History of the
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grenadiers
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HI
King iE&faarti HU.
The
Royal Grenadiers
A Regimental History
of the
10th Infantry Regiment
of the
Active Militia of Canada
By
Captain Ernest J. Chambers
(Corps of Guides)
AUTHOR OF THE HISTORIES OF
The Governor General's Body Guard, The 3rd (Montreal) Field Battery, The
1st Prince of Wales' Regiment, The 2nd Regiment Queen's Own Rifles,
The 5th Royal Scots of Canada, The 43rd Duke of Cornwall's Own
Rifles, The Montreal Highland Cadet Battalion, etc.
. I — RUDDY
TORONTO
ISO-*
Entered according to the Act of Parliament
of Canada, in the year Nineteen Hundred and
Four, by Lieutenant-Colonel G. A. Stimson,
in the Department of Agriculture.
BROWN-SEARLE PRINTING COMPANY
TORONTO
The Royal Grenadiers
SONG AND CHORUS
AR up the street, with tramp of feet, a flash of red appears,
The word goes 'round, with joyous sound, it's the Royal Grenadiers !
Along they swing, their muskets ring, the streets are all aglow,
They march in time to the music's chime, whilst the brassy bugles blow.
The brassy bugles, the sassy bugles, hear their music flow !
The ladies' hearts go pit-a-pat, as the drums go rat, tat, tat, tat, tat,
And the brassy bugles blow !
i
They've had a wash since old Batoche, they look so spruce and clean,
They daze your eye, as they pass you by, with a daze of soldier sheen,
They are not toys, these soldier boys, they were not made for show,
For they can fight with all their might, when the bloody bugles blow !
The sassy bugles, the brassy bugles, hear their music flow !
The ladies' hearts go pit-a-pat, as the drums go rat, tat, tat, tat, tat,
And the bloody bugles blow !
We need not fear, when they are near, so dry your foolish tears,
Ter-ump ! ter-ump ! ter-ump ! ter-ump ! it's the Royal Grenadiers !
If foes should come (our land has some), it's down the Don they'd go,
We'd teach them well, that war is hell, while the bloody bugles blow !
The brassy bugles, the sassy bugles, hear their music flow !
The ladies' hearts go pit-a-pat, as the drums go rat, tat, tat, tat, tat,
And the bloody bugles blow !
When the Grens march out, the people shout, hark to the martial Jilt,
For they're a patch just cut to match, on the widow's home-made quilt !
A splendid spread for the good Queen's bed, to keep her warm, and so
When she's asleep they sentry keep, while the bonny bugles blow !
The sassy bugles, the brassy bugles, hear their music flow !
The ladies' hearts go pit-a-pat, as the drums go rat, tat, tat, tat, tat,
And the brassy bugles blow !
— The Khan.
Contents
PREFACE
CHAPTER
I. The Old Upper Canada Militia
II. The Trent Affair
III. The loth Battalion Volunteer Militia of Canada
IV. loth Royal Regiment, Toronto Volunteers
V. The Fenian Raid
VI. The Royal Grenadiers
VII. The Northwest Rebellion of 1885
VIII. Fish Creek and Batoche
IX. Batoche
X. Final Phases of the Rebellion — Triumphant Return of the Troops
XI. Some Regimental Happenings of Thirteen Years -
XII. Grenadiers in the Boer War
XIII. Regimental Events of the Past Few Years
XIV. Some of the Victories of the Royal Grenadiers on the Rifle Ranges
Appendices :
A. Roll of Officers, Royal Grenadiers, Nov. :8th, 1904
PAGE
9
'3
16
'9
22
32
37
48
57
76
81
too
1 08
119
I25
B. Special Military Services of Past and Present Officers of the Royal Grenadiers, 126
C. Notes on Some Men who have been Identified with the Regiment - 127
D. The Northwest Campaign. List of Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers
and Men - - - - - - - -128
PREFACE
T was with very particular satisfaction that the author of this volume undertook the task of writing
a history of the loth "Royal Grenadiers." Having had the privilege of being with
the gallant regiment in the field during the Northwest Rebellion of 1885, from
the time it marched into General Middleton's camp at Clark's Crossing until
the conclusion of the campaign at Fort Pitt, of being with the line relieved by
Captain Mason's company at Fish Creek, of accompanying Captain Gaston's
company when it covered the withdrawal at the same action, of carefully wit-
nessing their several morning advances to the attack during the fighting at
Batoche, of accompanying the regiment during a considerable part of the his-
torical charge, and of seeing much of the corps on the trail and in camp, I
had abundant opportunity for knowing how the Royal Grenadiers comported
themselves under the various conditions of active service, and learned to admire
the sound soldierly spirit and reserved corps pride which pervaded all ranks.
It has always been my opinion that for various reasons, explained to some
extent in the text, the Grenadiers (as also to perhaps an even greater extent
the units of the permanent corps, and more particularly the artillery), have not received from the
public of Canada, outside, perhaps, the City of Toronto, full recognition of their services during the
Northwest campaign, although the official reports as a matter of course, and the reports of the pro-
fessional newspaper correspondents, were generally fair enough. As this is intended to be merely a
regimental history, any attempt to incorporate in it anything like an exhaustive account of the cam-
paign in which the Royal Grenadiers played so conspicious and honorable a part would be absurd ;
but I nevertheless considered that a fairly full account of the campaign, with special reference to the
services of the Royal Grenadiers, was called for in view of the popular misapprehension which prevails
as to the exact place of this regiment in the history of the operations of the Northwest Field Force.
I might perhaps explain that the chapters treating of the period of the regiment's service in question
are based upon personal recollection, corrected with the aid of memoranda and reports written on
the spot, and checked to some extent by official records.
As to the chapters on the early history of the loth Royals, I must express my sense of obli-
gation to the regimental history compiled with so much labor by Mr. T. E. Champion in 1896, and
which has been invaluable as a work of reference in the preparation of the present volume. I have
also to thank various officers of the regiment, past and present, for invaluable memoranda and books
placed at my disposal, more especially Lieut. -Cols. Grasett, Mason and Stimson, and Capt. Mont-
gomery. The completeness of the regimental order books and scrap books testify to the thorough
system of interior economy in the regiment and to the industry of a succession of adjutants and the
orderly room staff. And it makes the task of the regimental historian a pleasure.
The limitations of space have forbidden anything like elaborate treatment of the subject, but
such as the volume is, the author trusts that it will be found to convey a fairly complete and readable
story of the regiment's organization and growth, and as such will be of some value historically and
of direct regimental utility in stimulating the wholesome pride of the officers, non-commissioned officers
and men of the Royal Grenadiers in their splendid regiment.
ERNEST J. CHAMBERS.
190 SOMERSET STREET, OTTAWA.
November 14, 1904.
Chapter I
THE OLD UPPtR CANADA MILITIA
HEN Britain, in 1/60, found herself the undisputed mistress of Canada, there was
the nucleus of a militia force in what is now the Province of Ontario, for
there were a few French settlements at Fort Frontenac, Fort Rouille, Niagara
and elsewhere, and wherever there was a French settlement there was a militia
organization, for under the law of fiefs every able-bodied colonist was a member
of the Provincial Militia. Immediately succeeding the conquest there was a cer-
tain influx of immigration into Upper Canada, but it remained for the great
upheaval of the American Revolution to furnish the province with her first set-
tlement, 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, is a part of the national
history of this country, and a part which, it is hoped, will never be forgotten
by the people of Canada. «
By 1791, thanks largely to the settlement of the United Empire Loyalists,
the population of Upper Canada had attained such dimensions as to warrant
the division of Upper from Lower Canada, in accordance with the wish of
the English-speaking inhabitants of the Upper Province, to whom the French
laws and usages of the old Province of Quebec were irksome. 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 the most lofty patriotic principles and high
military spirit. Each of the two provinces created by the Act of 1791 had the
raising of their respective militia forces under its individual control. 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 3ist,
1793, was the passage of a militia act. This act, framed by Governor Siincoe, provided for the
organization of the Upper Canada Militia on the model of the English Militia force of that day,
which was based upon the principle of practically universal liability to service, with certain natural
limitations.
The main object in the drafting of this first Upper Canada Militia Act was to provide rather a
system for the taking of an annual census of the male population, than to produce a drilled and
organized defensive force. Officers were provided for, and in due course appointed, but they were
more a part of a census organization than- of a military force. The underlying idea was that if the
authorities knew exactly what able-bodied men there were in the province, and where they lived, that in
case of emergency they might be called out for military service, and organized and drilled, as occasion
required. There was no provision for the training of officers and non-commissioned officers — a most
obvious shortcoming for any practical militia enactment ; but it must be remembered that a goodly
proportion of the most influential settlers of Upper Canada, from whom officers and non-commissioned
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officers would naturally be tirawn, were men who had served their king and country long and faith-
fully in the ranks of British 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 also men who had seen military service. In fact the whole male popu-
lation of those days, whether of any previous military experience 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 Simcoe's Militia Act was well devised for the particular occasion upon which it was
required, although under present conditions it would be absolutely worthless. In fact, it was not
long before the rapidly changing conditions of the country, and the equally rapid changes in the char-
acter of the population, made radical amendments absolutely necessary.
Under Simcoe's Act certain regimental and company districts were established, and each company
had to be mustered and inspected by its captain at least once a year. Every lad attaining the age
of 1 6 was obliged to enroll himself with the officer in charge of the district, under penalty of a fine
of four dollars.
There was no provision for pay, but officers absenting themselves from parade were liable to a
fine of eight dollars, and privates to one of two dollars, for each offence. In 1784 an amendment in
the Act regarding the age limit was passed, raising the extreme service age from fifty years to sixty.
This amendment was due to the anti-British agitation, at the time prevailing in the United States,
as a result of the machinations of the notorious Genest, the Ambassador of the French Directory
in the United States. It will be remembered that the anti-Federalists or Democrats encouraged
Genest, and when France declared war upon Britain, they urged that the United States should enter
into an alliance with the new French Republic in return for the assistance France had given during
the Revolutionary War. Moreover, a scheme for the invasion of Canada from Louisiana by a French,
Spanish, and Indian force, by way of the Mississippi and Michigan, was actually projected. The
United States Government, at this time, moreover, was in trouble with the Western Indians, and
General Wayne, after defeating the Shawnees, declared it to be his intention to attack some of the
British posts in the then far West.
It was during this crisis that the first call was made upon the Upper Canadian Militia for active
service, Simcoe calling out six hundred men, two hundred of whom were placed in garrison at
Detroit, the remainder being disposed along the Niagara frontier. At this time there were not
more than twelve thousand people, men, women, and children, in the whole of Upper Canada. The
same year a number of stands-of-arms were distributed among the militia at the public expense.
Previous to this the militiamen had been expected to provide their own arms.
In 1798 it was decided that there should be a regiment of militia established at York. Accordingly
an Order-in-Council was passed, and the Hon. D. W. Smith was appointed Colonel. In 1799 the Upper
Canada Militia Act was further patched, and again in 1801 there was a similar proceeding. In 1808 a
Militia Act was passed, amending and consolidating all the previous ones. This Act made provision for
a certain amount of training. True, it was a ridiculously small provision, but nevertheless it was some-
thing. The King's Birthday, June 4th, was set as the date of the annual muster, and the captains
were compelled to call out their companies not less than twice, or oftener than four times, each year
for armed inspection and training. Each man was required to provide himself with arms and ammuni-
tion, the penalty for neglect being a fine of five shillings in peace, and of forty shillings in times of
war. In the case of men being incapable of providing themselves with arms, they were issued to
them by the Government under certain restrictions. In 1805 four thousand stands-of-arms were distri-
buted among the militia. A return of the enrolled militia for this year shows a total of six hundred
and fifty-two officers, and seven thousand nine hundred and forty-seven non-commissioned officers and
privates. Another return revealed the fact that of the whole number of militiamen, only two hundred
had received any training for several years. In 1808 all the existing Acts relative to the militia
were repealed, their provisions, with some vital important amendments, were consolidated into one
comprehensive Act (Chapter 48, George III), and it received the assent of Lieutenant-Governor Gore,
March i6th, 1808.
During the war of 1812, numerous acts affecting the organization and administration of the
—10-
militia wore passed. It is unnecessary here to refer at length to the glorious services rendered to their
country by the Canada Militia during the war of 1812-14, f°r tnL'.v arc written in characters of
g-old upon the tablets of our young1 nation's stirring history.
During the peace which succeeded the battle of Waterloo, in 1815, the whole English population
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 beating 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 woeful
neglect, and it is not surprising that in Canada, where there were so many calls upon public atten-
tion, national energy, and the public funds, in the development of the young country's virgin resources,
little or no attention was for many years given to the question of the maintenance of the militia.
The national defensive force appeared to be dying a natural death when some interest in it was
revived by the stirring events of the rebellion of 1837-38. There were a few isolated volunteer
troops of cavalry and companies of riflemen maintained at one or two points at the expense of the
officers and men, but their existence was regarded rather as a menace to the peace of the country
than as a protection ; and the officers and men whose patriotic enthusiasm kept them in existence
were sneered at as military e ithusiasts. The good work these independent volunteer companies were
able to do in connection with the suppression of the rebellions rather turned the tables on the scoffers;
but, nevertheless, the revolutionary excitement once over, another period of neglect for the defensive
forces of the country set in.
In 1841 Upper and Lower Canada, by the Act of Union, became one colony again, and henceforth
the militia became one national force instead of two distinct provincial bodies. Still it was hard to get
the public and public men to treat the question of national defense seriously, and the militia continued in
a most unsatisfactory state until 1854, when the patriotism and inherent military spirit of the Canadian
people were aroused by the Crimean War. Canada, which up to the despatch of most of the avail-
able troops to the Crimea, had had a large garrison of regulars, was practically denuded of troops,
and the Canadian Government was given to understand that, in future, it would have to do more for
the defense of the country. While the excitement aroused by the Crimean War was at its height,
the Canadian Government 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. The conditions were laid down in the new Militia Act (18 Victoria, Chapter 91), 18^5. By
the terms of this act, 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, Kings-
ton, 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. In 1856 the enrollments under the provisions of the Act of
1855 amounted to four thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine men. This act marked a consider-
able step in advance in the development of the organization 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.
Under the Militia Act of "1855 there were to be two classes of militia — Class A, of men buying
their own uniforms and receiving pay for a specified number of days drill each year; and Class B, of
men drilling without pay, but having arms and equipments served out to them as a free issue on
loan. The first class was not to exceed five thousand, and was to consist of volunteer troops of
cavalry, field batteries, and foot companies of artillery, and fifty companies of riflemen. This act was
to continue in operation for three years only, but could be continued if war, then threatened, with
the United States, existed. The first organizations to be enrolled under this act were naturally the
few existing independent military organizations. New corps were rapidly raised in all the chief cen-
tres 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 themselves. In Toronto several rifle com-
panies were organized before the end of the year in which the Act was passed, although they were
—11—
not gazetted until 1856. Before the end of the latter year there were four good rifle companies
existing in Toronto. Under the Act of 1855 the old sedentary militia was still considered of great
importance, and provision was made for their annual enrollment.
Considerable impetus was given to the work of organizing the little "Active Force" in Canada,
by the indignation aroused over the atrocities of the Indian Mutiny, and the authorization given by
the Imperial Government in 1858 to Sir Edmund Head to accept the offer of a regular locally-raised
regiment made by the people of Canada. This was the origin of the looth Royal Canadian Regiment,
now the First Battalion of the Leinster Regiment.
In 1859 still another militia act was passed, the most important point in it being a provision for the
organization of the isolated independent companies into battalions of infantry and rifles wherever possible.
The existing nine rifle companies in the city of Montreal, which had already a sort of battalion con-
nection, were constituted into a battalion styled the First Battalion Volunteer Militia Rifles of Canada
(now the First Prince of Wales Fusiliers), November i/th, 1859 April 26th, 1860, the six rifle
companies existing in Toronto were consolidated into a new regiment styled the Second Battalion
Volunteer Militia Rifles of Canada (now the Second Queen's Own Rifles).
—12—
Chapter II
THE TRENT AFFAIR
KLDOM, if ever, has the devoted loyalty of the Canadian people been aroused to the
same extent as it was in the year 1861 by what is known as the Trent affair.
Messrs. Mason and Slidell, two eminent Southern politicians, took passage at
Havana, Cuba, for Liverpool, on the British mail steamer Trent, having been
despatched by the Confederate Government as commissioners to London and to
Paris. On the high seas the Trent was stopped by a cannon shot fired across
her bows by the United States warship San Jacinto, Captain Wilkes. The
Trent hove to, and in spite of the protests of her captain, was boarded by an
armed body of marines from the man-of-war, who seized and examined the mails, the
lieutenant in charge taking possession of a number of letters. The captain ot the
Trent was also reluctantly compelled to relinquish the persons of his two passen-
gers, Messrs. Mason and Slidell, and they were taken to the United States and
consigned to a prison. This was in November, 1861. When news of the affair
reached Great Britain and Canada the greatest indignation was aroused. It was recalled that the
ostensible reason given by the United States for the declaration of war against Great Britain in 1812
was the alleged violation by Great Britain of certain fine theories regarding the protection of the
national shipping at sea by a neutral flag. The fact that the captains of British men-of-war, during
the stress of a long and world-wide war, sent boats' crews on board of American vessels to secure
the possession of their own deserting blue-jackets, and even of some of these men detained by force
against their will, on United States ships, was held by the United States to be a gross violation of
their flag, and yet, in 1861 the Americans did not scruple to waylay a British merchantman on the
high seas and seize, not merely private property, but the persons of two men absolutely owing no
allegiance to. nor having anything whatever to do with the service of the United States.
The British public was at this time in no humour to accept this affront without ample compensa-
tion. Many British statesmen had for years followed the policy of conceding practically everything
demanded by the people of the United States, and in fact there is little doubt that the revolutionary
spirit which resulted in the great cleavage of 1776 was fostered, if not actually originated, by the
willingness of a certain influential party of politicians in Great Britain to concede every demand,
reasonable and unreasonable, made by the disaffected in the old colonies. The American politicians
of i8t>i knew very well that ever since their country had been accorded its independence by the
Mother Country, British statesmen had shown themselves almost precipitate in conceding demands
made upon them by the United States with regard to the questions of boundary and trade.
But in 1861 national feeling among the British people was strongly with the Confederate States,
for although it had been for many years the proud boast of Britons that there were no slaves under
the folds of the Union Jack, and although the Northern States endeavoured to represent the war of
the rebellion as being fought by them against the power of slavery, the English people felt that there
was more than the question of slavery at stake, and that the real issue was one of State, local and
personal rights, which could have been settled by political arrangement if the great majority of the
Northern people had shown a disposition to deal in common fairness with their fellow countrymen of
—13—
the South. There was also aroused throughout the British Empire an old Anglo-Saxon sentiment in
favor of the Confederates, as the " under-dog " in the contest. It is comparatively easy, conse-
quently, to understand why the news of the Trent outrage was received throughout the breadth
and length of the British Empire with a united demand that the outraged honour of the flag should
be vindicated. The British Government, upon this occasion, was equal to the emergency, and
demanded satisfaction and the release of the Confederate commissioners. On the first day of Decem-
ber, 1861, a Queen's Messenger was sent with a despatch to Lord Lyons, then the British Ambas-
sador at Washington, requesting him to demand the restitution to the protection of the British flag
of those who were violently and illegally torn from that asylum, and also an apology from the United
States Government. The anti-British element in the United States insisted that these reasonable
demands be refused, while the British Government seriously but unostentatiously took steps to enforce
its demand. It was realized on all sides that if the crisis were to result in war the brunt of the
contest would fall upon the Canadian frontier, and large numbers of British troops, including some of
the regiments of Guards, were despatched to this country.
Nowhere in the British Empire was there a more fixed determination that the honour of the
national flag should be vindicated, than in the threatened Canadian colonies. The whole manhood,
and in fact boyhood, of the country sprang to arms. New corps came into existence in all centres
of population, large and small, and well-to-do citizens even raised funds among themselves to provide
themselves with means of acquiring the rudiments of military training. It is pleasant to be able to
say that, as in the case of the war of 1812-14, French Canadians vied with their English speaking
fellow countrymen in their devotion to the cause of the Empire. Fortunately sound, common sense
prevailed, and the Washington Government released the two commissioners and made amends.
On the 3ist day of December, 1861, by instructions from the British Government, the British
steamer Rinaldo called off Boston harbour, and on the morning of January 8th, 1862, the United
States authorities despatched one of their own steamers from Fort Warren. After saluting the
British flag she delivered the persons taken from the Trent into the charge of the commander of the
Rinaldo.
But the danger of war was not yet averted. The first year of the war in the South had
resulted anything but brilliantly for the Federal arms, and it was under the influence of the resulting
gloom that the concession of reparation was made to Britain. As Dr. W. Howard Russell, in his
well-known book on the defenses of Canada, published in 1865, remarked, "The foreign power which
it had been the wont of the people of the United States to treat with something as near akin to dis-
respect as diplomatic decency would permit, aroused by an act which outraged the laws of nations
and provoked the centre of every European power with business on the waters, had made prepara-
tions which could only imply that she would have recourse to hostility if her demands for satisfaction
were refused. It was under these circumstances that England obtained the reparation for which she
sought, and in the eyes of Americans filched a triumph over their flag and took an insolent advan-
tage over their power to do as they pleased. But haughty and hopeful as ever, in tone if not in
heart, the Americans talked about reprisals for their own just concessions. They boasted that the
seizure of Canada would be one of the measures of retaliation to which they intended promptly to
resort, as an indemnity to their injured vanity, and as compensation for the surrender of Messrs.
Mason and Slidell. All the necessary precautions against the consequences of the refusal of the
American Government to yield the passengers taken from under our flag were watched angrily and
jealously in the States. The British reinforcements were ridiculed ; their tedious passages, their
cheerless marchings, were jeeringly chronicled. Troop ships were reported to have gone down with
living cargoes. Those who landed were represented as being borne on sleighs by sufferance routes,
which would be impracticable in war. The Canadians were abused, and so were the Maritime Pro-
vincialists. The volunteers were assailed with the weapons which the American Press knows so well
how to use. But that was false policy ; it gave a stimulus to the loyal feeling of the subjects of the
Crown. The Canadian Press replied, and exulting in the triumph of the Home Government over the
Federal administration, uttered taunts which Americans least brook to hear."
Viewed after so many years of time the position of Canada appeared to have been in all con-
sciousness highly dangerous on account of the great disparity in available force compared with that
-14—
at the disposal of the United States. There was an immense armed and trained force actually under
arms in the Republic, and a sudden cessation of the war of the rebellion would have put the Wash-
ington Government, for the invasion of Canada, in possession of one of the largest embodied armies
of modern times. It was the boast of those in authority at the United States capital, that within
four or five weeks after a declaration of war with Great Britain, their generals would be prepared to
put one hundred and twenty thousand or one hundred and fifty thousand men across the Canadian
frontier. In comparison with these numbers, the preparations made on this side of the international
line appear to have been quite inadequate.
In May, 1862, the Hon. John A. Macdonald proposed that a minimum of thirty thousand men or
a maximum of fifty thousand men should be enrolled and drilled for one month every year for three
or for five years, but it was considered that Canada could not spare so large a number of men from
the pursuits of trade and agriculture, during the open season, when drill would be practicable. The
measure was rejected. Mr. Sandfield Macdonald, after the failure of this proposal, introduced and
carried a measure which gave the government a permissive power to call out the unmarried militia-
men for six days drill in every year, and which provided that militia officers might be attached to the
regular regiments serving in Canada for two months even- year in order to learn their duties. This
latter was a very important provision. The Canadian Militia of 1776, 1812 and 1837 had been able
to give a marvellously good account of themselves, largely on account of the number of excellent and
thoroughly trained officers available in the country. In 1776 there was a large proportion of French
and English army men among the population of Canada, while in 1812 there was a wholesome leaven
of thoroughly trained officers who came into the country with the United Empire immigration. Since
the last date most of the veterans of 1812 were either dead or incapacitated from active service, and
there was a marked shortage of trained officers. Under the militia laws in force in 1862 Canada
had a force of four hundred and seventy thousand men theoretically available for service, and of these
there were actually on the muster-rolls of the militia one hundred and ninety-seven thousand unmar-
ried men between eighteen and thirty-one years of age whose service would be compulsory in case of
need. Anybody who knows anything of military history must know, however, that only a certain
proportion of this force could be raised, equipped and drilled into effective condition in the case of
invasion.
But the people of Canada never wavered, remembering that the Americans in all their wars with
the Mother Country concentrated their endeavours to try and strike swift, hard blows in Canada, and
that hitherto, with every advantage as to numbers, and even after considerable successes, they had
invariably been driven humiliated and bootless home.
In a few weeks after the announcement of the Trent outrage was received in Canada a
national defensive force, strong in loyalty, manly vigour and courage, but weak in military organiza-
tion and training, was placed at the disposal of the authorities. Nowhere did this patriotic fever
find stronger expression than in Toronto, where numerous companies of volunteers were enrolled.
The citizens of all classes and all grades turned out to be initiated in the mysteries of the decidedly
complicated military drill of those days. Night and day were bodies of men to be seen hard at
work perfecting themselves as far as possible in military exercises. Attired for the most part in
plain clothes, these bodies of citizen soldiery did not present a very smart appearance ; but their
patriotic enthusiasm was destined to have a lasting effect. This spontaneous arming of the free
people of a free country resulted in a marvellous development of that military spirit which has
produced Canada's line of defence — the Active Militia.
Many of the principal historical militia organizations of Canada owe their existence to this period
of national excitement, among them the loth Royal Grenadiers.
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ill
ill i«M*M»i li
Chapter III
THE 10th BATTALION VOLUNTEER MILITIA OF CANADA
fff
[HE loth Royal Grenadiers trace their existence back to the time when Canadian pluck
and loyalty shone at their brightest as the result of unneighborly threats made in the
United States, at the time of the Trent Crisis. In Montreal, Toronto, Hamilton,
Kingston, and in fact throughout the length and breadth of the then little colony of
Canada, wherever there was a large enough male population to warrant the raising of
a militia company, the people devoted themselves ardently to the work of organization
and training. The First and Second Battalions at Montreal and Toronto respectively,
were recruited far above their authorized strength, and attained a high degree of
efficiency. The young men of the athletic clubs, banks and counting' houses and
universities in Montreal organized early during the Trent excitement a regiment which
was promptly gazetted as "The 3rd Battalion," now " The Victoria Rifles of Canada."
A number of the young men of the French Canadian aristocracy in Montreal organized
a fine regiment, since, unfortunately, allowed to lose its seniority, which was gazetted
as the "4th Battalion Chasseurs Canadian." An old Montreal organization, based on one which did
good work in the days of the rebellion was reorganized under the designation of the "5th Royal Light
Infantry," now the " 5th Royal Scots of Canada," Highlanders. A new regiment, known as the
"6th Hochelaga Light Infantry," was raised in the suburbs of Montreal and recruited among the
railway mechanics and others of the artisan class. This corps later became well-known as the ''6th
Fusiliers" which was a few years ago amalgamated with the First Battalion. At London, Ontario, a
battalion was gazetted under the distinctive numeral "7" now the "7th Fusiliers." At Quebec two
regiments were raised numbered respectively the "8th" and "gth," the former being recruited among
the English-speaking population, the latter among the French Canadians.
December 2ist 1861, a meeting presided over by the late Mr. F. W. Cumberland was held in
the Mechanic's Institute, Toronto, the present Central Library, to discuss the organization of a reg-
iment of volunteer militia among the artisan class of the city. The project had been for some time
canvassed, and had met with general approval. There was a large attendance, particularly of work-
ingmen, and after the delivery of some patriotic speeches it was decided unanimously to make the
attempt to raise the regiment, and a committee was appointed to give effect to this resolution. A
goodly proportion of those attending the meeting were old soldiers, and they supported very strongly
a suggestion which was made and carried, that the regiment should be a scarlet coated one, in fact,
one of infantry and not of rifles, as were the other companies being raised throughout Canada at this
time. Meantime subscription lists were circulated, for in those days the regiments themselves had to
bear a considerable portion of the cost of organization and equipment. When the committee met
December 28th, 1861, it was reported that one thousand five hundred dollars had been subscribed
to the guarantee fund. Nominal rolls had also been circulated, and it was reported at the same meet-
ing that the names of two hundred and thirty men had been subscribed. There was not much time
lost, for December 301)1 the committee held another meeting and appointed a special committee to
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nominate officers tor the projected regiment. This committee reported Jar.uary ist, 1862. as follows :-
Paymaster, John Stuart; Adjutant, J. C. McGrath; Quarter-master, Thos. Gundry.
Captains, Fred W. Cumberland, A. J. Brunei, John Worthington, A. DeGrassi, Sandford Fleming,
W. G. Storm, James Worthington, John McGee, A. Manning, George Carroll. Lieutenants, W. Stewart,
I). Fleming-, Emerson Coatsworth, Henry Roberts, F. F. Passmore, John Boxall, G. B. Smith, John
Albiston, W. Stewart, J. Gritx.
Ensigns, J. J. Dickey, W. A. Stollery, George R. Hamilton, R. Dennis. E. Peel, W. W. Cohvell,
Robert Mitchell, H. F. Bescoby, James Price, David Ramsay.
The military organizations raised about this time \vere all necessarily organized more or less
upon the club system, there being no list of qualified militia officers to hand, and no machinery or
material for supplying vacancies in the commissioned ranks of the force. Of course, the report pre-
sented by the committee was merely a recommendation, the ratification of the authorities being
necessary. A few days after the presentation of the report a meeting of those nominated for com-
missions was held, when Mr. Cumberland was chosen for lieutenant-colonel, Messrs. John Worthington
and Brunei for majors and Mr. Emerson Coatsworth for captain in place of Mr. Cumberland. Mr.
Price's name was recommended for the vacant captaincy and Doctors Buchanan and O'Dea were
named surgeon and assistant surgeon respectively.
Many of those selected for commissions had had no previous military experience, and to make up
for this deficiency, such of these gentlemen as decided to accept commissions, set themselves to work
assiduously to prepare themselves for their hew duties, drill beginning for the officers on January yth,
1862. It was not until March 14, 1862, that the regiment was formally gazetted, the gazette being
as follows : —
MILITIA GENERAL ORDERS
Headquarters, Quebec, March 14, 1862
No. i. — The formation of the following corps is hereby authorized, viz.:
CLASS B.
One Volunteer Militia Rifle Company - James Worthington
—A. J. Brunei
— Sandford Fleming
" " " —John Worthington
—A. DeGrassi
—John McGee
" " " —Emerson Coatsworlh
In the same gazette appeared the following : —
No. 2. — PROMOTIONS, APPOINTMENTS, ETC.
MILITARY DISTRICT, No. 5, U. C.
The seven Volunteer Militia Rifle Companies, gazetted this day at Toronto, under the command
of the following officers, are hereby formed into a battalion under the provisions of Section 26 of the
Consolidated Militia Law, and will be styled "The loth Battalion Volunteer Rifles, Canada."
To be Major— Capt. F. W. Cumberland, from the 3rd Battalion, Toronto.
The company officers who actually accepted commissions and were performing duty at the time
the regiment was gazetted were as follows : —
Captains —John Worthington, Alfred John Brunei, Sandford Fleming, James Worthington, Alfio
DeGrassi, John McGee. Emerson Coatsworth.
Lieutenants — Thomas Gundry, William Stewart, Henry Roberts, David Fleming, Frederick Pass-
more, John Albiston, John Boxall.
Ensigns— James Isaac Dickey, William Stollery, Edward Moultrie Peele, Robert Mitchell, Richard
Dennis, George Hamilton, Henry Bescoby.
The next Gazette affecting the loth appeared March 28th, 1862, reading as follows :-
MILITIA APPOINTMENTS
MILITARY DISTRICT No. 5, UPPER CANADA
TENTH BATTALION VOLUNTEER MILITIA RIFLES, CANADA
To be Lieutenant-Colonel—Major Frederic William Cumberland.
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To be Majors — Captain John Worthington, from the ist Company, and Captain John Brunei, from
the 2nd Company.
No. i Company — To be Captain, George Carroll, Esq., vice Worthington, promoted.
No. 2 Company — To be Captain, James G. McGrath, Esq., vice Brunei, promoted.
April, 1862, a committee composed of the field officers, together with Captain De Grassi,
Captain Worthington. Lieutenant Gundry and Ensign Bescoby was named to draft by-laws and
standing orders. The company officers were detailed for duty as follows : —
No. i Company — Captain - — , Lieutenant Stewart, Ensign Dennis.
No. 2 Company — Captain McGrath, Lieutenant Roberts, Ensign Hamilton.
No. 3 Company — Captain Sandford Fleming, Lieutenant Passmore, Ensign Peele.
No. 4 Company — Captain James Worthington, Lieutenant Gundry, Ensign Stollery.
No. 5 Company — Captain DeGrassi, Lieutenant Albiston, Ensign Bescoby.
No. 6 Company — Captain Emerson Coatsworth, Lieutenant D. Fleming, Ensign Mitchell.
No. 7 Company — Captain George Carroll, Lieutenant Boxall, Ensign Dickey.
Captain McGee, unattached.
In May, 1862, it was decided to procure new arms, those which had been first purchased proving
unsatisfactory. In the autumn of the same year the question of providing a private armoury and
drill hall accommodation was taken up, as was also the question of officers' uniforms, committees
being named for these purposes.
Under date November 2ist, 1862, appeared an important announcement regarding the regiment
in the Official Gazette as follows : —
No. i. — His Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief, approves of the loth Battalion Volunteer
Militia Rifles, Canada, at Toronto, being organized as an Infantry Battalion, instead of Rifles, under
the designation of "The loth Battalion Volunteer Militia (Infantry), Canada." Captain Latham's
Company of Volunteer Rifles, at Toronto, is hereby incorporated with the said battalion, and will be
known as the 8th Company.
The same month the question of organizing a regimental band was taken up and referred to a
committee. In accordance with general orders of January 3oth, 1863, a general shake-up of the
company officers took place. The order in question reads as follows : —
IOTH BATTALION VOLUNTEER MILITIA (INFANTRY)
No. i Company — -To be Captain — Lieutenant William Steward, from No. 2 Company, vice Carroll,
resigned.
To be Lieutenant — Ensign Dennis, from No. 8 Company, vice Gundry, whose commission has
been cancelled.
To be Ensign — George McMurrich, gentleman, No. 2 Company.
No. 2 Company — To be Lieutenant — Lieutenant Henry Roberts, from No. 3 Company, vice
Steward, promoted.
To be Ensign— Ensign Hamilton, from No. 6 Company, vice Stollery, promoted.
No. 3 Company — To be Ensign — Clarence Moberley, gentleman, vice Peele, whose commission
has been cancelled.
No. 4 Company — To be Lieutenant — Ensign Stollery, from No. 2 Company, vice Fleming trans-
ferred to No. 7.
•To be Ensign — Henry Harwood, gentleman, vice Mitchell, transferred to No. 7.
No. 5 Company — To be Lieutenant — Lieutenant Albiston, from No. t> Company, vice Passmore,
whose commission has been cancelled.
To be Ensign — Ensign Bescoby, from No. 7 Company, vice Dennis, promoted.
No. 6 Company — To be Captain — Lieutenant Boxall, from No. 7 Company, vice McGee, whose
commission has been cancelled.
To be Lieutenant —Ensign Dickey, from No i Company, vice Albiston, transferred to No. 5
Company.
No. 7. Company— To be Lieutenant — Lieutenant Fleming, from No. 4 Company, vice Boxall,
promoted.
To be Ensign — Ensign Mitchell, from No. 4 Company, vice Bescoby, transferred to No. 5
Company.
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Chapter IV
10th ROYAL REGIMENT, TORONTO VOLUNTEERS
HE loth Battalion, as well as the other units of the Canadian Militia raised during the
height of the Trent excitement, did not lack for popular encouragement nor suffer for
want of the support of a high-strung patriotic feeling. During the long struggle
between the North and South, various episodes arose to fan into flame the embers of
latent hatred of Great Britain and British institutions which have always existed
among certain sections of the population of the United States. The vessels engaged
in the risky but often profitable occupation of blockade-running were British, and
every successful run made by one of these slippery ships was considered as
another cause for grievance against Great Britain. The damage done to United
States shipping by the cruiser "Alabama" was also charged up against Great
Britain. The more the Anglophobes in the United States spoke against Great
Britain, the more intense did the loyalty of the Canadian people become, and the
only tangible result of the various tail-twisting episodes in the United States was an influx of recruits
into the various infant militia organizations of Canada. The anti-British feeling in the United States
and the corresponding intensification of loyalty in Canada burned up fiercely in 1864 as a result of
what is known as the St. Alban's Raid. A party of thirty Southerners, mostly escaped confederate
soldiers taken prisoners by the North during the war, assembled in the town of St. Alban's, Vermont,
where they raided the banks, appropriated money and horses, set fire to several buildings, and in
resisting arrest, killed one man and badly wounded several others. They at once returned to Canada.
On October igth, thirteen of the raiders, arrested by the Canadian Civil Authorities, were brought to
trial at Montreal on the criminal charge of bringing stolen money into Canada. After one of the
most thorough trials on record the prisoners were discharged December I4th, but the government
subsequently made full monetary reparation to the United States. Not only did the raid itself result
in another violent outbreak of Anglophobia in the United States, but upon the acquittal of the
prisoners, the recognized leaders of public opinion in the republic advocated war, and, as a matter of
course, the immediate invasion of Canada. The period of acute anxiety which succeeded tended
materially to encourage and assist those who had undertaken the task of organizing Canada's new
defensive force. The British and Canadian Governments lost no time in demonstrating their good
faith in the matter, and despatched several provisional battalions of militia to various points along the
frontier where it was considered likely similar raids to that on St. Alban's might be attempted. As
this was the first occasion upon which the newly organized Active Militia had been called out for
actual service, the orders calling them out have a certain historical interest. The first order was
dated December iqth, 1864, and read as follows : —
"No. i. His Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief, is pleased to state he has given orders to call
out for actual service, under the provisions of ' The Volunteer Militia Act,' a part of the Volunteer
Militia of this Province, and that the same will consist of thirty companies of Rifles or Infantry, to be
hereafter named.
"No. 2. His Excellency desires that all officers commanding Battalions, and officers commanding
Companies (not in Battalion), will forthwith increase the strength of their several Companies of Rifles
or Infantry to 65 non-commissioned officers and men, and will hold themselves in readiness for
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immediate actual service when His Excellency may see fit to call out the same or any part thereof."
December 23rd the following' orders were issued : —
"No. i. Referring to the General Order of December igth, His Excellency is pleased to call out
for active service the following companies of the volunteer force."
Then followed the names of the companies called out and directions that they should be formed
into three administrative battalions.
The special order issued by the Commander-in-Chief pointed out that the militia were not to be
embodied 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 dominions ; 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 three battalions first called out at this time were relieved from duty on April aist by three
new battalions, to the third battalion of which the Tenth Battalion had the honour of contributing its
first quota for active service. The contingent from the loth formed Numbers i and 2 Companies of
the Third Provisional Battalion, the officers being as follows : — Captains G. W. Musson and John.
Gibbs Ridout ; Lieut. G. McMurrich, Ensigns C. Connon and H. J. Browne. This detachment
remained on active service throughout the summer at Laprairie, Que.
But this is anticipating somewhat. During the spring and summer of 1863 the organization of
the loth Battalion, under the impetus of the international tension then existing and the zeal of all
ranks, made rapid progress. In March the officers adopted the present regimental motto, "Read}',
aye Ready," with a lion rampant holding a flag as the regimental crest. At the same meeting it was
decided to solicit authority to adopt the title " loth Royal Battalion Volunteers." This request was
granted with much more promptness than is usually the case, and the General Orders of April loth,
1863, contained the notification that His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief had been pleased to
approve of the •' loth Battalion Volunteer Militia Infantry " being in future designated the " loth or
Royal Regiment of Toronto Volunteers." May isth, 1863, Captain Latham's company, transferred
while in process of organization from the Second Battalion to the loth, not having perfected its
organization, was replaced by a new 8th Company, with the following officers : Captain S. Sherwood,
Lieut. John Edwards, Ensign Levius Peters Sherwood. On May 25th the drum-major's mace, still in
use in the regiment, was presented to it, and on July 6th of the same year the roth was presented
with its first set of colors by a committee of ladies consisting of Mrs. F. W. Cumberland, Mesdames
John Worthington, A. J. Brunei, Buchanan, James Worthington, Boxall, and Ridout. The presentation
of these colors was made the occasion of a most impressive ceremony. It was the first time upon
which the regiment had turned out in full-dress uniform, and all agreed in the assertion thai the loth
made a right gallant showing upon this historical occasion. From contemporary accounts it appears
that the presentation took place on the Common, west of Brock Street, now all built up, but then a
wide, open space, where there were some five thousand persons assembled. Previous to the big' event
of the day the regiment, headed by the Pioneer's Band, proceeded from its headquarters on King
Street West and marched to the Queen's Park, where some battalion drill, under the command of
Lieut. -Col. Cumberland, was gone through before marching to the cricket ground, where refreshments
were served. Marching on to the Common shortly after four o'clock to the tune of " The British
Grenadiers," the loth Royals found their brethren-in-arms of the Queen's Own drawn up on parade
under command of Lieut. -Col. Durie. The presentation was to have been made by Major-General
Napier, but as he was detained by illness, he was represented by Col. Robertson of the Royal
Engineers, the Commandant of the Toronto garrison at that time. The usual time-honored ceremony
of presentation and trooping was then performed. In presenting the colors Mrs. Cumberland, on
behalf of the ladies, read the following address : —
To Lieut.-Col. Cumberland, the Officers, Non-Com. Officers and Men of the 10th Royal Regiment of Volunteer Militia:
" The ladies of Toronto request that you will do them the favor to accept the accompanying
stand of Colours for the regiment, together with a set of instruments for its band, as an evidence of
the warm interest they take in the welfare of your corps and their high appreciation of the spirit by
which it is animated.
" In confiding these Colours to your charge, the donors are persuaded that they entrust them to
those who will ever keep them in safety and in honour, nor do they doubt that if unhappily a necessity
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should arise for unfurling them in defence of the province, you will promptly rally around them at the
call of duty, and, emulating ihe historic gallantry of your comrades of the regular service, you will
bear them with a valour which will evince affectionate attachment to your homes, patriotic love of
your country, and loyal devotion to your Queen."
The consecration prayer was said by the Rev. Dr. McCaul, President and Professor of the Univer-
sity of Toronto, and the officers receiving the colours were Ensigns Worthington and Sherwood.
Some complimentary remarks by Col. Robertson at the conclusion of the trooping of the colours
terminated the ceremony.
December 2oth, 1863, the loth Royals gave their first ball, the ladies who had presented the
colours and band instruments being conspicuous among the guests.
About this time it was customary for the government to award money prizes for the most
efficient regiments in the various militia districts. It was scarcely to be expected that a corps barely
past its organization stage by the time the drill season closed, would stand much chance of winning
one of these prizes, but the loth Royals had the satisfaction of receiving a very noteworthy compli-
ment in the general order announcing the award of the prizes. This complimentary reference was as
follows : —
" His Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief, has observed with much satisfaction that, in addition
to the corps named, the loth or Royal Regiment of Infantry, Toronto, Lieut. -Col. Cumberland, with
others, although not entitled to prizes, have been favourably reported upon for general proficiency."
Ma}' 24th, 1864, the loth Royals had the honour of participating in their first Queen's Birthday
parade, and received very flattering notices upon their appearance in the local papers. July loth,
1863, Lieut. James Benson, late of the Second Volunteer Rifle Company of St. Catharines, was
appointed adjutant, and on April 2oth, 1865, upon that officer's resignation being accepted, he was
succeeded by Lieut. John Gibbs Ridout, late of Her Majesty's tooth Regiment, with the rank of
captain. Capt. Ridout was a most efficient officer. When taking his course at the Staff College in
England he took first place in the class of the year, leading the officers attached from every branch
of Her Majesty's service.
July 2ist, 1865, to the regret of all ranks in the regiment, Lieut. -Col. Cumberland, the first com-
manding officer of the loth Royals, retired, and was succeeded by Major Alfred Brunei. As a compli-
ment to Lieut. -Col. Cumberland, upon his retirement he was appointed an extra aide-de-camp to His
Excellency, the Governor-General.
The valedictory of the regiment's first commanding' officer, which was duly promulgated in regi-
mental orders, is interesting. It reads as follows : —
" Lieut. -Col. Cumberland, having been permitted by His Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief, to
resign the command of the toth Royal Regiment, cannot retire without expressing to the officers, non-
commissioned officers and men his warm appreciation of the soldierly spirit evinced by all ranks
throughout the period (nearly four years) during which he has had the honour of commanding the
regiment, of their willing obedience to his orders and of the good feeling which has so happily united
them as a military organization.
"The Lieut. -Col. deeply regrets the necessity for his severance from the Regiment, arising, as it
solely does, from engagements no longer admitting of a divided duty.
" He will always remember his associations with it as a very high honour and as a most accept-
able and happy service ; and he leaves it with the fullest confidence that under the zealous and
devoted energy of the able officer succeeding to the commanJ, the regiment will uphold and extend
its reputation.
" By the favour of His Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief, Lieut. -Col. Cumberland continues
attached to the Volunteers, and has been appointed to the personal staff of the Governor-General.
He cannot doubt that for this honour he is largely indebted to the high standing of the regiment it
has been his privilege to command, and he hopes that such a special mark of favour to it in his
person will stimulate the pride of all ranks to maintain the Royals in a condition of permanent and
honourable efficiency.
" In bidding the regiment heartily farewell, Lieut. -Col. Cumberland desires to express his best and
most friendly wishes for the future well-being of every member in it."
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Chapter V
THE FENIAN RAID
OWARDS the close of the Civil War in the United States much was heard of the
threatened invasion of Canada by the Fenians as soon as hostilities should be termin-
ated. The Fenians were very active throughout the United States, and every effort
was used to extract money from the pockets of those sympathizing with the Fenian
cause, or actuated by hostility to Canada and Great Britain. It was known that there
were many thousands of Irishmen, as well as adventurers of other nationalities, in
the armies confronting one another in the South, and it was readily surmised that
upon the cessation of hostilities and the consequent disbandment of the armies, there
would be available an abundance of well-trained material for forming an army for the
invasion of Canada, or for any other enterprise, no matter how rash. While it is
popular now to make light of the Fenian movement in America, as an agitation
engineered rather with a view of financially benefitting the agitators than in the hope
of doing anything towards the liberation of Ireland, there is no doubt that many of
those who took part in the movement and contributed to its funds were in earnest.
For over seven hundred years the Irish people, or a large section of them, had been
more or less restive under British rule. In 1799 a serious uprising in Ireland was
fermented by the French Republicans, but soon put down with a strong hand, the
rebels dispersed and many of them brought to execution. The union of Great Britain and Ireland in
1800 produced great dissatisfaction in Ireland, and man}' members of the " Young Ireland " party
crossed the Atlantic and made their homes in the United States. Another tide of immigration set in
to the United States from Ireland in 1857, and from that date the Fenian brotherhood became a
power in the American Republic.
The first fixed organization of the Fenian brotherhood in America appears to have been deter-
mined upon at a convention, officially designated "The first general congress of the Fenian Brother-
hood," held in Chicago in 1863. There had been some previous organization in both Ireland and
America, but very little is known about it. The term "Fenian," it might be added, was derived
from an old Irish militia organization used for coast defence in the I7th and i8th centuries. The
object of the United States Fenians is clearly set forth in the proclamation prepared by General
Sweeney for distribution among the Canadian people after the first movement towards the interior of
this country. The proclamation speaks of " the oppression of British aristocracy and legislation,"
and goes on to say : " We have taken up the sword to strike down the oppressor's rod, to deliver
Ireland from the tyrant, the despoiler, the robber ; we have registered our oaths upon the altar of
our country in full view of Heaven, and send up our vows to the throne of Him who inspires them.
Then, looking about us for the enemy, we find him here — here in your midst, where he is most vul-
nerable and convenient to our strength, and have sworn to stretch forth the armed hand of Ireland
and grapple with him. The battle has commenced, and we pledge ourselves by all the sacred memo-
ries of struggling liberty to follow it up at any cost to either of the two alternatives — the absolute
political independence and liberty of Ireland or the demolition of our armies. We have no issue with
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the people of these provinces, and wish to have none but the most friendly relations. Our weapons
are for the oppressors of Ireland.
" Our blows shall be directed only at the power of England. Her privileges alone shall we
invade, not yours. We do not propose to divest you of a solitary right you now enjoy. We will
assail and assume only the rights that are claimed and enjoyed by the Government of Great Britain,
the right to make her American possessions the field and base of operations in a war against an
enemy. We come to install ourselves in her prerogatives, and turn them against her in the war for
Irish freedom. We are here neither as marauders nor robbers, nor for plunder or spoliation. We
are here as the Irish army of liberation ; the friends of liberty against political subjection, of freedom
against despotism, of democracy against aristocracy, of the people against their oppressors, of the
ballot against the privileges of class, of progress and development against right and wrong ; to con-
duct this contest in a manner worthy of the high object we aim for and the sublime sentiments that
actuate us. In a word, our war is with the armed power of England, and not with the people ; not
with these provinces ; against England upon land and sea until Ireland is free."
Among the leaders of the Fenian party in the United States two projects for accomplishing the
end in view were discussed. One was that men and arms and funds should be despatched to Ire-
land, the other that Canada should be invaded and captured, and either formed into an Irish Republic
or held as an hostage in exchange for the independence of Ireland. Up to the time of the raids
across the Canadian frontier these two plans were in dispute, and the raids were really hastily con-
ceived movements, undertaken, while they happened to be in the ascendency, by the faction favouring
the Canadian scheme. In preparation for a combined movement upon Canada, a Fenian government
was organized and established in the city of New York, under authority of which men throughout
various parts of the United States were enrolled into companies, regiments, and brigades ; generals
were appointed and arsenals established and equipped. A large manufactory was purchased and
fitted up for converting United States muzzle-loading rifles into breech-loading weapons. All of this
was done without the least attempt at concealment, and, strange to say, the United States Government
did not consider itself called upon to interfere. The whole scheme seemed so impracticable, and the
ultimate interference of the United States Government so certain, that a large proportion of the popu-
lation of Canada refused for a long time to regard the threatened Fenian movement against this
country as serious. As a matter of fact, the Canadian Government itself appears to have been very
poorly informed as to what was actually going on, or stronger representations would surely have been
made to the United States Government. Every possible official exertion was used to suppress such
excitement as occurred through the circulating of disquieting reports from the various Fenian centres.
The first serious alarm the Canadian authorities experienced appears to have been over the prospect
of internal trouble rather than due to apprehension of an invasion from across the American frontier.
Reports, now believed to have been greatly exaggerated, were received to the effect that Fenianism
had made considerable headway in the various chief centres of population in Canada, and it was
believed that an effort would be made by the local Fenian organizations, with the assistance, perhaps,
of some outsiders, to seize the militia armouries in Montreal, Toronto, Kingston, and other places.
There does not actually appear to have been very much sympathy with the Fenian movement
among Canadian Irishmen, for many of them bitterly criticized the Fenians and their movement.
Bishop McDonell, of Kingston, in a sermon delivered June loth, 1866, said that "Canada had never
done Ireland any harm ; but, on the contrary, afforded to thousands of Irishmen happy homes, free
altars, and civil and religious liberty." He also declared that "These Fenians were not true Irishmen
and not true Roman Catholics, and that their conduct was ruffianism of the most despicable charac-
ter." The Hon. Thos. D'Arcy McGee, a little later, described Fenianism as " murder, not war."
November 151(1, 1865, a militia general order was issued calling out one volunteer companv for
active service in each of the following places : — Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa, Morrisburg, Toronto, Port
Hope,. Hamilton, Woodstock, and London. The order explained that "His Excellency, having had
under consideration the possibility of raids or predatory invasions 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.
January 3oth, 1866, orders were received for the loth Royals to hold themselves in readiness for
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service in consequence of Fenian alarms. From this time drills were held regularly and recruiting'
went on briskly. Several vacancies in the commissioned ranks were also filled. Capt. James Worth-
ington was promoted to a majority vice Brunei promoted to the command, Lieut. William Stollery
succeeding Major Worthington as Capt. November loth, 1865. Major John Worthington retired from
the regiment retaining rank. Capt. Ridout relinquished the appointment of adjutant and was suc-
ceeded by Lieut. George McMurrich. Dr. James H. Richardson was appointed surgeon and Dr. James
Newcomb assistant-surgeon. February 2nd, 1866, Capt. John Boxall was promoted Major, vice Worth-
ington, resigned, and Lieut. McMurrich resigned the adjutantcy to accept a captaincy, and was suc-
ceeded in the appointment of adjutant by Lieut. C. H. Cannon. Mr. F. Barlow Cumberland joined as
junior ensign in the regiment during this year.
March yth, 1866, a few minutes before midnight, the regiment received the long-expected order to
parade for active service. Officers were at once notified, and in due course the non-commissioned
officers and men, and by 11 o'clock the next morning the regiment was on parade in good strength.
The other regiments of the Toronto garrison were called out at the same time, and responded
with equal promptitude and good-will. The days immediately succeeding the muster of the force were
occupied in constant drill and other work connected with the equipping of the various units for active
service. March loth the loth Royals, along with the Queen's Own Rifles and the provisional bat-
talion composed of the service companies of rural corps of the district, were inspected in the drill-shed
by Major-General Napier, C.B. The same evening the Major-General issued an order complimenting
the forct "upon its creditable and soldierlike appearance, and upon the zeal, activity, and good-feeling
shown by one and all in so nobly and promptly responding to the sudden and unexpected call into
active service in defence of their Queen and country."
As during this period the Toronto corps were required to parade twice a day, morning and even-
ing, business was so disturbed that the commercial community began to complain, and consequently a
brigade order was issued March I2th directing that the Naval Brigade, the Toronto Battery of Garri-
son Artillery, the Second Battalion Q.O. R. and the loth Royal Regiment should drill at their respec-
tive drill-sheds every evening from 7 until 9.30, the parade on Saturday to be at one o'clock. March
1 3th the garrison orders contained a copy of a resolution passed by the Toronto City Council com-
mending "the gallant conduct of the volunteers, who, with patriotic loyalty, valour and ability, flew to
arms with most unprecedented alacrity at the first sound of alarm to defend our Queen and country."
March lyth, St. Patrick's Day, the date upon which, according to many Fenian threats, the
attempted seizure of Toronto and other Canadian cities was to be made, the regiment, along with
Queen's Own Rifles and the provisional battalion, was kept under arms from 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
March ayth the strength of the battalion on active service was reduced, and on the 3ist of that
month the whole volunteer militia force serving in Toronto was released from active service, but
weekly drills were, however, ordered to be kept up, officers and men receiving pay therefor. May 24th
the regiment participated in a brigade parade in honour of Her Majesty's birthday, being brigaded
with the Royal Artillery, Her Majesty's 47th Foot, the volunteer cavalry and artillery, the Naval Bri-
gade and the Queen's Own Rifles. Before dismissing the parade Major-General Napier informed the
volunteer corps that they were that day relieved from active duty.
A short period of comparative quiet intervened, but it was in due time succeeded by renewed
rumours of Fenian activity in the United States, particularly in Buffalo and its immediate vicinity.
The expectation of trouble from the Fenians meantime 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- 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 2gth telegraphic advices to
the public press reported parties of men on the move northward from points even as far south as
Tennessee. Subsequent reports showed that the movement had bicome general, and doubtless the
government's private reports confirmed them. During the evening of the 3ist, orders were issued at
Ottawa for the calling out of four hundred of the Toronto militia, and their despatch to Port Col-
borne, on Lake Erie, at the head of the Welland Canal. In compliance with these orders the Queen's
Own Rifles left Toronto for Port Colborne, via Port Dalhousie, on Lake Ontario, at the foot of the
—24—
LT.-COL. F. W. CUMBERLAND
First Commanding Officer loth Royal Regiment
-25-
Welland Canal, at four o'clock Friday, June ist. That same 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 calling out of the
loth Royals. The regiment promptly paraded, and received orders to proceed to St. Catharines by
train at 4.30 the same afternoon. Lieut -Col. Brunei being at the time absent in Montreal, Major
Boxall assumed command of the regiment, the eight companies being commanded respectively by
Captains McMurrich, Hamilton, Moberly, Stollery, Musson, Lawrence, Hetherington and Brunei.
The regiment left Toronto for the front, entraining at the Bathurst Street Station of the Great
Western Railway, just below the ramparts of the old fort, at twenty minutes to five, being seen off
by a large number of enthusiastic citizens, who followed the line of march from the drill-shed at the
southwest corner of Simcoe and Wellington Streets. The destination of the regiment was Chippewa,
which place, after a delay of some time at Suspension Bridge, was reached at 5 a.m. on June ist.
Three Companies of the 6oth and i6th Regiments, the Oakville Volunteers and a battery of the Royal
Artillery, arrived at Clifton on the night of June 2nd under command of Col. Lowry, who had left
Toronto at 2 p.m. by the Grand Trunk Railway, proceeding via Hamilton.
The common purpose of all the troops despatched to the Niagara frontier at this time was, first
to protect the Welland Canal, and then to expel the invaders from Canadian soil. The Queen's Own
Rifles, the i3th Battalion, the York and Caledonia 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 Lieut.-
Col. Booker of the i3th. At Chippewa was assembled on the morning of June 2nd a force composed
as follows : Field Battery Royal Artillery, a detachment of H. M. i6th Regiment, a detachment of
H. M. 47th Regiment, the roth Royals, and the i9th Battalion of St. Catharines, all told about six-
teen hundred men, of whom six hundred were regulars.
The detail of Lieut. -Col. Booker's force was as follows : — The Queen's Own Rifles, 480 men ;
the 1 3th Battalion, 265 men ; the York Rifles and the Caledonia Company, 95 men. The composition
of Col. Peacocke's force was as follows : — i6th Regiment, 200 men ; the 47th Regiment, 350 men ;
"A" Battery, Royal Artillery, 60 men; loth Royals, 415 men; the St. Catharines Volunteers, 350
men.
Having secured the head of the canal and the bridges over Chippewa Creek or Welland River,
Col. Peacocke, commanding H. M. i6th Regiment, and the senior officers at the front, issued orders
for the junction of the two forces at Stevensville.
The original intention of Col. Peacocke was to have effected a union with Col. Booker's force
at Stevensville between 10 and n o'clock that morning. There was some delay on the part of
Peacocke's force in leaving Chippewa, but the union would have been effected as per arrangement
had not Col. Booker made his advance much earlier than called for by his orders from Peacocke,
and so had come unsupported into contact with the Fenians. The delay in leaving Chippewa was
due to the fact that the volunteers who had arrived at Chippewa early in the morning, after spending
all night on the train, had not been provided with any rations when leaving headquarters. Breakfast
had, therefore, to be provided before the route could be taken up. As a matter of fact, the whole
militia service was in a frightful state of unpreparedness at this time, being inadequately supplied even
with haversacks and water bottles. As to camp and cooking utensils or means of transport, none had
been provided, and had it not been for the equipment and co-operation of the regulars, and particu-
larly their departmental services, it must have gone very hard indeed with the volunteers. The troops
had a roasting hot day for their march from Chippewa towards Stevensville. It having been reported
that the Fenians were advancing from Fort Erie on Chippewa, the movement was first conducted
along the river road, but afterwards, on learning the true position of the Fenians, it turned inwards
towards the point of junction. On his way to Stevensville Peacocke received news of the defeat of
Booker's force at Ridgeway. The column halted at New Germany until half-past four, while informa-
tion was being obtained as to the direction in which the Fenians had moved. Then Peacocke, having
heard that the Fenians had retired on Fort Erie, decided to change direction to the left or south, and
press on to that place.
As Col. Peacocke's force was marching from New Germany towards Fort Erie, the Governor-
General's Body Guard, which corps had joined the column during the day and was furnishing the
—26—
advance guard, came into touch with some outposts of the Fenian force, but as this was at nightfall
and the Fenians retired into the protection of some woods, the force went into bivouac, and no
lighting occurred at this point. During the night the Fenians decamped. It was an anxious night
for Peacocke's little force, however, as their bivouac was in the open fields in front of the woods
where the Fenian pickets had been beaten up by the cavalry. The Royals were thrown out in an
extended line of pickets in the ploughed fields, in advance of the general body, and were under arms
all night. Early on the morning of the 3rd Col. Peacocke's force advanced upon Fort Erie. Although
the cavalry reconnaissance showed that the bulk of the Fenian force had recrossed the river to the
United States, it was known that some of the raiders, it was not known how many, still remained in
and about Fort Erie. Consequently, every precaution was taken to prevent a surprise. The loth
Royals, with the regulars, supplied advance parties to search the country, and the men of the Royals
had the satisfaction of capturing a number of Fenian prisoners, who were in due course forwarded to
the Toronto jail. About midday Col. Peacocke's column was joined by the column commanded by
Col. H. R. Lowry, commanding the 47th Regiment, and bringing the strength of the force to between
2,000 and 2,500 men.
Lieut. -Col. Cumberland, their former colonel, at this point again came into contact with the
regiment, being in charge of the railway transport, on the staff of Col. Lowry. There was not much
comfort during the first few days the force was at Fort Erie, the volunteers not having sufficient tents
with them and being pretty well tired after the hard work of the previous two days. On the 4th the
force at Fort Erie was joined by the Queen's Own, who had marched over from Port Colbourne, and
on their arrival the Royals gave over to their sister regiment the meal which they had just made
ready for themselves. The service at Fort Erie was fairly exacting, there being considerable outlying
picket, guard, patrol and fatigue work to do, besides a considerable amount of drill. Included in the
fatigue work, which was allotted to the Royals, was the burying of a number of dead Fenians found
in and about Fort Erie, the repairing of road bridges, the re-laying of railway tracks torn up by the
raiders, the repair of railway equipment and the drainage of the camp.
The loth Royals furnished each day a patrol consisting of one sergeant, one corporal and six
men, also a full outlying picket in charge of an officer, to control the railway crossing above Fort
Erie, to do duty along the shore of the Niagara River or guard the rear of the camp. No passes
were allowed on any pretence, and officers were required to report themselves before leaving and on
returning to camp.
June 5th, 1866, Lieut. Dawson, of the 47th Regiment, appeared in orders as brigade major, that
being the first official connection with the loth Royals of the gentleman who, many years later, was
to serve with them as major during the Northwest Rebellion, and subsequently to command the regi-
ment. It is interesting, too, that his company and the companies of the Royals acted together in the
advance line when entering Fort Erie.
On the night of the 5th the camp was aroused by a false alarm, the sentry firing, as he sup-
posed, at some moving objects. There were known to be many Fenians about Buffalo, and the force
turned out with alacrity. Upon this occasion all ranks of the Royals received general commendation
from Col. Lowry for their steadiness and good behaviour. In consequence of the proved utility of the
regiment it was retained longer at the front than the others, arid upon the dissolution of the force the
Royals left for Toronto with the happy consciousness of having done their duty well.
Upon the return of the Toronto regiments to their headquarters they were accorded a most
enthusiastic reception by the citizens. Later, the city of Toronto tendered a public banquet to the
whole of the volunteer force, when an address was presented expressive of the thanks and admiration
of the fellow-citizens of the volunteer soldiers. The Mayor and Corporation, in their address, remarked :
" We would also express our conviction that, had it fallen to the lot either of the gallant loth Royals,
the Governor-General's Body Guard, the Naval Brigade, or the Toronto Field Battery to have been in
the field with their brethren of the Queen's Own, they would equally have maintained the honour of
our city and our volunteer soldiers."
At a complimentary dinner given to the officers of the Queen's Own Rifles, Major R. B. Denison,
in speaking to a toast, expressed his regret "that the loth Royals had not been with the Queen's
Own at Lime Ridge. Had they been there he was sure the retreat to Port Colboriie would never
-27-
have taken place." Upon the same occasion, speaking to the toast of the health of the loth Royals,
Capt. Moberley remarked : " If the Queen's Own have had the honour of shooting: the Fenians, the
loth Royals enjoyed the pleasure of burying them."
For some time after the withdrawal of the militia from the frontier Fenian agitators continued to
display considerable activity in the border cities of the United States, and, as a matter of precaution,
the military authorities decided to form on August I4th a camp of observation, under the command
of Col. Wolseley (now Field Marshal Lord Wolseley) at Thorold, on the Welland Canal. The force
in this camp consisted of one wing of H. M. i6th Regiment, Lieut. -Col. Hoste's battery of the Royal
Artillery, three or four battalions of militia infantry and a troop of cavalry. The infantry regiments
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. The loth Royals began their tour of duty on August
1 7th, returning to Toronto upon completion of the service without any noteworthy incident.
After the return of the regiment from service at Thorold there was some diminution in the interest
manifested in the corps, due in great measure to the complaints of employers, who had found that the
connection of their men with the militia called them occasionally from their civil occupations, and who
were not patriotic or far-seeing enough to realize that the services of the men in the field were essen-
tial to the protection and preservation of their private business interests. During February, 1867, the
old Enfield rifles and bayonets hitherto used by the regiment were called into stores, and the issue of
Spencer rifles made as a temporary expedient. March i5th this year, as another Fenian raid was
anticipated, the regiment was ordered to parade three evenings a week. During the summer the
Spencer rifles were called into stores and replaced by the Snider-Enfield.
November 5th the regiment participated in the funeral of the late Bishop Strachan, and upon the
occasion of the opening of the first Provincial Parliament of Ontario, December 271)1, 1867, the regi-
ment furnished a guard of honour at the Parliament Buildings.
The Act of Confederation effected in 1867 was an event of primary importance to the Canadian
militia. A new Militia Act, applicable to the whole of the new Dominion, was passed in 1868. The
militia in the old province of Canada and the Maritime Provinces which existed at the time of con-
federation did not all necessarily become part of the Dominion militia force created by the Act. The
existing militia corps of the day had the option of forming part of the reorganized force, but certain
formalities had to be complied with. For instance, within three months after the day on which the
Act came into force all existing corps had to be mustered by their captains or commanding officers
and the provisions of the Militia Act read and explained to them, and such of the men as had not
previously given notice of their desire to be discharged took the oath prescribed and were re-enrolled
as members of the volunteer militia. The loth Royals was one of the first regiments to re-enroll
under the new Act.
October gth, 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 loth
Royals were instructed to take home their rifles and accoutrements, and the regiment was ordered to
mount one sergeant and three men as a guard over the magazine in the Toronto drill-shed, taking
this duty turn about with the Queen's Own Rifles. October i2th, in accordance with district orders,
the loth Royals and Queen's Own resumed evening parades as in 1866, the order specially requesting
commanding officers to have the regiments kept in hand without causing alarm. These drills and
guards were maintained until January i2th, 1870. During this year there was a considerable revival
of the military spirit throughout Canada as a result of the Fenian raids across the Quebec frontier
and also the Red River uprising. Several men of the loth Royals participated in the Red River
campaign under Col. Wolseley, in the Ontario Rifles.
In 1871 the loth Royals formed part of the big brigade camp at Niagara, upon which occasion
five thousand men were under canvas. The year 1871 marks another important epoch in the history
of the active militia force of Canada, the last of the Imperial troops, with the exception of the gar-
rison at the two naval stations of Halifax and Esquimault, being withdrawn that year. Henceforth
the duty of keeping the British flag flying in Canada depended upon the active militia of the country.
While the Imperial troops were quartered in Canada opportunity was taken of their presence to estab-
—28—
lish military schools for the training- of militia officers and non-commissioned officers in connection
with the various garrisons. Upon the withdrawal of the regular troops, as the importance of pro-
viding some system of military education was apparent, it was decided to establish permanent corps
of active militia to provide practical training for the ordinary active militia, and also to look after
the more important military property. Two permanent batteries of artillery were organized in 1870,
but ten years was to elapse before the establishment of infantry schools.
During the summer of 1872 most of the officers of the regiment retired for one reason or
another, and the position for a time was far from satisfactory.
October, 1872, the regiment had the honour of providing a guard of honour for His Excellency
the Earl of Dufferin upon the occasion of his visit to Toronto.
SERGEANTS OF THE IOTH ROYAL REGIMENT, 1868
After the excitement of the Fenian raids was over, there was a considerable falling off of interest
in volunteer soldiering, and the loth Royals suffered with the rest. Numerous resignations of officers
were received, and many non-commissioned officers and men applied for their discharges.
Major James Worthington retired July loth, 1869, and was replaced by Capt. William Stollery.
Capts. Boomer and Browne resigned and Ensign Andrew Fleming was promoted captain vice Browne.
In June, 1870, Capt. G. McMurrich retired and was succeeded by Capt. William Adamson. February
24th, 1871, the Gazette announced the retirement, retaining rank, of Lieut. -Col. Brunei, although as
a matter of fact he had withdrawn from the command during January. He was succeeded in the com-
mand by Lieut. -Col. John Boxall, Capt. John W. Hetherington obtaining the majority rendered vacant
by Major Boxall's promotion.
—29—
November 2ist, 1873, Lieut. -Col. Boxall retired from the command, and at the same time Major
J. W. Hetherington also withdrew, Major Stollery assuming' the command, but holding" it with the
rank of major only, until November 5th, 1875. December 26th, 1873, Capt. and Brevet Major Arthur
Coleman was promoted vice Hetherington. February 27th, 1874, Capt. Powell, adjutant, retired from
the regiment. Capt. and Brevet Major George Alexander Shaw was appointed adjutant April loth, 1874.
October 2nd, 1875, the loth Royals and all of the other Toronto corps were called out to aid the
civil power in expectation of rioting. The various Roman Catholic congregations of the city had
been holding pilgrimages from one church to the other. Threats had been made to break up the
processions, and in consequence the civil authorities applied to the militia for assistance. The brigade
was under arms all day Sunday, October 3rd, but happily there was no disturbance of a serious nature.
November 5th, 1875, Major Stollery received
his long-delayed promotion to the lieutenant-
colonelcy, and December 3rd, 1875, Brevet-Major
George Alexander Shaw was promoted major
vice Hetherington, being succeeded in the adju-
tantcy by Lieut. F. W. Unitt.
A large number of resignations and changes
among the officers took place in 1878, and even
more in the year 1879. February 7th, the last-
named year, Lieut. Caston was promoted cap-
tain.
In the midst of all these changes appeared in
General Orders official authorization for the regi-
mental badge as follows : —
" loth Battalion of Infantry, Royal Regi-
ment, Toronto."
" This battalion is hereby permitted to attach
and use on the helmet plate the following de-
scription of badge : In centre on shield figure
10 with crown on top ; behind both, and showing
above crown and 10, a sheaf of spears ; on dexter
side, thistle and shamrock ; on sinister side roses,
and in base maple leaves. The shield surrounded
with garter, bearing the motto, ' Ready, aye
Ready,' which is surmounted by a wreath of laurel
leaves, behind which and extending outside
wreath a military star. The whole surmounted
by a Royal Crown."
September gth, 1879, the loth Royals parti-
cipated in the enthusiastic welcome extended by
Toronto to His Excellency the Marquis of Lome
and Her Royal Highness the Princess Louise
upon the occasion of their visit to the city.
The regiment had the honour of providing several
guards of honour.
On September gth the regiment took part
in a big review before their Excellencies, which
was participated in by troops from Montreal,
Kingston, Port Hope, Peterborough, Hamilton
and London.
The era of changes was by no means over ;
ber 5th, 1879, Lieut. -Col. Stollery retired from
SURGEON JAS. H. RICHARDSON
in fact, the principal ones were yet to come. Decem-
the regiment, retaining rank, and also Capts. T. T.
Rolph, W. H. Weston and Henry J. Hill. December I2th the same year Capts. Andrew Anderson
and John Bailey were permitted to retire retaining rank. January 23rd, 1880, Capt. Unitt was per-
mitted to resign the adjutantcy, and the resignation of Second Lieut. William Bell and Quartermaster
-30-
John MeiU'alfe were accepted. March I2th Surgeon-Major Richardson retired, and a General Order
was issued reinstating Capts. Thomas T. Rolph and William Henry Weston.
April <)th, 1880, Major George Alexander Shaw was ga/etted to the command of the regiment
with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. Lieut. -Col. Shaw belonged to a race of soldiers. He himself
had seen ten years' service in the active militia, and his father had served honourably in the old
Canadian militia during the rebellion of 1837. His grandfather participated in the Battle of Waterloo,
while his great-grandfather was the famous Major-General ^Eneas Shaw of the old Queen's Rangers,
whose name is so familiar to all students of the period of the revolutionary war. In the same gazette
which announced Lieut. -Col. Shaw's appointment to the command appeared the promotion of Capt.
Rolph to be major and of Assistant Surgeon McColIum to be surgeon. Dr. Robert Allan Pyne was
appointed assistant surgeon.
LIEUT.-COL. ALFRED BRUNEL
-81—
Chapter VI
THE ROYAL GRENADIERS
"AST
UGUST 5th, 1881, is a date which will always be remembered in the Royal Grena-
diers, being that upon which the regiment received its present designation. Gen-
eral Order, No. 5, of the date in question, read as follows: — " IOTH BATTALION
ROYAL GRENADIERS" — The title of this battalion will in future be the " loth Batta-
lion Royal Grenadiers." (The Official Gazette appears to have been badly in need
of editorial supervision about this time.)
The distinguishing names of "Fusiliers," "Grenadiers," "Light Infantry,"
" Rifles," etc., still borne by our infantry, are now purely honorary titles, indica-
tive of certain peculiarities of uniform, but of no special peculiarities as to equip-
ment, training, or service. The conferring of the title of "Grenadiers" upon the
loth Royals was decidedly a unique honor, as the only regiment in the British
service officially known as "Grenadiers" is the Grenadier Guards. The Grenadier
Guards did not receive the title of Grenadiers till 1815, when it was conferred
by General Order of the Prince Regent, dated July 2gth, 1815, as a special dis-
tinction for their defeat of the Grenadiers of the French Emperor's Guard at
Waterloo. The First Battalion of the Grenadier Guards was raised in 1660, as the
" King's Regiment of Foot Guards," under Colonel John Russell, brother to the
Duke of Bedford. The Second Battalion was raised by Charles II, and the Duke
of York during their exile in the Spanish Netherlands, about 1657, and until 1665,
when it was added as a Second Battalion to the King's Regiment of Foot Guards,
it was known as the "Royal Regiment of Foot Guards." The Third Battalion
was raised in 1854. In 1678 one company of Grenadiers, men armed with gren-
ades to be thrown by hand, was added to each foot regiment of the line by
Charles II. The Foot Guards had two companies of Grenadiers each per regiment. The Grena-
diers were also armed with flintlock, bayonet, hammer, and hatchet. When the use of swords was
discontinued by other infantry soldiers about 1745, the Grenadiers retained them, not discarding them
until 1764. The Grenadiers in the British service used to carry grenades as late as the reign of
Queen Anne (1702-1714). The grenade, which was simply a small bomb, was invented in 1594,
deriving its name from the City of Grenada in Spain. The grenades, which were under an officer
called the " Fire Master,1' were at first projected from hand-mortars, the French being the first to
train soldiers to throw them by hand. The Grenadier Companies, which occupied on parade the right
flank of all line regiments, were composed of the tallest men in the regiment. They were intended
primarily for shock tactics, and were not supposed to be brought to close quarters with the enemy
except in cases of surprise assaults, or when the opposing force had been demoralized by the attack
of the artillery and light infantry. Then the grenadiers moved up in imposing array, threw their
grenades to disorder the ranks of the enemy immediately before the moment of impact, and rushed
in with the bayonet. In the case of several regiments operating together in brigade or division, as
for instance at Louisburg and Quebec, the flank companies were formed into Grenadier and Light
—82—
Lx.-CoL. GEORGE A. SHAW
-33—
Infantry battalions for special co-operation. The Grenadier companies were in fact the corps ffelite of
every service. In the British army all Grenadier companies had two drums, battalion companies one
drum, Light Infantry companies two bugles but no drum. (It is perhaps worthy of note that grenades
are being used by both combatants in the present Russo-Japanese War).
The change in the name of the loth Royals practically marks the completion of an important
work of reorganization which had been going on for a considerable time before the promulgation of
of the order quoted above.
At the time Lieut.-Col. Shaw assumed command of the regiment its affairs were at the lowest
ebb, and, as a matter of fact, there had been a great and deplorable lack of interest in the militia
throughout the Dominion. In the case of the loth Royals there were special influences at work
tending to keep the regiment back, the most serious being the retirement of so many of the most
enthusiastic and efficient officers. The question of a complete reorganization of the corps had been
discussed, not only within the regiment, but by the staff of the Militia Department, and when Col.
Shaw accepted the command, it was on the understanding that his tenure of office was only to
last until somebody could be obtained to undertake the work of reorganization. As a matter of
fact, the Militia Department had serious thoughts of disbanding the corps altogether, and had it not
been for the vigorous protests of Lieut. -Cols. Cumberland and Brunei, the first two commanding
officers of the regiment, there is little doubt but that this determination would have been put into
execution. Lieut.-Col. Shaw, the Militia authorities, and the best friends of the regiment, agreed
that the one thing to be done to secure the continuance of the regiment was to reorganize it entirely,
under a new commanding officer, and a complete staff of officers of his own selection. This agree-
ment having been reached, the next difficulty was to find the right man for. the command. The
choice fell upon Mr. Henry James Grasett, late Lieut, and Adjutant of H. M. tooth or Royal Canadian
Regiment, and time has shown that it fell upon the right man.
November 5th, 1880, a General Order appeared announcing the appointment of Lieut.-Col. Grasett
vice Lieut.-Col. Shaw, permitted to retire retaining rank, as a special case. By the same order Capts.
J. T. Thompson, W. H. Weston, and Edwin D. A. Dela Hooke were permitted to retire retaining
rank, and the resignation of 2nd Lieut. W. M. German was accepted. The Order proceeded as fol-
lows : — "In order to facilitate the reorganization of this Battalion the following officers are placed
on the retired list as stated opposite their respective names : — Major Thomas Taylor Rolph, with
rank of Capt. ; Capt. John Henry Patterson, retaining rank; Capt. William Arthur Phillips, retaining
rank ; Capt. Frederick Unitt, retaining rank ; Capt. Frederick A. Caston, with rank of Lieutenant."
The remaining officers of the regiment were removed from the list of officers of the active militia.
In short, all of the officers of the regiment were temporarily removed from the list so as to give
the new commanding officer a completely free hand ; but it will be observed that several of the old
officers were shortly afterwards re-gazetted to the regiment. December ijth, 1880, General Orders
announced the following appointments to the regiment: — "To be Majors — George Dudley Dawson,
Esq. (late Lieut, of H. M. 4yth Foot, appointment to date from i6th December, 1880) ; Thomas
Taylor Rolph, from the retired list of captains. To be Lieut. — Lieut. Frederick Fitzpayne Manly, from
the 2nd Battalion, Q.O.R. To be Paymaster — Rupert Mearse Wells, Esq. To be Surgeon — John
Henry McCollum, M.D. To be Quarter-Master — George Strachan Cartwright Bethune, Esq.
January i3th, 1881, George A. Boomer, and L. H. Robertson were appointed captains ; Charles
Reid, Edwin Arthur Smith, and John Bruce, lieutenants ; Lionel Vernon Percival, and George William
Allan, 2nd lieutenants provisionally. Dr. George Sterling Ryerson was appointed to be assistant
surgeon, January 28th. Frederick Albert Caston, from the retired list of lieutenants, Arthur Bagshaw
Harrison, Nicholas Weatherston, and Frank Darling, were appointed captains — the last two provi-
sionally. April 1 8th, Lieut. W. T. McFarlane from the 6th Battalion, Montreal, and John Henry Pat-
terson (provisionally) were appointed lieutenants.
Immediately after the reorganization, the regiment made most satisfactory progress, and a num-
ber of good officers were taken on the strength during the next two or three years. September 3oth,
1881, Honorary Captain and Quarter-Master Robert Swinton Applebe from the 2oth Battalion, was
gazetted to be captain vice Weatherston, resigned. November iith, 1881, Lieut. F. F. Manly was
appointed adjutant with the rank of captain from the date of October 28th, 1881. By the same
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1'i.i/ette Dr. George S. Ryerson, late assistant surgeon, was appointed lieutenant vice Manly, promoted.
lip to the period of reorganization the nominal strength of tlie regiment had been ten companies,
but according- to an order of January 28th, 1881, the strength was fixed at six companies. Companies
Ci. II. I. and K. were therefore broken up, and the non-commissioned officers and men belonging
thereto drafted into the rest of the battalion. Company officers were as follows : — A Company- Capt.
Boomer, Lieut. Reid ; H Company — Capt. Robertson, 2nd Lieut. Allan ; C Company — Capt. Caston,
2nd Lieut. Percival ; D Company — Capt. Weatherstone, Lieut. Smith; E Company — Capt. Darling,
Lieut. Bruce ; F Company — Capt. Harrison.
Robert Goodall Trotter was appointed 2nd lieutenant provisionally. April 28th, 1882, 2nd Lieut.
L. V. Percival, was promoted lieutenant vice McFarlane, resigned; and Nichol Kingsmill, Esq., was
appointed pay-master vice Wells, resigned. May I2th, 1882, Francis J. Gosling, was appointed 2nd
lieutenant provisionally vice Percival, promoted. September i8th, 1882, Lieut. John Bruce was pro-
moted captain vice Frank Darling, resigned. 2nd. Lieut. P. B. Ball and D. M. Howard were promoted
lieutenants.
By the beginning of the drill season of 1882 the work of reorganization was pretty well com-
pleted, and progress with the re-equipment was well advanced. In April the regiment supplied itself
with leggings of the regulation black leather pattern.
May 24th, the regiment paraded in review order at 10.30 a.m., and proceeded to the Queen's
Park, where the ceremony of trooping the colours in honor of Her Majesty's birthday was performed.
September 21, 1882, Regimental Orders announced that authority had been granted for the addi-
tion of two additional companies to the regiment, and recruiting for them was authorized — the recruits
to be attached to A and F Companies until the new companies were organized.
September 2gth, 1882, the formation of two additional companies was officially authorized, and
Messrs. James Mason and John Weir Anderson were appointed captains.
October 27th, 1882, 2nd Lieutenant O. L. Leigh Spencer was promoted Lieut., and Messrs. L. E.
Leigh and Andrew Maxwell Irving were appointed 2nd lieutenants.
November 24th, 2nd Lieutenant R. G. Trotter was promoted lieutenant. The end of the drill
season of 1882 found the reorganization absolutely complete, and the regiment in a thoroughly satis-
factory and efficient condition. The captains of the regiment were at this time assigned to the
command of companies as follows : —A— Capt. Boomer ; B — Capt. Robertson ; C — Capt. Caston ; D —
Capt. Mason; E — Capt. Anderson; F — Capt. Applebe ; G — Capt. Bruce; H — Capt. Harrison.
Thursday, November gth, 1882, the Grenadiers paraded for inspection by Major-General R. G.
Luard, then commanding the militia, who expressed himself well satisfied with the appearance and
work of the regiment.
Wednesday evening, May 2jrd, 1883, the regiment entrained for London, Ontario, where it parti-
pated in a review', brigaded with the 7th Fusiliers, held in honour of Her Majesty's birthday, returning
to Toronto during the night of the 24111.
Upon the occasion of the visit of His Excellency the Governor-General, the Marquis of Lansdowne,
to Toronto, September nth to I4th, 1883, the Royal Grenadiers had the honour of furnishing no less
than three guards of honour, on Wednesday, September 12th, one of which the officers were Capt.
Anderson, Lieut. Spencer, and Lieut. Trotter; September I3th, a guard of which the officers were
Capt. Mason, Lieut. Howard, and Lieut. Gosling ; September I4th, a guard, the officers on duty with
which were Capt. Paterson, Lieut. Leigh, Lieut. Symons. The first guard was mounted at the Union
Station on the arrival of Their Excellencies ; the second at the Queen's Park, and the third at the
Union Station upon the occasion of Their Excellencies departure.
Upon the return to Ottawa of His Excellency, his military secretary communicated a letter expres-
sive of Lord Lansdowne's gratification at the appearance of the troops which had been on duty at
Toronto, and this letter was duly published in orders. In it His Excellency's secretary remarked :
"His Excellency desires to express his approbation of the soldier-like appearance of the escorts and
guards of honor during his visit to Toronto, and the manner in which they performed their several
duties, and he trusts that the militia of Toronto will maintain that high character for discipline and
smartness which they have held in the past, and the Governor-General will always take an interest in
their future career."
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In 1883 the annual inspection took place on the Exhibition grounds on Thursday, November 8th,
again before Major-General Luard.
The same year new forage caps were issued of the pattern of the Grenadier Guards.
January 5th, 1884, the regiment furnished a guard of honour at the reception held at the City
Hall by His Excellency, the Governor-General, the officers being Capt. Ball, Lieut. Irving, and 2nd
Lieut. Davidson.
January I2th, upon the departure of Their Excellencies, the regiment furnished another guard of
honour at the Union Station with the following officers : — Capt. Spencer, Lieut. Gosling, 2nd Lieut.
Hay.
January 24th, 1884, the regiment furnished a guard of honour upon the occasion of the opening
of the Provincial Legislature, the officers being Capt. Ball, Lieut. Howard, and Lieut. Trotter.
Saturday, May 24th, 1884, the regiment proceeded by special train to Hamilton where, in conjunc-
tion with the 1 3th Battalion, a short review was held. The regiment returned to Toronto the same
evening.
July ist, 1884, the regiment participated in the big City Semi-Centennnial review and parade at
Toronto.
September I5th, 1884, upon the occasion of the visit of His Excellency the Governor-General to
the Exhibition, the Royal Grenadiers furnished a guard of honour of which the officers were Capt.
Mason, Lieut. Symons, 2nd Lieut. Eliot.
November 6th, 1884, the regiment was inspected in the Queen's Park by Major-General F. Mid-
dleton, who had recently assumed command of the Militia. In connection with the annual inspection
of 1884, the competition for the Cumberland Challenge Cup between the various companies was held,
Major (now Lieut. -Col.) H. Smith, C Company, I.S.C., acting as judge. The maximum number of
marks obtainable was one hundred and seventy. G Company, Capt. Bruce, obtained 142 ; D, 140 ;
B, 134; E, 116; H, 114; A, 101.
Up to this time, the history of the Royal Grenadiers from the date of the reorganization under
Lieut. -Col. Grasett, had been one of steady and substantial progress, and the perfection of the regi-
ment in matters of not only drill and discipline, but also of interior economy, was about' to be demon-
strated under the trying test of active service in the Northwest.
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Chapter VII
THE NORTHWEST REBELLION
HE outbreak of the Northwest Rebellion in 1885 gives a forcible illustration of the
truth of the well-known military axiom, "in time of peace prepare for war." It is
scarcely possible to imagine any historical event breaking upon the population with
more startling suddenness. The Canadian public was left totally in the dark as to
the feeling of discontent which had been developing among the Half-Breeds or
Metis of the South Saskatchewan until the announcement that these unfortunate
people were actually up in arms was made. Numerous representations on the subject
had been made to the proper officials at Ottawa, but those gentlemen, engrossed
with various other matters of pressing interest in connection with the opening up to
settlement of the new Northwest by the construction of the Canadian Pacific Rail-
way, failed to attach sufficient importance to the various reports received from sub-
ordinates as to discontent among the Half-Breeds. These people were the offspring
of unions between squaws and either French-Canadian trappers or Scottish officials
of the Hudson Bay Company. It will be recalled that it was the Half-Breeds of the
old Red River settlement who were at the bottom of the trouble of 1870, when
Colonel Wolseley's expedition was despatched to Fort Garry to take possession of
the country on behalf of the Dominion of Canada. Even at that time there were
some scattered Half-Breed settlements on the South Saskatchewan, and after the
suppression of the Red River uprising, and during the subsequent years, many of the Red River
Half-Breeds drifted westward and joined the pioneer settlers on the Saskatchewan, taking up land and
building houses just as they saw fit, without any consideration for uniformity, and without any thought
a* to subsequent sub-divisions or surveys.
These Northwest Half-Breeds were in many respects a most peculiar people, retaining more of
the Indian in their nature and habits than the characteristics of their white forbears. One very dis-
tinguishing characteristic they inherited from the Indian side of their ancestry, namely, an increasing
suspicion of the aims and motives of the white man. As the railway was pushed out across the
western prairies, surveying parties were sent out on all sides to lay out certain districts for settle-
ment on a uniform and mathematical system. Among other districts invaded by the knights of the
Theodolyte was the Saskatchewan district, where so many of the Red River Half-Breeds and their
descendants were located. The carrying out of the fixed policy of the government with regard to the
laying out of land for settlement would have completely upset the apportionments of land made
among themselves by the Half-Breeds. The representations which these people made to Ottawa on
this subject appeared to receive no more attention for many years than had other representations
made to Ottawa regarding other grievances real or supposed of the Northwest Half-Breeds. After
the suppression of the Red River uprising of 1870, all the Half-Breeds in the Province of Manitoba
were given scrip or land. In 1878 the Saskatchewan Half-Breeds petitioned that there be granted to
all Half-Breeds who had not participated in the distribution of scrip and lands in the Province of
Manitoba, other scrip and grants of land as in that province. This petition and others were not
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attended to, and demands and dissatisfaction increased among- the Half-Breeds. in fact, immediately
after the withdrawal of Wolseley's force from the Red River, trouble was predicted from the Half-
Breeds, but nothing came of it. In 1875, while Major-General, Sir Selby Smythe, was in command
of the militia, it was announced that Gabriel Dumont, a mighty Half-Breed hunter, one of those who
had been associated with Riel in the troubles of 1870, had organized what he called a provisional
government in the Batoche settlement on the South Saskatchewan. The general, at the time, hap-
pened to be travelling in the Northwest, and he was despatched to Batoche with a force of fifty of
the mounted police to investigate. Dumont explained that his object was merely to introduce a sort
of municipal system, somewhat after the style of the tribal organization which used to prevail among
the Half-Breeds on their hunting expeditions. He was easily induced by the general to abandon his
project.
Every now and again, during the succeeding ten years, petitions against the actions of certain
officials, or protesting against certain enactments of the departments of Indian affairs and of the
Interior, would be received at Ottawa. Most of these representations had reference to questions
effecting the land regulations and the issue of scrip. Some threats of armed rebellion were reported,
but nobody appeared to take them seriously. With the bustle of railway construction, the steady
movement westward of immigrants, and the revival of commercial activity in the east, it appeared
absurd to anticipate the clash of arms anywhere within the peaceful borders of the prosperous
Dominion.
White settlers, however, who were beginning to flock into the Prince Albert and Battleford dis-
tricts began to be alarmed over the discontent of the Half-Breeds, and actually sent deputations to
Ottawa to make representations on the subject and to urge that something be done to pacify their
dusky neighbors. By this time stories of discontent among the Half-Breeds were regarded as stale
by the officials at the Capital, and the representations of the white settlers received as little attention
as had the petitions from the Half-Breeds themselves. In 1883, Louis Riel, the leader of the
uprising in the Red River settlement in 1870, who had been living in a state of banishment in the
United States, re-visited his old haunts in Manitoba, and became the subject of newspaper comments.
Riel was a natural agitator, intensely fond of popularity and power among his own people, and pos-
sessed of more education, plausibility, and popularity than common sense. His visit to Manitoba
could hardly fail to produce important results, and yet it commanded no official, and but very little
public attention. During the summer of 1884 it was announced that Riel had returned to the North-
west from Montana, and was stirring up an agitation among the Half-Breeds. The report was
simply set down as a newspaper story, but it was soon to be demonstrated that it was something
more. As a matter of fact, in despair at the prospect of accomplishing anything themselves, the
Half-Breeds appealed to Riel, then living in Montana, U.S., to return to the Saskatchewan, and
assist his fellow-countrymen in obtaining what they considered to be their rights. The Half-Breeds
and the smaller bands of Indians having common interests with them, had been much impressed by
the fact that although Riet had been the prime mover and instigator of the uprising of 1870, not
only had he escaped punishment but he had been paid a handsome sum of money to leave the
country. He had also been elected a member of parliament, although not allowed to sit. In their
simple ignorance they subsequently regarded Riel as a man of great power and influence, and no
doubt, as he was a fellow of assuming vanity and natural deceit, he personally had done his best to
strengthen this notion of himself.
July 1 3th, 1884, Superintendent Crozier, commanding the Northwest Mounted Police at Battle-
ford, reported that the Half-Breeds claimed to have grievances of various kinds, and that the Indians
were becoming excited on account of the action of the Half-Breeds. July 27th the same officer
reported that Riel had held meetings at Prince Albert and Duck Lake. At the latter place the
audience was composed chiefly of French Half-Breeds and Indians. During the summer Riel held
numerous meetings with the Half-Breeds and Indians, and according to the reports of the police
officers, Riel had the sympathy of numerous whites in the Prince Albert district. On account of the
unrest caused throughout the northern part of the territories by this agitation, the strength of the
northern division of the Northwest Mounted Police was increased to 200 men, and a new police
post established at Fort Carlton, on the North Saskatchewan, an old Hudson Bay post. During
—38—
LT.-COL. H. J. GRASKTT
the early part of 1885 there appears to have been a lull in the excitement about the Sas-
katchewan Half-Breed settlement, but it was merely a lull before a storm. Towards the end of
February a report was circulated that Riel was talking of leaving the country, with the result that a
meeting, said to have been organized by the agitator himself, was held to beg Riel to stay in the
country, to which he expressed himself pleased to consent. March loth, Superintendent Gagnon, of
the Northwest Mounted Police, reported that the Half-Breeds were excited, and that they proposed to
prevent supplies going into the police posts after the i6th. The following day Superintendent
Crozier, at Carlton, reported that a state of excitement prevailed among the Half-Breeds, and that he
had ordered twenty-five men and one seven-pounder gun to reinforce him from Battleford. March
1 3th Superintendent Crozier telegraphed " Half-Breed rebellion liable to break out any moment.
Troops must be largely reinforced. If Half-Breeds rise Indians will join them." Lieut. -Col. A. C.
Irvine, commanding the Northwest Mounted Police at Regina, promptly transmitted this message to
Ottawa and recommended that at least 100 men be sent north at once. On the 151!! he transmitted
a similar urgent message, and on the i6th received orders to start for the north with all available
men as quietly as possible. March i8th Lieut.-Col. Irvine left Regina with 90 of the police force,
and reached Prince Albert, a distance of 291 miles, at 8 p.m. on the 24th.
These movements had practically attracted no attention throughout Eastern Canada. A few
vague paragraphs appeared in the papers to the effect that some people in the Northwest feared
trouble if the grievances of the Half-Breeds were not settled. A two-line paragraph was published
early in March in some of the papers, without comment, stating that Riel had asked the Half-Breeds
to take their arms with them when they attended the public meetings he was holding throughout the
Saskatchewan district. The first announcement of the fact that Riel had established what he called
a provisional government was not taken seriously. A despatch stating that Riel had raided stores
and made some prisoners, was set down as an exaggeration. March 22nd a despatch was received
by the government stating that a mail had been looted near 'Duck Lake, that the telegraph wires had
been cut, and that Riel was encamped with a large force at Duck Lake, threatening Fort Carlton.
Any apprehension which might have been produced by this despatch was completely allayed by the
announcement that a reinforcement of mounted police had gone to Carlton from Prince Albert, and
that a still larger force was on its way from Regina to the latter town. The mounted police had
• successfully carried out many a desperate enterprise in the far west, and the Canadian public saw
no reason to worry over the news from Duck Lake, calmly concluding that in due course they would
hear that the police had Mr. Riel and his friends safely provided for in the Prince Albert lock-up.
March 23rd Major-General Middleton, commanding the Canadian Militia, with his aide-de-camp,
Captain Wise, left Ottawa for the west, via Chicago — there still being several uncompleted gaps in
the Canadian Pacific Railway north of the great lakes. It was announced that the general was
merely starting on a tour of inspection through Manitoba and the Northwest, and nobody connected
his departure with the vague rumours of trouble among the Saskatchewan Half-Breeds. In fact,
when it was announced that the Winnipeg Militia Corps had been called out. the same day for active
service the confiding eastern public saw no connection between that event and the departure of
General Middleton, it being understood that the Winnipeg volunteers were simply to do garrison
duty in place of the Northwest police despatched to the north.
A rude awakening came within a day or two. March 271)1 news was received of the fight at
Duck Lake, with a casuality list on the loyal side of 12 killed and 25 wounded. The country was
at once aroused from one end to the other. News of this event reached Toronto late in the evening,
and shortly after 10 o'clock Lieut.-Col. R. B. Denison, Deputy Adjutant-General, received a curt
telegram from Ottawa reading as follows : " Call out the Queen's Own and loth Battalion for
immediate service. Powell, Adjutant-General."
A similar despatch had been sent to Montreal to call out the 65th Mount Royal Rifles. The order
to turn out the Royal Grenadiers was received by Colonel Grasett about 1 1 p.m. on March 2yth, and
he at once communicated by telephone and messenger with his officers. The order was promptly con-
veyed to the non-commissioned officers and men, and there was a full muster of the regiment at the
armoury at 8 o'clock the following morning. During the night further orders were received from
Ottawa that the Queen's Own and Royal Grenadiers were to furnish only 250 men each for active
—40-
service, these, with 85 men from "C" Company Infantry School Corps, to proceed to the Northwest
as an independent brigade, under command of I.ieut.-Col. W. D. Otter of the Infantry School Corps.
Colonel Otter lost no time in completing the organization of his force, which he designated "The
Northwest Expeditionary Force." The first brigade orders under this designation were issued March
28th, and called for a parade of the Toronto service detachments that evening in marching order for
inspection. Separate parades of the Queen's Own and Grenadiers were ordered for the following
afternoon (Sunday) to receive orders. Order No. I of the last named date stated that the hour for
the departure of the corps had not yet been fixed, but it would probably be next day (Monday).
Cooked rations for 24 hours subsistence were required to be provided by each officer, non-commissioned
officer and man.
Orders for the departure of the force were issued Monday, March 3oth, calling for the parade at
10 a.m., prior to marching out at 11 a.m. Two trains were provided. The Staff, "C" Company,
and the Queen's Own Rifles left by the first train, the Royal Grenadiers by the second, very shortly
after.
The service detachment of the Royal Grenadiers was by regimental orders of March 28th divided
into four companies, to each company being attached one pioneer, four musicians, including fifers,
drummers and buglers and two ambulance men. The officers were as follows : — Lieut.-Col. Grasett,
in command, Major Dawson ; No. i Company, Captain Caston, I.ieuts. Howard and Gibson ; No.
2 Company, Captain Mason, Lieuts. Irving and Hay ; No. 3 Company, Captain Spencer, Lieuts.
Fitch and Morrow ; No. 4 Company, Lieut. Harston, in command, and I.ieuts. Eliot and Michie ;
Adjutant, Captain Manley ; Assistant Surgeon Ryerson ; Acting Quarter-Master and Pay-Master,
Lieut. Lowe. By regimental orders March 2oth Sergeant Major Munro of "C" Company
Infantry School Corps, was appointed to act as Regimental Sergeant-Major until further orders.
The calling out and equipment of the expeditionary force had been attended with unusual
excitement throughout Canada, especially in Toronto, and the population of the city spared no
pains to manifest their interest in the men embodied for service in the far west. The drill hall
was simply packed at every parade, and the departure of the contingents was the occasion of an
overpowering manifestation of patriotic feeling. Among the men of the volunteer force the greatest
zeal was displayed to secure selection for service, the only difficulty being to determine who was
to go and who had to remain at home. As far as practicable the preference was given to
single men.
The detachment selected to represent the Royal Grenadiers was one of which any regiment
in Her Majesty's service might have been proud, and all ranks were imbued with the fixed deter-
mination that come what may they would do their duty in upholding the reputation of their
regiment and the fair name of the good city of Toronto. And all ranks realized that the
expedition they were embarking upon would probably prove serious.
There may have been some who had doubts as to whether there would be any actual fighting,
but it was an accepted fact that the expedition, even supposing that a shot were not fired, would
be attended with great hardships, and as a matter of fact, the units of the Active Militia were
but very poorly equipped to take the field at such an extreme distance from their headquarters,
and in such inclement weather. The uniforms were really far from being what they should have
been, the regular government issue merely comprising trousers, tunic and overcoat, and they none of
the best quality by any means. The men were supposed to provide their own boots and under-
clothing, but as a matter oF fact the city of Toronto generously provided them, the government
providing mitts, mufflers and toques as a special issue. The equipment was decidedly poor. The
belts were of the old buff pattern, and some of them had done service during the Crimean War.
The knapsacks were of a similarly antiquated pattern and make, and there were really no satis-
factory receptacles for the ammunition. The rifles were the old Snider-Enfields, the best of them
fairly effective up to 400 yards, but most of them being absolutely unreliable on account of the
destruction of the rifling by many years of wear and tear in the armouries and on the rifle
range. In those days, any man who hoped to make any record as a fair shot, had to pur-
chase a rifle of his own, on account of the worthlessness of the government issue. It was
well known that a large number of the Half-Breeds, and even the Indians of the Northwest, who
—41—
depended to a greater or less extent upon hunting for a livelihood were, on the other hand, well
armed with Winchesters, Sharps, and other standard sporting- arms, capable of doing accurate
shooting:.
Of course, if there was to be no fighting, the armament would be a matter of indifference,
but there was no doubt from the beginning that the force was bound to suffer from its defective
equipment. In the spring of 1885 there were various long stretches of the Canadian Pacific
Railway north of Lake Superior still uncompleted, and as the despatch of armed men through
the United States was quite out of the question, it was realized that the marches across the gaps
in the line would be, at that season of the year, when extreme cold weather was prevalent,
attended by exceptional hardship ; and so it turned out.
Before leaving Toronto, provision had been made for 48 hours' rations for officers and men,
but in view of delays on the way, and reports as to probable delays in the future, it was
realized that extra precaution would have to be taken, and consequently March 3Oth, at Peterborough,
orders were issued that the men were to be cautioned to spare their rations, in order to meet any
emergency. At Carlton Place, a welcome break in the monotony of the railway journey was
made, Mrs. Blake, wife of the Hon. Edward Blake, then leader of the Opposition at Ottawa,
presenting the Toronto force, through Lieut. -Colonel Otter, with a Union Jack from the members
of the House of Commons. Biscotasing was reached April ist, and the same night the end of
the track at Dog Lake was reached. The regiment here found before it a break of 51 miles,
which distance had to be driven over in sleighs. Supper was provided in the railway construction
sheds. The food here, and all along the line of railway, was excellent in quality, plentiful and
well cooked. The officials of the C. P. R. exhibited everywhere the utmost courtesy, and were
unremitting in their efforts to render the carriage and accommodation of the troops as comfort-
able as possible under the circumstances.
Thursday, April 2nd, the regiment started across Dog Lake. The men were provided with
sleighs, eight men in each, upon cross seats, with the arms and kits stowed underneath. The
route lay mostly along the graded road-bed of the new railway, and so long as the sleighs were
on this all went smoothly. In places, however, it was necessary to leave the road-bed in order
to avoid an unbridged gap. Then the long line of sleighs had to take to the " Toat Road,"
that is a road roughly cut through the gloomy, impassable-looking forests, over windfalls and
rocks, for the use of the construction supply teams. On these sections of the route — often several
miles in length — there were many upsets, and numerous scenes, very ludicrous at the time, but
not without a spice of danger, were enacted. The cold was very trying, and every now and
then the officers and men were forced to take a smart run to keep themselves from freezing.
Late in the evening, and after dark, the regiment reached Magpie Lake, where there was a
straggling construction camp or village. After a comfortable meal the sleighs were again filled
and the route resumed, blankets for the first time being served out, one for each man. The
usual casualties in the way of upsets, and the disinterment of struggling men from banks of snow
occurred from time to time. The difficulties of the way were increased when the column met
in a particularly narrow way in the bush, the returning empty sleighs which had conveyed the
Queen's Own Rifles. In the attempt to pass the other vehicles safely, confusion became worse
confounded. At last, after what appeared a very long period of inky darkness, the moon arose,
and under her benign influence officers and men slumbered and drove and upset and awakened,
until at 4 a.m. on April 3rd Birch Lake was reached.
Here the regiment had to wait seventeen hours for a train to carry them over the next
completed section of railway. With the exception of one large tent and two canvas-roofed
shanties, the one a telegraph office, the other a stable, there was no shelter here, and the fact
that the woods had been swept by a great fire, gave to the spot a particularly bleak appear-
ance. The troups called it " Camp Desolation," and it well deserved the name. Fires were
lighted upon three feet of snow, but gradually sank beneath the surface, until, except in their
immediate vicinity, nothing but their glare was visible. The men lay down, feet to the fires, in
their blankets, and in a short time were asleep, with an extra covering of fleecy snow rapidly
forming over each. Fortunately the day broke fine, and soon the April sun shone out bright
—42-
and warm. It was very pleasant to thaw out in its genial rays and to bask in its warmth
after the bitter chill of the preceding night. But every rose of pleasure carries its thorn of
pain, and one effect of the snow was to peel the skin off the faces of the men, who during
the long and tiresome halt kept up their spirits with singing and such other amusement as could
be extemporized in Camp Desolation. The rear guard in charge of the baggage of the Q. O. R.,
overtaken here, lay with the Grenadiers at Camp Desolation, and the regiment was also joined
there by the Ottawa Sharpshooters under Captain Alfred Todd. The worst experiences of this
long halt occurred towards night. As the sun sank the cold became intense. Many of the men
suffered so acutely as to become quite hysterical, and when the bugles at one a.m. on the 4th,
after the arrival of the long expected train, sounded the assembly, they were quite confused.
The train was found to consist of a number of open flat cars and a caboose, and in these
the Grenadiers made themselves as comfortable as possible for the journey of 107 miles over the
next completed section of track. The experience was truly a bitter one, and one that will never
be forgotten by any of those who formed part of the expedition. The thermometer was actually
down to 30 degrees, and, according to some records, 35 degrees below zero, and at the same
time a bitter, biting wind was blowing. It was impossible for the men to take exercise, and
nearly all were more or less frost bitten. The next break or gap extended from Port Munro,
where the regiment detrained on the afternoon of Sunday, April 5th, to McKeller's Harbour. At
Port Munro, which was another construction station, and also a depot for supplies transported
thither by lake during the season of navigation, the regiment remained for the night, resuming
the route on the morning of the 6th by a straight cut of eighteen miles across the frozen surface of
a great bay of Lake Superior, direct to McKeller's Harbour. Before marching, goggles were
served out to the men, who suffered severely from the blinding glare of the snow and ice. This
was a most fatiguing march on account of the slippery character of the ice, many officers and
men sustaining painful injuries to their feet.
At McKeller's Harbour another extemporized train was boarded, the men, as before, riding in
flat cars. A run of seven miles took the regiment to Jack Fish Bay, another construction
station and the next railhead. The men, terribly sunburnt and frost bitten, their faces covered
with visible blisters, their feet sore with invisible ones, were billetted in the shanties, in the
freight house, and in some empty transport cars.
The next gap in the uncompleted railway was one of 23 miles, between Jack Fish Bay and
Winston's Landing, a route across the ice of Lake Superior being followed, and most of the
men being accommodated in sleighs. Upon reaching Winston's Landing, after taking counsel
with the C. P. R. officials, Colonel Grasett decided, instead of passing the night there as first
intended, to push on to Nepigon, the next railhead, and so regain the twelve hours that had
been lost by the enforced halt at Camp Desolation. The result was that for the first time the
experiment of running a train after dark over this section of the C. P. R. was made. The rails
being laid upon sleepers, embedded in the snow, the members of the regiment were in momentary
expectation of their train leaving the track, but no such accident happened.
At 10.30 at night the regiment detrained at Nepigon, the next railhead, and proceeded to
march over the last gap, which extended as far as Red Rock, some twelve miles distant. The
regiment moved off from Nepigon in a pitiless storm of cold rain, on what was to prove perhaps
the hardest march of the campaign. The deep snow had begun to melt, the trail was full of
deep slush holes, caused by the passing mule trains, and every few minutes the men would sink
to their thighs. Bravely all ranks stuck to their work, however, and after four and a half
hours of hard marching the regiment reached Red Rock, drenched to the skin and thoroughly
chilled. Tea prepared by orders of Lieut.-Col. Lamontague, supply officer en route for Win-
nipeg, and Dr. Ryerson, who had gone on ahead for the purpose, was offered to the men. They
were so exhausted, however, that on reaching the cars they tumbled in and were asleep, mixed
up in every conceivable position, on, or rather among the seats before the tea could be served
out. Some of them were awakened and persuaded to take refreshment, but most of them
refused to be aroused, and slept supperless. At midnight the train pulled out and reached Port
Arthur at 8 a. m. the following morning. At Red Rock the hardest part of the route to the
base was over, good railway transportation being provided from this point to Qu'Appelle Station
or Troy, where the Toronto troops were under orders to detrain. At Red Rock, moreover, the
first authentic news received for some time awaited the expedition, and it was found that things were
going on from bad to worse in the Northwest, and that there appeared to be every prospect of
severe fighting before the HaH-Breeds were brought to their senses.
Riel was understood to have established his headquarters at Batoche, on the South Saskat-
chewan, which point was 198 miles northwest of Qu'Appelle, at the point where traffic on the
trail between Fort Carlton and Qu'Appelle was usually ferried across the river. The inhabitants
of the whole district around Batoche were up in arms, completely isolating the white settlement
of Prince Albert and its garrison of Northwest Mounted Police. It was understood that emis-
saries from the Half-Breeds and the Indian tribes in the vicinity of Batoche, Duck Lake and
Carlton, had been among the Indians of the Touchwood Hills, and to prevent trouble in that
direction, General Middleton had advanced that far with the least possible delay with as many
men as he could get together. At Battleford, on the North Saskatchewan, about clue west of
Batoche, Poundmaker, an influential plain Cree Chief, and some of his allied tribes had gone upon
the war path.
Further westward, along the North Saskatchewan, in the Edmonton district, Big Bear, a
Wood Cree Chief of bad reputation, had taken the war path, and it appeared likely that all the
northern tribes would join him. So far no overacts had been committed by the Indians in the
neighbourhood of and south of the Canadian Pacific Railway line, but a feeling of uneasiness was
apparent among all the Indian tribes of the Northwest, and it was known that the Half-Breeds
were doing their best to stir up as much trouble as possible. The day that the Grenadiers
reached Winnipeg, General Middleton was expected to reach the Touchwood Hills with a small
force consisting of a small corp of mounted scouts, recruited in the Qu'Appelle district by Capt.
J. French, formerly of the Northwest Mounted Police, the Winnipeg Field Battery, and the goth
Winnipeg Rifles, and there was considerable anxiety as to what condition of affairs would be
found upon his arrival. Many predicted that the Indians would oppose the advance of the troops
at that point, and, in fact, there were rumours that the Half-Breeds had come down that far
from Batoche to offer resistance. North of the Touchwood Hills there were no natural obstacles
to the advance of troops as far as the valley of the Saskatchewan, and it was judged that if no
opposition was made at the Touchwood Hills that there would be no difficulty in advancing the
practical base of operations to Clark's Crossing or some other point on the South Saskatchewan.
This river played an important part in all the strategical plans evolved during the earlier stages
of the campaign. The Canadian Pacific Railway crossed the South Saskatchewan at Medicine
Hat, a point 336 miles west of Qu'Appelle, while an erratic elbow of the same stream approached
the line at 25 miles distance from Swift Current, which is a station 186 miles west of Qu'Appelle.
It was argued that if Middleton could once seize a base on the Saskatchewan within fair striking
distance of both Batoche and Battleford that there would be no difficulty in keeping him supplied
with men and stores by steamer, thus obviating the difficult, costly and hazardous alternative of
a long line of unprotected communication by trail. Consequently, news from General Middleton
was awaited at Qu'Appelle with more or less anxiety, and when it was announced that Middleton
had reached the Touchwood Hills on the gth of April without meeting opposition, and that after
holding a peaceable pow-wovv with the Indian Chief, Day Star, had continued on his way north-
ward, there was also some speculation as to what the next move would be. Meantime the
news from Battleford was to the effect that there was great alarm prevailing there, and the very
night after Middleton reached the Touchwood Hills came news of the massacre at Frog Lake,
in the Edmonton district, by some of Big Bear's band.
The day of the arrival of the first portion of Colonel Otter's force at Qu'Appelle (the yth),
one-half of "C" Company I. S. C. left under orders of Major-General Middleton, in wagons, to
join his force at the front, the junction being effected on April nth.
The Grenadiers reached Qu'Appelle station, 312 miles west of Winnipeg at 11 a.m. on Friday,
the ioih, and upon arrival an order was found for the regiment to proceed at once to join General
Middleton, who it was understood, would be overtaken at Clark's Crossing. The Grenadiers
—44—
received a warm welcome on detraining, from their comrades of the Queen's Own Rifles. With-
out any delay (wagons being1 provided by Capt. Bell of Bell's Farm), the regiment took up the
route for Fort Qu'Appelle, eighteen miles distant, which was reached about four in the afternoon.
The regiment camped for the night, which turned out very cold.
Saturday, April iith, reveille sounded at 4 a.m., and breakfast over, and the lents struck,
the regiment marched up the long, steep hill to the west of the fort, on to the open prairie.
Here the wagons were again taken, and at 5 p. m. camp was pitched five miles beyond Hough-
ton, the first of the chain of supply stations between Qu'Appelle and Clark's Crossing. Next
day's (Sunday, 12) march took the regiment to Touchwood Hills, and Monday, the I3th, the Salt
Plains were reached and crossed. These plains are so named on account of the low-lying ground
being even more heavily saturated with alkali than the adjacent country. The presence of so
much alkali in the soil not only renders the water in sloughs and streams quite unfit to drink,
but actually destroys vegetation, the plains being as barren as the shores of the Dead Sea.
Some of the men who could not resist the temptation to quench their thirst with the water
suffered from diarrhoea, and but for the fact that the recently melted snow had diluted the alkali
mixture, the consequences might have been more serious. Tuesday, the i4th, the trail led over a rolling
country well dotted with "bluffs" or chunks of poplar and shrubbery, the road being very bad
and much delay caused in getting the wagons out of the mud holes into which the horses very
willingly drew them, but just as resolutely refused to pull them out. During the halts the men
killed a great number of rabbits with sticks, the result being a welcome addition to the company
messes. Wednesday, April 15th, most of the wagons returned towards Qu'Appelle for stores, only
the regimental transport train being left, and the regiment having to cover the remainder of the
distance on foot. Twenty miles was covered during the day, although there was a brief halt at
Humboldt, an isolated telegraph station. From Humboldt the route led directly across the prairie,
following the telegraph line, to Clark's Crossing. Thursday, April i6th, the regiment marched 24
miles over a very bad trail, with a gale of wind blowing fair in their faces. The march on Friday,
1 7th, was across open prairie, and that night camp was pitched 53 miles northwest of Humboldt. The
next day, Saturday, i8th, at 2 p.m., the Royal Grenadiers caught up to Major-General Middleton's
force at Clark's Crossing, being played into camp during a blinding snowstorm by the band of the
goth Winnipeg Rifles and receiving a warm welcome.
The regiment had done remarkably good marching in overtaking General Middleton's column,
having covered the intervening distance of 210 miles in nine days. This march was by no means an
easy undertaking, for the trail was far from being in the best condition, and owing to the recent
melting of the snow there were numerous streams and "sloughs" across the trail, through which
the men had to wade, a decidedly unpleasant thing to do considering the ice-cold temperature of the
water. The nights were generally very cold, and there was no opportunity for the men to make
fires to warm themselves, as there was no wood in the district. As a matter of fact, the main column
had exhausted the scanty wood supply there was, and the troops had appropriated the telegraph
poles in some places to make the necessary fires to boil the tea. It was absolutely impossible to
drink the water of the country in its natural state on account of its holding so much alkali in solution,
so that there was actual suffering from thirst as well as from exposure. The men, however, retained
their spirits throughout, singing choruses as they marched across the prairie, and generally making
light of the natural difficulties jof the campaign. The writer of these lines was among those who
rode out a little distance from Middleton's camp to welcome the Grenadiers, and can testify to the
excellent shape in which the regiment marched into camp after the termination of their long tramp
across the prairie.
The arrival of the Grenadiers brought the strength of the force with General Middleton up to
948 of all ranks as follows: — Boulton's Horse, 113; French's Scouts, 30; "A" Battery, R.C.A.,
114; Winnipeg Field Battery, 62 ; half of "C" Company, I.S.C., 48; Royal Grenadiers, 267; goth
Winnipeg Rifles, 314.
The strategical situation had undergone a considerable change since the original plan of cam-
paign was mapped out and Major-General Middleton started for the front. The officers in command
at Battleford and Prince Albert were very much impressed with the seriousness of their position, and
—45—
Inspector Morris, commanding the Mounted Police at Battleford, had expressed himself as alarmed
as to the safety of that post and the women and children entrusted to his charge unless an armed
force was at once hurried to his assistance. From Prince Albert came reports of the massing of
a very large body of Half-Breeds and Indians in that vicinity, and Lieut. -Col. Irvine telegraphed Lieut. -
Governor Dewdney at Regina to warn General Middleton that the rebels were good shots, and that
he should not start for the front without at least 1,500 men. Friends of the settlers locked up in
Battleford and Prince Albert brought their influence to bear upon the Government at Ottawa, and the
General was strongly urged to make an effort to relieve Battleford at once. Up to this time the
General's plan had been to move with his principal column to Clark's Crossing and await at that point,
which was a telegraph station, the arrival of a second column under Lieut. -Col. Otter, which was to
have been despatched to Clark's Crossing via Swift Current and the Saskatchewan. It was repre-
sented to the General that the water in the Saskatchewan would be at its height about this time,
and that there would be no difficulty in forwarding Col. Otter's force with supplies and ammunition
to Clark's Crossing within a day or two of the receipt of orders to move. As a matter of fact, when
Middleton reached Clark's Crossing with his column he found that the ice had gone out of the river
a few days before, but that, although the water was fairly high, it was impossible to place much
reliance upon the river as a means of communication. The currents of the Saskatchewan are very
strong (the name means swift running) and erratic, and as the bed of the river is composed of sand
in some districts and of a rich loam in others, the channels are constantly changing, so much so that
parts of the river which have a good depth of water one week are completely blocked by sand-bars
the next. To overcome these obstacles to navigation the few steamers used upon this river are of the
flat bottom, stern-wheel type, familiar to all who have travelled on the Mississippi and Missouri
rivers. Huge cranes are erected on the bows of these vessels so that they may elbow themselves off
the sandbars, but even with the exercise of every ingenious device it is impossible to place any reliance
upon the navigation of the river. Had General Middleton required to depend wholly upon the receipt
of reinforcements and supplies promptly by the river his expedition would have been much hampered.
Before reaching Clark's Crossing the whole idea of moving Col. Otter's force down the Saskat-
chewan had been abandoned and its direction diverted to Battleford. In view of the repeated alarming
news from Battleford, General Middleton had, before leaving Qu'Appelle, instructed Lieut.-Col. L. W.
Herchmer to proceed to Battleford at once with a large reinforcement of mounted police. As the reports
from Battleford daily grew more and more alarming, the General decided that there was no help for
it but to abandon his combined plan and hurry Col. Otter and his whole column to Battleford along
with Col. Herchmer. On April- nth, while his own force was crossing the Salt Plains, the General
telegraphed instructions to Col. Otter at Qu'Appelle to proceed from Swift Current to Battleford with
as little delay as possible. Col. Otter's force consisted of the following : — N.W.M.P., with one
gun, 50; "B" Battery, R.C.A., 113; one-half of "C" Company, Infantry School Corps, 49; Ottawa
Sharp Shooters, 51 ; Queen's Own Rifles, 274 ; Scouts, 43. Total, 580. This force was concentrated
at Swift Current on April i3th, and by 3 p.m. of the next day reached the Saskatchewan Crossing
on the Battleford trail, 25 miles distant from the railway track. Here was found the steamer "North-
cote," and she was used to ferry the force across the river, the intention being to march direct from
the crossing to Battleford, 160 miles distant. The necessity of despatching these troops across trail
to Battleford completely upset General Middleton's plans. First, the use of Col. Otter's column on
the South Saskatchewan in combination with the General's personal force was put out of the question ;
secondly, a large part of the horses, wagons and land transport, accumulated after great exertion
to furnish land transport for the main column, had to be diverted to the Battleford trail, and the
steamer "Northcote," which might have been used to take on supplies to Clark's Crossing, was
delayed for several days ferrying Col. Otter's column and its supplies across the river. Col. Otter's
column included no less than 200 teams, sufficient wagons being provided for all the men to ride,
the object being to enable the force to reach Battleford within the shortest possible time. This pro-
vision appears to have been perfectly satisfactory, and the distance from Saskatchewan Crossing to
Battleford, 160 miles, was made in five and a half days.
When the arrival of the Royal Grenadiers completed the strength of General Middleton's column
he found that he would have to do with his 900 odd men what he had hoped up to a few days pre-
viously to have nearly 1,500 to accomplish, namely, to oust the rebels from their stronghold at Batoche
—46--
and to relieve Prince Albert. And the situation was really very much complicated by the serious
curtailment of the land transport, so many teams being1 drafted to Otter's column.
When the force reached Clark's Crossing there was scarcely any oats for the tired horses and but
a few days' reserve supplies of biscuit and meat for the men. The rather disquieting' discovery was
also made that a considerable quantity of ammunition brought to the front by the troops was of an
inferior quality. The General, however, appears to have had ample confidence in the men he had with
him, and after a few reconnaissances decided to adapt himself to circumstances and try and carry
out his original plan on a smaller scale.
Batoche really consisted of two villages, one on either side of the river, and as General Middleton
intended that there should be no question about the success of his attack upon the place in the event
of the misguided people making a stand, he had decided that it was advisable to attack on both
sides of the river at once. According to his amended plan, the General decided to divide his own
force, remaining on the east side of the river himself with one half and sending the other half over
to the western bank by means of the scow ferry at Clark's Crossing.
General Middleton was much criticised for dividing his little force at this time, and he anticipated
such criticism at the time he arrived at his decision. The writer well recalls that, after dictating the
orders for the division of the force, the General remarked to him : "I am sure that all of the good
people down east, who think they know everything better than we do, will criticize me for commit-
ting an act of strategical heresy, the division of a force in the presence of an enemy, but I feel that
if we are to have any success at all at Batoche, we must have a complete success, and that we can-
not be sure of if we only advance upon Batoche on one side of the river. Some of these Northwest
people who are interested in keeping us as long as possible in the country for their own ends, and
who are magnifying the difficulties of the situation for the purpose of bringing more troops and more
money into the country, would have us believe that there are thousands of Half-Breeds and Indians
down the river, but I do not believe it. From the most reliable reports I can obtain I do not believe
that there are more than 400 or 500 fighting men altogether with Riel, so that with our artillery
and our discipline each half of my force should be able to take care of itself, and I have no doubt
will. As a matter of fact, the division of the force will be more apparent than real, for I intend
to have the ferry-scow from this place, with the crossing wire on board, taken down the river imme-
diately behind the column, so that in the event of co-operation being necessary, communication
between the two columns can be promptly established."
No time was lost in preparing for the operation of ferrying half of the force to the west side of
the river, and this work was not an easy task. The scow had to be made water-tight, the wire
rope spliced, taken over and anchored to the other side, and a platform and windlass erected on the
near side to stretch the cable. In addition, a landing stage had to be constructed, roads built down
the steep bank to the water edge, which was completely obstructed by enormous blocks of ice em-
bedded in the thickest and stickiest mud. And all this had to be done in very cold weather.
The left division of the force completed its crossing on the 2ist of April and camped on the west
side of the river. It was under command of Lieut. -Col. Montizambert, R.C.A., who had Viscount
Melgund (now His Excellency the Earl of Minto, Governor-General of Canada) as staff officer and
consisted of the Winnipeg Field Battery, the Royal Grenadiers, French's Scouts and a few of Boulton's
Horse. The right column, under the General's personal command, consisted of "A" Battery, "C"
Company I.S.C. , ooth Rifles and the remainder of Boulton's Horse. During the 22nd the force
remained in camp to complete arrangements as to communication, etc. April 23rd the force proceeded
along either bank of the river in the direction of Batoche, the right division encamping that night at
a point known locally as Mclntosh's Farm, a distance of 18 miles, the left column at a point imme-
diately opposite, across the river.
—47--
Chapter VIII
FISH CREEK AND BATOCHE
RIDAY, April 241)1, reveille sounded at five o'clock in both camps, breakfast was
eaten, tents struck, and transport teams laden. The orders were to march at
six. The right column, under General Middleton's personal command, marched
off a little later than the hour specified, the left, according to later orders, re-
maining at its camping ground awaiting some teams with oats. The dry sur-
face of the prairie up to this time afforded no sustenance for man or beast, and
it was essential to keep a supply of forage with the troops. The trail along
the right or eastern bank of the river was to some extent sinuous, being de-
flected from its direct course to avoid several natural obstacles, consisting of
gullies, ravines, bends in the river, etc , while on the other bank the road was
direct and level. The delay in the marching off of Col. Montizambert's brigade
was, in consequence, considered of small moment, as, thanks to the directness of
its line of march, it was expected to soon overtake the General's column. It
was a beautiful Northwest spring morning ; in fact, the first really fine one of
the kind that the force had been favoured with. The sun shone brightly over-
head, and the turf of the prairie, under the influence of the spring showers,
began to show signs of vegetable life. On the scrubby brushes the buds were beginning to burst,
the prairie birds were chirping their lively song, and the mild air was laden with that peculiar pleas-
ing aroma which belongs alone to the virgin prairie. All ranks in the force were in excellent spirits,
and anyone watching Middleton's little column pass would have thought from the rollicking choruses
which were indulged in that these men in war-like array were simply engaged in making a holiday.
Mclntosh's was practically the beginning of the Half-Breed settlement, which extended from that
point to Prince Albert along either side of the Saskatchewan, and as the troops advanced from their
camp of the preceding night, the litile farms appeared to be more closely set together. The signs of
human habitation were welcomed after the long tramp across the bleak, untenanted prairie, and there
were other conditions, too, which promised for the future comfort of the force. The column was
entering a park district, where frequent bluffs or clumps of trees gave promise of a supply of neces-
sary fuel. These bluffs, however, as they became more frequent, increased the worry and responsibility
of the General, and more serious obstacles were anticipated, the existence of some ravines having been
reported by the scouts between Mclntosh's and Batoche. General Middleton realized the importance
of being prepared against eventualities in a country such as that upon which his force was now
entering. He had been careful crossing the open prairie ; he was more than ever careful about the
maintenance of the screens of mounted men covering the advance and flanks of his force after leaving
Clark's Crossing, the column, as a matter of fact, marching along the trail surrounded by extended
lines of mounted men. Each man had been served out with ten additional rounds, making 50 alto-
gether. General Middleton and his staff rode, with the support of the mounted advance line, several
hundred yards in front of the infantry advance guard. Similar precautions were to be taken by the
left column, but as the transport team with the forage had not arrived, an unexpectedly long halt
—48-
occurred. The tents and camp equipment were packed, the mounted men had been thrown out to the
front and flanks, and No. i Company of the Royal Grenadiers (Captain Caston), detailed for the duty
of infantry advance guard for the day, advanced down the trail, ready to move off on the order being-
received. But the wagons with the oats had not arrived, and the main body remained on its camp-
ing ground of the previous night. The column on the right bank, after marching about four miles,
reached a point overlooking the line of march of the other column ; but it was not in sight. The
General halted his troops for some minutes, and then gave the order to advance again. The column
across the river was still halted at its camping ground, when suddenly the reports of distant artillery
firing were distinguished. It was the nine-pounders of "A" Battery in action at Fish Creek. The
unexpected had happened, and General Middleton's force had come in contact with and was actively
engaged with the rebels. At once there was keen anxiety among all ranks in the column on the left
side of the river, the various units braced themselves for any possible contingencies and everyone
expected to find himself under fire before many minutes. The usual military precautions were promptly
taken. The company detailed for advance guard was thrown out in extended order so as to cover
as wide a front as possible, while the mounted men under Lord Melgund scoured the country for
some distance in front and on the flanks. Shortly afterwards the order to advance was given, and
the column moved off, the sounds of the engagement across the river becoming more distinct as the
troops advanced. The ferry-scow from Clark's Crossing was brought down stream abreast of the
force so as to be available for any service for which it might be required. Meantime, all was anxiety
on the part of the Grenadiers and their comrades to ascertain exactly how their brethren-in-arms on
the opposite side of the river were faring, but it was impossible to learn more than that the combat
was being continued, which was apparent from the constant rattle of musketry, the occasional booming
of the artillery and the constant " coyotting " of the Indians and Half-Breeds. This coyotting is cer-
tainly a most weird and disconcerting noise for one unaccustomed to it to hear. It is the Indian imitation
of the prolonged, yelping howl or bark of the prairie wolf, and is used by the red men partly as
bravado, partly to strike terror into the hearts of their foes. It sounded like the rapid repetition of the
syllables "Ki-zi," "Ki-zi," "Ki-zi," and its resemblance to the bark or howl of the prairie wolf was
easily distinguished by those accustomed to the prairie.
Although it was not considered likely by those in Col. Montizambert's column that anything very
serious would happen to their comrades across the river, there was on the part of all hands a strong
desire to be doing something to aid in the fighting. When a point was reached abreast of the spot
where the fighting appeared to be in progress, although the din of battle could be heard very dis-
tinctly, nothing could be seen to indicate the exact disposition of the opposing forces, so the column
remained halted, in momentary expectation of attack, with the advanced guard extended in the front,
and the scouts beating up as much of the country on the left flank and in advance as possible.
Meantime, as it was considered pretty certain that assistance would be desired on the opposite side,
steps were taken for making it possible to comply with an order to send reinforcements across.
Although the scow was afloat in the river between the two divisions of the force, it was found that
there would be great difficulty, first, in getting troops and supplies down to the water's edge and
up on the other side, and that, secondly, it would be a very tedious operation to navigate the laden
scow across the river, here 200 yards wide and which was running very rapidly at the rate of some
four miles an hour. It was impossible to think of stretching the wire cable, by means of which these
scow ferries are usually " trollied " across rapid streams by the force of the current. The banks of
the river were at least roo feet high on either side, almost as steep as the walls of a house, and
covered with a dense mass of shrubbery and trees. The narrow beaches (if such they could be
called) of the river were covered with immense boulders, set in thick, sticky mud, and with huge
blocks of ice among them. Hasty surveys were at once made to determine the best spot to effect a
crossing. While this was in progress a mounted man on the right bank shouted across the stream
that it was the General's wish that some companies of infantry be sent across as soon as possible.
Orders were at once given to Colonel Grasett to make arrangements to send three companies of his
regiment across. Captain Mason had, in anticipation of such an order, specially asked of Col. Grasett
the privilege of taking his company (No. 2) across first, and he was so insistent that his commanding
officer acceded to his request and issued his orders accordingly. Captain Mason, who was accom-
panied by Lord Melgund, promptly marched his company to the top of the river bank near the scow.
—49—
Officers and men soon scrambled down the steep bank and over the boulders and ice in the best way
they could, and lost no time taking- their places in the rickety old vessel.
Now, let us see how it fared with the right division. The writer of these pages was riding along-
side of Major Boulton, immediately behind General Middleton, and about midway between the advance
line of mounted men of the mounted advance guard and the reserve troop of Boulton's Horse. The
General and the group behind him had just crossed a narrow slough ; and the long extended line of
mounted men, a hundred yards or so in advance, were entering what looked like a long, straggling
bluff, running pretty evenly across the front of the trails. All at once two or three of the mounted
men immediately in front wheeled their horses sharply around, rode back a few yards and hurriedly
dismounted. At the same instant a long line of horsemen appeared out of the brush in front as if
coming from the direction of Batoche or Prince Albert. The first impression of the writer was that
it was the mounted police from Prince Albert come down either to reinforce General Middleton for his
attack on Batoche or to report that the rebellion had caved in. It was the supposition of some in
the Northwest Expeditionary Force that the Half-Breeds would never make a stand, and several bets
to that effect had been made the previous night. The strange horsemen were, however, Half-Breeds
and Indians, and the spot from which they appeared was not the edge of a bluff, as it appeared,
but an outlet of a very deep ravine, in which they had been lying in ambush. Apparently, the
horsemen had made a dash out of the ravine in the expectation of capturing- the men composing
the widely extended advance line of mounted troops, and they were not prepared to find them so
closely followed by their supports. At any rate, they only advanced a few yards in the direction
of the mounted men before withdrawing to the cover of the ravine, retiring and disappearing from
view so rapidly as to leave the impression that the ground had actually swallowed them up. As the
line of men advanced with a rush out of the shelter of the ravine, a heavy fusilade was poured
upon the General and the supporting troop of Boulton's Horse. Bullets whistled overhead like
bees, cutting numerous branches and buds off the trees and shrubbery near the staff. Some of
the Half-Breeds and Indians who had broken from their ambush fired from their saddles before
turning, but most of the firing must have come from men who never left the shelter of the crest of
the ravine. The General and those with him had a very hot few minutes of it while the situation
was being sized up. No time was lost in advancing and extending Boulton's reserve troop in sup-
port of their comrades. The mounted men allowed their horses to run free immediately upon
dismounting, so as to be themselves free to return the fire of the Half-Breeds and Indians. Several
of the horses were hit, and some of them screamed frantically with the pain. All but the most
severely wounded trotted off towards the rear and gradually gravitated towards the column. Mean-
time a sharp exchange of musketry was kept up between Boulton's men and the Half-Breeds and
Indians, the latter having the advantage of the cover of the ravine and the shrubbery along its crest,
while Boulton's men were pretty well exposed in the open and suffered considerably.
The General, upon the first appearance of the Half-Breeds, sent back orders for the advance
guard and the whole infantry, and later for the artillery, to be brought to the front. It must have
been, however, quite fifteen minutes before the first infantry was got to the point where the General
was stationed. The companies had been already extended, and the General lost no time in directing
them to the positions he wished them to take up. The experience was certainly a trying one for
the infantry, for while some of the weapons of the Half-Breeds and Indians carried a long distance,
the militia were compelled to make a considerable advance under fire without being able to return
it with any effect.
Along the middle of the boggy bottom of the ravine from which the rebels had made their
attack ran a little stream known as Fish Creek, and the course of this stream, as also, consequently,
the outline of the ravine, is very irregular. As a matter of fact, the trail along which Middleton's
force was advancing took a sharp turn to the right a few yards in advance of the spot where the
General had been when the Half-Breeds opened fire, and from that point the trail led for a consider-
able distance along the top of the ravine before taking the dip to the boggy bottom. The rebels,
having the advantage of the cover of the ravine's banks, were able to reach under perfect cover
positions commanding not merely the head of General Middleton's column, but also his
flanks, so that a converging fire was received by the infantry as they advanced to the support of
Boulton's Horse. The young soldiers could hear rifle shots in front, to the left, and to the right.
—50—
They could hear the tantalizing and disconcerting- warwhoops or " coyottes " of the Indians, and they
heard the bullets singing- a lively air overhead, but they were not able to see where the shooting and
the coyotting came from. In fact, all they could see were wounded men and horses dragging them-
selves to the rear, or the dead and more seriously wounded men and horses lying on the ground in
advance of them. It would have been a trying moment for veteran soldiers, and these were not
veterans, having been embodied only a few weeks ago and having left office, workshop and farm at a
moment's notice to find themselves confronted with the most stern realities of war. As the various
companies advanced they got somehow or other into extended order, and slowly moved forward
towards the direction from which the stream of wounded men was straggling back. It was not long
before the bullets of the Half-Breeds and Indians began to tell upon the dark-coated riflemen, subject-
ing the plucky young fellows of the advancing firing line to a further severe strain upon their recently
derived discipline. Still, officers and men realized that their duty lay in front of them, and the various
companies gradually moved forward in the direction of the ravine. Before long the half of "C" Com-
pany, I.S.C., kept well in hand by the restraint of discipline and training, advanced towards the front
in extended order and was directed by the General towards the right about the same time the two
guns of "A " Battery, under the command of Captain (now Colonel) C. W. Drury, C.B., dashed up the
trail at a gallop, the guns, under the impulse of their three strong teams of horses each, appearing to
fairly fly through the air. Both guns were promptly got into action exactly at the spot where the
General and his staff had been at the time the Half-Breeds began their attack. It was simply
amazing how rapidly those muzzle loaders were unlimbered, loaded, trained and fired, the exploding
shells tearing through the brush at the crest of the ravine. These were the first two shots fired by
the artillery of the Active Militia of the Dominion of Canada against an enemy. The spirited manner
in which the guns were brought forward into action, and their continuous discharge had a marked
and inspiriting effect upon the young soldiers forming Middleton's little force. The garrison gunners
of "A" Battery, under command of Captain (now Colonel) James Peters, D.O.C., came up the trail
at the double, and were promptly extended on eiiher flank of the guns with as much coolness and
precision as if the gunners had been going through an inspection in the Quebec Citadel. The guns,
soon after the garrison detachment had been extended in their support, were advanced some distance
and opened action again, and, by a succession of short advances, the whole fighting line was advanced
towards the ravine.
Meantime, partly with a view of encouraging his young troops and partly with the object of ascer-
taining the exact lay of the battlefield, General Middleton rode quietly up and down the field, often
at a considerable distance in front of his firing line, exposing himself time and again to the sharp-
shooters of the enemy. He found that while the main body of the opposing force appeared to be in
the ravine immediately in front of his centre, a considerable amount of the execution wrought upon
his men was being done by parties of the enemy on either flank. Across the ravine there were several
houses and farm buildings. About one, to his right front, and another to his left front, men could be
seen moving and firing, and he promptly decided to do his best to make those two positions unten-
able. A couple of companies of the goth were advanced under cover as far as possible in the direc-
tion of the house in front of the left, finally taking up positions close to the edge of the ravine, from
which the enemy in the farm premises on the other side were soon dislodged. "C" Company-, I.S.C.,
was directed towards the premises opposite the right front, and, as the Sniders got into fair play, a
general scattering from the outbuildings of the farm was also noticed. Meantime, the force of Half-
Breeds and Indians opposite the centre of the line appeared to have summoned up fresh courage and
opened fire with renewed vigour. The fire came from what looked like a particularly heavy bluff in
the shape of an angle, pointed towards Middleton's line. As the troops advanced, however, it was
found that instead of a bluff it was a sharp angle of the ravine, the steep sides of which were so
heavily wooded at this point that it was almost impossible to see a man six paces distant. On reaching
this spot the line of skirmishers was brought to a halt. The first man who crept along towards the
edge of the cliff was shot through the head at such close range that his face was blackened with the
powder. The men in the ravine, with their life-long experience on the plains, appreciated the principle
of sky-line fighting, and constantly keeping up their "coyotting," lay low, with their wiapons ready,
immediately below the crest, and as soon as the upper part of a man's head appeared en the sky-line
above them, "drew a bead" and fired. Subsequent investigation showed that the men holding this
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favourable position had made themselves additionally secure by scooping out in the clay bank cleverly
devised and simple rifle pits. And the men stationed there were old customers on this sort of work,
and knew exactly what advantages their position gave them. This important part of the rebel position
was, in fact, held by the Teton Siouxs of White Cap's band, men who had been accustomed to fighting
United States troops in Minnesota, and who had participated in the slaughter of General Custer's
command in the forks of the Little Big Horn before taking refuge in Canada.
The centre of Middleton's line, composed of a mixture of " A " Battery men, Boulton's Horse and
goth riflemen, never advanced beyond this point. As soon as it was apparent that the Sioux braves
in their "hole in the ground" were able to hold the centre of the line, the Half-Breeds manifested a
disposition to attempt to turn the right of Middleton's line, held, as it happened, by the red-coats of
" C " Company, I.S.C. A heavy rifle fire was poured in, and as the prairie grass was fairly long and
dry at that point, it was set on fire, either with the object of forcing the line back in alarm, or to
furnish a cloud of smoke sufficient to furnish a cover for the Half-Breeds and Indians to advance
behind. The fire scheme, however, failed in execution as the grass was not very combustible, and a
few teamsters soon succeeded in beating out the fire as it slowly crept along the ground.
While the action on the right was at its height, Captain Drury succeeded in dropping a couple of
common shell among the farm buildings on the right occupied by rebel sharpshooters, and at the
second round succeeded in setting the premises on fire. This had a marked effect upon the action in
this part of the field. The farm premises were abandoned altogether by the rebels, and shortly after-
wards a large number of mounted men were observed to ride out of the ravine by an old watercourse in
the vicinity and dash off at a hot pace in the direction of Batoche. The success of this cannonading
led to a similar practice with equally satisfactory results upon several other buildings across the ravine
in front and to the left, the result being the complete cessation of long-range shooting from across
the ravine. The Sioux Indians in the " Hornet's Nest " were still holding their ground, however,
and making short work of any soldier who showed his head above the sky-line at that point. The
guns of "A" Battery, loaded with case, with reduced charges of powder, were run up to the edge
of the ravine, the muzzles depressed to the lowest possible extent, and fired several times, but without
any noticeable effect, although several of the gunners were shot during the operation. By this time
the line throughout its whole length had advanced pretty well to the edge of the ravine, and as the
only part of the rebel position strongly held appeared to be the Hornet's Nest, a mixed party of the
goth and "A" Battery garrison gunners worked down to the bottom of the ravine opposite the left of
Middleton's position and advanced along the broad bottom in the direction of the angle in which the
Sioux's rifle pits were. As they advanced towards the angle occupied by the Indians they found
themselves in front of a heavy muskeg or bog, in which the men sank far above their knees. While
in this position the Indians opened fire upon them, but the brave fellows still tried to persevere in
their undertaking. It was useless, however ; the bog became worse at every step, and the troops
were forced to retire, leaving two dead behind them, a battery man and a man of the goth. Capt.
Peters, commanding the garrison detachment of "A" Battery, who had been down in the ravine with
the first party, appealed to General Middleton to allow him to take his complete command down into
the ravine, and said he had no doubt he could clear it out, but the General remarked : "I would not
hear of it ; we should be in a nice position with "A" Battery cut up."
Shortly after this, the General sent Captain Drury, with one gun, supported by some of the garri-
son gunners and by "C" Company, I.S.C., under Major Smith, across the ravine by a road discovered
to the left to attempt to clear out the corner occupied by the Sioux Indians by shelling. So that the
peculiar situation was presented of an infantry line in action lying low and having its own artillery,
from a position directly opposite its front, pouring shell in its direction. Several well-placed shells
were fired, but with no apparent effect, and the gun and its support were withdrawn to the near
side of the ravine. The withdrawal of the gun and its supports was the signal for the return of
a number of the Half-Breeds and the recommencement of the long-range firing from the other
side. Bullets began to zip once more quite lively overhead, and this was one of the most trying
times of the day. The casualty list was already heavy and the surgeons, altogether too few and
wretchedly equipped, were overburdened with work. The men had had nothing to eat except a
few biscuits, which they happened to have on them, and for an hour and a half the line had not
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advanced an inch. About this time a United States war correspondent who had served in the
United Slates army and had had considerable experience in Indian campaigns, openly proclaimed the
opinion to several about him that he believed it was all up with the whole force ; that the troops
were caught in a trap, and that it would be "another Custer massacre." It is strange how rapidly
a story like that can spread at such a time as that, and there were certainly many misgivings
among the hangers-on of the force, although the men actually engaged kept up their spirits and
their courage manfully.
It was just at this time that those in the fighting line had their attention attracted to the rear
by some sharp words of command, and looking back, saw an extended line of red-coated soldiers ad-
vancing steadily in their direction. It was the first of the reinforcements from the left division, Capt.
Mason's Company of the Royal Grenadiers. Officers and men had united to get the unwieldy scow
safely across the Saskatchewan, and as soon as it touched the right bank all sprang ashore and began
to scramble up the steep banks. Captain Mason's orders upon leaving the other side were that, after
disembarking, he was to take up a position to cover the crossing of the rest of the reinforcements.
On reaching the plateau at the summit of the right bank the company was forming up when Capt.
Haig, R.G., A.A.G., appeared, and explained that the General's orders were that the reinforcements
were to hurry to the scene of action as soon as they were ferried across. Capt. Mason at once
marched his company in the direction of the centre of the position, Capt. Haig proceeding most of
the way with it. As they were advancing Capt. Mason inquired of Capt. Haig how the action was
progressing, and the latter replied, '-Very badly, indeed," proceeding to briefly explain the position
and relate the incidents of the day. Capt. Mason asked if the Indians in the ravine could not be
driven out by a determined charge, and Capt. Haig replied that he believed they could. Capt. Mason
said he feared, with so many Indians and Half-Breeds wavering in their loyalty, that failure to capture
the rebel position would be represented as a rebel victory and result in strong accessions to their
ranks. He added that he was willing and anxious to try to effect the capture of the position
with his company, and asked Capt. Haig if he would speak to General Middleton about it and secure
an opportunity to volunteer the services of his company to the General. Capt. Haig replied that he
certainly would, and rode on to rejoin the General. Capt. Mason halted his company immediately
in rear of the General, and the latter sending for him, gave him the desired opportunity to present
his request. Capt. Mason said that he felt confident that with his strong company of sixty men he
could clear put the ravine with the bayonet, but the General replied that he would not think of
allowing the attempt to be made, as there had been too much loss of life already. General Mid-
dleton had before this explained to Major Boulton, Capt. Peters, Capt. Haig and some others his
object for refusing to make a determined effort to capture the position. He argued in this way: —
" What is to be gained by throwing away any more lives in clearing these fellows out of their hole?
They are simply staying there because they cannot get out, and they can do no harm so long as
our men do not expose themselves, and there is no object in their doing that. It is not as if
these poor boys of mine were regular soldiers, but they have people depending upon them, and
I feel that it is my duty to preserve their lives rather than to make them 'run any unnecessary
risk for the sake of a little military glory for myself. There is one thing certain. We cannot
clear out that hole without the spilling of some blood on both sides, and, goodness knows., enough
has been spilt already. We have so many wounded with us that we shall have to stay here for
some days anyway, and I have not the least doubt that as soon as night sets in the Indians will
be very glad to escape from- the trap they find themselves in. Meantime, we have succeeded in
frustrating the attempt of the Half-Breeds to stampede or capture our force, and I think, under the
circumstances, we have done very well."
Disappointed at the General's refusal, Capt. Mason rejoined his company, which was extended, and
advanced to the support of the right centre of the firing line, directly to the right of the "Hornet's
Nest," where the left half company was soon hotly engaged. In advancing to take up this position
the company crossed directly across one of the worst sections of the fire-swept zone. A heavy fire
was directed upon them, and many in other sections of the line had their gaze attracted to the advanc-
ing red-coats expecting to see some of them fall. But they escaped unscathed, either on account
of the hostile fire being high, or the rebels' aim distracted by the heavy fire just then poured in by
some picked marksmen of the goth, who noticed the dangerous position of Capt. Mason's company.
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The arrival of this reinforcement, followed as it was by the subsequent arrival of Nos. i and 4
Companies of the Grenadiers, had a splendid moral effect upon the troops in action, and no doubt
also had its effect upon the Half-Breeds, for the long-range firing, which had been resumed shortly
before the arrival of Capt. Mason's company, soon afterwards stopped once more. No. i Company
(Capt. Caston), which was the second to cross, was accompanied by Lieut.-Col. Grasett. Arriving
upon the field, the right-half company under Capt. Caston relieved the garrison division of "A" Bat-
tery, D.C.A., on the extreme left of the firing line, the left-half, under Lieut. Howard, reinforcing the
men of "C" Company, I.S.C., and the goth on the extreme right of the line. When No. 4 Com-
pany, under Capt. Harston, arrived, it reinforced the centre of the firing line. About 3 p.m. all of
his regiment, which it was intended to ferry across (No. 3 Company being left as a camp guard on
the other bank), being then in position in the firing line, Lieut.-Col. Grasett offered the General to
dislodge the rebels by a charge upon their rifle pits, but the General once more declined to order such
a movement.
As the regiment lay in extended order along the edge of the ravine, they were so close to
their hidden foes that in the intervals between the " coyotting " they could hear their conversa-
tion. An occasional shot was received from the pits in the ravine, each red-coat being keenly alert for
an opportunity to get in a shot in exchange. There were indications of some Half-Breeds hanging
about the bluffs across the ravine, and some section volley firing and independent shots were tried to
keep down the intermittent firing from that direction. The General, surmising that those of the
enemy still haunting the bluffs across the ravine were more interested in recovering their ponies,
which they had left tied up in the ravine, than they were in continuing the fight, issued orders for
the shooting of the ponies not already killed. Two considerable bodies of horsemen, who had had
their horses picketed or herded in parts of the ravine not under the command of the fire of Middle-
ton's line, had been observed to hurriedly ride off the field in the direction of Batoche earlier in the
day, and several ponies found tied up in the ravine by the troops who had descended or crossed during
the engagement had been captured. The bottom of that section of the ravine immediately in rear
of the "Hornet's Nest" was completely commanded from several positions in the firing line, and in
full view of the troops was a long row of ponies, of various colors and conditions, tied to the poplars
along the edge of the marshy bed of the creek. So completely was this line of ponies commanded
by the fire of the troops that their owners could not reach them, and if they could they had no means
of escape. On the other hand, what with the deep muskeg bottom, the creek, and the desperate men
under perfect cover in the rifle pits of the " Hornet's Nest," it was impossible for the troops to capture
them. Many of the ponies had been shot at earlier stages of the action, and now the order was given
to complete the job, which was soon done. After the action the bodies of fifty-five dead ponies were
counted in this section of the ravine, a serious loss to the military strength of the rebels.
During the progress of the engagement a great change had taken place in the weather almost
unnoticed. The latter part of the morning had been hot, but the sky became overcast, and during
the afternoon several heavy showers fell. About four the clouds were very heavy, and there was every
indication of a thunderstorm coming on. None of the troops had had anything to eat since before six
in the morning, except those who were fortunate enough to have hardtack in their holsters or haver-
sacks, and until the transport could be disentangled, the kitchen and ration waggons unloaded, etc.,
there was no chance of feeding the men satisfactorily. There were upwards of forty wounded men in
the surgeons' hands, and it was desirable that they have more comfort and that the surgeons have
more accommodation than was possible in the hastily extemporalized field hospital. Under all these
circumstances, General Middleton decided that he would encamp on the nearest piece of convenient ground.
Lord Melgund, who had crossed the river with No. 2 Company of the Grenadiers, found a suitable
site for the camp near the river bank, to the left of the position held all day by the troops, and
thither the bodies of the dead, as well as the wounded, the transport, etc., were removed without
delay.
The various units which originally composed the right division were withdrawn from the firing line
in succession, formed up and marched to the camp ground, where, in view of the approaching storm,
there was not much time lost in pitching the tents. The withdrawal was covered by the Royal
Grenadiers, who held the advanced firing line until the last waggon was formed up in the new corral.
As the last compum, C'iipt. Caston's, was withdrawing, a party of mounted men rode out of the
shelter of a bluff on to the Batoche trail across the ravine. Capt. Caston at once halted his com-
pany and turned it about, and the rebels put spurs to their horses and made off.
The writer was one of those privileged to scrutinize some of the rebel documents captured at
Katoche the clay after they were obtained. Among' the papers was one in French signed by Gabriel
Dumont, who commanded at Fish Creek and who styled himself " Adjutant-General." Dumont gave
in detail the strength of the force he had with him on the 24th April, showing that his total strength
of "soklats" (Half-Breeds) and " Sauvages " (Indians) amounted to 280 men. The action was
described as " The Battle of Tourond's Coulee," the ravine, or coulee, through wh'ch Fish Creek
runs being known as Tourond's Coulee among the Half-Breeds, the name being derived from a
numerous French Half-Breed family who had farms along the ravine. According to the rebel papers,
a widow Tourond had invited Dumont and his officers to make their headquarters at her place, and
there were several men of the name among the rebel casualty list. Dumont explained in his report
how that he had started out from Batoche with the object of intercepting Middleton's force, and that
there had been some thought of attacking the camp at Mclntosh's, but the idea was abandoned as
the guards and sentries were on the alert, and some of his men refused to attack. So it was decided
to try and ambush the column at Tourond's Coulee. Dumont explained how, on the march, the
column was strung out along the trail, and how the trail just at the point selected for the ambush
was flanked for some distance by the coulee, in which it was decided to establish the ambush just
before the point where the trail dipped down into a side gully to cross Fish Creek. The plan was
to allow the mounted men to cross the creek, and for the main body to rush out and capture the guns
as they were passing the trail at its nearest point to the coulee. A selected party of mounted Half-
Breeds was detailed to make a rush for and capture General Middleton, who was described to be in
the habit of riding between the sections of his column attended only by a few men, which was true
enough. Dumont appeared to think that with the General and the guns captured it would be easy
enough to dispose of the rest of the force, and that with the General and probably a goodly number of
his force in their possession, they would be able to dictate their own terms to the Government at
Ottawa.
Of course, this plan failed to take into consideration the operation of the screen of mounted
men which surrounded the column as it marched, and which must have raked up the ambush.
The Half-Breeds intelligence department was so complete that they must have known of the screen
of mounted men, but they probably thought Boulton's men would not try to negotiate the steep,
wooded banks of Tourond's Coulee, and would merely content themselves with riding along the
banks to the trail crossing. Dumont ascribed the failure of his plan in his report to the impetuosity
of some of his men, who dashed out from their ambush in the hope of capturing a horseman, '' un
cavalier," who had ridden in advance of the column shooting prairie chicken, only to find them-
selves confronted by the whole of Middleton's mounted force. True enough, Capt. Haig, R.E., of
the General's staff, had been riding with the advanced troops and had bagged a couple of chicken,
but if he had not decoyed the Half-Breeds into exposing themselves, their ambushed force must have
been exposed a few seconds later, as the long line of Boulton's men was making straight for the
coulee, and some of the men were preparing to make the descent directly upon Dumont's -position.
Dumont explained that, the surprise having failed, great loss of life having been inflicted upon the
troops (whom he described as police and as being drunk), and it being desirable to save further loss
of life and horses, he and his "Half-Breeds withdrew. He added that the Cree Indians retreated early
in the action, but that the Indians (" Les Sauvages Sioux") persisted in remaining in their pits, as
they could not get to their ponies. Dumont stated that some of the Half-Breeds returned to the
neighbourhood late in the afternoon, but as the "police" had received large reinforcements and had
withdrawn the guns across the coulee, they retired again. This report of Dumont's and other papers
captured at Batoche showed that the rebels had 11 killed or died of wounds and 18 wounded at Fish
Creek.
The casualty list of the Northwest Field Force at Fish Creek was 10 killed or died of wounds
and 40 wounded, a large proportion of the small force engaged.
General Middleton's force remained encamped at Fish Creek until May 7th, it being necessary to
—55—
dispose of the wounded and to await the arrival of ammunition and supplies. The horses were begin-
ning to suffer for want of oats, and ammunition, which latter, particularly for the artillery, was running
short. Ammunition and supplies were on the way up by trail, and the steamer " Northcote " was
somewhere in the river between Swift Current and Clark's Crossing with similar supplies and a few
troops, trying to negotiate her way down, through and over the sandbars and mud banks. She was
expected any day, and it was proposed to send the wounded back by her to Saskatoon, which, on the
invitation of the inhabitants, had been decided upon as the site of a base hospital. As time dragged
along all faith in the river transport scheme vanished, and on May ist the wounded were sent back
by trail to Saskatoon under escort. Several convoys of supplies came in, and finally, on May 6th, the
"Northcote" arrived, bringing, besides supplies, Lieut. -Col. B. Van Straubenzee, a gallant veteran of
the Crimean and Chinese Wars, then Deputy Adjutant-General of the 5th Military District, Montreal,
Lieut. -Col. Arthur Williams and two companies of his regiment, "The Midland Provisional Battalion,"
and a galling gun. This last was in charge of Lieut. Arthur L. Howard, who had held the com-
mission of second lieutenant in the machine gun platoon of the 2nd Regiment Connecticut National
Guard since July 18, 1884. He served in the ranks of a United States cavalry regiment during the
American War, and subsequently served out his time in service on the plains, participating in several
Indian campaigns. He was a practical machinist and cartridge manufacturer by trade, and when the
Militia Department, at the outbreak of the Northwest Rebellion, hurriedly purchased two old galling
guns and requested the manufacturers to send an expert to the front to instruct the Canadian troops
in their use, they engaged Howard, and he entered upon his duties with the greatest relish. He
turned one of the gatlings over to Otter's column and came on with the other to Fish Creek. At-
lired in the uniform of his Connecticut regiment, he was a most picturesque figure aboul Middlelon's
camp, and he and his gun were the objects of much curiosity. The gun was turned over to Lieut.
Rivers, of "A" Batlery, R.C.A., who selecled a delachment from the garrison gunners of Ihe batlery
to man it, Mr. Howard always accompanying the gun as an expert and generally operating the crank
in action.
During the long halt at Fish Creek General Middleton had thoroughly reconnoitred the country
and trail in the direction of Batoche, and as soon as the sleamer arrived arrangements were made
for continuing Ihe advance. The general decided that the steamer should take part in the attack
upon Batoche, hoping that she would draw off some of the rebel forces from his front, and steps
were taken for making her wheel-house and olher vilal parts defensible againsl rifle fire.
The duly at Fish Creek camp was decidedly exacting, particularly Ihe oulposl duly, a large pro-
portion of Ihe force requiring lo remain out on picquet every night. The three companies of the
Royal Grenadiers which crossed during the action, Nos. i, 2 and 4, had a very unpleasanl introduc-
lion to this duly the night after the engagement, being marched to the picquels direclly from Iheir
position in aclion, in Ihe midst of a heavy downpour of rain. Officers and men had had no meal
since breakfast, which had been partaken of before six in the morning, and it was eleven at night
before ralions of canned meat and tea could be obtained. But even worse than lhal was Ihe
misery suffered from exposure. The overcoats had been left on Ihe opposile side of Ihe river wilh
the regimental transporl, and so had Ihe blankels. As many blankels as could possibly be spared
were borrowed from Ihe goth and the other units of the right column, but they were very few alto-
gether, so lhal ihere remained nothing1 for it bul lo shiver and bear it. To make matters worse, the
lemperalure rapidly fell lowards nighlfall and Ihe rain lurned lo driving sleel and finally snow. The
Grenadiers were relieved by the goth at about two in the morning, the men turning into the tenls
vacaled by the rifleme.n and kindly placed by Ihem at the disposal of the Grenadiers.
It was two days before the last of the stores and No. 3 Company of the Grenadiers were ferried
over to the camp, and Ihe Ihree companies of Ihe Grenadiers who had first crossed regained posses-
sion of all their camp necessaries. Besides the outpost duties al Fish Creek, there were faligues,
and if Ihere was any spare time it was taken advantage of for drill, chiefly in extended order, in
which the force attained marked efficiency.
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Chapter IX
BATOCHE
AMP at Fish Creek was struck, and the route to Batoche taken up on May yth,
Captain Caston's Company (No. i), of the Royal Grenadiers, forming the advance
g-uard. Captain Caston and his company made quite a reputation during the cam-
paign for the manner in which they discharged the duties of advance guard. Captain
Caston marched along, always cool and collected, keeping up the regulation pace
with clockwork regularity, and the company simply attained the habit of regulating
their own step by that of their captain. It was a column joke that the only time
Captain Caston evinced any impatience was when the headquarters bugler sounded
the halt. Before leaving Fish Creek the infantry, "C" Company, I. S. C., Royal
Grenadiers, the goth, and the Midland Battalion (two companies) had been formed into
a brigade under the command of Lieut.-Col. Van Straubenzie, who had moreover been
put in orders by General Middleton as his second in command. Captain Young,
of the Winnipeg Field Battery, was detailed as Col. Straubenzie's brigade major.
"C" Company of the Infantry School Corps, under Major (now Colonel) Henry
Smith, was detailed as a guard on board of the " Northcote," on which vessel were
also taken Capt. Wise, A.D.C., wounded, and Lieutenants Eliot and Gibson of the
Royal Grenadiers, and Lieutenant Hugh Macdonald, of the goth, who were on the
sick list.
On the 7th the force advanced as far as Gabriel's Crossing, so named after Gabriel Dumont,
who once occupied the ferry premises there, the column going under canvas, the "Northcote"
tying up to the bank. In view of the alarming reports he had received as to the dangerous character
of the ground through which the direct trail to Batoche along the river bank ran, and also of the
stories circulated as to the strength of rifle pits said to have been erected by the rebels in anticipation of the
advance of the force by the direct trail, Major General Middleton decided, after making a thorough
reconnaisance, to make a detour before advancing upon Batoche, thus striking the reputed formi-
dable rebel defences on the left flank instead of in front. The direct Qu'Appelle trail via Humboldt
led into Batoche from the east, and the General planned to move off to the right from his camp at
Gabriel's Crossing ; thence to 'march to the Humboldt trail, and by that road to march upon Batoche.
Capt. Reid, Paymaster of the Midland Battalion, who was a Dominion Land Surveyor, had some time
previously been engaged on survey work in this very section, and reported that the open character of
the prairie, back from the wooded strip along the river bank, made such a movement quite feasible.
The personal reconnaisance made by the General satisfied him that there was no doubt about the
matter.
The "Northcote" remained at Gabriel's Crossing during the 8th, the column making the detour
to the eastward as planned, skirting the constantly widening belt of wooded land along the Saskat-
chewan, and striking the Humboldt trail between six and seven miles behind Batoche. While General
Middleton, with the mounted men, proceeded on a reconnaisance in force along the Batoche trail,
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tents were pitched and preparations made for a good meal, a good night's rest, and for the stern
business of the morrow. The camp was pitched on a beautiful piece of open prairie, affording a
clear view all round, but particularly to the east, north and south, in all of which directions the eye
drank in views of soft green prairie, over which roamed bands of ponies and cattle, blue lakelet and
purple hill, a scene which, for peaceful beauty, is seldom equalled, even in that part of the Canadian
Northwest.
Many officers and men hastily scrawled off letters to their dear ones at home, in fact some
officers, in no spirit of mawkish sentimentality, but as a matter of sensible and manly forethought,
advised their men to do their duty to their friends and write them.
Reveille sounded at half past four o'clock on the morning of May gth, and it did not take long
for the troops to get their breakfasts and form up on parade. Each man carried a day's rations,
and was served out with a hundred rounds of ammunition. The General had decided to leave the
camp standing, with practically all the baggage and transport, merely taking along a few wagons
with spare ammunition and hospital requirements. It was represented to the general that once the
force entered the belt of wooded country between the camp and the river, it would be hard to find a
safe and suitable place to encamp provided the rebels were not defeated. The General considered that
the taking of his long transport train with him might act as an incentive to the rebels to attack the
column while passing through the brushy country, and he felt that in the event of a serious fight
the transport would prove an encumbrance. So he left the bulk of the transport behind with the
camp in charge of the teamsters, who were armed with Peabody rifles, and a few invalids. The
" Northcote," which had remained at Gabriel's Crossing, the previous day, was under orders to drop
down the river so as to be opposite Batoche about 8 o'clock on the gth, by which time General
Middleton calculated he would be ready to commence his attack. The steamer was then to create
what diversion she could, if possible to break the wire cable stretched across the river for the accom-
modation of the scow ferry, and if she found she could not steam back, she was to continue to the
Hudson's Bay Crossing, south of Prince Albert. She reached Batoche before time, and through terror
and carelessness the master and pilot allowed the steamer to crash into the ferry cable, which had
been raised on purpose high above the river level. This tore off the smoke stacks and steam
whistle, at once disabling the vessel, as there was danger of her being set on fire from the broken
smoke stacks. She was consequently allowed to drift down the river for two miles and then brought
to anchor.
Meantime General Middleton and his column — and it was a very business-like column indeed —
were advancing upon Batoche, No. i Company of the Grenadiers as advance guard leading the
infantry, with the old familiar stride. It was a beautiful invigorating morning, and as the line of
march passed right through the heart of the deserted reservation of the Indian Chief, One Arrow, the
march was interesting as well as pleasant. The troops realized that they were on very serious busi-
ness, and the ranks were more carefully kept, and there was less skylarking than usual. The mounted
men, as customary, preserved their extended lines in advance, in rear, and on either flank of the
infantry and artillery. As the transport had been left in camp, the column was, of course, very much
shorter than usual, requiring fewer flankers, and increasing the strength of the mounted force march-
ing along the trail behind the General. The gatling gun accompanied this body. At an interval ot
about 500 yards in rear, the leading rifles of the infantry advance guard, swung along. The remain-
ing companies of the Grenadiers marched at the head of the main column, followed by the goth, "A"
Battery, R.C.A., the wagons, the Winnipeg Field Battery, and the two companies of the Midland
Battalion in the order named. The first five or six miles of the march was covered without incident,
when all at once the sound of a steamer's whistle echoed through the woods from the direction of
the river. It was the " Northcote," and even Captain Caston and his machine-like advance guard
appeared to relax for a moment, quicken the step and lengthen the stride. Whistle succeeded whistle
at brief intervals, and before long other sounds came from the direction of the river. At first there
was the irregular rattle of musketry, and eventually the reports of volley firing. Major Smith's red-
coats were getting in their work. The noise of the battle appeared to come from straight in front,
officers and men intently listening for every sound, trying to follow with their ears the contest being
waged upon the Saskatchewan. So the column marched through the brush, and past the deserted
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Indian huts and tepees in grim silence, save for the slight rattle of the puns and wagons, the
tramp of the marching- men, and an occasional word of command. From the sounds borne to the
column, it was evident that the " Northcote " was in motion down the river, and during the contest
had passed from left to right of the direction of the trail along which the force was marching. All
at once the whistling ceased, hut the reports of volleys could be heard for some time longer, then all
was still. What had happened? Had the "Northcote" beaten off the rebels, or had she passed
out of hearing ? The idea that anything serious had happened to the steamer never occurred to
anybody.
There was not much time for conjecture. An orderly galloped up the trail from the front, and
delivered an order from the General to Lieut. -Col. Montizambert, commanding the artillery. The
General wanted a gun fired to let those on the " Northcote " know that the force was advancing.
During the halt necessitated by the execution of this order, No. 2 Company of the Royal Grenadiers,
Captain Mason, was marched up as a rein-
forcement for the advance guard. Then the
column hurried on again, but was not much
more than under way when a sharp, spite-
ful, rattling sound told that the gatling was
in action. Almost at the same time Lieut.
Freer, of the South Staffordshire Regiment,
the General's new aide-de-camp, who only
'oined the night previously, galloped back
with word that two guns were to go to the
front at once. Captain Drury's two guns,
of "A" Battery, promptly responded, and
pushed on at a gallop. They came up with
the General, his staff, and the main body of
Boulton's Horse, at a point just beyond
where the Humboldt-Batoche trail debouches
into the Clark's Crossing-Batoche, or river
trail. The General and his party were
halted on a small open plateau, extending
to the steep, wooded bank of the river, and
commanding a view of a considerable sec-
tion of the winding stream. There was no
sign of the "Northcote." To the right-hand
side of the trail leading to Batoche were
several wooden Half-Breed houses, and from
some of them the advance scouts had been
fired upon, and men had been seen moving
about them. The gatling had already peppered
the house about which most of the men
had been seen, and No. I gun of "A" Bat-
tery was soon trained upon the same structure,
and neatly placed in it three out of the four
shrapnel fired. Meanwhile the reinforced advance guard of Nos. i and 2 service companies of the
Royal Grenadiers had been steadily advancing, followed by the rest of the column, and were in time
to see the rebels rush out of the shelled house, and receive a brisk rifle fire from Boulton's men
as they made off into the brush. The gun was then limbered up, the infantry were halted, and the
General with the mounted men and gatling advanced. Several houses were passed, and then a small
church, and a frame building of considerable size, beside it, came into view. The church was that ot
St. Antoine de Padua, the mission church of Batoche parish. There were a couple of small tents
near the buildings, and some men could be seen moving about and dodging behind the buildings as
the troops came into view. Several bullets whistled over the heads of the General and those with him,
but whether fired from the buildings ahead, from bluffs on the right front, or from across the river,
LT. W. C. FITCH
Killed in action at Batoche
it was hard to say. Some of Boulton's men persisted in saying that the men who had dodged behind
the large building next to the church (the mission school) were armed, and that it was they who
had opened fire. The galling was consequently got into action again, raking the brush behind the
buildings, and a few shots being directed against the wall of the school building. By this time the
advance guard had been formed up and extended in skirmishing order, and was ordered to advance
towards the school building, the galling gun the while being kept trained on the door above which il
was fired as Ihe skirmishers advanced. The red-coals had arrived within a hundred and fifty yards
of the building when a window was opened and a priest waved a white handkerchief towards the
troops. On this, the General, with his staff, advanced, waving a white handkerchief, and shouting,
"Avancez, Monsieur le Pretre." For several minutes, however, the door remained closed, and the
main body of Grenadiers had arrived and extended to the right and left of the advance guard,* and
approached within a few yards of the school-house before the door was opened. Then four priests
and five nuns stepped out, and as the General and staff, with a couple of correspondents, advanced,
they warmly shook the new arrivals by the hand, the Sisters at the same time offering the party
refreshing drinks of spring water, which, after the nauseous alkali decoction which had been their
beverage while travelling over the prairie, was a treat very much enjoyed. The priests, who were
treated with every respect by the General, who advanced towards them with uncovered head, explained
the presence of themselves and the Sisters by stating that they were obliged to leave their parishes
for fear of the Indians, and had lived here under the nominal proteclion of Riel.
The priests explained that the " Northcote " had passed down the river nearly an hour before,
and had sustained a terrific fire all the way down ; that the rebels had tried to stop her by the ferry
cable, and had done some damage to her. One of the reverend gentlemen gave some information of
the disposition of the rebels, and indicated a point from which a good view of the whole village of
Batoche could be obtained. This spot was a little further down, perhaps a couple of hundred yards,
and across the trail from the mission school, and thither the General, his staff, two correspondents
and some others proceeded. The priests explained that a number of the rebels had fired upon the
"Norlhcote" from the river bank in front of the mission, and had followed the vessel down stream,
and had not probably yet returned. No doubt this was the case, but by this time the rebels were
making good speed back.
An occasional shot came from across the river. By the time the General had completed his brief
parley with the priests the Grenadiers had reached the church, being drawn up in perfect extended
order across the trail, the right flank pretty well over towards a fringe of bluffs. The rest of the
little column was fairly close up, being drawn up on the trail along the river bank.
The force was in an irregular oval plain, fairly clear but for a small bluff or two, and a few little
sloughs. To the right of the main column, as it stood halted on the trail along the river bank, was
a ploughed field occupying the most elevaled part of the little plain. There was a slight roll to
the whole surface of the ground, affording scant natural cover here and there. Perhaps 300 yards
in front of the main body, and to the right of the trail, stood the church, and just beyond that, the
mission school. From Ihe spot where the column was halted a heavy trail led off to the righl — the
trail to Guardapuy's Crossing — from which, a mile further on, a branch led direct down into Batoche.
Another lighter trail led off in the same direction from the river trail, by which the troops were now
advancing, near the church. The irregular outline of the plateau to the right and rear was marked
by thick bluffs, beset with a few marshes and sloughs. The wooded bank of the South Saskatche-
wan, which sloped abruptly some one hundred and fifty feet to the boulder-strewn river bed, closed
the plateau in on the left side. The water-courses had cut through the crest of the high banks in
one or two places, making fairly heavy gullies. Just where the column had halted an elbow of the
river intruded into the land, falling back, just in front, in a graceful sweep, intruding again near the
church. From that point the whole course of the river swung round towards the right. On a
pretty knoll in the angle of the river, at this point, was a little cemetery enclosed in a' neat fence,
a heavy gully or ravine, densely wooded, running between the trail and the cemetery knoll, and
*As the regiment first advanced on the plateau, No. 2 Company formed up on the right of No. 10. In accordance
with subsequent orders, No. 3 prolonged the line to the right, No. 4 to the left. In that order the companies remained
in action during the day.
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extending as far as the trail at a point not quite half way between the church and the head of the
halted column. It was easy to see that immediately ahead the trail and the land took a sudden dip
down to a lower plateau.
The spot towards which the General and his party proceeded was a slight elevation midway
between the trail and the cemetery gully, and once they got there a most interesting and beautiful
panorama presented itself to their view. The main village of Batoche, the place which had been
uppermost in their thoughts for weeks, a collection of some twenty-five neat frame houses, was clus-
tered near the river on a low plateau not very much above the river level. This large plateau, at
some time, no doubt the basin of a lake of considerable size, was surrounded by a belt of light
timber corresponding generally with the slopes to the higher or prairie plateau, on a corner of which
the troops were. Beyond the village, the river took another sharp turn to the right, and among the
dense and extensive brushwood along the bank there could be seen a number of Indian tepees, the
fluttering of cotton stuffs among the trees, etc. A few
men could be seen moving about among the houses, but
not many. There was more appearance of life on the
opposite side of the river, where there was an Indian
encampment in full view, and where, floating above a
frame house, was the white battle flag of Riel. Imme-
diately below the knoll on which the General stood, the
steep slope was heavily covered with brush and light
timber, which extended for a considerable distance over
the lower plateau in the direction of the village.
Before the infantry had come up some of Boulton's
men had been dismounted and advanced as skirmishers.
As the General was interviewing the priests at the church,
they advanced beyond that structure to the row of brush
two hundred yards beyond. As they appeared to be
drawing some fire from their right, their advance was
diverted in that direction, Lieut. -Col. Van Straubenzie
advancing and inclining the Grenadiers in their support.
The right of the red-coated skirmish line overlapped the
left of the mounted infantry, and prolonged the line to
the left. Major Boulton's orders were that the moment he
felt the enemy he was to retire his men, form them up,
and await further orders. The whole of the Grenadiers,
having been advanced to the edge of the brush, and Col.
Van Straubenzie bringing forward the goth in support,
the red-coats cautiously advanced, drawing a hot rifle
fire from some concealed rifle pits, and being ordered to
lie down.
The gatling and the two nine-pounders of "A"'
Battery, in response to an order sent back by the
General, were advancing to the knoll on which the
staff stood, when one of Boulton's men galloped up
with the report that the right was engaged with a party of rebels, and that Major Boulton had,
according to orders, withdrawn his men. The General sent back word by the orderly for Col.
Straubenzie to reinforce his line and hold his position.
As soon as the guns arrived on the General's knoll they were ordered into action, No. i gun,
under Captain Drury, firing a few rounds of shrapnel shell at a range of 1500 yards at the encamp-
ment and the building from which Kiel's flag was flying, across the river. The result was a great
scurrying about among the rebels. No. 2 gun, under Lieut. Ogilvie, was also got into action, and
planted four or five shells in and about the house on the rear side of the river, indicated as the
council chamber, with similar results. A few long-range shots from the opposite side of the river
whizzed over the heads of the General and those with him, and a few over the main column, now
MONUMENT ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OF
LT. W. C. FITCH
Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto
advanced to a position near the church. The right of the Grenadiers' line was also drawing some
fire. But apart from this, so far as those with the General could make out, hostilities appeared to be
suspended, and all attention concentrated upon the artillery practice. The General, his staff, and
the guns were considerably in advance of the rest of the force, by the trail, quite four hundred yards
in advance of the right, where Boulton's Horse had felt the enemy, and where the right companies of
the Royal Grenadiers had gone into action, and were still subject to a heavy fire as soon as they
broke from cover. The opposition on the right, as well as the conformation of the ground, had
resulted in a very decided inclination of the thin line of red-coats towards that flank, the left being
consequently thrown forward, and reaching down towards the position of the General and the guns.
The garrison division of "A" Battery, under Captain Peters, had advanced in support of the guns,
and extended a little distance in rear of the knoll, practically forming an extension of the Grenadiers'
line to the left, the left of the gunners' line thrown considerably back, bringing the support squarely
in rear of the guns as they stood in action. As the cannonading proceeded the group about the
General gradually increased, several mounted officers, some scouts, transport officers, teamsters, etc.,
being tempted to the front to watch the sport. And it did not appear for a time to be any more
dangerous a proceeding than watching a rifle match or a gunnery competition. The artillery officers
and their gunners were as cool as at drill ; calculations as to distances were nicely made, and every-
thing done according to rule, and well done. All had field-glasses, and the mounted officers and men
dismounted, the better to watch the effect of every shell. In rear of the guns the Garrison gunners
of "A" Battery were standing up, keenly interested in the gun practice of their comrades, and to
their right the men of the left of the Grenadiers' line were also standing up to see as much as they
could of the result of the gun practice. To the greater part of the Grenadiers' line the view of the
houses in Batoche was completely obscured by the thick brush, the wooded belt widening towards
the right.
There was something else besides the gunnery interesting the witnesses of the artillery practice.
"Where are the rebels?" was the first question. "Have they got an ambush prepared for us some-
where further on?" "Are they waiting for us to get down into the plateau just below to open fire on
us from all sides?" "Have they allowed the 'Northcote' to distract their attention from us and draw
them after her down the river?" "Have the Half-Breeds been impressed by the display of force and
skeddadled?"
According to the priests, the tents found near the mission had been occupied by some of White
Cap's Siouxs, who had been sulky ever since what they considered the Half-Breeds' desertion of them
at Fish Creek. In one of the tents Lieut. A. L. Howard had discovered a hunting knife formed out
of the hilt and stump of the blade of an officer's sword of the 7th United States Cavalry, a relic,
doubtless, of the Custer massacre in the Valley of the Little Big Horn, June 25th, 1876. Howard
felt convinced that it was the Sioux who were holding the ground in front of the right, and advanced
the theory that the Half-Breeds had either taken flight, or had chosen a position further on to
offer resistance.
And so interesting minutes passed, the gunners changing their objectives occasionally according to
the General's orders, those behind and beside the guns watching the exploding shells, and speculating
as to the inactivity of the enemy.
It was only the lull before the storm. Those who had conjectured that the "Northcote" had
distracted the attention of the Half-Breeds were right. Rifle pits had been constructed about the
bases and the thickly-wooded sides of the little mound from which the guns were shelling the village,
and the lines of pits continued up the cemetery gully, and along the bank of the river for some
distance up. According to a statement made by Dumont himself to the writer in Montreal, some
years after the rebellion, men had been allotted to the rifle pits along the whole sweep of rifle pits.
Those in the pits near the river could not resist the excitement of following the "Northcote"
down stream, otherwise the General and the guns would not have advanced to the position from
which they shelled Batoche on the gth, before clearing out the pits along the river bank, in the
cemetery coulee, and on either side of the trail where it descended the hill. There were also rifle pits
along the edge of, and in the belt of brush and light timber, which formed a complete fringe round
the plain on which Batoche was built. These pits, which were really formidable defences, the defend-
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LT.-COL. GEORGE D. DAWSON
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ers actually living in the larger of them, were most plentiful in the numerous ravines and depressions.
The longest and most formidable series of pits were on the prairie side of Batoche, in a long cres-
cent-shaped jumble of bluffs and ravines, a mile and a half round. The thick brush, just bursting
into leaf, furnished a complete mask to the whole system of pits, and the rebels could readily move
from one end to the other of any row of their pits without being seen, except at very close quarters,
According to Dumont, the defenders of the pits on the prairie side of Batoche were all in their places
when the column arrived, as, in view of the detour the General had made, it was calculated that he
would attack on that front. So the General and the guns just slipped by the right flank of the series
of pits actually occupied at the moment, while Boulton's men and the Royal Grenadiers were facing
one section of the manned pits, with another section of the same series to the right front, practically
flanking them.
According to Dumont's story, the rebels assigned to the series of pits near the river were hurry-
ing back to their posts before the artillery fired their first round, and after it was found that the main
advance was being conducted along the river road, and not against the landward side of the place's
defences, a number of the Half-Breeds and Indians from the line of pits along the prairie front were
hurried round through the ravines and brush behind the mission towards the pits in the vicinity of
the cemetery and the river, which, in the excitement of the fight with the "Northcote," had been
denuded of their defenders.
Meantime the General and the others grouped about the guns were in blissful ignorance that any
marked change in the situation was pending. From the more distinct "ping" of the bullets, it was
evident that the hidden marksmen across the river, who had been paying more or less attention to
the group ever since they arrived, were getting their elevation and windage down finer, and some of
the teamsters, who had been standing up, watching the exploding shells, took the precaution to sit
down. There was a marked increase in the rattle of musketry to the right rear, where the Grenadiers
were still at it, but it did not cause much comment, and the facts that the red-coats had made a
couple of short advances, and that the right had swung round a bit more, rendering the inclination
to the right, were scarcely noticed. After dropping eight or nine shells across the river, No. i gun,
of "A" Battery, was directed to assist the other in shelling the main village, when the General
ordered it to be run down by hand several feet to what he considered a more advantageous position.
The gun being loaded, the moving of it displaced the charge, and the piece missed fire several
times in succession. As the gun was a muzzle-loader, its muzzle had to be depressed and the charge
drowned out, but not just then. A horse of one of the gun teams had been hit by the marksmen
from across the river, and the General, satisfied with the moral effect produced, and deeming it unne-
cessary to further keep the guns in such an exposed position, particularly with one of them disabled,
ordered their withdrawal. The order, "Rear limber up," had been given, and the teams were gallop-
ing with the limbers towards the guns, when, with the startling suddenness of a thunderbolt from a
cloudless sky, a crashing fusilade, it could almost be called a volley, swept through the wooded slope
at the right front. All of the bullets appeared to go high, a result of being fired hurriedly from a
low level. The bushy slope, which hitherto appeared to be perfectly deserted, appeared suddenly to
be infested with coyotting savages. The guttural " ki-yi-ki-yi," the sweeping fusilade, and above
everything, the startling suddenness of the eruption, combined to make the new situation a trying one
for the nerves of the bravest. Some of the teamsters and other hangers-on who had not been at
Fish Creek, and were not familiar with the taunting war-whoop and the "zip" of the flying bullet,
stood not upon the order of their going, but fairly ran away, in their haste almost running under the
feet of the gun teams galloping up with the limbers. General Middleton was the coolest man on the
spot, and a signal from him to Lieutenant Rivers, who was close at hand with the gatling, brought
that weapon into action between the two nine-pounders. Howard crouched down on the trail, the
men of the detachment promptly serving the ammunition cases.
At the first fusilade from the brush below most of those about the guns whipped out their revolvers
and blazed away at the enemy, a number of whom, feathered Indians and hatted Half-Breeds, could
be distinctly seen rapidly moving along in a crouching attitude across the front of the guns, from right
to left. Groups of them at a time appeared to fall under the revolver fire, but it is doubtful if any
were hit, their disappearance being due to their dropping, in succession, into hidden rifle pits. All of
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this took place in a very few seconds, in much less time than it takes to describe it. The necessity
of vacating such an exposed position was obvious to everybody, and those dismounted proceeded to
regain their saddles to ride off. But this was no easy matter. What with the three gun teams and
the mounts of the officers and correspondents, there were a number of horses grouped in a small
space, and the poor animals appeared to be more excited over the sudden turn affairs had taken than
the men. The firing and the coyotting made a great din, making all the horses nervous, and several
of them being hit they began to prance about, increasing the confusion. As the gun limbers swung
round behind the trails, several of the artillery horses were hit, and one of the horses of the galling
killed. The galling, moreover, had only been in action a short time before two of the men of the
detachmenl, who had to expose themselves dreadfully in serving the ammunition hopper, were shot
down beside iheir gun. Blood splashed aboul freely, and a correspondent who noticed his boots
covered with blood, did not feel assured that he had escaped without a wound until he had felt him-
self over. The nine-pounders having retired behind their supports, which had been advanced con-
siderably by Captain Peters after the Half-Breeds opened fire, Ihe garrison gunners of "A" Baltery
found themselves exposed to a heavy fire from the cemetery coulee, over a spur of which their left
flank extended. The fire was promptly returned, Ihe artillerymen advancing considerably. Meantime
the galling had remained in aclion, bul as it was in an exposed posilion Ihe General ordered il to
retire. Thus the most advanced position in the direction of Batoche reached that day was abandoned.
By this time the Grenadiers were actively engaged throughout their whole line, the fire begin
particularly heavy towards the right. Thither General Middleton next directed his attention. The
heaviest fire appeared to come from a bluff just beyond the strip of timber immedialely behind the
mission, but there was also a flanking fire from the enemy's left. In fact shots appeared to be
coming from all directions, and from near and far. Now and again the men in the firing line would
think they perceived a puff of smoke or a movement in the underbrush somewhere, and would rise
from cover, take aim and fire, only to draw a fusilade from all sides in response. The officers were
straining their eyes to try and locate their lurking foes, and would now and again direct volleys
towards various suspected spots. To a correspondent who had followed the General to this part of
the field, the veteran commented enthusiastically upon the coolness of " Grasett's men," and the
"boyish zeal" of all ranks to do effective execution upon their enemies. Some of Boulton's and
French's men, attracted to the point of action, were lying down with the right of the Grenadier's line
or in extension of it. Back from the line, standing up in extended order across Ihe mission plaleau,
were Ihe golh, ready lo support either the Grenadiers or "A" Battery, while near the river bank
were the two companies of the Midland Battalion, beginning to attract some attenlion from Ihe sharp-
shooters across the river. Realizing that the enemy opposite the Grenadiers were well established in
some sort of effective cover, the General sent for the galling gun, and had a searching fire from it
directed into the bluffs in front. For a time the rebel fire slackened, but was soon renewed again,
the rebels being completely sheltered in their pits.
Meanlime the rebel fire had been telling on the Grenadiers. One of the first to fall was Capt.
Mason, commanding No. 2 service company. Major Dawson explained to the correspondent with
General Middleton how Capt. Mason had received his wound. Major Dawson was under Col. Grasetl,
directing the advance of thai parl of the Grenadiers' line, and was immediately behind Capt. Mason's
company. Capt. Mason was conslantly cautioning his men about three things— to fire low, to take
advantage of all cover offerings, and to preserve their extended formation. In spite of this injunc-
tion, he observed that some of his men in their anxiety to get certain points of advantage, had
gradually been bunching together. This was during an interval in the advance into the belt of brush
behind the mission, and realizing the danger to his men in being bunched, particularly as he con-
lemplaled ordering a resolule advance upon Ihe rebel pits, Capt. Mason cooly rose from his cover
and proceeded to walk down his line enjoining his men to open out. Gradually a heavy fire became
concentraled upon him, but he continued until he had properly arranged his men before proceeding
to regain his position. He was then hurrying along when he noticed Major Dawson expose himself
to take a view of the front, and beckoned to him to take cover, calling out, "Get down, Dawson."
The next instanl he fell in his tracks, receiving two slugs in his side, making a very painful and
dangerous wound. He was, after some delay, removed from under fire by the regimental stretcher-
bearers under the direction of Surgeon Ryerson, and conveyed to the church, which had been placed
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at the disposal of the surgeons by the priests, who, with the sisters, assisted in the care of the
wounded, and furnished such appliances as they had. With a correspondent, who had been asked by
so'me of his brother officers, with true brotherly solicitude, to find out for them exactly how Captain
Mason was getting on, Captain Mason chatted quite pleasantly for some time, although it was evident
that he was only maintaining the better of his pain by a great effort, his only anxiety appearing to
be lest his friends at home should be unduly alarmed as to his condition, and he specially requested
that all the newspaper correspondents be asked to represent his wounds as not dangerous.
Shortly after Captain Mason was wounded, Private Thomas Moor, No. 3 Company, received his
fatal wound. Private Scovell of the same company, who was brought in wounded at the same time,
gave the following account of the wounding of poor Moor: — "Our company was extended in skir-
mishing order, and the men were lying on the ground a few paces distant from one another. The
enemy, as far as we could judge, was from 75 to 100 yards distant. I had extended my arm to get
a couple ot cartridges when I was struck. The bullet passed completely through my arm, and struck
Tom Moor, who was to my right rear, on the head."
Moor lingered until eleven o'clock that night, when he succumbed.
When the General returned from the right to the left of his position, he found some brisk firing
going on about the knoll from which the guns shelled Batoche in the morning, in the cemetery coulee
and along the river bank. French's Scouts and a number of Boulton's men had extended along the
edges of the cemetery coulee in extension of the left of "A" Battery, garrison division, and the
scouts, gunners, and the extreme left of the long line of Royal Grenadiers had been having a brisk
exchange of shots with the rebels who manned the rifle pits which had been unoccupied earlier in the
day. Some of the rifle pits in the cemetery coulee had been so placed as to give the rifles of their
occupants a sweep over a considerable part of the mission plateau, and the rebels were making the
most of their superior position. Some of these pits commanded the left of the line of gunners and
rear of the left of the Grenadiers, so that at this point the red-coats were under fire from the front,
the left flank and the rear. Consequently the left of the regimental line, by General Middleton's
orders, was thrown back across the trail. Capt. Peters, at the head of his gunners and some of the
scouts, made a dash down the side of the ravine nearest the trail, but it was impossible to reach
the pits, or even to distinguish them, although the party drew a terrific fire, a batteryman being shot
dead, and rolling some distance down the bank, and several men being wounded, in a few seconds.
Preparations were being made for a farther rush to secure the body of the dead gunner when General
Middleton arrived. He disposed most of the goth along the river bank and the edge of the cemetery
coulee nearest the river, and advanced the Midland companies some distance down the coulee, where
they kept up a heavy fire, as did also the Batterymen, the scouts, the left section of the Grenadiers
and some of the qoth extended in their support. During this diversion, Capt. Peters, Surgeon Codd
of the Winnipeg Field Battery, and some gunners, succeeded in bringing out the dead man's body on
a stretcher.
Meanwhile time was passing, and the General had to decide what he was going to do. Would
he withdraw to his standing camp out on the Humboldt trail, or take up a position in the most open
part of the plateau his force occupied ? It was clearly impossible to hold the whole plateau, as
although every available man had been thrown into his very thin fighting line, it did not completely
encircle the plateau, and so much of the open ground was swept by the fire from the rebel pits, that
the reinforcement of any threatened part of the attenuated firing lines could not be depended upon.
General Middleton usually kept his own counsel, but in this predicament he consulted some of his
most trusted officers. There was a general feeling against withdrawing without it was absolutely
necessary, and it was feared that the moral effect upon those Indian tribes who were wavering in
their loyalty, would be disastrous; but the question was: "Is it possible to find a position on this
plateau, where the force will not be constantly exposed to the fire of the rebel pits?"
It was thought not ; but a hurried survey of the ground was made. Meantime orders were
issued for the mounted corps to form up, and for the waggons to proceed to the church for the
wounded. The examination of the ground showed that there was a fairly satisfactory site for a
confined bivouac, large enough to accommodate the whole force, on the trail of Guardapuy's Crossing,
a short distance from its junction with the river trail, and taking in the ploughed field near which the
LIEUT.-COL. JAMES MASON
General Stall — Commanding 4th Infantry Brigade
main column had halted at the opening of the action. At about half-past three the General issued
orders to Major Boulton to proceed back to the camp with his squadron, strike the tents, and escort
the whole transports to the chosen bivouac. Boulton returned safely with his charge about half past
seven, and the transport waggons were soon formed up in a zareba, or "corral" as it is generally
called in the Northwest. Some commencement had already been made at preparing this bivouac,
which had been laid out to enclose one little slough, and with several others immediately in the rear,
thus assuring the force of a supply of water of a kind. Some wood had been collected for fuel, a
beginning made on a shelter trench along the side facing the enemy, a hospital marquee erected in a
depression towards the rear, and the wounded removed thither. As soon as the corral had been
formed the fighting lines were withdrawn, the various units falling back in the same extended order
in which they had been in action. The Grenadiers were the last to come in, several parties of rebels
following them up for some distance, in fact until they came under the fire of those already in the
corral. Once in the corral, while the officers were arranging the details of the defence, the men pro-
ceeded to hunt up their cooking implements and rations, for the whole force was desperately hungry
and thirsty, and the slough water could not be drunk on account of the alkali in it, until brewed into
tea. While the rough meal was being prepared, and after it had been despatched, all hands turned in
at improving the modest defences, and by ten o'clock a fairly presentable earthen entrenchment had been
thrown up around the bivouac. On account of the large number of horses in the corral, the erection
of the tents was out of the question, so all except the wounded lay down their blankets, if they could
find them, under the waggons or in the open. The men slept on their arms, and the guns were
loaded with case and trained upon the nearest bluffs. During the night a scattering fire was kept up
on the bivouac, but beyond the shooting of a couple of horses, and the wounding of two Grenadiers,
Privates Stead and Cantwell, both of No. 2 Company, no damage was done. The Midlanders and a
company of the goth, meantime were kept out on picquet on the river bank, occasionally searching
the wooded banks with a volley.
The following morning, Sunday, opened peacefully enough, the only evidence of the enemy being in
the vicinity being a funeral party burying some of their dead in the little cemetery. At 8 o'clock Col.
Straubenzie ordered out the Royal Grenadiers, who advanced in the direction of the mission buildings,
but long before reaching the point occupied the previous day, encountered a heavy fire from in front
and from the right. The enemy was doubtless stronger at this point than on the previous day, and
they occupied pits considerably in advance of those they held the day before. Boulton's men and the
goth were ordered out in support of the right, while the Midlanders held the extreme left along the
river bank. The line did not get beyond the church, so that ground had been decidedly lost com-
pared with the previous day. But as the General's idea was rather to find out the exact lay of the
land, and to give his troops experience by " pegging away," as he expressed it, rather than to press
the attack, he gave Col. Straubenzie instructions merely to maintain his position, and spades were
sent out to the skirmish line for the men to make light shelter pits. In the evening the skir-
mishers were withdrawn, as on the previous evening, but the rebels again following them up, were
caught in flank and in front by some men of the goth, placed in shelter trenches for the purpose.
During this day the Intelligence Corps, recruited from among Dominion Land Surveyors, and their
assistants, under Capt. Dennis, rode into the bivouac, making a reinforcement of fifty mounted men.
During the afternoon Captain French, with some of the mounted men, rode out to the rear of the
bivouac, with instructions to make a detour to his left to locate a large plain said to exist on the
landward side of Batoche. The reconnaissance was completely successful. That evening Rev. Mr.
Gordon, the beloved chaplain of the goth Rifles, now Principal of Queen's University, Kingston, held
a most impressive service in the bivouac, the scene made all the more solemn by the heavy rattle
of musketry which accompanied the withdrawal of the skirmishers.
Monday, iith, the infantry went through about the same programme as on Sunday, the goth
exchanging duties with the Grenadiers, while the General, with a considerable force of mounted men,
proceeded by a circuitous route to the plain behind Batoche roughly reconnoitered by Captain French
the previous day. The General's movement drew a good many of the enemy from their right
to repel what they feared was an attack upon their main line of defences, and, as a result, the
infantry regained about all of the lost ground on the mission plateau. The Midland Battalion on
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Lx.-Coi,. JOHN BRUCR
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the left rushed the rifle pits in the cemetery and advanced considerably beyond them. The force was
withdrawn as usual in the evening, some shots being fired at the retiring skirmishers, and Captain
Manly, Adjutant of the Grenadiers, being wounded.
The policy of "pegging away" was becoming monotonous, but when Tuesday, May I2th dawned,
it was generally understood that something out of the ordinary would occur before sunset. The whole
of the mounted force, with the galling and one gun of "A" Battery, was under orders to accompany
the General on another movement to the open plain to our right, and in rear of Batoche. All the
infantry was to parade as usual in front of the bivouac. A correspondent who had accompanied the
General on most of his reconnaisances, was holding his saddled horse waiting for the General to
mount, when the latter remarked : "I think you will see most excitement if you wait here with
Straubenzie," and the correspondent promptly had his mount unsaddled. Col. Straubenzie, on enquiry,
explained that the General was to make a demonstration against the rebel defences on the prairie
side of Batoche, and that he anticipated that Dumont would concentrate all or most of his force
there, to resist him. Consequently, as soon as the General's force was heard to be well engaged, he
was to advance the infantry and push the advance as far as possible. Col. Straubenzie confidently
expressed the opinion that before the halt sounded his brigade would be in Batoche.
After the departure of the General and the mounted men Col. Straubenzie had the Grenadiers,
who were to form the centre of the line, and Midland companies formed up in quarter column in front
of the zareba, ready to advance and extend for the attack as soon as the sound of conflict indicated
that the General's force was engaged. The Winnipeg Field Battery gun teams were hitched in the
guns, and all set themselves to the task of listening for the sound of firing. According to the reports
given as to the distance of the plain so much had been said about as existing behind Batoche, it
was supposed that even the rifle fire could be heard, while it was never doubted for a moment
that the nine-pounder and the gatling could be distinctly heard. In fact, the gatling had accom-
panied the General on his previous day's reconnaissance, and it was reported by those remaining in
camp that the report of its firing could be distinctly heard.
The ears of all remaining in the bivouac were intently strained for sounds of fighting, but none
came, save what seemed to be reports of a couple of distant discharges of a gun. Col. Straubenzie
and his regiments were still standing or sitting in their places in quarter column in front of the corral
when, at about half-past eleven, everyone in camp was surprised to see the General and his staff ride
into the rear of the enclosure, closely followed by his force. He explained that he had been heavily
engaged for some time, and expressed himself very much annoyed to find that the infantry had not
advanced. It was at once explained that no sound of the action had reached the bivouac, a fact
doubtless due to the adverse direction of the wind.
Very much annoyed at the miscarriage of his plan, and apparently in a very uncomfortable frame
of mind, the General issued orders for the Grenadiers to take up the usual position in advance of the
bivouac, and to advance as far as possible. Corresponding orders had been given to the two
Midland companies, who for the last three days had held a line of rifle pits to the left front of the
bivouac, close to the river bank, practically in prolongation of the line of pits occupied in turn by
the Grenadiers and goth. As the meal was just ready, Lieut. -Col. Grasett obtained permission for
his men to have their dinner before taking up their position, and the regiment returned to the
bivouac or corral. Meantime, the General proceeded alone on foot towards the rebel position, being
forced at one point to take cover in a shelter trench, the only time during the whole campaign when
he was known to have shown the slightest concern about his personal safety. After the General
returned to the corral and the men had had their dinners, Colonel Straubenzie applied to him for
further orders, and General Middleton, his temper a little roused by his disappointment of the morning,
or by his warm reception from the rebel rifle pits later, rather gruffly told his brigadier to advance the
infantry as far as he liked. Again the Grenadiers were drawn up in front of the corral in quarter
column, and Colonel Straubenzie in a few words addressed the men and expressed his intention to
rush the rebels out of their pits and capture Btaoche.
Col. Grasett gave his orders for the attack formation in the usual way, the companies being in
numerical order from right to left. The ordered interval was ten paces, which extended the left of
the line to a point about 100 yards from the river bank, the interval being occupied by two Midland
—70--
companies. On reaching- the ground occupied the two previous days it was found practicable to
advance somewhat further without any difficulty. Soon the order was passed along the right to
swing- it round to the right. Lieut.-Col. Grasett had ordered No. i Company to fix bayonets. Lieut. -
Col. Straubenzie, who was this time on the left, gave the same order there, and Major Dawson, who
was near the centre of the line, ordered the centre companies to do likewise. And soon, with a
cheer, the line advanced from quick to the double, and from the double to the charge. Cheer followed
cheer and silenced the coyottes of the Indians and Half-Breeds. Now began the work. The most
formidable of the rifle pits lay right in the path of the centre companies (Nos. 2 and 3). As the first
pits were approached the rebels occupying them were so thoroughly surprised that as the redcoats
came upon them they fired but one round wildly and fled, rallying, however, at the next line of pits,
and well contesting the ground for a time. But the troops were not to be stopped, and the fight
soon developed into a chase. Every company had its special work and its special difficulties. No. i
Company, the pivot of the movement, advancing too rapidly, was for a few minutes enfiladed by the
fire of some rebels in pits to the right. General Middleton, having heard from the corral the ring-
ing cheers and witnessing the rush forward of the line, at once proceeded to the front, ordering the
goth and mounted infantry, dismounted, to prolong the line to the right. Before the advance of these
reinforcements the pits outflanking the right of the Grenadiers were soon evacuated. Nos. 2 and 3
Companies drove the mass of the rebels before them towards the village, which they soon occu-
pied, releasing Riel's white prisoners from their cellar dungeon. No. 4, at the extreme left, found
hard work before them as soon as they had passed through and cleared out the cemetery. Before
long the rifle pits in their' front and to their left were cleared of rebels down to the river bank.
As they had to describe the full arc of the swing to the right, upon them devolved the longest
and most exhausting charge. Covering their left flank and close behind came the two companies
of the Midland Battalion. (One of these was recruited from the i5th, the other from the 47th
Battalion.) If they did not actually share the honor of charging the rifle pits, at least they came
on gallantly, and that during the charge they were not in actual prolongation of the line of the Grena-
diers was only due to the fact that their duty was to conduct their advance close along the bank
of the river, and that it necessitated their moving round the long arc beyond the outer flank of
the Grenadiers' line. The service rendered by the gallant Midlanders was most important, for their
long rush round the bank of the river protected the left flank of the Grenadiers. Throughout this
movement the Midlanders were subjected to a galling fire from rebel sharpshooters on the opposite
side of the river.
Any account of the Grenadiers at Batoche seems to be incomplete without the late Capt. Irving's
account, as published in his inimitable "Sergeant's Story": —
" We wuz drawn up in extinded order, two companies ov the Midland on the left, the Granideers
200 strong right plum in the cinter, and the goth in support. We had a koind ov a feelin' that
things so far wuz a koind ov a 'saw-off' loike, but, by the Lord Harry, we got roight down to
work in rale earnest now, an', what's more, we done overtoime in the bargain. We pushed on
steadily into the bush. The guns tuk up an advanced position an' kept peggin' away fer all they wuz
worth. The mounted min prolonged the line to the right. We kept goin' on an' on, and thin the
long-looked-fer command to ' double ' came at last, an' off we wint as if the divil wuz after us. We
got a terrific volley from a batch ov roifle pits that koind ov staggered some ov us fer a minnit.
" 'God save us,' says Mac.
" Then, koind ov half turnin' towards me, he sez :
" 'Good-bye, old man,' sez he; 'there aint no knowin' what may . God bless ye, Oirish.
Stick close to me, an' .'
" 'Tut, tut,' sez I. 'Luck to yerself, Mac; it's always thiiikin' ov me ye are.' An* whativer
else he moight have bin goin' to say wuz drowned in the ringin' shouts that broke from ivery
mother's son ov us, as we fixed our baynits an' cleared out the first bluff. That wuz the first 'bluff'
the Granideers ever tuk, sir, an' it didn't take thim long, either.
" 'Come on, Granideers,' sez Kurnel Straubenzie; 'keep steady, an' we'll clear thim out,' he
sez, and on we wint wid a cheer that moight have bin many a poor divil's death cry, yellin' an*
runnin' loike the divil. What's that yer sayin', sor ? Wuz Oi frightened? God save ye, sor,
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there wuzn't no toime fer to be froightened — no toime fer to be thinkin' about it, vvid the guns
crashin', the 'hurdy-gurdy' grindin' away, the shells burstin', the Injins ki-yi-in' an' every mother's son
ov us cheerin', there wuz no toime fer to git scared loike. On we wint helter-skelter. Ivery wan ov
us wuz that excited that the showers ov bullets from the roifle pits wuz fergotten loike. On we
wint, lickity split, ivery wan fer himself an' the divil take the hindmost, leavin' the church an' the
school house far behoind, chargin' pit after pit, past the graveyard, into the ravine, past the bluffs
an' acrost the open through a shower ov bullets. Hard work, wuz it ? Well, I should say so.
The rebels fought loike the very divil. They stuck to their pits an' kept up a steady foire till they
seen it wuz no use. We had been joined by the goth, who prolonged the line to the roight, an' the
scouts wuz on the roight ov thim again. The first house we struck off scampered some Half-Breeds,
an' we knew the end wuz near. There wuzn't much ov the line left by this toime. Men ov the left
flank wuz mixed up wid men ov the roight, an' ivery wan wuz scurryin' along in a sort ov ' go-as-
ye-plaze ' sort ov a way, but wid wan idea, to capture Batoche, to set the prisoners free an' avenge
the poor boys who had fallen durin' the day. About four hundred yards from the village a man
came out wid a flag ov truce, but the Gineril tould him that if Mister Riel wanted fer to chat wid
him that he'd have fer to come out himself — an' so the fireworks goes on. We cleaned Batoche's
house out in short order, an' in a few minnits afterwards Captain French ov the Scouts wuz killed.
Now, there wuz a foine soldier, if I ever seen one, but he had to go, I 'spose. Jack Fox wuz wid
him whin he wuz hit, an' sez he only said a few words an' thin died. The nixt house wuz where
the prisoners wuz locked up. Well, sor, we soon had thim at liberty an' scamperin' about fit to bate
the band, an' if ye iver seen a glad lot ov min in yer loife, well, it wuz thim.
" 'God bless yez, boys, God bless yez,' sez they. 'We wuz goin' to be shot to-night.'
"On we wint, the rebels scatterin' in all directions. The camp on the bank ov the river wuz
deserted, exceptin' by wimmin an' children. We pushed on about a mile past the village an'
halted. The Half-Breeds an' Injuns put fer the river like the very divil, an' left the Gineril in
possession, an' that ended the 'charge ov Batoche,' that is, if ye call it a 'charge,' but to tell ye
the truth, sor, it wuz nothin' more nor less than a foight an' a fut race — 400 men in skirmishin'
order wid their baynits fixed, runnin', cheerin', yellin' an' shootin', all strugglin" fer first place at the
finish — an' if ye call that a 'charge,' thin it wuz a charge, an' a good wan at that. A lot ov the
poor divils got cold steel for supper durin' the charge. Hogan's baynit got jammed in an Injin's
breast, an' Hogan culdn't git it out no how, sor. So what does he do but unfix it, judgin' the
toime loike, an' come on wid the rest ov us, lavin' the baynit stickin' in the 'good' Injin. The
charge wuz a great success, sure enough ; but ye know the old sayin', sor, ' nixt to defeat, the
saddest thing is victory,' Poor Liftinint Fitch, sor, he wuz shot through the heart durin' the charge,
an' died widout a word. He met his death in harness loike a soldier an' a man, if that's any con-
solation, an' he slapes up in Mount Pleasant Cimetry now, sor, sound enough, poor bye. Captain
Brown, of the Scouts, wuz killed, too, an' Liftinint Kippin' ov Dennises, an' a man named Fraser
ov the goth. Our 'Adj ' got a ball in his fut that put him out ov mess fer a while, but he
didn't same to moind it ; he jist sez : 'Oi wonder if that wuz mint fer me ? The divil's got his
windage all right, but his elevation is all wrong; I guess he's shootin' wid a 'V.' Major Dawson
he wuz hit in the ankle, an' a nasty hurt it wuz, too, oi'm thinkin', but he wouldn't give in he wuz
knocked out, he jist climbs on a horse an' roides around the rest ov the day. Captain Caston got
a shot thro' his cap an' another thro' his tunic, but he didn't seem to moind, he seemed satisfoied
as long as his shirt wuz 'safe an' sound." Our liftinint got the skin took off the end ov his nose
wid a spint ball, an' he turns to Bill Urquhart an' he sez, sez he, ' By the Lord Harry, things
seem to be comin' my way at last,' he sez. The sargint-major got his shoulder strap shot off, an'
lots ov other fellows got hit wan place or another. Hot quarters, ye say, yer roight, sor, dam hot.
It wuz about five o'clock whin we halted, an' shortly afterwards the Gineril forms us up, an' sez,
sez he :
"'Yez have made me the proudest man in Canada this day.'
"An" by hivins he'd a roight to be, for with 400 min he licked 600 Half-Breeds an' Injuns, a
lot of them armed with long-range rifles, an' wuz allowed to be the best prary foighters in the
country, an' thin they wuz on their own ground, too, an' knew iviry inch ov it. Durin' the four
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LIEUT.-COL. GEORGE A. STIMSON
Commanding: ioth Regiment Royal Grenadiers
-78-
days we had eight killed an' 46 wounded, an' the rebels lost 51 and had 171 wounded; most of the
Half-Breeds got away by swimmin' over the river, an' Riel an' Dumont wuz among' the lucky wans.
We got our supper as best we cud, an' rolled ourselves up in our blankets an' slept an' slept."
General Middleton, in his official account of this part of the operations at Batoche, wrote :
Two companies of the Midland, 60 men in all, under Lieut. -Col. Williams, were extended on
the left and moved up to the cemetery, and the Grenadiers, 200 strong, under Lieut. -Col. Grasett,
prolonged the line to the right, beyond the church, the goth being in support. The Midland and
Grenadiers, led by Lieut. -Cols. Williams and Grasett, the whole led by Lieut. -Col. Straubenzie, in
command of the brigade, then dashed forward with a cheer and drove the enemy out of the pits in
front of the cemetery and the ravine to the right of it, thus clearing the angle at the turn of the
river. During all this time a heavy fire was kept up from the other side of the river, which
annoyed our advance. This was kept down as we best could by a few of the Midland Regiment
in pits on the bank of the river, and one company of the goth Regiment was sent to support Lieut. -
Col. Williams on the extreme left. The Midland Regiment and Grenadiers kept pushing on gallantly,
led by Cols. Straubenzie, Williams, and Grasett, until they held the edge of the bluffs, surrounding
the left part of the plain, where the houses were. Just before this a most promising young officer,
Lieut. Fitch, of the Grenadiers, was killed. At this period one of the Winnipeg Battery guns was
got into position where it could shell the houses on the plain, but after two or three rounds it was
disabled, and a gun from "A" Battery took its place and fired a few rounds, but not much damage
was done, as the houses were not brick or stone. During this time I advanced the goth so as to
prolong the line of attack, and eventually brought down the Surveyor's Scouts, Boulton's Mounted
Infantry, and French's Scouts, and dismounting still further prolonged the line on the right. The
galling was now ordered up in front of the goth to take the houses in flank, which was gallantly
done by Lieut. Rivers, "A" Battery, and Captain Howard, and after a few volleys a general advance
was made, with rattling cheers, and the whole of the houses were taken, the prisoners released,
and the position virtually captured. It was at this period that the lamented Capt. French was
killed by a shot from the ravine, while looking out of the window at Batoche's house. This officer's
loss was keenly felt and mourned by the whole force. He had been with the force from the com-
mencement, and he was always ready for the front, and his cheerfulness and good humour was
proverbial, and had a cheerful effect on the whole camp. I had already brought Capt. French's
name to your notice in terms of strong commendation. A company of the Grenadiers was sent
along the river on our left up to the house of the rebel Champagne, and a company of the goth
was sent well forward on the right, as a few desultory shots were fired from a ravine there, and
by evening all firing ceased, and I sent up to the camp for the men's blankets and food, and we
bivouacked for the night around the buildings. We found a large camp of women and children,
natives and Half-Breeds, on the bank of the river below Batoche's house, and a good many camped
around our bivouac for the night, some remaining where they were. On inspecting the scene of
action after it was over, I was astonished at the strength of the position, and at the ingenuity
and care displayed in the construction of the rifle pits. It was evident that a detachment of rebels
had lived in these pits, day and night, and it was easily understood, by an inspection of them, how
perfectly safe the holders of these pits were from the fire of our rifles, and especially from the
gatling and artillery."
All of the troops engaged did their duty and did it well. In the interest of national history, it
is to be regretted that efforts have been made by perfectly irresponsible parties to detract from the
credit of certain officers and corps who participated in this historical day's work, and to unduly exalt
the deeds of others.
The Royal Grenadiers had the heaviest part of the rebel defences to advance against and the
heaviest and most prolonged fire to sustain before reaching them. And they met the most stub-
born resistance, as is evidenced by their casualty list and by the fact that the men in the pits
in front of the Grenadiers waited at their posts until the bayonets were amongst them. There is not
the least doubt about one of the Grenadiers leaving his bayonet fixed in the body of an Indian,
who was bayoneted while in the act of taking aim at one of the regimental officers. Passing
the spot a few minutes later, the writer of these chapters had his attention directed to the
peculiar spectacle presented by the dead Indian with the bayonet still in his body, and recollects won-
dering how the bayonet came to be unfixed from the muzzle of the rifle. The position of the
Grenadiers took them straight across the open basin in which Batoche lay, exposing their line
during a long advance to the fire of the rebels in and about the buildings in the village. The fortune
of war certainly gave the Royal Grenadiers a lion's share of the hard and dangerous work of the
day, just as it had given their comrades of "A" Battery, Boulton's Horse, and the goth the chief
glory and the hardest work at Fish Creek.
—74—
So Batoche was caplured, and the Royal Grenadiers had fairly \von a new honor for the regi-
mental color, but a dear price had been paid.
Poor Lieutenant Fitch, beloved by his brother officers and men, and admired and liked by all who
had the privilege of knowing him, fell shot through the heart while charging with his company, and
just about to rush down the bank, leading from the mission plateau to the village level, between the
church and the trail. Major Dawson was wounded just about the same time, making the eighth of
the fifteen combatant officers of the Royal Grenadiers to be put hors-de-combat, since leaving Toronto.
During the exposure of the journey along the north shore of Lake Superior, Captain Spencer was
completely prostrated by an attack of inflammatory rheumatism, and Lieutenant Morrow was accidently
shot in the leg about the same time. Lieuts. Eliot and Gibson were invalided on board the
" Northcote," and Captains Manley and Mason had already been wounded at Batoche. Every officer
belonging to or attached from time to time to No. 3 Company had been killed or wounded.
The total casualties in General Middleton's column during the four days fighting at Batoche were
as follows : -Killed in action, 8 ; wounded in the field, 40; injured in the field, 3.
The casualty return of the Royal Grenadiers as presented by Dr. E. A. Gravely, Brigade Surgeon,
was as follows : —
KILLED
Gunshot Wound
LIEUT. W. FITCH i2th May
PTE. T. MOOR - gt
PTE. BRISBANE
PTE. EAGER
CORPL. FOLEY
PTE. H. MILLSOM
" A. MARTIN -
" MARSHALL
" BARBER
" CANTWELL
' ' QUIGLEY
CAPT. MANLY -
MAJOR DAWSON -
*PTE. HUGHES
CAPT. MASON
STAFF-SERGT. MITCHELL -
BUGLER GAGHAN -
PTE. COOK
" STEAD
" SCOBEL -
WOUNDED
Forehead
Jaw
Side -
Chest
Shoulder -
Ankle -
Head
Hand and Thigh
Right Arm
Foot
Leg -
Ruptured during action -
Side
Forehead
Hand
Arm
Arm
Arm ....
nth May
I2th "
nth "
- I2th "
loth "
- I2th "
I2th "
- gth ' •
1 2th "
- I2th "
I2th "
- i 2th "
9th "
- nth "
I2th "
- i 2th "
loth "
- loth "
According to the reports made by the mission priests to General Middleton on May I3th, the
rebels during the four days' fighting, lost 51 killed and 173 wounded.
Shortly after the cessation of the firing, a steamer's whistle was heard down the river, and the
"Northcote" appeared in view, followed by the steamer "Marquis" with Inspector White Fraser and
a detachment of 30 of the Northwest Mounted Police from Prince Albert on board. As the captain of
the " Northcote " had insisted that it was necessary to take a supply of wood on, he had run down
to the Hudson Bay landing, where wood was taken on and repairs to the smokestacks and wheel-
house made. The " Marquis," being there under guard of the police, Major Smith ordered them to
accompany the " Northcote " back to Batoche.
* Died from his injuries.
—76-
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Chapter X
FINAL PHASES OF THE REBELLION— TRIUM-
PHANT RETURN OF THE TROOPS
HI
m
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
ATOCHE captured, it was universally hoped that the backbone of the rebellion was
broken, but that was not an assured fact, although there was abundant proof that
the victory of the troops had been of such a smashing character that the war spirit
of the Half-Breeds was completely broken. But Poundmaker and his Indians were
still on the warpath somewhere in the Battleford district, on the North Saskatchewan,
and further west along the same river, somewhere in the vicinity of Fort Pitt, which
had been abandoned by its slender police garrison, and its civilian population cap-
tured, the ferocious Cree Chief Big Bear, with several tribes and some Half-Breeds at
his back, maintained an attitude of aggressive hostility. Riel, Dumont, and the other
most active leaders of the rebellion of the South Saskatchewan Half-Breeds, managed
to escape from Batoche. Would they join Poundmaker or Big Bear, and driven to
desperation, and impressed with the absurdity of waging war against the forces of
the government in civilized form and in fixed positions, would they induce the
Indians to persevere with the campaign after the guerilla system, such as the Siouxs,
the Apaches and other tribes had used for so many years in opposing the tried Indian
fighters of the United States Army? Should this occur the campaign might be
prolonged indefinitely.
But the victory of May I2th was so complete that the Half-Breeds were completely demoralized,
and the Indians throughout the length and breadth of the Northwest intimidated. Nevertheless the
trouble was by no means over, and weeks of hardship were yet to be endured before the troops
returned home.
May i4th, the Batoche wounded having been despatched the previous day in the " Northcote "
to Saskatoon, the force, augmented by two more companies of the Midland Battalion, marched to
Guardapuy's Crossing, a distance of some 14 miles. No. i Co. of the Royal Grenadiers, commanded
by Capt. Caston, as usual, furnishing the advance guard. The next day the ferrying of the force
across the river began, and meantime the mounted troops scoured the country on the search for
Riel and the other leading spirits of the rebellion.
That afternoon Riel was brought into camp by a couple of Half-Breed scouts, to whom he had
given himself up, being afraid to. fall into the hands of the troops. He was placed in charge of a
guard of 20 men of No. i Co. of the Royal Grenadiers, a special tent being erected for his accom-
modation. He, with other prisoners, many of whom had been captured during the time the force
was at Guardapuy's Crossing, were sent down towards Regina via steamer in charge of Capt. Young
of the Winnipeg Field Battery. This officer had acted as brigade major of the Infantry Brigade ever
since its formation, and when he was detached on this escort duty, Capt. Greville-Harston of the
Royal Grenadiers was appointed to succeed him as brigade major, an appointment he held up to the
termination of the campaign.
—76—
May 2oth the column marched into Prince Albert, being accorded a warm welcome by the inhabi-
tants. May 22iul iieiiei.il Middleton and half of his force proceeded by steamer towards Hattleford,
arriving on the 241!). On the latter date the Royal Grenadiers, the mounted men. and the artillery,
under command of Lieut. -Col. Straubenzie, left Prince Albert, via trail for Fort Carlton, which was
reached at 4 p.m. the following day. May a6th the mounted troops having been ferried across the
river to the north trail, the Grenadiers and the rest of Col. Straubenxie's column embarked on the
•.learner "Marquis" for Battleford, which was reached late on the night of May ayth, the troops
sleeping on the steamer.
The following morning they went into camp. Three pleasant days were spent here, the Grena-
diers being particularly anxious to hear from their fellow-townsmen of the Queen's Own, all about
the tight between Otter's column and Poundmaker at Cut Knife Hill on May 2nd, and the riflemen
being just as anxious on their part to learn the details of the fighting at Fish Creek and Batoche.
It was found that Poundmaker and his tribe had come in to Battleford as directed by General Mid-
dleton on the 26th, and after a picturesque pow-wow, Poundmaker and his principal chiefs, as well
as some of his men, wanted for murder, were made prisoners.
Interest now centered upon Big Bear, who had the reputation of being a particularly bad Indian,
and his tribesmen. April gth, after the receipt of the news of the massacre of Frog Lake, Major-
General Middleton had directed Major-General T. B. Strange to organize a column at Calgary to
operate against Big Bear. Major-General Strange was a former officer of the Royal Artillery, who
had for some time, during the period of its organization, commanded the Royal Canadian Artillery.
At the time of the rebellion he was engaged in ranching in Alberta, and he promptly placed his ser-
vices at the disposal of the Minister of Militia. Major-General Strange's force consisted of about a
hundred mounted police and cow-boy cavalry under Major S. Steele, of the Northwest Mounted
Police, a nine-pounder gun of the same corps under Major Perry, the 65th Mount Royal Rifles of
Montreal, Lieut. -Col. Ouimet, and the Winnipeg Light Infantry, a corps raised for the emergency by
Lieut. -Col. W. Osborne Smith. The advance of the first portion of the force began from Calgary
April 20th, and Edmonton, about two hundred miles distant, was reached on the 3oth. At Edmon-
ton, scows were constructed for transport service, Frog Lake reached May 25th, and Fort Pitt the
evening of the same day.
May 2gth a steamer sent up the river from Battleford with supplies, for the purpose of opening
up communication with General Strange, returned unexpectedly, having met a couple of scouts on the
way, with news of the action beiween Strange and Big Bear at Frenchman's Butte, a few miles
inland from Fort Pitt.
May 30th Major-General Middleton proceeded with the whole of his original column, except the
nine-pounders and with the addition of "B" Battery gatling gun, towards Fort Pitt, the infantry and
transport in three steamers, the mounted corps by trail. June ist the force reached a point a few-
miles below Fort Pitt, in the vicinity of Strange's camp, and the troops went into bivouac near the
river bank. Strange had sent his mounted force, under Major Steele, to follow up the Indians'
trail, Big Bear being in retreat towards the northern woods. Major-General Strange was about to
move off towards his left to prevent the Indians doubling back in that direction. The same after-
noon General Middleton moved the whole of his mounted force and 150 of his infantry under Major
Hughes of the Midland Battalion to General Strange's camp. The infantry force was made up of
50 men each from the Royal Grenadiers, the rjoth and the Midland Battalion. Capt. Caston com-
manded the detachment of the Royal Grenadiers, with Lieut. Percy Eliot as subaltern. During the
night, General Middleton, having heard of the dashing affair between Steele and the Indians at Loon
Lake, he started off with his column the following morning to follow up that officer's trail. It was
a terrible day's march, through dense thickets and across moss-grown muskegs in which the horses
sank to their haunches. It was clearly impossible to make any effective use of infantry in such
country, particularly in a chase after Indians ; and the following day, much to the regret of all ranks,
Major Hughes' detachment was sent back to Fort Pitt, where Col. Straubenzie had pitched camp on
an ample plateau just in rear of the partly-destroyed fort, detaching the Midland Battalion, under
Lieut. -Col. Williams to Frog Lake, whither No. I Company of the Royal Grenadiers went on June
I4th as transport escort, returning at once to Fort Pitt.
—77—
July 3rd the force at Fort Pitt embarked on the river steamers for home, the Grenadiers and
goth being allotted to the "Northwest."
In the meantime Big Bear's band, intimidated and jostled by the various columns sent north from
Frog Lake, Fort Pitt, Battleford, Fort Carlton and Prince Albert, had split up and the white prisoners
taken at Frog Lake, Fort Pitt and other places released. And to crown it all, just after leaving
Fort Pitt, General Middleton received word that Big Bear and one of his councillors had been cap-
tured at Fort Carlton on July 2nd by a detachment of the mounted police.
On the homeward journey the Royal Grenadiers reached Battleford on July 5th ; Fort Carlton,
yth ; Prince Albert, 8th ; Winnipeg. i4th ; Toronto, July 23rd.
The Royal Grenadiers arrived home about the same hour as the Queen's Own Rifles, and the day
after the Governor General's Body Guard, which corps during the latter part of the campaign had
performed patrol and escort duty at Humboldt. Toronto tendered a combined reception to the three
corps, and an enthusiastic one it was. The scene at the North Toronto Station of the Canadian
Pacific, where the troop trains arrived, was one never to be effaced from the memory of those who
witnessed it. There was an immense jam of intensely interested, cheering people, through which
friends and relatives of the returning soldiers tried to force their way in order to set a look at the
sun-tanned faces of their loved ones. Every officer and man was presented with a boquet by the
ladies of the Volunteers' Supply Committee, who during the last two months of the campaign had
sent out many necessaries and delicacies, as well as campaign clothing, to 'the front. A long pro-
cession escorted the returning troops through the densely crowded streets to the City Hall, where
addresses were presented, and where a choir of school children, under the leadership of Mr. Schuch,
sang a welcome, the programme including "Welcome Brave Volunteers" and "God Save the
Queen." There was such an immense crowd in the drill shed when the troops reached there, that it
was impossible to give any orders to the men, and they were dismissed with instructions to parade
the following morning at ten.
In dismissing the Royal Grenadiers from active service, Col. Grasett, after making acknowledg-
ments to the officers, non-commissioned officers and men — especially mentioning Sergeant Munro of
the Infantry School Corps, who performed the functions of Sergeant-Major — observed that in no single
instance had a man of the regiment shown that he had regretted going to the front. There were
some men who were not as well constituted as others, to stand the privations of a campaign, but the
Royal Grenadiers was the only corps in the field which did not send a single non-commissioned
officer or man to the rear, unless wounded or invalided through sickness. In conclusion he said : —
"Though it is far from my wish to take away from the credit of any other corps, or to
attach to this battalion more credit than they are entitled to, yet I feel compelled to say that I
do not think that you have received your honest, fair meed of praise in regard to the final
Battle of Batoche. You know that that was essentially a soldiers' battle under the personal
direction of the commanding officers. It was no day for the officers to show their knowledge
of strategy. It was a day for the soldiers to fight with rifle and bayonet, and you did it.
Your officers and myself feel sorry that you have not been given all the credit to which you are
entitled for your action on that memorable day."
Anyone who had served throughout the campaign, had been present at Batoche, and who had
read the newspapers, must have readily admitted that the remarks of the gallant commanding
officer of the Royal Grenadiers were quite called for, In fact demanded, in common justice to his
regiment. Some, at least, of the few regular newspaper correspondents at the front tried to give
faithful, impartial reports of what took place, and exposed themselves unsparingly to danger and
fatigue in their attempts to obtain the actual facts, but there were others who considered they
had discharged their duty when they recorded in their reports the mere doings, and sometimes
alleged doings, of the corps recruited in the cities or districts in which the publications they
represented circulated. Such reports, of course, gave a misleading idea of the relative work of
the various units which were on active service, and were, by the omissions, if not by the intent
of the authors, unjust to the various corps in which they were not specially interested. But the
chief fault lay rather with amateur correspondents and private letter writers in some of the corps,
than with the professional newspaper men. At certain critical stages of the campaign the mail
—78—
and telegraphic services to and from the front were very irregular, and the correspondence of the
reporters at the front frequently went astray, and was either greatly delayed or lost altogether.
The people in Eastern Canada were hungry for news, and the newspapers greedily snatched up
and published all the private correspondence received from the front, and the more laudatory
these epistles were of local men and local corps, the more prominence were they given. The
receipt in camp of papers containing some the most startling of these published letters caused con-
siderable embarrassment to the surprised writers. So much correspondence of this character was
published in the press that a very erroneous idea as to certain features of the campaign prevails
to this day, and is perpetuated by historians of no mean reputation. The officers and men of
the Royal Grenadiers were singularly free from letter writers of this class, the regiment, in fact,
having had pointed out to it by its commanding officer the importance of the military virtue of
silence. So as far as the public recognition of its services went, the regiment suffered in com-
parison with sister corps whose members were not so scrupulously modest ; but those personally-
acquainted with the facts, admired Lieut. -Col. Grasett's officers and men all the more for it.
During the time the service companies were in the Northwest, the recruiting, drill, and work
of the regiment was continued as usual at headquarters. Major A. B. Harrison, being the senior
officer in Toronto assumed the command, and owing to the limited number of officers he formed
the portion of the regiment remaining at the depot into three provisional companies, first desig-
nated as "A," " G," and " H," but after April 2jrd provisional companies "A," " B," and
"C." The non-commissioned officers and men of regimental companies "A," "G" and "H"
formed the nuclei of these three companies, the men belonging to the other five companies being
distributed among the provisional companies. Officers were posted to the provisional companies
as follows: — "A," Lieut. Davidson, Lieut. McLean; " B," Capt. Bruce, Lieut. Symons ; " C,"
Capt. Trotter, Lieut. Leigh, Lieut. Marquis. May 14, Capt. Spencer was put in orders as Acting
Adjutant. The same issue of orders contained the following :—" Lieut. Fitch, having been killed
in action, officers are requested to wear mourning for the period of one month from this date.1'
The funeral of the late Lieut. Fitch took place on Wednesday, May 27th, Major Harrison,
Captains Bruce, Spencer, Trotter and Gosling, and Lieuts. Davidson, Symons and Leigh acted as
pall-bearers, and Lieut. McLean commanded the firing party. The funeral was a public one, all
the local corps, as well as other official bodies participating. The funeral of the late Private
Moor took place on June the first, and was the occasion of a similar demonstration of public
sorrow.
Private Isaac Hughes, of the Grenadiers, who had been left at Battleford suffering from
injuries received during the charge on the I2th May, died at that place on August first, and the
remains being brought back to Toronto, were accorded a military funeral on September 5th, the
regiment parading in review order for that purpose.
The service companies of the regiment were broken up on September 2ist, the officers and
men composing them rejoining the companies to which they were posted prior to March 28th.
Upon this occasion Lieut. -Col. Grasett issued a regimental order reading as follows _: —
"The Lieut. -Col. commanding desires to take this opportunity of placing on record his high
appreciation of the services rendered by all ranks during the recent expedition to the Northwest,
and he feels sure that it must be a source of true pride to every officer, non-commissioned officer
and man in the regiment to know that their conduct while on active service has met with the
approval not only of Lieut. -Col. Van Straubenzie, who commanded the infantry brigade, but also
of Major-General Sir Frederick Middleton, C. B., K. C. M. G., who as Commander-in-Chief of the
forces in the field, brought the operations to such a successful issue. (Vide field force orders
dated Fort Pitt, July 2nd, 1885).
" There only remains to Lieut. -Col. Grasett to express his grateful thanks to the officers, non-
commissioned officers and men for their ready support and hearty co-operation under all circum-
stances, which so materially conduced to lighten the responsibility inseparable from the position
of commanding officer.
" Lieut. -Col. Grasett also desires to sincerely thank those who remained in Toronto for all
they did in connection with the interests of the regiment, and it will ever be remembered with
pleasure, how anxious those in reserve were to join their comrades in arms at the front when it
seemed probable that their services might be required."
As the men who had been on service in the Northwest were not required to perform the
—79—
usual term of annual drill in 1885, an order was issued providing for the training- in the usual
way of the portion of the regiment which had not been on service ; but a regimental order of
October ist pointed out that although the attendance at drill was not compulsory upon those men
who had served in the expeditionary force, the Lieut. -Col. commanding expected that the whole
regiment would make a point of being present each Thursday night during the balance of the
season.
October 2jth the regiment paraded in review order to participate in the reception tendered to
Lieut.-Col. Otter and "C" Company Infantry School Corps on their return from the Northwest,
that corps with other units of the permanent force remaining behind after the withdrawal of the
actual militia corps.
Major-General Middleton, who in recognition of his services in the Northwest, had been
knighted, manifested his personal interest in the Royal Grenadiers by conducting the annual inspec-
tion of the regiment, which was held on Thanksgiving Day, November I2th.
A medical board assembled in the drill shed on Tuesday, December ist, for the purpose of
investigating the claims for compensation made by officers and men of the Toronto regiments who
had been incapacitated by wounds or sickness during the Northwest campaign. The following
members of the Royal Grenadiers were notified to appear before this board : — Capt. Mason, Lieut.
Morrow, Corporal Farragher, Corporal Foley, Privates Bradford, Billinghurst, Cane, Cantwell,
Marshall, Martin, Millsom, Mcllvean, Cook, Eager, Gaughan, Gray, Quigley, Scovell, Stead, Tyler
and Woodroffe.
May 1 2th, 1886, the regiment paraded to receive medals issued for service in the Northwest,
the presentation upon this special occasion being made by Lady Middleton, who, previous to the
officers of the Queen's Own Rifles and Royal Grenadiers being called up, pinned their medals on
the breasts of Major-General Sir Fred. Middleton and the members of his staff.
—80—
Chapter XI
SOME REGIMENTAL HAPPENINGS
OF THIRTEEN YEARS
T had been predicted that after the excitement of the Northwest campaign was
over there would be a reaction in military matters ; but the forboding proved
unjustified. As far as the Royal Grenadiers was concerned, a period of
regimental activity and increased efficiency set in. The usual regimental
routine was taken up with its drill, its periodical changes and promotions
and its ordinary regimental happenings, officers and men being, if anything,
more keen than ever to increase the efficiency of the corps and worthily
maintain its laurels. Some months elapsed before any changes of a note-
worthy character occurred.
In General Orders of June 14, 1886, appeared the announcement of the
promotion of Assistant Surgeon George Sterling Ryerson to be surgeon vice
John Henry McCollum, resigned.
Regimental order No. 4 of September 3oth, 1886, read as follows : —
" The Lieut. -Col. commanding announces with regret that the Rev. Charles
E. Whitcombe, who was appointed chaplain to the regiment in the field, and
who has acted in that capacity since the return of the regiment, has been
obliged to sever his connection with the Battalion owing to his intended
removal from Toronto. Lieut. -Col. Grasett is sure he expresses the feelings of all ranks when
he says that the regiment is under many obligations to the Rev. Charles E. Whitcombe for his
kindly ministrations to the Grenadiers."
Mr. Whitcombe joined the Grenadiers at Guardapuy's Crossing, and during the rest of the
campaign was indefatigable in his ministrations to the men of the regiment- and also to other
members of his church in the field force.
February I7th, 1887, Col. Grasett and other officers of the Royal Grenadiers, to in some measure
show their appreciation of the many great kindnesses bestowed, not only on the men of the regiment
while on active service, but also on their wives and families at home, gave a ball in the Pavilion,
Horticultural Gardens, for which about 1,000 invitations were issued. A guard of honor of 60 men
of the regiment was present. Lieut. -Col. Grasett and Mrs. Dawson received the guests, among whom
were His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, J. Beverley Robinson, and Mrs. Robinson, Major-General Sir
Fred. Middleton and Lady Middleton, Col. and Mrs. Otter.
Altogether, it was one of the most brilliant and successful functions that had ever been given in
Toronto, and is still remembered with pleasure by many who had the privilege of being present.
April 2nd, 1887, the new regimental mess-room was opened by the officers at No. 42 King Street
East.
Sunday, May 15th, 1887, the regiment paraded in the Queen's Park to attend divine service at
Mount Pleasant Cemetery, where memorials to Privates Moor and Hughes were unveiled.
—81--
June igth, 1887, the regiment paraded in review order in the Queen's Park and marched to
St. James' Cathedral, where divine service in connection with the celebration of Her Majesty's Jubilee
was held, and on Friday, July ist, the regiment participated in the procession on the occasion of
the local celebration in connection with Her Majesty's Jubilee.
Regimental orders of September loth, 1887, announced that Lieut. -Col. Grasett having been
granted leave of absence for two months, Major Dawson would assume command of the regiment
until further orders, Capt. Mason to act as junior major during the absence of Lieut. -Col. Grasett,
and Lieut. Lowe to take charge of " D " Company.
Regimental orders of March 26th, 1888, contained the following announcement : — " Lieut. -Col.
Grasett having been granted leave of absence, pending his retirement. Major Dawson assumes
command of the regiment from this date. Capt. Mason will perform the duties of junior major
until further orders."
The transfer of all stores in charge of the regiment was made to Major Dawson Tuesday,
April 1 7th, 1888, and in General Orders of June ist Major George Dudley Dawson (late Lieut.
47th Regiment) was gazetted : — " To be Lieut. -Col. vice Henry James Grasett, who is hereby
permitted to retire, retaining rank."
In the same "Gazette" appeared the following notilication : — " loth Battalion, Royal Grena-
diers. Authority has been given this Battalion to wear upon their colors the word ' Batoche ' in
recognition of the corps having been in that engagement during the Northwest campaign of 1885."
Lieut. -Col. Grasett, in his valedictory, which was duly published in orders, remarked: — " Lieut. -
Col. Grasett, in resigning the command and taking leave of the regiment, desires to place on
record his grateful appreciation of the services rendered by all those who have been acting with
the corps since he was appointed Lieut. -Col. The success attending the reorganization of the Bat-
talion was largely due to the united exertions of the officers and non-commissioned officers, com-
bined with the co-operation of the rank and file, without which the attempt would have been a
failure. The credit and prestige which the regiment had since gained, both in quarters and in
the field, is the result of discipline, engendering that espnt-de-corps which is so essential to the
well-being of every military organization. Lieut. -Col. Grasett feels sure that by following the
same lines the Battalion will sustain and increase the high reputation it now enjoys. He con-
gratulates the regiment upon the permission accorded to bear on its colors the honors gained
with such distinction in the face of the enemy, and though tardy was this recognition of its ser-
vices to the country, it will serve as an incentive for those who come after to do their duty as
loyally and as faithfully when occasion demands. Lieut. -Col. Grasett desires to bespeak for his
successor the same measure of confidence and support from all ranks that has been extended to
him, and begs to say farewell to the Royal Grenadiers with every expression of gratitude for the past
and a full assurance that they will ever be for Canada ' Ready, aye Ready.' '
The retirement of Lieut. -Col. Grasett from the command was universally regretted, but he left
a splendid lot of officers, non-commissioned officers and men behind him, and no relaxation of
discipline and no abatement of regimental interest was permitted. The first public appearance of
the regiment under its new commanding officer was at a parade for the reception of the old colors
after they had been submitted to a repairing process, and had been emblazoned with the newly-
accorded battle honor " Batoche." This work had been undertaken by a committee of the ladies
of Toronto, which included in its membership some of those who .had given the colors originally to
the old " Tenth " shortly after the organization of the regiment.
The parade took place in the pavilion of the Horticultural Gardens, when the refurbished bits of
silk were re-presented to the regiment. There was a large attendance of the friends of the regi-
ment, among the honored guests of the occasion being Major-General Sir Fred. Middleton, Lieut. -
Col. W. D. Otter, Lieut.-Col. Grasett, Lieut. -Col. G. T. Denison, Lieut. -Col. Allen, Q.O.R., Major
Delamere of the same regiment, the Hon. G. W. Allan, the Hon. G. W. Ross and Mr. E. F. Clarke,
Mayor of Toronto.
The regiment, under command of Lieut.-Col. Dawson, having taken its position, the Mayor, ad-
dressing the corps, remarked: — "Colonel Dawson, officers and men of the Royal Grenadiers, I have
to congratulate you on behalf of your fellow citizens on account of the noble name the regiment has
-82—
STAFF OFFICERS, ROYAL GRENADIERS, 1904
No. i.
MAJOR A. K. CIOODERHAM
MAJOR D. C. MEYERS
3. CAPT. R. O. MONTGOMERY, Ouartermaster
No. 4. MAJOR E. E. KING, Medical Officer
" 5. CAPT. A. D. CARTWRIGHT, Paymaster
• 6. RKV'D A. H. BALDWIN, M.A., Chaplain
" 7. CAPT. C. N. SHANLY, Adjutant
-83—
earned. These colors were given you in July, 1863, and the same lady who then presented them to
the regiment will do so now."
The members of the Ladies' Committee in attendance were Mrs. F. W. Cumberland, Mrs. Worth-
ington, Mrs. Warring Kennedy, Mrs. McLean Howard, Mrs. George Gooderham, Mrs. Goldwin Smith,
Mrs. Fletcher, Mrs. G. D. Dawson, Mrs. Ryerson, Mrs. James Mason, Mrs. Davidson, Mrs. H. J.
Grasett. As the Mayor concluded his remarks, Mrs. Cumberland stepped forward and remarked : —
" A quarter of a century ago, on the seventh of July, 1863, I had the honor, on behalf of the
ladies of Toronto, of presenting these colors to the regiment. We have watched with pride and joy
the course of the regiment, and having embroidered the word " Batoche " on their folds, now return
them to you with renewed confidence that the Royal Grenadiers will be ever loyal and true, ' Ready,
aye, Ready.' ':
Lieut. -Col. Dawson having warmly thanked the ladies on behalf of the regiment, addresses were
delivered by the Hon. Messrs. Allan and Ross and by General Middleton, the latter remarking that
Her Majesty had no more loyal soldiers than the Royal Grenadiers.
Although giving due attention to ceremonial, practical work was not neglected, and Thanksgiving
Day, Thursday, November I5th, the regiment proceeded by train to High Park to practice outpost
duties and reconnaisance.
The first service performed by the Royal Grenadiers in 1889 was to furnish a guard of honor
to His Excellency the Governor General, Lord Stanley of Preston, upon the occasion of the Board
of Trade Dinner on January 4th. The officers of this guard were Capt. Michie and Lieuts. Lowe
and Mackay.
Dominion Day, 1889, was celebrated in Toronto with a military display and public procession,
the Royal Grenadiers taking a conspicuous part in the demonstration, and at the conclusion of
the procession performing the ceremony of trooping the Queen's color.
November yth, 1889. brigade field manoeuvres took place on the Humber Hills, the Royal Grena-
diers participating, as well as the rest of the Toronto corps, the i3th of Hamilton and the 38th Duf-
ferin Rifles. The result of the day's action was pronounced a draw.
The annual drill competition between the companies of the Royal Grenadiers for the Cumberland
Challenge Cup in 1889 resulted in favor of "A" Company, which secured 69 points. The cup, a very
handsome silver one, was presented to the regiment by Mr. Barlow Cumberland, whose father, the
late Col. Cumberland, first commanded the regiment. It was to be competed for annually and
awarded to the company making the highest number of points for attendance at battalion drill and
for drill.
November i8th, 1889, the Royal Grenadiers accorded a military funeral to the remains of Sergt.
William Jack, who had served with his regiment during the campaign in the Northwest, and whose
death was declared to be due to disease contracted while on that service.
May 3oth, 1890, the Royal Grenadiers participated in a march past of the Toronto corps before
His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught, who, upon the termination of his command in India,
was returning home, and who expressed himself very well pleased at the proceedings. As the Grena-
diers approached the reviewing stand at the Queen's Hotel His Royal Highness was pleased to
remark, "A very fine body of men," and Sir John McNeil also making the remark, " A good swing
to that march."
The Royal Grenadiers upon this occasion were commanded by Col. Dawson, the field officers
being Majors Harrison and Mason and the Staff officers Capt. Manley, Adjutant ; Surgeon King ;
Capt. Bruce, Paymaster; Capt. Tassie, Quartermaster. The companies were commanded as follows:
"A," Capt. J. B. MacLean ; " B," Capt. Howard; " C," Capt. Caston ; " D," Lieut. Lowe; "E,"
Capt. Harston ; " F," Capt. Eliot; " G," Capt. Michie; " H," Capt. Trotter. During the inter-
mission in the proceedings Col. Dawson, Major Mason, Major Harrison and Capt. Manley had the
honor of being presented to His Royal Highness.
July ist, Dominion Day, 1890, was celebrated with much enthusiasm in Toronto, the feature
of the display being a military parade in the morning. Besides the Toronto corps the following
participated : — The 151)1 Battalion, Belleville ; the 57th, Peterborough ; I4th, Kingston, and the 38th
Dufferin Rifles. The officers of the Royal Grenadiers upon this occasion were as follows :— Col.
—84—
CAPTAINS OF THE ROYAL GRENADIERS, 1904
No. i. CAPT. J. D. MACKAY
" 2. CAPT. AND BREVET MAJOR H. BROCK
" 3. CAPT. S. F. SLOANE
" 4. CAPT. AND BREVET MAJOR J. COOPER MASON, D.S.O.
No. 5. CAPT. G. H. C. BROOKE
" 6. CAPT. XV. B. KINGSMILL
" 7. CAPT. J. C. LAW
" 8. CAPT. A. A. S. WILKINS
-85—
Dawson in command ; Majors Harrison and Mason; Capt. Manley, Adjutant ; Dr. Ryerson, Surgeon ;
Capt. Tassie, Quartermaster ; Capt. Bruce, Paymaster ; Capts. Hay, Howard, Caston, MacLean,
Eliot, Michie and Trotter ; Lieuts. Gibson, Lowe, McLean, Howard and McDonald.
Staff-Sergeant Fred. W. Curzon of the regiment, who had markedly distinguished himself
during the Northwest Rebellion, and who had taken high rank among Canadian riflemen as a marks-
man, died August I3th, 1890, and was accorded a military funeral Friday, the I5th. Sergt. Curzon,
during the winter preceding the Northwest campaign, attended the ambulance class of Dr. Ryerson
and learned how to stop bleeding. His knowledge enabled him to save the life of a man who was
shot in the main artery at Batoche and was fast bleeding to death. This important bit of wound-
dressing was performed under fire, and after completing it, Color-Sergeant Curzon coolly carried the
wounded man to a place of comparative safety before resuming his place in the fighting line.
The Thanksgiving Day manoeuvres of 1890 took the shape of a sham .fight among the
ravines of High Park, the Grenadiers forming a part of the attacking force, which was com-
manded by Lieut. -Col. Gibson of the 131)1, Hamilton.
In January, 1891, an important change took place in the establishment of the regiment, the
strength being increased from eight to ten companies of the normal strength. It speaks well for
the popularity of the Royal Grenadiers that the two new companies were recruited to their full
strength without the least difficulty. Consequent upon this increase of the establishment there were
quite a number of changes among and additions to the officers, among the new officers of this period
being the present commanding officer, Lieut. -Col. Stimson, who was gazetted a second lieutenant pro-
visionally January 3Oth. Lieuts. Lowe and Gosling were on March 2oth gazetted captains upon
augmentation.
March 5th, 1891, the regiment was called upon to sustain the loss by death of one of its
Northwest officers in the person of Capt. Forbes Michie, whose demise was deeply regretted by all
ranks. The remains were accorded a military funeral.
Queen's Birthday, 1891, the regiment proceeded to Woodstock, where a couple of days of interest-
ing holiday was enjoyed. Before leaving Toronto the regiment had the honor of passing in review
before Lord Stanley of Preston, now Earl Derby, and at that particular time stopping at the Queen's
Hotel. His Excellency, who was formerly commanding officer of H. M. Grenadier Guards, reported
himself as remarkably well pleased at the appearance of the regiment. He subsequently sent a
letter to Lieut. -Col. Dawson, in which he stated that he had heard much of the reputation of the
Grenadiers, and was pleased at the way they marched past, particularly under circumstances such as
would make it difficult for any corps to do its best in the way of drill.
In the 1891 competition for the Cumberland Challenge trophy the successful company was
"F" with 578 points, "H" Company was second with 510 points, "E" third with 482, and "A"
fourth with 454.
The Thanksgiving Day turnout for 1891 was somewhat out of the ordinary, a review of the
Queen's Own Rifles and of the Royal Grenadiers at Norway before Lieut. -Col. Otter, replacing the
usual field day. The parade of the Royal Grenadiers upon this occasion showed a strength of 455.
One of the most successful social engagements ever given under the auspices of the Royal
Grenadiers was a most admirable presentation of John Strange Winter's charming old favorite,
" Bootle's Baby," at the Grand Opera House April zgth, 1892.
The Queen's Birthday outing of 1892 was at Windsor, where the regiment arrived on the
morning of May 22nd, remaining at the Western City till the evening of May 24111. This trip was a
most enjoyable one, and made particularly pleasant by the opportunities for fraternization between the
Canadian soldiers and their United States cousins in the City of Detroit.
August I4th, 1892, Lieut.-Col. Dawson, with the special permission of Major-General Herbert,
presented to Lieut.-Col. Davidson, upon the occasion of his appointment to the command of the
newly organized 48th Highlanders, a handsome claymore, subscribed for by twenty of the old brother
officers of Colonel Davidson in the Royal Grenadiers, as a mark of their personal esteem and their
good will towards the new regiment. Although the presentation took place on the date mentioned,
Lieut.-Col. Davidson's appointment to the command of the Highlanders was November 20, 1891.
October I3th, 1892, the Royal Grenadiers, upon the occasion of a drill parade, had the honour
-86—
LIEUTENANTS OF THE ROYAL GRENADIERS, 1904
No. i.
" 2.
" 3-
" 4-
" 5-
LIEUT. W. L. MATHEWS
LIEUT. C. O. BF.ARDMORE
LIEUT. E. DU DOMAIME
LIEUT. T. F. H. DIXON
LIEUT. H. S. ADAM
No. 6. LIEUT. I. H. PORTER
,, 7. LIEUT. W. E. L. HUNTER
„ 8. LIEUT. D. MCGILLIVRAV
„ 9. LIEUT. H. C. OSBORNE
-87-
of being inspected by the Honourable McKenzie Bowell, then Minister ot Militia, who expressed his
gratification at the appearance of the regiment.
There was no turnout of the Toronto troops on Thanksgiving Day, 1892, owing to a severe
snowstorm, which caused the D.A.G. to cancel the orders for the parade.
The Grenadiers did not leave Toronto for the Queen's Birthday of 1893, but paraded 500 strong
in the morning and went through the ceremony of trooping the colours on the old cricket grounds on
Bloor Street before a large concourse of citizens.
The usual Thanksgiving Day manoeuvres in 1893 took place at High Park, the Royal Grenadiers
forming part of the attacking force under command of Lieut-Col. Gibson. The parade state of the
regiment showed a total strength of 455. The march past of the troops before Major-General Herbert
took place on the Exhibition Grounds.
At the Garrison Church Parade, held on November I2th, 1893, in the Pavilion, Horticultural
Gardens, the Royal Grenadiers wore their new bearskins for the first time on parade. Major-General
Herbert was present, and marched at the head of the troops.
Several important changes took place in the regiment during the la'tter part of 1893. November
2nd, Capt. and Brevet Major Frederick F. Manley, who for so long a period had been adjutant of the
regiment, retired retaining rank, and on Dec. rst Lieut. Col. Dawson was permitted to retire retaining
rank, and was succeeded by Major James Mason, who was promoted lieutenant-colonel.
A valedictory address by Lieut. -Col. Dawson was published in the regimental orders of December
ist. In this address Lieut. -Col. Dawson expressed himself as follows : — " Lieut. -Col. Dawson, in taking
leave of the Royal Grenadiers, in which he has served for thirteen years, and has had the honor to
command for the past six, desires to tender his thanks to the officers, non-commissioned officers, and
men of the regiment for their support and co-operation during his period in command. He takes
pride in the fact that during his command two companies were added to the strength of the regiment,
the colors were re-decorated by the ladies of Toronto, when the name Batoche was emblazoned on
their folds, and that the enthusiasm and esprit-de-corps of all ranks were never greater than at the pre-
sent time. Lieut. -Col. Dawson now says farewell to the Grenadiers, with the assurance that the
corps will always keep and maintain in the future the distinguished position and prestige it has earned
in the past, both on the field and in their native city, and that they will ever hold fast to the motto,
'Ready, aye ready.'"
May 24th, 1894, the Grenadiers visited Gait, Ontario, which was also visited on the same occa-
sion by the I3th of Hamilton. The pleasure of this trip was considerably marred by the unpleasant
weather.
Thanksgiving Day, 1894, the field day of the Toronto Corps, was held near Wells' Hill, the Gren-
adiers forming part of the attacking force.
April 4th, 1895, the Royal Grenadiers paraded for the last time in the old Armoury on the bay
front, at the foot of Jarvis street and West Market street. The interesting event was not allowed to
pass without a short ceremony. The regiment, which had paraded 552 strong for the occasion, having
ing been photographed, the commanding officer, Lieut. -Col. Mason, delivered a brief soldierly address.
He reminded the men that it was fourteen years since the regiment was reorganized, and that in that
time it had grown from six to eight, and from eight to ten companies. Having referred to the efforts
and zeal which had hitherto kept the regiment in an efficient condition, he urged his hearers to main-
tain the character of their regiment, concluding: "Although we may not be in some unimportant
points quite up to other corps, I think I may safely say that, as a fighting machine, for that is what
we are, we are not second to any regiment in the Active Militia of Canada." The Royal Grenadiers
then marched for the last time out of the building to the tune of " Auld Lang Syne," and "Good
Bye, Sweetheart, Good Bye." Arriving at the new drill hall the colors were marched off parade in
usual form, the companies were dismissed to their private parades, and took possession of the
present quarters, which are the third the Royal Grenadiers have occupied since the organization.
When the regiment was organized, the already existing infantry corps in Toronto, the Queen's Own,
had their armoury in the St. Lawrence Hall and drilled there. As there was not room for the loth
Royals as well, the officers of the regiment purchased a large factory building, removed and re-
—88-
LIEUTENANTS OF THE ROYAL GRENADIERS, 1904
No. 10. LIEUT. G. C. RYERSON
" ii. LIEUT. E. C. BURSON
" 12. LIEUT. G. S. KIRKPATRICK
" 13. LIKUT . A. A. S. LAW
No. 14. LIEUT. P. E. PRIDEAUX
" 15. LIEUT. C. E. PEPLER
" 16. LIEUT. A. E. GOODERHAM
" 17. LIEUT. C. H. PORTER
—89—
erected it on the site secured for the purpose on King street, and occupied it until the Government
erected the old drill-shed on the south side of Wellington street in 1864.
Queen's Birthday, 1895, the regiment made a pleasant trip to Collingwood, where the ceremony
of trooping the color was performed to the delight of the local people.
November 17, 1805, the Royal Grenadiers accorded a military funeral to the remains of the late
Capt. Granville Percival Eliot, Quarter-master of the regiment, and one of its North-West veterans.
Capt. Eliot came of a race of soldiers, his father being an officer in the regular army as well as many
of his ancestors. Previous to joining the Grenadiers, Capt. Eliot served in the Queen's Own Rifles, in
which corps, at the time of his severing his connection with it, he held a commission. He was the
first officer in the Royal Grenadiers, and one of the first in the force to qualify at the School of
Infantry after its establishment. He was gazetted second lieutenant in the Royal Grenadiers, November
3oth, 1883 ; first lieutenant, February 6th, 1885 ; and captain, April 2gth, 1887. December 241)1. 1891, he
retired retaining rank, but re-entered active service as quartermaster, April 2oth, 1894, holding that
appointment at the time of his death. During his tenure of the command of " F" Company, it won
the Cumberland Cup no less than four times.
The Royal Grenadiers sustained another serious loss, January nth, 1896, in the death of Capt.
Andrew Maxwell Irving, Adjutant of the regiment. The deceased was one of the most energetic
officers in the service, and at the time of his death was Adjutant of the regiment. He originally
entered the volunteer force on October 3rd, 1877, joining the Queen's Own. He remained with that
regiment until October gth, 1882, when he joined " D" Company of the Royal Grenadiers as second
lieutenant. He accompanied the regiment to the Northwest in 1885, during the rebellion, and was at
Fish Creek and at Batoche as lieutenant of No. 2 Service Company, and took command of the company
after the wounding of Capt. Mason, and brought it back to Toronto. He was appointed Captain on
January 2oth, 1893, anc' Adjutant of the Regiment on April 2oth, 1894. His interest in regimental
matters was marked by indefatigable energy. In connection with drill and the incidental duties of an
officer, in the regimental athletic games, and in entertainments, he did everything that would conduce
to the keeping up of a manly and patriotic spirit. His contributions to the press, both in prose and
verse, above the pen name of "Maxwell Drew," indicated unusual ability. His work attracted the
notice of Rudyard Kipling, with whom he corresponded regularly. The regiment would gladly have
accorded the remains a military funeral, but at the request of the family the funeral was private. A
memorial brass in his memory was, however, erected by his brother officers in St. James' Cathedral.
Queen's Birthday, 1896, the Royal Grenadiers paid a visit to Berlin, where they were provided
with quarters at the Exhibition Grounds. The feature of the local celebration of the holiday was the
trooping of the color by the regiment.
General Orders, August 28th, 1896, announced the appointment of the Reverend Arthur H. Baldwin,
M.A., to be honorary chaplain of the Royal Grenadiers, "as a special case." He is now the senior
chaplain in the militia.
The Thanksgiving Day manoeuvres in 1896 took place in the intricate network of ravines at the
head of the Don Valley in the immediate vicinity of Taylor's Mills, the attacking brigade being in
command of Lieut. -Col. Mason, the Royal Grenadiers under command of Major Bruce, forming part
of the force.
Between 10,000 and 15,000 people assembled on the University College campus, May 24th, 1897,
to witness the ceremony of the presentation of a new stand of colors by the Ladies of Toronto to
the Royal Grenadiers. The regiment paraded 476 strong for the occasion, under the command of
Lieut. -Col. Mason, and the usual ceremony was performed. No. i Company acted as color escort,
and the old colors were carried by Lieuts. Sloane and Mason, the new colors being marched on to
parade in charge of Color-Sergeants Scully and Smith. The consecrating clergy were : Bishop
Sweatman, Rev. Canon Sweeny, Rev. Canon Broughall, and Rev. A. H. Baldwin, Regimental
Chaplain. The Ladies' Committee comprised Lady Gzowski, Mrs. Davvson, Mrs. H. J. Grasett, Mrs.
G. S. Ryerson, Mrs. H. Patterson, Mrs. McLean Howard, Mrs. Greville-Hartson, Mrs. J. I. Davidson
and Mrs. Cecil Gibson. Among other special guests present were: Col. Sir Casimer Gzowski, A.D.C.
to the Queen, who took the salute, the Hon. Sir Mackenzie Bowell, Sir Frank Smith, the Hon.
Sir Adolphe Caron, Lieut. -Col. H. J. Grasett, Dr. Ryerson, Deputy Surgeon-General, Mr. Justice
McMahon, Mr. G. R. R. Cockburn, and Major Greville-Harston.
—90—
KING'S COLOR
Presented to the Royal Grenadiers May 24th, 1897
The presentation address was read by Sir Casimer Gzowski, and contained the following' : —
"The Ladies of Toronto request your acceptance of the accompanying- stand of colors to replace
the old ones, so honorably borne by the regiment for nearly 35 years.
"In making this presentation, they take
advantage of the opportunity to express their
high appreciation of the conduct of the regi-
ment on all occasions since its formation, and
especially under circumstances of great trial,
hardship, and peril, during the Northwest Rebel-
lion of 1885. Your alacrity to answer the
sudden call to arms on that occasion, the true
military spirit displayed throughout an arduous
expedition, and your conduct in the face of the
enemy, bore testimony to the self-sacrificing spirit
of patriotism that animated all ranks.
"The Ladies of Toronto have regarded with
pride and admiration your behaviour both in quar-
ters and in the field, and consider that the reputa-
tion you have earned entitles the Royal Grenadiers
to a foremost position in the militia of Canada.
"The ladies commit these colors to your
loyal and watchful care, in the fullest confidence
that they will be guarded by you as becomes
true Canadian soldiers of the British Empire,
and that you will, when duty calls, always justify
your regimental motto, ' Ready, aye Ready.'
"Signed on behalf of the committee: Maria Gzowski, Grace M. Gibson, Mary A. Ryerson, Florrie
Paterson, Alice M. Grasett, Lizzie Dawson."
Lieut. -Col. Mason, in accepting the Colors, said
them on behalf of the regiment, and speaking for
the officers and men, he desired to thank the
ladies of Toronto for them. He also desired to
thank the ladies assisting in the present ceremony.
During the time that the regiment had had the
old colors, he thought he might safely say their
reputation was unstained, and now that they were
to be replaced, he trusted, and had no doubt,
that they would be treated with the same consid-
eration as the old colors, and should opportuni-
ties or necessities arise for the turning out of the
men of the regiment, he was sure that all would
agree with him when he said that the colors
would be in good hands. Should fortune or
Providence so direct that the regiment would be
called upon to defend their country, they would
do so with the same alacrity and cheerfulness
as they had already done. Every member would
feel inspired to do his full duty when he looked
upon the colors so graciously bestowed on the
regiment that day."
The year 1897 will always be a memorable
one on account of the celebration that year of
Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. The Toronto celebration of the jubilee in June, 1897, culminated
in a monster military and civil parade in which 15,000 persons took part, all of the militia corps of the
'That it afforded him great pleasure to receive
REGIMENTAL COLOR
Presented to the Royal Grenadiers May 241)1, 1897
-91—
SERGT.-MAJOR AND STAFF-SERGEANTS, ROYAL GRENADIERS, 1904
No. i. SERGT.-MAJOR H. W. JOHNSTON
" 2. QUARTERMASTER-SERGT. D. CRAIG
" 3. BANDMASTER J. WALDRON
" 4. ORDERLY-ROOM SERGT. J. PHILLIPS
No. 5. ORDERLY ROOM CLERK J. H. SIMPSON
" 6. ARMORER-SERGT. T. S. BAYLES
" 7. PAYMASTER-SERGT. W. J. BUWLEY
" 8. TRANSPORT-SERGT. J. EWART
-92-
STAFF-SERGEANTS, ROYAL GRENADIERS, 1904
No. i. ASSIST. QUARTERMASTER SKRGT. J. MACDONALD
" 2. HOSPITAL SERGT. J. LAW
" 3. MACHiNE-GfN SERGT. J. NOBLE
" 4. SIGNAL-.SERGT. G. WHITE
" 5. SERGT.-MAJOR J. T. Cox
No. 6. SERGT.-INSTRUCTOR IN MUSKETRY N. S. Yoi NG
" 7. SERGT.-COOK G. SCULLY
" 8. SERGT.-DRTMMER J. T. FARMER
" 9. PIONEER SBRGT. L. A. KIRKLAND
—93--
district participating. The parade state of the Royal Grenadiers showed a total strength of 494, the
regiment being in command of Major Bruce. Lieut. -Col. Grasett, the former commanding officer of
the Royal Grenadiers, acted as grand marshal for the parade.
In connection with Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee, the Dominion Government selected a
large and representative contingent of Canadian militiamen to represent the Dominion in the great
celebration at the Imperial Capital. The Royal Grenadiers had the honor of contributing the
commanding officer to the infantry detachment of the contingent in the person of Lieut. -Col. Mason,
and also supplied a quota of four non-commissioned officers and men, as follows : — Color-Sergeant
Middleton, Sergeant Hall, Sergeant Noble and Corporal Clarke.
Lieut. -Col. Mason not only had the command of the whole of the infantry of the colonial contin-
gents on the day of the great procession, to and from St Paul's Cathedral, but also commanded at
the march past at the Aldershot review. And, on the day that the contingents received their medals
from the Prince of Wales, now the King, he had the honour of marching the colonial contingents
to Buckingham Palace. Upon the occasion of leaving Toronto for London, Lieut. -Col. Mason was
escorted from the Armoury to the Union Station by the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men
of his regiment. The contingent left Quebec for England June 6th. The " Vancouver," upon which
the contingent had passage, arrived at Liverpool on June I5th, and reached London the same night.
The great Imperial pageant took place on June 22nd. The Canadian contingent reached Quebec on
its return to Canada July I2th, the Toronto part of the force arriving home on the i3th, and
receiving a most hearty welcome.
The annual manoeuvres of 1897 took place November 26th, in the Don Valley. Lieut. -Col.
Mason, of the roth Royal Grenadiers, being in command of the western or defending force, and the
Royal Grenadiers, who mustered 333 of all ranks, forming part of his brigade.
Early in 1898 news of the death in London, Eng. , of Major-General Sir Fred. Middleton, C.B.,
K.C.M.G., who was keeper of jewels in the "Tower," was received in Toronto with great regret,
and by none more than by the Royal Grenadiers, so many of whom had seen service under the bluff
old soldier in the Northwest.
Col. Mason and the officers sent a letter of condolence to Lady Middleton, by whom it was
suitably acknowledged.
Queen's Birthday, 1898, the Royal Grenadiers proceeded to Hamilton where they participated in
a review and sham-fight with the local force.
November I3th, 1898, is a date possessing special interest for the Royal Grenadiers, as the
one upon which the regiment deposited their old colors with all due honor in St. James' Cathedral.
The presence of his Lordship the Bishop of Toronto, the Rector, the Right Rev. Dr. Sullivan, and
an array of Canons in their stately robes, the brilliant colors of the uniforms, the impressive formula,
all tended to great solemnity ; and when the treasured colors, their brilliancy dimmed by the battle
and the breeze, were received at the chancel steps by His Lordship, the Bishop, while the organ
played "Home, Sweet Home," emotion ran high, and the tears were not far from the
eyes of the staunchest soldier present. A touching reference by the Rector in his earnest address
to the fallen heroes of the Northwest rebellion, drew many an eye to the brass tablet, wreathed in
evergreen, and studded with white chrysanthemums, to the memory of Lieut. William Charles Fitch,
"killed in action at Batoche," and to the one similarly wreathed, in token of remembrance, to Capt.
Andrew Maxwell Irving.
As the clock pointed a quarter to four came a loud knock at the King street door of the
church, and the rector, Bishop Sullivan, sent his churchwardens to ascertain who it was that de-
manded admittance. These officials proceeded to the door, and there learned from the officer stand-
ing thereat, who was Lieut, and Adjutant Wilkie, that he "desired speech with the rector." The
wardens then closed the door, and returning to the rector, delivered the message, the right reverend
gentleman, in reply, saying he would see the officer. Again the wardens proceeded to the door,
and on their return once more to the chancel they were accompanied by Lieut. Wilkie, who, with
drawn sword, halted at the foot of the chancel steps, and addressing Bishop Sullivan, said: "My
Lord, I am commanded by Lieut. -Col. Mason, commanding the Royal Grenadiers, to inform you
that he desires to place within this sacred building, for safe-keeping, the old colors of the regiment."
Bishop Sullivan gave his formal assent, and then Lieut. Wilkie returned to convey his answer to
Col. Mason.
At the same time the Bishop, clergy, and wardens proceeded towards the King Street entrance,
the doors of which had been thrown open to admit the military. A procession was then formed as
follows :— The churchwardens, the choir, the clergy, the bishops, the officers bearing the colors, and
the escort, the latter at the shoulder with fixed bayonets. As the whole party advanced up the aisle
the hymn, "Onward Christian Soldiers" was sung, accompanied by the organ and the band of the
regiment, the latter being posted in the transept to the right of the organ.
Lieut. -Col. Mason, followed by Major Bruce and Capt. Cameron, acting major, stepped to the
front, and Col. Mason, addressing the rector, said: "My Lord, I have come here with the old
colors of the Royal Grenadiers, that have been borne by the regiment for 33 years, with the hope
and with the request, that the authorities of this cathedral church will permit these treasured and
venerable emblems of loyalty, Christianity, and civilization to find permanent rest wilhin the walls of
this sacred building, in the midst of a loyal and God-fearing population." Bishop Sullivan, in reply,
said that the authorities would
not only receive the colors
and permit them to be placed
in the church, but would feel
honored by the trust. The
colors, he intimated, would bo
sacred objects, and the church
authorities would prize them
as among their most sacred
treasures. The colors being
handed to the rector, he
handed them to the Bishop ol
Toronto, who in turn laid
them upon the altar, the
escort presenting arms before
the old colors were handed
over by the majors.
The cathedral was crowded
in every part, few more im-
pressive ceremonies being ever
held within its walls. The
Rector, Bishop Sullivan,
preached a sermon of rare
eloquence and power, well
worthy the occasion.
For many years worthily
had these colors been borne by the regimei>t, and now, with military pomp and fitting religious
ceremony combined, they are given an honored resting place.
The Thanksgiving manoeuvres of 1898 took place November 25th, at the Humber, the eastern or
defending force, which included the Royal Grenadiers, being commanded by Lieut. -Col. Mason.
The report of Lieut.-Col. Otter, Inspector of Infantry, of the Royal Grenadiers for 1898, was as
follows : — " Physique, very good ; drill, good ; steady in all movements ; clothing and accoutrements,
very good ; arms, excellent ; books, very good ; discipline, very steady and quiet parade ; general
battalion, in a very good condition, somewhat short of officers, though all qualified and over strength
in men; very good in musketry, and an excellent maxim gun section; has an excellent band, with a
good bugle and drum corps ; well-trained bearer section and pioneers."
September I5th, 1898, the maxim gun squad paraded with the regiment for the first time, the
Grenadiers being the first regiment in Ontario to turn out with one of these guns and a qualified
detachment.
GROUP oi- OHMIKRS
On board Major Gooderham's Steam Yacht Cleopatra, June, 1897
—95—
COLOR-SERGEANTS, ROYAL GRENADIERS, 1904
No. i. COLOR-SERGEANT A. J. COOK
" 2. COLOR-SERGEANT W. K. BENNETT
" 3. COLOR-SERGEANT A. J. SMITH
" 4. COLOR-SERGEANT J. H. BENNETT
" 5. COLOR-SERGEANT F. SMITH
No. 6.
" 7.
" 8.
COLOR-SERGEANT D. McHi'GH
COLOR-SERGEANT T. MCBRIEN
COLOR-SERGEANT O. FREEMANTLK
COLOR-SERGEANT W. HORNSHAW
—96—
SERGEANTS, ROYAL GRENADIERS, 1904
No. i. SERGT. L. KEELE
" 2. SEHGT. E. PEARSON
" 3. SERGT. A. ADAM
" 4. SERGT. W. J. WILSON
" 5. SERGT. F. D. REED
" 6. SERGT. J. POLLARD
No. 7. SERGT. E. CORDINGLEV
" 8. SERGT. J. GIMBLETT
" 9. SERGT. W. KELLY
" 10. SERGT. A. DAVIES
" ii. SERGT. G. MCCLEARY
" 12. SERGT. W. HINT
-97—
On December ist, 1898, the Right Hon. the Earl of Aberdeen, G.C.M.G. , late Governor-General
of Canada, was gazetted to the Honorary Colonelcy of the Royal Grenadiers, an honor highly appre-
ciated by all ranks. The appointment of Lord Aberdeen as Hon. Col. of a regiment whose history
is interwoven with all the great events in the military history of Canada, for the past forty years,
was a slight recognition of the great services rendered to this country by one who so closely iden-
tified himself with the general life of the people as did Lord Aberdeen.
General Order of January 251)1, 1899, contained the announcement of the retirement of Lieut. -
Col. Mason from the command of the Royal Grenadiers to the reserve of officers, he being succeeded
by Major J. Bruce. Lieut. -Colonel Bruce obtained his first taste of military life in the University
GROI-P OK OFFICERS, TAKEN AT TORONTO HUNT CLUB HOUSE, 1899
Company of the Queen's Own Rifles. Upon the reorganization of the loth Royals by Col. Grasett,
he was appointed Lieutenant, January, 1881.
Lieut. -Col. Mason's farewell address to the regiment appeared in Regimental Orders on January
5th, 1899. It read as follows : —
" Lieut. -Colonel Mason, in retiring from his five years tenure of command of the Royal Grenadiers,
desires to express his grateful and sincere thanks for and appreciation of the loyal support and assist-
ance he received from the officers, non-commissioned officers and men, for their hearty co-operation,
by reason of which the Regiment has succeeded in maintaining it prestige and esprit-de-corps, and
attaining the high and enviable position it now occupies in the Active Militia. The recent official reports
on the Regiment of the General Officers commanding — ' In excellent order ' — and of the Inspector of
Infantry — ' Battalion in a very efficient condition,' — are very gratifying and must be a source of pride
—98-
to all ranks. During the past five years, new colors were presented to the Regiment by the ladies
of Toronto, and the old colors accorded a permanent resting place in St. James' Cathedral. Permission
was given to have placed on the colors, in addition to the honour ' Batoche,' the bison or buffalo,
emblematic of the Northwest. The Regiment was also armed with the Lee-Knfield magaxine rifle and
received a Maxim machine gun. It is earnestly desired that the zeal and enthusiasm displayed by all
members of the Regiment, and the many sacrifices necessary in order to make and .keep it strong,
efficient and ready for any calls for its services, will be more recognized and it is reassuring to learn
from promising indications that the Active Militia will, in the near future, be dealt with in a manner
calculated to encourage and stimulate to continued and further exertions, those composing it.
" Lieut. -Col. Mason bespeaks for his successor the same measure of support and assistance which
has been accorded to him, and he parts from the Regiment in which he has served for more than
sixteen years with great regret, but with the fullest hope and wish that it will always retain the confidence
of the government, with the esteem and respect of the people of Toronto, and that should there be,
at any time in the future, as there has been in the past, demand for their services, no matter how
sudden or serious, the Royal Grenadiers will always be found true to their record and to their motto,
' Ready, Aye Ready.' "
During the year 1899, at the suggestion of Major-General Hutton, an effort was made to secure
a limited amount of field training for the various city regiments of Canada by securing their attendance
for a couple of days at the annual brigade camps of the rural corps. The city regiments from Toronto,
Hamilton, St. Catharines and Brantford, arrived at the Niagara camp June 3Oth, for three days drill.
The event of the three days' service in camp was a field day on the first of July, upon which occasion
Lieut. -Col. Mason had the honour of commanding a brigade composed of the Queen's Own, the Royal
Grenadiers and the igth. Another former officer of the Royal Grenadiers, Lieut. -Col. Davidson, had
the honour of commanding the "Blue" brigade, consisting of the 48th Highlanders, the i^th Battalion
and the Dufferin Rifles. At the conclusion of the sham fight, a review, which was attended by many
visitors from the various cities represented in the camp, was held. The camp broke up July 2nd.
Considerable popular interest was taken in the Thanksgiving Day manoeuvres of 1899 on account
of the steps then being taken to reorganize the first Canadian contingent for South Africa. The
manoeuvres took the form of a sham fight in the vicinity of Humber Bay. The First Prince of Wales
Fusiliers of Montreal, and the ijth of Hamilton, as well as all the local corps, participating.
By the turnout of the Royal Grenadiers upon this occasion it was evident that the regiment
remained in a thoroughly efficient state. The Empire was about to have a demonstration of the
fact that the officers and men retained their characteristics of loyalty and courage.
—99—
Chapter XII
GRENADIERS IN THE
BOER WAR
T is safe to say that the full significance of the profound Imperialistic spirit aroused
throughout the British Empire by the Boer War of 1899-1902 has not yet been fully
realized ; and it can be said with equal truth that there are few who appreciate what
a tremendous change the practical participation of Canada in the work of Imperial
defence, during the same momentous period, effected in the status of the Active
Militia.
The original militia organizations of British Canada were devised to provide the
officers of the regular army with' men upon emergency ; they were not intended to be
useful war units — fighting machines, of themselves. During the war of 1812, the
territorial sedentary militia regiments were nothing more than recruiting imple-
ments, the selected men drafted therefrom, and embodied, being clothed and equipped
from the Imperial stores, drilled by army drill sergeants, and, as far as possible,
commanded by army officers. When the present Active Militia force was raised at
the time of the Trent Affair, it was intended for home defence purely, and that
merely as an auxiliary to the regular army. During the Fenian Raids every avail-
able regular in the country was rushed to the front, and a fortunate thing it was
that, at that time, as during the Red River expedition, the militia in the field had
the benefit of the staff and departmental organizations as well as the stores of the
The Northwest Rebellion of 1885 marked a big step in advance, for upon that
occasion the Canadian Militia brought the campaign to a successful conclusion unaided by the
regular army. But that was a purely domestic affair.
In no part of the British Empire has the Imperial idea taken deeper root than in Canada, a fact
easily enough explained by the character of its original British population — largely composed of United
Empire Loyalists and discharged soldiers ; by the presence of a very ambitious and assertive neighbour,
and by the circumstance that Canadians have had to fight, and fight hard and often, to preserve the
Imperial tie. Man always values the most that which he finds the hardest to acquire and retain.
With the development of the Imperial idea came the desire of many Canadians that Canada should
take some part in Imperial defence, and nowhere was this feeling more pronounced than in the ranks
of the Active Militia. During the campaigns in Egypt and the Soudan, and during the continuance
of the Eastern war-cloud in 1884 many of the units of the Active Militia offered their services to the
British Government, only to excite the mirth of ignorant scoffers, who professed to see a joke in
citizen soldiers tendering their services for foreign wars. To a large proportion of the Canadian
people, service in the Active Militia appeared to be little more than playing at soldiering, a manly
recreation, useful as keeping up the military spirit, and because it maintained a force of some practical
use as an auxiliary to the civil power. The militia enthusiast, however, spent his time, his means
and his energies, in perfecting himself in his military duties, and in increasing the efficiency of his
corps because he regarded the Active Militia, not merely as the first line of defence of the Dominion,
but as a practical, useful part of the defensive force of the Empire, the usefulness of which would
regular army.
10(1
some day be abundantly demonstrated. And the honourable part played by the Canadian contin-
gents in the Boer War justified the faith that was in him, rewarded him for his efforts, and
established for all time the position of the Active Militia as a part of the Empire's fighting line.
The Boer War now belongs to general history, and it is unnecessary to attempt anything
like an account of the war in these pages even were it desirable to do so. A few data, however,
appear to be called for.
October gth, 1899, the two South African Republics presented their ultimatum, demanding the
withdrawal of the British reinforcements introduced into Natal, and stating that if the terms were
MARCHING AND FIRING TEAM OF THE ROYAL GRENADIERS
Winners of St. Croix Cup 1897, 1898, 1899
not complied with the republics would consider themselves in a state of war with Great Britain.
October loth the British agent at Pretoria was instructed to apply for his passport; October 1 2th,
Natal was invaded in force.
After some lengthy negotiations, the Dominion Government decided on October I4th to offer
1,000 infantry to the British Government. According to the plan formulated by the Imperial
authorities for the acceptance of colonial contingents, it was originally decided that the colonials
should proceed to South Africa in units of one hundred men each, these units on arrival at the
scene of operations to be absorbed into the regular regiments. The military mind at home had
—101—
not yet grasped the idea of making- effective use of militiamen in war as distinct units. The
raising- of the first Canadian contingent was proceeded with on this separate unit idea, Lieut. -
Col. Otter, with the universal approval of the country, being appointed to command all the units
during mobilization and transportation to South Africa.
October i8th, His Excellency, the Governor-General, the Earl of Minto, cabled Mr. Chamber-
lain, Secretary of State for the Colonies, as follows : — " After full consideration my Ministers
have decided to offer a regiment of infantry, 1,000 strong, under command of Lieut. -Col. Otter.
My Ministers hope that Canadian contingent will be kept together as much as possible, but realize
that this must be left to discretion of War Office and Commander-in-Chief."
October 23rd, the suggestion of the Dominion Government was acceded to, and the organi-
zation of the contingent on a regimental
basis proceeded with. It was decided to
make the contingent a second, or special
service, battalion of the Royal Regiment
of Canadian Infantry, formerly "The Infan-
try School Corps," the principal officers
and non-commissioned officers being drawn
from the permanent force. More officers
and men offered for service than would
have been required for five regiments, the
great difficulty being to refuse the offers
which poured in. Each one of the eight
companies was allotted a recruiting district,
"C" Company being raised at Toronto.
During the recruiting and mobilization of
the contingent the Dominion fairly went
into paroxysms of patriotic enthusiasm, the
various companies being sent off and sped
upon their way by immense crowds of
cheering people. "C" Company received
a particularly hearty send off from Toronto,
the municipal authorities sustaining the
expense of a special train in order that
the hour of departure might be suitable for
a great popular demonstration.
In all, no less than six contingents,
comprising over 7,300 officers, non-commis-
sioned officers and men left Canada for the
scene of hostilities. The strength of the
various contingents with the dates of their
sailing from and return to Canada was as
follows : —
Second (Special Service) Battalion, Royal
Canadian Regiment of Infantry, 41 officers,
1,010 non-commissioned officers and men.
Sailed from Quebec, October 3oth, 1899, returned to Canada, October and December, 1900.
The Canadian Mounted Rifles (First Battalion) afterwards designated as the Royal Canadian
Dragoons, 19 officers, 352 non-commissioned officers and men. Sailed 2ist February, 1900,
returned to Canada January 8th, 1901.
"The Canadian Mounted Rifles," 19 officers, 352 non-commissioned officers and men. Sailed
2yth January, 1900, returned 8th January, 1901.
Brigade Division, Royal Canadian Field Artillery, 19 officers, 520 non-commissioned officers
and men. Sailed January 2ist, 1900, returned January 8th, 1901.
MAJOR ALEXANDER J. BOYD
Died on service in South Africa
—102—
Canadian Artificers, 21 non-commissioned officers and men. Sailed January, 1900, returned
January, 1901.
Strathcona's Horse, 28 officers, 518 non-commissioned officers and men. Sailed March lyth,
ujoo, returned March 8th, 1901.
Draft to replace casualties in Second (Special Service) Battalion, R. R.C.I., 3 officers, 101 non-
commissioned officers and men. Sailed March, 1900, returned December, 1900.
Draft to reinforce Strathcona's Horse, i officer, 59 non-commissioned officers and men. Sailed
March ijth, 1900, returned March 8th, 1901.
Canadian Contingent to South Africa Constabulary, 30 officers, 1,208 non-commissioned officers
and men. Sailed during- the spring of 1901, still in South Africa.
Second "Regiment" Canadian Mounted
Rifles, 45 officers, 885 non-commissioned
officers and men. Sailed January, 1902,
returned June, 1902.
loth, Canadian Field Hospital, 6 officers, 56
non-comniis>ioned officers and men. Sailed
January, 1902, returned July 22nd, 1902.
Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth " Regi-
ments " of Canadian Mounted Rifles, each
of a strength of 26 officers, and 483 non-
commissioned officers and men. Sailed May
ist, 1902, returned July, 1902. These latter
regiments arrived in South Africa too late
for the war, peace having been signed at
Pretoria May 3ist. Hostilities consequently
lasted two years and 232 days.
The Royal Grenadiers had the honour
of furnishing five officers to the Canadian
contingents for South Africa.
Captain Alexander James Boyd went
to South Africa with the draft for the
reinforcement of the Second (Special Service)
Battalion R. R.C.I., served with that corps,
and afterwards for a time with Strathcona's
Horse, returned with the latter corps to
Canada, and went back to South Africa as
an officer in the South African Constabu-
lary. In the meantime he had obtained
his majority, and was seconded for service
27th September, 1901. He fell a victim, to
enteric fever, news of his death being
received in Toronto April 2ist, 1902. He
was a son of Sir John A. Boyd, Chancellor
of Ontario.
Captain James Cooper Mason, son of Lieut.-Col. Mason, the former commanding officer of the
regiment, went to South Africa as Lieut, in "B" (London) Company of the 2nd Special Service
Battalion, which company he later commanded, was wounded at Paardeberg, and awarded the
D.S.O. for distinguished service in the field.
Lieut. C. S. Wilkie was one of the officers of "C" Company (Toronto) 2nd Special Service
Battalion.
Lieut. F. Homer Dixon, served as an officer with the 2nd Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles.
Lieut. C. O. Beardmore went to South Africa as an officer of the 6th Regiment Canadian
Mounted Rifles.
PRIVATE W. T. MANIO.N
Killed in action at Paardeberg
—103—
The rank and file of the Royal Grenadiers was naturally more largely represented in the
infantry (first) contingent than in any of the others, but several of the men also went to the
front with the mounted corps, and some of them, in preference to returning' to Canada, took
service in the Canadian Scouts. The following is as complete a list as it is possible to obtain
of the non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Grenadiers who saw service during the war: —
ist Contingent — Capt. J. Cooper Mason (wounded severely) ; Lieut. C. S. Wilkie ; Color-Sergt,
Middleton ; Sergt. Freemantle ; Sergt. Dangerfield ; Corpl. Leng ; Lance Corpls. Calvert, Perry,
Seymour ; Ptes. Butler, Cuthbert, Kelly, McHugh, Martin, Manion (killed in action), Solari, Travis,
Vickers (wounded), Wilson.
Draft — Capt. Boyd (died); Ptes. P. Bailey, E. Chambers, W. J. Evans, Gerhart, Hagen ;
Sergt. Edmonson.
Strathcona Horse — Drum Major Tanner.
C.M.R. — Lieut. Beardmore ; Ptes. Dermondy, A. Bailey, Davey, Moodey, Kelsall, Patterson,
Press, Harrison, Henning, Trimming, Allison, Bonnick, Cohen, Prior, Fraser, DeGuire, Pike,
Stacey, Gerhart ; Sergt. Clayton.
Color-Sergeant Middleton was specially mentioned by Colonel Otter in his report on the action
at Paardeberg, February i8th, 1900, for his humanity and courage in continuing the search of
the battle field, during the whole of the night succeeding the action, in the hope of finding and
relieving wounded comrades.
Private Manion was killed during the action named, while Private Vickers was seriously
wounded during the attack which resulted in the capture of Cronje's Laager, February 27th, 1900.
Private Manion was a native of Perth, Ontario, and 23 years of age at the time of his death.
He was a fine soldier, and before joining the Royal Grenadiers spent 6 years in the I4th P.W.R.
Kingston. He was employed in the Dominion Radiator Company, the employees of which firm
presented him with a purse of $75 when he was leaving for South Africa. He had no trouble
in being accepted for the contingent, except on account of his not being vaccinated, which was
got over by his being promptly vaccinated by Surgeon-Major E. E. King of the Royal Grenadiers.
He died a soldier's death, and his memory is not forgotten, a large portrait of him hanging in
"C" Company's Armoury, he being a member of that Company.
Private James Roy Vickers, a son of Mr. Jeremiah Vickers of 90 Hamilton Street, was 22
years of age and joined " I " Company of the Royal Grenadiers in 1897.
It was not until October ist, 1901, that it was announced that the Distinguished Service
Order had been conferred upon Capt. James Cooper Mason of the Royal Grenadiers in recognition
of his services as Lieutenant in "B" Company of the Second Special Service Battalion of the Royal
Canadian Regiment in South Africa.
The fact of this honor having been conferred upon Capt. Mason was duly notified in the
regimental orders November 7th, and the decoration was presented to the gallant officer at the
Armories on May i6th, 1902, in the presence of the assembled garrison of the city and thousands of
spectators, by Major-General O'Grady-Haly, C.B., D.S.O., commanding the Canadian Militia. Major
Mason, or as he was known during the Campaign, Lieut. Mason, distinguished himself by personal
courage and leadership in the desperate charge late in the day in the action on February i8th at
Paardeberg. In the earlier phases of the action he aided the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry,
under Lieut. -Col. Aldworth, to reinforce Ihe point in the firing line where he happened to be by
causing the men under his command to open steady volley firing so as to cover the Cornwall's
advance. When the charge took place he was one of a party of four officers who were near
each other. Of these, two, Lieut. -Col. Aldworth of the Cornwalls, and the Adjutant of the same
regiment, met death, and the other two Lieut. Mason and Lieut. Moneypenny of the Cornwalls
were wounded. Lieut. Moneypenny subsequently died of his wounds. That was perhaps the most
desperate corner of the fight and there the losses were the heaviest. One section of the Cornwalls
lost eleven killed and ten wounded out of twenty-five men. After being hit Lieut. Mason continued,
as well as he was able, to direct the men who were hear him. The point where he fell marked
the extreme limit of the charge as a general advance. He was the last of the officers to fall and
furthest forward,
—104—
Although seriously wounded Lieut. Mason insisted upon joining his regiment at the earliest
le moment. In his report of January 261)1, 1902, Lieut. -Col. Otter mentioned "The indomitable
pluck of Lieut. Mason, who, still suffering from a severe wound, forced his way to the front and
took part in the battalion's last series of marches."
The Distinguished Service Order is regarded as a " lighting decoration " as distinguished from
decorations for general service, and consists of a cross with a blue and red ribbon, which, when
worn, takes precedence of all other decorations except the Victoria Cross. The order was instituted
in 1886, and the Companions rank after the C M.C. and C.I.E. and before baronets' eldest sons.
The decoration is a handsome gold cross, enamelled white, edge gold, the centre being an Imperial
ROYAL GRENADIERS' BAYONET TEAM
Winners at Military Tournament, Toronto, 1903
crown in gold on a red ground surrounded by a green laurel wreath. The decoration is granted
only to officers. The equivalent for non-commissioned officers and men is the Distinguished Conduct
Medal. The Brevet rank of Major was' conferred upon Capt. Mason by the Canadian Government
for his services in South Africa.
Surgeon Colonel G. Sterling Ryerson, who had accompanied the Royal Grenadiers as surgeon
throughout the Northwest campaign, proceeded to South Africa with the brigade division of field
artillery as representative of the Red Cross Society, and was able to perform conspicuously good
service, which was referred to in a most complimentary manner by Lord Roberts, Lord Methuen
and other generals at the front. The genial doctor's work at the front was by no means confined to
—105—
the Canadian contingents, as he was for some time chief representative at the front of the British
Red Cross Society as well as the Canadian one.
In her report to the Director General of Medical Services, Miss Pope, Superintendent of the first
contingent of Canadian Nursing- Sisters to South Africa, gives us a glimpse of the good work done
by Dr. Ryerson in South Africa. Writing of the service of herself and her colleagues in the Kroon-
stadt hotel hospital Miss Pope reported : — " We had here 30 officers and over 200 men, nearly
all suffering from enteric fever. In this place so recently occupied by the English, during the
unavoidable delay in receiving our hospital stores, we were greatly aided by Lieut. -Col. Ryerson
and his Red Cross supplies. Suits of pyjamas, tins of condensed milk, beef essence, good whisky,
and many other medical comforts were given us by the Colonel, who very kindly looked out for
our personal comfort as well."
Miss Hurcomb, head nurse with the second contingent, mentioned in her reports: — "We were
met at Kimberley by Col. Ryerson. We were much indebted to Col. Ryerson and the Canadian
Red Cross Society for the help which they gave in the way of supplies of every description,
which helped us very materially in our work."
Among the most enthusiastic residents of Canada at the time of the outbreak of the South
African war was Capt. A. L. Howard, who as Lieut. Howard of the Connecticut National Guard
in his capacity as expert handler of the Galling Guns, cut such a picturesque figure during the
Northwest Campaign of 1885 Shortly after the rebellion, Capt. Howard disposed of his interests in
the United States, and coming to Canada identified himself thoroughly with the interests of the
Dominion. He established a large and well-equipped cartridge factory, at Brownsburg, Quebec,
where he delighted to receive and entertain his old comrades of the rebellion. At the time that the
first contingent for South Africa was mobolized Capt. Howard was in a remote part of the country,
but as soon as he ascertained that the Dominion Government proposed to send a force to South
Africa, he not only volunteered his services but offered to raise and equip at his own expense a
battery of galloping guns, but the Militia Department declined to entertain the offer. At the time
the second contingent was being raised he was so persistent in his offers that his personal services
were accepted and he was sent to South Africa in command of the Machine Gun detachment of the
Canadian Mounted Rifles. He distinguished himself greatly during the period of service of this
corps, and upon its return to Canada he remained in South Africa at the request cf the military
authorities, (who awarded him the rank ot Major in the Army), and from the returning Canadian
units organized an irregular mounted corps, which under the name of "The Canadian Scouts,"
rendered conspicuously valuable service during the latter stages of the long war. Unfortunately
Major Howard's reckless bravery, and his devotion to the country of his adoption resulted in the
sacrifice of his life in the field, greatly to the regret of his many Canadian friends and to none
more than his old friends and comrades of the Royal Grenadiers. A short time prior to his
departure for South Africa Major Howard instructed a well-known Ottawa artist to execute three
paintings of himself to be presented to the Royal Grenadiers, the 43rd Battalion of Ottawa, and
the goth Battalion of Winnipeg. The portrait presented to the Royal Grenadiers was unveiled on
the 1 2th of May, 1903, at the i7th annual Batoche dinner of the officers of the regiment held in
the officers' mess room at the Armories. The ceremony was performed by Col. Ryerson, who
testified to the many good qualities of Major Howard.
The force actually despatched to South Africa does not represent all that Canada did in the way
of Imperial defence at the time of the Boer War. It was desirable that as many of the regular
regiments of the army as possible should be available for active service, and the Dominion
Government offered to raise a regiment to relieve the infantry battalion then in garrison at Halifax,
and which happened to be ist Battalion of the Prince of Wales' Leinster Regiment (Royal Cana-
dians). The offer was accepted, and the result was the embodiment of the 3rd (Special Service)
Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Infantry. As it was understood that in the event of
another Canadian infantry regiment being sent to South Africa the Halifax garrison regiment would
be sent, and a new corps raised to replace it, a splendid regiment was easily recruited. The corps
was not required for service in the field, although its services were volunteered, and it was disbanded
September, 1902.
-106—
The establishment of this battalion, which was organized March ist, 1900, was 29 officers and
975 non-commissioned officers and men, but the whole regiment was never mobolized at Halifax,
the western company being retained at Esquimalt, British Columbia, for garrison duties there. The
regiment, thanks largely to the untiring efforts of Sergt. -Major (now Captain) Butcher, R. R.C.I, its
drill instructor, attained a very high state of perfection as regards drill, members of the Imperial
staff at Halifax expressing the opinion that the regiment possessed as good physique its the ordinary
regular regiment, that the men showed superior intelligence, and that their drill was better than the
average.
The Royal Grenadiers contributed no less than seven officers and sixteen non-com, officers
and men to this regiment. The officers were Major G. A. Stimson ; Lieutenants J. C. Law,
S. A. Heward, R. Wood ; Second Lieutenants E. du Domaine, C. O. Beardmore, T. F. H. Dixon.
Major Stimson was the second in command, and for some days during the mobilization of the
corps at Halifax was actually in command.
The non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Grenadiers who served in the 3rd (Special
Service) Battalion were as follows : — -Lance Corporal H. A. Carter ; Privates W. E. Carter, H. Allen,
W. Fell, W. Gibson, N. De Guerre, R. Feasby, F. Malone, W. Limpert, W. McKim, W. R. Reed,
W. J. Robinson, W. Scott, R. Tresidder, H. Van Norman, T. H. Webb.
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Chapter XIII
REGIMENTAL EVENTS OF THE PAST FEW YEARS
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INCE igoo, some half dozen events stand out conspicuously in the history of the
Royal Grenadiers : Three changes in the establishment, the net result of which is
a considerable increase in the regimental strength ; the death of Queen Victoria
and the accession of King Edward VII, January 22nd, 1901 ; the visit of Their
Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (now the Prince
and Princess of Wales) to Toronto, October, 1901 ; a change in the regimental
command in June, 1902, and a couple of calls upon the regiment for service in aid
of the civil power.
The date of the first of the two last changes in the establishment of the Royal
Grenadiers' was May, 1901, the establishment being increased, but the organization
changed from 10 to 8 stronger companies, and the regiment to consist of 31 officers,
38 staff-sergeants and sergeants, 401 rank and file, in all 470. In accordance with
the General Order concerning this change in the establishment, "I" and "K"
companies were disbanded and their officers and men transferred to other companies,
the non-commissioned officers and men of "I" Company being transferred to "A"
and "D" companies, and ihose of "K" Company being drafted to the ranks of
"C" Company. A number of the non-commissioned officers and men of "C"
Company were transferred to " D," " F," and " G " Company.
The second of these changes came into force on July 2nd, 1902, the new authorized strength
of the Royal Grenadiers being 568, as compared with 470 previously. For the annual inspection
of that year the loth Royal Grenadiers paraded 534 strong, being 94 per cent, of the authorized
strength, in this respect heading the brigade.
During the autumn of 1904 a further increase of the strength by 17, making a total of 589, to
permit of the formation of a stretcher section, was authorized.
In no part of the British Empire was the course of the fatal illness of the venerable and
venerated Queen Victoria followed with more loving sympathy than in Canada, nowhere was the
news of the close of Her Majesty's long and glorious career received with more profound sorrow.
The event marked the close of an epoch in the Canadian Militia no less than in the world.
February the 2nd, upon the occasion of the funeral of Her Majesty, there was a spontaneous
demonstration of sorrow at the Empire's loss in Toronto, tens of thousands of people attending the
various church services. To the roll of muffled drums and the music of the "Dead March" as
played by the regimental bands, 1,681 men, comprising the garrison of the city of Toronto, marched
to St. Andrew's church in the afternoon to pay their last tribute of respect. The Royal Grenadiers
mustered 430 strong upon this solemn occasion. At the conclusion of the memorial services in the
church, and after the men had returned to the Armouries, the last sad chapter was enacted. The
garrison was drawn up in review order, and then, in accordance with the Militia orders, Major
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Galloway, doing1 temporary staff duty at the time, read the proclamation setting forth that Queen
Victoria having1 passed away, her son, Edward VII., reigned in her stead. All officers were enjoined
to take the oath of allegiance to the King, and the men to remain true and faithful in his service.
The bands struck up "Clod Save the King," after which the men gave three hearty cheers for Edward
VII. The proclamation was read amid the booming of the guns of the gth Field Battery, which were
stationed in the square outside the Armouries. During the service the battery fired minute guns, 81
rounds in all being fired.
Some time previous to her death, Her Majesty Queen Victoria had expressed her desire that the
Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York should visit the principal British possessions beyond the
seas as a royal acknowledgment of the Crown's appreciation of the loyalty of the colonies, and the
bravery displayed by their troops during the South African War. King Edward, upon ascending the
throne, decided that the
intention of his revered
mother should be car-
ried out, and the histori-
cal tour round the world
of the " Ophir," in 1901,
was the result.
Upon the occasion of
the visit of the Duke
and Duchess of Cornwall
and York to Toronto
the Royal Grenadiers
took part in lining the
streets and furnishing
the guards of honor. It
also participated in the
big Royal Review held
in Toronto, Friday, Oct.
i ith, and was one of the
regiments composing the
first Infantry Brigade
commanded by Lieut.-
Col. James Mason, for-
mer commanding officer
of the regiment. The
strength of the regiment
upon this occasion was
517, which was four less
than the muster the day
previous, when the regiment paraded to line the streets upon the occasion of the arrival of the Royal
couple.
Altogether 11,000 Ontario militiamen participated in this famous Royal Review, being the largest
number of Canadian. militia ever assembled together.
A couple of days prior to the big review, the units selected to take part therein were mobilized
at the Exhibition Grounds, a full staff being appointed to take charge of the camp, Major-General
O'Grady Haly himself commanding. Upon Col. Otter, C.B., A.D.C., D.O.C., naturally fell the
arduous work of planning, preparing, and carrying out the necessary arrangements involving the
mobilization of so large a body of troops. That all the plans worked successfully, smoothly, and
without discomfort, is an evidence of his judgment, foresight, untiring energy, and close attention
to all details involved. On this occasion Capt. Montgomery, of the Royal Grenadiers, joined the
Headquarters Staff as Garrison Provost Marshal, a position entailing much work and responsibility.
Owing largely to the good behaviour of the men of the Ontario militia, no unpleasant incident occurred.
THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF YORK AT THE CITY HALL, TORONTO, OCT. 1901
Guard of Honor furnished by the Royal Grenadiers
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The Royal Grenadiers furnished no less than three guards of honor during the Royal visit, as
follows : — At the City Hall, October loth, under the command of Capt. Sloane, the subalterns being-
Lieut. Wilkie and 2nd Lieut. Hunter.
At Government House, on the evening of October nth, the officers being Capt. Craig, Lieut
Wilkie, and 2nd Lieut. Armstrong.
At the Union Station, on the departure of the Duke and Duchess, on the morning of October
1 2th, the officers being Capt. Mason, Lieut. Mathews, and and Lieut. Adam.
In June, 1902, every preparation was made to take the regiment to Montreal to participate in
the monster review arranged to take place in that city on the 26th, in honor of the coronation of
His Majesty King Edward VII., which was fixed for the date named. The orders for the review
were cancelled, however, on account of the postponement of the coronation ceremony owing to the
serious illness of His Majesty.
The Royal Grenadiers furnished four non-commissioned officers to the contingent sent to London
on the coronation of His Majesty, King Edward VII., viz.: Color-Sergt. Middleton, Color-Sergt. D.
McHugh, Color-Sergt. Freemantle, and Sergt. Mole.
The last change in the regimental command took place in 1902, Lieut. -Col. Bruce, at the close
of the spring drill of that year, owing to the pressure of business, being reluctantly compelled to
resign his command and pass to the reserve of officers. He was succeeded by Lieut -Col. George
A. Stimson.
Lieut. -Col. Bruce's valedictory address appeared in Orders, June iith, 1902. It reads thus:—
11 Lieut. -Col. Bruce, in resigning the command of the Royal Grenadiers, desires to express his
great regret at being obliged, through pressure of official and private affairs, to sever his connection
with the regiment in which he has served continuously for nearly twenty-two years, and to express
his grateful appreciation of the loyal support that has been accorded him by the officers, non-com-
missioned officers and men in maintaining the high standard of efficiency which the regiment admit-
tedly holds in the active militia of Canada.
" During the past three years Canada has taken an active part in the South African War,
waged for the maintenance of the integrity of the empire. The troops sent from Canada won the
warmest approbation of the general officers under whom they served for their bravery and efficiency,
and to the various contingents the Royal Grenadiers have had the honor of contributing no fewer
than forty-seven officers, non-commissioned officers and men. These have well upheld the traditions of
the regiment, and one officer (Brevet Major Mason) has had the honor of having conferred upon him the
decoration of the Distinguished Service Order.
" During the past year the regiment had the honor of taking part in the Review held in the city
of Toronto before His Royal Highness the Duke of Cornwall and York.
"For years the regiment has maintained a strength largely in excess of its establishment, and
it is H source of great satisfaction to Lieut. -Col. Bruce that during his term of command this has
been recognized by the Militia Department, and the authorized strength increased to 568 men of all
ranks, arranged on the basis of eight companies.
"The Royal Grenadiers may be assured that Lieut. -Col. Bruce will always take a deep and
abiding interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the Regiment in which he has served so long,
and which he has had the honour of commanding during an eventful period of its history, and owing
to the esprit-de-corps and spirit of good feeling which pervades all ranks he has the utmost confidence
that the support and assistance so loyally given him during the term of his command will be continued
to his successor."
Lieut. -Col. George A. Stimson, who succeeded Lieut. -Col. Bruce in the command of the regiment,
had eleven and a half years' service in the regiment previous to his obtaining the command, having
been gazetted 2nd lieutenant in January, 1891. He obtained his lieutenancy in September of the
same year, his captaincy in 1895, and his majority five years later. Lieut. -Col. Stimson served nearly
a year as senior major with the 3rd special service battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment of
Infantry, stationed at Halifax, temporarily commanding the regiment for a portion of the time.
The two calls made upon the regiment during recent years for actual service have been the result
of troubles between employer and employed.
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June 23rd, 1902, the Royal Grenadiers, as well as the other Toronto corps, were called out for
service in aid of the civil power, for one day, in connection with the strike of the Toronto Street
Railway Company's employees. An incident in connection with this short tour of active duty indicated
that the officers of the regiment were determined to live up to the letter of the regimental motto,
"Ready, aye Ready." At the time the trouble between the company and its employees developed,
Col. Bruce and almost all the officers of the Grenadiers had accepted an invitation from Major Gooderham
to participate with him in a cruise to Niagara, on his yacht " Cleopatra," and to spend Sunday there,
the main object being to visit the district militia camp, then in progress. Immediately after it was
intimated that the Royal Grenadiers were required to turn out for service, Major Gooderham had
steam up and the "Cleopatra" started at once for Toronto, arriving in ample time for the officers
to take the necessary steps to have the regiment on parade early Monday morning at the hour
specified in orders.
In September and October, 1903, serious trouble developed between the employers and employees
of the big mills at Sault Ste. Marie, and the local authorities being unable to cope with the difficulty
an appeal was made to Toronto for assistance,
detachments from the Toronto corps being
detailed, and leaving for Sault Ste. Marie upon
short notice. The Royal Grenadiers upon this
occasion furnished a detachment of seventy men
under command of Capt. J. D. Mackay, his
subalterns being Lieut. J. C. Law and Lieut. H.
S. Adam.
A provisional battalion was formed ; Major
Mercer, Q.O.R., in command, Capt. Mackay
acting as major, Color-Sergt. Hornshaw, "C"
Company, acting sergeant-major, and Staff Sergt.
J. H. Simpson, acting as orderly room clerk,
both non-commissioned officers of the Royal
Grenadiers' detachment. The contingent left
on Tuesday, September 2gth, and returned on
Friday, October 2nd, having in the meantime
travelled a distance of 970 miles, and performed
arduous duties under trying conditions. Dis-
cipline and conduct were excellent, and met
with the approval of the G.O.C., whose remarks
were published in orders.
Although the events referred to in the
proceeding paragraphs stand out conspicuously
in the recent history of the regiment, they do
GEO. A. STIMSON, 1904
not include all of the noteworthy happenings in
the Grenadiers during the past four or five years.
The ceremony of presenting the service medals to the veterans of the Fenian Raids of 1866 and
1870, and the Red River Expedition, took place at the Armouries February gth, 1900. The pleasant
duty of presenting the medals fell to the wives of the officers of the various corps, Mrs. Bruce, assisted
by Mrs. Mason and Mrs. McMurrich, performing the service for the Grenadiers. In all, ninety
veterans of the Grenadiers responded to the roll call.
On May 24th, 1900, the Duke of York's Royal Canadian Hussars, of Montreal, with the three
infantry regiments of the Toronto garrison, the 2nd Q.O.R., the loth R.G., and the 48th Highlanders,
paraded at the University campus, in review order, being reviewed by His Excellency, the Governor-
General, the Earl of Minto, who was attended by a brilliant staff. After the inspection the feit-dc-joie
was fired and three cheers, led by the Governor-General, were given for Her Most Gracious Majesty.
The troops then marched past, and after a few evolutions returned to quarters and were dismissed.
The evening of May 26th the regiment also furnished a Guard of Honour at the Parliament
-111—
Building, Queen's Park, the occasion being- a brilliant reception, given by their Excellencies the Gov-
ernor-General and Countess of Minto. The officers of the guard were Capt. Mackay, Lieut. McGill
and 2nd Lieut, du Domaine.
The Thanksgiving Day sham fight this year (1900) took place on October igth, in the vicinity of
High Park, the invading force being in command of Lieut. -Col. Mason.
November 151)1, 1900, the Royal Grenadiers were inspected by Major-General O'Grady Haly, C.B. ,
commanding the Canadian Militia. The regiment mustered 425 strong, and under command of Lieut. -
Col. Bruce, was put through a number of manoeuvres. At the conclusion the Major-General, address-
ing the regiment, remarked: — "In coming here to-night I expected to see a fine regiment, and
speaking candidly, I have not been disappointed. I was pleased at the very steady manner in which
you moved, and gratified at the trim and well-kept appearance of both officers and men. I consider
it a privilege for any man to serve in so fine a regiment. The regiment of the Grenadiers has a
proud record, and it should be the ambition of all hands to endeavour to keep up the fine reputation
it now enjoys. I need hardly tell you how much a regiment is enhanced by attention to personal
appearance, not only on parade, but also by the conduct of the men when on the street, especially in
uniform. It is unnecessary for me to multiply words. I can only congratulate Col. Bruce, the
officers and men for the extremely creditable turnout."
March 2oth, 1901, Captain Alexander James Boyd of the Royal Grenadiers was honoured by his
brother officers, previous to his departure for South Africa as an officer of the S. A. Constabulary.
The occasion took the form of a regimental dinner at the Armouries. Lieut. -Col. Bruce presided, and
the regimental guests included Capt. Boyd, his father, Chancellor Sir John Boyd, and Major D. M.
Howard of Strathcona's Horse. Capt. Boyd was bade good-bye by his brother officers with enthusiasm
and good will, a ring being presented to him as a token of the friendship of his brother officers.
May 24th, 1903, the Royal Grenadiers visited St. Thomas, Ontario, in connection with the five
days' centenary celebration of the Talbot settlement in South Western Ontario. The Royal Grenadiers
were 500 strong, and were reviewed with the 24th Regiment of Chatham, and the 25th of St. Thomas.
The Grenadiers trooped the color to the delight of an immense gathering, and under almost perfect
conditions, the weather being delightful and the ground selected admirably adapted for the purpose.
In the autumn of 1903, by permission of His Majesty, Canada was favoured with a visit from
the famous band of the Coldstream Guards. While in Toronto the bandsmen were the guests of the
Royal Grenadiers, and attended the regimental church parade on Sunday afternoon, September 3oth,
to St. James Cathedral. The day was an ideal one and thousands of people lined the streets to see
the parade, and to hear the band of one of the Empire's most famous and historical regiments.
During the service the Coldstream's band played the "Hallelujah" chorus from "The Messiah" with
magnificent effect. While in Toronto the band gave a series of concerts, one given being especially
for the benefit of the school children, who had a half holiday for the occasion. Needless to say that
everyone in Toronto took full advantage of the opportunity to hear this famous band. As a pleasant
souvenir of his visit to Canada, Mr. McKenzie Rogan, bandmaster of the Coldstream's, was presented
by the officers of the Royal Grenadiers with a beautiful conductor's baton, made of Canadian birds-
eye maple, the presentation being made in Ottawa on behalf of the regiment, it being found impos-
sible to have the baton ready for presentation before the band left Toronto.
The Thanksgiving Day outing of 1903 took the shape of a sham fight in the vicinity of Rosedale,
the Royal Grenadiers upon this occasion forming part of the attacking force, which was under the
command of Lieut. -Col. J. I. Davidson, Brigade Commander Toronto Infantry Brigade.
The year 1903 proved to be one of the most successful the regiment has ever had. For many
years it had been over strength, the cost to maintain the extra number of men over and above
the authorized establishment being borne solely by the regiment. This was cheerfully done, but it
was nevertheless a burden. The increase in the establishment to 568, to a very large extent,
removed this burden, but the regiment still carries on the rolls an excess over its establishment,
the number of men on the list running over 600.
At the close of the autumn drill season of 1903 the regiment was inspected in drill by Col.
Otter, C.B., A.D.C., D.O.C., who had just returned from England, where he had been attending the
autumn manoeuvres of the British Army. A large and brilliant assemblage of ladies and gentlemen,
—112—
the guests of Lieut. -Col. Stimson and officers, filled the officers' gallery and also the floor of the
Armoury in front of the officers' quarters. The galleries at both eiuls, as well as the hand gallery,
were also filled to overflowing with the friends of the non-commissioned officers and men. The
muster roll was first called, and all but sixteen answered to their names. These were afterwards
accounted for, having been unavoidably prevented from appearing on parade. At 9 p.m. the regiment
formed up in review order for battalion inspection, forming three sides of a square and presenting a
splendid appearance.
Col. Otter, who was accompanied by the Lieutenant-Governor and staff, having been received
with a general salute, proceeded to make a close inspection of the ranks, after which the regiment
marched past in column and again in quarter column. These movements were performed in such a
SURVIVORS OF No. i COMPANY AT FENIAN RAID IN 1866
Photographed in 1900
manner as to draw forth the unstinted applause of the spectators. The distribution of prizes won at
the regimental rifle marches then took place, Mrs. Mortimer Clark, wife of the Lieutenant-Governor,
handing them to the winners.
At the conclusion of the ceremony in the hall, refreshments were provided for the guests in the
mess-room, where a pleasant hour was spent. This brought to a fitting close the drill season of
1903, Lieut. -Col. Stimson having every reason to feel proud that he commanded a first-class regi-
ment, fit for any duty it might be called upon to perform, and fully capable of sustaining its record
and prepared to live up to its motto, " Ready, aye Ready."
The quarters of the Royal Grenadiers in which this function was held are among the best
appointed and most suitable in Canada. The ante-room in the officers' quarters in the south side
of the building is a very handsome room and one that has been much admired. The officers of the
— 113-
regiment furnished and equipped it at their own expense, and did it in luxurious style. The walls
are adorned with portraits of officers and others who have been connected with the regiment. In one
corner stands a magnificent grandfather's clock, the gift to the officers' mess of Major A. E. Gooder-
ham. Another treasured ornament is a Mauser rifle, the gift of the late Major A. J. Boyd and a
souvenir of his campaign in South Africa. In another place hangs a tattered Transvaal flag or
" Vierkleur," presented to the officers by Major D. M. Howard, formerly of the regiment, but now
of the Northwest Mounted Police, this being the last of the enemy's flags hauled down when General
French captured Barberton. These and other relics serve as eloquent reminders of the stern realities
of war, and moreover prove the binding character of the bond which unites the various portions
of the Empire and make it one. The ante-room is frequently used, being always most cheerfully
placed at the disposal of those who may require the use of the adjoining mess-room for social pur-
poses. The Royal Grenadiers have a famous record in the social world, the regiment always being
a prominent factor not only in the militia but also in the society circle of Toronto. For several years
the regiment gave a brilliant series of assemblies, invitations to which were much sought after by
the leading society people of Toronto and vicinity. They have for the present been discontinued
largely owing to the burning down of the Pavilion in the Horticultural Gardens, in which they
used to be held. Among the annual social features in the quarters is the Batoche dinner, which
is always held on or as soon after the anniversary of that battle as circumstances will permit.
All officers are supposed to attend, and the presence of a large number of past officers is always
a pleasing and welcome feature, showing they still retain a love for and an interest in the welfare
of their old corps.
At the time of the appointment ol the present commanding officer but little had been done
to relieve the severe appearance of the room allotted to the commanding officer. Shortly after
assuming command Lieut. -Col. Stimson had the walls of the room tinted, the floor carpeted and
a very comfortable cushioned seat placed around the room. Pictures of Their Majesties, the King
and Queen, of Lord Roberts and others, adorn the walls, as does also a large and very handsome
shield on which is artistically arranged a steel cuirass, a steel helmet, crossed swords, cutlasses, etc.,
all of the pattern of a century ago. Altogether, the room is one of the most comfortable that could
well be desired, and here the Colonel transacts a large amount of the regimental business which
naturally falls to the lot of a commanding officer.
On account of insufficient space, the sergeants have had to go outside of the public buildings
for their mess quarters, which are located on Queen Street a few hundred yards from the Armory.
They are large and commodious, one room especially, being well suited for regimental and company
dinners, re-unions and concerts. Indeed almost all of the companies' annual dinners and
re-unions are held here. The Sergeants' mess also has its annual Batoche dinner which is held on
the anniversary of that fight, and is one of ihe noteworthy events of the regimental year. The
sergeants spare no pains to make this dinner worthy of the regiment and of the occasion, and the
invitation list includes the Governor-General, the Head-Quarter staff, the D.O.C., the Commanding
officer and officers of the regiment and also representatives from sister corps. The president of the
Sergeants' mess for 1904-05 is Color-Sergeant J.H.Bennett, of the staff.
The fact that sergeants are the backbone of a regiment is exceptionally well demonstrated in
the case of the Royal Grenadiers, for the commissioned officers of the regiment themselves are among
the first to gladly admit that much of the success of the regiment has depended upon the devotion
and energy of the non-commissioned officers. It is safe to say that no regiment in the Canadian
Militia can boast of a finer body of warrant and non-commissioned officers than can the Royal
Grenadiers. Well disciplined, hard working, proud of their regiment's record and thoroughly imbued
with a spirit of proper corps pride, devoted to their regiment and to their commanding officers, it is
not to be wondered at that they have won the admiration of all who can appreciate soldierly merit
nor that the Royal Grenadiers can boast being in the proud position of being one of the strongest
and most efficient units in the active Militia Service.
Abundant proof of the constant devotion of the non-commissioned officers of the Royal Grenadiers
to their regiment is afforded by the exceptionally large number of sergeants who have served for
many years with the colors, many of them having very long service.
— 114-
The Royal Grenadiers have the honor of having- among the non-com, officers of the regiment no
i han three warrant officers : — Serpent-Major H. W. Johnston, Sergeant-Major Jas. T. Cox and
Mr. James Waldron, bandmaster. The latter holds two warrants, one from the Imperial Service and
one from the Militia Department.
Sergeant-Major Johnston has seen very many years service in the militia, having joined the Q.O. R.
in May 1872 and serving three years in the drums of that regiment. He joined the loth in June,
1875, serving one year in the drums, being promoted to sergeant in 1876, and receiving the colors
in 1878. He held in succession the following appointments : Paymaster-sergeant, May 1890:
quartermaster-sergeant May, 1893, sergeant-major, May 1900. In the latter year he received his
BAND OF THE ROYAL GRENADIERS, 1904
warrant rank. Sergeant-Major Johnston served in the N.W. Rebellion as color- sergeant of No. 2
Service Company and has the Northwest medal and clasp, and also the Long Service Medal.
Sergeant-Major James T. Cox saw his first military service in the regular army, having enlisted
for the i6th Bedfordshire Regiment of Foot, October I2th, 1857. He came to Canada with the
regiment at the time of the Trent affair, namely, in December, 1861. Was present with the regiment
at the Niagara frontier at the time of the Fenian Raid, in 1866, and was one of those who received
the medal for that service some thirty years later. His promotions in the regular army were as
follows : corporal, June ist, 1862 ; sergeant, May ist, 1864 (while stationed in Toronto) ; color-sergeant,
December ist, 1866; sergeant-major, January nth, 1874. He was made warrant officer April ist,
1 88 1, the date on which that rank came into use in the army. He returned to Ireland with the regiment
— 115--
in February, 1870, and received the medal for long service and good conduct in February, 1877.
He was attached to the Royal Jersey Militia as sergeant-major upon the reorganization of that force
in March, 1881, remained with them until September ist, 1888, when he retired, after completing
thirty years and 324 days service, for the purpose of proceeding to Toronto to join the Royal
Grenadiers, which corps he was enrolled in on September lath, 1888. His service has been a long
and honorable one, in recognition of which, on November I2th, 1904, on the occasion of His Excellency,
the Earl of Minto's farewell visit to Toronto, at a special parade called for the- purpose, Sergt. -Major
Cox was presented by His Excellency with the Imperial Meritorious Service Medal, granted by the
War Office authorities.
Bandmaster J. Waldron, of the Royal Grenadiers, also saw his first military service in the
regular army, having enlisted in the Connaught Rangers (88th regiment) May 26th, 1857. He was
promoted to be bandmaster of the first battalion of the 8th, the King's Liverpool Regiment, July ist,
1875, and in February, 1888, while his regiment was quartered at Halifax, Nova Scotia, he took
his discharge from the King's Regiment to accept the appointment of bandmaster of the Royal
Grenadiers, thus completing a period of service with the Imperial Army of thirty years and nine months,
for twelve years and two months of which time he held rank as bandmaster and warrant officer.
Upon the institution of warrant rank in the Canadian Militia, Mr. Waldron was appointed a warrant
officer.
Drum-Major Jacob Thomas Farmer, is one ot the oldest non-commissioned officers of the regiment,
and another of the regular army veterans serving in the Royal Grenadiers, having joined the service
as a drummer boy in the 3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards, June loth, 1855. In 1870 he was transferred
as drum major to the Royal Lancaster Regiment. In 1879 he volunteered for service on the West
Coast of Africa, and served there with the First West India Regiment, being invalided home in 1881
and joining the depot of the Royal Lancaster Regiment, at Lancaster. He was discharged from
the regular service in 1882, came to Canada in 1883, and after a short stay, went to the United States.
At the outbreak of the Northwest Rebellion, in 1885, he came back to Canada and enlisted in the
Northwest Mounted Police, from which he took his discharge in 1890. In 1892 he assumed charge
of the drums of the Royal Grenadiers. In 1900 he volunteered for service in South Africa, and
joined Strathcona Horse, of which regiment he was trumpet-major. He returned to Canada in 1901
when he resumed his former position as drum-major of the Grenadiers which appointment he still holds.
No reference to the senior non-commissioned officers of the regiment would be complete without
mention being made of Paymaster-Sergt. W. J. Bewley, who, in point of length of continuous service
is the senior in the regiment. He joined the loth Royals August i6th, 1873, and has, therefore,
thirty-one years of service to his credit, and has served under no fewer than eight commanding officers.
He was for many years sergeant in the drums and served through the Northwest Rebellion of 1885
as drum-major and has the Northwest medal and clasp and the long service medal. He became
paymaster-sergeant in 1894, which rank he still holds, with every indication that for many years to
come the regiment he has served in so faithfully, will not be without his services.
In Lieut. -Col. Stimson the regiment has a commanding officer who has shown himself thoroughly
alive to the importance of the sergeants in a regiment, and to the desirability of encouraging by all
means in his power their esprit de corps — one of his first acts after attaining the command being to
offer a handsome challenge cup for competition in rifle-shooting between the sergeants of the three
infantry regiments of the Toronto Garrison. The terms of the competition are as follows : — The com-
petition to be an annual one, each team to be composed of ten sergeants. The cup to be held by
the Sergeants' Mess of the regiment to which the winning team belongs. The highest aggregate
scores in a series of matches, to determine the winning team.
In 1903, the first year of the competition, the sergeants of Lieut.-Col. Stimson's own regiment
had the honour of retaining the cup, and they repeated their victory in 1904.
At the ceremony of presenting the trophy, after the contest in 1903, Staff-Sergeant Hutchinson of
the Queen's Own, in speaking of the great stimulus the Stimson Cup had proved to marksmanship
among the sergeants of the Toronto regiments, expressed the wish that some one would offer a
similar trophy for competition between teams representing the regiments as a whole. Col. Stimson
promptly accepted the idea, and he generously offered to provide a trophy for the suggested compe-
—116—
tilion, to be called the Inter-Regimental Stimson Trophy, and to be competed for annually hy teams
of thirty men from each of the three infantry regiments of the Toronto Garrison. The trophy to be
held by the Commanding Officer of the regiment winning it for the year.
Lieut. -Col. Stimson apparently believes in promoting a spirit of emulation in militia organizations,
and another of the events of the first year of his tenure of the command, was his announcement that
he had determined to revive the company competition for the Cumberland Cup, which had been dis-
continued for some nine years. This competition was originally instituted by Capt. F. Barlow Cum-
berland, late of the loth Royals, in 1882, as a memorial of his father, the late Lieut. -Col. F. VV.
Cumberland, the founder and first commanding officer of the regiment. The trophy itself is a hand-
some silver cup on an ebony base. This base is surrounded by silver shields, on which are engraved
the names of the officers commanding the winning companies. The original conditions were that it
was to be competed for each year, and to be held by the successful competititors for twelve months.
The terms of the competition, which are to be modified
somewhat, included proficiency in company and drill and
manual exercises, whilst points were also given for average
attendance by the men of each company at the regular
weekly drills in proportion to the strength of the former.
The winners from 1884 to 1894, inclusive, were : "G"
Company, 1884 and 1886; "F" Company, i88?-'88, and
1891 ; "A" Company, i88<> and 1893; and "B" Company,
1892 and 1894.
Shortly after assuming the command, Lieut. -Col. Stim-
son set himself to the task of restoring another distinc-
tive and characteristic feature of the life of the regiment
by resuscitating the Fife and Drum Band, which, although
a distinguishing adjunct of a Grenadier regiment, had been
replaced by a Bugle Band some ten years previously.
Lieut. -Co!. Stimson at once ordered a complete set of
instruments from England, and as soon as they arrived,
in March, 1903, practice was at once begun under charge
of Drum-Major Farmer. The new band of fifes and
drums turned out for the first time with the regiment at
the church parade, September 2oth, 1903. After a little
more than a year's existence and hard practice, the fifes
and drums are a credit to the Royal Grenadiers, and
decidedly increases the resemblance of Toronto's famous
red-coat regiment to the only regiment retaining the name
of Grenadiers in the regular service, the Grenadier Guards.
The uniform of the Royal Grenadiers has several
points of resemblance to the Grenadier Guards. Although
there has been, for various reasons, no attempt to
imitate that distinguished regiment exactly, the practice
commonly followed in the Canadian Militia of justifying distinguished regimental names by
preserving a reasonable resemblance in uniform to the regiment or branch of the service
in the regular army from which the said name was derived, has been followed in the Royal
Grenadiers. When the regiment was first organized as the Tenth Royals the usual regulation uniform
of the militia infantry, with scarlet tunic was adopted, officers and men supplying themselves with
shakos of the old fashion, with the distinguishing scarlet bands of the Royal regiments in the army,
round the bottom. The officers provided themselves with full winter uniform, including grey Persian
lamb caps and overcoats trimmed with the same fur. When shakos passed out of fashion and
helmets became the vogue for full head-dress, black helmets with brass mountings for men, and gilt
for the officers were adopted, and these remained in use until the regiment was accorded its present
designation, when, as some justification for the name, the grenade was adopted as a badge, and the
bearskin as the full-dress head-dress. Shortly afterwards the round forage cap of Grenadier Guards
STAFF-SERGEANT JAMES HfTcmxsox
—117—
pattern was adopted for all ranks. Shortly after the return of the regiment from active service in
the Northwest, to be exact, on October 28th, 1885, regimental orders contained notification that
authority had been received for the non-commissioned officers of the regiment to wear the cheverons
on both arms as a special case. Another regimental order of the same day informed the officers
that permission had been granted to provide themselves with " the patrol jacket of the pattern
approved of by the officers at a meeting held on the 3ist August last," the change to come into
effect when the drill season of 1886 began. The new patrol jacket was of the ordinary blue-black
cloth, but instead of the customary mohair braid embroidery and frogs of the old regulation
infantry patrol jacket, the breast was covered with broad straps of braid with loose ends or "flaps"
after the pattern of the old staff patrol jacket, and very much resembling the ornamentation of the
undress frock coats of the officers of the regiments of Guards. The last change in the dress
regulations of the Royal Grenadiers was sanctioned during the autumn of 1903, when Major-General, the
Earl of Dundonald, G. O.C., granted permission for the officers of the Royal Grenadiers to wear
the same pattern tunic as worn by the officers of the Grenadier Guards, and also the broad red
stripe on the trousers.
It has become the practice for arm-chair critics of things military, the good people who consider
themselves veritable encyclopedias of military knowledge, because they have read the newspaper
reports of a couple of campaigns, and who have satisfied themselves that a raw recruit is worth
half a dozen trained soldiers, to rail at the value of military organization and to belittle the great
practical utility of the various special characteristics of uniform and habit which make a soldier proud
of his regiment and of himself. But the theory of these critics is abundantly discredited by the
record of the Royal Grenadiers, a regiment which has developed in all the essentials of real practical
military efficiency in proportion to the growth of regimental smartness and corps pride.
Not the least successful among the many successful years that the Royal Grenadiers have
experienced has been the year 1904, now rapidly drawing to a close.
Although the establishment has been further increased during the year there are still a number of
men over and above the authorized establishment carried on the strength, as was evidenced on the
muster parade on November loth, when one man more than the establishment of the non-com-
missioned officers and privates answered to the roll call, and there were many accounted for as
being unavoidably absent owing to business engagements, sickness, etc. The attendance at all
parades and drills during the year was most satisfactory, and on all public parades the Royal
Grenadiers have drawn favorable comments upon their smart appearance and soldierly bearing. The
reputation of the Regiment for practical military efficiency has been well sustained. Movements in
drill have been uniformly well executed, and sustained proficiency in the use of the rifle has been
amply illustrated by the brilliant records made both at the Long Branch and the Rockcliffe Rifle
Ranges.
The prizes won at the Annual Regimental Rifle Matches of 1904 were presented to the winners on
the evening of November loth. Advantage was taken of the farewell visit of their Excellencies,
the Earl and Countess of Minto, to Toronto, to have Her Excellency present the prizes, and there
assembled in the Armories for the occasioh, as the guests of Lieut.-Col. Stimson and the officers of the
Regiment, one of the most brilliant and distinguished gatherings ever seen at a military function in
Toronto.
Looking back over the last year which has been added to the Regiment's history, the future
can be turned to with the confident belief that no matter what may be the nature of the next
call made upon the Royal Grenadiers, the Regiment will be found equal to the occasion.
—118—
w
lg
J
Chapter XIV
SOME OF THE VICTORIES OF THE ROYAL GRENADIERS
ON THE RIFLE RANGES
HE Royal Grenadiers have always held the reputation of being a crack shooting
regiment, and that this reputation is well deserved is amply attested by
the frequency of the occurrence of the names of the officers, non-commis-
sioned officers and men of the regiment in the prize lists of the various
prize meetings in Canada as well as at Wimbledon and Bisley. The shoot-
ing record of the regiment extends back to the very inception of the Royal
Grenadiers, and has been largely due to the judicious encouragement of
rifle shooting by the officers.
The record of the regiment as to the proficiency with the rifle has no
stronger proof than that afforded by the valuable collection of trophies won
by the regimental teams, a number of which (some 15 pieces) are now
the absolute property of the Royal Grenadiers. These, with others pre-
sented by friends of the regiment, bring the number of pieces of regimental
silver up to 20. This is always displayed on the tables at mess dinners,
and adds much to the beauty of the table decorations. Its total value is
about $1,200.
Among the principal prizes won by individual members and teams of the old loth Royals
and the Royal Grenadiers have been the following :—
At the Dominion Rifle Association prize meetings.
1875- Battalion Match, first team prize ($200).
Captain Anderson, (R.G.) second individual prize.
1878 — Battalion Match, first team prize, Affiliated Association Match, second prize.
1879— Affiliated Association Match, third team prize.
1882 — Battalion Match, first team, 2 prize; Gzowski Cup for skirmishing and volley firing;
first team prize for skirmishing, second team prize volley firing.
1883 — Gzowski Cup Match, first prize.
1885— Battalion Match, first team prize.
1888 — Dominion of Canada Match, first team prize.
1891 — Dominion of Canada Match, first team prize, Lansdowne Aggregate fourth team prize,
British Challenge Shield Match, fourth prize.
1894 — Skirmishing Match, third prize ; British Challenge, fourth prize.
1896 — British Challenge Shield Match, first prize ; Governor-General Match, first prize (Corporal
G. Windatt).
1897 — Minister of Militia's Match, second and sixth team prizes ; the Walker Match, second
and third team prizes ; Lansdowne Aggregate, fifth team prize ; Gzowski Match, second prize ;
British Challenge Shield Match, second and fifth places; Gillespie Match, third and fourth places.
--119-
1898— The Davis Cup Match, first team prize (Cup); Lansdowne Aggregate, first team prize
(Cup) ; Canadian Military Rifle League Match, first prize (President's Cup).
1899 — The Governor-General's Match, first prize (Captain Cartwright).
1900 -The Davis & Sons Cup, the Gillespie Challenge Cup.
igoi — The Governor-General's Match, first prize (Private J. H. Simpson) ; the Kirkpatrick
Challenge Cup.
1902 Gzowski Match, second prize ; Lansdowne Aggregate, second prize.
1903 — Governor-General's Match, first prize (Sergeant Mortimer) ; the Lansdowne Cup.
1904 — The Caron Cup, the Gordon Highlanders' Trophy, a tie for the Dundonald Cup, 2nd
prize in the Borden, 3rd prize in the Lansdowne.
At the Ontario Rifle Association Matches :
1870 — Won the Brassey Cup (to be won three years in succession before becoming the absolute
property of any regiment) ; the Aldwell Match, first prize (Cup).
1871 — Ladies Cup Competition, first prize (Cup) ; Aldwell Competition, first team prize. The
Aldwell Cup (value $200), having been won twice in succession, became the regiment's absolute
property.
1872 — Elkington Match, first individual prize (Cup) (Private A. Bell); Tait Match, first team
prize (Cup) ; Brassey Cup Competition, first prize (Cup).
1879 — Elkington Match, first prize (Cup) (Private A. Bell).
1881 — Elkington Match, first prize (Cup) (Sergeant Mitchell).
1882 — The Tait Match, first team prize (Cup).
1885 —Brassey Match, first team prize, Brassey Cup (G Company).
1886 — Gzpwski Match, first prize (Cup).
1887— Ladies' Match, first team prize (Cup) ; Gzowski Match, first prize (Cup).
1888 — Tait Match, first prize (Cup) ; Gzowski Match, first prize (Cup) ; Brassey Match, first prize
(Cup).
1890 — Gzowski Match, first prize (Cup) ; Canada Company Match, first team prize.
1891 — Gzowski Match, first prize (Cup) ; Tait-Brassey Match, second prize.
1893 — Ladies Match, first prize (Cup).
1894— Gzowski Match, first prize (Cup); Tait-Brassey Match, second prize; Walker Match, first
prize (Ladies' Challenge Cup.)
1895— Walker Match, first prize (Ladies' Challenge Cup); Gzowski Match, second prize.
1896 — Won the Tait Cup and the Gzowski Cup.
1897 — Won the Gzowski Cup, the Canadian Club Jubilee Trophy ; second in the Tait-Brassey
Match for Battalion and Company (H) teams.
1898 — Won the Gzowski Cup, Tait-Brassey Cup, Brassey Cup.
1899 — Won the Ladies' Challenge Cup and the Elkington Cup (Sergeant P. Armstrong) ; second
in the Tait-Brassey Match.
1900 — Won the Canadian Club Jubilee Trophy, the Gzowski Cup, the Brassey Cup (B Company), the
Elkington Cup (Sergeant P. Armstrong).
1901 — Won the Gzowski Cup.
1902 — Won second and fifth team prizes in the City of Toronto Match ; third in the Tait-Brassey,
B Company's team being second in the Company Competition ; third prize in the Gzowski Match.
1904 — Canada Company Match, 3rd prize; City of Toronto Match, ist prize; the Ladies Cup,
Tait-Brassey Match, ist prize (and Cup) also 3rd prize ; the Gzowski Match, tie for second place with
the Governor-General's Foot Guards ; and in the Tait-Brassey Company Match (B Company), first
prize ; F Company, 2nd prize.
At the annual matches of the Province of Quebec Rifle Association (at which the regiment has
only been occasionally represented).
1891 — Carslake Match, first team prize (Trophy), Active Militia Match, second team prize;
Villey Firing Match, first prize ; Skirmishing Match, second prize ; aggregate prize for skirmishing
and volley firing, first prize (Houghton Cup), Association Match, first team prize (Silver Cup).
1893— Fourth team prizes in the Carslake, the Active Militia and the Skirmishing Matches.
—120—
1895— Active Militia Match, second prize; Carslake Match, third prize; Skirmishing Match,
third prize ; Houghton Match (aggregate) second prize.
1896 — Carslake Match, first team prize (Trophy).
1897 — Active Militia Match, first prize ; team aggregate, first prize ; Carslake Match, second prize
The preceding are but a few of the prizes won by the marksmen of the Royal Grenadiers,
a large number of important individual prizes, and very many second, third and fourth team prizes
won by the teams representing the regiment, not being enumerated.
During 1897 the Royal Grenadiers had exceptional success at the rifle ranges. At the Province
of Quebec Association matches the following team prizes were won : — Active Militia, first prize ; the
Carslake, second prize ; team aggregate, first prize (including a silvercup) ; Association Match,
third prize ; skirmishing, third prize. At the Ontario Rifle Association Matches the following team
SCENE ON THE RIFLE RANGES AT LONG BRANCH
prizes were won :— Canada Club Match, first prize (Jubilee Challenge Trophy) ; Tait-Brassey com-
petition, second prize ; Gzowski skirmishing and volley firing, first prize (Gzovvski Cup.) At the
Dominion Association Matches two teams were entered for the Minister of Militia's Match, winning
respectively second and sixth places. In the Walker Match two teams entered, winning second
and third places. In the Lansdowne Aggregate one of the regiment's teams won fifth place and
the second team was counted out for last place. In the Gzowski the team won second place,
and in the British Challenge Shield Competition two teams, winning respectively second and fifth
places, got prizes. In the Gillespie, third and fourth places were taken, and in the League team
match second place. In addition to the above team prizes, a large number of additional individual
—121 -
prizes were won, the most notable being that of the^ Governor-General's prize ($250) and special
badge, which was won by Lance-Corporal C. Windatt, "H" Company. Out of fourteen members
of the Royal Grenadiers competing- eleven secured places in the first hundred to qualify to fire in the
Governor-General's Match. The total individual winnings were the largest of any corps competing.
The annual regimental rifle matches of 1897 were especially interesting, for the reason that this
was the first time that the new Lee-Enfield rifle was used in any regimental competition, and the
shooting was of a very high order.
1898 was another exceptionally successful year for the regiment teams and individual marksmen.
The list of trophies of the year was as follows:— At the O.R.A. — Gzowski Cup, Tait-Brassey Cup,
Brassey Cup At the D.R.A. — Gzowski Cup, Davis Cup, Lansdowne Cup. Canadian Military Rifle
League — President's Cup, League Cup, first prize for teams of 50 men ; tobacco box, first prize for
20-men teams ; candelabra, second prize for lo-men teams. Marching and firing competition, St.
Croix Cup.
Upon the occasion of the international match for the Palma Trophy at Ottawa September i/|.th,
1902, ihe Royal Grenadiers had the honor of contributing two members, Private P. Armstrong and
Staff-Sergeant Simpson, to the Canadian team, and also two former non-commissioned officers of the
regiment, Capt. T. Mitchell of the reserved list and Quartermaster-Sergeant J. McVittie, of the
48th.
The year 1903 was another successful one in the shooting annals of the Royal Grenadiers.
Sergeant Geo. Mortimer, "D" Company, won the Governor-General's prize, the "blue ribbon" of the
Canadian rifle ranges. To accomplish his [victory he made the remarkably fine score of 197 points
out of a possible 210, a splendid performance in a match remarkable for the high average of the
shooting. The Royal Grenadiers have had the honour of having won the Governor-General's prize no
less than four times in ten years.
To mark his appreciation of Sergt. Mortimer's fine shooting, Colonel, The Hon. J. M. Gibson,
the former commanding officer of the I3th Regiment, Hamilton, Attorney General of Ontario, and
President of the D.R.A., himself a skilful shot, and a generous patron of rifle shooting, presented
Sergeant Mortimer with a handsome set of knives and forks and spoons at the Armouries on November
5th. The occasion was the annual inspection by Col. Otter and also the presentation of the prizes
won at the rifle matches at Long Branch.
The Royal Grenadiers always made a most creditable showing in the annual marching and
firing competition of military district No. 2. The object of this competition is to test the combined
marching and shooting powers of the respective regiments, and each regiment of the district is
eligible to be represented by teams of eighteen men, each regiment having the privilege of entering
as many teams as it likes. The conditions call for a march from the corner of King Street and
Roncesvalles Avenue to the Long Branch ranges, via the Lake Shore Road, a distance of about
eight miles. The normal time limit for the march is two hours.
In 1897 the Royal Grenadiers first won the competition, winning also the Gascoigne Cup, offered
for competition between all the regiments in the Dominion, similar competitions to the one in Toronto
being held in all the military districts of Canada that year.
In 1898 the Royal '^Grenadiers again won the district marching and firing competition, winning
the St. Croix Challenge Cup. Eleven teams entered, and the Royal'Grenadiers first team won with
129 points, as against 115 secured by the second team, that of the i3th Regiment, Hamilton. Major-
General Mutton, commanding the militia, was one of the spectators of the contest.
In i899"the Royal Grenadiers, for the third time in succession, had the honour of winning the
competition, which took place on October I3th. The score of the Grenadiers team was 134, as against
132 scored by the 48th Highlanders, who won second place, and 120 by the i3th of Hamilton, who
won third place.
The Royal Grenadiers have been often and honourably represented on the rifle teams which have
upheld the honour of Canada at the annual prize meetings of the National Rifle Association at Wimbledon,
(1872 to 1889), and at Bisley, (1890 to the present). In 1896, Major (now Lieut.-Col.) Bruce was
Adjutant of the Bisley team. The members of the regiment who have had places on the various
teams have been as follows : —
—122—
L'npt. A. Anderson, 1879; Sergt. P. Armstrong, iK<)<j-n>oi ; Capt. J. Baillie, 1870 ; Staff-Serf;!.
T. S. Hayles, 1902 ; Pte. Anthony Hell, 1872-75-79-83 ; Pte. W. Cruit, 1875-79 ; Staff-Serf;!. !•'.
W. Curzon, 1889; Pte. J. Davis, 1890; Staff-Serf;!. J. Dent, 1892; Sergt. T. Flynn, 1876; Pte.
J. Little, 1875; Staff-Sergt. R. McVittie, iKK<H)i ; Pte. J. W. McVittie, 1898 ; Lieut. J. R. Mills,
1875-71). |88°: Pte- C. N. Mitchell, 1881-82-87; Staff-Sergt. T. Mitchell, i8K<j-<)i-<,2 ; Sergt. C.
Mortimer, 1901-02-03-04 ; Sergt. G. S. Perry, 1902 ; Pte. C. Sheppard, 1872 ; Staff-Sergt. J. Simpson,
1896-98-99-1903 ; Pte. Tyers, 1904.
In 1903, Staff-Sergt. Simpson, at Bisley, had the honour of winning the silver tea service offered
as a prize to the member of the Canadian team at Bisley, making the highest aggregate score during
the National Rifle Association matches.
The Royal Grenadiers have always been steady supporters of the Canadian Military Rifle League,
as shown by the prizes won in the various competitions. 1904 has been no exception to the rule.
The regiment had three teams entered, their standing being 4th, I4th and 2Oth.
MARCHING AND FIRING TEAM "A" COMPANY
In 1904, a former member of the Grenadiers, Private Perry, had the honor of winning the King's
Prize at Bisley. Although Perry shot at Bisley as a member of the 6th Regiment of British Colum-
bia, he received his training, and put in most of his military service in the Royal Grenadiers, being
a member of "F" Company. Upon his return to Canada he visited Toronto, where he was received
by his old regiment, and made the hero of a municipal reception and presentaiion, the Royal Gren-
adiers, on their own behalf, presenting him with a gold watch and chain and locket, suitably engraved,
besides taking a prominent part in the general reception, and the presentation of a cabinet of silver,
made by Col. Otter, on behalf of the entire Garrison. His old Company, " F", also presented him
with a pair of silver sleeve links, and also had the honor of dragging the gun-carriage on which he
was seated, from the Union Station to the University Lawn, where the presentations were made, and
-123-
a Military Tatoo given by the bands of the Garrison, before possibly the greatest concourse of people
ever assembled in Toronto. The City of Toronto presented him with a grandfather's clock.
In the same year Orderly-Room Sergeant J. Phillips had the honor of winning the gold cross.
guns and crown as the premier shot of the regiment for the year.
In the Canadian Bisley team of 1905, the Royal Grenadiers will probably be represented by four
members, Sergeant Wm. Kelly, Pte. Peter Armstrong, Staff-Sgt. J. H. Simpson, and Staff-Sgt. J.
Phillips having won places among the first twenty-eight men in the Bisley aggregate.
The year 1904 as will be seen by the list of prizes won at both the O. R. A. and D. R. A.
shows no falling off in the ability of the Royal Grenadiers to maintain their record in competition at
the Rifle Ranges. The season proved to be one of the most successful in the history of the Regi-
ment. In the Tait-Brassey Match at the O.R.A. first and second places in the individual prize list
were respectively taken by Staff-Sergt. J. Phillips and Staff-Sgt. J. H. Simpson (both of the Orderly
Room Staff), each having the splendid score of 100 to his credit.
At the D. R. A. matches, Sergt. W. Kelly, of "F" Company, had the fine total of 319 in the
Bisley aggregate, and is therefore third on the list for Bisley for 1905.
Staff-Sergt. J. H. Simpson was one of the Provincial team of eight that won the London Mer-
chants' Cup for Ontario at the D. R. A. this year.
Altogether, the record of the marksmen of the Royal Grenadiers has been an exceptionally brilliant
one, surely one upon which the members of the regiment have every reason to look back with the
same satisfaction and pride, as they do upon the honorable record of general military efficiency
earned amid the manifold discouragements of the piping times of peace, and the laurels won in the
stress of active service during periods of national anxiety and peril.
— 121—
(Appendix A-}
ROLL OF OFFICERS, ROYAL GRENADIERS, NOV. 18, 1904
HONORARY COLONEL THE RIC.HT HON. THE EARL OF ABERDEEN, G.C.M.G., IST DEC., 1898
Lieut. -Col. G. A. Stimson -
Major A. E. Gooderham -
" D. C. Meyers
Capt. J. D. Mackay
" and Brevet-Major Henry
Brock
" S. F. Sloane
" and Brevet-Major J. Cooper
Mason
" G. H. C. Brooke
" C. N. Shanly
" A. A. S. Wilkins
" J. C. Law
" W. B. Kingsmill
Lieut. W. L. Matthews
" E du Domaine
" H. S. Adam
" C. O. Beardmore
" J. H. Porter
" H. C. Osborne
" D. McGillivray
" W. E. L. Hunter
" G. C. Ryerson
" C. H. Porter
" E. C. Burson
" G. S. Kirkpatrick -
" C. E. Pepler
" P. E. Prideaux (late Capt.W.
I. Reg't
" A. A. S. Law
" A, E. Goooderham -
Paymaster :
Capt. A. D. Cart wright
Adjutant :
Capt. C. N. Shanly
Quarter-Master
Capt. R. O. Montgomery -
Medical Officer:
Major E. E. King
Chaplain :
Rev'd A. H. Baldwin, M.A.
jnd Lieut.
Lieut.
Captain Major I.ieut.-Col.
Jan. 30-91
Sept. 18-91
Feb. 9-95 Dec. 1-99 June 11-02
Oct. 16-85
June 22-96
Aug. 26-96 Mar. 15-02
April 20-94
Sept. 21-95
Mar. 17-98 Jan. 12-03
May 12-88
Sept. 7-88
Aug. 28-91
f Brevet Major
Mar. 17-98 {Aug. 26-99
April 20-94
Sept. 21-95
Feb. 7-99
t Brevet Major
Sept. 8-94
Sept- 21-95
April 8-99 \Feb. 1-02
SeDt. 2I-QC
June 6-00
April 13-95
r yj
May 8-97
Feb. 7-01
Oct. 1 2-95
Jan. 23-28
Sept. 25-02
rSept. 16-03
Dec. 14-97
Mar. 4-99
i Seconded
[Apr. 16-04
Sept. 28-98
Mar. 11-99
Sept. 15-04
July 3-99
/May 17-00
\June 19-99
("Oct. 28-01
Feb. 19-00
-j Seconded
(.May 25-04
Sept. 14-00
/Jan. 12-03
\June 14-00
Jan. 18-00
Feb. 24-03
Dec. 6-00
/Feb. 24-03
\July 3-oo
•
Nov. 11-99
Sept. 16-03
Sept. 26-01
/Sept 16-03
\Aug. 29-96
Dec. 5-0 1
April 20-04
April 2-02
April 20-04
July 30-02
April 10-04
/April 20-04
Mar. 11-03
\July 6-00
Oct. 17-03
/April 20-04
\Oct. 11-99
May 21-04
July 15-04
Aug. 27-04
Oct. 24-04
{Paymaster &
Hon. Cap.
Sept. 30-96
Sept. 19-04
Nov. 9-95
fQ'l'r-Master
' and lion. Cap
Uune 13-96
t Surg.-Lieut.
{ June 4-86
| Snr. -Major
U\ov. 18-97
une 27-96
Aug. 28-96
—125—
(Appendix fB.)
SPECIAL MILITARY SERVICES OF PAST AND PRESENT OFFICERS
OF THE ROYAL GRENADIERS
Lieut. -Col. Frederick William Cumberland, first command-
ing officer of the loth Royals. Served as captain in
the 3rd Battalion, York Militia, before being appointed
to the loth Royals. Was appointed honorary A.D.C.
upon retirement from the command of the roth Royals
in acknowledgment of his services to the miliiia. Died
in Toronto August 5th, 1881.
Lieut. -Col. G. A. Shaw. Served in Fenian Raid, 1866, at
Fort Erie. General Service Medal with one clasp.
Became lieutenant-colonel in 1880. Retired retaining
rank.
Lieut. -Col. Henry J. Grasett. Served with the Q.O.R.
at the Niagara Frontier at the time of the Fenian Raid
of 1866. Was present at the action of Lime Ridge.
General Service Medal with clasp. Was gazetted
ensign in the looth Regiment Royal Canadians in
1867, and served in that regiment until 1875, and was
for five years adjutant of the regiment. Upon the
reorganization of the loth Royals, he was gazetted to
the command November 5th, 1880, and commanded
the regiment during the N. W. Rebellion of 1885. Was
present at the actions of Fish Creek and Batoche.
Also operations against Chief Big Bear's Band. Sev-
eral times mentioned in despatches. Medal with clasp.
Lieut -Col. G. D. Dawson, who retired from the command
of the Royal Grenadiers December ist, 1893, died
September 26th. 1897. Served in H.M. 47th Regiment
from 1855 to 1867. Acted as brigade-major to the
field force under Col. Lowry at the Niagara Frontier
during the Fenian Raid in 1866. Served in the N.W.
Rebellion with the Royal Grenadiers in 1885.
Wounded at the capture of Batoche May i2th, 1885.
Mentioned in despatches. Medal with clasp.
Lieut. -Col. James Mason (R. O.). Fenian Raid, 1866.
General Service Medal with one clasp. Served in the
N. W. Rebellion of 1885 in I he Royal Grenadiers.
Present at the engagements of Fi-h Creek and
Batoche. Severely wounded at Batoche. Medal with
clasp. Commanded the infantry of the Canadian
Jubilee Contingent, 1897. Coronation medal.
Lieut. -Col. G. A. Stimson. Served with 3rd Special
Service Battalion, R. C.R., Halifax, as senior major
from 1900 to 1901.
Lieut. -Col. G. Sterling Ryerson. Fenian Raid, 1870.
General Service Medal with one clasp. Served with
the Royal Grenadiers through the N.W. Rebellion.
In action at Fish Creek and Batoche. Operations
against Big Bear's Band. Medal with clasp. Pro-
ceeded to South Africa, 1900, as commissioner for
Canadian Red Cross Society. Mentioned in des-
patches. Medal with two clasps. Upon the reorgani-
zation of the militia medical service was appointed
Deputy Surgeon-General.
Lieut-Col. John Bayne Maclean, formerly captain in the
Grenadiers, and for a time adjutant, was transferred
March 241)1, 1892, as major to the 6th Fusiliers,
Montreal, and was in command of that regiment when
its amalgamation with the ist P.W.R. was effected.
Was then appointed to the command of the Montreal
Cavalry, which during his tenure of command was
reorganized as a district squadron, now the Duke
of York's Royal Canadian Hussars. Transferred to
the Reserve of Officers, 1903.
Major C. Greville Harston. Served in the Royal Marine
Light Infantry as lieutenant from 1866 to 1874. Royal
Humane Society's Bronze Medal. Served with the
Royal Grenadiers in the N. W. Rebellion in 1885.
Present at Fish Creek and Batoche. Medal with
clasp. During the last month of the campaign, acted
as brigade major of the Infantry brigade, N.W.F.F.
Appointed honorary A. D. C. to Lieut. -Governor of
Ontario, March, 1890.
Major Frederick Fitzpayne Manley (retired). Served for
some time in the Q.O.R., being on service with that
regiment in the G.T.R. riots at Belleville. Joined the
Royal Grenadiers as lieutenant December I7th, 1880.
Was adjutant of the Royal Grenadiers during the N.W.
Rebellion. Present at Fish Creek and Batoche.
Wounded in action at Batoche May loth, 1885. Medal
with clasp.
Major A. J. Boyd. Served in Battleford column during I he
N.W. Rebellion, in the Q.O.R. Present at the engage-
ment at Cut Knife Hill. Served with 2nd Special Ser-
vice Battalion and C.M.R. in South Africa, 1900, and
with South African Constabulary from September 271!],
1901. Died of enteric fever March 25th, 1902. Medal
with clasp.
Major J. D. Hay. Served in N.W. Rebellion. Inaction
at Fish Creek and Batoche. Medal with clasp. Died
in Toronto November 8th, 1897.
Major King. Served during N. W. Rebellion of 1885.
With Field Hospital Corps as Surgeon-Major. Medal.
Captain and Brevet-Major Henry Brock. Served in N.W.
campaign in Q.O.R Relief of Battleford. Action at
Cut Knife Hill. Operations against Chief Big Bear's
Band. Mentioned in despatches. Medal with clasp.
Captain and Brevet-Major J. Cooper Mason, D. S. O.
Served with the Second Special Service Battalion.
R.C.R., Souih Africa, 1899-1900. Operations in Orange
Free State. Severely wounded at Paardeberg. Men-
tioned in despatches, London Gazette. Brevet-Major
and D.S.O. for service in the field. Medal with three
clasps.
Major A. H. Macdonell, formerly lieutenant in the
Royal Grenadiers, was transferred to the Infantry
School Corps in 1892. Served in South Africa with
2nd Special Service Battalion, R.C.R. Was battalion
adjutant for some months. Mentioned in despatches.
D.S.O. Medal with clasps. Granted brevet of major.
Served with W.A F.F. in Nigeria, 1902-3 Medal
with clasps.
Captain A. M. Irving. Served in N.W. Rebellion. In
action at Fish Creek and Batoche. Medal with clasp.
Died January iilh, 1896.
Captain F. A. Caston (retired). Served in N.W. Rebel-
lion of 1885. Was present at Fish Creek and Hatoche,
and in operations against Big Bear. Medal with clasp.
Captain F. Barlow Cumberland. Entered the loth Royals
as ensign in 1865. Served during Fenian Raid of 1866
at Fort Erie. General Service Medal with one clasp.
Retired with rank of captain in 1878. Capt. Cumber-
land donated the Cumberland Cup in 1881, which is
still in competition in the regiment.
Captain G. P. Eliot. Served in N.W. Rebellion. Was
present at Fish Creek and Batoche. Medal with c'asp.
Died November isth, 1895.
Captain A. C. Gibson. Served in the N.W. Rebellion.
In action at Fish Creek and Batoche. Medal with
clasp.
Captain Forbes Michie. Served in N.W. Rebellion, 1885,
Fish Creek and Batoche. Medal with clasp. Died
May 5th, 1891.
—126—
r.iptain D. M. Howard. Served in N.W. Rebellion. In
action ;il Fish Creek and Batoche. Appointed inspec-
tor in R. N. \V. M. P. Served in South Africa with
C.M.R. Medal with clasp.
Captain C. S. Wilkie. Served with 2nd Special S.-ivi, •>•
Battalion, R C.R., in South Africa. Operations in
Orange Free State, 1899-1900, including operations at
I'.iardederg. Medal with two clasps. Appointed to
R.C.A., 23rd May, 1903.
Captain G. H. C. Brooke. Served in the York and Simcoe
Batta'ion during the N.W. Rebellion. Medal.
Captain J. C. Law. Served in 3rd Special Service Bat-
talion, R.C.R. at Halifax. 1900. Seconded for service
east coast of Africa, i6th April. 1904.
Captain W. S. Lowe. Served in N. W. Rebellion. In
action at Fish Creek and Batoche. Medal with clasp.
Lieut, and Captain S. A. He ward. Served in 3rd Special
Service Battalion, R. C. R., Halifax, March, 1902 to
September,;i902. Appointed to R.C.A. 141(1 August,
1903.
Lieut. W. C. Fitch. Served in N.W. Rebellion. Was
present at Fish Creek and Batoche. Killed in action
at the latter engagement May 12th, 1885.
Lieut. T. F. H. Dixon. Served in the 3rd Battalion,
R. C. R., Halifax, ist April, 1901, to June 3ist, 1902,
and again from August 3ist until the disbandment of
the battalion in October, 1902. Served with second
C. M. R. in South Africa from June to July, 1902.
Seconded for service with West African Frontier
Force. Received a special commission in the R. C.M.R.
Sth'June, 1904.
Lieut. C. O. Beardmore, 3rd Battalion R.C.R.,' Halifax,
1900 to May, 1901. Appointed April 8th, 1902, to 6th
Regiment, C.M.R., for service in South Africa.
Lieut. E. du Domaine. Served with the 3rd Special Ser-
vice Battalion R C. R , Halifax, 1900. Seconded for
service with R. C. R.
Lieutenant and Captain P. K. Prideaux. Entered R.M.C.,
Sandhurst, Srptrmber, 1X9.1. I'assi-d with honors
December, 1893. Ga/oltcd to Writ India Rrgirm-Mt,
April 22nd, 1894. Lieutenant, April 25th, 1896. Cap-
tain, May 7th, 1900. Resigned August 2nd, 1902.
Hythe certificate of musketry, 1896. War Services :
Ashante Expedition 1890 (Star). Lagos Expedition to
Hinterland, 1897-98, as adjutant and quartermaster.
Medal and clasp. Sierra Leone Rebellion, 1898-99.
Medal and clasp. Gambia Expedition, 1901. Medal
and clasp.
The Royal Grenadiers have had the honor of furnish-
ing a number of officers to the regular regiment* of
His Majesty's Army, and also to the Canadian Permanent
Corps.
Lieut. E. B. Street received a commission in the
Hampshire Regiment, proceeding from Toronto to Mul-
tan, India, where the ist Battalion was then stationed.
Mr. Street also served in South Africa with 2nd Bait.
Hampshire. Previous to his departure for India, he and
his father, Mr. Justice Street, were guests of the officers
of the Royal Grenadiers at a mess dinner given at the
Armoury, January 23rd, 1898.
Lieut. Duncan F. Campbell was commissioned to the
Lancashire Fusiliers, Dec. i3th, 1898, served with distinc-
tion in South Africa. He was adjutant of his battalion
and was severely wounded at Spion Kop. Created D.S.O.
Medal with three clasps.
Lieut. Austen Lewis received a commission in the
Worcestershire Regiment.
Lieut. R. Wood received a c ommission with War-
wickshire.
Captains Wilkie and Heward were appointed to the
Royal Canadian Artillery. Lieut. Dixon was seconded
for service with the West African Frontier Force, and has
since been appointed to the R. C.M.R.
(Appendix C.)
NOTES ON SOME MEN WHO HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED
WITH THE REGIMENT
Captain Emerson Coatsworth, who was one of the first
officers of the loth, Royals was long a familiar figure
to Torontonians. For over thirty years he occupied
the important office of City Commissioner and dis-
charged the duties of his po-ition with great ability
and acceptance. He died the 8th of May, 1903, and
was buried with public honors.
Captain Sandford Fleming, the first Commanding Officer
of No. 3 Company, has tince become famous
thoughout the world as the eminent engineer and
imperialist, Sir Sandford Fleming, at present
residing at Ottawa. Sir Sandford Fleming was in
1863 chosen by the people of the Red River Settle-
ment, now Manitoba, to proceed to England to
urge the construction of a railway to connect
the prairie country with the Eastern Provinces.
He conducted the first exploration surveys for a
Canadian Trans-Continental Railway in 1872, and was
chief engineer of the Intercolonial Railway during its
construction. His able championship was largely
responsible for the establishment of standard time and
the adoption of an initial meridian common to all
nations. An ardent Imperialist he was for long Presi-
dent of the Canadian branch of the Imperial Federa-
tion League. Was appointed Chancellor of Queen's
University, Kingston, 1880, C.M.G., 1887, President
of the Royal Society of t'anada, 1880, K.C.M.G.,
1897 (Diamond Jubilee honor).
The late Capt. Alex Manning who took an active part in
the organization of the loth Royals, was long one of
Toronto's best known and most highlv esteemed
citizens. He was for several years mayor of the city.
Died Oct. 2oth, 1903.
John and Jas. Worthington whose names figure prominently
among the organizers of the loth Royals and during
the early years of its history were the famous con-
tractors whose names are identified with some of the
most noteworthy public works in Canada.
W. G. Siorm one of the original nominees for a captaincy
was one of the most famous architects of his day.
Toronto University stands as a monument to his
genius.
L. A. M. Lovekin, a lieutenant in the regiment in the early
eighties, is to-day well-known throughout Canada as
an author and journalist.
Dr. James H. Richardson, M.D., M.R.C.S., was surgeon
of the loth Royals from 1865 to 1880. Dr. Richardson
was the first student of the medical school affiliated
with King's College and took his degree of M.H. in
1848, and became professor in 1850. Dr. Richardson's
career is identified with the growth and progress of
Toronto, and now, in 1904, he is able to look back over
a long and useful life.
— 127—
(Appendix T>.)
THE NORTHWEST CAMPAIGN. LIST OF OFFICERS, NON-
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND MEN.
STAFF — Lieutenant-Colonel, H. J. Grasett ; Major, G. D.
Dawson ; Adjutant Capt. F. F. Manley ; Assistant
Surgeon, Dr. G. S. Ryerson ; Acting Quartermaster,
Lieutenant W. S. Lowe.
STAFF-SERGEANTS — Alf. Curran, Q.M.S.; James Hutchin-
son, O.R.C.; Acting Sergeant-Major, J. S. Monroe;
Drum-Major, W. J. Bewley ; Hospital-Sergeant, R.
Hazleton ; Pioneer-Sergeant, C. W. Harding.
No. i COMPANY
CAPTAIN — F. A. Caston.
LIEUTENANT — D. M. Howard.
2ND LIEUTENANT — A. C. Gibson.
COLOR-SERGEANT — F. Francis.
SERGEANTS — J. D. Goodman, G. P. Magner, R. Davis.
CORPORALS— A. E. Moore, I. G. Craig, J. Foley, W.
Rogers, C. M. Thrush, J. W. Bolton, V. E. Ashdown,
W. W. Small.
PRIVATES— T. J. Allan, A. E. Barnes, J. Blevins, J. W.
Beattie, C. Bloxam, H. Boothe, J. Boyd, W. J. Car-
ter, G. Cook, J. Richardson, B. W. Smith, G. Smith,
R. Wiggins, G. Wood, G. White, Private Moberly, J.
Gray, G. Congalton, A. B. Curran, S. H. Dye, J. M.
Edgar, W. Fraser, G. A. Geasley, H. Green, D. M.
Haines, H. J. Hare, R. G. Henry, J. Ibbotson, J. J.
Kilby, J. McDonald, E. Major, J. R. Martin, H. Milson
H. V. Mitchell, J. H. Mitchell, J. H. McDonald, J. A.
McKenzie, J. A. McQuillan, J. O'Malley, G. Peters,
A. Price, J. Quigley.
BUGLER — Michael Gaughan.
DRUMMERS — J. King, J. Miles ; Assistants — J. Hunter, A.
Taylor.
PIONEER — G. Bradford.
No. 2 COMPANY.
CAPTAIN — James Mason.
LIEUTENANT — A. M. Irving.
2ND LIEUTENANT — John D. Hay.
COLOR-SERGEANTS— H. W. Johnston, Theo. Lane.
SERGEANTS — Wm. Medcalfe, Wm. Jack, Geo. Nelson.
CORPORALS— Geo. C. Moody, James Wishart, Dr. Far-
ragher, John Sinclair, W. H. Coxon, David Anderson.
PRIVATES — Richard Cooke, James Richardson, Thomas
A. Williams, Robert Reynolds, John Smith, John Moss,
Louis Stead, W. J. Cantwell, Chas. W. Rogers, Frank
Rogers, Arthur Ward, Robert A. Stanley, George
Croucher, Philip Beaugil, John Griffin, Fred. Petty,
Christ. Steirn, Thos. Blake, Benj. Pearson, Albert
Bruce, Thomas Dean, William Gibson, Oscar Free-
mantle, Samuel Downey, Thomas Milner, Wm. Blythe,
D. Snell, John Mitchell, George Sculley, John Billing-
hurst, Andrew Murdison, Robert Thorpe, Robert
Newman, Wallace Dossitt, Patrick Cronin, Wm.
Richardson, James Baxter, Arthur Aikins, Eli Jeffries,
Earnest Worsdell, Thomas Stanley, Albert Roberts,
John Reid, James Marshall, John Streeton, Earnest
Newman, W. D. Whiting.
AMBULANCE CORPS— Swan Fearn, Joseph Bell.
PIONEER — D. Shepherd.
BUGLERS — Thomas Cuthbert, George Baker.
DRUMMER — Wm. Cuthbert.
FIFER — Hugh Burke.
No. 3 COMPANY.
CAPTAIN— O. L. Spencer.
LIEUTENANT — W. C. Fitch.
2ND LIEUTENANT— John Morrow.
STAFF-SERGEANT — J. Hutchinson.
COLOR-SERGEANT — Wm. Dale.
SERGEANTS— G. Knight, W. Mowat, John Nolan, John
Jameson.
CORPORALS — Robert Moore, Robert Whiteacre, Thomas
Johnston, W. C. Fowler, W. Taylor, W. Marsh, Robert
Blevins, George Dickson, William Butcher.
LANCE CORPORAL — John Coulter.
PRIVATES — R. G. Beeman, George Brennan, Alfred Bur-
ridge, James Campbell, Albert Coburn, Robert Cook,
Richard Culley, William Drake, Henry Fletcher,
Alfred Hambleton, Arthur Hatch, Thomas Hicks,
Thomas Hunter, Robert March, Alfred Meade, George
Meade, Thomas Medcalfe, John Menary, William
Mitchell, Thomas Moor, John Pollard, Walter Randall,
Henry Riddle, Henry Roberts, Alfred Scovell, C.
Spice, John Slayne, Robert Studham, Thomas Taylor,
Adam Trotter, Richard Tyler, James Wylie, John
Welby, A. Woodruffe, James Woodward.
PIONEER — Lawrence Belz.
AMBULANCE CORPS — C. Haultain, Percy Scharsmidt.
DRUMMERS — John McDonald, Wm. Holden.
BUGLERS — Frank Nixon, Walter Impey.
No. 4 COMPANY.
CAPTAIN— C. G. Harston.
LIEUTENANT — C. P. Eliot.
2ND LIEUTENANT — F. J. Michie.
COLOR-SERGEANTS -F. W. Curzon, N. Cusick.
SERGEANTS -I. Dent, T. W. Mitchell, F. Kitchner.
CORPORALS— F. Godfrey, F. W. Dent, E. C. Currie, T.
McMullen, I. Stainsby, W. Jeffries.
LANCE-CORPORAL — L. Judge.
PRIVATES— H. Watson, A. G. Ross, H. Bisbane, R. Tip-
ton, W. J. Urquhart, G. Phillips, G. Tansley, R. F.
Simmons, W. J. Delahunty, J. Davis, A. Gordon, W.
Roberts, H. E. Peagram, W. R. Hawkins, J. Hughes,
M. Ross, J. Hughes, B. Burtchell, J. Bennett, F. C.
McMurray, J. Urquhart, R. F. Joseph, E. C. T. Doole,
F. Hughes, S. Calderwood, R. Ross, W. Egles, J.
Egles, R. Dempster, J. H. Fox, W. Donnelly, G. F.
Lenoir, F. Hancy, A. S. Martin, C. C. Hammond, D.
Hambly, W. Colls, ,S. Bennett, C. McGreevy, R. C.
Campbell, D. Smith, F. J. Smythe, J. M. Mcllvean, F.
Smith, Felix Haney, J. Cain, P. Riggan.
AMBULANCE CORPS— W. E. Mitchell, C. Holman.
PIONEER — C. Golback.
BUGLERS — T. Johnson, J. Hume, J. Brickenden, J. W.
Marshall.
-128—
Canada Permanent
MORTGAGE CORPORATION
HEAD OFFICE:
TORONTO STREET, TORONTO
President:
GEORGE GOODERHAM
1st Vice-President and
Managing Director:
J. HERBERT MASON
2nd Vice-President:
W. H. BEATTY
Directors :
\V. G. GOODERHAM
W. D MATTHEWS
RALPH K. BURGESS
GEORGE \V. MONK
FREDERICK WVLI)
S. NORDHEIMER
DEPOSITS
J. M. ROBINSON.
St. John, N.B.
Assistant General Manager:
R. S. HUDSON
Secretary:
GEORGE H. SMITH
ONTARIO BRANCH
Manager :
JOHN MASSE Y
Assistant Manager :
G. F. R. HARRIS
We invite the Deposit Accounts of Corporations, Firms, Trus-
tees and other Individuals, Etc., in fact of all who desire an
absolutely safe depository for their funds.
CAPITAL AND SURPLUS
are the most important factors in determining the strength of a
financial institution. The solidity of this Corporation is based on
the exceptionally large amount of its fully paid up Capital and
Reserve,
$7,750,000.00
Its invested funds amount to
$23,30O,OOO.OO
ONE DOLLAR and upwards received. Interest compounded
twice a year at
THREE AND ONE-HALF PER CENT.
BONDS
The Corporation issues Bonds, which are a favorite with the
prudent investor. They are a
LEGAL INVESTMENT FOR TRUST FUNDS
and are accepted by the Canadian Government as the deposits of
Insurance Companies, Banks, Etc. They may be had in sums of
ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS
and upwards, with coupons attached for interest half-yearly at
FOUR PER CENT.
CAPITAL, FULLY PAID-UP
RESERVE FUND
INVESTED FUNDS
$6,000,OOO.OO
1,750,OOO.OO
23,300,000.00
If I owed you $ i ,000
which must be repaid twenty years hence, and money
was worth 4^ per cent., I could discharge the obli-
gation by an immediate payment of $414.60,
And if money earned only ifa per cent.
my present investment would have to be $502.60 to
amount to $1,000 in twenty years. The lower the rate
earned the greater must the immediate payment be.
Suppose I insured my life
in a Company which assumed that its funds would
earn only 3^ per cent, while they actually earned 4^
per cent. On each investment as above there would
be a gain of $88.00. Fancy what that means on Funds
of over $26,000,000 !
There /j only one Company
on this Continent which fulfills the above conditions
and has the tremendous earning power indicated above.
That Company is
The Canada Life
Assurance Company
The Canadian Bank
of Commerce
Head Office-Toronto
PAID-UP CAPITAL,
RESERVE FUND,
$8,700,000
3,000,000
HON. GEO. A. COX, President.
B. E. WALKER, General Manager.
ALEX. LAIRD, Asst, General Manager.
BRANCHES or THE BANK IN CANADA
ONTARIO AND QUEBEC:
Tnu-fwrn /ru: mm -,\ /John C. Kemp. .Manager ^99 Parliament Street A. H. Crease Manager
3RONTG i (Chief Office) 1 k Morris, Asst. Queen and Bathunt E. M. Playter
Bloor and Yonge R. J. Montgomery.. " Spadina and College W. Manson.... .. . .
Broadway and Queen J. G. Boyce " \ onge and College F. O. Cross
163 King Street East T. A. Chisholm.... "
Ayr
Barrie
Collingwood
Dresden
Hamilton
London
Port Perry
K.iinv River
Strathroy
Toronto junction
Bellt-ville
Dundas
Montreal
St. Catharines
Walkerton
Berlin
Dunnville
Orangeville
Sarnia
Walkerville
Blenheim
Fort Frances
Ottawa
Sault Ste. Marie
Waterloo
Brant ford
Gait
Paris
Seaforth
Wiarton
Cayuga
Goderich
ParkhiH
Simcoe
Windsor
Chatham
Guelph
Peterhoro'
Stratford
Woodstock
BRITISH COLUMBIA:
Atlin
Greenwood
Ladysmith
Nelson
Vancouver
C ran brook
Kamloops
Nanaimo
New Westminster
East
Fernie
Victoria
MANITOBA
AND NORTH-WEST TERRITORIES:
Calgary
Carman
Elgin
Elkhorn
Medicine Hat
Melfort
Ponoka
Portage la Prairie
Treherne
White Horse
Claresholm
Gilbert Plains
Mooseiaw
Prince Albert
Winnipeg (4 offices)
Dauphin
Grand view
Moosomin
Red Deer
Dawson
Innisfail
Nan ton
Regina
Edmonton
Lloydmrnster
Neepawa
Swan River
MARITIME PROVINCES:
Amherst
Anttgonish
Canning
Halifax
Ne\v Glasgow
Parrsboro
Shelburne
Springhitl
Windsor
Barnngton
Bridge water
Lunenburg
Middtcton
Sackville
St. John
Sydiu-y
Truro
IN THE UNITED
STATES
New York
Portland, Ore.
San Francisco
Seattle. Wash.
SknK\v;iy, Alaska
IN ENGUANDr
London, 60 Lombard St.
, B.C.
A GENERAL BANKING BUSINESS TRANSACTED
A Savings Bank Department at every branch. Drafts on foreign countries bought
and sold. Travellers' and Commercial Letters of Credit issued, available in any part
of the world.
IBank
of (Camilla
HEAD OFFICE :
TORONTO
D. R. WILKIE,
General Manager.
E. HAY,
Assistant Gen. Man.
CAPITAL, $3,000,000
RESERVE FUND, $2,65O,OOO
DIRECTORS :
T. R. MERRITT, Pres. D. R. WILKIE, Vice-Pres.
Wm. Ramsay Robert Jaffray T. Sutherland Stayner
Elias Rogers Wm. Hendrie
BRANCHES IN ONTARIO
Bolton, Essex, Fergus, Gait, Hamilton, Ingersoll, Listowel, Niagara Falls, North Bay, Ottawa,
Port Colborne, Rat Portage, Sault St. Marie, St. Catharines,
St. Thomas, Toronto, Welland, Woodstock.
BRANCH IN QUEBEC
Montreal
BRANCHES IN MANITOBA
Brandon Portage La. Prairie Winnipeg
BRANCHES IN NORTH-NA/EST TERRITORIES
Calgary, Alta. Edmonton, Alta. Prince Albert, Sask. Regina, Assa. Rosthern, Sask.
Strathcona, Alta. \Vetaskiwin, Alta.
BRANCHES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
Cranbrook Golden Nelson Revelstoke Trout Lake Vancouver Victoria
AGENTS AND
CANADA— Hank of Montreal.
GREAT BRITAIN— Lloyd Bank Limited.
Manchester & Liverpool District Banking C
Limited.
FRANCE— Credit Lyonnais.
UNITED STATES -New YORK:
Bank of Montreal.
Bank of the Manhattan Company.
Bank of America.
Western National Bank.
Merchants National Bank.
Bank of British North America.
BUFFALO -Bank of Buffalo.
The Marine National Bank.
BOSTON— National Shawmut Bank.
CHICAGO— First National Bank.
DETROIT— Old Detroit National Bank.
DULI-TH— First National Bank.
COR RESRON DENTS
I'NITED STATES— Continued.
PHILADELPHIA —Farmers' and Mechanics' National
Bank.
Fourth St. National Bank.
Franklin National Bank.
ST. PAI-L— Second National Bank.
MINNEAPOLIS— First National Bank.
SAN FRANCISCO— Wells, Fargo & Co's Bank.
PORTLAND. ORKIJON -Wells, Fargo & Co's Bank.
CHINA AND JAPAN — Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank-
ing Corporation.
AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND. TASMANIA—
L'nion Bank of Australia.
SANDWICH ISLANDS—
Yokohama Specie Bank.
Bank of Hawaii. Limited.
SOUTH AFRICA-
Standard B-uik of South Africa, Limited.
The Bank of Toronto
Incorporated 1855
Head Office
Toronto, Canada
Paid- Up Capital, - 3,000,000
Reserve Fund - 3,200,000
Total Assets - 26,000,000
SAVING DEPOSITS received and interest paid half-yearly.
BUSINESS A CCO U NTS invited. These will receive every consideration.
DRAFTS AND LETTERS OF CREDIT issued, available throughout
North America and Europe.
Toronto— 5 Offices
Allandale
Barrie
Brockville
Cardinal
Cobourg
Coldwater
Collingtvood
Copper Cliff
Creemore
BRANCHES
Ontario
Dorchester
Elmvale
Gananoque
London
London East
Millbrook
Oakville
Oil Springs
Omemee
Quebec
Peterboro'
Petrolia
Port Hope
St. Catharines
Sarnia
Stayner
Sudbury
Thornbury
Wallaceburg
Montreal — 3 offices, Point St. Charles, Maisonneuve, Gaspe
British Columbia^
Rossland
DIRECTORS
George Gooderham, President W. H. Realty, Vice-President
Henry Cawthra W. G. Gooderham Robert Retard Charles Stuart
John Waldie Robert Meighen Hon. C. S. Hyman, M.P.
D. COULSON, General Manager
J. HENDERSON, Asst. General Manager
T. A. BIRD, Inspector
The STANDARD BANK
of Canada
Head Office:
TORONTO, ONT.
CAPITAL (Authorised by Act of "Parliament) $2,000,000
CAPITAL PAID-UP : : : : $1,000,000
RESERVE FUND : : $1,000,000
GEO. P. REID, General Manager
J. S. LOU DON, Assistant General Manager and Inspector
GEO. P. SCHOLFIELD, Manager, Toronto Branch
DIRECTORS : W. F. Cowan, President Fred. Wyld, Vice-President
W. F. Allen A. J. Somerville T. R. Wood
W. R. Johnston W. Francis
AGENCIES
Ailsa Craig
Brighton
Durham
Orono
Stoiiffville
Beaverton
Brussels
Forest
Parkdale
Toronto
Blenheim
Campbellford
Harriston
(Toronto)
Toronto
Bowmanville
Bradford
Brantford
Cannington
Chatham
Colborne
Kingston
Lucan
Mark ham
Parkhill
Pit-ton
Richmond Hill
(Bay St Branch
Temple Bldg.)
Wellington
BANKERS
Montreal— Molsons Bank, Imperial Bank of Canada
New York — The Importers and Traders National Bank.
London, England— The National Bank of Scotland.
THE
TRADERS
BANK
OF CANADA
Incorporated
by Act of Parliament 1 885.
HEAD OFFICE :
TORONTO
Capital Authorized
Capital Subscribed
Capital Fully Paid
Rest
H. S. STRATHY, General Manager
J. A. M. ALLEY, Inspector
$2,000,000
2,000,000
1,980,000
- 450,000
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
C. D. WARREN, ESQ., President HON. J. R. STRATTON, Vice President
C. KLOEPFER, ESQ., Guelph W. J. SIIEPPARD, ESQ., Waubaushene
C. S. WILCOX, ESQ., Hamilton E. F. B. JOHNSTON, ESQ., K.C.
Arthur
Aylmer
Avion
Beeton
Bridgeburg
Burlington
Clifford
Drayton
Outton
Elmira
BANKERS
Great Britain— The National Bank of Scotland. New York— The
American Exchange National Bank. Montreal — The Quebec
Bank.
BRANCHES
Emhro
Newcastle
Rodney
Sudbury
Glencoe
North Bay
St. Mary's
Thamesford
Grand Valley
Orillia
Sault Ste. Marie
Ti (son burg
Guelph
Otterville
Sarnia
Toronto
Hamilton
Owen Sound
Schomberg
Tottenham
East
Port Hope
Springfield
Windsor
Ingersoll
Prescott
Stoney Creek
Winona
Kincardine
Ridgetown
Stratford
Woodstock
Lakefield
Ripley
Strath roy
Leamington
Rock wood
Sturgeon Falls
THE ONTARIO BANK
CAPITAL PAID UP
REST
$1,500,000
600,000
DIRECTORS
George R. R. Cockburn, Esq., President Donald McKay, Esq., Vice President
R. D. Perry, Esq. Hon. R. Harcourt • R. Grass, Esq. • T. Walmsley, Esq.
John Flett, Esq.
HEAD OFFICE: CHARLES McGILL
GENERAL MANAGER
R. B. CALDWELL, INSPECTOR
BRANCHES
AlHston Colling wood
Aurora Fort William
Bowman ville Kingston
Buckingham, Que. Lindsay
Cornwall Montreal, Que.
Mount Forest
Newmarket
Ottawa
Peterboro
Port Arthur
Sudbury
Trenton
Tweed
Waterford
-P /Scott and Wellington Sts , Queen and Portland Sts.
ro \Yonge and Richmond Sts.. Carlton and Yonge Sts.
AGENTS AND
CORRESPONDENTS
London, Eng. — Parr's Bank
Limited.
France and Europe— Credit Lyon-
nais.
New York — Fourth National
Bank and the Agents Bank
of Montreal.
Boston— Eliot National Bank.
SAVINGS BANK DEPARTMENT
Deposits of $1.00 and upwards received and current rates of Interest allowed.
vii
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outside Toronto, and money deposited or withdrawn
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OfflCCS : S without inconvenience to depositors. Write for par-
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78 Church Street, *
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TQDQiyTO ^ OFFICE Hoi'RS; 9.1x1 a. in. to 4.00 p.m. Saturday, 9.00 a.m. to i.oop.m.
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Branch A: 522 QUEEN STREET WEST *
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* OPEN EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT 7.00 TO 9.0O O'CLOCK
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E. O'Keefe, John Foy, * JAMES MASON, Managing Director.
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OFFICERS
Trust Funds and Investments
*
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JOHN HOSKIN. K.C., LL.D..
held by the Corporation are kept separate and apart
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President
from the property belonging to the Corporation itself.
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The books of account relating to Estates and
ft
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HON. S. C. WOOD.
Trusts are always open for inspection by those who
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Vice-President
are directly interested.
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The rigid examination of the accounts made by
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W. H. BEATTY,
the Inspection Committee and Auditors is a guaranty
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Vice-P residen t
of the integrity of the Trust funds in the Corporation's
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care.
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J. W. LANGMUIR.
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Managing Director
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A. D. LANGMUIR,
THE TORONTO GENERAL
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Assistant Manager
TRUSTS CORPORATION
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A. L. CROSSIN,
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Secretary
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PAID UP CAPITAL $1,000,000
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JOHN PATON
RESERVE FUND - 300,000
ft
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Superintendent Real Estate
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TORONTO OTTAWA WINNIPEG
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I NOORPORATEO 1BB1
Assunmr? (Eompang
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HEAD OF-FICE TORONTO, CANADA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS :
Hon. Geo. A. Cox J. J. Kenny Hugh N. Baird
Hon. S. C. Wood Geo. McMurrick James Kerr Osborne
Geo. R. R. Cockbtirn W. R. Brock K. R. Wood
«
n
03EO. A. OOX J- J- KENNY C. C. FOSTER
President Vice-President Secretary
a
a
a
Insurance Practically Free
An Endowment Policy in the Manufacturers Life gives
your family insurance protection for a number of years and
then returns to you all premiums paid with good interest
thereon. The insurance will have really cost you nothing.
In the meantime your interests are safeguarded. If
you should have to drop your policy at any time after three
years you would receive so large a return of cash, or such a
large amount of paid-up insurance, or your total insurance
would be extended to the end of the endowment period and
you would then receive such a liberal cash payment that the
cost of insurance up to the time of surrender would be practi-
cally nominal.
Inquire for Rate* from
The Manufacturers' Life Insurance Company,
Head Office ..... Toronto, Canada
cfjoiler Inspection and
Insurance (Company
of Lsanaoa
(Commenced Business, 1875)
* *
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
JOHN Z. BLAIKIE,
President,
GEO. C. ROBB,
Chief Engineer.
E. WALTER RATHBVN, H.N.ROBERTS,
Vice-President, Secretary.
* ft
HEAD OFFICE :
Canada Life Building,
TORONTO
ESTABLISHED 1887
CANADA'S OLDEST AND STRONGEST GUAR-
ANTEE AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE
COMPANY IS ALWAYS
UP TO DATE.
Accident and Sickness Policies issued on the most
approved plans.
Guarantee Bonds for all positions of trust at lowest
rates.
THE
Dominion of Canada Guarantee
AND
Accident Insurance Company
HEAD OFFICE : LAWLOR BUILDING
TORONTO, ONT.
GEORGE GOODERHAM,
President.
J. E. ROBERTS,
Gen. Manager
The North American Life
"Solid as the Continent"
The desirability of insurance as protection for
the family and also as an investment, is now recog-
nized by everyone.
The desirability of the North American as a
Company in which to insure, is fully attested to by its
unexcelled financial position and the excellent profit
results paid under its matured policies.
HOME OFFICE, TORONTO, ONT.
J. L BLAIKIE,
President
L. GOLDMAN, A.I.A., F.C.A.,
Managing Director
, LONDON &
LANCASHIRE
FIRE !
INSURANCE COMPANY
ALFRED WRIGHT
MANAGER
8 Richmond Street East
TORONTO
John Mac Kay
& Co.
Investments
SUITABLE FOR
Corporation, Trust
and Private Funds
Particulars Furnished
Canadian Bank of
Commerce Building-
Toronto
—THE—
London & Canadian Loan & Agency Co., 1904
1841 J
INCORPORATED A. D. 1863.
LIMITED
63 YEARS
PAID-UP CAPITAL
ASSETS
$1,OOO,OOO.OO
3,600,OOO.OO
Head Office for Canada- 103 Bay Street, Toronto
V. B. WADSWORTH, GENERAL MANAGER
Head Office for Great Britain— 28 Castle Street, Edinburgh
MACKENZIE & BLACK, W.S. , GENERAL AGENTS
BRANCH OFFICES:
Manitoba— 195 Lombard Street, Winnipeg
GEO. J. MAULSON,
LOCAL MANAGER MANITOBA AND NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Northwest Territories
MACKENZIE 4. BROWN, BARRISTERS
Regina
CHIEF AGENTS
G. R. R. COCKBURN, ESQ.
PRESIDENT
DIRECTORS
SirW. P. Howland. C.B., K.C.M G.
Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal.
Larratt W. Smith, Esq.
THOMAS LONG, ESQ.
Donald Mackav, Esq.
T. R. Wood, Esq.
C. S. Gzowski, Esq.
During this period we
have secured and re-
tained the confidence
of clients in all parts of
the world.
W. WEDD, JR., SECRETARY
Loans Effected on Improved Farms, City and
Town Property and Life Insurance Policies.
Mortgages and Debentures Purchased.
— INSPECTORS -
MILNEH HART, TORONTO P. C. STEPHENS. WINNIPEG
Mercantile Agency
R. G. DUN & CO.
New York and 176 branch offices in United
States, Canada, Cuba, Mexico, South America,
Europe, Australia, and South Africa.
FIRE
INCORPORATED 1833
MARINE
BRITISH AMERICA
ASSURANCE CO.
Head Office, - - TORONTO, ONT.
Cash Capital
Assets
Losses Paid since Organization
Hon. Geo. A. Cox,
President
J. J. Kenny,
Vice-President
$1,000,000.00
2,024,096.02
23,886,005.32
P. H. Sims,
Secretary
The Toronto lithographing Go.
LtM[TK Ll
Lithographers
AND
Engravers
All Processes
for all
Purposes.
West King Street
TORONTO
CHRISTIE'S
BISCUITS
have stood the test of
over half a Century,
and are acknowledged
to be the Standard of
PURITY and EXCELLENCE
Note a few of their
Zephyr Cream Sodas Specialties
(Marie
Social Tea
Imperial Wafer
Water Ice Wafer
Assorted Sandwich
Lemon Sandwich
... ,
Reception Wafer
Co., Limited Cheese Wafer
Toronto and Montreal, Canada Apple Blossom
/-,i • .• r>
Christie, Brown
Derbys and Fedoras
You'll Delight to Wear
Men's English Fur Felt Derby and
Fedora Hats, in all new and up-to-
date styles for present wear. With
bound or unbound edges, silk band
and binding", calf and Russian sweat
bands and silk trimmings. The col-
ors are black, hazel and mocha.
Prices, S2.5O and S3.OO
Style and Quality
in this new Hat
The illustration represents one of
our leading English Fur Felt Hats,
with tapered crown and medium
rolled brim. It has genuine natural
tan and calf leather sweat-bands
and pure silk trimmings. The col-
ors are black, maple and chocolate.
Price, $2.00
All that is GOOD in Men's Wear
in Clothing, Hats, Shirts and Neckwear, all that quiet dressiness
and refined style that so appeals to men who pride themselves on their
correct taste in dress.
There is a style-smartness about our clothing that is very dis-
tinctive. It gives that appearance so much sought for by particular
dressers. It is unexcelled in make and finish and we can guarantee a
perfect fit for any figure. If you have the habit of having your clothes
built on the made-to-order plan, try our ready-to-wear clothing. You'll
be mightily satisfied with them, and — you can keep the change.
Popular prices with us in Hats does not mean the popular
quality ordinarily sold at that price. Our Hats are specially made for
us by the best makers. At the prices we sell them at they are un-
equalled for quality and style.
In Shirts and Neckwear we have all the new Spring designs and
patterns, without the least extravagance in price.
1 he Men's Section is the handiest place in the store
for a man to reach— just inside the Queen St. Entrance.
Can't beat this Suit
•for Style and Wear
Our Men's Scotch Tweed Suits are already
proving popular. Genuine imported materials.
Newest Spring Patterns in fashionable checks,
stripes and mixtures, light, medium, and dark
shades, best Italian linings ; and as to the fit —
perfect.
Special, $13,50
This Spring Overcoat
will surely please you
Men's Spring Overcoats in all wool Imported
Oxford Grey Cheviot, lined throughout with
good Italian cloth, best silk facings extending
full length of coat, velvet collars,
Special, $1O.OO
Early
Shippin
Helps
Early
Closing
T. EATON
190 YONCE ST., TORONTO
LIMITED
Store
Closes at
5 p.m.
The Great $3.50 Shoe for Men
ALL LEATHERS
ALL STYLES
ALL WIDTHS
ALL SIZES
VVKAKS VVKI.I.
LOOKS WELL
KEELS VVKI.I.
LASTS WELL
In the VICTOR SHOE
Canadians have the equal of any shoe made on the continent at the price. The
lasts are selected from the best high-grade American lastst and are thoroughly up-
to-date in style, finish and scientific conformity to the shape of the foot.
The VICTOR embodies the result of modern methods, applied both to the
manufacturing and retailing of gentlemen's shoes.
It is the equal of any SS.OO Shoe sold in Canada to-day
It wears as only a good honestly made shoe can. It looks as well and as
handsome as it wears. It is thoroughly dried out at each stage of its making, and
thus retains its shape until actually wo'rn out. By alt standards, as recognized in
shoemaking and selling, the VICTOR is
A $5.OO Shoe for $3.5O
Test it — wear a pair of VICTORS. You'll like them, and you'll save 30 per cent,
of your usual outlay incidentally.
FOR SALE ONLY BY
THE
ROBERT
SIMPSON
TORONTO, CANADA
John Macdonald & Co
Wholesale Importer^
and
Manufacturer*} of
GENERAL DRY GOODS
MEN'S FURNISHINGS
HOUSE FURNISHINGS
CARPETS, WOOLLENS/
and
READY-TO-WEAR GOODS
Wellington and Front Sts. East
TORONTO
No. 3A
folding
Pocket
Kodak
Broader in scope than any-
thing here so far attained
in Pocket Photography.
Pictures 3^ x 5^ inches.
PRICE, $2O.OO
KODAK DEVELOPING MACHINE FOR 3A, $7.50
Canadian Jiodafi
LIMITED
TORONTO, CANADA
KODAK CATALOGUE BY MAIL OR AT THE DEALERS
GRENADIER vs. FENSOM
One is a byword on
Military Matters
The Other, a byword on
Elevator Constructions
When you want to see the soldiers you naturally want to see
something good —
The Grenadiers
When you want to see an elevator installation, the same
applies —
The Fensom
ELECTRIC, HYDRAULIC, STEAM, ETC.
Write for Catalogue
THE FENSOM ELEVATOR CO. LIMITED
Duke Street, TORONTO, CANADA
The York County Loan
and Saving's Co.
(INCORPORATED)
Of
TORONTO, CANADA
JOSEPH PHILLIPS, PRESIDENT
A. T. HUNTER, LL.B., VICE-PRESIDENT V. ROBIN, TREASURER E. BURT, SUPERVISOR
R. H. SANDERSON, BUILDING INSPECTOR
Branch Office* >
TORONTO WEST, HAMILTON, LONDON, WINNIPEG,
Cor. Queen and Dovercourt. Spectator Building. Dundas and Clarence Streets. 5 Ottawa Bank Building.
HALIFAX, N.S., OTTAWA, MONTREAL,
19 Sackville Street. 66 Bank Street. Canada Life Building.
VANCOUVER, ST. JOHN, N.B.
627 Hastings Street. Jardine Block.
T"f ,^f • ..
Artistic Hleetric
/Jtv -^ • >•
OUn ART SHOW ROOMS
npatjy beautiful designs ir? 2\rl Fixtures,
aijd all of good practical licjf^tiijg effect.
PRIOKS MODEKATB
c Toronto E»lcctnic L
l^irpited
12 Adelaide Street Bast
TOF^ONTO
ESTABLISHED 1852.
GILLETFS GOODS ARE THE BEST;
Imperial Baking Powder. Gillett's Mammoth Blue.
Gillett's Perfumed Lye. Magic Baking Powder.
Magic Baking Soda. Gillett's Cream Tartar.
Gillett's Washing Crystal. Royal Yeast Cakes.
E. W. GILLETT COMPANY LIMITED
LONDON, ENG. TORONTO, Ont. CHICAGO, ILL.
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DO YOU WANT
HOMESTEAD
FREE OR NEARLY SO
There are millions of acres of
rich, well-timbered and well-wat-
ered farming land in New Ontario
ready for settlement.
FOR PARTICULARS APPLY TO
Hon. A. G. MacKay
Commissioner of Crown Lands
TORONTO
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CURES
Rheumatism, Lumbago, Lame Back, Neuralgia, Diphtheria,
Coughs and Colds, Sore Throat, Croup, Piles, Frost Bites, Burns,
Asthma, Catarrh, Chilblains, Corns, Tooth, Ear and Headache,
Bruises, Wounds and Sprains of every description on Man or
Beast. Actually the best External and Internal Remedy known.
ENTERING THE SYSTEM through the pores, when applied externally to
relieve pain and inflammation. DR. THOMAS' ECLBCTWC OIL relaxes and soothes the
stiffened, .swollen and irritated Ligaments, or Rheumatic Joints, and promptly checks
the pain. Taken internally, it remedies disorders of the Respiratory Organs, Bowels,
Liver and Kidneys.
This matchless compound not only possesses remedial efficacy of the highest order,
but, inasmuch as it contains no alcohol, its influence is not weakened by evaporation,
which is the case with a great many oils of doubtful efficacy, which have an alcoholic
basis.
EASE BY DAY and repose by night are enjoyed by those who are wise enough
to apply DR. THOMAS' ECLF.CTRIC OIL to their aching muscles and joints. A quantity
easily held in the palm of the hand is often enough to relieve the most excruciating pain.
CONSTITUTIONS OF IRON are undermined and destroyed by lung and
bronchial disease consequent upon neglect of a cough. A foolhardy disregard of that
warning symptom is, unfortunately, very common, and that is the main reason why
consumption figures so conspicuously among the causes of premature death. A timely
use, inwardly and outwardly, of DR. THOMAS' ECLKCTRIC OIL — a benign, pure, and
undeteriorating antispasmodic, soothing and healing agent, endorsed and recom-
mended by the faculty — is a sure, prompt, and inexpensive way of arresting a cough or
cold. Besides being a pulmonic of acknowledged excellence it is a matchless anodyne
fur rheumatic and neuralgic pain ; cures Bleeding or Blind Piles, Sores and Hurts of all
kinds, and remedies Kidney Troubles and lameness and weakness of the Back.
NORTHROP & LYMAN CO., Limited
Proprietors
TORONTO
FREDERICK W. SMITH
SIDNEY SMITH
SMITH BROS.
Carriage and Waggon
Works
Cor. Duke and Parliament Sts.
ESTABLISHED 1843
Special attention given to Repairing, Re-painting
and Trimming
LORRltS BUILT TO ORDER
Street Sprinklers and Fire Apparatus Specialties
LU6SDIN & FRANCKE
EXCLUSIVE FURRIERS
1O1 YONGE ST.
FUR-
•>
LINED
COATS
FUR
L
COATS
I
GAUNT
LETS
P
CAPS
L
etc.
All Furs We Sell Our Own Make
Prices very moderate
xix
Sltj?
Is particularly admired for its capacity to withstand hard usage, and still retain the characteristic "Gerhard
Heintzman tone" which has made it famous. Why shouldn't it? Everything that money, experience
and skill can acquire is lavished upon it by its makers. Those things that are a little better than mere
first-class are all used in its production.
Hence all the good things you have heard about the Gerhard Heintzman Piano will be abundantly
verified if it should be your good fortune to possess one. They charm the most critical and astonish those
who are inclined to be incredulous.
GOURLAY, WINTER & LEEMING
Hamilton Warerooms:
66 KING STREET WEST
188 Yonge Street, TORONTO
Dodge
Manufacturing
The
of Toronto, Limited
Engineers - Founders - Machinists
and
Manufacturers
OUR SPECIALTY IS
Power
Transmission
Machinery
in all its Branches
WORKS:
TORONTO JUNCTION
OFFICE:
1 16 BAY STREET
TORONTO
Bertram Engine Works Co.
Limited
Manufacturers
of
ENGINES & BOILERS
Steel and Composite
Steamers
Tugs and Yachts
Mining Machinery
OFFICE AND WORKS :
NIAGARA AND BATHURST STREETS
SHIPYARD:
FOOT OF BATHURST STREET
H. P. Eckardl £? Co.
Cor. Front & Scott
TORONTO
Tackers of
LUDELLA CEYLON TEA
"Distributors of
HEINZ
PICKLES,
BAKED BEANS,
and
RELISHES.
Our
Safes
Have proven
Superior
to
all
others.
n n n
J. & J. TAYLOR,
(TORONTO SAFE WORKS]
TORONTO
Established 1865
THE FIRSTBROOK
BOX CO., LIMITED
WOODEN
BOXLS
283 to 309 King Street East.
TORONTO
Mills Toronto and Penetanjf, Ontario.
CANADA FOUNDRY COMPANY,.
Steel Buildings, Bridges, Cranes, etc.
Hydrants, Valves and Specials.
Wrought Iron Fences, Grills and
Railing.
Drinking and Ornamental Fountains,
Pumps and Hydraulic Machinery.
Locomotives, Boilers, Rivetted Steel
Plate Work, Railway Trucks, Air
Compressors for all Duties.
Canada Foundry Co.,
Limited
Head Office and Works, TORONTO
District Offices :
Montreal. Halifax, Ottawa. Winnipeg,
Vancouver, Victoria, Rossland.
Boeckh's
Household Brushes
and Brooms
are the standard of merit. Remem-
ber when purchasing that if brushes
offered and described to be as
good as Boeckh's were as good as
Boeckh's they would be offered upon
their own merits.
Sold by all Dealers.
Ask for Boeckh's Brushes and Brooms
WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF CUTS IN
HALFTONING frWOOD
16 ADELAIDE ST WEST
f_ DE-SlGNERvS.
\P ILLUSTRATORS.
* COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS.
J
FIT
WELL
Shirts
MADE
WELL
BUY
*
YOUR
SHIRTS
*
Collars
and
Cuffs
AT
TOLTONS
Pyjamas
Made and sold
at
4-
68 King St. West
*
PHONE M. 2560
WEAR
WELL
Night Robes
WASH
WELL
«•
s
fi
o
FONTHILL
NURSERIES
8OO acres
The most complete as-
sortment of Nursery Stock
in the Dominion. Send
for Catalogue, and submit
us list of your wants.
Stone & Wellington
Toronto, Ont.
The Home of the
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COFFEES, SPICES
TODHUNTER, MITCHELL f
SCO.
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7 EAST FRONT ST., TORONTO
COCOAS, CHOCOLATES
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Standard Silver Company
Makers of Reliable Silver Plate
Trophies a Specialty
31-43 Hayter St., Toronto, Canada
Shafting Hangers Pulleys
Chilled and Grey Iron Castings
Link Chain Belting and Sprocket
Wheels
Cotton Leather and Rubber
Belting, tlevator Cups
Steel Conveyor and all Supplies
Flour Mill. Oatmeal, Cereal, Spice,
Paint. Cement and Special
Machinery
Wm. & J. Q. Qreey
2 Church St., Toronto
MADE IN CANADA
THE
WALKER, PARKER Co.
LIMITED
TORONTO
oLjt
iltlttarg
aul»
Estimates and Designs Furnished Free
Harold A. Wilson Co., Limited
SPORTING GOODS HOUSE
f
SPRING
|
SUMMER
AUTUMN
WINTER
'
All grades in all lines
for all ages in all
seasons
|
Largest stock in
Canada
35 King: Street West - TORONTO
ESTABLISHED FIFTY YEARS
outers /
outers /
In any quantity or
design, shipped to
any part of Canada
and arrival guar-
anteed.
Every function of
life is brightened by
Famous
ROSES, CARNATIONS,
ORCHIDS
and other seasonable flowers
*5 <jrClncf St. n., ^Toronto
CANADA'S LEADING FLORIST
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TO THE FKONT
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FINE |
Chocolates
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The Choicest Goods are
Cowan's
PERFECTION
COCOA
(Maple Leaf Brand)
Are
Delicious Confections
Made in Canada
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g Royal Navy Chocolate
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Chocolate Cream Bars
Cowan's Milk Chocolate, etc.
All guaranteed absolutely pure and of the
finest quality
The COWAN CO. Ltd.
Toronto
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McKendry's
tlltnerg
Always
The Most Beautiful
in Canada
226-228 Yonge St.
TORONTO
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Military
Flannel
Shirts
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Made to be wo
with white Collars. W
Cuffs to match on 2
white or colored g
linen. Very com- tt
fortable. jj
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DRESS
SHIRTS
PAJAMAS
NIGHT
ROBES
To
your
M, MMfl
MacKAY
101 Yonge St.. 4 doors south of Adelaide
a
B
Headquarters for
STATIONERY
ACCOUNT BOOKS
OFFICE SUPPLIES
LEATHER GOODS
DIARIES— Office and Pocket
TYPEWRITER SUPPLIES
PRINTERS' and
BINDERS' SUPPLIES
BOOKBINDING— Every Style
Established over a century ago
Newcastle, England, I 774— Toronto 1846
BROWN BROS.
LI MITED
Manufacturing and Mercantile Stationers
Office and Warehouse :
61-53 Wellington St. W., TORONTO
"SAFFORD'
RADIATOR
CANNOT
LEAK
Their screw-
threaded nip-
ple co n nec-
tions make
them literally
as "tight as a
drum." "Saffbrds" for Hot Water
or Steam Heating are safe invest-
ments.
SKNO FOR ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE
The DOMINION RADIATOR CO., Limited
Head Office, TORONTO, Ont.
BRANCH OFFICES:
Montreal, Quebec, St. John, N. B., Winnipeg and
Vancouver, B.C.
ALEX MILLARD
att& limhalmrr
359 YONGE ST.
TELEPHONE MAIN 679
TORONTO, CAN.
PRIVATE MORTUARY
Restaurant and
Lunch Counter
Thirty Rooms Graduated Prices
GENTLEMEN ONLY
ENGLISH
CHOP HOUSE
European Plan
f. M. THOMAS, Proprietor
Situated Centre of City
Close to all Theatres.
30 King St. West
TORONTO, Ont.
TRe
Iroquois Hotel
•
Toronto. Canada
V/ HIS HOTEL, situated on the south-west corner of King and
A. York Streets, u ithin two minutes walk of the I'nion Station
(Grand Trunk and Canadian Pacific Railways) and the
wharves at which all tlic magnificent fleet of steamers arrive and de-
part. It is centrally situated ami very convenient for Pleasure-Seek-
ers, Commercial Men and the General Public. Street Cars pass the
hotel for every part of the city and suburbs
It has been renovated throughout, several thousand dollars
have been expended in plumbing, steam fitting, electric lighting, etc.,
and its sanitary arrangements are up-ttvdatc. Inspection is courted.
Attention to travellers and customers is the first order of this estab-
lishment. Reputation made on service given. Attractive draw ing
rooms and parlors, airy bedrooms rooms with bath and en suite.
Mr. Graham is a hotel man in everv sense of the word, and,
since taking possession of the Iroquois it has become one of the most
popular hotels in the city ; and either ladies or gentlemen favoring
the hotel with their patronage may be assured ot a hearty welcome
and courteous treatment. The table is supplied with the best the
market affords. The bar is stocked with choice liquors and cigars.
When you visit Toronto on either pleasure or business you will
find the Iroquois a comfortable and convenient place to stop at
"A HoMB FROM IIOMK. "
ICates $2.00 aa<3 $2.50 per day.
G. A. GRAHAM,
Proprietor
THE
GREAT
BUSINESS
TRAINING
SCHOOL
of the Dominion is the
OF TORONTO
Annual enrolement 1200
Regular Teachers 18
Departments are:—
Commercial
Shorthand
Telegraphy
Enter any time. Write for
Catalogue to wr
w. H. SHAW. Principal
Toronto Type Foundry
Co., Limited
70-72 York St., Toronto
MANUFACTURERS
OF LINOTVPE
MACHINES
Leading House in Canada
for
Printers' Goods
Type, Presses,
Paper Cutting Machines,
Bookbinding and
Paper Box Making
Machinery, etc., etc.
Branches at
Halifax
Montreal
Winnipeg
John J. Palmer, President
J. T. Johnston, General Manager
TO
HER MAJESTY
THE QUEEN
TORONTO
AHOHIS
ROYAL HIOHNEM
THE
PBINCE OF WALES
HATS
QUEBEC.
FURNITURE AND CARPETS
" Private Credit to All "
The New Big: Store
The J. F. BROWN CO., Limited
193-195-197 Yonge Street
Pease Economy
Hot Water Boilers
For the past seventeen years the
Pease has been the chief purveyor of
winter comforts to the Canadian
people. This is the furnace that ex-
ercises an intelligent supervision over
the coal account and runs itself with
automatic ease and certainty. The
best heating apparatus upon every
point of construction and heat-giving
capacity.
Write for Booklet "Winter Comforts "
The Pease Foundry Co., Limited
TORONTO
ueens
Toronto, Canada
Strictly up-to-date in every particular. Attend-
ance and cuisine unexcelled. Acknowledged to be
the most comfortable Hotel in the Dominion.
McQaw & Winnett, Proprietors
ACCIDENTS
OF ALL KINDS
AND DISEASES
THE ONTARIO ACCIDENT
INSURANCE COMPANY
Head Office, Toronto. Ont.
Capital, $102,500.00. Full Govern-
ment Deposit.
Premium Income 1903, $178,786.03
Claims Paid 1 903, 1 ,76 I , for 872,973.75
Business Transacted
Accident; Sickness; Accident and Sick-
ness combined; Employers', Elevator,
Teams, Vessel, Theatre, Merchants',
Contractors', Owners' and Builders'
Contingent, Gen era I and Public Liability;
Workmen's Collective.
LARRATTW. SMITH, K.C., D.C.L.. President
ART HUR EASTMURE, Vice-Pres. and Man. Director
FRANCIS J. LIGHTBOURN, Secretary
Best
Quality
COAL
AND
WOOD
The Conger Coal Co.
Limited
Main Office: 6 King St. East
TORONTO
HUTCHINSON & SON
Carriage Builders
126 to 134 Simcoe St.
REPAIRING DEPT., i to 9 Nelson 5t.
We carry In stock l.nndnu.s, Broug-
lioins, Victoria*, Two-wheeled Dog
Carts. Platform Dog Carts. Open and
Top Tilbury Carts, and Sleighs of
all descriptions. We make a specialty
of building SPECIAL DESIGNS to
order. Also repairing and repainting
fine work.
" As good as any at any price
Better than any at the same price"
THE TOPAZ
PENCIL
The Topaz Pencil is made
•from the finest graphite,
extra compressed in five
degrees.
HB— H-HH HHH-B
and
Indelible Copying
For Sale at all Stationers
WARWICK BROS. & RUTTER
Limited
Sole Importers - TORONTO
MASON &
RISCH
PIANOS
Thirty years before the public
Twelve thousand in actual use
They are the product of money, brains
and experience — substantial Pianos for peo-
ple who buy but one instrument in a life
time. T hey look well, sound well and wear
well. Yet with all their goodness they are
sold at a reasonable price, on easy terms.
A card with your name and address will
bring you our illustrated catalogue and an
explanation of our easy time system of
payments, of which you may avail yourself,
no matter where you live.
Mason & Risch Piano Co.
LIMITED
32 King St. West, TORONTO, Ont.
*
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High Class
Costuming and
Millinery
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MDE. JOAN BISHOP
MISS ALEXANDER
* 406 & 408 Yonge St. Phone Main 3077
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I
^ote D. hey Co.
Limited
74 Wellington Street West
Toronto
{Montreal
Winnipeg
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CORSEITS
These perfect-fitting and beautiful Corsets
hold the premier position in the world of
fashion for elegance, durability and com-
fort. Every movement of the body has
been studied and support is given exactly
where required without undue pressure
upon the vital respiratory organs.
ALL LEADING MERCHANTS
HAVE THEM
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f We/,6 Go.
Limited
GATE R ERS
\
For
Weddings
Banquets
Receptions
and other entertainments in
town or country
Catalogue free
jonge Street, Toronto
l
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THE HOUSE OF QUALITY
WE ARE hatters and furriers to-day in a bigger
and better way than ever --for years we sold
nothingel.se — but the store has taken on a
wider usefulness — the house has grown ten-fold in
size, and with the expansion has come other depart-
ments, so that to-day you can buy here : —
Fine Furs Ladies' Hats
Men's Hats Ladies' Raincoats
Men's Raincoats Ladies' Waists
Men's Furnishings Ladies' Jackets
Leather Goods Umbrellas, etc.
We've always been able to do best for you in hats
and furs and we set the standard just as high for other
things we sell, making it a matter of almost eternal
vigilance to give you the most exclusive styles and
best values that you can buy in Canada anywhere.
J. W. T. FAIRWEATHER & CO.
84-86 Yonge St. - TORONTO
ASK FOR
Telephone No.
North 133
BREDIN'S
BKEAD
MACHINE MADE
Clean, pure, and nutritious
The Bredin Bread Co.
Limited
160-164 Avenue Kd.
NATURE
AND
HIGHEST
HUMAN
SKILL
PRODUCE
THE
BEST'
THREAD
SPOOL
5/LK
When the question is asked : WHAT IS
THE GREATEST PIANO IN CANADA?
the answer must surely be the
Heintzman & Co*
Piano
(Made by Ye Olde Firme of Heintzman &Co.,
Limited)
This magnificent instrument holds the
place of honor on all great musical occa-
sions of national importance. In every
case it acquits itself nobly, winning warm
praise from celebrated musicians and
critics.
Ye Olde Firme of
Heintzman & Co.
Limited
Piano Salon 115-117 King St. West
TORONTO
The
Wilkinson Plough Co.
Limited
MANURE SPREADERS
BRAZEL SNOW PLOWS
DRAG AND WHEEL SCRAPERS
TORONTO
Write for Catalogue.
••*••••« »»*+»*•» »**»»»»••»*•*»*•
LAND SECURITY
COMPANY
44 VICTORIA ST., TORONTO
House and Store
Properties for Sale
Vacant Land in Desirable
Localities for Buildings
Lists with Prices given on
application.
+»«•»»»•
Clark's
Pork and
Beans
Convenient and Satisfying
SOCIAL TEAS,
SOCIAL COFFEES,
SOCIAL COCOAS
Jersey Cream Baking Powder
Jersey Cream Yeast Cakes
When you get these brands you get the best your grocer
has in stock. Wholesale by
LUMSDEN
84 MeNab St. N.
Hamilton
BROS.
82 King St. West
Toronto
|
V»V
WE MAKE
WINDMILLS
PUMPS
TANKS
FOR WATER SUPPLY
AND FIRE PROTECTION
HYDRAULIC
RAMS, etc.
ONTARIO WIND ENGINE & PUMP CO.
LIMITED
TORONTO - Canada
D e
and
Rll UN OR
EMPRESS OF TABLE
WATERS
^Business
Systems
z. erpetual
ers
Our System ap-
plied to your bus-
iness, will reduce
the expense, labor,
and mistakes of
running- your office
to a minium.
The COPELAND-CHATTERSON CO.
Limited
He»d Office and Works, TORONTO, Can.
For a Satisfying Chew
TRY
BRITISH NAVY
AND
KINGS NAVY Hi
And for a Good Smoke
TRY
TONKA CUT SMOKING
UNION MADE
McAlpin Consumers Tobacco Co. Ltd
TORONTO
+/T qj-trcL/ ouJis fff Jejy
1 /f / T~
/ - &44L& ruMfirr .
a^p-m^L/
t^r /rttesmd
THE A. R. WILLIAMS MACHINERY CO., LIMITED
TORONTO, ONT.
Clark's
Sliced Smoked
Beef
T
Me
TROPHIES
Medals, Pins and Cups
at Factory Price.
Also regular Jewelry line.
Makes a dainty Breakfast or Luncheon
JAS. D. B. BAILEY
MCLAREN
Wholesale dealers in
Boots Shoes and Slippers
and Maple Leaf Rubbers
Our Special Brand
THE IMPERIAL SHOE
A Hi^'1 Grade Shoe for Men and Women. Made in all
Fine Leathers
McLaren & Dallas
jo Front St. West, : : TORONTO
75 Yong'e, cor. King.
Jewelry Parlors
Wall Paper
Ask your dealer for our make.
Our name is on the Selvage.
STAUNTONS, Limited
No Goods sold Retail TORONTO
6 *
" THE ROYAL GRENS"
I " Toronto's Favorite Battalion "
« *
mummm
•,
V
.
Samuel May <£# Cb.
r 1 'OOD soldiers require a good sub- »
^-* stantial food and one item that
counts first is good bread. Next,
t where can it be obtained ? Probably »
* two-thirds of this regiment *
ft *
89l
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MANUKACTURKRS Dl
Kngflish .mil American
BILLIARD TABI.KS
With the latest improved C^uick Club
5
tfti USE *
K *
i
•
and Composition Billiard and Pool
6 j*
K
K
Balls, Importers of Fine Billiard
i
//. C. TOMLIN'S
* *
K
•
K
Cloths, Makers of Plain and Fancy-
Cues, etc., etc.
;
v
i
>1/VD THLY KNOW
5 2
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Office FdcioTV and Showrooms '
K *
* FACTORY ADDRESS *
* 420 422 424 426 428 Bathurst St. §j
| PHONE PARK 553 *
»**»»»»
102-104 Adelaide St. West'
TORONTO
I-.
C. E. VERRAL, Superinlendenl
Telephone: Main 123
DOMINION LIVERY
61 York Street TORONTO
GEO. W. VERRAL. Proprietor
Uate Chas. Brown
Tally-Ho Guaches for Tourists and Private Parties
An Excellent Assortment of
Landaus, Coupes, Victorias wiih Drivers in l-ivery
FINE FUR
GARMENTS
WM.
E.
ORR & CO.
93 Yonge St.
TORONTO
f
Exclusive and
Correct Designs
Prices moderate
Oktrato
. (Cuuuiut
OWNED AND OPERATED BY US.
Edward Adams & Co., London, Ont.
Balfour & Co , Hamilton
The Davidson & Hay Ltd., Toronto
W. H. Gillard & Co., Hamilton
W. H. Gillard & Co., Sault Ste. Marie
Lucas, Steele & Bristol, Hamilton
John Sloan & Co., Toronto
J. F. Smyth & Co., Windsor
Win. Somerville & Co., Hamilton
(Fruit and Vegetable Canners)
Wm. Somerville & Co., Hamilton
(Spices and Extracts)
James Turner & Co., Hamilton
James Turner & Co., Calgary, N.W.T.
Warren Bros. & Co., Toronto
"Cock of the North "
This is the proud name borne by our line of
Threshing and Saw-mill Machinery
WORTHY OF ITS NAME
Amcrican-Abell Engine and Thresher
Company, Limited
TORONTO - Can.
Ebc
TKH. 1R. Brock Companv
OUmftefc
WHOLESALE
General Dry Goods
Woollens
Tailors' Trimmings
Carpets
Curtains
House Furnishings
Men's Furnishings
Ladies'Furnishings
Ladies' Ready -to -
Wear Goods
Toronto
COR. BAY AND
WELLINGTON STS.
flDontreal
COR. ST. HELEN
AND RECOLLET STS.
THE
Gurney, Tilden Co,
LIMITED
Manufacturers
"SOUVENIR"
STOVES AND RANGES,
HOT WATER BOILERS,
STEAM AND HOT WATER
RADIATORS, FURNACES
AND REGISTERS,
LOCKS AND BUILDERS'
HARDWARE.
Hamilton, Canada.
W. J. Gage & Co.
The Largest Wholesale
and Manufacturing
Book and
Stationery
Establishment in Canada.
54 and 56 Front St. West,
1, 3 and 5 Piper St.,
TORONTO, ONT.
THOS. CRAWFORD, M.P.P.,
President
HA*.. C. VA.NNORMAN,
Vice- President
The Equity Fire Insurance Co.
Toronto, Canada
Capital $1,000,000.00
(Dominion License)
H. R. VA.vNORMAN,
Gen. Agent LEWIS PARKER* } ' nsPectors
WM. GREENWOOD BROWN, Gen. Manager
DUNLOP
Ilubber Carriage Tires
Ideal Horse Shoe Fails
Detachable Bicycle Tires
Garden Hose
BKST ON THE CATALOGUE
Dunlop Tire Co., Limited
TORONTO
NORDHEIMER
Are productions of
the Highest Grade
PIANOS
The Nordheimer Piano and Music Co.
LIMITED
Canada
furniture
(Jftanufacturer6
LIMITED
The "WEIR" Wardrobe No. 12
MANUFACTURERS OF
HOUSEHOLD
AND
OFFICE
FURNITURE
OUR TWENTY-ONE I U
TORIES manufacture for
every room in the home,
Furniture of every grade from the
finest Mahogany and yuartcr-
sawed Oak to the simple Maple
and Elm. Every piece is distin-
guished by careful workmanship
and good design.
\\'l ARK TIIK SOI.K MAM KM II KKRS
FOR CANADA OK TIIK
"MACEY"
SECTIONAL BOOKCASE
The best sectional bookcase in
the world
OUR "WEIR"
PATENT WARDROBE
is what mankind has been looking
for since Primitive Man owned a
spare suit of clothes. The ex-
tension slide and the detachable
forms make it the ideal wardrobe.
No business man's office should
be without our
"GEM"
OFFICE WARDROBE
POPULAR HOTKL
POPI-LAR PRICKS
MOST DKSIKAHI.K LOCATION
\i-\\l\ Furnished and IX-coratcd
throughout. \eu~ Li^htin^,
II rating and R ef riff erating
Plant, Open Plumhiny, Porci-
lain Baths, Laref and Airv
K.HMII-.. Go,xl U.-ds, CHHH! Table.
Everything comfortabli- aiul
homelike
KRSTAURAST and CAKK
in connection
ARLINGTON HOTKL Brs ASI»
PORTKRS MKKT ALL TRAINS
.\M> BOATS
Arlington
$fOtH
(Tnronta. (Can.
F. 1). MANCHIK, Proprietor
AKTIU-R H. I.KWIS. M.HKLL;. T
K. B. Hutchison
£rCo.
L»te of Hutchison. IORRPRQ 1 M
N»b« fc-Auld JUbbtKb IIN
4. WOOLENS
1 1 From Street E»$t
Toronto, Ont.
American Plan
RATES • $2.00 per Ja\
and upwards
$10. 50 per week and upwards
i
THE builder of to-day who wants the best for the new home or
realizes the necessity of remodernizing the heating apparatus of
the old home, recognizes that for healthful warmth, comfort,
cleanliness and safety the only system to install is the only
combination of
Cxford Yiadiatori
with an Oxford Hot Water Boiler.
The Oxford Radiator meets every demand of the modern building.
It radiates healthful, summer-like warmth to every part.
Its use is reduced to an absolute science, being accurately propor-
tioned to give out the exact quantity of heat for a given size ot room.
Each Oxford Radiator is tested to a cold water pressure of one
hundred and twenty pounds, while during operation, the pressure is
rarely greater than ten pounds, giving a generous margin and avoiding
any possibility of accident.
The Oxford Hot VVater Boiler is the heart of the Oxford Heating
system, and has proved its high efficiency by many years of satisfactory
use.
It is entirely modern, combining every valuable feature of the latest
discoveries ot Science in this department.
Our entire plant at Toronto Junction, covering many acres ot
ground, is devoted exclusively to the manufacture of Oxford Hot Water
Boilers and Oxford Radiators.
We would like to send you some of our booklets about the Oxford
Hot Water System of heating— they tell the whole story.
THE GURNEY FOUNDRY CO.
Limited
Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, Vancouver
The barber & Ellis
Company, Limited
Manufacturers of
FINE SOCIETY
STATIONERY AND
ENVELOPES
of every description.
Dealers in
FINE WRITINGS
AND CARDBOARD
Office and Warehouse :
Alexander Street. TORONTO
The Clias, Rogers & Sons Co,
Limited
Makers and Importers
of
Furniture and Upholstery
Brass and Iron Bedsteads
Hair and Mixed Mattresses
Springs Pillows
etc.
THE CHAS. ROGERS & SONS CO.
Limited
97 Yonge St., TORONTO
xl
TEL. MAIN 4695 H. N. EMMF.TT, Prop.
i/ne \bmmett ^Aoe
ALL STYLES
ONE PRICE $3.50 °NE QUALITY
THE BEST
119 YONGE STREET, TORONTO
ILKBlachford
FINE SHOES
OSBORNE & FRANCIS
MEMBERS OF THB TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE
DEALERS IN
HIGH-CLASS INVESTMENT BONDS
MAIL BUILDING, TORONTO
1 14 Yong-e Street
TORONTO
PAPER BOX CO,, LIMITED
469 to 483 King St. West, Toronto
Manufacturers of PAPER BOXES of every
description, including Fine Confectionery, Glove,
Millinery and Clothing Boxes. Oyster and Ice
Cream I'ails, etc., etc.
Sole Manufacturers of the
BIRLEY PATENT
KNOCK-DOWN BOX
SPIRAL MAILING TUBES AND ROUND BOXES
A SPECIALTY.
ALL GLASS TOP
Jewelry and Oru^, Bank, Office and Window Fittings.
All kinds of Frames and Mirrors. Bent. Bevelled and Fancy
Glass. Our " Coronation " Floor Case has no equal any-
where. Floor Cases a Specialty. Dust-proof Doors. Second-
hand cases taken in exchange. Send for Catalogue.
Dominion Show Case Co., Toronto
R L AI DL A W
LUMBER CO
18 Toronto Street
SARNIA, TORONTO, BUFFALO
The Highest Technical and Artistic
Excellence in
Spectacles and Eyeglasses
We are making up day by day singularly beautiful
glasses in spectacles and pince-nez-high grade in
quality — accurate in lenses — exquisite in design — com-
fortable in fit — harmonizing with the faces and features
of the prospective wearers.
We respectfully solicit your orders, our workers
and facilities generally being at your service.
CHAS. POTTER, Optician
85 Yonge Street, - - TORONTO
QUEEN CITY FIRE INS. CO.
HAND IN HAND INS. CO.
MILLERS & MANT'RS INS. CO.
FIRE INS. EXCHANGE CORP'N
Authorized Capitals $1, 260. 000
Special attention given to placing large lines on
Mercantile and Manufacturing risks that come up
to our standard.
Head Offices, Queen City Chambers, Toronto
SCOTT &WAIMSLEY
E«t«bllthed 1868
Manager* and Underwriter*
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HIGHEST STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE
Cortains no Animal or Mineral Matter
Purely a Vegetable Compound
LEES & LANGLEY'S
WORCESTERSHIRE
SAUCE
A MOST PERFECT RELISH
AMERICAN COFFEE & SPICE CO., TORONTO
H. H. WILLIAMS
REAL ESTATE, INSURANCE AND LOANS
10 VICTORIA ST., TORONTO
CANADA'S GREATEST MUSIC HOUSE
and Musical
Instruments
of Every
Description
Music Publishers, Importers, Engravers
and Printers of Music in every Form
Manufacturers of the
"IMPERIAL BAND INSTRUMENTS''
Guaranteed for 10 years
Our " Imperial " Violins, Guitars, Mando-
lins, Banjos, and Strings for all Stringed
Instruments have no equal.
Catalogues on Application
WHALEY ROYCE & Co. Limited
158 Yonge St., Toronto, Can.
WESTERN BRANCH : 356 Main St., WINNIPEG, MAN.
WREYFORD & CO.
UNDERWEAR SPECIALISTS
United Garments in Fine Wool Lisle
and Cotton.
Camelhair Blankets for Camp and Deck
Stowasser's Legging-s, New Regulation
Puttees, Dent's Gloves, Young and
Rochester's Shirts.
PRICE LIST MAILED ON APPLICATION
85 King Street West, - TORONTO
A Hall Mark
of Pure Wool
SUN-BURST
PLEATED SKIRTS
Kriife, Accordion, Sun-Burst
PLEATED FRILLS
FEATHERBONE NOVELRY CO., LIMITED
266-274 King Street West, Toronto
Phone Main itfyj
MONTREAL OFFICE: 16 Birk's Building
JESS APPLEGATH
89 YONGE ST.
Next to Sheas
Hats for men only
in all the Latest
New York Styles
MACLAREN'S
IMPERIAL
CHEESE
NOTHING BETTER
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•••;..
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