUEBEC 
 
 BUCKINGHAM, 
 COOKSHIRE, 
 DANVILLE. 
 hRASERVILLE, 
 GRAND JIKRE, 
 LAKE MEGANTIC, 
 LEVIS. 
 MONTREAL. 
 
 " Hochelaera, 
 
 " Ontario Bank Branch 
 
 '* Papineaii Ave, 
 
 " Point St. Charles 
 
 " Seigneurs St. 
 
 '" Ste. Anne de Bellevue 
 
 ■' St. Henri 
 
 " West End 
 
 " Westmount 
 QUEBEC. 
 
 " Upper Town, 
 SAWYERVlLLE, 
 
 PROV. OF NEW BRUNSWICK 
 
 AN DOVER, 
 
 BATHURST, 
 
 CHATHAM, 
 
 ICDMUNDSTON, 
 
 FREDERICTON, 
 
 PROV. OF NEW BRUNSWICK 
 
 Conlinued. 
 GRAND FALLS. 
 HARTLAND, 
 MONCTON, 
 SHEDIAC, 
 ST. JOHN. 
 WOODSTOCK. 
 
 PROV. OF NOVA SCOTIA 
 
 AMHERST, 
 BRIDGEWATEP, 
 CANSO, 
 GLACE BAY. 
 HALIFAX. 
 
 North End 
 LUNENBURG, 
 MAHONE BAY, 
 PORT HOOD, 
 SYDNEY, 
 WOLFVILLE, 
 YARMOUTH. 
 
 NORTHWEST PROVINCES 
 
 ALTONA, Man. 
 BRANDON, .Man. 
 CALGARY, Alta. 
 ED.MONTON, Alta. 
 INDIAN HEAD, Sask. 
 
 NORTHWEST PROVINCES 
 
 Contitieud. 
 
 LETHBRIDGE. Alta. 
 
 OAKVILLE, Man. 
 
 PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, Man. 
 
 RAYMOND, Alta. 
 
 RHGINA. Sask. 
 
 ROSENFELD, Man. 
 
 SASKATOON. Sask. 
 
 WINNIPEG, Man. 
 
 " Fort Rougfe 
 
 " Logan Ave. 
 
 PROV. OF BRITISH COLUMBIA 
 
 ARMSTRONG. 
 
 CHILLIWACK, 
 
 EN DERBY, 
 
 GREENWOOD, 
 
 KELOWNA, 
 
 NELSON, 
 
 NEW DENVER, 
 
 N. WESTMINSTER 
 
 NICOLA. 
 
 ROSSLAND, 
 
 SUMMERLAND, 
 
 VANCOUVER, 
 
 " Westminster Ave. 
 VERNON, 
 VICTORIA. 
 
 IN NEWTOUNDLAKD: 
 
 ST. JOHNS Bank ok Montreal. 
 
 BIRCHY COVE, Bay of Islands Bank of Montrkal. 
 
 IN GREAT BRITAIN: 
 LONDON, Bank ok Montreal, 46-47 ThiL-.tdiK-etlle Street, E.C. . . 
 
 . F. W. Taylor, Manager. 
 
 IN THE UNITED STATES: 
 
 Agents, 31 Pine Street. 
 
 R. Y. Hf.bden, ^ 
 NEW YORK, W. A. Bog, \ 
 
 J. T. MOLINEUX, J 
 
 CHICAGO, Bank of Montreal, J. M. Greata, Manager. 
 SPOKANE, Wash., Bank ok Montreal 
 
 IN MEXICO: 
 MEXICO, D. F T. S. C. Saunders, Manager. 
 
 BANKERS IN GREAT BRITAIN 
 
 London, The Bank ok England. Liverpool 
 
 " The Union ok London and Smith's Bank, Ltd. ' ' 
 
 " The London and Westminster Bank, Ltd. i Scotland, 
 
 " The National Provincial Bank ok Eng., Ltd. ; 
 
 The Bank ok Liverpool, Ltd. 
 
 ( The British Linrn Co.mpanv Bank, 
 
 ( Branches. 
 
 BANKERS IN THE UNITED STATES: 
 
 New York, The National City Bank. 
 
 " The Bank ok New York, N.B.A. 
 
 " National Bank ok Commerce in New York. 
 
 " National Park Bank. 
 
 Boston, The Merchants National Bank. 
 
 BcKFALO, The Marine Natl. Bank, Bckkalo. 
 
 San Francisco, The First National Bank. 
 
 " The Anglo-Calikornian Bank, Ltd. 
 
Mrm 
 
 '^-^^ 
 
 THE MORTIMER CO. 
 
 Limited 
 
 II.I.IJSTRATORS 
 
 PHOTO-ENGRAVERS 
 
 PRINTERS 
 
 T<ITHOGRAPHERS 
 
 BOOKBINDERS 
 
 TWO PLANTS 
 
 Ottawa 
 
 Montreal 
 
ADAMS BROS. 
 HARNESS MFG. CO, 
 
 LIMITED 
 
 MANUFACTURERS OF 
 
 All kinds of Harness 
 Saddles, Collars 
 Horse Clothing and 
 Saddlery Hardware 
 
 ALSO MANUFACTURERS OF 
 
 All kinds of Military 
 Saddles & Equipments 
 
 TOKONTO AND WINNIPEG 
 
A. ZIMMERMAN & Co., 
 
 NAVAL PATTERN CAPS, 
 SWORDS, SAM BROWNE BELTS, 
 
 AND ALL KINDS OF 
 
 MiLiTAiJY Equipment & Trimmings 
 
 ALWAYS ON HAND. 
 Price List and Estimates on Application. 
 
 High- Class Civil and Military Tailors 
 and Breeches Makers =^^=^^— ^= 
 
 38 James St. North, HAMILTON, Can. 
 
 THE BOILER INSPECTION AND INSURANCE COMPANY 
 
 OF CANADA 
 
 Q Issues Policies of Insurance covering All Loss of Property as well 
 
 as damage resulting from Loss of Life and Personal Injuries due 
 
 to Steam Boiler Explosions. 
 
 jis Policie-t are guaranteed by The Hartford Steam "Boiler Inspection and Insurance Co. 
 
 Combined Assets amount to $4,111,092.27 Surplus for Benefit of Policyholders $2,053,705.89 
 
 Head Office : CANADA LIFE BUILDING' TORONTO. '^"V^r^nTl'^SlTreZ'i:fJi'^i%°^?r''' 
 
 The John Whitfield Company 
 
 Tbone {Main 2099 
 
 JOHN WHITFIELD, Manager 
 
 ED'IJ filV/T L''i. PACKING HOUSE AND ABATTOIR MACHINERY 
 
 ngine builders & Machinists _ and supplies. - 
 
 Hydrants, Valves, Bridge Bolts, and every Description of Iron Work for Builders. 
 Fire Escapes, Malt Kiln Floors, Chains and Mining Drills. Whitfield Stump Extractor 
 
 1 76 Front Street East, TORONTO. 
 
 SPECIAL MACHINERY MADE 
 AND REPAIRED. 
 
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 THE MITCHELL RIFLE SIGHT 
 
 J 
 
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 Gives Full Satisfaction because it is true and easily set 
 
 -^^^^^ 
 
 This SIGHT enjoys world-wide endorsation 
 
 A BOOKLET IS YOURS FOR THE ASKING 
 
 \ 
 
 Canada Arms and Rifle Sights Limited, 
 
 It's the "Best 
 
 Confederation Life Building, 
 
 XShere is 
 
 TORONTO, Ont. 
 
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 1[The history of the adoption of the Ross Rifle as the arm of the Canadian Militia 
 reflects great credit on Sir Frederick Borden and his advisers. 
 tWhy it was adopted has been told by Sir Frederick in the House of Commons and 
 again at the recent Colonial Conference in London, when the subject of Imperial 
 defence came up for discussion. Briefly, Sir Frederick had on occasion found it 
 impossible to obtain a sufficient supply of Lee-Enfields from England. He did 
 his best to induce one of the English factories to establish a branch in Canada for 
 the manufacture of tiie Lee-Enfields, but failed. He then resolved to use a rifle 
 of Canadian make. This resolution led to the adoption of the Ross Rifle, and to 
 the erection of the extensive plant at Quebec for its manufacture. 
 ^The feet that the Ross Rifle fires the same .303 ammunition as the Lee-Enfield 
 was no doubt an important consideration with Sir Frederick and his advisers. 
 Another consideration of probably greater importance was stated by him at the 
 conference in these words: "The maintenance of the Empire rests primarily on 
 supremacy atsea," and in that connection 1 would like to submit the advisability — 
 
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 the necessity perhaps — for the estabhshment in the different dominions of 
 factories, which shall be able to manufacture arms, etc., and which will thus 
 render those communities safer in the event of the sea control being temporarily 
 lost by England. 
 
 TfThis weighty view was approved Iw Mr. Deaken, of Australia. Moreover, it 
 . was in accordfuice with the opinion of the Imperial authorities who stated in a 
 paper on the Equipment of Colonial Forces, that it is most desirable that the area 
 of supply of warlike appliances should be as wide as possible, and therefore Colonial 
 Governments should be urged to arrange for local manufacture and provision 
 rather than rely on the resources of the United Kingdom. 
 
 fThe arm adopted was no untried e.xperiinent. In 1895, Sir Charles Ross commen- 
 ced to take out a .scries of patents throughout the world on a straight pull breech 
 mechanism. Later this system was adopted by the Austrian Government under 
 the name of the "System Maunlicher," and all the military forces of the Austrian 
 Empire armed with this weapon. 
 
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 1[A most exhaustive series of tests of the rifle was made by a Board convened for 
 that purpose by the Minister of Militia, consisting of Colonel W. I). Otter, President ; 
 Members, Colonel J. M. Giljson; Lieutenant-Colonel W. P. Anderson; Lieutenant- 
 Colonel Sam Hughes, M.P., and Major F. M. Gaudet, who reported in favour of 
 the Ross Rifle and suggested certain modifications which, in their opinion, were 
 desirable in an arm to meet the special re([uirenients of the Canadian service. 
 ^The results of this far sighted policy are just beginning to be seen and appreciated 
 by the country at large who have seen the clamor of adverse criticism, always 
 accompanying the introduction of a new arm, subside and give way before the 
 growing popularity of the rifle with the militia. 
 
 ^[Instructions in musketry practice are reporting hicrea.sed rate of progress towards, 
 efficiency by their classes resulting from the use of the new rifles. It is established 
 that twice as many shots may be put on a target with the straight pull Ross Rifle 
 as can be delivered from the rifle that preceded it, as a result of the rapidity with 
 which the magazine can be filled and the breech mechanism operated by the 
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 TfBut the great increase in- military strength gained by Canada by the adoption 
 of this formidable weapon is of only secondary importance to the advantage 
 obtained by establishing within her borders a most complete and modern plant 
 for the production of this most important of warlike material. Situated in Quebec, 
 on the historic Plains of Abraham, and defended by the guns of that most impreg- 
 nable fortress in America a large plant has been established for the manufacture of 
 small arms. This establishment is complete in every respect, performing every 
 one of the thousand and one operations required to convert raw steel and wood 
 into the highest type of magazine rifle. A large factory filled with marvellous 
 automatic machinery and precision tools operated by a force of skilled Canadian 
 artizans who have been specially trained to carry on this work. 
 
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RETURN TO the circulation desk of any 
 University of California Library 
 
 or to the 
 
 NORTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 
 BIdg. 400, Richmond Field Station 
 University of California 
 Richmond, CA 94804-4698 
 
 ALL BOOKS MAY BE RECALLED AFTER 7 DAYS 
 
 • 2-month loans may be renewed by calling 
 (510)642-6753 
 
 • 1-year loans may be recharged by bringing 
 books to NRLF 
 
 • Renewals and recharges may be made 
 4 days prior to due date 
 
 DUE AS STAMPED BELOW 
 
 SEKfrONILL 
 
 DEC 1 2003 
 
 U. C. BERKELEY 
 
 DD20 1M 3-02 
 
M240309 
 
 A ^ 0° 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA UBRARY