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(The Golden Book)
of the «
Canadian^
^Contii\ê,ei\t
in South
Africa
Gaston P.LeJjat. ^-
^/^St-^^X-
IsE felVRE D'OR
(THE GOLDEN BOOK) —
Canadian Contingents in South ^frica
WITH AN APPENDIX ON
CANADIAN LOYALTY
CONTAINING LETTERS, DOCUMENTS, PHOTOGRAPHS
Portraits of Queen Victoria ; King Edward VII ;
and the Queen of England.
By GASTOK P. LABAT
Auilior of "Les Voyageurs Canadien: à V Expédition du
Soudan en i88§."
FOR SALE BY ALL THE BOOKSELLERS-
Principal Depot : 479 St. Louis St., Mile-End
1901
Entered according to Act of Parliament of Canada, in the year
1900, by Gaston P. Labat, in the office of the Minister of
Agriculture.
(Ail rîg/its of authorsJiip and tianslation reserved.)
" I WILL BE GOOD." — The Queen.
The glorioiis past.
I bave alrt-ady declarcd it wcmld be my constant endeavor to tbllow the grcat cxample
which lias beeii bequeathed to me." — Edward Riîx.
The glurious pi-esent.
HiS EXCELLENCY THE RiGHT HONORABLE THE EaRL OF MiNTO, G. C. M. G.,
Govbrnor-Genbral,
DEDICATED
TO HIS EXCELLENCY, LORD MINTO.
Governor General of Canada.
Your Excellciicy :
I^V^HEN I took the liberty of requesling Your Excel-
^v/l\//^ lency's permission to dedicate te you my book,
(SQ^^ I was already aware of the deep interest Your
Excellency felt towards Canadians.
In fact, on the occasion of Your Excellency's retum to
this country, while referring to one of your charming
daughters, born in this Dominion, you remarked : « She is
a Canadian that I am happy to bring back to you. »
Hence it is, Your Excellency, that I desired to place
this work — entitled « Le livre d'or des Contingents Cana-
diens en Afrique, » under your distinguished auspices,
convinced, as I am, that the Canadians will be proud and
happy to conserve one of the brightest pages of their
history under Your Excellency's high and distinguished
patronage.
May Your Excellency accept the humble expression of
the sincère gratitude
Of Your Excellency's
Obedient and respectful servant,
Gaston P. J.abat.
AN INTRODUCTORY LETTER
My dcar confrère :
:EFORE becoming a littérateur you hâve been a
soldier, and before being a soldier, you were a
Frenchman.
In othcr words, your race, your character and your
professional inclinations hâve nalurally inspired you with
a passion for ail that is noble and chivalrous.
Even more tnan ihis, your very passion is guided by
reason. Whilst French in blood and at heart, as faithful
as ever to the memory of the grand old motherland, from
the day upon which your foot first rested upon our soil,
with the intention of making this your future home, you
became a Canadian, and a Çanadian both loyal to ihe
country's existing flag and sincerely devoted toward the
institutions under which we live.
You hâve proven thèse attachments under the military
cloak, whether in distant expéditions, or with in our
citadel-barracks ; you hâve proven them since, at the
officiai desk, and not unfrequently wiih the journalist's
pen in hand. None other, then, has a better right to sign
liie iittle volume which you now présent to the public,
and for which you hâve asked me to write a few Unes of
préface.
VI AN INTRODUCTORY LETTER
This small book is a precious gem ; it adds to our
national wealth, for it supplies our glorious annals of the
by-gone with another page of heroism. I will not infringe
upon the political domain by the discussion of the more
or less oppoituneness that existcd for Canada to send
troops into South Africa to raake war on the Boers. For
the moment, I would fain behold merely the spontaneous
outburst of a young nation, proud to contribute its share
of sacrifices in the cause of an Empire of which, under
circumstances loyally accepted, it forrns a portion.
No more can there arise any question as to the justice
or injustice of that war. Even as, by a légal fiction, the
highest tribunal and the sovereign of a country, aie
considered as infallible, on the same principle, the standard
that waves over a people's vanguard can ncver be raised
in the wrong. I wish only to admire the bright side of tlie
picture, and to appreciate the happy results that cannot
fail in conséquence to be produced.
And, after ail, is it npt touching to behold a valiant
and vigorous young people rising up, arms in hand, in
answer to an appeal from the olher end of the world, and
Crossing from one hémisphère to the other, there to march
to the rescue of their imperiled national standard !
Is it not sufficient to fill our hearts with legitimate pride
to witness those young heroes emulating the traditional
heroism of our race, even to the extent of challenging the
undivided admiration of the vastest Empire upon which
the Sun has ever shone !
And, considering the results, is it not something to
hâve won the confidence and respect of our English
fellow-countrymen, who, in certain sections, are only too
prone to suspect our loyalty towards the British Crown ?
That confidence and liiat respect constitutc the first con-
dition of harmony betwcen the various cléments of our
AN INTRODUCTORY LETTER yil
population, a harmony indispensable toour people's happi-
ness as well as to the development of our national
prosperity.
From this stand point, more than from any other, the
part taken by our volunteers in Africa is both eminently
patriotic and civilizing. They deserve well of the country ;
they hâve a right to public récognition ; and it is only just
that their memory should be perpetuated,by the conserva-
tion of their names and their deeds-of-arms, in our archives
and our lib-aries.
How often has not the devotedness of our soldiers, in
1812, served as a triomphant argument against the préju-
dices raised against us in ultra-loyal circles I Those
patriots of other days were blamed by some of their
contemporaries, yet their achievements were fruitful in
benefactions.
Their memory was dying out ; it is revived to-day by
our valiant ones, who, in lenewing history, hâve succeeded
in crushing the last head of that hydra of suspicion.
Henceforth we can only be a homogenous people, both
m our aspirations and in our interests, and, which, while
being composed of différent races, faithful to their respective
traditions and origins, should prosper and grow in the
bonds of an indissoluble fraternity.
Suppose, for an instant, a refusai on our part to corre-
spond with that national désire, and the crisis growing
acute, the French-Canadians would hâve becn cast half
a century backvvards.
Therefore, my dear confrère^ with both hands in yours,
accept my congratulations.
Louis Fréchette.
Montréal, October i6ih, 1900.
PREFACE
ÎHIS book is not ours. It is written by the soldiers
of the Canadian Contingents, whose remarkable
^ôt^ heroism has astonished the entire world, and whose
blood has bedewed the death-deaHng soil of South Africa.
That their names, and a faithful record of their brave
and chivaîrous deeds may be transmitted to posterity,
constitutes our aim in pubiishing this volume. The question
may be asked ; why is this book partly in French and
partly in Engllsh ? Because, having taken up arms together,
irrespective of race or creed, hand in hand, and shoulder
to shoulder; having shed their blood on the same batde-
fields ; having sunk to their last rest beneath the same
sodj and wrapped in tke folds of the same flag, it is meet
that they should live on in the same book, and together
repose in ail the librares of the îand - those sanctuaries
of immortality wherein every nation enshrines its national
glories.
Wc say that this work is written by our brave. And
truly is it se : for, apart from a few incidental articles, for
which we hâve to thank their authors, the book consists
entirely of lettprs from members of the contingents ; some
of them heretcfore xmpublished, but which, throiigh the
kindness of the respective families, we sccurcd ; others,
X PREFACE
which .ippeared in the newspapers, and for the careful
collection and gathering into one volume of which, we leel
confident none will reproach us, since thereby we leave to
Canadian history a compact and tangible record of the
noble, heroic and glorious achievements of our young
soldiers.
With them, and through them, Canada is more favorably
known the world over than ail that has been said, written,
or done during one hundred years back could hâve
accomplished — so true is it that creeds and races draw
their strength from the blood that is shed in their cause.
To-day, Canada is a nation, and one that, henceforth,
ail the other nations of the world must take into con-
sidération.
Hence is it that in présence of the blood sacrificed by
our brave sons, in présence of such remarkable heroism,
in présence of a sacred and mad détermination to triumph,
we should bend the knee over the graves of those that
hâve vanished, and receive with open arms, like on the
day of the ProdigaFs return, those who come back to us
covered with glory.
Gaston P. Labat,
Montréal.
^^^^
A WORD OF EXPLANATION
./HE work we now publish might easiJy consist of
/^^ ten volumes were we to relate ail the feats-of-arms
Ci>t*^ perfoimed by our brave, and to insert ail their
letters.
As such is neither our aim nor our pretension, we hâve
been content to gather in this modest volume, letters and
documents from ail the Canadian Provinces, and there-
with to pay a patriotic tribute to our young heroes.
Consequently, let not any, whose letters are not included,
but whose names are given — for ail the names are to be
found herein — feel hurt : this work, like unto a monument
erected to the memory of a gênerai, reflects upon ail his
companions in the struggle and his associâtes in the
victory.
Finally, we deemed it well to insert the portraits of
certain personages who interested themselves in the form-
ation of the contingents, and, in an Apperidix, those of
Canadians — none the less heroic — who spread a knowl-
edge of Canada's military worth,throughout EgyjJt, India,
China, the Philippines, and over the entire globe: for
Canadians are everywhere to be found.
For myself, in 1885, I hâve met wiih them in the
Soudan, singing : Un Canadicfi errant.
XII A WORD OF EXPLANATION
And if histoiy is to be believed \ve are told that, at the
time of the déluge, a man trying to escape from the rising
waters, reached a mountain-top. The Ark passed by, and
the man called Noah to take him on board. . . The latter
replied that there was no room for him.
— «Go to Old Nick with your barge,» shouted the man,
« it is only going to be a shower, after ail.»
The man on the mountain was a Canadian. . . Apart
from this grave statement, which appears to hâve originated
in Marseille, we will deal only with what we can authen-
ticate as being historical.
G. P. L.
CANADIAN LOYALTY
^0 show that loyal ty is a sentiment that exists
throughout the whole of Canada, even as it does
(st^ in the breasts of our gallant volunteers, we deemed
it well to introduce their letters with the foUowing
documents.
To begin with ; it is thus Mgr, Bégin, in his admirable
letter to Mgr. Bruchési, underdate the isth January, 1900,
gives expression to his feelings : —
« The loyalty of our French-Canadian Bishops and
priests, is written in letters of gold, in characters of fire,
upon the tablets of history, and ail the sovereigns, and ail
their représentatives that hâve succeeded each other hère
since the ceeding of Canada to England — even those
amongst the latter against whom it was necessary to wage
a légal struggle in défense of our most legitimate rights —
hâve ail borne the most solemn and most cordial lestimony
to its existence.
« Need I hère recall a Mgr. Briand who, occupying the
see of Québec at the turning-point of history in New
France, living successively under the lily-flag and under
the British standard, loyal, in the first instance, to the
former until, on the plains of Abraham, ail, save honor,
2 LE LIVRE d'or
was lost, and then generously transferring to the latter his
entire loyalty, made use, during the terrible days of 1775»
of his sacred influence, to keep French Canada faithful to
the new masters? And yet, God knows how great must
hâve been the temptation for the sons of France in
America to unité their destiny with that of those sons of
Brilain, less scrupulous, less loyal than they — and we
might add less vilified and more excusable for a real and
effective revolt than we of to-day are for a fanciful dis-
loyalty ? If the Catholic envoys of the United States, if
the warm appeals of those French officers serving in the
cause of American Independence, could not overcome the
résistance of the Canadian people, it is because the grand
voice of the head of the Church in Québec, invoking the
sacrea principle of respect due to the existing authority,
and branding as rebels ail who allowed themselves to be
carried away, raised an unsurmountable barrier to the
idea of révolution. And England, already deprived of the
richest portion of her héritage in America, owed to a
French Bishop the préservation of this Canadian land —
now one of the brightest gems in her impérial crown.
« What could I not say — were it not that I wish to be
brief — about a Mgr. Denaut, whose devotedness to
England was expressed in deeds of heroic generosity, and
of a Mgr. Plessis, recalling to the faithful of his diocèse,
in 1807, «that it is impossible to be a good Christian
without first being a loyal and faiihful subject, » and «that
they would be unworthy of the name of Catholics and of
Canadians, if they showed disloyalty, or even indifférence
when it is a question of fulfilling their duties as subjects
devoted to the interests of their sovereign, or in the defence
of the country. » It was this illustrions prelate, who, in
1812, devoted his whcle being and succeeded in maintain-
ing the Canadians faithful to their British allegiance. The
LE LIVRE d'or 9
same course was followed by Mgr. Panet, the maternai
uncle of the late lamented Cardinal Taschereau.
« Then, again, in the regretable days of 1837-38, it was
Mgr. Signay, in Québec, and one of your predecessors,
Mgr. Lartigue, in Montréal, who interfered in the name of
religion, to quiet the fraticidal struggles of the hour ; an
act of loyalty which frequently brought down upon them
the censure of a number of their fellow-countrymen : a
sacred duty which they had to perform, notwithstanding
the voice of '.heir blooa-cies and of their paternal solicit-
ude. Later on, we find Mgr. Baillargeon, indicating for ail
who listened to him, a similar line of conduct, in regard
to the invading Fenians,and Mgr. Taché, who at a criiical
moment, calmed the Métis and kept them attached to
England.
« And, if I would make bold to refer to myself, I might
repeat that which I stated m the heart of France, in the
Cathedral of Rheims — on the occasion of the grand
célébration of the XlVth centenary of the baptism of
Clovis and of the Francs — that, while ever preserving our
affection for the olaen motherland, we are happy to live
under the shadow of the British flag, and that we inhabit
one of the mostfree countries on earth. »
And further on he adds : —
« If ever — and please God never! — the question of
annexation to the United States should be seriously agi-
tated, it would be curious to note the respective attitudes
of the two races— Anglo-Canadians and French-Canadians
— in présence of such an evcntuality. I am confident that
we would not hâve to blush for our people on such an
occasion, for they would again know how to fulfil their
duty as loyal subjects of Her Britannic Majesty.»
Such is the noble language of Mgr, Bégin.
4 LE LIVRE D OR
After ihe clergy, let us hear our public men.
\Ve commence with Sir Wilfrid :
« To Her Majesty, the Queen,
M Most Gracious Sovereign.
« We, loyal and submissive subjects of Your Majesty,
the Senate and House of Gommons of Ganada, in Parlia-
ment assembled, désire to offer Your Majesty, our cordial
congratulations on the occasion of the approaching end
of the war in South Africa, an end foreseen by the récent
successes of British arms, crowned by the fall of Pretoria.
i( The sentiment of pride and satisfaction with which we
hail every fresh addition to the already lengthy and
glorious list of deeds of English valor and resource-
fulness is even still more intensified by the knowledge
that we possess that Ganada, thanks to the active co-oper-
ation of her sons on the battle-held, has, in a new and
spécial manner, a right to participate in the joy of the
présent triumph.
« We rejoice that the struggle, which happily is about
to close, shall hâve the effect of causing to disappear the
embarrassmenls from which, during such a long time, many
of our fellow-citizens suffered, and we doubt not that the
extension of Your Majesty's benificent dominion over the
whole of South Africa wiîl bring to thèse lands the
blessings that flow from a wise and happy administration
of just and équitable laws.
« We pray that Your Majesty's reign may continue for
long years to come for the happiness of your people.»
{ Parliamentary session of içoo.)
Turn we now to Sir Charles Tupper:
« It is wiih great pleasure that I second the address
which the Honorable the Prime Minister has just moved
SIR WILFRID LAURIER.
" May Providence watch over you, may He protect yoii on the fields of
battle where, perhaps, you will shed your blood for ihe
flag that protect oiir libcrties."
LE LIVRE D OR 5
in such éloquent terms, and that I join in the sentiments
so nobly expressed.
« Sir Charles then spoke of the noble conduct of the
French-Canadians since the fortunes of war, caused their
country to pass under British rule, and it is from the
bottom of his heart, he said, that he déclares that the
British Crown has no more loyal subjects than the two
millions of French-Canadians, who inhabit this Canadian
land. » (Parliameiitary session of içoo.)
Let us novv hear Honorable Mr. Evanturel, Speaker of
the Ontario Législative Assembly :
« I feel that I can add nothing to the sentiments of perfect
loyalty and contentment which this entire Province has
just expressed, by the voice of its First Minister, and that
of the leader of the Conservative Party. The Speaker of
this House, is net, in a certain sensé, in a position to add
anything to that which has been already said by men of
much greater importance and authority ; but, the House
will allow me, 1 hope, to forget that I occupy an officiai
position, and to déclare that there is no people in Canada,
that has learned, with more exubérant joy, the glad tidings
that come to us from South Africa, than the French-
Canadian race, to which I belong. (Applause.) I address
an educated audience, possibly the most highly educated
audience in this grand Province of Ontario, and I will take
the liberty of quoting a page of our history, certain as I.
am, beforehand, that I will not be denied that privilège.
« At one time, upon this very soil which we to-day-
occupy — and what a magnificent page of our history it
recalls to my mind — when as yet not a single English-
man had come hère, when not one of our Irish friends,
who hâve laken such a large share in the shapiiig of our
deslinics, had crosscd the scas, at that lime, thon, ihe
6 LE LIVRE D OR
French-Canadians stood alone, and had to resist, from
the American side, the most serious temptation that had
ever assailed them.
« The temptation was such as is not to be found in the
entire history of the world. The Americans had gone to
France for General Lafayette, the same one who unfolded,
at the frontier that bounds us to the South, the flag of my
race, the flag beneath whose folds we were born, as he
thus appealed to my fellow-countrymen : « Why do you
not return to your old flag? After ail, that flag which they
call the Union Jack, or the Royal Standard of England,
you hâve never beheld upon your shores. I, Lafayette,
speaking in the name of your neighbors, of that people
now at my side, I represent liberty, equality and fraternity.»
« Then another voice was heard ; it addressed the
French-Canadian troops. It was the voice of the good
Bishop of Québec. The worlhy prelate stood in front of
the ranks of soldiers and spoke to them in thèse words :
« That flag may tempt you ; the laws of nature may also
tempt you ; you could take refuge under the folds of that
flag ; but, do not forget one thing, that only yesterday you
swore fidelity to the flag that must be the flag of this
country. If you are to deny your allegiance to that flag,
from this day Divine Providence will deny you those
blessings that youmight rightfully expect from that source.»
«That appeal was heard, and the French-Canadians
shouldered their muskets and drove before them the
soldiers of Benedict Arnold and Montgomery. (Applause.)
<( I hâve no désire to retard tliis House in its labors ;
but, allow me to say that there are no more loyal subjccls
of Her Majesly, iu ail the country, than the French-
Canadians.
« Sons of my race are lo-day fighling under the British
flag in South Africa. I am proud of ihe fact; allhough I
L'HONORABLE EVANTUREL.
I hâve no désire to retard this House in its labors ; but allow me to say
that there are no more loyal subjects of Her Majesty, in ail
the country, ihan the French-Canadians."
{Parliaiiientary session 0/ iqoo.)
LE LIVRE DOR
regret that there are some of them who hâve been wounded ;
even amongst the latter I see the name of one brave fellow
who vvas born in the same street and in the same city as
niyself.
« Yes ; yonder, stretched in the trenches of Paardeberg,
or in a British ambulance waggon, you will find the son of
the Speaker of our highest Parliamentary Chamber — Sir
Alphonse Pelletier — who is one of ihe tirst officers of the
Canadian régiment. (Applavise.)
« Permit me to say, in closing, that there is no race,
represented in the precincts of this Législature, to which
the victory announced to-day appeals more strongly, or
causes more satisfaction, than that race to which belongs
the one who présides over the législative debates of this
Province. »
This, without doubt, is the most noble and grandest
profession of loyalty that has ever been pronounced by a
French-Canadian in an English Parliament.
Now listen to Benjamin Suite : —
« Our wars hâve proven that we wished to défend
Canada and keep it under the British flag. Three times,
in 1765, 1775 and 1812, when we formed, as it were, the
only white population in the country, and when England,
engaged elsewhere, could not assist us, the French-Can-
adian militia, performed miracles of valor and saved the
position. Thèse facts should suffice in answer to the
attacks, the suspicions, the innuendos that are showered
upon us. Happily truth triumphs over ail injuries even as
of yore did our arms in the conflict.» (Lecture at the
Château de Raviezay.)
In one of his lectures, delivercd in Québec, Ulric Barihe,
expresses himself as follows : —
« And in this new nation, the FrcnchCanadians hâve
8 LE LIVRE d'or
one of the leading rôles to play, which consists, not in the
perpétuation in America, on this soil of America, the
hatreds that date from the period of Joan of Arc, and
which hâve no meaning hère, but rather to serve as a
hyphen between the two greatest races of the world, and
to prove how much they can do together for civilization. »
In fine that loyalty is confirmed and established by the
following extracts : —
« Mr. de Lery Macdonald, Mayor of Rigaud, pronounced
a few warm expressions on the subject of the success of
our soldiers in Africa, and gave vent to the opinion, that
under the circumstances, it would not be out of place to
affirm our loyalty.
« In conséquence, he moved, seconded by Mr. William
Brown, Mayor of Pointe Fortune, the following resolution
which was unanimously adopted : —
« That the Mayors of the County of Vaudreuil, assem-
bled, désire to express to Her Majesty, Queen Victoria,
their lively satisfaction on learning the success of her
arms in Africa, and to profit of the occasion to reiterate
their loyalty to the British Crown ; and as an évidence of
their sympathy they offer, as a personal contribution, the
sum of twenty-five dollars to the Patriotic Fund of the
Dominion. »
The Resolution was adopted by the Mayors of the
County of Vaudreuil.
The Acadians, in convention met, at Arichat, decided
to hold their next assembly at Caraquette, N. B., and
adopted the following resolution which was cabled te
London : —
« We, the French-Acadians,in gênerai convention assem
bled at Arichat, Cape-Breton, make profession of our
LE LIVRE D OR 9
unchangeable loyalty to the British Crown, and in proof
of our love for Her Majesty we tender Her our sympathies
on the occasion of the récent death of His Royal High-
ness, the Prince of Saxe-Cobourg. »
A Resolution adopted by the Acadians.
In order to conclude this subject of French-Canadian
Loyalty, we v/ill finally quote the lofty and patriotic senti-
ments expressed by Mr. J. M. Tellier, M. P. P., by His
Honor Judge Baby, by Mr. Dugas, Q. C, and by Rev.
Father C. Beaudry, C. S. V., of Joliette, on the occasion
of the distribution of medals to the vétérans of 1S70 : —
« May this day's démonstration, gentlemen, be for ail of
us a salutary lesson, above ail may it be so for the young ;
may this démonstration, in a spécial manner, remind us
ail that each one should love his country, faithfuUy serve
it, and, in case of necessity, be prepared to even sacrifice
his life for it.
« Tellier. »
« After this harangue, by the président, which, vibrating
with patriotism, was frequently interrupted by the long
and hearty applause of the audience, Honorable Judge
Baby was called upon to speak.
« The learned judge said that he was happy to address
the great concourse of the day. He is a child of Joliette.
He feels growing somewhat older now, and this reminds
him that he, as well as many of his contemporaries will
soon dlsappear, and that then the weight of the affairs
and the interests of the country must fall upon the strong
shoulders of the brilliant young men that he has now
before h:s cyes.
« He recalled an event, during the Fenian Campaign
which serves well to illustrate the patriotism of the
lO LE LIVRE D OR
French-Canadians. He remembered how in the company
from Sainte-Mélanie, there was a private, named Perreault,
a brave farmer, accompanied by his two sons. He is
happy to notice that both of thèse sons received the
medals of that occasion ; the father, however, has gone to
his reward on high. Who dare say that thèse French-
Canadians were not loyal ; they were more loyal than are
the men who say that they are not. Only, the French-
Canadians make no parade of their loyalty; but when
called upon to défend their country, there is no race on
earth that could withstand them. At this moment England
is engaged in a fearful war ; after one of the victories, the
commanding gênerai sent a message to England to the
effect that the victory was due to the Canadian Artillery ;
and that corps is commanded by Major Hudon, of Québec,
a French-Canadian like ourselves.
« He begged to ask one favor of the young men. It is
to be ever loyal to England, to the British fîag that shields
us. Without England's support what vvould we be ?
Nothing; a small tribe of adventurers destined to become
the prey of the great nations. . . Let us ever love France,
our motherland, but let us venerate and respect Great
Britain our adopted country.»
« Mr. F. O. Dugas, Q. C, advocate, of Joliette, was the
next speaker. His warm, ardent and patriotic language
found an écho in every heart. He was most heartily
applauded by the audience. He said, that, during the
period of danger in question, the district of Joliette con-
tributed a large share to the defence of the country. He
paid due compliment to each company of volunteers, but
in an especial manner did hc piaise the Irish of Rawdon
who formed, of themselves alonc, two fuU companies. The
speaker ihcn sketched the story of the Iwo Fenian invasions
LE LIVRE d'or II
— in 1866 and 1870. He raentioned the loyalty of the
French-Canadians. He said tliat the troubles of 1870
afîbrded ihe Frer.ch-Canadians an opportunity of proving
to the whole universe Ihat ihey were loyal subjects ; that
their patriotic conduct liad shown them worthy of their
ancestors. He is a native of the parish of Saint-Jacques-
de-i'Achigan. He desired speciaîly to congralulate his
fellow-parishioners onhaving fi:rnished a company of their
own. He recalled the fact, that when the trumpet call was
heard the captain of that company, Mr. Euclide Dugas,
was in Chicago. That valiant soidier hurried back to his
parish, at Saint-Jacques, and placed himself at the head
of his company to rush to the defence of his threatened
couutry. »
« The Kev. M. Prosper Beaudry, pastor of the town of
Joliette, was then invited by the président to address the
assembly.
« Religion and patriotism, » said he, «hâve buried their
roots deep'.y in our hearts, and on many occasions, the
French-Canadians hâve given proof of their devotedness
to both their faith and their country. Each time that
Canada was threatened, arms were found to défend her.
We are French in sentiment, in origin, in affections, but
we are faithful British subjects, nor is it necessary to
speak English in order that we be loyal men, and I do not
beheve, that, in ail her vast Empire, Great Britain can find
more loyal and devoted subjects, than are the French-
Canadians — even when speaking the French language. . .
As an orator once said, the French-Canadian gives his
heart to France and his arms to England. If ever our
country should be in danger, England will again find
many strong arms amongst us to défend her, and priests
to bless her banners. »
12 LE LIVRE d'or
« The superior of Joliette Collège, Rev. C. Beaudry,
C. S. V., was Ihe next to speak. The first men of the
Joliette régiment who left to engage the Fenian invaders
were three students of the Joliette Collège, Dr. Sheppard,
the late Arthur McConville and Mr. J. U. Foucher. In
our educational institutions, he said,Ave cultivate the faith,
but also do we cultivate the love of country. »
We might add to ail those whom we hâve cited the
names of the Mayors Payment, of Ottawa, Préfontaine, of
Montréal, and Parent, of Québec, whose speeches, on the
occasions of the departure and of the return of the con-
tingents, bear the impress of the purest loyalty, as well as
the names of many others; but we feel the necessity of
stopping hère, for, were we to continue on the thème of
Canadiati Loyalty^ our volume would not suffice to con-
tain ail we might write.
In fine, and to close, we will mercly recall the fact that
on the occasion of the Queen's Jubilee, the Church was
happy to receive in her sanctuaries, ail who were désirons
of chanting with us, the loyal and sacred canticle :
Domine^ salvam fac rcginam !
lilb IIUNUR MAVÛR PRLl'OXTAINE.
FORMATION OF THE CONTINGENTS
^TT^T was in accord with the évident désire of a large
"Ti G number of Canadians that the Government offered
(s^ the services of our troops to England. After ail, it
was net a forced, nor obligatory enlistment, rather was it a
free and enthusiastic wish of the majority. So much so was
this the case, that had they been accepted, ten thousand
additional volunteers could hâve been found, ail of whcm
would even to-day be glad to walk in the glorious foctsteps
of their illustrious predecessors.
Moreover, this is not the first essay of Canadians upon
the soil of Africa, for, when, in 1885, an appeal was made
to them to go to the relief of Kartoum, and of the heroic
Gordon, volunteers started away amidst the enthusiastic
plaudits of ail Canada ; and, on that occasion, Lord
Wolseley thus referred to them :
« Cairo, i3th April, 1885.
« To the Governor General of Canada,
« The Marquis of Lansdowne.
« My Lord :
<( The Canadian Voyageitrs, employed in the Egyptian
campaign hâve ail returned to Canada. I heartily désire
14 LE LIVRE d'or
to express, to Your Excellency, my deep appréciation of
their services, and of the assistance they hâve been in the
expédition.
« With few exceptions, they hâve proven their perfect
capacity as boalmen. They worked admirably well, and
they endured the fatigues of that rough campaign without
ever allowing a single murmur to escape them.
« On several occasions they displayed not only much
skill, but also great courage in the difficult and dangerous
navigation of the Nile. I feel a deep regret that, in the
exécution of their duty, some of them fell victims under
the difficulties which they had to surmount.
« The officers, and Colonel Denison in particular, gave
évidence of great energy and goodwill; their services
were of great value. Permit me to request of Your Excel-
lency to communicate this letter to the officers and to ail
the other members of the Canadiaii Voyageurs^ detach-
ment, as well as to the Canadian authorities. Certain
papers hâve published unfounded reports to the effect
that the services of the Canadian boatmen were productive
of unpleasant results.
« I désire to register not only my opinion, but also that
of ail the officers engaged in the leading of the troops, and
ail of whom agrée in saying that the services of the
Voyageîirs were of the greatest importance, and, more-
over that their conduct was excellent. They made a fine
réputation for themselves amongst the troops engaged on
the Nile. The latter felt a lively satisfaction on beholding
Canadians participating in the expédition and sharing with
them the privations and dangers of the campaign. The
présence of Canadians at the moment when English, Scotch
and Irish soldiers came together, brought into évidence
the ties that bind ail parts of our grand Empire together.
Il In closing, I wish to express to Your Excellency.
LE LIVRE d'or 15
personally, ray sincère thanks for ail the trouble you hâve
taken in the enlisting of those Voyageurs and in the
arrangements arising therefrom.
« I hâve the honor to be, etc.,
« WOLSELEY,
« General. »
Add to the above the following despatch : —
« Downing Street, igth August, 1885.
« My Lord :
« I am very pleased to forward you, in order that they
may be conimunicated to Your Lordship's Government,
the votes of thanks unanimously adopted, on the i2th
instant, by the House of Lords and by the House of Gom-
mons, to the troops of the Soudan expédition (1884-85) ;
thèse votes recog-'àze the bravery, discipline and good
conduct of the Canadian Voyageurs and of their officers,
and "Lhe services wbich they rendered the expédition.
« I hope that the ordinary means wili be taken to make
public the action of Parliament on this occasion.
« I hâve the honor to be, etc.,
« î'red. Stanley (i). »
Whence, therefore, that divergence of opinion, amongst
some people, conce:ning the expéditions of 1885 and those
of 1899?. . . .
1S85 I . . . . 1800 : . . . .
Thèse two dates shall long remain mémorable in the
hifitory of Canada ! . . . .
So Great Eritain had accepted the voîuntary ofTer made
(i) The Canatiiiin Voyageurs in lhe Soudan expeUilion, or ninety days wilh
lhe crocodiles, by GasiON P. La bat.
l6 LE LIVRE d'or
by Canadians, and, after the exchange of messages between
the two GovernmentSj three contingents departed (i).
The following is the ténor of the despatches that
passed be'ween the Ottawa Government, Lord Minto and
Mr. Chamberlain.
« According to the promise given by Sir Wilfrid Laurier,
at the opening of the session, the correspondence con-
cerning the sending of Canadian troops to South Africa,
was laid to-day upon the table of the House. It is now
clear from the information that Sir Wilfrid asked of Lord
Strathcona in regard to what the other colonies paid for
the sending of contingents, that the Government had not
intended paying of itself ail the expenses occasioned by the
transportation of the troops.
« The correspondence reads thus : —
« A despatch dated the 3rd October, 1899, and coming
from the Hon. Mr. Chamberlain, had been submitted for
the considération of the committee of the Privy Council ;
it reads as follows : —
« The Secretary of State for War, and the General-in-
Chief désire that you should express your deep apprécia-
tion of the patriotism of the Canadian people, in offering
to send contingents into South Africa, and that you give
the following instructions which will aid in the organization
of the troops, in such a manner as to form units which
may accord with military requirements : ist. One hundred
and twenty-five men should constitute each unit ; 2nd. they
may be either infantry, or mounted infantry, or else
cavalry ; 3rd. ail should be armed with guns of 203 décimais,
which can be supplied by the Impérial Government, if
necefesary ; 4th. each one should supply his own equipment,
(i) At the end of this volume we give an accoiint of the dep.irture of each
contingent, as wcU as the names of ail who formed part thereof.
LE LIVRE DOR 17
and the horse soldiers their mounts ; 5th. not more than
one captain and three subalterns to each unit. An officer
of a grade not higher than that of major can command the
who!e division. As to the number that we might employ,
the War Secretary will take the nature of the offers as a
basis, but he desires that each colony be represented in a
just and équitable manner ; but, at the same time he adds
that he could not go beyond the necessary requirements
should the State make use of ail the troops that form part
of the Impérial forces. He will, with pleasure, accept the
units, on the fcllowing conditions : the troops will be
disembarked at the port of arrivai, in Africa, fully equipped
at the expense of the Colonial Government, or of the
volunteers, themselves. From the day of landing, the
Impérial Government will see to their paymentaccording
to the tarifïol the Empire, will furnish the equipment and
munitions, will pay ail expenses for the return of the troops
to Canada, will give pensions to the wounded, and will be
answerable for compensations, according to the rates
allowed by the Impérial Government.
« The contingents should not sail after the 3ist October,
and should be ordered to Cape-Town where they will
receive the necessary orders. Please give informations
according to the above-mentioned instructions, to ail who
hâve offered to enlist volunteers.
« Signed, Chamberlain. »
« The Right Honorable Sir Wilfrid Laurier, to whom
this despatch was sent, remarked that the Colonial Secre-
tary, in reply to the offers received from diflerent parts
of Canada, expressing the desires of the militiamen to
fight for Her Majesty, said that units of one hundred and
twenty-five men and a few officers would be accepted, on
their arrivai in South Africa ; provided their expenses be
paid by themselves, or by the Colonial Government.
l8 LE LIVRE d'or
« The Prime Minister, in view of the well-known désire
of a great number of Canadians, anxious to enlist on thèse
conditions, is of opinion that the moderate expenses of
the equipment and of the transportation of the volunteers
should be paid by the Government of Canada, without
calling the House, above ail it being understood, that
a like expenditure, under such circumstances, would not
be looked upon as a departure from the well-known princi-
ple of Constitutional Government, and of the customs
prevailing in colonies, nor as establishing a précèdent.
« New Zealand had already sent two companies on the
same conditions and under similar circumstances ; Queens-
land will send two hundred and fifty men ; Australia and
Tasmania are sending one hundred and twenty-five each.
« Consequently, the Prime Minister, recommends that
the Government take from the storehouses of the Militia
Department what is needed to equip a certain number of
volunteers, not exceeding one thousand men and provide
for their transportation from this country to South Africa,
and that the Minister of Militia, take ail the necessary
steps towards this end.
« The committee begs of Your Excellency to transmit a
certified copy of this minute to the Right Honorable the
Colonial Secretary.
« The whole respectfuUy submitted for Your Excellency's
approval.
« John J. McGee,
« Secretary of the Privy Council. »
Telegram from Mr. Chamberlain to Lord Minto.
« i6th October, 1899.
« Her Majeàty's Government has received with great
pleasure your telegram of the i3th October transmitting
LE LIVRE D OR I9
me Canada's generous offer to send i,ooo men, which is
accepted with gratitude.
« Chamberlain. »
«
Lord Minto to Uk. Chamberlain.
« Ottawa, 2nd November, 1899.
: The news of the South Africa reverses hascaused deep
émotion in Canada ; but everywhere there is found the
strain ofhope thatno reason for alarm exists. Myministers
are, however, ready to act in accordance with the state-
meîits of your last despatch, and to immediately send
another contingent, if Her Majesty's Government deems
it well. . , ,,
«Signed, Minto.»
Mr. Chamberlain to Lord Minto.
(( London, 2nd November, 1899.
« I communicated, to the War Secretary, your Govern-
ment's generous and patriotic offer to send another
contingent. His answer will be wired you as early as
possible ; I désire to express to you my thankfulness.
« Signed, Chamberlain. »
Mr. Chamberlain to Lord Minto.
« London, 7th November, 1S99.
«The generous offer of your ministers to send wiihout
delay a second contingent for service in Souih Africa has
been taken inlo serious considération by the War Secretary
20 LE LIVRE D OR
and his military advisers ; but he regrets not being able,
under the circumstances, to accept it.
« lier Majesty's Government, however, takes note of that
offer, and will not hesitate to take advantage of it, should
events render the thing necessary.
« Her Majesty's Government attaches great importance
to this fresh proof of sympathy and good will on the part
of Canada, and desires to express its grateful appréciation
thereof.
« Signed, Chamberlain. »
Mr. Chamberlain to Lord Minto.
« London, i6th December, 1899.
« Referring to my despatch of the yth November,
following anotber despatch received from New South
Wales asking : ' Does Her Majesty's Government désire
that ihe British colonies should send more troops to
South Africa?' the following despatch was sent in reply :
* Ready to accept fresh oITers fiom the colonies. If such
offers be made, it wonld be préférable to hâve mounted
troops The soldiers should be trained, be good shots,
and be provided with t hcir own horses.' Communicate
this to your ministers for their guidance in regard to their
offer of a second contingent which Her Majesty's Govern-
ment accepts with pleasure.
«Signed, Chamberlain.»
If, after ail this, tliere is anyone to blâme, let us only
blâme ail those who were carried away by sentiments of
enlhusiasm, patriolism and loyalty ; ail of whom heartily
joined « La Marseillaise » to « God Save the Queen. »
DEPARTURE OF THE CONTINGENTS
'|TÎ\oLTHOUGH many hâve already witnessed a de-
Mlfe parture of troops, we scarcely believe that they
■»ic^ ever experienced a sentiment such as at this
moment takes possession of ail hearts. In reality it was
the first step taken by our soldiers in the direction of
glory. . . or of death, and each one felt that indescribable
anxiety of a mother who notes her child's first attempts to
walk. "VVill he fall before he reaches the goal ? . . . Yes,
our brave lads did reach the goal, and if some of them
fell, at least they fell gloriously.
Ail honor to them ! . . And how could it be otherwise ?
So numerous were the prayers and good wishes, from the
sincerest hearts, that followed them, that the God of
battles and of victory must hâve taken them under His
protection. Those prayers, those wishes, and the hearts
whence they emanated constituting the Mascotte, the
talisman of the expédition, arose on ail sides and were
manifest from Atlantic to Pacific. Behold the picture !
Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Kingston, Hamilton,
Ottawa, Montréal, Québec, Halifax, in a word, the enlire
Dominion unfolding its standard over cur soldiers, lo
bless iheni, evcn as Christ, before His dcpirlure from
earth, blessed those whom He sent forih to Jo battie.
22 l.E LIVRE D OR
We vvill not linger to tell and to depict ail that was said
and donc on that occasion, raiher will we quota from the
public utterances of the leading personages, who, in the
name of tlie entire population, bade « God speed » to the
heroes.
Not pretending to give in full ail that was said and
donc concerning the Departure of the Contingents, we
will merely trace in large Unes what took place ; for,
whether it was the first, or the second contingent that left,
ihe manifestation was the same ail around on both
occasions, the patriotic display of feeling was identical.
We will, however, dwell somewhat more fully upon the
departure of the Strathconas, because the generosity of
the one who established that troop deserves a spécial
mention.
Therefore, it is amidst flags flying from ail public
édifices, streets brilliant with décorations, the joyous and
grand strains of military music, and the cheers of a whole
people, that we will accompany our young soldiers.
After Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Hamilton, where
the send off was royal, let us come to Ottawa, and there
listen to the language in which Sir Wilfrid Laurier inter-
preted the universal sentiment of the Dominion : —
« May Providence watch over you, » he said, « may He
protect you on the field of battle where, perhaps, you will
shed your blood for the flag that protects your liberties.
Be failhful to that flag. March in the footsteps of your
fellow-countrymen, who hâve already done honor to Can-
ada, upon the soil of Africa. Remember that yonder you
will be the custodians of our national honor ; recoUect,
above ail that you are Canadians.»
Sir Wilfrid Laurier's peroration was drowned in the
applause and cheers of the vast concourse.
LE LIVRE D OR 23
After Sir Wilfrid, Sir Charles Tupper spoke for three
quarters of an hour.
In Montréal, Mayor Préfontaine made use of the follow-
ing expressions : —
« The people of Montréal, and of ail Canada, estimate
at its true value the îiberty which the British flag guaran-
tees, because they enjoy the blessings thereof. They trust
that God will bless your undertaking and will favor you
with an early and triumphant return to the distant fields
of the West. We honor the grand principle in defence of
which you are going to struggle ; we love and respect that
glorious flag, our flag, under the folds of which you will
fight ; we are proud to witness Canada contributing so
many valiant and brave soldiers to fight the battles of the
Empire.
« May your trip across the océan be a pleasant one, and
may each one of you show, under the enemy's fire, what
sort of heart beats in his breast ! May your patriotism,
your loyalty, your heroism be an everlasting example for
the générations that ihe future will behold growing up
under the folds of the glorious standard of the Empire. »
At Québec, it was Mayor Parent who gave expression
to the patriotic note that ever rings in that good old
French City : —
« The Mayor and citizens of Québec, offer you the city's
congratulations, on the eve of your departure for the seat
of war in South Africa. We désire, once more, to express
as strongly as is possible, the hope, which we entertain
that you will maintain in Africa the proverbial réputation
of the old city of Québec, for loyalty to the Empire and to
Her Most Gracions Majesty the Queen.
tt We express now to you, in the most cordial manner
24 ' LE LIVRE D OR
possible, the hope that you may land in South Africa in
time to celebrate the triumph of British arms and that
you will assibt in restoring the prestige and supremacy of
the Empire in those far off lands.
« We are confident that you are worîhy to represent the
valor and enterprising spirit of our country, and we
treasure the hope that you, as your fellow-countrymen
who ha/e preceded you, may be able before long to bring
back fresh laurels to your Canadian homes.»
Finally, Halifax shakes off its British coldness to wel-
come our brave.
« . . . . Never before, as to-day, hâve the citizens of this
old military town cheered on the departure of the Moujited
Rifles for Sou'^h Africa. It is an event that can never be
forgotten. They could not hâve been more démonstrative
even were ail the soldiers who left by the Milwatikee
citizens of Halifax. The populace applauded, sang, shouted
and cheered from the departure of the transport vessel
from the wharf, until it had pasbcd beyond the city and
had taken the high seas. Enthusiasm was at its height.
« To a certainty, the fact is that the volunteers, while
hère, had made many friends. They had been welcomed
by the be5t families, and ail that is possible was done to
prove to them how much their patriotic zeal was appreci-
ated. During the raaich several ladies entered the ranks
to say a word of farewell to the boys. As the volunteers
reached the gâte of the marine arsenal, Hon. Dr. Borden
requesied Colonel Steele to call a hait, and going up to
the top of a high snow-drift, the Minister of Militia read
a cablegram from Mr. Chamberlain to the Governor-
General, in which it is stated that «The Queen fully
appréciâtes the great zeal of Canada, and wishes the
troops a good trip and a safe return. »
LE LIVRE D OR 25
« This gave rise to fresh cheers. The différent military
bands played patriotic airs while the troops embarked.
There were over three thousand people at the marine
citadel. »
Hère are a few scattered extracts from accounts of the
manifestations that took place in several cities : —
« Calgary. — The Mounted Rifles of Calgary left at five
o'clock, last evening. They received a hearty send off. »
« St. John, N. B. — The artillery men of Woodstock,
on their way to HaHfax, had a fine réception at the St.
John dépôt. Ail the city was assembled at the station.
The Bank of New-Brimswick voted five hundred dollars
for the Transvaal relief fund. »
« Galt, Ont. — The subscription fund for the five young
volunteers of Galt, amounted, in less than three days, to
three hundred and twenty-five dollars. »
« At Ottawa, the train carrying three hundred soldiers
arrived. At forty minutes past noon, the régiment, dressed
in bear, astracan and buffalo skins ; with feetware of beef-
skin mocassins, with ail manner of head gear, carrying red
handkerchiefs around their necks, as well as other kinds of
tics, and presenting a very nightmare appearance, reached
the Parliament square on foot, preceded by Colonel
Herchmer, on a beautiful bay horse, and Captain Winter,
of Ottawa, the adjutant of the day, and followed by two
bands of music.
« There were at least twenty-five thousand people pré-
sent. The soldiers formed three wings, at the foot of the
stair way in front of the central tower. The Governor
arrived at a quarter past one, with Lady Minto and two
aides-de-camp, preceded by the dragoons under the com-
inand of Lieutenant Powell.
20 LE LIVRE d'or
« The cheers awakened the most distant echoes. Lord
Minto, surrounded by twelve ofiîcers, inspected the sol-
diers, the cadets and vétérans of 1S76, stopping hère and
there to speak to the most remarkable types among them.
Then, Colonel Cotton, coming out from amongst ail the
officers of the Ottawa régiments, in full uniform, called to
the front the four commanding officers, as well as Colonel
Foster, of the engineers ; having drawn ihem up in
présence of Lady Minto, the latter, after a very neat
little speech, presented each one with a lance with a
deep groen oriflamme, while bordered, bearing the words
« Canadian Jïfounted Rifles » in red letters, and the arms
of Canada in the corner. Lady Minto m.ade a référence to
the services of her husband in the West, and said that she
placed thèse bannerettes in good hands. She closed by
wishing ail a happy trip. The Governor and Sir Wilfrid
delivered addresses.
« The municipal councii and several of the ministers
were présent. »
Before proceeding we feel bound to dévote a page to
Colonel Gordon, the kindly commander in the district of
Montréal : —
« Saturday evening, about two hundred officers, in gala
attire, assembled in the banquet hall of the Place Vigcr
Hôtel, to pay a tribute to Colonel Gordon, commander of
the military district of Montréal, on the occasion of liis
departure for South Africa.
(t The cnlhusiasm with which ail the officers of mililaiy
district No. 5, of Montréal, answcred ihc invitation of the
organizers, and the tact and zeal of tlîesc latter turned
ihat démonstration intoan unpiccedented military success.
<i Colonel Cole acted as chairnian, l.aving ou his riglit
Colonel Gordon. The musical portion of tlie programme
l.E LIVRE D OR 27
had been confided to one of Alontreal's best orches-
tras.
« Afier the health of the Queen, which was toasted
amidst indescribable enthusiasm, Lieutenant-Colonel Cole,
in appropriate language, proposed that of Colonel Gordon.
In a few well-chosen words he recalled the kindly corn-
niander's successful career. His expressions concerning
Canada's loyalty created universal applause.
« Colonel Gordon was heartily received when he arose
to reply. He ihanked the officers for such a mark of
esteem and fellow-feeling. Too much moved to deliver a
lengthy address, he begged of the guests to beHeve in the
sincerity of his friendship and gratitude. The health of
Mrs. Gordon was proposed by Lieuteiiant-Colonel Labelle
with ail that gallantry peculiar to the French. The popular
commander of the ôsth spoke of Mrs. Gordon's good
quahties and her devotedness to the patriotic fund. After
having referred to her courage, and the grief which she
fait at his departure, lie spoke of the great void that the
colonel's absence v»'ould cause. »
As we stated before, we owe a spécial mention to the
Strathconas, both in praise of thcir martial beariiig and
as a tribute to Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal, the
distinguished patriot who is at once the father and the
colonel of that régiment.
If the words iheir martial bearing are italicized, we
certainly do not wish to take from the valor of the other
troops, but having nearly ail lived on the prairies, they
shov/ed by their appearance that in going to the Transvaal,
tliey went into a well-known country. In fact we might
say that, by the rugged life they both lead, the man of the
prairies and he of the Veldt must be akin.
«The Strathcona s Horse was inr.pected yesterday after-
28 LE LIVRE d'or
noon by His Excellency the Governor-General. There
were very many spectators and beveral members of Parlia-
nient présent, amongst others, the Hon. Dr. Borden,
Minister of Militia, Sir Charles Tupper, and Messrs.
Monk, Davin, Clarke, Cargill, and the Marquis and
Marchioness of Hertford.
« After the inspection, an address, from the citizens of
Sudbury, was presented to Colonel Steele and his men, as
well as a rich silk-bordered, silver-fringed banner, with a
polished oak staff decorated in nickel and with golden
cords. In the centre of the standard are the words;
Strathcona s Horse.
n The banner was made by the ladies of Sudbury and
had been sent lo Mr. Klock, the member for Nipissing in
the Fédéral House. It was the latter gentleman who read
the address to Colonel Steele, the answer to which evoked
hearty applause.
« The Hon. Dr. Borden, Sir Charles Tupper and Mr.
Davin, M. P., then addressed the soldiers, congratulating
them on their bravery and their fine appearance.
« The assembly dispersed with shouts of « Long Live the
Queen » and cheers for the Strathcona Cavalry.
« This morning the contingent paraded in front of the
Parliament Buildings, and Madam Borden handed the
guidons to each of the soldiers. Lord and Lady Minto
were also présent. On Sunday there will be a Church
parade. The ofîiccrs of tlie Governor-Generars Foot
Guards and of the 43rd balDllion wiU form the guard of
honor.
« At least ten thousand p'îople assisled this morning, on
the Parliament Square, at the parade of Lord Slralhcona's
régiment.
« After having passed Ihrough the principal streets of
the city, the batallion drew up in front of the Central
HONORABLE BORDEN,
MINISTER OF MILITIA.
LE LIVRE d'or 29
Block to receive, from the hands of Madam Borden, four
banners presented by the wives of the Civil Service
Employées.
« The ceremony took place in présence of the Governor-
General and Lady Minto, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, and the
Hon. Messrs. Mulock, Tarte, Borden, Blair, Mills and
Scott. There were also présent Sir Louis Davis^ Sir Henri
Joly, Sir Charles Tupper, Sir Alphonse Pelletier, and a
great number of the members and senators.
« After the présentation of the flags, the Governor-
General spoke to the volunteers. Sir Wilfrid Laurier was
the next speaker, and he received an ovation. He highly
eulogized the commander of the régiment, Colonel Steele.
This military officer, as commander of the North-West
Mounted Police, had rendered signal services to the
country, and it would be difficult to hâve selected a better
soldier to place at the head of the brave lads whom Lord
Strathcona was sending, at his own expense, to défend
the Empire's flag in South Africa.
« Sir Wilfrid then referring to Lord Strathcona, said
that the High Commissioner seems to consider that he
merely holds the wealth that he has amassed as a deposit.
Already has he given a large portion of that fortune to
the cause of éducation. To-day he generously opens his
purse to aid in defending the Empire and in bringing
honor upon the name of Canadian.
«Sir Wilfrid closed by vvishing the volunteers a success-
ful journcy. »
« The holiday which the City of Montréal held yester-
day, in honor of the four hundred brave Canadian.s, who
go to South Africa to défend the Briiish flag, will long
remain engraven in the memory of the people of Canada's
commercial metropolis.
30 LE LIVRE d'or
« Young and old, men, women and children, will well
remember the i2th March, 1900. It was a day of spécial
glory to be recorded in oiir history, when the British flag
was hailed most franlically. Never in the history of our
city was such enthusiasm known, as that which took
possession of the citizens of Montréal as they greeted the
four hundred warriors that left, last evening, to represent
Canada and to join in the struggle by the sides of their
Canadian comrades who had gone before them. Mayor
Préfontaine declared a civic half holiday yesterday. AU
the population of Montréal, irrespective of creed or race,
responded to the Mayor's invitation, The number of
persons who witnessed yesterday's procession is estimated
at no less than fifty thousand. As much as fifty dollars
was paid for a suitable position to witness the passage of
the Strathcona Horse. The mayor, the city council, and a
large concourse of citizens met the régiment at the railway
station.
« As soon as the crowd perceived the volunteers, there
was a regular outburst of applause. The scène that then
took place is indescribable ; ihe shouts and ihe cheers,
mingled with the harmony of patriotic airs executcd by
the différent bands, were beyond ail description. When
the head of the procession reached tlie corner of St. Denis
and St. Catherine streets, it passed before the magnificent
structure of Laval University, covered with the banners
of ail nations as well as British standards. The University
authorities did things in grand style, and ail cheered in
frantic joy the appearance of the Strathcona Horse.
« The students of Laval were grouped upon the steps
and under the portico oî \\\t\x Abna Mater. Each of them
held a British flag, and again and again they clieered the
troops as they marched past. On the façade of the build-
ing was the following inscription, in French : Pour Dieu
LE LIVRE d'or 3I
et r Empire (For God and the Empire), and this other
one : Dieu sauve la reine ! {God Sav the Queen !)
« It would not be easy to describe the ovation on the
part of the McGill students, who formed portion of the
procession, in honor of the Laval students ; as the former
passed the doors of the University, the McGill boys
shouted, in their enthusiasm, « IVhai is the matier wiih
Laval ? She's ail right, you bct^ » and the Laval students
returned the cheers with wild and prolonged hurrahs.
« Six hundred people attended the banquet at the
Windsor Hôtel, over which Mayor Préfontaine presided.
On his right were seated Colonel Steele, commander of
the Strathcona régiment; Mgr. Racicot; Hon. Judge
Tait ; Hon. Judge Davidson ; Principal Peterson of
I^IcGill University ; Hon. Senator A. W. Ogilvie ; Pion. J.
J. Guerin ; and Alderman Faucher: on his left were
Hon. Mr. Forget, Lieutenant-Governor of ihe North-West
Territories, Sir Alexander Lacoste, Chief Justice of the
Court of Queen's Bench ; Colonel Roy, commander of the
5th military district; Hon. Alphonse Desjardins; Ex-
Mayor Wilson-Smith ; and Colonel Ibbotson, commander
of the Royal Scotts.
« Âfter the healih of the Queen, letters of excuse were
read from Mgr. Bruchési, Bishop Bond, Lieutenant-
Governor Jette, and oihers.
Il Speeches were then delivered by Mayor Préfontaine,
Principal Peterson, of McGill, Mgr. Racicot, Hon. Judge
Lacoste, Hon. Judge Davidson, Ex-Mayor Wilson-Smiih,
Hon. Mr. Forget and Colonel Steele. »
We will hâve to be content with a few extracts from the
address delivered by the Mayor, which contained the
substance of the noble sentimenis cxpressed by ail the
others : —
« Permit me, at this moment, as a French-Canadian, to
32 LE LIVRE d'or
déclare that no portion of our cosmopolitan community
expériences a greater pleasure in your visit nor wishes
you more sincerely success and a complète and crowning
triumph in your South African campaign, than do the
French-Canadians of Montréal. We vvish you good fortune
and victory, because the Queen and the flag for which
you are to fight, are equally our Queen and our flag. The
French-Canadians hâve, themselves, fought for the Union
Jack at St. Johns, at Plattsburg, at Bennington, at Sarato-
ga, at Chateauguay, at Butte-aux-Français, in Egypt, in
the Soudan, in South Africa and elsewhere, and they are
ready to do the same again as often as their services may
be required.
« More than that, Colonel Steele, officers and soldiers,
the citizens of Montréal are proud of you on account of
the enterprise you hâve so nobly undertaken, and because
they believe you are the very men to accomplish it.
« We count upon you, as vve do upon your comrades of
the mounted infantry, the field artillery, and of the infantry,
who hâve gone before you, to sustain the honor and name
of Canada ; and judging by your condition for service, we
know that we will not be disappointed.
« This country, thanks to the heroism of her sons, who
are serving in the first contingent, has already gleaned a
rich and imperishable harvest of glory on the fields of the
présent unfortunate war in South Africa; we feel, that
with entire confidence we can dépend upon the Strathcona
régiment to sustain that réputation for bravery and other
military virtues, which the brave Canadians, who belong
to the detachment commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel
Otter, hâve established.
« We will follow you with interest and pride, as we havc
donc the various corps recruited in this city. Rest assured
that the Canadian people will follow you with a sympa-
LE LIVRE D OR
33
thetic eye, through ail the vast expanses of the dark
continent, that they will be proud of your sacrifices and
your bravery, that they will remember the sufferings that
you shall hâve endured in the accomplishment ot" your
duty. In spirit we will follow you in your long nnarches ;
we will stand sentinel with you upon the désert sands of
Africa, and under the marvellous and serene brillancy of
the Southern stars. We will follow you through the ravines
and over the kopjes, upon the red fields of battle, where
the sensé of danger imparts a fresh energy to the valiant
ones who learned, beneath the folds of the Uniori Jack to
fight like heroes ; where the grandeur of the situation
imparts an energy of iron and nerves of steel to the
glorious soldiers, who, from Eneland, from Ireland, from
Scotland, from Wales, from South Africa, from Australia,
from New-Zealand, from India, and from Canada, hâve
gone forth to do battle for our noble and beloved Sovereign.
« Our thoughts will be with you, when, scorning danger,
you shall march to victory, over rocks, plains and rugged
mountains, and when each step of your glorious advance
shall chime in with our prayer, as it ascends, ardent and
persistent, to the God of armies and of justice, begging
that He spare your lives and accord to your courage and
devotedness the success that they so well deserve. «
We must net omit a few of Colonel Steele's remarks : —
« As he arose to speak he found himself face to face
with his two little grand-daughters, standing on the table,
and presenting him with a splendid bouquet. He kissed
them affectionately, and then turned from that enjoyment
to the duty of culogizing his soldiers.
« And to begin, » said he, « he was very far from expect-
ing such a démonstration when he left Ottawa ; he could
find no words to thank the people of our city. In any
34 LE LIVRE D OR
case, he fdt proud, far more so than hecould express ; he,
an obscure Canadian (cries of no ! no !) lo be honored
vvith the command of the Strathcona Horse.
« He could never enumerate the fine qualities of the
soldiers composing that régiment. There are amongst
them men from the Yukon, from Peace River, who travel-
led six hundred miles to enlist. The recruiting was done
with extraordinary rapidity. The colonel closed by saying
that we shouîd remember that he was only a soldier and
that a soldier's duty is action rather than speech.»
« The Mayor read a cablegram from Lord Strathcona,
expressing his regret at not being able lo be in the midst
of his men on this occasion, and thanking the people of
Montréal for the réception given to them. God Save the
QiteeJi closed the event, and the guests took iheir depart-
ure. The day had been a splendid one from every stand-
point. Montréal rarely ever witnessed a more successful
démonstration.
« The Straihcojia Horse started again, at eight o'clock,
for Halifax, thence for South Africa, and (who knows ?)
possibly for eternity. Let us hope, however, that some day
soon they will come back to us, happy after their distant
expédition, and bearing with them, under a raass of laurels,
a ray of Africa's sun as a souvenir. »
Now they are at Halifax : —
« Halifax. — The Strathcona régiment embarked about
five o'clock, yesterday afternoon, on board the Monter ey,
wliich started for the African roast this morning, at five
o'clock. The embarkation took place amidst the greatest
enthusiasm. Immediately before leaving the barracks, the
cablegrams sent by Lord Strathcona were read to the
soldiers. Messrs. Elder-Dempster had the Monterey
grandly decorated. Speeches were delivered by General
GOOD BYE MY BOY, A.\D L.UD BLESS YOU.
LE LIVRE d'or
35
Lord William Seymour, Lieutenant-Governor Daly, and
Colonel Steele. Then Hon. Dr. Borden read the following
cablegram : —
« London, to Borden, Minister of Militia, Halifax.
« Please read for my régiment, the following note, which
I received from Her Majesty's private secretary, and to
which you will give fitting publicity.
« Her Majesty is happy to express her confidence in
the régiment, before its departure, and sincerely believes
that the soldiers will equal iheir Canadian comrades, who
are fighting so valiantly, at the présent moment, for the
Empire. The Queen wishes them ail success and an early
return to their homes.
« In my reply to Her Majesty's secretary, I stated that
the officers and soldiers considered it a privilège to hâve
the honor to serve both their Sovereign and the Empire ;
that they will be ever ready to perform their duty as
Canadians and as loyal British subjects, in order to justify
the confidence so graciously reposed in them by Her
Majesty.
« Signed, Strathcona. »
« Borden, Minister of Militia, Halifax.
« Please convey to Colonel Steele, to his officers and
soldiers, the expression of the great disappointraent I feel
in not being able to assist at their departure. I am none
the less happy to personally wish them a good journey
and an early return, absolutely certain as I am that they
will bravely fulfil their service, thus doing honor to the
Dominion and to our well-beloved Sovereign.
« Strathcona. »
36 LE LIVRE d'or
« AU along the roule of procession the streets, stores
and houses were filled with great crowds. The Législature
had adjourned, and the members of the House, as well as
those of the municipal council, preceded the oOldiers in
carriages. The Strathconas were immediately preceded
by the 66th Princess Louise Fusiliers, with band. Then
came : Lieutenant-Colonel Irving and the band of the
Leinster régiment; one hundred soldiers of the 63rd Rifles
with band closed the Une of march, followed by thousands
of citizens and a few members of the Leinster régiment.
« The contingent of one hundred men, destined to take
the places, over there, of the Canadians who had fallen on
the field of honor, attracted the spécial attention of the
spectators, and were most enthusiastically greeted for
their imposing and proud bearing.
« At five o'clock, the embarking, which took place at
the Government wharf, was over and the Monterey slowly
moved out, the stem pointing seaward. The bands, in
vibrating notes, pealed forth the national anthem, and the
enthusiasm of the people did not subside until the anchor
was weighedand the vessel beyond range of the eye. »
AT CAPE-TOWN 1
« Toronto. — A London despatch to the Evening Teh-
gram says : —
« A cablegram from Cape-Town, states that the transport
SardiniaJi. bearing the Canadian contingent has reached
hère. At Cape-Town, the Canadian troops will march
through the principal streets of ihe city, and the Governor
will proclaim the day a légal holiday. »
« Cape-Town. — Sir Alfred Milner has issued a procla-
mation to the people of Cape Colony, in which he draws
LE LIVRE d'or 37
their attention to the many proofs that the Queen does
not favor any one nation at the expense of another one.
« That proclamation was read in the schools, the
churches, and ail the public places. »
« Ottawa. — The followiug despatch has been received
from Sir Alfred Milner, Governor of British South Africa.
«The Cape. — Hâve just wished 'God speed' to the Can-
adian contingent ; ail well and pleased to go to the front.
The people hère showed in a most undeniable manner
their deep appréciation of the help coming from Canada.
« MlLNER. »
Finally ; they hâve ail arrived, haie and hearty, from
first to last, upon the scène of their glorious exploits, and
we now make room for their letters, written in their blood
and with the sword point.
NOTICE.
We désire to inform the reader that we bave eliminated
from the letters aught that might not be of public interest,
and that the extracts which we give hâve not been
arranged according to dates, rather hâve they been classi-
fied, and without any préférence as far as our braves are
concerned — for from first to last they equally participate
in the glory.
Montréal, April 24th, 1900.
My Dear Mr. Laeat,
I don't think I can do better thrai give you the enclosed
as my contribution to your work. « Strai/icona's Horse n
certainly could not hâve a better setting than in a book
38 IS LIVRE d'or
dedicated to the memories of our brave soldiers on the
South African Veldt. Hoping this will meet with your
approval and wishing you ail success.
Believe me faithfully yours,
W. H. Drummond.
STRATHCONA'S HORSE
"A tout seigneur tout honneur.'
O, I was thine, and thou wert mine, and ours the boundless plain
Where the winds of the north, my gallant steed, ruffled thy tawny mane,
But the summonshath corne with roU of drum, and bugles ringing shrill
Startling the prairie antelope ; the grizzly of the hill,
'Tis the voice of Empire calling, and the children gather fast
From every land where the cross bar floats out from the quivering mast.
So into the saddle I leap, my own, with bridle swinging free,
And thy hoof beats shall answer the trumpetsblowing across the sea !
Then proudly toss thy head aloft, nor think of the foe to-morrow,
For he who dares to stay our course, drinks deep of the Cup of Sorrow !
Thy form hath pressed the meadow's breast where the sullen grey-
wolf bides,
The great red river of the north hath cooled thy burning sides,
Together we've slept while the tempest swept the Rockies' glittering
chain,
And many a day the bronze centaur hath galloped behind in vain !
But the sweet wild grass of mountain pass, the shimmering summer
streams,
Must vanish forever more, perchance, into the land of dreams;
For the strong young North hath sent us forth to battlefields far away.
And the trail that ends where Empire trends, is the trail we ride to-day I
But proudly toss thy head aloft, nor tliink of the foe to-morrow,
For he who bars Strathcona's Horse drinks deep of the Cup of Sorrow I
William Henry Drummond.
LORD STRATIICUNA AND MOUxNT ROYAL.
A LETTER FROM COLONEL STEELE
The Commander of Strathcona's Horse sends good
news of his men.
HE following very interesting letter was received
K:)
X31| by Mr. John A. Kerr, Town Clerk, of Perth, Ont.,
<^sî^ from Colonel Steele, of Strathcona's Horse :
« Standerton, June 25lh, 1900.
« My Dear Jack,
« I am with the third Mounted Brigade, General Buller's
advance, under Lord Dundonald, who is a very fine
soldier and a perfect nobleman. We lay at the Cape for
some time under orders for very important work, and
were then sent to Zululand and Kosi Bay. The A and C
Squadrons to the former country and B Squadron to the
latter, a bay in the Indian Océan, to land and make a
rapid march through Tongaland, almost unknown, and
destroy the railway and bridge at Komati Poort, which
supplies the Boers from the Portuguese territory. Tl^.e
scheme had, when I arrived at Kosi Bay, leaked ont
through some fool at the Cape, and the Boers had put in
40 LE LIVRE D OR
an enormously superior force, which rendered our ex-
tremely risky business still more risky. I had to change
my way of going about it, and join my other Squadrons.
I did this at Durham and marched to Estcourt, Zululand,
and then was on the point of advancing the 250 miles
through Zululand and Tongaland, when Lord Roberts
again changed the plan and sent us hère. I had to make
a forced march to Durban, iio miles, in three days, with
a big outfit, and from thence corne by rail to Newcastle
to join General Buller. I did so, and after arranging my
transports made two days of forced marches to Volksurst
in the Transvaal, and there joinedthe Brigade, with which
we now are. I marched with it to Paardekop, where
opposition was expected, but we found none. Then
marched hère, 28 miles, where we hâve remained while
General Buller is concentrating for an important move-
ment. We saw the tremendous strong position of the
enemy forced by General Buller to relieve Ladysmith, and
the other positions of Laing's Nek which he skilfully
turned. It is no use for any one to abuse General Buller
in this army. I consider, and so does every one else, Ihat
the difficulties with which he had to contend were greater
than any yet met with in South Africa, and could not be
accomplished except by an extremely able commander.
The position was almost, if not quite, impregnable and
the troops that would face them are certainly of a high
character as soldiers.
« The régiment is splendid, but it has taken constant
attention to get it into shape.
« Hoping you are well, I am
« Yours truly,
Il S. B. Steele. »
é
LIEUTENANT COLONEL S. B. STEELE.
APPOINTED TO FOITRTH CLASS OF VICTORIAN OKUER.
In reply to ihe King's speech. Colonel Steele said : — " The Strathconas are
always ready to défend the flag, the King and the rights
of the British Empire."
THE KING'S COLOURS
PRESESTED BY
HlN MoMt «mclous Majesty Edwanl VII.
KINIi ANO EMPEKOK TO
LORD STKATHCONA'S CORPS
In rfiognifion of si-rvices rendered to tli,- Eiitfiire in South A/rfca in IQOO.
LE LIVRE d'or
41
STRATHCONA HORSE COVERED THEMSELVES
WITH GLORY
« Pretoria, June 2 5th, 1900.
« Strathcona's Horse has done one of the great deeds
of the war.
« Leaving Cape-Town a month ago, they went to Dur-
ban by water, and then proceeded up country, reaching
General Buller's forces in time to do splendid service in
the advance from Newcastle on towards Standerton and
Pretoria, service for which they received spécial mention
in General Buller's despatches to the War Office, approved
by Lord Roberts.
« Now they hâve done a deed which vvill live in history.
« They hâve blown up the railway bridge at Komati
Poort, on the railway between Pretoria and Komati Poort,
and hâve eut off ail communication of the Boers with
the sea.
« Ail the Delagoa Bay Railway rolling stock, the Boer
artillery, the whole Boer army, including the gold taken
by Président Kruger from the mint hère, are west of that
break, and must now inevitably fall into our hands.
«Strathcona's Horse has effectually bottled up the Boers.
«W. RicHMOND Smith,
«Spécial Correspondent of the Star in South Africa.»
WITH STRATHCONA'S HORSE
« Mrs. Fraser, of Esquimalt, B. C, has received the
following letter from her sons, Harry and Wilfrid Fraser,
serving with Strathcona's Horse in South Africa :
« Standerton, June 24th, 1900.
« We hâve just got hère. Buller is hère wiih his army,
and it makes quite a large camp. For one night we
42 LE LIVRE D OR
camped at the foot of Majuba Hill, and then just missed
the Boers at Laing's Nek. Now they don't expect any
more fightiag, so the gênerais say. One of the sentries
hère was shot last night. He was not one of our men. He
was shot in two places — in the head and shoulder — and
died in ten minutes. Our men don't do the outpost duty,
this being left for the regulars.
« Dundonald's and Clery's men are camped hère.
Yesterday, Sunday, we had Divine service, and the old
clergyman who conducted the service said he had been
hère for 27 years, and for 21 years had known that the
Boers hâve been preparing for this war. He also spoke as
though the war was entirely over, so you may expect to
hear any day of our coming home.
«Standeiton is about 100 mi'es in the Transvaal, on the
Vaal river. We are camped about half a mile from the
town. The country itself is just like the prairie. At night
there is about 5 degrees of fiost, and tht day is very warm,
just like we had in Calgary.
« Just before the Boers left hère they blevv up the
railway bridge and burnt ûown the work shops. They
were still burning when we got in, so they could not hâve
been very far ahead of us. There are a few British families
hère, and you may be sure they were very glad to see us.
« This is the place they expected the Boers to make
their final stand, but they hâve left the railway and gone
across country, right between BuUer and Roberts, so the
whole thing will soon be over.
« Standerton, June 2Sth, 1900.
« I will add a few more lines. We got some mail last
night, only one ietter from you, of îlay Sth. We also see
by the paper that war is about to be declared between
LE LIVRE D OR 43
Japan and Russia. They are practising the farewell march
every day to play when we leave South Africa. We can't
hâve too many letters from hère, as the trains hâve only
run twice since the Boers blew up the bridges. There is
an arm inspection at lo o'clock, so I must stop. We hâve
taken two or three prisoners, including one old man of 80.
He said they would stop fighting, but if they did they
would be shot by their own men. »
STRATHCONA'S HORSE ON THE SEA
«The Cape Times, of April iith, pubHshed a lengthy
account of the arrivai of Strathcona's Horse on the
Moiiterey. According to this account, the Western men
suffered severeîy from sea-sickness.
« The quarter-deck was turned into a deck-chair hospital
for invalided officers, suffering from a very painful and
unpleasant, but non-infectious complaint. The lower decks
seemed strewn with corpses. A lyddite shell might hâve
exploded over the forward decks, killing ail around merely
by its deadly fumes. From personal observation during those
days I am convinced that more than one would hâve
welcomed a shower of grape shot. AU things corne to
those who wait, however, if they live long enough ; and
with very few exceptions the fourth day out saw men with
good appetites, if not quite certain in their strides. The
troopers gained their sea-legs much quicker, on the aver-
age, than did the officers.
« One short week (seven days after leaving Halifax),
and we were in a groove — might bave been born on a
transport, and lived ail our lives there. Drills were in full
swing, both with Strathcona's Horse and the contingent
of the Royal Canadian Régiment, and we had settled
down to work and enjoy ourselves.
44 LE LIVRE D OR
FrOM SNOW TO SUN.
« We soon left the ice and snow, and cold winds, and
ran into vvann, balmy air. It was glorious. Men off duty
lay full length on anything soft, and drank in the soft-
tempered air, until sleep carried them and their thoughts
to realms of imagination.
« From this génial atmosphère to still warmer, and from
this to hot weather, till the pitch in the deck seams sizzled
in the sunshine.
« It was then that we fuUy appreciated the thoughtful-
ness of the owners of the Moiiterey for having such a
splendid store of ice on board. We at once reaHzed that
we were specially favoured ; therefore, as a transport, the
Monterey stands out in successful prominence.
« Naturally, with this abundance of ice on board, our
food and water were exceptionally good, both in quality
and condition. Indeed, the fare provided was so good
that several had to do many arduous sentry-goes in the
cool of the evening in order to obviate any tendency to
an increase in avoir du poids.
« Once the deck awnings were stretched, there was a
rush to stake claims for sleeping berths above, for despite
ail artificial means to induce the air to cool the staterooms,
they more resembled upholstered ovens.
EpIDEMIC AMONGST THE HORSES.
« About this tinie an épidémie that had broken out
among the horses became very much worse. Our veterinary
surgeon diagnosed it as a bad ibrm of pneumonia, and
whatever the cause, the poor animais died in half-dozens.
Up to the time of writing this (April 8th) we hâve lost
over a hundred, and although the worst is over, we still
continue to lose a few. I asked Colonel Steele if he could
LE LIVRE d'or 45
in any way account for the loss — for the épidémie —
and he admitted that he could not. The only reason he
could think at ail probable vvas their having left a particu-
larly dry and high région to corne dovvn to the damp and
moist airs that they were unaccustomed to. Everything
that human ingenuity could devise, or skilled labour, or
careful watching and attention do, was done ; but it was
in vain, though the mortality might hâve been greater had
not this great attention been shown. Of this latter I am
convinced, although I practically know nothing of the
ailments of horses, and of bronchos in particular.
« As I said before, we got into a groove. I suppose it is
so on every vessel on a long voyage. Groove, or no groove,
we managed to put in a good time. Ofifîcers fraternized,
and so did the men, and there appeared to be some
instinctive feeling that personal matters and feelings were
to be under subjection, and that one and ail must act for
the comnion weal. With ideas like thèse prévalent, it may
be taken for granted that our leisure moments were ones
that can be looked back upon with feelings of satisfaction.
Little edges of friction arose at times (especially in the
very great heat), but thèse only go to show that men can,
if they like, easily control their tempers ; or, if an occa-
sional outburst does come, or a hasty word slips out (and
repented of next moment, of course) it proves we are
human beings and not angels, and it leaves the opportunity
of showing vindictiveness, or otherwise. On board the
Monterey it has been the otherwise throughout, and I am
pleased to be able to make this statement public.
An alarm of fire.
« The evening of the 2 7th March produced the one bit
of real excitement of the voyage, and it was excitement of
a kind few people désire a répétition of.
4^ LE LIVRE d'or
« It was just eight o'clock. Eight bells had gone, and
we in the officers' mess-room were loitering over the final
stages of dinner, Loitering, for a refreshing breeze had
sprung up, and coming through the open portholes of the
saloon, sent a glorious cool wave of air through the room,
a much appreciated change from the hitherto stifling heat.
« Suddenly we were ail startled by hearing the bugles
ringing out the fire call.
« There was a rush from the saloon. Some made for the
quarter-deck to try and find out at once where the fire
was. Others dashed to their squadron's quarters, and yet,
although it was a rush, it was an orderly one, a mère
hurried movement, just a natural désire to get somewhere
quickly, but knowing where that somewhere was. Of
panic there was no sign. It might hâve been a daily
occurrence, having a fire on board. I saw one, or two even,
stop to finish their coffee. It only occupied a second or
so, but it showed nerves, or want of them.
« As smoke generally means fire, so does fire usually
mean water. Hence, as I had only a thin pair of slippers
on, I made a hasty movement to my stateroom for a pair
of boots, I was not many minutes away, but when I
reached the quarter-deck some of the troops were standing
in line handing along buckets of water, while others were
drawn up at either side of the vessel, or were watching
calmly and orderly aft.
« Colonel Steele was standing by the bridge. I saw him
lean over the rails towards his men, who were watching
the second ofiîcer of the Monterey, and some sailors
smashing down the temporary bakehouse that was the
scène of the fire.
«'Steady, there, men. No talking. Keep silent there,'
were the only words the commanding ofiîcer uttered, and
they acted like magie. Not a sound was audible but the
LE LIVRE d'or 47
crash ing of the axes against the wood, and the swish and
splutter of water.
« Fifteen minutes of waiting, and then we heard the
ship's officer call oui that ail was over. Men vvent back to
their quarters, but before going gave a ringing cheer, a
cheer that meant victory, and a cheer that will be raised
again and again for still greater victories. That cheer on
the Aloiiterey was the pioneer.
Stovvaways turn up.
« The next thing in séquence was the remarkable daily
increase in the transport's company. First one stowaway
came to light. then a couple would come upon the scène,
and finally a batch of five put in their appearance. How
some of thèse men got to Halifax is, and possibly will
remain, a mystery. I believe that three of thèse gentry
were medically examined and accepted for the Canadian
Régiment, but afterwards for some reason not explained
they were rejected and left behind at Montréal. Now
Montréal is not far short of a thousand miles from Halifax,
and the fare is accordingly high. The question is, did
thèse men pay their fare, or did they travel free by freight
train à la Winston Churchill 7 The authoriiies at Cape-
Town will find out something, no doubt, and the other
stowaways will find out something also, probably not to
their liking.
Crossing the line.
« As we neared the Equator the heat became very
oppressive, but notwithstanding great préparations were
made for Father Neptune to initiate the novices, and as
the day approached excitemcnt ran rcally high. The
cérémonies commençed on the night of Mardi 30ih. when
48 LE LIVRE d'or
Father Neptune boarded the Moiiterey somewhere near
the bow, and in a stentorian voice (through a mégaphone)
asked several questions concerning the health and détails
of those on board, finally departing with a promise to
return at two p. m. the following day. At the appointed
hour Neptune and his motley suite duly put in an appear-
ance — a huge canvas tank full of water, and a kind of
flag-covered dais for Father Neptune being in préparation.
The weird-looking contingent paraded the deck to the
accompaniment of much beating of empty méat tins, and
other and several sounds outside the chromatic scale.
Their appearance was supposed to be awe-inspiring, it was
superbly ridiculous, and was capitally done. Neptune and
his suite then took up their positions, and the great
cérémonial began. Impetuous troopers, glad of the chance
of a few minutes' cooling and a respite form the sweltering
heat, plunged into the tank, without waiting for being
formally introduced to Neptune and his missus. Then a
few reluctant bathers were unceremoniously plunged into
the tank, and thoroughly ducked. Officers and men were
then introduced to the great sea-god — duly lathered
with a mixture of soap and glue — shaved and shampooed.
« Matters were progressing gaily and coniparatively
smoothly when an enterprising Strathcona Horseman
gained possession of a neighbouring kopje with a hose,
which he promplly used as a Maxim. The deluged spec-
tators hastily beat a retreat, but quickly reforming, a hot
engagement ensued for the possession of the kopje, or
rather the hose. The attacking force, although outnumber-
ing the defenders considerably, made the mistake of
approaching in close formation. The attacking party
wavered, and were on the point of retreating, when another
contingent making a clever flank movement, the contest
was renewed with double vigour, and finally the kopje
was taken.
LE LIVRE D OR
49
« This little épisode was the beginning of the end.
Instead of their ardour being cooled by the copious
draughts of water poured on them, it was just the oppo-
site. An immédiate rush was made for Neptune and his
gorgeous pavilion. Father Neptune was immediately
dethroned and his robes of office stripped off him. His
attendants were one and ail duly ducked in the bath
arranged for the benefit of others, and Neptune himself
narrowly escaped a similar fate, a brass curtain-rod being
his salvation. The novices of the day were later on
presented with a certificate of membership to the Neptune
Lodge.
ChARACTERS of THE CORPS.
« Although there has been much fun on board it must
not be assumed that there has been no work. Drills hâve
been going on raorning and noon, theaft upper decks never
being free from one, or an other squadron. Considering
that thèse men when they left the North-West of Canada
practically knew nothing of mihtary work, their progress
has been simply marvellous. I ascribe this efhciency not
only to perpétuai drilling and a keen intelligence, but
more to that esprit de corps that has permeated ail ranks.
Everyone appeared by instinct to understand that their
future success depended upon individual as well as col-
lective efforts, and every praise is due for the manner in
which this prevailing idea has been put into exécution,
and Colonel Steele may well be proud, as he is, of the fine
body of men he commands, and it will be pleasing to Lord
Strathcona to know that his anticipations hâve been more
than vérifie d. »
i( The Rev. Canon Bland has received the following
most interesting letter from his son, E. Mallby Bland, of
50 LE LIVRE DOR
Strathcona's Horse, which was published in the Hamilton
Times of October 30th : —
« Spitkop, September isth, 1900.
« Since I last wrote to you we hâve been under fire
every day, and hâve had lots of hard work and no rest.
For over a week we did not get into camp till after dark,
and were off again at dayhght. We used to get a cup of
tea as soon as we got in, and then tumble into bed. It
was hard on the poor horses, and we hâve lost a great
many, nearly a hundred having to walk. My steed, fortu-
nately, is as well as ever, and looking fine. We had a big
fight the other day, though the Strathconas were not
actually in it, being some distance ofif protecting the left
flank. However, we could see the whole battle quite
plainly. First of ail the Boers took up a position on the
top of a kopje, with their big guns and pom-poms. The
big guns opened the bail, and there was an artillery duel
for several hours, our guns just pouring the shrapnel and
lyddite into them, bursting just right every time. Then the
Rifle Brigade charged and the Boers turned pom-poms
and machine guns on them at close range, knocking out
116 of them. However, they took the hill just about dusk,
the Boers going out on the run with the Lancers in fuU
pursuit.
« Next morning I went over the place and there were
dead Boers lying ail around, and we buried 70 of them in
one big trench.
« The country which we are in at présent is the roughest
I ever saw, something like the north shore of Lake
Superior, perhaps, on a little larger scale, with almost
inipassable roads. One thing is certain that we can never
go back the way we came with any load, as it will be ail
the cattle can do to pull back the empty waggons. We
LE LIVRE D'OR SI
struck a town the olher day called Lydenburg. You will
find it on the map north of Delagoa Bay Railway. It is a
very pretty little place, with lots of trees, which are a
scarce article in this country as a rule. The Boers had
their big guns on some hills surrouuding the town, and
they made things pretty lively for two days till we got
them out. I saw a Long Tom shell knock out fourteen of
the Gordons one day. The whole battalion was marching
across an open place which the Boers were shelling, when
bang ! went a shrapnel just thirty feet above Company I,
who were the last. The whole company were knocked flat
on their faces and when the dust had cleared they got up,
but fourteen lay on the ground, one killed and the rest
wounded. The remainder of thera went right on, never
looking behind, and I déclare some of them never even
got out of step, I was standing within a hundred yards of
them when it happened, and I rushed up at once to see if
I could be of any help, and they told me to help carry the
wounded ofî the field under cover. So another fellow and
I carried two of them over to an ambulance near by. One
chap, a sergeant, and a magnificent fellow, wilh legs like
an ox, got a pièce of shell in the upper part of the leg
which severed the main artery and broke the bone. Oh 1
how he did suffer ! In carrying him off we had to lay hira
down, as he was so heavy, and he just begged us not to,
as it hurt him so in speading out his legs when the
stretcher touched the ground. I heard afterwards at the
hospital that he will pull through ail right, though he may
lose his leg. Such a pity I The other chap, a pièce of shell
had come down the right side of his head and laid open
his cheek and broke his jaw, and he actually tried to go
on with his régiment, but had to drop out from sheer
weakness. That shov/s you what stuff the British soldier is
inade of. . . 1 muit say afler sccing that, I would ralher
52 LE LIVRE d'or
be hit with a rifle bullet than with a sharpnel ; and it is
not a very pleasant thing to hear those big shells corne
whistling lowards you for ten seconds or so before they
explode. You always imagine every shell is coming straight
for you and novvhere else, and you duck your head when
it gets close.
« The other day we were in a valley back of hère, and
there were 320 shells fired at us, and only 13 men hit. I
got so used to them that in the afternoon I went to sleep
for a couple of hours. We were lying under cover at the
time in the bed of a creek, where the Boers could not hit
us very well, though some of the shells came a little too
close to be comfortable. The mail closes to-night at 8.15,
and as it is already dark I must close.
« Your loving son,
« E. Maltby Bland. ))
TWO BROTHERS IN ARMS
Sons of the Honorable Wm. Macdougall, C. B., Q. C, P. C.
John Gladwyn Macdougall was born in Toronto in 1876,
received his primary éducation at Trinity School, Port
Hope, after which he matriculated at the parent institution
— Trinity Collège, Toronto. He graduated from there in
1898, taking his B. A. degree, and for a time studied lavv
in the office of John Abbott, Esq., Q. C, Montréal, at the
Lame time following the law course at McGill University.
m health compelled his removal to Vancouver, B. C,
where he continued his légal studies in the office of
Tupper, Peters & Gilmour. When the reserve company of
the Stralhcona Horse was being raised, he was one of the
first to volunieer for service in it under Captain Adamson.
He wai wounded at the baitle of Siandcrton, and after a
THE TWO BROTHERS IX ARMS.
TROOPER H. V. MACDOUGALL, TROOPER J. G. MACDOUGALL,
Canadian Mounted Rifles. Of Strathconas.
LE LIVRE D OR
53
long and tedious period of confinement to hospital at
Howick, Natal, was, in October, invalided to England, to
enable him to recuperate, having manifested great pluck
and endurance throughout his trying expérience.
Harold Macdougall, was educaled at Trinity School,
Port Hope, and subsequently held a position in the
service of the Dominion Bank. Resigning therefrom, lie
was appointed to a place on the staff of the Library of
Parliament at Ottawa, where he remained but a short
time, owing to the Klondyke fever, which seized so many
of our adventurous young men at the opening of the Gold
fields, in that région, and just retumed from Dawson City
on his way home, when the call to arms, was made in
Canada, for a second Service Corps, to proceed to South
Africa, and enlisted in the Canadian Mounted Rifles, at
McLeod, N. W. T. From the time of his arrivai at the
seat of war, he served with his régiment continuously. He
is a man of splendid physique, and strong and hardy
nature, which is proven by the fact, that during his long
service in South Africa, he has never been ofif duty a day,
from any cause whatever.
In April, he was given charge of a Maxim gun, and
promoted to the lank of Corporal.
« Toronto, July 7th, 1900.
« The Eveniîig Telegram's spécial cable from London,
says : —
« A despatch from Vlakfontein, in the south-eastern
portion of the Transvaal, reports that some sections of
Strathcona's Horse, after seeing a convoy safely through
Rustfontein Défile, near Greyslingstadt, left eighteen
Strathconas watering their horses on this side of the défile.
One hundred Boers concealed in the long grass on a
54 LE LIVRE D OR
kopje, opened fire. Reinfoicements hurried to the scène,
and the Strathconas brought a Maxim up into play and
knocked several Boers oft their horses as Ihey were
retiring. The enemy decamped. »
MORE FRAISE FOR CANADA
Mr. Chamberlain and Lord Strathcona pleased with
THE PART SHE HAS PLaVED.
« Ottawa, July çth, 1900.
« The foliowing letter fiom the Hon. Joseph Chamber-
lain, Colonial Secretary, to the Rev. Mr. Walkley, Minister
of the Church of Our Father (Unitarian), has been
received : —
« Colonial Office, London, June 25th. 1900.
« Dear Sir,
« I hâve received your letter of June iith, saying that
the Church of Our Father will hold a spécial service on
Sunday, July ist, being Dominion Day.
« The voluntary and spontaneous resolution of Her
Majesty's Canadian subjects to support with their blood
and treasure their fellow-subjects in South Africa in their
strûggle for political freedom and equity, has made the
past year a mémorable one in the history of Canada and
the Empire. The révélation which has thus been given of
the strength and unity of the Empire must tend to promote
the cause of liberty and progress, with which the British
rule is identified.
;i I am, yours, very faithfully,
(■ J, Chamberlain. »
LE LIVRE D OR 55
« Lord Strathcona also writes to a prominent member
of the same Church as foUows : —
« I think that Canada has reason to be proud of the
success of Confédération, and every anniversary must
strengthen the feeling of pride which we feel for our
country, the great resources which it contains, and the
rapidity with which they are being developed. Canada is
no longer a colony, but a Dominion, and an important
intégral part of the British Empire. The events of the past
few months hâve done more than anything that has
happened for years past to bring the différent parts of the
Empire doser together, and to show the world the feeling
of kindship that exists among Her Majesty's subjects, no
matter where they may réside. This community of interest
and the doser union that is sure, sooner or later to follow,
is bound to hâve results of the highest national and
Impérial importance.
« Believe me, yours very truly,
« Strathcona. »
LORD STRATHCONA MEMORIAL
« Ottawa, April 20th, igoo.
« Subscriptions hâve been opened to raise a fund to
commemorate the patriotic action of Lord Strathcona in
equipping the splendid régiment of horse for service to
the Empire in South Africa, and his many munificent
gifts to Canada. It is proposed to hâve executed a bust
of Lord Sirathcona in white marble for the capital of the
Dominion. The Government has given permission to
place the bust, when complète, in the library of Parliament.
56 LE LIVRE d'or
" The work is in progress by Mr. Hamilton MacCarthy,
R. C. A., sculptor, Ottawa. »
HOW STRATHCONAS DIED
« London, October iith, 1900.
« A spécial despatch from Lydenburg says : —
« A Boer prisoner tells the story of the way in which a
patrol of five troopers of Strathcona's Horse, under Ser-
geant Brothers, met death.
« It appears that they were suddenly surrounded by a
strong force of Boers.
« The Canadians indignantly refused to surrender and a
murderous fire was exchanged at short range, until every
man in the party was riddled with buUets, but not before
each Canadian had accounted for three Boers. »
PRAISED BY BULLER
« London, October iith, 1900.
« Sir Redvers BuUer, while passing through Machado-
dorp and bidding farewell to the troops, said he should
be greatly pleased to tell Lord Strathcona of the magni-
ficent work of his troopers. »
After this just and valuable compliment we leave, not
with our heart, but with our pen, the Strathconas at their
noble and arduous work.
-§^
COLONEL W. D. ÛTTER.
COLONEL W. D. OTTER, D. O. C.
Commanding Officer 2nd 'Spécial Service^ Battalion, Canadian Staff,
A. D. C. to His Excellency the G ovemor- General. Fenian
Eaid, 1866. North-West, 1885. Wounded Israel's
Pouit. April 25th, 1900, since promoted
Colonel for his brilliant condact.
AARDEBERG was the Waterloo of the Boers
1^ through the heroic conduct of the Canadians. I
^ où & leave the explanation of that mémorable day to
Colonel Olter's report.
The Colonel tells of the Canadiens at Paardeberg.
LaY ADVANCE POST. LaY WITHIN 65 YARDS
OF THE MAIN BOER TRENCH.
« Ottawa, April 6th, 1900.
« In the House of Commons to-day Dr. Borden, Minis-
of Militia, read the following report from Lieutenant-
Colonel Otter, the officer commanding the Second Battalion
Royal Canadian Régiment, addressed to the chief staff
officer of militia, Canada: —
« Paardeberg Drift, February 26th, 1900.
« Sir,
« I hâve the honor to report upon the part taken by the
battalion under my command in the engagement at Paar-
deberg on the iSth instant.
58 LE LIVRE d'or
« The battalion arrived near Paardeberg Drift with tlie
içth brigade, at 6 a. m., of the iSth instant, having fornied
the rear guard to the brigade in its march during the night
from KHp Drift ; a distance of 21 miles.
« Within half an hour of the arrivai of the battalion
orders were received to be ready to parade at 7 a. m.,
and at 7.20 a. m. the battahon moved out to support the
artillery about a mile away. The men in the meantime
had a biscuit and a cup of tea.
(t Hardly had the battalion reached the place designated
than it was ordered to move to the drift and cross the
river. This was done and the crossing began at about
8.30 a. m. The current ran nine miles an hour while the
water was sufficiently deep to reach up to the men's arm-
pits. Two crossings were used about 50 yards apart, over
one of which a rope was stretched, by which the men
passed across by holding on to it, and at the other the
men passed over in fours with linked arms.
In THE FIRING LINE.
« The companies as they crossed were pushed forward,
and at 9.30 a. m. A and C companies were in the firing
Une at about 500 yards from the enemy, who occupied the
woods along the near edge of the river, but were totally
hidden from view. They also occupied a séries of dongas
enfilading our left flank, but this was not discovered until
towards afternoon, when they disclosed themselves, al-
though they were quietly ' sniping ' from that direction
ail day. D and E companies formed the support, while,
■as B, F, G and H came up, they formed the reserve.
« The remainder of the brigade was disposed of as
under : —
« The D. of C. L. I., on our right, the Cordons and
LE LIVRE d'or
59
Shropshires were on our left, in the order named, but on
the other side of the hill, on our left, and behind the
artillery. The baltalion, however, was practically alone,
and during the whole day received no orders, or instruc-
tions from any one until about 4 p. m., as noted later on.
« In addition to the iQth brigade the 3rd Highland
brigade was engaged on the south side of the river, besides
artillery and mounted infontry.
« Firing began at about 9.30 a. m., from the enemy's
right and continued along their front towards the centre.
The advance of the battalion took place over perfectly
open ground somewhat undulating, and with no cover
save the inequalities ot the ground, and a few ant hills.
The firing line attained a position from the enemy varying
from 400 yards on the right to 800 yards on the left,where
it remained until late in the afternoon.
« After the establishment of the firing line, the enemy's
fire was for some time very severe, and Captain Arnold,
who at the time was doing most excellent service, was
mortally wounded, and many others hit.
« During this time three or four men in the reserve (H
Company) were wounded at a distance of over 1,600 yards.
DOES EXCELLENT SERVICE.
« At about noon D company reinforced the firing line
and shortly afterwards E and part of B companies âlso
reinforced, the remainder of B, F and G companies be-
coming supports, with H still in reserve. Only one maxim
gun could be crossed, and that was soon got into position
by Captain Bell, on the rising ground to the left, at a
distance of some 1,000 yards, where it did most excellent
service during the day, being in a position to keep down
the fire of the enemy who occupied the dongas on our left.
•6o LE LIVRE d'or
« A battery of the field artillery occupied the hill on our
left rear and shelled the enemy's lines at intervais during
the day.
« The fire discipline of the several companies engaged
was excellent and perfect coolness as well as accurate
shooting was maintained throughout.
« Throughout the day the fire was maintained, at times
being coriparatively slack and then severe. The enemy
evidently had the ranges marked, as their fire at certain
prominent places was so accurate as to render them
almost untenable by us. Interruption to our fire was
occasioned several times during the day by the cry from
beyond the right of our line to ' stop firing on the left,' as
men in that part were being hit from the fire from our left.
The fire complained of was, I am satisfied, from the
dongas occupied by the enemy on our left, and not from
our own men.
« At about 4 p. m., three companies of the Duke of
Cornwall's Light Infantry under Lieutenant-Colonel AU-
worth, came up and this ofiicer informed me that ' he had
been sent to finish this business,' and ' proposed doing so
with the bayonet.' He then asked for information respect-
ing our own position and that of the enemy, which I
gave him.
« One Company of the Coinwalls was at once sent into
the firing line, foUowed in half an hour by the other two,
this reinforcement being received by a heavy fire from the
whole length of the enemy's front.
FORWARD WITH A RUSH.
« At 5 p. m., Lieutenant-Colonel Allworth notified that
a gênerai advance would take place, and about 5.15 p. m.
the whole force, with the exception of parts of G and H
companies, which I held in reserve, went forward with a
LE LIVRE d'or . 6l
rush. The fire of the enemy became intense and, after an
advance of about 200 yards, effectively stopped our men,
and no further progress could be made. The loss to both
the corps taking part in the charge was very severe.
Lieutenant-Colonel Alhvorth was killed. The position
gained was, however, held and a continuons heavy fire
maintained until darkness set in about 7 p. m., when I
gave the order to coUect the dead and wounded and
withdravv to the bivouac at the drift. The enemy also
withdrew from their position at the same time to the Boer
laager, some two miles up the river, leaving a few men in
the dongas on our left, who continued ' sniping ' our
collecting parties until 10 p. m.
« Many instances of individual bravery were displayed,
as for example, the case of (No. 8,110), Private Kennedy,
who led one of the ammunition mules right up to the firing
line, where it was instantly killed. The company stretcher-
bearers exhibited great pluck, and five of them were
among the wounded. Three were wounded in conveying
Captain Arnold from the firing line, the stretcher, upon
which he was, being made a spécial object of attention by
the Boer marksmen. In connection with this incident I
must note the courage displayed by Surgeon-Captain
Fiset, who, when the stretcher upon which Captain Arnold
was being brought to the rear, was stopped a short
distance from the firing line, by the wounding of one of
the bearers, went forward, and attended to Captain Arnold,
and subsequently assisted as a bearer in bringing him to
the rear. Captain Fiset also attended to many others
wounded, under fire during the day.
Work is effective.
« Lieutenant-Colonel Buchan was in charge of the firing
line, which he directed and controlled in the coolest and
02 LE LIVRE D OR
most effective manner, while my acting adjutant, Lieuten-
ant Ogilvy, rendered excellent service in carrying my
orders about the field.
« The following N. C. officers and men distinguished
themselves during the day, viz. : No. (6,559), Sergeant
Utton ; (No. 7,1 1 7), Private Andrews ; (No. 7,040), Private
Dickson; (No. 7,043), Private Duncafe; (No. 7,376),
Private Page ; and (No. 7,806), Private Curphy.
« The collection of the dead and wounded of both our
own battalion and those of the D. C. L. I. was made by
parties of the Royal Canadians and continued ail night.
The duty was a most onerous one, and too much crédit
cannot be given to those who were engaged in it. By 7 a.
m., of the igth instant, ail the dead of the battalion were
buried, beside many of those of D. C. L. I. and the
wounded sent to the rear.
« I must hère place on record the great services ren-
dered by the Roman Catholic chaplain of the battalion,
the Rev. Father O'Leary, who was présent in the field ail
day, and towards the end in the firing line, while during
the night he was prominent in thesearch for the wounded,
as well as officiating in the burial of the dead. Several of
the officers accompanied thèse parties up to midnight,
while (No. 685), Q. M. Sergeant Reading ; (No. 7,304),
Sergeant Ramage ; (No. 7,302), Sergeant Middleton ; and
(No. 7,258), Private Whingate, were out ail night on this
duty.
« Another incident of coolness and pluck was that of
(No. 7,347), Private Hornibrook, who at daylight in the
morning of the igth instant, was down into the extrême
right of the Unes occupied by the enemy the previous day.
He was uiiarmed, and came suddenly upon an armed
Boer, looking for a stray horse. With great présence of
mind Hornibrook pretended to be armed with a revolver,
LE LIVRE d'or 63
and called upon imaginary assistance at the same time
demanding the man's surrender. The Boer at once sub-
mitted and on being brought in proved to be one of
General Cronje's adjutants and a most important officer.
« I hâve the honor to be, Sir,
« Your obedient servant,
« W. D. Otter,
« Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Royal Canadian
« Régiment, 2nd Battalion.»
OTTER'S SECOND REPORT "
« Paardeberg, February ayth, 1900.
« Sir,
« I hâve the honor to report upon the opérations upon
which the battalion under my command was engaged
upon the 2oth instant^ on which occasion four men of the
corps were wounded.
n Following the retirement of the enemy from the posi-
tion which he withdrew from on the evening of the i8th
instant, the battalion was at 6 a. m. of the 20th instant,
detailed for the outpost line and advanced to within 1,000
yards of the trenches in front of the Boer laager. The
Shropshire Light Infantry, being on our right, the Gordon
Highlanders on our left.
« The ground occupied by the battalion was quite open,
and slightly roUing, but fairly covered with ant-hills. The
men were served with tea and biscuits about 10 a. m., the
cook waggon and water cart being brought up to within
200 yards in rear of the reserve.
« An intermittent rifle fire was kept up ail day until
about 4 p. m., when that of the enemy increased, and
their celebrated Vickers-Maxim gun (Pom-Pom), was
64 LE LIVRE d'or
turned upon us no less than five différent times, but
fortunately without loss to us. The moral effect of the gun,
however, is very great, and infinitely more disastrous in
that direction than any other arm we hâve experienced.
« The wounds received were entirely among men in the
reserve, and from long range rifle fire, about 1,700 yards.
The day was a trying one, being very hot, while owing to
the enemy's fire it was almost impossible to get water
forward to the men, it was the attempt to bring the water
cart forward that first brought the Pom-Pom to bear
upon us.
« At 6 p. m. the battalion was withdrawn to its bivouac
thoroughly done out. The position occupied I hâve de-
noted on the sketch accompanyingmy report of the action
of the i8th instant, and a list of the wounded included in
the gênerai list.
« I hâve the honor to be, Sir,
« Your obedient servant,
« W. D. Otter,
« Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Royal Canadian
« Régiment, 2nd Battalion. »
CANADIANS IN ACTION
« The foUowing reports were also received to-day : —
« Paardeberg, March 2nd, 1900.
« Sir,
« I hâve the honor to report on the action of the ayth
ultimo, in which the battalion under my command was
engaged.
« In accordance with instructions received from the
gênerai officers commanding the içth Brigade, gih division,
LE LIVRE d'or 65
on tlie previous evening, the following disposition of the
battalion was made by lo p. m., of the 26th instant :
« In the main trench, running north and south from the
river, and beginning on the left, were placed C, D, E, F,
G and H Companies, while on the extrême right was a
party of thirty engineers. This trench was about 240 yards
long, the right of it resting within twenty-five yards of the
river, and 500 yards from the nearest Boer trench. The
force placed in this trench numbered 500 officers and men
of the battalion. A Company remained on the south side
of the river, where it had been detailed for spécial duty
on the morning of the 26th, and was posted just opposite
the line of the main trench continued southwards, while
B Company and a few détails formed a reserve at the
bivouac some 300 yards to the rear, and the waggons
were fuUy 1,000 yards to the rear again. The continuation
of the main trench from where it turned to the northeast,
was occupied by 200 of the Gordon Highlanders, and
about 1,500 yards on our left was the Shropshire Light
Infantry.
« The plan of attack was that our six companies on the
main trench should advance on the Boer trenches at 2 a.
m., the front rank of each company to move with fixed
bayonets, with orders not to fire until fired upon by the
enemy, while the rear rank carried shovels and picks,
with which to entrench, when the advance could go no
further, the Engineers on the right to give a base.
« At 2.15 a. m. the six companies, wiih the Engineers,
moved forward, a distance of fifteen paces being placed
between the ranks, and an interval of one pace between
men. The brigadier was on the right, Lieutenant-Colonel
Buchan and Major Pelletier being in charge of the attack,
the former on the left, the latter on the right, the ofiicer
coramanding in rear on the left.
66 LE LIVRE d'or
MeET TERRIFIC FIRE.
« The line advanced without interruption for about 400
yards, when it was met by a terrifie fire from the enemy.
The prématuré discharge of a couple of shots just before
the gênerai fusilade served as a warning to many of our
men, who instantly threw themselves on the ground ; but
the effect of the fire was disastrous to us. H Company
being in the wood on the river bank did not sufîer, but G
and F Companies, being on the open, lost heavily, the
former having 4 killed and 12 wounded, the latter 2 killed
and 9 wounded. G Company was within 65 yards, actual
measurement, of the advanced trench of the enemy when
the fire was opened on them ; the companies on the left,
Ej D and C being from 75 to 100 yards distant from a
subsidary trench in prolongation of the enemy's line. On
receiving the enemy's fire, the line at once laid down and
returned it, while the rear rank generally began to entrench.
The time was about 3 a. m. A trench on the right began
by the part of the R. E. was 100 yards from the enemy's
nearest trench, and covered by G and H Companies
made rapid progress, but those begun by the other com-
panies did not advance very rapidly, and after the battalion
had been for some 20 minutes under fire, some one
unknown called in an authoritative tone, ' to retire and
bring back your wounded,' in conséquence of which the
left Company failed to establish themselves in the new
trenches and retired on the old ones, leaving G and H
holding the ground on the right, Lieutenant-Colonel
Buchan being the last to retire, which he did by the right.
« Daylight found G and H Companies well entrenched,
with the R. E. still pushing the work on.
« Firing continued on the right till about 5.15 a. m.,
when the enemy in the advanced trench made proposais
LZ ilVRE d'or 67
to surrender. Our men being doubtful of the genuineness
of the proposition — continued their work and firing for
nearly an hour. At about 6 a. m. one of the enemy
advanced with a white flag, when firing ceased, and the
enemy began to come in by batches to the number of 200.
« General Sir Henry Colville, commanding division, had
come up about 6.15 and directed the disposai of the
prisoners, sending forward an olficer into the nearest part
of the Boer laager to make tenus of surrender, the resuit
of which was the unconditional capitulation of General
Cronje and his whole force, numbering upwards of 4,000.
DeSERVE GREAT CREDIT.
« Captains Stairs and Macdonell deserve great crédit
for their pertinacity in holding out as they did, the resuit of
which undoubtedly had a material efifect in hastening the
final resuit achieved.
«The supporting companies of the Gordon Highlanders
were not engaged, although the trench which protected
them was subjected to a fairly heavy fire from the enemy.
« The battalion of the Shropshire Light Infantry on our
left fired volleys at long range for some time after our
attack developed, and materially assisted us.
« AU the wounded were brought in before daylight, and
sent back to the collecting station by our men, and the
bearers of the N. S. W. Bearer Company, and Naval
Brigade Bearers, H. M. S. Barrossa, who rendered us
every assistance possible in the arduous service.
« The dead were buried close to where they fell at 7 a.
m., by the Rev. Father O'Leary, Roman Catholic chaplain
to the battalion.
« That the duty entailed upon the Royal Canadian
Régiment was most difficult and dangerous, no one will
68 LE LIVRE d'or
deny, and, though ihe advance was not so successful at ail
points as was hoped for, yet the final resuit was a complète
success and crédit can fairly be claimed by the battalion
for such, as it was practically acting alone.
« I attach a sketch of the positions occupied and list of
those killed and wounded in the day's opérations. The
night was star-lit with the moon in the last quurter
at 4 a. m.
« The varions actions, beginning on the i8th, and
conciuding on the 2 7th February, hâve been denominated
* Paardeberg. '
« I hâve the honor to be, Sir,
« Your obedient servant,
« W. D. Otter,
«Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Royal Canadian
« Régiment, 2nd Battalion. »
HOW COLONEL OTTER RECEIVED HIS WOUND
AT THABA N'CHU
« . . . . On practically every occasion in which he has
been under fire in this campaign Colonel Otter has shown
himself freely to the enemy. At Paardeberg he remained
erect during a considérable portion of the first Sunday's
fight, and on February 2oth, when the Pom-Pom disturbed
the equanimity of the battalion, he strolled about the field
in a very nonchalant manner. Seeing the disorder into
which the left of the firing line had fallen, or was in
danger of falling, Colonel Otter and Lieutenant Ogilvy,
the Adjutant, hastened to the spot, steadied the nien, and
restored order, the Colonel taking the right of the disor-
dered line, and the Adjutant the left. Colonel Otter was
observed, and just as he was settling down he was struck.
I
LE LIVRE d'or 69
It was a curious wound, and a narrow escape. The buUet
struck him on the right side of the chin and eut along ihe
side of the neck. The crown which formed part of his
rank badge on the right shoulder was detached, the clip
which goes under the strap was destroyed, and the « C »
of the « R. C. R. » on the point of the shoulder was carried
away. It was a singular course, and, while the wound was
slight, it became painful ; while, of course, it was a very
narrow escape of a piercing of the jugular. When he fell,
the command devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Buchan,
the senior major, and a message was sent to him to take
charge of the movements of the régiment. For some
reason a delay occurred in the assumption of control by
Colonel Buchan, and delay occurred also in reinforcing
the firing line by the second Une. During this period the
régiment continued the fight, the Adjutant, Lieutenant
Ogilvy, especially distinguishing himself for zeal and con-
duct, as well as courage. » — The Globe.
THE CANADIANS THANKED
OuR boys' gallant conduct recognized by Lord
ROBERTS AND OTHER OFFICERS.
« Lord Roberts personally thanked Colonel Otter, on
behalf of the régiment, for the splendid work donc and
stated that he intendedsending a message to the Canadian
Government congratulating it upon the work done by the
régiment.
« Speaking to the régiment the Brigadier General Smith-
Dorrien said : —
« Colonel Otter, officers, non-commissioned officers and
(( men of the Royal Canadian Régiment.
« I was proud the other day when I heard that your
70 LE LIVRE D OR
régiment was placed in the brigade which I hâve the
honor to command and I naust say that I am novv proud a
hundred fold more of you since I saw the magnificent
work you did yesterday. To my mind your advance and
steadiness was simply perfect, especially under such a
galling fire. I stood to the left on the hill and watched
the whole advance with the greatest interest and I am
proud that you belong to the same Empire as I do.
« I may say, however, that it was never intended that
you should hâve charged the enemy. Again I congratulate
you and cannot say how deeply I feel the heavy losses
you sustained in your ranks. »
TORONTO'S WELCOME
Colonel Otter and his men given an enthusiastic
reception.
« Toronto, December 25th.
« Colonel Otter, Captain Mason, Lieutenant Temple
and some forty men of C Company, R. C. R., and invalids
of other corps, arrived home this morning, and were given
a hearty welcome by the civil and military authorities. Al
the Union Station a big crowd had gathered, and the city
régiments were formed up on parade to welcome the
colonel and his men. Colonel Otter and Mrs. Otter, with
Mayor and Aldermen, entered carriages in waiting, and
the men were conveyed in two tally-hoes to the armories
by way of the principal down-town streets, which were
pretty well filled with spectators. On their arrivai at the
armories the city régiments lined the street on both sides,
and amid great cheering, the gallant little band passed
into the armories where the formai welcome took place.
« Replying to the civic address and that of the Queen's
LE LIVRE D OR 71
Own Reserve, Colonel Otter said he had had the unique
expérience of having thrice been welcomed back from the
front by the citizens of Toronto . In 1866, after the Fenian
Raid ; in 1885, after the North-West rébellion, and on the
présent occasion. The Colonel paid a splendid tribute to
the Royal Canadians. So fully imbued he said, were they
with the necessity for maintaining and upholding the
honor of Canada, that there was nothing that could be
imposed upon them ; no work which they were asked to
do, which they were not only glad, but anxious to accom-
plishjto meet the wishes of those in authority. The Royal
Canadians were imbued with only one object, and that
was to do their duty and to gain crédit and honor for
Canada, and that there was no one in that battalion but
would freely and willingly again enroll for service against
any cause that threatens the safety, honor and integrity
of this country, or of any part of the British Empire.
« To-night a number of the principal buildings are
illuminated in honor of the Colonel's return. The huge
transparency on the Parliament buildings, 'Welcomehome
heroes of Paardeberg,' can be seen a mile off in the snow-
storm. » — The Gazette.
TORONTO HONOURS COLONEL OTTER
Governor-General's speech.
«The toast of the Governor-General given by the chair-
man, was prefaced by a speech, in which référence was
made to the past record of Lord Minto in Canada.
« After sorae preliminary remarks, Lord Minto said : ' I
hâve come to assist in doing honour to Colonel Ott^r,
and I need not assure you how glad I am to hâve such an
opportun ty of being présent at this great démonstration
to him in my public capacity, and also as an old friend
72 LE LIVRE DOR
and comrade. I rejoice to see him receive this well-earned
appréciation from his fellow-countrymen. I first knew
Colonel Otter when I was hère with Lord Lansdowne,
' fifleen years ago. He had then made for himself a réputa-
tion as a first-rate officer and organizer, and when the
rébellion broke out in ihe spring of 1885 he was glven
charge of the column destined to relieve Battleford.
ThoLigh I myself served with another column, I was
enabled to find opportunities of forming an opinion of the
abilities of Colonel Otter, and how he conducted the long
march across the prairie, and the subséquent opérations
around Battleford. I will say now, what I thought then,
that Colonel Otter received but chary praise for the
valuable services performed by him at that time.'
« Lord Minto went on to say that when the war broke
out in South Africa there was no doubt as to who was
Canada's best officer. It was a proud duty for Colonel
Otter, and, in considering his duty, it was essential to
take into account the composition of the battalion which
he commanded.
A SPLENDID REGIMENT.
« Referring to the nature of Colonel Otter's command
in South Alrica, Lord Minto sald : ' His was a magnificent
régiment, composed of splendid material. It was raised in
the shortest time, and under circumstances which reflected
the greatest possible crédit upon Canada; but is was
composed of company units, raised from locaîities at very
great distance from each other, ail full of magnificent
esprit de corps, and full of the very best kind of material ;
but, when gathered as a battalion it must hâve been
necessarily rather déficient in that internai machinery
which is the main standby of the commanding officer.'
« Lord Minto then continued : ' You ail remember,
LE LIVRE d'or
73
under the administration of Colonel Otter, the gallantry
in the field of battle of Royal Canadians, who hâve so
distinguished themselves. It was Colonel Otter's lot to
command the first Canadian régiment that left the shores
of the new world. New that he has returned to the
Dominion, I hope it will fall to his part to organize the
troops of the Dominion.' (Applause.)
<<....' Whatever the Dominion may be able to do for
Colonel Otter, out of the very deep debt of gratitude
which she owes to him, I can certainly say this, that when
the question of the distribution of distinctions comes to
be considered by Her Majesty's Government for those
who hâve served the Empire so well in South Africa,
Colonel Otter's services there will not be forgotten.'
(Loud applause.)
Ax ovATiox TO Otter.
« The toast of Colonel Otter's name was drunk with the
greatest enthusiasm, the cheers and singing being kept up
for some minutes. When the gallant Colonel rose to
respond there was another tremendous outburst. Colonel
Otter replied to the toast as follows : —
« ' Your Excellency and kind friends. I feel that I am
beginning one of the most trying ordeals that hâve fallen
to my lot during the last fifteen months, viz., that of
properly acknowledging this more than enthusiastic récep-
tion this evening. Your Excellency has kindly said you
hoped and you hâve no doubt that I shall get ray reward
from those in authoriiy, but I will ask you, can any man
ask for more than I received to-night? Can anyone give
me the respect, the confidence, the love, I may say, that
is shown me this evening ? No, good friends, I am satisfied.
You trusted me. You had confidence in me when I left
fourteen months ago. You had e very confidence in me ;
74 LE LIVRE D OR
and now, after fourteen months hâve elapsed, after I and
the others hâve gone through many hardships, privations
and troubles, you meet me hère to say : ' Otter, you hâve
done well.' I cannotask for more. Idonot. I am perfectly
well satisfied that you most intimate, and my best friends,
can certainly now lake me by the hand and say : ' Otter, you
hâve done well.' It is useless for me this evening to try to
thank you properly for this démonstration. If I strive to
do so I cannot, I feel that I shall go to bits. But, believe
me, that while I thank you from the very bottom of my
heart for this, that I fully appreciate its whole meaning,
and that I am more than satisfied with the welcome that
you hâve given me, I don't think it is fair or right to the
régiment, that I hâve had the honor to command for
some time past, to sit down without craving permission
to say a few words in connection with their services. I
don't think I need refer to the composition of the régiment.
His Excellency the Governor-General has already told
you how it was formed, of what it was composed; and I
can, I think, bear hira out by saying that I agrée with
him that it was composed of the best physique and the
best intelligence that our country can produce, which is
saying a good deal. We were, I must admit, however, on
leaving Canada, a rather fresh lot. Ail of us required a
great deal of training. The majority of us lacked expér-
ience, but owing to that peculiar spirit that exists in
Canadians, namely that of enthusiasm in whatever they
may be called upon to do and the détermination to carry
it out, to say nothing of the deep and fervent feeling for
the country that has given them birth, that feeling under
which we are ail so proud to serve, it became a very easy
matter for the officers of that battalion to soon convert it
into one of the most efficient battalions that tramped the
veldt of South Africa. And we did a good deal of tramp-
LE LIVRE d'or 75
ing. Our record as a marching régiment, I think, we can
safely flatter ourselves, was a good one. The many priva-
tions and hardships, long marches and heavy outfits and
the other incidents of warfare were ahvays borne and
always performed with the greatest possible good humour
and always with the prevailing désire to do our duty. I
could, if I had time, enumerate hundreds of instances of
endurance on the part of ofîîcers, non-commissioned ofïicers
and men of the Royal Canadians. We saw a lot of service ;
we had the good luck to form a part of the main army
which moved from the west to Bloemfontein under Lord
Roberts, that army of 35,000 men which eut itselfadrift
from ail communication and virtually broke the back and
broke the hearts of the Boers. We had the honor after-
wards of forming a part of the same army, and marched
with it from Bloemfontein to Pretoria, and it was there
that after a march of i,ooo miles, the Royal Canadians
swung through the streets of Pretoria singing 'The Land
of the Maple.l (Great cheering.)
ThOSE LEFT on THE VELDT.
« 'AU this was not done, of course, without loss. Many
who left with me from Québec in health and spirits were
left on the veldt ; many others hâve returned with me, but
not the same men, and never to be the same men again.
The régiment had its full share of losses, its fuU share of
sickness and of every other privation that falls to the lot
of the soldier in active service. It may be of interest to
you to hear that our deaths numbered 70, and wounded
120 and that 400 were invalided from fever. His Excel-
lency has referred to the Royal Canadians as having been
the first battalion that had the honor of rubbing shoulders
with the Impérial troops. Such is the case, and I am glad
76 LE LIVRE d'or
to be able to tell you that that association was one of the
greatest possible pleasure. Our relations wilh the battal-
ions and the corps of the Impérial service were from the
beginning to the end of the campaign most pleasant, and
while we bring with us the happiest recollections of the
différent corps in the Impérial service I feel glad that I
am safe in saying that the same happy feeUng exists with
regard to us on the part of many of the battalions of Her
Majesty's Impérial army.
(( ' Very soon after our arrivai in South Africa we came
in contact with the Cornwalls, Shropshires and our fast
and lasting friends, the istGordons. Thèse four battalions
ultimately formed what was known for many months in
the campaign as the içth Brigade, Other corps we met in
equally friendly relations, particularly the Household Bri-
gade. We were enabled, I am glad to say, to nierit the
confidence of our own brigadier, the gallant Smith-Dorrien,
in our own divisional battalion, the man who was the
mainspring in the defence of Ladysmith, lan Hamilton,
and that great soldier and statesman, Lord Roberts.
Many anxious moments.
« ' One cannot, of course, go through a campaign such
as occurred in Souih Africa without some anxious mo-
ments, and thosewehad. In connection with this, I might
refer to one in particular, viz., in the cold, dark morning
of the 27th February last, when, at 2 a. m., we began our
advance on the Boer laager at Paardeberg. We exper-
ienced then trying moments, moments that none of those
who hâve survived will ever be likely to forget. We felt in
those moments that not only the réputation of the régi-
ment, but that of Canada and the future of the campaign
rested upon us. The interval beiween the time in which
LE LIVRE d'or 77
we left our own trenches until that when we came under
the fire of the enemy, at less than loo yards from their
trenches, seemed an âge; and it was almost a relief when
their hellish fusilade came upon us, and, for the time,
stopped our further progress. There were many more
anxious minutes, I may say hours, which were to follow,
and it was only at six a. m., when the white flag went up,
that we could breathe freely, for we knew that, on its içth
anniversary, Majuba was avenged, and the Canadians
had done it. (Loud applause.)
A RECORD OF GOOD SERVICE.
« ' This was only the beginning of the record of good
service of Canadians in South Africa. Much more was to
follow, for there were other Canadians who had come to
join us. You ail, no doubt, recollect the death grip with
which the Second Canadian Mounted Rifles held on at
Honing Spruit. You recollect the spirited march of the
Canadian artillery to the relief of Mafeking. You recollect
the glorious death of Borden and of Burch at Reitz Vlei,
foUowed by that of Captain Chalmers, in an attempt to
rescue one of his men (great applause), and only a month
ago, we read, and heard of one of the pluckiest incidents
of the war, in which the Royal Canadian Dragoons of
Second Mounted Rifles saved a coluran of Smith-Dorrien's
and his guns. In this, as on other occasions, several
ofilcers, who distinguished themselves, were known in
Toronto. Colonels Lessard and Evans, Lieutenants Cock-
burn and Elmsley, and while doing homage to those
officers, I feel that I should not forget another Toronton-
ian, one of my own, who was ihe first man on the 27th
February in the Boer laager, viz., Captain McDonnell.'
78 LE LIVRE d'or
Made Archie stand up.
« Cries of * Stand up, Archie.' Captain McDonnell was
received with great cheering.
« Colonel Otter continued : ' We hâve nicknamed him
' Light-house,' and he will answer to that name.' »
Spécial to the Star.
Toronto, December 2Sth, 1900.
LIEUT.-COLONEL BUCHAN'S REPORT
March into Pretoria
« Ottawa, August 3rd, 1900.
[he Militia Department has received a report from
_ Lieutenant-Colonel Buchan for the period he was
^i^ in command of the 2nd (Spécial Service) Battalion,
R. G. R. It is dated Florida, near Johannesburg, May
3ist, and covers the period from April 26th to May 26th,
inclusive, during which Lieutenant-Colonel Otter was
disabled by his wounds. On Apnl 27th, at 9.30 p. m., the
Colonel detailed B and D Companies, who proceeded on
spécial duty with the Gordon Highlanders to rescue a
body of Kitchener's Horse, reported to be surrounded on
a kopje about five miles northeast of Thaba N'Chu Treck.
At 1 1 p. m. he received orders to march with the remainder
of the brigade, at 5 a. m., to support the spécial duty force.
« On April 28th, they marched in the dark and joined
the Gornwalls and Shropshires with artillery. After a six
miles march they reached a very large kopje, and were
met with a good deal of firing. They gradually advanced
LE LIVRE D OR 79
with the remainder of the force and cleared the kopje at
10 a. m. The enemy was in large force ail about the
neighboring hills and on Eden Mountain, where they had
large guns playing on our force. At 4 p. m. the battalion
was ordered to scale the Eden Mountain and hold it
against a force of 3,000 Boers, who where reported on
the far side of it, two companies of the Cornwalls doing
likewise on our left. At 5 p. m. we reached, after a very
hard climb, a sort of plateau, about half way up to the
top. It was by that time dark, but we proceeded rapidly
to build trenches and prépare to hold a position on a front
of a half a mile. Whilst doing this it became dark, and
very cold.
« About 7 p. m. we received orders to withdraw quietly
and retire to Thaba N'Chu. This was a very difficult
opération, owing to the darkness and précipitons and
rugged character of the mountain. About 8.30 p. m. ail
were coUected and formed up at the foot and after a long
and circuitous march in the darkness the battalion reached
the bivouac at Thaba N'Chu at 11 p. m. In arranging for
and effecting the descent of the mountain and in Connect-
ing the several companies and finding the way back
in the dark, I was very ably and successfully assisted
by Lieutenants Hodgins and Ogilvy, and so reported
to the G. O. C.
Captain Burstall mentioned.
« He specially mentioned in his report to the G. O. C.
brigade, Captain Burstall, of B Company, for his plucky
conduct. On May 3rd the battalion met the enemy at
Welkon Nek, about 10 a. m. The action was over by 2 p.
m., being mostly an artillery duel, our mounted troops
chasing flying Boers. Captain Carpenter, with Lieutenants
8o LE LIVRE D'OB
Winter and Boyd, and 94 men of 2nd draft, joined the
battalion of Winburg on May 6th, after very hard march-
ing to catch up. The same day they marched to Taai-
boschkuil, where they remained till the çth.
« On May loth the battalion was sent off to hold the
extrême right flank of the position at Zand River. Getting
to Ihe top of the rise about half a mile from the river we
were met by heavy fire from the river bushes and dongas,
sent Captain Burstall forward with half of B Company to
scout and feel the way. About 250 yards from the river
Captain Burstall was forced to stop by the very heavy fire,
the remaining half of the company was at once sent to
reinforce his line, and D Company, under Lieutenant
Lawless, was sent to prolong his line to the right ; the
other two companies being held in support. AU the
remainder of brigade was at this time about a mile and a
half on our left assisting the 2ist brigade in the main
altack. The fire at us from the river bed grew rapidly in
strength and it was only by pluck and détermination of
our men that we were able to hold on to our position and
keep down the enemy's fire as much as possible. The
moment any one, an ofiîcer, a stretcher bearer, or an
aramunition carrier, showed himself above the ground the
enemy's fire developed in greater strength. About now C
and G companies came up from gun escort duty and were
held in reserve. About 1.30 p. m. I went over to Major-
General Smith-Dorrien, who I heard, was near by, and
explained our situation and asked for a section of a battery
to be sent to shell the river bed bushes and dongas. In
about an hour thèse were sent from a position they had
occupied to one at the right rear where they had been
since 2 p. m., assisting some mountedinfantry. The battery
fire, with that of our men, soon cleared the river in our
front, and about 4 p. m. we were enabled to remove our
LE LIVRE d'or gl
wounded and bury the one man killed, Private Floyd.
The six companies were marched into the drift about
dusk, two of them, C and F, having nieantirae and till
then been sent on a river picket. We bivouaced on a
drift that night, A and H Companies having gone on with
5-inch guns to Venlersburg.
« In connection with this Colonel Buchan specially
mentioned Captain Burstall and Lieutenant Lawless in
his report to G. O. C. brigade for their gallant and
determined conduct. ' G. O. C. subsequently informed me,'
continued Colonel Buchan, « we had over 800 Boers
opposed to us ail day. We had only 100 men in our firing
Ime.' The remainder of report, which is voluminous, con*^
sists chiefly of détails and of fighting at Heilbrun and the
entry of the troops into the town under General Ivan
Hamilton. On the Queen's birthday, the battalion turned
out in the evening and drank the health of Her Majesty
in a ration of rum, giving three cheers for the Queen also
for Major-General Smith-Dorrien, Ivan Hamilton and
Lord Roberts, finishing by singing ' God Save the
Queen.'»
LIEUT.-COLONEL F. L. LESSARD, R. C. D.
tCommanding Ist Battalion C, M. R.)
Ij^^IEUTENANT-Colonel F. L. Lessard received his
appointment of commandant of the Royal Can-
adian Mounted Rifles on ist February and was
ordered to proceed to Cape-Town immediately after the
capture of Kimberley. The Colonel hasbeen with General
French until the relief, and while awaiting the arrivai of
his troops at Cape-Town he was appointed embarkation
officer for the arriving troopships. This appointment
coming as it has from the Impérial représentatives at
Cape-Town is a mark of confidence in the qualifications
of our worthy and efficient officer. Colonel Lessard is in
excellent health and although having been through the
thick of the fight, has up till now entirely escaped injury.
Lieutenant-Colonel Lessard having wrenched his leg
on the i6th July and being compelled to join the sick list
at Middleburg, Major Williams took the command with
great crédit for his own military réputation.
Also, on July 3 ist, 150 of ail ranks of the battalion
under Lieutenant-Colonel Evans proceeded with recon-
noitering force numbering 350 towards the Bothaberg
Mountains and encountered a small force of the enemy
near Naauwpoort and drove them back into the hills. The
LIEUTENANT COLONEL F. L. LESSARD.
LE LIVRE d'or 83
force then captured a strong kopje and C Squadron
secured two loaded waggons and 600 head of sheep.
BOTHA EVADES CANADIANS
MouNTED Rifles had practically surrounded him.
« Toronto, July lyth, 1900.
« A spécial cable despatch from Mr. John A. Ewan, to
the Globe, dated Pretoria, June i3th, via London, July
i6th, says : —
« After marching through Pretoria the Canadian Mounted
Rifles were selected to assist in the movement for round-
ing up General Botha's force. We came up with the enemy
Eoon after crossing Pinar River, on June itth, and imme-
diately engaged under instructions to hold him there. The
position occupied by the Boers was one of singular nalural
strength and the purpose was to eut off ail their avenues
of escape and compel them to surrender. The field in
which the Canadian Rifles lay was very stony and the
men built themselves shelters during the night so that on
the following morning they were able to smoke their pipes
and cook their meals in comparative comfort, while the
enemy enveloped the position with shell and rifle fire.
The programme of our lads was to hold their fire for the
most part but occasionally give their antagonists a libéral
dose oflead intimating that they were still on hand and
proposed to stay and hold the position. During Monday
and Tuesday, June iith and i2th, the failure of General
French's ammunition waggons to come up caused serious
inconvenience. When his artillery ceased opérations on
Monday night only 28 rounds of ammunition remained.
It was thought that the waggons would come up during
84 LE LIVRE d'or
the night, but they did not. It was not deemed safe to
use up the little remaining ammunition so not a shot was
fired by our artillery until 4.30 in the afternoon. The
absence of artillery fire naturally made the enemy bold
and it was momentarily expected that they would attack
our position. When . the first boom of our guns was heard
at 4.30 there was a gênerai feeling of relief. During the
night, however, the enemy had slipped away by the one
uncovered avenue of escape. The only casualties among
our men were Trooper Frost, of Calgary, mortally wound-
ed, and Harry Baines, badly bruised by a flying stone.
Captain McDonnell, D Squadron,was unfortunate enough
to shoot himself with his own revolver by accidentally
striking the hammer against a stone. The bullet entering
his left side, passed through the liver. It was at first
thought that the wound would prove fatal, but later
accounts give good hopes of recovery. The Canadian
Mounted Rifles acted magnificently during the two days'
fighting. »
HEROES IN THE MOUNTED RIFLES
Thrilling story of how Corporal Miles, Corporal
MORDEN AND TrOOPER KeRR ON OUTPOST DUTY
HELD A BAND OF BOERS AT BaY AT AN
IMPORTANT POINT.
« Pretoria, August 7th, 1900.
n . . . . Our little camp, » said Lieutenant Davidson,
« was situated about three miles north of Honingspruit
Station and between two important bridges, which had to
be guarded. The force consisted of a régiment of Impérial
Yeomanry, tv/o companies of the Shropshire Régiment,
and troops one and four of D Squadron of Canadian
LE LIVRE d'or 85
Mounted Rifles. Our camp was on the west side of the
raiiway, while three miles away to the east across the
railway were two large kopjes, on the top of which we
had two outposts. We had also an outpost north of the
camp about two miles, and another south of the camp
about the same distance away. At the time the attack was
made the Canadians were doing the outpost duty. The
order of the camp commandant was that ail thèse outposts
should be manned during the daytime only. On the
morning of the 22nd of June, I was returning from camp
after having placed the north and south outposts. It was
about 6 o'clock and just breaking dawn. Each of thèse
outposts consisted of four men. Lieutenant Ingles left
camp at the same time as I did to place the two eastern
outposts on the top of the two high kopjes three miles east
of the camp.
« I had got within half a mile of the camp, after having
placed the last of my two, the southern outposts, when a
fusilade of musketry came from the top of the kopjes
where Lieutenant Ingles had gone, about an hour before.
I hurried back to the camp and found everything in
confusion. The Boers had opened on us from the crest of
both the kopjes in the east with two guns, and were
landing shells in among the men who were at breakfast at
the time. It did not take me long to realize what had
happened. During the night the Boers had occupied the
crests of the two kopjes where we were in the habit of
placing our outposts during the day time, and had opened
fire on Lieutenant Ingles and his eight men as soon as they
reached the crest of the hills. Later I found out that
Lieutenant Ingles and two men had been wounded and
four men captured. From that time on we had a hard
time of it. The Boers advanced upon the camp pouringin
a hot fire and landing their shells with great précision.
86 LE LIVRE d'or
The infantry were extended in firing line and for a tirae
managed to check the enemy's advance. About noon the
enemy made an effort to outflank us. A pàrty of about 60
of them went round our right flank intending to attack
the camp from the high ground in the rear. Had they
been able to do this we would hâve been in an exceedingly
awkward predicament, and the chances are ail of us
would hâve been captured. In their advance around our
flank, however, they encountered the southern outposts.
The heroic outpost.
« When the Boers opened fire on them the four Can-
adians composing the outpost realized the importance of
preventing the enemy from gaining the high ground to
the rear of the camp. One of their number was immediately
sent back to camp with the horses, and the other three
quietly set to work to reply to the enemy's fire. It was
long odds, three men against sixty, but thèse Canadians
from Pincher Creek were stout-hearted fellows who did
not know the meaning of the word fear, and rattling good
shots into the bargain. For eight hours they fought, the
number of their opponents increasing as the hours went
by until there were close to a 100 burghers pouring in a
fusilade of rifle shots at the three men who held the
Crossing over the railwayline. Shortly after noon Corporal
Morden was seriously wounded with a bullet through the
chest. He never gave up, however, but kept on firing
until later on another mauser bullet crashed through his
brain.
« About 2 o'clock another one of the little party, Trooper
Kerr, was wounded. At that time the force consisted of
two wounded men and Corporal Miles, who was in charge
of the outpost. About half-past two Kerr was shot through
LE LIVRE d'or g^
the heart, and a little later Corporal Miles received a
bullet wound in the shoulder. He did not give in though
for ail that, but continued firing and used up the cartridges
of his dead companion after his own had been exhausted.
« About 3 o'clock in the afternoon a train arrived at
Honinspruit Station from the north and the Boers with-
drew and attacked the train. The garrison, however,
managed to keep them at bay until a train with troops
arrived from Kroonstad, when the enemy,as usual,retired.
Then it was that I had time to go back and see what had
become of the little outpost on the railway line south of
the camp, which I knew had been heavily engaged ail
day. I found Corporal Miles lying behind a Httle mound
of earth suffering from a severe wound in the shoulder,
and a short distance from him the dead bodies of Corporal
Morden and Trooper Kerr, both of whom had been first
wounded and afterwards killed by second shots. Though
serions, Miles' wound was not by any means a fatal one,
and he was at once taken to the hospital at Kroonstad,
from where he was sent to Cape-Town later on. It is
impossible to over estimate the importance of the gallant
conduct of thèse three men. But for their splendid work
our position would hâve been completely surrounded, and
the chances are the whole garrison would either hâve
been killed or captured.
« RiCHMOND Smith,
« Spécial correspondent of the Star in South Africa. »
FRAISE FOR CANADIANS
ThEY HAVE BEEN REPEATEDLY CONSPICUOUS FOR
GALLANT CONDUCT.
« A letter received in the city from Springfontein says
that Sergeant McLeod, of the Royal Canadian Dragoons,
88 LE LIVRE d'or
who went out with the second contingent, while out
scouting, single-handed caplured two Boers and sixteen
head of cattle. This worthy achievement was brought to
the notice of Lord Roberts and he personally complimented
the brave sergeant. »
MAJOR-GENERAL HUTTON
« Major-General Hutton, who so ably commanded the
Mounted Infantry in this war, has been relieved and sent
to England. He has been sent to organize and arrange
for the réception of the colonials there. As he has served
in Australia and Canada with great distinction, no better
sélection could be made. On giving up the command of
the Mountedinfantry, he sent Lieutenant-Colonel Lessard
a flattering letter on the usefulness of the Canadian
Mounted Infantry and the great work they had done
in this war. »
COLONEL LESSARD'S REPORT
« Colonel Lessard, commanding the Canadian Mounted
Rifles, transmits to the Department a letter which he
received from General Hutton on October i4th, previous
to the General's departure from England. In this commu-
nication General Hutton says he cannot leave South Africa
without offering a few words of congratulations upon the
success which has attended the régiment while under his
command in the late campaign. Canada, he thinks, has
good reason to be proud of the manner in which the
régiment has upheld the réputation of the Canadian troops.
They had shown what the type of colonial mounted rifles
could accomplish in conjunction with the impérial mounted
infantry. He realizes that colonies can hereafter be counted
LE LIVRE d'or 89
upon to put into the field a force of mounted men of the
utmost value. The gênerai says that it was a source of
constant pleasure to bim to note how excellently the
régiment had profited by its opportunities, and he con-
gratulâtes and thanks the men for the good work they
hâve performed. u
« Ottawa, July çth, igoo.
« His Excellency has received the foUowing message
from Lord Roberts : —
« Pretoria, July 6th, 1900.
« I hâve much pleasure in bringing to Your Excellency's
notice the good work done by the First and Second
Battalions Canadian JMounted Rifles, who hâve been repeat-
edly conspicuous for their gallant conduct and soldierlike
instincts.
« During the attack by the Boers on Katsbosch on
June 22nd, a small party of Pincher's Creek men of the
2nd Battalion displayed the greatest gallantry and deVotion
to duty, holding in check a force of Boers by whom they
were largely out-numbered.
«Corporal Morden and Private Kerr continued fighting
till mortally wounded. Lance-Corporal Miles and Private
Miles, wounded, continued to fire, and held their
ground.
« On June i8th, a party of the ist Battalion, under
Lieutenant Young, when operating with a force under
General Hutton to the north-west of Pretoria, succeeded
in capturing two of the eneray's guns, and brought in
a herd of catile and several prisoners without losing a
man.
« Roberts. »
90 LE LIVRE D OR
LIEUT.-COL. HERCHMER, C. N. W. M. P.
(Commanding Offîcer 2ud Battaliou)
Commandant of the North-West Mounted
Police, Lieutenant-Colonel Herchmer, whose mil-
ï^^ itary qualities were so efficient in the rébellion of
Noith-West, in 1885, was happy to take the opportunity
of accepting the command of the 2nd Battalion, Mounted
Rifles. His cleverness was much appreciated in the work
assigned to him, but unhappily he was a victim of the
murderous disease that killed more young men than him,
and was returning home by order of the Surgeons, before
he so desired.
The gallant Captain T. W. Chalmers, formerly Lieuten-
ant M. G. A., late Inspector N. W. M. P., Graduate R.
M. C, who paid with his life for his heroic bravery, was
under his command, and we are glad to associate the two
names for the honor of the Royal Military Collège and
the North-West Mounted Police men whose self-sacrifice,
science and bravery are proverbial.
HOW CHALMERS FELL
Gallant Canadian died le.ading his men out of
TIGHT place.
«Ottawa, December i7th.
« Lieutenant-Colonel T. D. R. Evans, commanding the
Canadian Mounted Rifles, sends the foUowing report,
dated at Belfast to the adjutant-general at Ottawa, of the
death of Lieutenant Chalmers in action November 2nd :
« ' On the ist instant, at 7 p. m., a column under Major-
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL L. W. HERCHMER.
LE LIVRE DOR
91
General Smith- Do rrien marched from Belfast south towards
Koomati Valley to co-operate with a similar column mov-
ing parallel and to the west. Rain was falling heavily,
and Ihe column halted at 12.30 a. m. until about 3.30 a. m.
The advance guard on 2nd. instant consisted ofsixty of
vay men under command of Major Saunders. The advanced
party, 2nd. troop C Squadron, was commanded by Chal-
mers, and was accompanied by a guide who appears to
hâve given them the wrong directions ; when the advanced
party came into touch with the enemy the main column
had branched off to the right, and was nearly two miles
away. About fifteen of the enemy were first seen emerging
from a house in the valley, and thirty more came from a
house about one mile west. Thèse occupied a ridge to the
west of our position. The advanced party moved up the
slope to some trenches which had been constructed by
the enemy. Other parties of the enemy now appeared
from the east, and were engaged by the flankers of the
support. Expecting early assistance from the main column,
the advanced guard, although in a most dangerous posi-
tion, held its place under severe rifle fire. At about 5 a. m.
an order came from the G. O. C. to retire.
« The retirement of the advanced party to the support
was conducted by Lieutenant Chalmers in a most skilful
manner under a very severe rire. During the further
retirement which was carried out steadily by successive
groups, Corporal Schell's horse was killed and fell upon
him, injuring his ankle. Sergeant Tryon gave him his
horse, and Major Saunders, noticing Sergeant Tryon,
dismounted, rode back to him and took him on his horse,
and while rejoining the retiring line, the saddle turned
and threw Major Saunders and Sergeant Tryon to the
ground, the horse bolting. Major Saunders was slightly
wounded in the left side, while taking cover, and, partially
92
LE LIVRE D OR
stunned by the fall from his horse. Lieutenant Chalmers
then went to Major Saunders and endeavored to bring
him back with him but was unable to do so. He then
rejoined the firing and sent Private G. G. Smith back with
a spare horse for Major Saunders, but the latter was
unable to mount. Lieutenant Chalmers would not retire
any further until he could bring Major Saunders with him,
and while taking steps to secure men from the support to
enable them to carry out this intention he was shot
through the body and died a few minutes later. When
Lieutenant Chalmers was shot he had just left good cover
to warn an orderly who was coming towards him to
dismount as it was too dangerous to come over the ridge
mounted.'
« Lieutenant-Colonel Evans pays high tribute to Lieu-
tenant Chalmers's excellent management of the troops in
his last engagement, as well as to his splendid services
throughout the campaign. »
MUCH PRAISE FOR MAJOR DOBELL
Has made a name for Canadians in South Africa.
Major Griffith, of the Remount Service, and Lieutenant
Guillet, of the Veterinary arm of the Impérial forces when
interviewed at Toronto said : — •
« We are proud of the Canadians and of Canada.
They hâve helped to show the world what is meant
by the term British Empire. We hâve a son of Hon. R.
Dobell in the Impérial forces that has made a name for
himself. Not only is he socially and personally a favorite,
but as commandant of the i5th Impérial Régiment he has
made a record as a commanding officer. »
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL C. W . DRURV
BRIGADE FIELD ARTILLERY
DKUEY, L. W., Lieutenant-Colonel Royal Canadian Artillery, A. D. C.
to His Excellency the GoTemor-General, Commanding Officer.
o J||^(.VERY military man knows that energetic and syra-
G^p^ pathetic soldier, the qualifies of whose heart equal
0) «^i*^ his military aptitudes. With Major Hudon, we
are very glad to say, the brilliant renown gained by the
Canadian Artillery is equally his.
«Ottawa, March 29th, 1900.
« Lieutenant-Colonel Drury, commanding the Royal
Canadian Artillery, in South Africa, has forwarded, under
date of February 27th, a diary of his movements there
from February lyth. Probably the most interesting feature
is a letter of thanks from the acting Mayor of Cape-Town,
as follows : —
« Town House, Cape-Tovvn, February 23rd, 1900.
" I am directed by His Worship the Mayor to convey
to you and to the officers and men of the Royal Canadian
Artillery a most hearty greeting.
« The citizens are deeply sensible of the sacrifice which
has been made by the Royal Canadian Artillery in journey-
ing to our shores and undertaking the work of a campaign
in order to assist us. »
94 LE LIVRE d'or
« Mrs. Drury this week received a letter from her
husband, Lieutenant-Colonel Drury, dated April i6th,
from Naawute, 20 miles from Van Wyks VIei. Colonel
Drury said that his command had arrived at De Aar on
April i4th, after a tedious march of 350 miles. It had
rained very much and there were no tents for shelter. He
regretted that he would not see C Battery probably for a
long time, as it has been ordered to Beira. The rest of the
command, including himself, were then proceeding to
Bloemfontein to join General Hutton. »
MAJOR J. A. G. HUDON, R. C. A.
« Ottawa, January i8th, 1900.
« The Globe présents to its Canadian readers this week
another group of fearless Canadian officers who will hâve
charge of the second contingent of Dominion troops in
South Africa.
« Major J. A. G. Hudon, R. C. A., who will command
C Battery, of Kingston, in the second contingent, is one
of the best quaHfied artillery officers in Canada and has
done more in récent years to put the local battery on
efficient footing than perhaps any previous officer. He
was personally complimented by Major-General Herbert
on the mémorable occasion some years ago when he
exercised A Battery on the ice in the Kingston harbor
and so ably manœuvered his men. His military certificates
are of the highest class. Major Hudon was born in Québec
in 1858 and was gazetted a lieutenant in the Québec
Garrison Artillery, which he assisted to organize in 1878.
MAJOR J. A. G. HUDON.
LE LIVRE D OR 95
In August, 1887, he was appointed to A Battery, R. C. A.,
and served with that corps until 1897, when he took
charge of B Battery at Québec. He took part in the
North-West rébellion of 1885 ^.nd after returning to King-
ston with his battary he was appointed in 1887 ^^ ^he field
division and was made brevet captain, and captain in 1894.
In the same year he went to England for a mihtary course
lasting eight months at Aldershot, where he passed a bril-
liant examination in 1895 and was promoted to the rank
of brevet major. While connected with A Battery it was
conceded that no officer worked harder for his corps, or
was more successful. »
CHOSEN BY ROBERTS
How C Battery, R. C. A., came to be at the relief
OF Mafeking.
« Kingston, May 26th, 1900.
« Major Hudon, C Battery, R. C. A., writing home says
that his command was specially chosen by Lord Roberts
to go to the relief of Mafeking. He said he wanted a
Canadian artilleiy force in the relief column and C Battery,
Major Hudon writes, were in fine fettle as they were
sailing up the Indian Océan. He said the men would
make good use of the quick-firing guns they handled. »
CANADIANS AT MAFEKING
« The Canadians with the column who assisted at the
relief of Mafeking are represented by C Battery of the
Royal Canadian Field Artillery, commanded by Major
Hudon, with whom are Captain Panet and Lieutenants
King and Leslie, says a despatch to a London paper.
96 LE LIVRE d'or
« Together with the Queenslanders, the Canadians cov-
ered an immense slretch of country, in order to be in at
the relief. Marandellas, in Mashonaland, was left on May
5th. The 300 miles by coach from that place to Bulawayo
were completed by the Sth. A 24 hours' stay in Bulawayo
was followed by a three days' railway journey to Ootsi,
and thence during the three following days the men were
marched across country, through bush and sand, a distance
of 70 miles, via Colonel Plumer's camp to the Molopo.
They met the Southern relief column on the banks of that
river. Then they had their second day's rest of 24 hours'
duration. The next 22 hours, including four hours' fighting,
were spent in marching 25 miles into Mafeking. The
casualties among the Canadians were Bombardier Patton
and Gunner McCallum, severely wounded, but both were
in action again on the following day, and assisted in
chasing the Boers away to the east from Mafeking. »
« Mafeking despatches continue to pour into London
relating to the events immediately preceding the relief
and the entry of the troops.
« The correspondents agrée that the Canadian arti)lery,
Major Hudon's seven guns, did splendid work. Some of
them assert that the Canadians did ' absolutely ess:.atial
work in the fighting.'
« About 7 in the evening of the day before the relief,
after Colonels Mahon and Plumer had defeated the Boers
nine miles from Mafeking, Major Karri Davies and nine
scouts entered the town. The Boers were then retreating.
« At 4 on the following morning, 1,000 men, including
the Canadians, arrived. With them were 20 waggon loads
of food, which were received with wild démonstrations.
The armored train and a detachment then pushed fcrward
to Gametree Fort, the scène of the unsuccessful sortie in
December.
LE LIVRE D OR 97
« The Boers had evacuated it on the east. They were
pursued, and the correspondent, telegraphing thèse facts. »
« The Canadians had a share in the relief of Mafeking !
« Lord Roberts lays spécial emphasis upon the value of
the services of the Canadian artillery, who reached the
scène of the fighting before Mafeking's relief was made
sure. It is not stated which of our batteries it was that
came to the front at such a critical time, but it would not
be surprising if it should prove to hâve been C Battery. A
little while ago, we were informed that C Battery had
gone north to join Carrington's column in Rhodesia.
From the fact that Colenels Mahon and Plumer were able
to join forces before Mafeking's relief it is quite possible
that C Battery could hâve pushed its way down from
Buluwayo in time to be of such great service as to prac-
tically turn the tide — for that is what Lord Roberts' kindly
référence to them undoubtedly means. »
NEWS FROM MAFEKING
« London, May 28th, 1900.
« The latest news from Mafeking is dated Wednesday.
Everything was then going along well. Supplies were
arriving from the north, but the bread ration stiil consisted
of six ounces. When people go out to dinner they take
their own bread with them. The horses and Canadian
artillery seem to hâve been the most welcome of the
relieving force. The garrison had been occupied for eight
months in keeping a line of defences eight miles long
against modem artillery, while their guns consisted of four
muzzle-loading seven pounders, which were out of repair
constantly, four Maxims, one Hotchkiss, one Nordenfeldt,
one ship gun firing cannon balls and one home-made
Howitzer. None of thèse guns had a greater range than
8,000 yards.
98 LE LIVRE d'or
« It is impossible to express the delight of the town on
seeing the horse and Canadian artillery gallop into action
after their marvellous march of 300 miles in twelve days,
and then in watching the effect of the accurately aimed
shells bursting immediately over the laager. The Boer
encampment, which was already packed, was cleared in
twenty minutes. »
TWO MORE BRILLIANT OFFICERS
Lieutenant H. S. Stewart, who has accepted a com-
mission IN THE Impérial Horse Artillery.
« Lieutenant Stewart is a son of Major Stewart, R. O., of
this city, and a graduate of the Royal Military Collège,
Kingston. He has been soldiering since he was twelve
years of âge, and has for several years past been associated
with the work of the Laprairie camps. He leaves for
England to assume his commission in the Impérial Horse
Artillery. Lieutenant Stewart is very popular among a
large circle of acquaintances, and his future career will be
watched with a great deal of interest. »
Lieutenant McLean, op St. John, N. B., comes back
from South Africa full of honours.
«Lieutenant C. W. Weldon McLean, who vvent to South
Africa as junior officer of G Company (N. B. and P. E. I.)
First Canadian Contingent, is now home on leave, a
lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery, having received
his appointment in the regular army as the direct resuit of
services in the field that attracted the attention of Colonel
Otter, General Lord Methuen, and even the Commander-
in-Chief. This is a splendid record for a lad in his nine-
teenth year and the youngest officer in the Canadian
Contingents.
> 1^
LE LIVRE d'or 99
« Lieutenant McLean is the son of Lieutenant-Colonel
H. H. McLean, of the 62nd. St. John Fusiliers, is a grad-
uate of Kingston Military Collège and before leaving for
South Africa held a second lieutenant's commission in the
8th Princess Louise (Kings Co., N. B.) Hussars. ' Weldon '
as he was generally styled bythe men of G Company, was
one of the most popular officers in the Canadian force,
and every returned soldier loudly praises not only his
gallantry in the field but more especially his treatment of
the men under his command. * He taught us many things
necessary for soldiers to know, he looked after our comfort
in the field and on the march, and he never sent us where
he was himself afraid to go.' This is an extract from a
private letter, written by a St. John soldier, to his mother,
quite early in the campaign.
« ' Chebucto,' the correspondent of the Halifax Herald
with the First Contingent, in his account of the Paardeberg
fight said : 'The boy McLean of G Company never ceased
to smile even when under the hottest fire, and if ever
there was a lad who won his spurs it was this stripling in
his teens, who, when given the opportunity, showed what
stufif he was made of.' «
PRAISES THE CANADIANS
Artillery renders valuable services to Mahon's
COLUMN.
« London, May 22nd, 1900.
« Lord Roberts reports to the War Office in a despatch
dated Kroonstad, May 2ist, as follows : —
(I Mahon reports that the flying column entered Mafe-
king at 4 a. m., May i8th. He was stubbornly opposed
by 1,500 men, May lyth, nine miles from Mafeking, but
the Boers were driven from their strong positions after
five hours' fighting, thanks, he says, to the magnificent
qualities of his troops.
lOO LE LIVRE D OR
« A detachment of Canadian artillery, by a séries of
forced marches, reached him the morning of the fighting
and rendered very valuable assistance.
« Mahon's casualties were about thirty. The Boer losses
were heavy. »
« Ottawa, May 22nd, 1900.
« His Excellency the Governor-General to-day received
the following cable from Sir Alfred Milner : —
« Cape-Town, May 2 2nd, 1900.
« The officer commanding flying column, which entered
Mafeking May i8th, reports, ' Ten hours' stubborn résist-
ance from 1,500 Boers May i7th. Detachment of Canadian
artillery, by a séries of forced marches, reached me on the
morning of the fighting and rendered very valuable
assistance.' »
« His Excellency also received the following cable from
Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the
Colonies : —
« London, May 2 2nd, 1900.
« Congratulate Canada on the great service rendered by
Canadian artillery in relieving Mafeking. »
BADEN-POWELL GRATEFUL TO CANADA'S
SOLDIERS
« Ottawa, May 2Sth, 1900.
H Sir Wilfrid Eaurier has received the following cable,
which was delayed in transmission, from Major-General
Baden-Powell : —
« Mafeking, May xyth, 1900.
« Mafeking relieved to-day, and most grateful for inval-
uable assistance by Canadian artillery, which made record
march from Beira to help us.
« Colonel Baden-Powell. »
LE LIVRE DOR lOl
LAUY SARAH WILSON FRAISES CANADIANS
« A cable from London says : —
« London, May agth, 1900.
« Lady Sarah Wilson in to-day's London Daily Mail
says : —
« It is impossible to express the delight of the town at
seeing the fine Royal Horse and Canadiai. artillery gallop
gaily into action after their marvellous march of 300 miles
in twelve days. Their accuracy in shelling the Boer laager
was marvellous ; they cleared the Boer encampment ia
twenty minutes. »
FORT CANADA
Bomb-Proof Shelter built by Canadians at
rustenberg.
« Kingston, Ont., September i7th, 1900.
« Gunner Adam Armstrong, writing August i3th, says
that for two months previous to writing C Battery was at
Rustenberg with General Baden-Powell. ' We built a
splendid fort,' he writes, ' one that will stand to the
memory of C Battery for âges, if it is not destroyed. We
called it Fort Canada. Engraved on the largest stone we:
could find were the words «Fort Canada, 1900. » It was a.
complète bomb-proof shelter with pits for the men, observ-
ation tower for C Battery officers, bastions for the guns
and shelter pits for ail our horses. It beats anything of its
kind I hâve yet seen in South Africa.'
<( C Battery is with Gênerais Hamilton and Mahon's-
column. »
8
102 LE LIVRE D'OR
TERRIBLE HAVOC WROUGHT AMONG HORSES
« A letter lias been received from Captain Richard
Costigan by Mr. Fred. R. AUey. The Captain writes from
De Aar, April 20th. He says : ' We are resting our horses
after our chase of the rebels across country for 500 miles.
Our route is marked by the dead bodies of horses and
mules. We hope to go to Bloemfontein for the final rush
on Pretoria, or if not there to Kimberley and the relief of
Mafeking. The Montréal members of our company are ail
well, and we can thank Dr. Harry Bell for his strict
examination as we hâve not had a case of serious illness
since we left.' »
REBEL CHASERS FROM AMERICA
« Sergeant Quinney; of D Battery, writes to friends in
Ottawa : —
« We hâve another initial to our name. Now we are
called R. C. F. A. That means Royal Canadian Field
Artillery. Some of the boys are trying to find other names
for it, but the best thing I can think of is Rebel Chasers
from America. »
THE CANADIANS' SHARE
Lord Roberts — Is the R. C. A. in position?
Subordinate — It is, General.
Lord Roberts — Are the R. C. R., the C. M. I. and
the Strathcona's Horse ready >
Subordinate — They are, General.
Lord Roberts — Is everything in readiness, and has
there been any change in the position of the enemy ?
Subordinate — Everything is in readiness, and the
enemy is still massed heavily in our front.
Lord Roberts — Then order the Canadians forward.
REVEREND W. G. LANE,
CHAPLAIN.
REVEREND W. G. LANE
(Chaplain of the 2nd Contiiigeiit}
jrHAPLAIN LANE was born in Yarmouth, England, in il
At his own request he received notice to proceed to Halifax
i^f/ifl in order to join the Second Contingent, leaving for the front
on January I5th. He has spent three years in India, five years in
New Zealand, and been twict round the world, and fourteen times
across the Atlantic in the interests of church work and Good Tem-
plary. For two years he was R. W. G. T. of the Independent Order
of Good Templars, and has served for six and a half years as chaplain
of H. M. 's forces in Bermuda, Halifax and South Africa.
Entering the ministry in England, he was sent to Ross in Hereford-
skire, where he received a call to the conférence of Eastern British
America through Dr. Stewart, then theological professor of the
Sackville Institute, and was ordained at Amherst, N. S., in 1878.
He married Miss Ross, of N. E, Margaree, Cape Breton.
Throughout the campaign Mr. Lane ranked as captain with allow-
ances, with the full récognition of the Impérial authorities. A black
Maltese cross on the collaralone distinguished his khaki uniform from
that of the regular English officers.
He was highly appreciated in the field by every one for his devoted
attention to ail, especially the wounded and dead.
Weareglad to also mention Rev. J. Almond, Québec, T. F. FuUer-
ton, P. E. Island, W. J. Cox, Church of England. J. C. Smith, R.
C, whose zeal corresponded with their Christian work. Also Mr. H.
E. Barrie and Mr. Thomas F. Best, représentative of the Y. M. C. A.
and it is with great pleasure we hear that ail clergymen are associated
with "The Daughters of the Empire," for the protection, the preserv-
104 LE LIVRE D OR
ation and the décoration of the graves of our noble brave sleeping
their last sleep in South Africa.
He wrote to the Halifax Wesleyan from Bloemfontein under date
of April 25th, saying : —
*' Hère we are in Bloemfontein amid ail sorts of rumors, which fly
in clouds like the vast army of locusts I hâve just seen across the
veldt ; and which fairly shut out the kopjes, where shells were
bursting and Boers flying before the onslaught of the British. This of
course means fighting, for on Sunday last we were disappointed in
our parade service, and instead were under fire for the first time in
this campaign. We started out from Bloemfontein towards the water-
works, and on arriving at Springfield, six miles out, were told that
the water- Works were clear of Boers; so, like the children of Israël,
we were turned back on our march till we came nearly to Bloemfon-
tein again, and again turned eastward to Leeuw's Kop. After travel-
velling about 22 miles, scouting ail the way, we suddenly heard the
roar of artillery, and saw puffs of smoke and bursting shells in the
neighborhood of Smith's Farm, and found the Boers in an advanced
position within 17 miles of Bloemfontein. About the same time we
heard bang-bang on the east of Leeuw's Kop, where the Canadian
Mounted Rifles had drawn fire from a commando hidden in a ravine
close to the farm house on the slope. Lieutenant Straubenzie, with
twelve men, scouted to within four hundred yards, before the hall of
lead forced them to dismount and seek cover. With admirable cool-
ness he directed his men what to do, but stuck to the saddle a little
too long, as he drew a concentrated fire on himself, and narrowly
escaped, his horse being shot under him. A bullet passed through
Private Danby's hat, and for a time it looked as if many a gap would
be made in the little band of twelve. As it was, Major Williams
devotedly covered them, took the Boers' fire, and in a masterly
manner got them out of their difficulty. The fighting lasted about two
hours at that kopje, the Boer gun ceasing to fire at 5 p. m., the Boers
themselves retreating north and east, and our men escaping without a
scratch and four horses hit.
" In the meantime the Boers galloped down the kopje at the back
of Smith's Farm and took possession of the farm — threatening our
line of communication. At this time Mr. Finn, the correspondent
of the Montréal Herald, and myself were with General Pole-Carew
and staft on a small kopje, from which the battle was directed.
LE LIVRE D OR I05.
" From this vantage ground, with glasses raised, we saw the
Warwicks rush the farm. The Boers did not wait even to fire a parting
shot, but jumped on their horses and galloped over the kopje — ail
but three — for just as the last five bunched together at the back of
the farm, on the run, a shell fired at about 2,000 yards burst just
behind them and three horses and three Boers did not gallop any more.
Still further north towards the water-works, which, however, were
eight miles distant, we could hear the roar of the fifteen-pounders, the
bursting of lyddite shells, and the nasty pom-pom-pom-pom of the
Boer Maxim. We expected to hear of heavy casualties, instead of
which the day closed with twelve wounded, one officer thought to be
mortally wounded, while the Boer loss was, considering their num-
bers, estimated at a larger percentage.
" Towards sundown the hills were cleared and the Boers gone ; the
norses were too tired to pursue or surround the Boers, whose horses
were rested and fed. The Canadians behaved well — perfectly cool,
and satisfied with their first conflict at Leeuw's Kop.
" Now, let the armchair critics criticize our gênerais. You hâve no
idea of the difficulty of the campaign. I ranged the country with
powerful glasses, and although I knew that thousands of fighting men
were on the veldt, and the direction they were in, yet they seemed to
disappear into the veldt as effectually as a rainstorm into Bermuda
limestone. Just as I write news has come in that our losses are about
800 killed and wounded, and that the Boer dead are 320, and about
1,000 wounded, in the conflicts which Sunday opened.
'* I am writing, as you will see, at the Wesleyan Parsonage at
Bloemfontein, in company with Rev. Charles Franklin, a worthy
burgher, but loyal — a member of the South African General Con-
fenrence, a busy man, visiting the sick, distributing goods among the
sick and wounded. He accompanied me this aftemoon to the hospital
camp, where we met several of the first contingent on the sick list.
Young Mr. Hart was there, on a sick bed, but recovering splendidly.
AU the Halifax lads are doing well, but one or two from the western
provinces made one think sadly of the possibilities ahead. Nearly ail
the Sound men were fighting as we chatted together, the boom of the
heavy guns coming to our ears as we stood in the tent door, being just
discernible ; and thèse poor fellows were disappointed at not being
with their comrades sharing the dangers of battle.
" We hâve just held a meeting in the schoolroom of Trinity
ÏOÔ LE LIVRE D'OR
Church, which I led, at the request of the pastor. About thirteen
soldiers were présent. I wish you could hâve heard them sing and
pray and testify the Spirit was with us. So things go on, bringing us
comfort and hardship, long journeys on horseback (I hâve already
used up one horse and now hâve another, which means heavy outlay,
but we must keep up with our work at any cost), sleeping on the
veldt with blanket only, chilled to the bone just as others are, and
then scorched by day, till we look like bronzed and scarred vétérans.
Sometimes wet through, sometimes with biscuit to eat, and at other
times a good meal, our fortunes varying, but through it ail hope and
trust that the future will unfold the justice of our cause and bring ail
this struggling under the protecting and prospering folds of the Union
Jack. With kind regards, till I can write again."
THE NURSES
i^F I do not say much about the devoted nurses for assisting our
"^1/^ soldiers, it is because their modesty equals their zeal. But I
am very happy to hère translate what I wrote about nurses
and hospitals on my return from the expédition of the Nile, in 1885.
The hospital I had visited was very comfortable. The médical staff
and assistants were very courteous. I saw there many nurses assisting
the wounded and the sick. "Our own Angels ! " said one surgeon,
and I was fiUed with admiration for those devoted women who, if
they wore not the garb of the Grey Nuns, had at least the same heart
for God's poor.
THE RED CROSS SOCIETY
'HE Canadian Branch was organized in 1896 by Lieutenant-
J^iâ Colonel E. Sterling Ryerson, C. M. A. M. S. The Canadian '
^ "^ Society was called the first to assist the Empire in South
Africa under the direction of Mr. Rverson, and his valuable services
s
1^'
HfSNISJN Est KONIMAU
" OUR OWX ANGELS."
Miss SARAH FORBES, Miss MARCELLA P. RICHARDSON.
SURGEUX-MAJOR A. X. WORTlilXGTON.
LE LIVRE D OR IO7
were highly appreciated as may be seen by the testimonials of
General Methuen and Lord Roberts. ♦' The work accomplished by
the Red Cross Society," said Methuen, •' was donc splendidly,
modestly and patriotically."
" Ottawa, April i6th, 1900.
" His Excellency the Governor-General received also the foUow-
ing cable message from Field Marshal Lord Roberts : —
" Bloemfontein, April l6th, 1900.
"Please thank the people of Canada on behalf of myself, the
troops and Colonel Ryerson, for their generous and timely gifts just
received.
"Roberts."
SURGEON-MAJOR WORTHINGTON
(Writes of march to Kenhardt)
•' Sherbrooke, May 24th, 1900.
URGEON-Major Worthîngton, who went with D and E
Batteries from Canada, writing to his brother, Colonel
E. B. Worthington, says : —
" Van Wycks Vlei, March 2SU1, 1900.
" Africa's sunny fountains hâve been rolling down their golden
* sands ' to such an unprecedented extent lately that the gory path of
the Carnarvon Field Force is for the time being arrested. We had
donc 150 miles of our march to Kenhardt and Uppington when a
storm overtook us at Van Wycks Vlei, and more rain fell in four days
than in the two preceding years. In fact the memory of the oldest
inhabitant cannot recall such a flood. Hitherto water was scarce and
existed only in artificial pools, ten or twelve miles a part ; so muddy
that even the horses when thirsty refused to drink ; so thick and saline
I08 LE LIVRE d'or
as to be a decidedly corrective of the Beecham habit, and when boiled
with the addition of our staple vegetable product (onions) makes an
excellent purée, acquiring fiom the fuel used a delightful aroma
peculiar to the locality fiom which it is extracted. This fuel is com-
posed of the effete material of the animal economy found in the sheep
kraals, and goes by the symphoneous appellation of amadoda, sells
for two pence a foot, is delightfully fragrant when burned in open
grates, and resembles so much the native breadloaf that one has to
use considérable judgment in approaching the larder after dark,
though with the olfactory bulbs in normal condition there is no real
danger.
UnEROKEN VIEW OF VELDT.
" Seated as I am, with my back against a ruined Kaffir hut, built
with bricks of this material, I cannot see a tree in any direction in
this sweet and blessed country, nothing but veldt covered with water,
and hère and there a stony kopje presenting itself.
" Sandstorms are of daily occurrence, and, as we are without tents,
cause a good deal of annoyance, filling our eyes, ears and nose with
dirt, blowing things about in ail directions, and playing havoc
generally. Possibly they are blessings in disguise, as they give more
body to the liquid refreshments, and aid materially in the digestion of
bully beef and hard tack, acting on the principle of gravel in the
chicken's crop. Speaking of gravel, we do not dare to lave our limbs
in the limpid pools about, owing to the danger of contracting an
affection of that name.
" Our expédition is under command of Colonel Parsons, an Impé-
rial officer, who rides ahead in a Cape cart, with the advance column;
the main column being under Colonel Druvy. His force is almost
colonial, being composed of the Canadian Mounted Rifles, West
Australia Mounted Rifles, New Zealand Mounted Rifles, 8th Derby-
shire Impérial Yeomanry, and our two batteries. We were originally
about i,ioo, but leaving detachments at Victoria West and Carnarvon,
has, with the sick, reduced our available force considerably, though,
as the rebels are turning their swords into ploughshares, at our
approach, I fancy we are sufficient for this thankless and monotonous
work.
Long march to Kenhardt.
" When we arrive at Kenhardt we shall hâve marched 250 miles
from the railway, and, after resting, will retrace our steps to Victoria
LE LIVRE D OR
109
road, where, I trust, we will arrive about the second week in May,
and in time and condition to be sent into the Transvaal. I fancy by
that time, with 560 miles in the saddle, I will be calloused enough
for a Government job.
*' Kitchener was coming down from De Aar with another force by
way of Prieska, to meet us at Kenliardt, but has given up his com-
mand to Colonel Luttle, and gone back to the Free State, not finding
much glory in simply establishing British prestige in small towns.
' • The days are very hot and the nights cold. Towards moming a
heavy dew falls and wets the blankets and causes a great deal of
tonsilitis, as the blankets ha%e to bc packed so early they do not get
dried.
" A mail has arrived to-day, composed principally of newspapers,
rather disappointing, when letters were expected, but still very
acceptable. Your comic papers were very amusing. I selected Frozen
Fun, and retired to a shady spot, under the cart, where, with a
température of 102 degrees in the shade, the jokes seemed anything
but realistic.
•' March agth.
" We are still unable to cross the stream upon whose banks we are
stationed, and every scout coming in reports another wider river to
cross. In some places the veldt for miles is under water. The rebels
hâve surrendered to Colonel Parsons, and we will return to the
rail way 150 miles away. This moming when I heard we were not
going on at once, I rode back to the Post Office, twelve miles, visited
the hospital, and brought out the mail. Game was very plentiful
along the road, and, with a gun, could hâve shot any number of birds.
I tried several shots with my revolver, but without success.
MUTlON AND OTHER THINGS.
" March 30th.
" Last night a number of sheep were killed and we had fresh méat
for breakfast. We were fast enjoying some beautiful devilled kidney
and fried liver, when the officer commanding E Battery came over to
our mess and enquired where his kidneys were. Thinking he wished
for the surface markings of his own organs, I began to demonstrate
their position, when he announced that he simply came to make a
formai complaint to the C. O., to the eftect that the six carcasses his
IlO LE LIVRE d'or
battery received, contained no kidneys, or liver. As we received only
one hindquarter, and it contained six kidneys and three livers, we
suggested that theie was possibly something faulty about the anatomy
of the South African sheep. However, this did not appease the
major's wrath, and, as he walked away, the adjutant hummed,
' Where are my wandering kidneys, to-night.'
"The night before last we had a ' Sing-Song ' in the Australian
camp. They had a fatigue party eut ail day with a cart, gathering
karoo bushes for a bon-fire. The affair went off splendidly, ' Alouette,'
and some of the Canadian choruses being much appreciated by the
Yeomanry and Australians. The affair was repeated last night in the
battery Unes.
"A very amusing incident happened last week on the mardi. An
Australian reporter with the column has two grey hounds, and, in
chasing hares, ran a female ostrich into their lines, and there she
remained in the middle of the troop, for at least five miles, trotting
along quite unconcernedly among the horses. At the fîrst hait she
was given to a farmer and locked up. Stripped of ail her feathers she
presented a most doleful aspect.
Begins backward trek.
" March 31 st.
" Well, we hâve begun our backward trek, or rather hâve moved
back six miles, from our old camp, Hartebeste River, to a small lake
formed by an artificial dam. It is a pretty spot, fuU of wild duck and
geese. Grouse and quail are constantly strutting about the edge of the
camp picking up grain from the carts. Unfortunately we hâve no shot
guns, and rifle shooting is rather dangerous. Some of the 'nigger'
drivers got bowled over yesterday with ' Cape Smoke,' the native
brandy, a vile, rank spirit, that during the stage of exhilaration renders
a man excited and talkative, and later on brings about a condition of
alcoholic stupor from which it is almost impossible to rouse him.
Well, a couple of niggers in the excited stage drove a transport team
of horses about in a reckless manner and were generally insubordinate.
They were se\erely and quietly punished. While Kaffirs watched
their mules by night the niggers after a fine of £1 apiece, and a
médical examination to see if they were fit for corporal punishment,
were laid over a sack of forage and given six lashes apiece. They
didn't seeni to mind it very much and will probably take an eaily
opportunity of slifling their sorrows in a lillle moie smoke.
LE LIVRE D OR IH
Waiting for a SURREXDER.
•• We are waiting hère until Parsons receives the formai surrender
of the rebels, and will then go straight back to Victoria Road.
possibly meeting our third battery C there.
" Howard is not with us. His guns were to hâve accompanied the
mounted rifles, but they did not, for certain reasons. ' Old Gat.,' I
think I told you, acted as quarter-master, coming over, and gave
great satisfaction. He is a hard worker, and belongs to a race that,
like the beaver, the buffalo, and the red man, is gradually becoming
extinct. From early morn till dewy eve, he pursued the uneven ténor
of his way. The roseate hues of early davvn found him in angry
altercation with the cook over the unequal distribution of two-pound
loaves and bully beef. As the moon began to pale, his stentorian
tones were heard in pursuit of the will-'o-the-wisp steward. From the
forecastle to the wheelhouse, from the bridge to the keel, he was
known and respected. He brought on board 'just one cubic yard of
assorted liquors,' and every time a horse went over, a board was held
in ' Gat's ' room, and I can assure you that as président of the Horse
Board he presided at the meetings of that august assembly with a wise
précision and a légal acumen seldom seen, even in members of the
civil bar. His court was no ordinary stateroom, no common or garden
cabin, but a stateroom with a collège éducation. The liquid refresh-
ment was of patriotic flavor, and Anglo-Saxon préférence, and every
member of the board proved beyond cavil that he had no zealous
gnidge against our Sovereign Lady. Though ' Gat ' wisely left the
réservation of the Red Man and came east, as the présent génération
began to mature, he still had many blood curling taies to relate of
Indian massacres and dreary marches across the alkali plains of
' Arizone.'
Tent AT Green Point.
i< -^e tented together at Green Point. He is a capital companion
and he gets ail that is coming to him, and more, too. I hâve heard
this country deycribed as a land of birds without song, flowers without
perfume, and I fancy the description is correct.
'• I left twenty-four men behind at Carnarvon in a temporary
hospital, and there are about fifty sick hère. It is very hard on the
poor fellows, as there are no com forts and no spécial diets, which is
very essenlial in dissenlery. llowever, I sent back and got some
112 LE LIVRE D OR
condensed milk and corn starch. I telegraphed to Carnarvon for
medicine, and the doctor there sent them by a nigger on foot, who
came the fifty miles in the rain in less than a day, and charged 2s. 6d.
"Easter Sunday, April I5th.
" \Ve got in hère from Carnarvon on Friday, according to orders,
marcbing the 150 miles in six days, just in time to avoid two days'
heavy rain, which would hâve delayed us at the river if we had not
crossed when we did. I do not know where we go from hère, but
fancy Kimberley, en route for Mafeking. One of our batteries re-em-
barked to go round by Beira, another section is at Kenhardt, so we
are rather eut up. I hâve the Canadian Mounted Rifles and Yeomanry
(8th Derbys), as well as the batteries under my care. I am afraid
some of my letters hâve been lost on the Mexican."
COLONEL PERCY GIROUARD
(.Son of the Hon, Justice K. E. Girouard)
— ^ORN the 26th January, 1867, Cadet at Royal Military Collège
of Kingston, from 1882-86, is now, temporarily, gênerai
Çyiwf superintendent of the South African railroads.
Once that work donc, he goes back to Egypt where he is président
of the board of railroads which is ccmposed of three other members :
one for England, one for Egypt and one for France. I will say no
more ; leaving to the readers to appreciate the great strides, made in
so short a time, by this brilliant Canadian, who is the brightest star of
the pléiades educated with him at the Royal Military Collège of
Kingston, and whose names I hère insert.
The way the Military Collège men hâve dropped out of the régiment
is striking, and they are employed as follows ; —
Major Denison, A. D. C. to Lord Roberts ; Major Macdougall,
Stafif Oflîcer, Cape-Town ; Captain Hocigins, Raihvay Work ; Lieu-
tenant Armstrong, Raihvay Work ; Lieutenant Caldwell, Staff, In-
telligence Office, Cape-Town ; Lieutenant McLean, transferred to
Royal Artillery ; Captain Panet, tiansfeired to Royal Canadian
Arlillery. Tliis leaves Captain Burstall and Lieutenant Lafierty as the
only Military Collège officers in the régiment. Major Cartwright is
To COLONEL PERCY GIROUARD, D. S. O.
l^ate R. ML. G. (i)
{U'ritien /or "Le Livre d'Or.")
By J. K. Foran, Lit. D., LL. B.
Son of tliis fair Canadian land,
Building, amidst the désert sand,
A pyramid of famé, as grand
As that which Cheops built,
Thy great achievements are the same,
As those that won immortal famé,
Ani raised our country's glorious name.
On fields where blood was spilt.
The desert's trackless vvaste you've spann'd ;
Like Moses, at your skilled command,
The waters leaped and blessed the land
That torrid suns unceasing parch. —
And from the fountains of the Nile,
To where the Veldts in verdure smile,
You've laid foundations, pile on pile,
Of civilization's arch.
The Northern and the Southern Seas,
Old Afric's both extremities.
Hâve seen you fling, with skill-born ease,
A chain to bind them fa^t !
And when the dark, unknown heart,
Of that dread Continent, shall start,
To hear the engine screech, your part
And famé, in that great work, will last !
(ï) Brillant Canadien-français dont s'enorgueillit le collège militaire de Kingston,
qui honore son pays par sa science et dont le Canada est fier.
LE LIVRE DOR II3
D. A. A. G. to General Hutton's Division of Mounted Infantry,
Major Dobell conimands a battalion of mounted infantrymen and
Captain Greenwood, of the Mounted Infantry, is on the railway.
I am glad to close this bright list with the names of the heroic
Chalmers, P. H. du Perron Casgrain, A. E. Doucet, wounded at
Batoche, in 1885, A. G. Joly de Lotbinière, H. G. Joly, Panet,
Farley, Van Straubenzie, Ogilvie, Strange and couple hundred more
distinguished young men educated at Kingston and who are the glory
«nd pride of Canada.
" Mr. H, S. Pearse, the war correspondent of the London Daily
News, writing from Bloemfontein, paid this compliment to Colonel
Girouard, R. E. : —
" Lord Roberts is fortunate in ha\'ing as chief supply ofEcer Colonel
Ward, to whom Sir George White paid the highest possible tribute
after the relief of Ladysmith, and for director of railways Colonel
Girouard, an officer, as your readers know well, of many resources.
The celerity with which he pushed construction trains forward on
each section of the line as troops advanced was simply marvellous,
and the whole length up to Smaldeel is already in working order."
Just two more words about Girouard, to explain his frankness and
high character, After the destruction of the bridge on the Rhenoster
River by Dewet and the capture of our mails and winter clothing which
Dewet burned, Girouard gave his opinion to Kitchener. If anyone is
awed by Kitchener it is not Girouard. Yes ! says Major Boulanger,
Girouard is a true Canayen, celui-là !
On another occasion, Mr. Carière, correspondent of the Matin at
Cape-Town, asked him : " Are you aFrenchman ? " — " Yes, answered
Girouard, more than you are, I am a Canadian ! "
LIEUTENANT HAROLD L. BORDEN
'AJOR Harold L. Borden, formerly commanding officer of
the King's County Hussars, Kentville, N. S., who was
killed in South Africa. The deceased officer left Canada
as lieutenant of the fourth troop of B Squadron, Canadian Mounted
114 LE LIVRE D'OR
Rifles, and previous to leaving was stationed in Québec for a few
days, having secured his discharger from B Field Battery, R. C. A.
The young man was a particularly fine spécimen of robust young
Canadian manhood and had already won distinction by his bravery in
swimming with some others the Sand River on the march from
Bloemfontein to Johannesburg. He was only twenty-three years of
âge, stood six feet three inches in his stockings and weighed 198
pounds. He was brought up in King's County, Nova Scotia, and had
studied at Mount Altison University in Sackville and later at McGill,
in Montréal, where he was in his third year of medicine.
In his despatch conveying the sad intelligence of the deaths of
young Borden and Burch, I-ord Roberts said : — "The two young
Canadian offîcers were killed while gallantly leading their men in
counter attack on enemy's flank at critical juncture of assault upon
our position. Lieutenant Borden had been twice before brought to my
notice in despatches for gallant and intrepid conduct."
" Ottawa, July 2oth, 1900.
" Hon. Joseph Chamberlain cables to Lord Minto to express to
Dr. Borden his deep sympathy with him at the loss of his gallant son."
The following cable was received addressed to the Minister of
Militia : —
"Cape-Town, July igth, 1900.
*' Hon. Mr. Borden, Minister of Militia,
' ' Deeply regret to inform you of the death of your son in action of
Reitvler, l6th. Mrs. Borden and yourself hâve my sincerest sympathy
at the sad loss of this gallant officer, whom I hâve twice had the
honor to specially mention in despatches to the Commander in-Chief
for gallant and intrepid conduct."
" HuTTON."
THE PREMIER'S TRIBUTE
" Sir Wilfrid Laurier, in moving the adjournment of the House,
referred to this sad event. He said : —
"This news I am sure has touched the heart of every member of
this House. He was the only son of a prominent, old and popular
member of this House. Whatever strifes there may be I am sure that
LIEUTENANT HAROLD L. BORDEN.
Lieutenant Borden had been twice before brought to my notice in despatches
fur gallant and intrepid conduct. — LoRO Roberts."
LE LIVRE DOR II5
before such misfortune ail such hâve disappeared and on both sides of
the House friend and foe will unité in offering to the bereaved father
and bereaved mother that sympathy which will be their only consola-
tion for such a loss on this side the grave."
" Mr. Davin, on behalf of the Opposition, said : —
*' I could wish, Sir, the leader of the Opposition were in his place
in order that he might re-echo the sentiments so fittingly expressed by
the Prime Minister. A great statesman, belonging to Athens said of a
great man who died, ' The whole earth seemed to be his mausoleum.'
I think it might be said of the humblest hero who fights now under
modem conditions on the battle field that the whole earth seems to
be his mausoleum, because the civilized world seems to be in évidence,
watching what is going forward, and I am sure not a man in Canada
but will hâve heard of the death of this young man, just twenty-three
years, with the hopes of budding youth, with regret."
"The Daily Tele^raph unquestionably voices the unanimous senti-
ment of the Ancient Capital, when it extends to the Minister of Mi'itia
the most heartfelt commisei^ation. It deeply déplores the loss of the
brave boy, who has fallen with his face to the foe and who has so
patriotically given up his young life for the honor of his country's flag."
PRO PATRIA.
" And how can man die better than fighting
" fearful odds ;
" For the ashes of his fathers, and the temples
■' of his gods."
" Gallant Borden ! fit type of the band of brave and generous lads,
who, with chivalrous hearts and unpolluted motives, went forth to die
in their country's cause ! True apostles are ye ail of freedom, and the
equal rights of man — real missionaries of the gospel of democracy.
Ko sham, garrulous sophists are ye, prating stale and windy platitudes
of a 'liberty' that enslaves ; a 'fraternity' that matures the mind of
Cain ; and an ' equality ' that widens more and more the social gulf
that estranges man from a knowledge of his fellows. Noble boys, no
enduring harm can come to a country with such a race of sons as you.
Such men are not only their country's shield against the aggressive
Il6 LE LIVRE d'or
arm of the alien ; but its hope that everything is not quite encircled
by the cold grasp of materialism ; and that human beings exist who
find something else to live for than the lust of gold. It is refreshing to
hear the clatter of muskets as well as muckrakes. The example of
our citizen soldiers inspires a hope that the reign of Mammon is not
universal, and will not be eternal ; that to heap up pelf is not the
chief end of man ; nor that its enjoyment, after the faculty for enjoy-
ment is gone, will continue to be an everlasting sport and satire of
the gods.
" To the eye of the undiscerning, the whole world is prostrate
before the golden calf. In act if not in speech, as plain as plain can
be, the burden of the universal dedication is : 'Gold, thou art my
god ; I will hâve no other gods before thee.' In this melee of Mam-
mon worshipj how refreshing to discover that there is still a residue
who hâve not bent the knee to the great metalic divinity whom the
whole world doth worship. The example of our boys encourages the
hope that society, like a spendthrift profligate, may yet return to
Eome of its pristine virtues. Grant that it may so return, even if driven
thither at the cost of chastisements and rétribution, and sore visitings
of Nemesis, which will make the ear tingle and the heart quake of
him who heareth of them. Onward Christian soldiers ! Spill your
blood for your ideas, The precious drops thereof will, like the blood
of the martyrs, become the seed of a régénération that will redeem
the effete morality of your time. Every drop will be ' a stepping stone
to higher things.' Fear not ; you will hâve your reward ; your names
will be written in the book of the nation ; and your deeds will live in
the hearts of the best of your kind, Requiescat, gallant Borden ; and
rest also thy not less gallant comrades. Thou and they hâve been
faithful unto death. Enter into the joy of the immortals. The laurel
wreath will be kept green in our hearts, though its leaves wither on
the graves of the veldt.
•' DOROTHY COUTTS."
Gazette, July 2ist, 1900.
And now, let us kneel before the grave of Borden, Burch, Cotton,
Arnold, Chalmers, Lord Roberts' son, Count of Ava Dufferin, LaRue,
Bradley, Thomas, Beattie, and ail those young heroes whose glorious
blood moistened the roots of the victorious laurels in South Africa for
the union, under the same crown, of England and Canada.
LIEUTENANT JOHN EDGAR BURCH.
Killcd with Borden, while gallautly leading their men in counter attack on enemy's
flaiik at critical juncture of assault iipon our position. — Lord Roberts."
LE LIVRE DOR uy
JOHN EDGAR BURCH
;OHN Edgar Burch youngest son of Major F. O. Burch of the
2nd Dragoons, was born at St. Anns, Lincoln Ce, Ont.,
February 8th, 1874. He attended Public School hère ; High
School at Smithville, and also received some training in business
principles in Hamilton Business Collège.
When about eighteen years of âge he enlisted with B Squadron of
the 2nd Dragoons which drills annually at Niagara on-the-Lake. He
from the first gave évidence of a military spirit. He attended Cavalry
School one session as a Sergeant and three succeeding terms as a
Lieutenant. Hère he became very popular with the officers of Stanley
Barracks, Toronto, and distinguished himself as a horseman, swords-
man, and commanding officer.
In the Dragoons he was considered one of the best officers of the
régiment and from first Lieutenant of B Squadron was promoted to
the Adjutancy of the régiment.
When the Second Contingent was called for South Africa he
volunteered his services ; and was offered the position of Lieutenant in
the Canadian Mounted Rifles which he promptly accepted.
From the time that the Canadian Mounted Rifles landed in Africa
they were in constant activity and Lieutenant Burch more than once
showed himself a cool-headed, quick-witted and brave officer. His
letters and the reports of those who fought and lived with him give
sufficient évidence that he was a born soldier.
Onjuly i6th, 1900, Lieutenants Borden and Burch were sent to
attack the Boers near Witpoort. Both officers led their men to within
a few yards of the ememy but both met their deaths within a few
minutes of each other. Lieutenant Burch's last word was "advance"
when an expanding bullet pierced his breast. He was twenty-six
years of âge.
Lieutenant Burch has two brothers left in Canada, the one Captain
Burch of 2nd Dragoons and the other Rev. A. L. Burch, B. A,, of
Knox Collège, Toronto.
AN INTERESTING LETTER
" The followingletter from lieutenant J. E. Eurch of the ist Bat-
talion of Canadian Mounted Rifles may prove of interest to our
ii8 u; LIVRE d'or
readers. This letter was received by his father and is dated South
Africa, May 8th, 1900.
" The letter was read at the ofhcers' mess of the 2nd Diagoons and
received with much interest.
" Dear father and mother : —
" We are now about 45 miles from Bloemfontein, and are fighting
every inch of our advance. The Boers are strongly entrenched just in
our front and a hait has been made for to-day to give our men and
horses a rest.
" On the 3rd instant we ran up against the enemy entrenched on
two kopjes on either side of a road which the transport must travel.
I was sent forward with a troop belonging to A Squadron, Canadian
Mounted Rifles, to draw their lire and détermine their position.
" The Boers did not fîre a shot until we were within 50 yards of
them, and they were well concealed, then they let blaze at us. Just
at Ihat moment another troop on my left was compelled to retire
leaving me under a cross fire. It did not take long to décide that it
was best to get out of thèse close quarters. That was the first time
any of us had been under fire, but the men conducted themselves
wonderfully well. Our object had been attained and our cannon soon
shelled the Boers from their position. It seemed remarkable that none
of our troop was shot, although for about five minutes the bullets
whizzed and whistled around us like hail stones. The next day we
again met them in stronger force, but were compelled to stand fast
for the day and wait for guns.
"On the morning of the next day A Squadron, to which I am
attached, made a reconoissance and returned just in time to mix in
the scrap of that day. That was the first time I smelled Boer shells
and I prefer bullets every time, although bullets hâve been picked up
which the Boers hâve dropped ; some ' dum-dums,' and some poisoned.
"On Tuesday we marched and stopped at Winburg Road Station.
Since last night the boys hâve been living well, as we are in advance
of the regular line of transport, and the men are allowed to commander
whatever they want to eat.
"The Y. M. C. A. représentative and our chaplain do ail the
swiping for the oflîcers' mess. My servant does not ride in the ranks
and during the day uses his time foraging. Last night he came in with
ail kinds of vegetables, and a bag of oranges and lemons.
LE LIVRE DOR II9
"The country is a marked impiovement on Cape Colony. The
land is fertile and hère, perhaps, is some of the best grazing lands in
the world. Cattle, sheep and horses are hère by the hundred thousand.
" There are about 26,000 Boers just in front of us and we expect a
scrap to-morrow.
" There will be some hard fighting before we arrive at Kroonstad,
about 40 miles from hère.
" Everyone has got as black as a negro and I seem the blackest.
The lice too hâve found us out and hâve made interesting times for
some of us.
" For two weeks we hâve had no tents and sleep on the open veldt.
What is more we are not likely to hâve tents again soon.
" I hâve written this letter on my water bottle. The paper is too
dirty for use but it is ail we hâve.
" I hâve just been called for duty and hâve no more time to write
further. Good-bye.
J. E. BURCH.
PRIVATE MULLOY
— ^RIVATE MULLOY, of the Mounted Infantry, who came
from Winchester, Ontario, had lost his sight and had to be
=t=^ guided through the streets by a comrade on each side of
him. A mauser bullet passed through his head from temple to temple
at Bronkhorst Spruit. Now lie stood on the West Gallery overlooking
the area crowded with mercantile men, and, when the cheering had
subsided, he said : —
" ' I am glad that I hâve the privilège of speaking to a portion of
the people of our British Empire. I am not a regular soldier. A year
ago I was a student studying in the University, and ought now to be
in the University out there. But when Canada was called upon to
send out men, she d".d not send her 'corner boys,' but the best she
had to give. (Cheers.) I do not know how it came about, but I
happened to be in that crowd (cheers), and I came because, like the
120 LE LIVRE D OR
cat, I could not stop away. (Clieers.) I could not attend to my
business, I hâve no regrets for the past, I think if a man décides that
a course is light and has foUowed that course out he has no right to
regret afterwards, whatever the conséquences may be. (Cheers.) Of
course, it looks rather unfortunate to see one's hopes, aims, and
aspirations ail eut down at a swoop, sudden and irréparable, but there
are conditions which alter circumstances to a certain extent, and I
believe that the truly brave man and soldier will accept with manly
fortitude the vicissitudes of fortune (cheers), and will not be over-
whelmed by any circumstance, but will still, with a calm heart and
serene mind, go bravely forward. (Loud cheers.) I thank you very
much in the name of the Canadian soldiers for the réception you
hâve given us. That is ail I hâve to say. I will not take up your time
any longer. I will now call for three cheers for the beloved Queen,
whom we love quite as well as you do. (Loud and prolonged cheers.)'
" As the men passed through the room, the cheering was maintained,
and the merchants and others eagerly grasped their hands. The men
had a like expérience in the streets on the way to the ship."
A WOUNDED WARRIOR
^^ORPORAL ARMSTRONG, minus a leg, hobbled on his
crutches alongside his comrades, and the Queen immediately
gave an order to hâve the wounded soldier presented later.
The battalion formed in quarter-column and advanced towards
the Royal carriage in review order.
" They swung up, a solid phalanx of strapping khaki-clad figures,
with sun-tanned faces, crowned with a forest of glittering steel, and
halted with the front company close to the carriage.
" A grand spectacle they presented, and seldom, if ever, has a
more warlike body stood at attention before Royalty.
" Colonel Otter was presented, and commanded to dine, and the
other officers were brought to Her Majesty's notice. Her Majesty then
addressed Colonel Otter as foUows : —
" I am very glad to see you hère to-day and to express my warm
thanks for the admirable services rendered in the War by the Can-
adian Troops.
TWO HEROES.
CORPORAL B. R. ARMSTRONG,
THE MINUS-LEG MAN.
The Queen asked after his health : — "I am qiiite
well, Madam."
" Where did you lose your leg?"
" At Olifanfontein, Madam," replied thc Corporal,
smiling with happiness ai the situation.
I
■hd-
TROOPER L. W. MULLOY,
THE BLINDED MAN.
" I bave no regret for tlie past. I think it a ni.in
décides that a course is right and has followed lli;it
course eut he has no right to regret afterward-,
whatever the conséquence may be."
LE LIVRE D OR t2I
" I wish you ail a safe and happy return to your homes.
" ' Madam,' replied Colonel Otter, ' we are only too proud to figlit
for the flag under which we hâve been born, exist and hope to live.'
"Corporal Armstrong next limped up to the carriage, and the
Queen asked after his health.
•' ' I am quite well, madam,' he said.
" 'Where did you lose your leg?' inquired the Queen.
" ' At Olifanfontein, madam,' replied the corporal, smiling with
happiness at the situation.
" ' And where do you corne from ? ' continued her Majesty, tenderly.
" 'From St. John, New Brunswick, ' he replied, then added,
' My father is Lieutenant-Colonel Armstrong in that town.'
" 'You must be tired,' said the Queen, sympathetically, and added
a command that he might hâve a chair.
" Then, at the call of their gallant colonel of four Empire wars,
the Canadians took off their helmets and ripped out three earsplitting
salvoes of cheering, marched past the Queen again on their way out,
dined in the riding school, saw the appartments, were photographed
for the Royal album, and retumed to Kensington Barracks from
Windsor at three, radiant and happy with the spécial récognition
which bas distinctly been theirs."
DEATH OF Pte ALBERT BEATTIE
"he following letter from Mr. W. Beattie, of Toronto, father
gîtl of Private Beattie, who died in Bloemfontein, bas been
(^ ■^ received by Mr. James Forbes, of Levis : —
" 33 Bellwoods, Toronto, April 30th, 1900.
"Dear Mr. Forbes,
" Two weeks ago last night the dreadful news of my son Albert's
death was brought to us. It has been a long and sad fortnight.
" I had the satisfaction of being the last to see my noble son,
kissing him a long farewell on board the Sardittiaii. 1 bave been
abundantly repaid for the time in going to Québec by the melancholy
satisfaction of being on board to almost the last minute. He gave his
122 LE LIVRE D'OR
life for his country, and he had my full permission togo and risk his
precious life for Queen, Empire and liberty.
" Yours truly,
" Wm. Beattie."
Ifn pcmoviam
SERGEANT ALBERT BEATTIE
OUR GALLANT SOLDIER SON, \VHO DIED OF FEVER AT BLOEMFON-
TEIN, S. A., APRIL I4th, I9OO, AGED 27 \EARS.
Beneath Bloemfontein's sacred sod he sleeps —
Far from his native land our hero's grave —
While many a friendly eye o'erflowing weeps
For him who was so noble, loyal and brave.
And he was gentle too and kind to ail —
His génial présence shedding joyous glow —
Where'er he came, in cottage or in hall,
The cup of pleasure seemed to overflow.
At home a treasure to his parents dear,
To loving sisters three and brothers twain,
Who him adored within the sacred sphère,
Where they, alas, shall meet him ne'er again.
No truer soldier left Canadian soil,
Or more heroic heart for Britain beat
Than thine, who resting from thy war-like toil
Hast made thy sacrifice vvith death complète.
Yet mourn we not as tho' %ve hopeless weep
For dear one severed ne'er to reunite.
But trusting wait till comes our final sieep,
To meet thee rapturous in glory bright.
Farewell our son and brother, comrade, friend,
We comfort us with thy last, solemn words —
The Christian's hope was thine at life's last end —
" Whether I live, or die, I am the Lord's."
William Beattie,
Toronto.
BLGLER DOUGLAS F. WILLIAMS,
OF Quben's Own Rifles, Toronto.
Who soundcd the attack at Paardcberg.
SERGEANT A. BEATTIE.
Farewell our son and brother, comrade, friend,
We comfort in with thy last solemn words —
The Christian's hope was thine at life's last end -
Whciher I live, or die, I am the Lord's."
SERGEANT G. T. THOMAS,
Kl lied in South Africa.
' Well, said Mrs. Thomas, I bave six sons and surely
can spare one for ibe Queen."
EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS
" De Aar, December 3rd, 1899.
JjE are encamped just outside De Aar, and are to move on
j'fZi towards Kimberley to-morrow morning, so we will be in
"^fOÎ) for the big battle to relieve that place Monday or Tuesday.
"The Boers are said to be terribly afraid of the bayonet. I hâve
spoken with soldiers from the Modder River fight. They tell me that
the actual fîghting lasted sixteen hours, and that the British loss was
heavy and included many officers, but that they drove the Boers
across the river, so we hope to be in at the finish and the relief of
Kimberley. We are ail in splendid health and spirits, and are anxious
to get at the Boers. Two Boer spies were shot hère this morning,
one for spying round the camp, and the other got a bullet through his
head while on the top of a telegraph pôle cutting the wires.
" Belmont, December i8th, 1899.
" It is wonderful to see the entrenchments that the Boers throw up
on the tops of the kopjes, and it seems really marvellous that the
British can ever hâve driven them back, but they did.
" I hâve just got back from Graspan, Sj4 miles towards Kimberley,
where we were guarding the lines while the Engineers put up the
telegraph wires. They were ail torn down by the Boers, and the iron
pôles bent and broken. We guarded the Engineers about seven miles
past Graspan, to Eslin, and there handed them over to other troops
from Eslin,
"The 'grub' we got out there was mighty fine, as there where
several Boer farms en route, and we had sheep, vegetables, milk,
eggs and butter, and the women cooked bread and scones for us.
124 LE LIVRE d'or
" I forgot to tell you that the other night on outpost duty I heard
some sort of a biped approaching my post, and challenged three
times without getting an answer. Then, thinking it mustbe anenemy,
I fired, and shot a poor unoffending ostrich through the head.
" Belmont, January 24tli, I900.
'• We hâve great fun watching the Boers trying to break the British
heliographic messages by search light at night from Kimberley.
" "We see the signal from Kimberley and the answer from Modder
River, and the Boers' light flashing up and down and ail around as if
it had lost itself, but not interfering with the messages at ail I believe,
the Boer position not being in direct line between the two points.
" We hâve just received our chocolaté from the Queen. I will send
my box home as soon as I can do so safely. . . .
" Woodstock Hospital, June 2oth, 1900.
" Captain Pelletier (Major of the 65th Battalion) had a sunstroke
at Paardeberg. He has been sent to England with one leg (the right)
paralised from toe to thigh, but the doctors told liim that a month or
two would fix him np as good as new. He had some narrow escapes.
One bullet through his helmet, one through his collar, which eut the
skin on his neck, and one through the heel of his boot. I think the
first two are about as close as is pleasant. When I went to see him at
the Clairmont Sanatorium I had a long talk with him and tried to
cheer him up. I liked him very much, and I think ail of the company
did. AU I hâve seen seem very sorry for him.
"Pte. Harry Bell Montizambert."
*' Captain Rogers, of Ottawa, writes from Paardeberg Drift, Orange
Free State, South Afiica, under date of the içth February, 1900,
giving some particulars of the death of Mr. Zachary R. E. Lewis,
North-West Mounted Police (of D Company, Royal Canadian Régi-
ment), in the attack under Lord Roberts on Cronje's laager the day
before. . . . He says : —
" Poor Zack met his death in a gloriously plucky manner, as he
was one of two (out of the whole régiment) who fell right in the
enemy's trenches ; in fact, from what I can gatlier, he was the first to
reach them of our firing line (composed of Seaforth Highlanders,
LE LIVRE D OR I25
Black Watch, Comwalls and Royal Canadians), and he had charged
so far ahead of his comrades that no one saw him fall. In searching
the battlefield for dead and wounded (which we did ail night, with
the enemy constantly sniping at us), we could find no trace of him,
and, as a number were missing, we fondly hoped he would return as
others did the following morning. But, on searching the enemy's
trenches by daylight, we found dear old Zack there. His end must
hâve been painless, as he was shot through the head. I had his
remains buried to-day. . . . He lies with his comrades near the bank
of the Modder River, at the edge of a beautiful grove — one of the
few we hâve seen in this country. AU his comrades share with me the
deepest regrets. His constant good nature, as well as his North-West
Mounted Police expérience, made him one of my most valued and
trusted men."
The Ottawa Citizen says : —
" Many of the older members of Parliament v/ill recognize in the
young soldier, whose gallant death is thus described, the fair-haired
page of the House of Gommons of former years, a gênerai favorite
among the members some ten or twelve years ago. Zachary Lewis
was bom and bred in Ottawa, the son of the late Dr. R. P. Lewis, a
brother of the Archbishop of Ontario. He studied law for some years,
but in 1896 joined the North-West Mounted Police at Regina, N. W.
T., where he was stationed until recently. Having formeriy served for
three years in the Govemor-General's Foot Guards, and being in
Ottawa on leave when the Royal Canadian Régiment was recruited,
Trooper Lewis obtained permission to enlist in D Company, and so it
was his lot to be the first of the North-West Mounted Police to thus
fall in action on Impérial foreign service, a crédit to his country, his
city and his corps."
" Sherbrooke, June 5th, 1900.
" Captain C. K: Fraser, officer commanding E Company first
contingent, has written the following letter to Mr. John Wasdell,
father of Private Wasdell, who was killed at Paardeberg : —
" Bloemfontein, April I4th, 1900.
" My dear Mr. Wasdell,
" I know you hâve been looking anxiously for some particulars
from me of your son's death upon the field of battle.
126 LE LIVRE d'or
•' I cannot tell you how much I sympathize with you in your sad
bereavement. Your son had won the esteem of both officers and men
of his Company, and we ail feel his loss deeply. As captain of his
Company I always found him a faithful and most willing soldier, and
he died doing his duty for his Queen and country. He was wounded
in the attack on Cronje's laager on Tuesday morning, February ayth.
I was with him when he was carried into our trenches and sat with
him for two hours, during which time he was attended by Surgeon-
Major Wilson, and everything possible was done for him. He was
then taken to the New South Wales field hospital, which is recognized
as the best in the army. There he received every care and attention.
He died the following morning (February 28th) and his end was
peacefuJ. He was conscious up to a short time of his death. He was
buried on Wednesday, the 28th, by a Church of England clergyman
in a very pretty spot on the river bank. The grave has been very
nicely fixed up and fenced in by some of his comrades, and a cross
placed at the head.
" His greatest friend in the army was Private Coates, of Montréal,
who was with him when he died.
' ' I hâve several little things that were found in his haversack, some
letters and his service cap, and also hâve his watch and purse con-
taining $4 in gold, which I will take care of. I hâve also got £,2 for
him from a Montréal fund. This money I will keep with his other
things till we return to Canada, as it would almost be impossible to
send them from hère. If there is anytliing that I can do or any further
information that you would like, I would consider it a favour if you
would Write me and let me know.
" With heartfelt sympathy for yourself and family in your sad loss.
" Believe me, yours faithfully,
"C. K. Fraser,
" Captain Com. E Co., R. C. R."
•'In a letter to Lieutenant-Colonel Ponton, of Belleville, Ont.,
Rev. F. C. Powell writes this interesting passage concerning a
Montrealer : —
" On Friday I went to Wynberg Hospital and had some speech
with Captain Peltier, of Montréal, who was with poor and brave
Arnold when he was shot t'uough the head — awfully disfigured,
H. COTÏON,
ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT.
Kilh'd in South Africd,
LE LIVRE D OR
127
they tell me, but he was not killed. As the ambulance bearers were
carrying him ofF the field he was shot again thiough the shoulder.
Peltier and others say the Boers fired continuously on the ambulance.
They could hardly plead excuse of not being able to distinguish the
Red Cross. They are keen enough to pick out and shoot the officers.
One might suppose they might be equally keen in detecting and
leaving alone the men of mercy, who leisurely walk about with no
weapon, never dodging or hiding behind stones, but just quietly
picking up wounded soldiers. Peltier, when night cornes on, lives
through the battle again in his sleep, and thrills the whole hospital
ward with shouts, ' Now Canada, on Canadians ! ' "
HARRY COTTON
ANOÏHER HEKO.
" Harry Cotton, is a son of Lieutenant-Colonel Cotton, of the
Militia Department Office, commanding the Ottawa district. He went
away to South Africa as a member of D Company, first Canadian
contingent. The late Mr. Cotton was about 23 years of âge, and since
1895 h^s been in the service of the Bank of Montréal. He was an
efficient and popular employée. He was quite an athlète, being a
member of the Ottawa Football Club, and of the Ottawa Rowing
Club. In the regatta at Brockville, last year, he was one of Ottawa's
four-oarded crew. In Kingston, where Mr. Cotton had previously
been living, he was also identified with athletics. While stationed in
Montréal he belonged to the Victoria Rifles, and with this corps
gained his military expérience. On going to the front with the first
contingent he was granted a year's leave of absence with full pay by
the Bank of Montréal. He fell gallantly at Thaba N"Chu, on the
ist of May."
"The following letter has been received by Mrs. John McCann
from her son, Private McCann : —
" South Africa, February 27th, 1900.
'* My darling mother,
"I Write you thèse few Unes under great difficulties. I am ail right
at présent. On Sunday niorning we passed through our baptism of
fire, having reached hère after a forced march of 18 miles. On our
arrivai, when we received orders to advance on to the firing line, we
128 LE LIVRE d'or
were given a small drink of rum and a biscuit. I lay in the firing line
from 6 o'clock in the morning till half-past seven at night without
anything to eat or drink. We had to wade across the Modder River
up to our necks in the water. The sun dried us in an hour. In the
afternoon it commenced to rain. It was rather uncomfortable with
rain and bullets dropping around us at the same time. Poor Aleck
McQueen was about fifty feet from me when he fell.
" When darkness came, and it was safe to walk around, Soney
Casey (Private R. P. Dalberg), myself and some of the boys, went
and picked Aleck up. He was not quite dead then, but the doctor
said he could not live long, so we had to leave him till morning,
when we buried him.
" We hâve been fighting off and on since then, but not so near the
enemy. I wculd write more, but hâve no paper. This morning paper
was served out. The man was lucky who got any.
"I am writing this letter about a mile from Sunday's battlefield,
on top of a kopje. We are novv l6 miles east of Kimberley, through
where our mails will pass, and expect another big battle pretty soon.
Good-bye, dear mother and father, for the présent.
" Your loving son,
" Soney."
THEY ALL LIRE O'LEARY
" A letter received from Private James Herrick, a Londoner witli
the first contingent, written under date Bloemfontein, March l6tb,
says he is in good health, and continues : —
" They say the Canadians are devils to fight. I tell them that is
what we came for, to go to the front and hold up the Maple Leaf
fore ver, and I think we did our part. We hâve a chaplain with us
named O'Leary. He is a Roman Catholic priest, and he is a grand
old man, and every man on the field likes him. He was right in the
field ail day of the fight. He was better than a doctor to some of the
men. He is an old man. You would pity him if you could see him at
night, when we go into camp, covered with dust from head to foot.
We are now at Bloemfontein. I hope this is the last of the war. We
hâve had our share of the fighting. We lost three men from London,
Smith is the only one T knew : White, of Windsor, and Donegan.
LE LIVRE D OR
129
They were killed in the charge. We got 4,180 prisoners in Cronje's
outfit. I guess he found it out, for we were getting too close to him."
" Well, at last we bave been in it, and through it, and, though our
baptism of fire was a costly one, willingly would we go through it
at'ain. Canada may well be proud of her noble boys. It is true that
many a once happy home is now in mourning since the fatal l8th day
of February, but the deep sorrow that has entered into the hearts of
the loved ones faraway will undoubtedly be tempered by the consoling
assurance that ail hâve done their duty ; ail, everyone. So say the
brave Cordons, the famous Black Watch, the Argyles, the Seaforths,
the sturdy Cornwalls ; so say they ail.
"And, oh! that wild, mad charge against an invisible enemy.
Never shall I forget it, nor shall I attempt to describe it, at least, for
the présent. Hell let loose would give but a faint idea of it. On, on
we rushed through a bail of bullets, the air alive again with deadly
missiles. On we rushed madly, wildly, tearing through brambles,
stumbling over prostrate comrades, eager in the delirium of bloodshed
and destruction which had seized on us ail to reach the enemy's
trenches. And above the din of the battle, oh ! that wild, soul-stirring
cheer, or rather that savage yell. Like tigers, our brave boys bounded
over the open, but it was not to be. Darkness closed on us 'ère the
position was carried and the day won. Darkness settled down on that
well-fought field, mercifully casting a veil over its horrors.
SeARCH for THE DEAD.
'•Thenbegan the search for the dead and wounded. In the total
darkness, for the least light drew the enemy's fire, we groped over
the ground everywhere, our hands steeped in blood. From ail direc-
tions faint moans, coupled with pitiful pleadings for vvater, reached
our ears. Accidentally, one would stumble over a friend. Then what
a pathetic scène would take place — a message for home — ' Tell
mother, etc., etc.,' or, perhaps, 'don't leave me ; it won't be long.'
"The moon rose over the weird scène, and shed its peaceful rays
on many an uptumed face, many of them calm and placid in death.
That night myself and a few devoted fellows remained until late on
the fatal field, exploring every nook and corner, for the wounded,
oftener meeting with the mangled dead, until at last our strength gave
out, and, reaching our lines we threw ourselves on the hard ground,
130 LE LIVRE D OR
seeking rest and forgetfulness in sleep. So did most of the survivors.
Hardly a word was exchanged, for ail were exhausted, what with a
forced march of twenty miles the preceding night, and the trying
ordeal of that long day,
"Monday morning we gathered our dead together, and buried
them, side by side, eighteen in ail, in one broad grave, whilst I
performed the sad but consoling duty of committing them to the care
of God's angels, when we would be far aw ay from this fateful land.
May they rest in peace ; noble, brave boys !
" I must draw this letter to a close. I feel sick at heart when I
recall to mind the scènes of blood I hâve witnessed, and the stirring
events I hâve gone through.
" P. M. O'Leary."
*' Ottawa, April 2oth, 1900.
"Chaplain O'Leary, of the first contingent, writes his brother,
James L. O'Leary, of the Post Office Department, from Bloem-
fontein : —
"One particular incident may interest you. In Sunday's battle
(Paardeberg), when the enemy's fire was most furious, we had taken
shelter in open as best we could, until a lull in firing would allow us
to rush forward. Behind an ant hill, I lay prone, sharing the tiny
shelter with one of the Black Watch. Finding that there was not
room for two, I decided on making a dash for a little mound some
fifty yards forward. As I raised myself on my hands and knees,
preparatory to a dash, I remembar him calling ont, ' My God, sir,
take care. God speed you.' Just then a volley was directed at us, too
late for me, but alas for him. Next morning at early dawn I found
him behind our friendly ant hill just as I had left him, but pierced
through heart and body with bullets that perhaps had been intended
for me. Do you know that a feeling of guilt came over me as I gazed
on my poor companion an hour, but still, had I remained a minute
longer this letter would never hâve been written.
"Another trying moment was when in the early hours we were
laying almost within touch of a laager. Oh, how that hell-fire mowed
down everything around us, but we held dur ground and when day
broke, the Boers hoisted the white flag and surrendered, the best
tribute ever given to Canadian worth and Canadian bravery. While
every one of the other régiments is loud in our praise, we can well
afford to be proud of our brave boys. They are indeed worthy of it."
LE LIVRE d'or I31
"For the gratification of ail those who kindly and generously
donated gifts in the way of religious articles for the wounded and sick
' Tommies ' in South Africa, we are pleased to publish the following
letter from Rev. Father O'Leary, chaplain 2nd. Battalion, Royal
Canadians : —
" Wyneberg, July 2nd, 1900.
*' My dear Miss Van Felson,
*' Your welcome letter and ever so welcome parcel onlyreached me
a few days ago, no one is to blâme for delay. The mail service is
quite demoralized of late. Needless to say how overjoyed the dear
boys in hospital hère were to recel ve the precious gifts you procured
for them, and they hâve ail commissioned me to thank you in their
name. The Almighty will certainly reward your zealous endeavor.
"I hope to be going up country again, some of thèse days after
recovering from an attack of deadly enteric ; and I shall distribute
the balance of devotional articles along the line in the many hospitals.
"I most decidedly object to your exaggerated appréciations of my
humble efforts to better the lot of our poor fellows. Any other in my
position would hâve donc as much and probably more. My only
regret is that my illness has so long forcibly kept me separated from
them. I love them so much, and they were so thankful for whatever
little attention one might bestow upon them.
•'We are ail heartily glad that the war is drawing to an end, for
that means our return to our dear land in the near future.
" You ask, ' do our dear boys know that they are ever in our
thoughts ? ' Oh ! yes, and should they be tempted to forget it I take
many an opportunity of reminding them of those at home. We hâve
ail been more or less separated, but I shall probably meet them ail
in Pretoria.
"Once more thanking you for your great kindness.
"I remain, yours faithfully,
"P. M. O'Leary."
" The articles were shipped by Elder-Dempster SS. Company,
through the generous kindness of Messrs. R. M. Stocking â^ Co.,
représentative of the Elder-Dempster SS. Co., and graciously for-
warded onward after reaching Cape-Town by His Excellency Sir
Alfred Milner, Governor."
132 LE LIVRE d'or
REV. FATHER O'LEARY
KiND LETTER FROM THE COUNTFSS OF DUDLEY.
"Ottawa, September lyth, 1900.
'• A very kind letter has been addressed by the Countess of Dudley
to Father O'Leary, chaplain to the first Canadian Contingent, in
which she says : —
" I hear that you hâve been invalided home from South Africa and
I venture to write and ask whether you would allow me to hâve the
gieat pleasure of being of any use to you and of offering for your
acceptance the loan of one of the houses mentioned on the list enclosed,
or of apaitments at any of the hôtels in England or abroad, whilst
recruiting your health, I am enabled to make this offer through the
kindness of many persons who wish to help those who hâve fought
and suffered in the war, and who hâve lent their houses so that v^'e
may hâve the great pleasure and privilège of offering them privately
for the acceptance of those officers to whom, with their wives or other
relations, a few weeks' rest and change at small expansé might be
acceptable after ail they hâve undergone."
•' The following.letter has been received by Col.-Sergeant MacNab,
of the 5th Royal Scots, from Private R. Gunn, first contingent : —
" Friday, February 23rd, 1900.
" I am just writing a few Unes to let you know how we are getting
along. I suppose you will hâve heard of the big fight we liad before
this letter reaches you. We arrived at Modder Spruit after a 25 miles
march, leaving Cliff Spruit the night before. We were just one hour
in camp before we were in the thick of the fight. We had time to
hâve a wash in the river and drink a little coffee, and we lived the
rest of the day on one hard tack biscuit and a little water, we had in
our bottles. We got in the fight at seven o'clock. The Boers were
entrenched in strong position along the river. We could not see them
on account of the thick bushes which grow along the water's edge.
We waded the river about a quarter of a mile from the Boer position,
the water reaching up to our shoulders, and the weather being wet,
we chilled for the rest of the day. After we reached the opposite side
we opened out in skirmishing order. A and C Companies were the
LE LIVRE d'or .133
firing line, the Gordon Highlanders also forming a part. B, D and H
Companies the supports, and E, F and G the reserve. We got the
order to advance across a plain, protected only by ant hills. As we
advanced we were met by a shower of bullets and shells from a small
gun the Boers hâve. We call it a ' Pom-Pom.' It made things pretty
lively for us. Our artillery commenced firing, which made it hotter
for them, and we advanced slowly along, making use of the cover we
could get. E Company then got the word to advance again, under
Captain Fraser. No. i section got separated from the rest of the
Company, and we were under Sergeant Allan. We passed the support
and firing line and got within twenty yards of the Boers and laid down
there the rest of the day, as we could not see the enemy. About five
o'clock we got the order to charge. E Company got there first, but
could not get near them, as our men were moved down. No. i section
sufiered most. It was a very sad night for us. We retired after dark
and camped about ten hundred yards from the Boer position. We
slept that night without anything to eat, only a little cofiee we made
ourselves. W'e hâve the Boers surrounded and they can't get away.
There are about ten thousand of them. As we hâve to give our mail
in right away I can't Write any more this time."
"Private Charles Harrison, of 2nd Régiment Canadian Artillery,
was in F Company and was wounded in the wrist at Paardeberg, just
before Cronje surrendered.
" I was near poor Lester when he was killed " said Private Harri-
son, " and helped to bury him and Corporal Goodfellow who was
killed at his side. We had crept up near the Boer laager, supported
by the Gordons, and got right near the enemy's laager when we were
discovered. Three distinct sheets of fire broke forth and we threw
ourselves face downward, but one bullet reached my wrist.
" I was sent to the New South Wales Hospital, where I received
excellent treatment. Later I went to Kimberley, and was well
attended. Lord Methuen visited the hospital and I had a handshake
from him. He sent us pipes and tobacco and other luxuries."
" Private Angus Sutherland, of the Duke of York's Canadian
Hussars, was wounded at the capture of Cronje. He belonged to F
Company, and while charging for the trenches during the night was
st/uck by a bullet which first struck his helmet and afterward ploughed
along his spine. He is as well as ever again, however.
134 LE LIVRE D OR
•' We were in the most dangerous position," said Private Suther-
land, "and had crept up within from thirty to fifty yards of the Boers'
laager, when ail of a sudden some one struck a méat can, and ail at
once three sheets of fire broke forth a few yards in front of us and we
dropped right down on our faces.
" After I was wounded I was taken first to the field hospital, tlien
transported in an ox cart to Modder River, where we entrained for
Wynberg. I spent nine weeks in hospital there and then went to
Green Point, and after passing a couple of médical examinations was
sent to England. I can say nothing but good of tHe médical attend-
ance at the hospitals and the nurses were most kind. The orderlies
were, however, hardly what should hâve been expected, and made off
with a great deal of the property of the wounded men and the curios
they had coUected.
" My stay in England was exceedingly pleasant. Since June 6th I
was at Stockwell and was o\erwhelmed with kindness by everybody
with whom I came in contact."
" Private Percy Thomas, of Montréal Hussars, whois looking haie
and hearty, was wounded at the first Paardeberg engagement on the
mémorable Sunday, February l8th, 1900, when the first Canadian
blood was shed for the defence of the grand old flag in Africa. He
was wounded early in the engagement, the mauzer buUet entering his
right breast and going diagcnsUy right through his lungs. He said to
the Star: 'I felt no pain and did not know just what happened to
me. A slight stinging as the buUet ploughed its way through my flesh
was the only sensation I experienced at the moment, but I immediate-
ly grew weak and fell to the ground. I remained conscious for half
an hour and then knew no more until about ten o'clock that night
when an officer of the Cornwalls shook me, and as I became partially
conscious he told me to wait a few minutes until he called men with a
stretcher. As they removed me to the field hospital the pain was
excruciating, but I soon gotto tlie hospital and had my wound dressed.
My treatment at the différent hospitais was most satisfactory. The
doctors were most attentive to their duties and did remarkably well,
considering the number of men they had to handle during that time."
"The Gordon Highlanders were great friends of ours, but they used
to swear when we led, because the Canadians marched altogether too
LE LIVRE d'or I35
fast to suit them. The other regulars did not like us sg well, but still
we got on fairly well with ail of them.
" Among our officers, those whom the men dote on and would
follow anywhere are Majors Oscar Pelletier and Buchan, Dr. Fiset
and Father O'Leary. Say, I am a Protestant, but I must say that
Father O'Leary is one of the grandest men I ever knew. On February
27th, he marched with the rank and file 24 miles, instead of going back
to the transport. His face and lips were swollen and he seemed about
played out but when we suggested that he should ride in the transport
waggons he just said that what was good enough for the men was
good enough for him. He remained with us through the thickest of
the bullets and was kind to ail alike, aftording them religious conso-
lation irrespective of creed. There is not a man in the régiment who
would not do anything in his power for Father O'Leary.
" We had a hard time at Paardeberg. The march there was simply
terrible. Colonel Otter is a brave and a good fighter, but he need not
be so hard on his men in the field. In camp he is ail right, but when
we got started he almost killed his men on the march and we had
hardly anything to eat ail that time.
" Poor Lester was killed by an explosive bullet. It went into his
mouth and blew the top of his head. Corporal Goodfellow was shot
through the heart and before piercing his heart the deadly steel had
gone through a Bible in his pocket, on the fly leaf of which was the
inscription 'To Papa, from Muriel.' Poor Barry was some distance
away. I helped to bury them ail."
THE LATE PRIVATE FLOYD
" London, Ont., July l8th, 1900.
" On Sunday aftemoon at Richmond Street Methodist Church, in
connection -with the Sunday School exercises, a photo of the late
Private George Floyd, appropriately mounted, was hung upon the
wall of the school, the following inscription being engrossed beneath :
— • In memory of Private George Floyd, in boyhood a member of
this Sabbath School, killed in action at the batlle of Zand River,
May loth, 1900. He died nobly fighting for the Empire. Duke et
décorum est pro patria mori.' At the evening service a mémorial
sermon was preached by Rev. John Morrison, the subject being
national and individual responsibility. The choir rendered appropriate
136 LE LIVRE d'or
music, and a detachment from Wolseley Barracks representing the
Royal Canadian Rifles was in attendance. The pulpit and altar weie
tastily decorated with a large Canadian red ensign kindly sent for the
occasion by Major J. W. Little. The congrégation was large."
"Corporal John Wandlass, one of the Frederiction boys who left
Canada in March as one of the hundred recruits sent out on the
transport Monterey to Africa, to replace casualties in Canadian
régiment, writes as foUows of the Montréal boys on board : —
"We hâve a very fine class of men on board. In our company a
great many of the non-commissioned officers and privâtes are from the
best familles in Canada. There is one fellow from Montréal hère by
the name of Barry ; you may hâve seen his picture in the Montréal
Star, îlis brother was killed in the battle of Paardeberg and he
offered to take his place and pay his own expenses. He was offered
the first vacancy in the Strathcona Horse, but he is attached to our
mess and will likely remain with us."
"Toronto, May ist, 1900.
"'The Globe\^z.% the following from Van Wyk's Vlei, Cape Colony,
April 4th, \àa London, April 30th : —
"The first death in the Second Canadian Contingent occurred
to-day. Private Bradley (Ottawa) had ridden his horse to the river in
order that the animal might drink. The horse suddenly threw him,
and he sank into a deep hole. Bradley could not swim. Private
Walters, of Ottawa, and a dozen others, jumped into the water to
rescue him, and one of the number, Private Firns, a West Australian,
brought him to the surface. Lieutenant Morrison threw a rope to the
pair, who were then pulled ashore.
" Bradley was unconscious, but after prolongea effort, Dr. Stewart
and Hospital Sergeant Whitton succeeded in restoring animation.
The mud had, however, so injnred his lungs that pneumonia set in
and he died the same night. The body was buried hère with military
honors.
" Fearful rains, almost impassable roads, and a threatened shortage
of provisions and forage are characterising the march. Thèse hardships
are beginning to tell. We left nineteen men in the hospital at Camar-
von, and another hospital has been established hère.
LE LIVRE D OR 137
" Private Hopkins, of D Battery, accidentally discharged his re-
volver, the bullet taking effect in his knee. The wound is not serious."
"Quartermaster-Sergeant Robert Hunt, of the Canadian Mounted
Rifles, whose death is reported from South Africa, is none other
than Sergeant-Instructor B. Hunt, of A Squadron, ist Battalion
Canadian Mounted Rifles, as squadron quartermaster-sergeant, was
stationed at Stanley's Barracks, Toronto. ' Bamey, ' as he was
familiarly known, was an old Québec boy, aged about 30 years,
and from 17 years of âge was attached to the cavalry school in
this city under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel TumbuU, later
known as the Royal Canadian Dragoons, joining as a trumpeter
and rising to the second highest rank among non-commissioned
officers. He was well and favorably known not alone in nailitary but
civilian life hère, and Canada could boast of no braver soldier tban
the deceased, who was always ready at the call of duty and was one
of the first to volunteer for service in South Africa. The news of his
death will consequently be received with much regret by his numerous
friends. His only living sister is Mrs. H. M. Bartlett, wife of the chief
inspector of the Québec District Railway, while he leaves a wife with
four chiidren, the youngest born since he left for South Africa, to
mourn his loss. They are still residing at Toronto. Mrs. Hunt was
formerly a Miss Couillard, of L'Islet, and has been marrièd for some
ten years. It has been known in this city for some time that deceased
was sufîering from enteric fever at Kroonstad, to which he evidently
fînally succumbed, although full particulars are not yet to hand."
" Corporal W. F. Fowle, of A Company, Royal Canadian Régi-
ment, in a letter to a friend in Winnipeg, dated Paardeberg Drift,
February 24th, says : —
"Our poor Captain Arnold was shot down in the middle of the
fight and three men were wounded in carrying him off the field. He
was hit in the head and arm, and was unconscious soon after until he
died this moming. Poor fellow, he fully believed he would ne ver go
back and acted rather nervously at times, although in the fight he
showed great pluck. In fact, you could almost say he was foolhardy,
as he certainly exposed himself unnecessarily. He marched by me the
previous night and chatted about Winnipeg and the çoth among
other things."
138 LE LIVRE D'OR
BRIDE TO BE IS DEAD
*' Hamilton, April 2oth, 1900.
" For Private J. H. Sutton, of this city, who was wounded in South
Africa, and who is among those Canadians who recently arrived in
London, there will be a sad home-coming. The following message
was received from him in this city on Thursday : —
"To Miss A. Daniels, Cannon street west, Hamilton, Canada.
"London, April igth, 1900.
" London Daily Mail forwards following received by its relief
corps. Arrived in London safe. Tell my father.
"J. H. Sutton."
"The messenger boy stopped at 162 Cannon street west and
delivered the message. Miss Daniels did not get it. She was buried
yesterday afternoon in Hamilton Cemetery. The war, Creator of
thousands of heart-breakings, had created just another.
Waited and Hoped.
"When months ago Hamilton's young men of the First Contingent
said good-bye, there was one at the station whose handkerchief
fluttered till the train had rounded the curve, and a parting answer
from the rear of the car told that Private J. H. Sutton, of C Company,
First Canadian Contingent, and Miss A. RL Daniels, would wait and
hope. They wrote often. They both thought of a happy future. She
sent her photograph, and he took it and put in under his dirty khaki
uniform and looked at it often.
"The enemy shot him in the arm. She heard of it, but she still
hoped on. He went to the hospital with fever and sunstroke, and she
still kept hoping. She heard that he was recovering, that he would be
sent home. About two weeks ago she look sick. The doctor said that
it was measles. She rallied soon, and then pneumonia came. They
told her that she could not live, and she wrote a letter to South
Africa. As long as she could hold the pen she wrote. It fell from her
hand, and a sister completed the letter. The funeral took place
yesterday afternoon, and Rev. G. K. B. Adams, of the Gore Street
Church, where she was a member, officiated.
LE LIVRE d'or 139
HiS LAST LETTER.
" Shortly after her spirit had gone a letter came, bearing the post
mark South Africa. It reads thus : —
"Mavch lyth, 1900.
" Dear Bert,
"Just a few lines to let you know that I got your letter, dated
January I4th. I was so glad to hear from you, and hope that you are
in good health. As for me, I am in the hospital with a sunstroke,
fever, and a wound in my arm. But I will soon be ail right. You
asked me if I had received ail your letters. Yes, I hâve received them
up to the date January I4th, and also your photo. Now I hear that
you are fretting about me. But you must not, for my sake, for I will
soon be ail right again. I am not going to the front again, and I hope
that the war will soon be over. I will hâve to wTite a short note, as it
is hard for me to write much, as I am not allowed to get out of bed,
and hâve to write this the best w^ay I can. Bye-bye for the présent.
" I remain, yours ever true,
"Private J, h. Sutton,
" C Company, R. C. R.
*' God be with you till me meet again. — Jack,"
PRIVATE LARUE'S LAST LETTER
"The last mail from Africa brought a letter to Dr. Léonidas LaRue
from his son Lucien. It was dated from Wynburg Hospital, June 7th,
and, as he died of his wounds received at the battle of Paaideberg,
June 24th, is probably the last letter written by him. It is as foUows : —
" My very dear father,
"Hère I am since yesterday morning at Wynburg Hospital, about
12 miles south-east of Cape-Town. The doctors seeing that I could
not gain strength at Norval's Pont decided to remove me hère until I
could take the first hospital ship sailing for Southampton ; they say
that the rapid healing of my wound is the cause of this rheumatism
that has been troubling me for nearly two months, and that as soon
as I am at sea I shall feel a perceptible improvement. Ail my com-
rades who were wounded like me at Paardeberg and returned to the
140 LE LIVRE D OR
régiment after being cured, hâve been obliged to come back to the
hospital after the first march, suffering from poisoning of the blood,
or inflammation of their wounds.
" The war draws to its close; enthusiasm is at its height. Lord
Roberts has made his triumphal entryinto Johannesburg and Pretoria,
with my régiment, 350 strong, the second Canadian régiment, and the
Guards. Kruger, with his staff and troops, has withdrawn into the
mountains north of Pretoria. I expect to leave Cape-Town in a week
en route for Southampton — Netley Hospital. In case I get well
during the passage I may, when I get to Netley, obtain a three weeks'
leave of absence, vi^hich would allovv me to push a point to Paris and
visit the exposition.
" I hâve been without news from home for two months, the régi-
ment, I am sure, not knowing where to find me.
"My régiment will probably embark for Englandina fortnight,
and the city of London is preparing a grand réception for us.
"Do not fret yourself about my illness ; I do not think I shall
suffer from it long.
"The régiment will take me up in England and I think the first
fortnight in August will see me in Québec in the midst of ail the
family.
"Well, my dear father, regards and kind wishes to ail the family ;
a thousand kisses for my brothers and sisters, the largest part for you.
" A bientôt,
" Your affectionate son,
" Lucien.
"This letter, so fuU of cheerfulness and bright visions of the future,
is very affecting in view of the death of the brave young soldier a little
more than a fortnight after, and will intensify the universal feeling of
sympathy with the bereaved father and family."
MILITARY JOTTINGS
" A letter has been received by his friendsfrom Private Jos. Hudon,
from Québec, who was wounded at the battle of Paardeberg, and under
orders to proceed to Netley. Owing to the disaster to the Mexican,
the ship on which he was to sail was ordered to take out the mails and
LE LIVRE d'or I4I
passen^ers, and was consequently unable to find room for the whole
batch of invalids, some of whom were sent to Green Point Camp near
Cape-Town, and others to No. 3 General Hospital, Rondebosch, from
which the letter is dated. Hère, the colonel of the R. A. médical
corps, commanding the hospital, hearing that he was good at clerking,
sent for him and gave him a job on the staff office, which brought
him 22 cents a day extra, and required light work. Private Hudon
writes that he is sorry that he will not see his friends as soon as they
expected, but comforts himself with the thought that he may obtain
leave to go to the front later on, which is what he is looking for,
because although he has won two bars on his medal he would like to
win the bar for any gênerai engagement fought around or on the way
to Pretoria, and although ail the doctors he has yet seen hâve marked
him as unfit for further active ser'/ice he still has hopes to obtain his
request later on. On Easter Sunday he had a visit from young Drum
and Montizambert, who had just arrived from Canada in the draft to
replace the casualties, and they had a great time of it the next day,
which was a holiday in the office. He says, ' Speaking of our charge
at Paardeberg, the Boer papers call us 'the little Canucks,' * flying
devils,' and there is a bounty of ten shillings ofifered by Président
Steyn, of the O. F. S. for each Canadian caught dead or alive. So I
think we are somebody after ail.' He concludes by saying that he is
cheerful and well, and hopes to be back in September."
WAS REPORTED KILLED
"After a graphie description of the battle of Modder River on
February i8th, Private Johnson, son of Dr. Johnson, member for
"West Lambton, relates the incidents intervening between it and the
next battle, the final stand of Cronje at Paardeberg.
" * On leaving the battlefield as I was going in I heard somegroaning
and searched for the place from whence the sound came, found a
Seaforth, badly wounded. Fortunately I had put the mm with which
we were served before the battle in my water bottle and had about
half of it left. I raised him up and gave him a drink of it and the way
in which it revived him was wonderful. Helping him along a short
distance we met a stretcher on which he was put and carried in, but I
shall not forget his inexpressible gratitude to me.'
"Private Johnson continues ; — ' On the 26th, about noon we went
142 LE LIVRE d'or
into the trenches for what was to be for forty-eight hours. We were
net in very long before we were told that the régiment was to rush
the Boer trenches during the next night, so we were ail on the ' qui
vive.' On the morning of the 27th we were wakened at 2 a. m. and
B Company was to be prepared to support C, D and G in the rush
(B Company had suffered severely in the first fight on the i8th), the
Cordons and Cornwalls to support the whole régiment. Our men left
the trenches and stealing forward got to within about fifty yards of
the Boers when a tremendous fire was poured into them. The men, in
the meantime, had made trenches and were able to hold their ground
though the gain was won at a fearful cost, about 14 killed and 24
wounded. To make matters worse the crossfire of the Shropshires
hampered us and in addition to this the Cordons who had manned the
trenches were waiting with bayonets fixed as supports. When the
order to retire was given two of our men clambering into the trenches
fell on the Cordons' bayonets, both receiving severe flesh wounds, but
fortunately neither of them fatal. Great was our surprise in the
morning, the anniversary of Majuba Hill, to see the entire Boer force
surrender, Cronje, their leader, with them. We were among the
escorts."
SAW CRONJE TAKEN
SOME INTERESTING DETAILS FROM VICTORIA BOYS WHO WERE IS
THE BATTLE.
' ' The following is an extract from a letter received by W. W.
Northcott, Victoria, B. C, city assessor, from his son, Sergeant
Joseph Northcott, at Paardeberg Drift, under date of March 2nd : —
♦ ' We are now camped till next Thursday about the battlefield. We
hâve had a glorious victory over the enemy, although it cost us pretty
heavy, about 140 killed and wounded. The Boers, however, hâve lost
t'Jvice that number. They look like a fine lot of men, although they
are very dirty, but I don't think we hâve much to brag about in that
respect jujt at présent, for we hâve not had much time lately to be
anything else.
" It was the Canadians who made the Boers give in, for our fire
was something terrible. We started the fight about 2 in the morning
and the enemy gave it up at 6 a. m. Lord Roberts made a speech to
LE LIVRE DOR I43
the régiment, but our company was across the river, so we did not
hear it. I had 25 men with me in the upper trenches, comprising
some of our best shots, and when Lord Roberts came our way with
his staff he asked who we were. I told him, and then he asked me my
name. He then stated we had donc noble work, and were as good a
lot of men as were in the British army.
"I saw General Cronje taken prisoner, accompanied by his wife
and two daughters. They were started for Cape-Town with an escort
of 100 mounted men. I had a conversation with one of the Boers,
and he said they were tired of it, and wanted to quit ; but that
General Cronje would not let them. We captured a great amount of
ammunition and arms, including ' pumpums.' This is a terrible gun,
and shoots a bullet of about a pound, but our naval gunners knocked
it out almost in the first round.
" We hâve been under fire every day from the iSth of February up
to the 27th, but I am pleased to say A Company has not lost any
men since the i8th. I am sending y ou a sketch of the battlefield, and
where the troops were situated ; also the Boers' laager, as it was on
the i8th instant and on the 2'jth instant.
"Where we are going next we don't know. Some say Kimberley
and some to Bloemfontein. I hâve not had a paper from Victoria
since December la st. I am keeping in good health and spirits."
" Private Finch- Smiles, of Victoria, has written to a friend from
Orange River Hospital, in which he scores those Britishers who
admire the Boers, saying that the latter potted the stretcher-bearers,
used explosive bullets and fired into the hospital.
" This is just to let you know," he writes, "that I am still on top
of the earth, though not quite as lively as perhaps I might be, and
not able to do more than pen a few Unes, as I get extremely tired.
We had a very exciting day last Sunday week, and I got my dose
early in the day, and so had leisure to reflect upon many things
pertaining to the brevity of human existence on this sad earth — also
many other thoughts of a philosophical character.
" My wound is healing up nicely, and I hope to be able to rejoin
the régiment in three or four weeks' time. We hâve been set nearly
crazy over the good news that begins to roU in now, and if things
continue as now I fear the campaign will be over before I am in
condition to rejoin. Well, we shall see."
144 LE LIVRE D OR
BAUGH BOYS WRITE HOME
•'Corporal George Baugh, of the R. C. A., received two leicerb
from his boys in South Africa on Friday, from Corporal R. Baugh, of
the Maxim gun section, and Private E. Baugh, known among his
comrades as ' Boss.' The latter was hit but twice, not three times, as
already published. The first bullet stnick him in the back and came
out at the leg, leaving two holes, which his brother took to be two
distinct wounds, and with the one in the foot thought he had been
wounded three times.
" "Writing from De Aar under date of February 27th, of the Paar-
deberg battle, Private Baugh says : —
" You should hâve seen the field after the battle. It was the worst
sight I ever saw. The dead were piled on top of one another and the
wounded were crying for help. The Boers were firing just the same.
They did not stop night or day. We fought ail the day from 6 in the
morning till 6.30 at night, and then we made a charge on them, and
you should see the men falling. I got hit in the side first, but I did
not stop. I went on till we got within a hundred yards of them.
Then we had to lie down. We could go no doser and stopped there
for a while. Then they must hâve seen us coming, for they hit me in
the foot, but they did not shift me. I stopped there till it was ail over,
and then we were brought into camp, and had to sleep on the rocks
with nothing to eat till the next day, I hope I will get another chance
at the Boers soon for I would like to hit some of them to pay them
back for the twice they hit me. I only hit six or seven of them that
day, but that is not enough. War is not as easy a thing as they say.
We had two hard tack biscuits for two days with one bottle of water
and had to fight for more water and to lose fourteen men before we
got it ; but we got it ail the same. We lost about 20 killed and 75
wounded. Poor Corporal Power is wounded in the breast, but I think
he will be ail rightagain."
BELLEVILLE MAN WINS WATCH
For being the first to put a flag over the gaoi. at Pretoria.
" Belleville, August 27th, 1900.
" When the first contingent went to South Africa Mrs. Fred. Ling-
ham, of this city, gave a silken Union Jack into the keeping of
LE LIVRE d'or 145
Lieutenant Glencoe Hulme, of the Fifteenth A. L. I., promising to
présent the best gold watch in Canada to the man of the Belleville
squad who raised that flag over Pretoria gaol. Lieutenant Hulme
enlisted as a private in D Company, and has since been promoted to
sergeant.
"Colonel Ponton on Sunday received a cablegram from Pretoria
which announced that Sergeant Hulme had himself put up the flag on
the gaol. Sergeant Hulme's father is City Surveyor and assessor of
this city, and is receiving many congratulations to-day over his son's
success."
KIND TO THE CANADIANS
*' Private E. T. Austen, of Belleville (now in the Canadian Mounted
Rifles), tells this incident in a letter from Cape-Town : —
" A young lady came down to our camp the other day and they
were ail out on drill and I was left on guard. She wanted to see the
Canadians. I told her to corne the next day about 4 o'clock, and she
came with her mother, and they asked a Mr. Jackson, of Toronto,
and myself, up to their house, and we went up and hâve been up
twice. They are coming down to-morrow to get a pass for us to go up
to tea. They are such nice people and they live in a lovely house.
They brought us down a basket of grapes and some candies and
books. I hâve seen some of the Canadians who were up at the front,
that are wounded, and they don't seem to mind being at the front
very much."
HOW WALTER WHITE DIED
"Windsor boys write home telling of their friend's sad death.
" Messrs. Northwood and Boers, Windsor, are in receipt of letters
from their sons in South Africa, both dated from Bloemfontein.
Northwood mentions briefly the attack on the trenches at Paardeberg
and the surrender of Cronje next day, then the movement of the
Windsor boys to Bloemfontein. He touches most feelingly on the
death of his intimate friend, Walter White, who, he says was killed
while on an errand of mercy. He had moved from cover to give a
drink to a wounded Highlander when he fell. 'Words,' said the
writer ' cannot describe my feelings when I saw his face covered with
146 LE LIVRE d'or
the blood he had so nobly shed for his country, I know it will be
some consolation for his mother to know that her boy died such a
noble death.'
" From the surrender of Cronje to the writing of the letter the
contingent had been marching and fighting every day, vvhile living on
half rations. At Bloemfontein, however, a few luxuries and necessaries
were obtained.
" Boers' letter contains a very interesting item of news not before
conveyed in the letters from the boys. He says that three or four days
after the surrender of Cronje, the Canadians and Highland Brigade
were dispatched to dislodge some Boers who had occupied a kopje
ten miles off. The Boers did not await the onset, but retired hastily,
after some cannonade, leaving two of their best Krupps. In ail that
day the troops detailed for this work manoeuvred over a distance of
20 miles.
"The march to Bloemfontein, 67 miles, took four days, and ail
were much fatigued."
STORIES OF CANADIANS NEW AT THE FRONT
Shot — didn'ï feel it.
"One of the Canadian wounded, Private Angus McAuley, writing
from Winberg Hospital, March 4th, says of the last fight : —
" Ail we had that morning was a drink of rum, went into the field
at 8 a. m., and surrounded Cronje and his force, Then the bu lets
began to whiz. "We crept for about a mile to get into the firing line,
then sent volleys into the laager. You should hâve heard the women
screaming. Of course the Boers takea lot of women along with them.
They had no doctors with them, so they threw the wounded into the
river. They hoisted the white flag a good many times and started to
dig trenches at the same time, so Lord Roberts ordered the guns not
to cease fire for the flag. It was then 4.45 and the Cornwalls were
advancing. As they came up the word went along our lines to fix
bayonets and charge, We ail went and I had only run about 50 yards
when down I came, with dozens falling around me. I didn't feel the
bullet going through. My leg just felt like a log. I stepped on it and
down I fell, I lay there till dark when I was carried in, It took till 4
the next morning to get to the hospital. About 8 a, m, my leg was
dressed."
LE LIVRE D OR
M7
" Private R. R. Thompson, of the First Canadians, writing to an
Ottawa friend from the convalescent camp at Norval's Pont, on
June I5th, says : —
' ' Ottawa has contributed nobly to Canada's share of honor in the
war. Of the 58 boys that left Ottawa on the 23rd October last, 25
hâve been killed or wounded. Certainly she has suffered very heavily.
Our régiment has suffered severely, both from casualties and disease,
ofthe 1,200 who were left, only about 200 now remain at the front
with the régiment.
" We hâve lost about 170 killed and wounded and the rest are
lying in hospitals or convalescent camps, suffering from enteric fever,
malaria, rheumatism or sunstroke."
BOYS ARE WELL TREATED
"Mr. Real Huot writes as follows to his brother in Montréal, from
Cape-Town, under date of February 27th : —
•' Dear Alphonse,
" I Write you a few words to tell you that I am well and in good
health. People hère are very good to us, and I never ate so much
fruit as I did this winter. My officers are good to me, so are the rest
of the boys. Yesterday they made us put a paper in our valises with
the names of our nearest relatives, to whom we would like to hâve
news sent if we died on the field. I put your name and I gave your
address. If I am fortunate enough to go back to Canada again I will
hâve lots to tell you.
" We leave hère to-morrow for Kimberley, about 700 miles from
hère. As you see, we are ail disposed to die for our Queen. This
country is very nice, but it's very warm. I would like to give you a
more complète letttr, but you understand that I hâve no place and no
time. Letters take a month to reach hère, so before you get this letter
and answer back it will be two months at least. I see about 3,000 to
4,000 soldiers daily from ail nationalities, and it is a nice sight. But
a war like this isn't a play, I tell you. I suppose that when I receive
your answer our fighting will be over.
" Yours,
" REAL Huot,"
148 LE LIVRE d'or
THEN THE CHARGE CAME
"Mr. W. C. Caldwell, M. P. P., of Lanark, Ont., has a letter
from his son, Lieutenant Caldwell, who is in Wynberg Hospital,
which tells of the charge. He says : —
" Then the charge came, and the fire was awful. I can't see how
so few were hit. It is simply a wonder to me that the régiment wasn't
wiped eut to a man. I wasn't in the charging line, and I am very
thankfiil I wasn't. The men dropped right and left, and the régiment
on our right lost men in bunches. Darkness came on, and how
thankful we were for it — tired, hungry and thirsty, only the excite-
ment keeping many of us up. Then came the wounded — it was
awful. The dead were left on the field and buried next day, Monday.
The camp that night was a thing to be remembered. Only a few of
the blankets had come over, and one blanket to four men was the
allowance. I got hold of a bag, and Armstrong (an old R. M. C.
Cadet) and I got our legs into it, with the blanket around us, and
crept under a tar^aulin, thankful that we were safe and sound."
HOWELL'S BRAVE DEED
He has been recommended for the Victoria Cross.
" Brantford, Ont., November 30th.
"The Exfositorhz.s received a letter from Captain J. S. Kingston,
of the Impérial Light Horse, who is a Brantford boy, reporting that
Reginald Howell, another Brantford lad, who enlisted in the South
African Light Horse, distinguished himself at the Tugela River by
swimming across to capture a ferry and also saving the life of a
comrade who had become exhausted. Howell has received the Humane
Society's medal and has been recommended for the Victoria Cross.
The young Canadian was personally thanked by General Buller and
Lord Roberts."
" Galt, April 2oth, 1900.
"Alex. McLean of Galt, who was at Paardeberg, writes home as
foUows : —
"From Paardeberg to Bloemfontein Lord Roberts and staff were
with us. Major Denison of London, Ont., is one of the field marshal's
staff officers.
LE LIVRE D OR I49
" We hâve had some veryhard times fightingby day and marching
by night, often on half empty stomachs for hours, so that what with
fatigue and the climate it is no wonder that some of our boys hâve
succumbed to fever, etc. It only goes to show the wisdom of the
authorities in rejecting unlikely or weakly fellows. The boys from
Brant, Oxford and Waterloo Counties are ail right. We can hold our
own with the cream of the best. Many of us hâve blistered feet and
hâve not doffed our clothes, except for a swim, for the past five or six
weeks, and more often sleep under the canopy of heaven than under
any other cover, ail of which is trying to one's constitution.
" There are nearly 50,000 troops hère. We are camped on the east
of the town, which is being strongly fortified. We hâve beenpromised
that the colonials will march with the rest of the troops towards
Pretoria, 300 miles distant. We ail hope so. AU our men are in fettle
and are longing for the word from Bobs 'forward.' "
SEAMY SIDE OF WAR
" Private W. J. Raymond, of St. John, X. B., writes : —
" People can shout ail they wish about the ' glory of war,' tut to
me there is only one side to it, and that is the 'seamyside.' At
Paardeberg that morning, after the Boers gave in, we slipped from
behind the line of entrenchments we had so quickly built, and
approached the Boer laager and fortifications to accept their surrender
and take their arms. On the way there I first discovered Fred.
Withers, who lay dead upon the ground. I had up to that moment
thought him alive, and you can picture the shock it was to find him
— dead. It was terrible. It was difficult at first glance to know just
who it was, but after we had looked at him doser it was easy to
know the truth. He was lying on his back and had undoubtedly died
instantly. We placed his helmet over his face and left him. A distance
to the right a couple more bodies lay. We approached and knew that
poor little Joe Johnston and Sergeant Scott would never voyage back
to Canada again. I will not try to tell you anything about it, but
covering them over as best we could, we walked away. On ahead
and nearer the Boer trenches three more silent khaki-clad forms lay
scattered on the grass, while inside the trench a Boer also lay dead.
Later in the morning a burying party was formed, and ail of our
régiment who had died were placed in one large grave — seven in ail."'
150 LE LIVRE DOR
FIRST TO FORD MODDER
" Ernest Bovvnes, in a letter to the Fatriot, CharlottetowTi,
says: —
" The Boers were entrenched ail along the Modder River. A rope
was stretched across, and by catching hold of it we kept ourselves
from being carried away by the swift current and got across some way.
At some places the water was up to our shoulders, and several fellows
lost their footing and got in over the head. I tried to be the first
Islander over, but Hedley McKinnon got ahead of me and I came in
a good second. As soon as ail our company were over we went on to
support the other companies, who were already at it. We advanced
in extended order — that is seven paces between each man — until
we came to the brow of a hill over which we had to go and advance
down the slope about 1,000 yards before we came to the Boer
position. It was going down that slope where we lost most men. At
the brow we lay down to get our breath. It was while lying there
that I saw the first man hit. He was a private in H Company, and
was hit in the right arm by a stray bullet, plenty of which were
whistling over our heads in fine style."
'• Lieutenant Joseph Matthews, of Lindsay, tells of the battle in
thèse words : —
" I think from the way they acted under fire for the first time, that
Canada has no need to be ashamed of the régiment. When told to try
an impossible charge of about six or seven hundred yards, against a
hidden enemy, they showed no hésitation whatever, but charged like
men. The Highlanders say that the fire they faced at Dargai and
Magersfontein wasn't a patch to this. Since then we hâve been under
fire more or less ail the time, but I don't think we will be called upon
to repeat Sunday's perfonnauce, as the artillery are doing the work.
We are up nearly every night, and only get about one meal a day, so
we are having liardships in earnest.
" Will liave to close now to get this away. Our régiment is going
to occupy a position on the left to check Boer reinforcements. I hope
you can make this out, but I am afiaid you can't. Remember me to
ail my friends, and tell tliem that I am doing splendid so far."
LE LIVRE D OR 151
SIGHT OF A LIFETIME
•• 'Chebucto,' in the Halifax Herald, says : —
" Before leaving Dreifontein, Lord Roberts passed through us on
horseback, accompanied by his staff. It was the sight of a lifetime,
the small figure of the Field Marshal, beloved by ail, and closely
following him three abreast, the bravest and cleverest men that could
compose a General's retinue. Staff officers, subadars and other native
officers, and the broad rimmed straw hat of a bronzed face of&cer
belonging to the naval brigade.
"This march of II miles was one of the worst we hâve experienced,
and heaps of men fell out. specially amongst the Comwalls and
Shropshires. This stop (Sunday, March lith), was known as Aasvo-
gal Kop (Vulture Peak), and was a very pretty green spot for a camp,
situated between three kopjes. We lay to over night, and the next
moming continued our journey, reaching Venter Vallei, because at
this spot I got in with the black kaffîr camp followers, and paid five
shillings and six pence for three biscuits (hard tack) a small pièce of
méat and a canteen full of hot coffee."
RECRUITING PROGRESSES
«* Private H. S. White, in the St. John, N. B., Sun, says : —
"Meantime recruiting and looting go ahead merrily; the Dutch
résidents willingly accept the honor of ser\-ice in the ranks of the Free
State army — perhaps they do not realize at ail that they are risking
themselves into rebels pure and simple. Steenekamp is there ; the
place has been annexed to the Free State, and they look upon
themselves as burghers fairly and squarely. In this way the villages
and intervening country from Van Wyk's Vlei on the south to Uping-
ton on the north, and from Britstown on the east to Calvinia on the
west, has been placed under the three-colored Republican flag.
Almost every Dutch résident has taken up arms, everything ofany
value has been ' commandered,' and the conséquence is that we hâve
now the prospect of a pretty little 'scrap' with a fairly well equipped
force of something between two and three thousand men, who call
themselves burgher soldiers, and whom we call • rebels.' "
152 LE LIVRE d'or
IN THE COLORED QUARTER
" Private Mellish writes his mother in Charlottetown : —
" Bloemfontein Camp, March I5th, 1900.
"Hère we are at last. We marched hère from Ferrara, oui
legiment being the rear guard. I hâve made a visit to the town,
entering by the colored quarter. I was the object of much notice by
the dusky inhabitants as I passed along on the outskirts. I purchased
ten peaches and five pears for nine pence, and I can assure you I
relished them. As I turned a corner a negro came running down the
Street, pursued by a soldier. The sentries and a great crowd came up
and I passed on. After getting well in the town, on enquiry I found a
hôtel and had a famous dinner. The table was set out with table
napkins and other accessories. I enclose the bill of fare. While at the
hôtel an ex-officer of the Boers and a corporal and two men of the
Manchesters came in wrangling about a Mauser carbine. One of the
men took the rifle from the Boer and then the soldiers told the
corporal to follow them in and take the officer a prisoner for having
arms in his possession. This at once quieted the Boer and he left the
rifle with the corporal."
THE SECOND MIDDLESEX AT SPION KOP
"Private H. Newell, 2nd Middlesex, writirg to his brother at
Richmond, says : —
" 24th January, 1900, will never be forgotten by the Middlesex
Régiment. It is called the day of horrors by the régiment, and Spion
Kop is called the Slaughter Hill, and such it was. English troops
were slain as in a butcher's shop. It was near 18 hours' fighting as
far as I was concerned. Our régiment (Middlesex) fought like lions
the whole day long, with heavy casualties. On my right two men had
their legs blown off ; on my left men had arms and some had their
heads blown off. To-day is the first day that I hâve had my boots off
for about 16 days, and as for sleep, we hâve had none, except with
our eyes open."
LE LIVRE DOR 153
COLOXIALS AT WORK
Business acumen of the Canadian privâtes when not fighting.
"London, April 2ist, 1900.
" A despatch from Bloemfontein, commenting on the improvement
in industrial prospects, which the System is likely to bring about says: —
" An instance of the business acumen of the colonial is the case of
a Canadian private, who has a large interest in a soap business.
During the présent hait he has been pushing his wares with the same
energy as he and his comrades rushed the trenches at Paardeberg."
BRAVE STRETCHER-BEARERS
'* Corporal Cawdron, of Hamilton, after describing the fight, relates
the foUowing incident of the battle : —
'* The Cape Colony Volunteer stretcher-bearers deserve great praise
for the way they worked with our wounded. Too much praise cannot
be given them. One, a corporal, and Dick Thompson, of D Company,
went 100 yards under fire for a poor fellow who was tossing about,
but he died as they lifted him up.
" At 10 o'clock we marched on to the Boer laager and took
possession of it, while prisoners were escorted along the other side of
the river and looked like Coxey's army, some with shawls, overcoats,
umbrellas, etc."
'• Of the congratulatory messages sent Corporal Cawdron says : —
" Sir Wilfrid Laurier's cable was read out in orders to-day, and
Colonel Sherwood's communication to members of the Forty-Third,
and quite a few nice things were said by the Forty-Third as to the
Colonel's thoughtfulness."
«'Writing from the General Hospital at Wynberg, George McCal-
lum writes to his father in Springfield, N. S. Speaking of his wound,
he says : —
"I was under fire for 10 hours before I got hit. The wound is not
much. I was hit on the head by a hard Mauser. It twisted the bullet
154 LE LIVRE d'or
a bit. I hâve the bullet that was taken out of my head. If I had got
a rap on the head at home in a pit like this I would net hâve lost a
day's work with it, but the doctors know it ail. They sent me from
Paardeberg to the hospital at Modder River Station. The Consulting
doctor was afraid of my head, so he sent me to the Island Hospital,
■which is a hôtel made into a hospital, situated on an island between
Modder and Reit Rivers. They kept me there for ten days till I was
fit to travel ; then they sent me hère to Wynberg, which is only seven
miles from Cape-Town ; but I will be back with the régiment in
about a fortnight, as the doctor hère said I would be able to join my
régiment in about three weeks when I first came hère, so that by the
time you get this I will be back at the front again. James Scott was
shot through the fleshy part of the leg, which will lay him up for
about two months."
THE CANADIANS' MAIL SERVICE
" ' Larry ' Johnston, the Winnipeger with the Canadian régiment
in South Africa, as spécial mail service officer, writes : —
" Our own work is heavy owing to the régiments receiving their
back pay and the mails for the Canadians are as large as the other
three régiments combined. Out of 41 bags for the brigade, 21 were
for our régiment. A field post office is attached to each brigade,
consisting generally of four régiments, supply corps and médical
corps. There is also a field post office for the divisional staff, each
division being made up from two or more brigades. A sergeant and
three men of the army P. O. C. are attatched to each F. P. O. I am
attached to the igth Brigade, F. P. O., as sergeant of the Can. P. O.
C, and although I am supposed to work in conjunction with the
other corps, my time is taken up entirely by our own régiment. To
give you an idea of the amount çf business we transacted up to last
Sunday. We had taken in ;^i,30o, and this week has beaten the
record over ;i^700. We sell an enormous amount of stamps, postal
notes (for England only), registered envelopes, letter cards and note
paper and envelopes. Lord Roberts inspected the brigade yesterday,
and paid a visit to our tent, situated between the lines of Canadians
and Gordons. We are exempt from ail duties except com. off. parade,
including church parade."
LE LIVRE D OR 155
CANADIANS' GRAVE
" Halifax, Apiil 23rd, 1900.
" A correspondent describes a visit to the Paardeberg battlefield,
■where the Canadians made themselves famous, a week after Cronje's
surrender. He says : —
" It is terrible to contemplate the storm of shell that must hâve
fallen around thèse trenches when once the British, fighting the wily
marksmen every mile of the way, had completed their manoeuvre and
got ahead of the Boers. The greenish-yellow of the lyddite shells
covers whole patches of ground, whilst shrapnel must hâve been
bursting, without exaggeration, one shell to every dozen yards. How
the Dutch escaped annihilation can only be put down to their skilfuUy-
constructed trenches in the first part of the fighting, and to oui
general's action, when he had got his guns into position, in allowing
them to surrender.
'• One grave is conspicuous in a glade amongst the thom trees. It
is that of six of the brave Canadians who fell when one of the Boer
trenches was rushed. The grave is covered with large stones, and a
cross formed of planks stands at the head, with the inscription : ' In
memory of Corporals Withey and Withers, Privâtes G. Orman, J. M.
Johnson, J. B. Scott, W. A. Riggs, Royal Canadian Régiment, killed
in action, February 27th, 1900.' "
IN A PATRIOT'S GRAVE
"Private L. LaRue, of Québec, who was wounded at Paardeberg
and whose death from enteric fever has now been reported, gave his
life for his country, and for his Queen, just as completely as though
he had been slain in battle. His name is worthy to be enrolled among
the heroes of the nation, for he responded to the call to arms, did a
soldier's duty and met a soldier's fate. We who enjoy the privilèges
and the immunities that are purchased at the price of such young,
ardent and patriotic lives, will prize as a precious héritage the memory
of the men who hâve fought and died for the flag we love so well.
Québec has now given three names to the army ofdead heroes —
Witty, LaRue and McQueen — and though dead, thèse men still live
as an inspiration to noble and patriotic deeds."
156 LE LIVRE d'or
CANADIANS HOISTED FLAG OVER PRETORIA
"Our brigade was first to get into Pretoria, and the Canadians,
being at the head, put up the flag on the Government buildings. The
igth Brigade got the préférence, as they had done most of the fighting
and the hardest work of ail. Permission being asked of Lord Roberts
by General Smith-Dorrien on Tuesday, June 5th, we entered Pretoria,
and next day we went to the other side of the town."
"Fred. T. Anderson."
WAR MADE GOOD BUSINESS FOR CANADA
The war in South Africa has brought terrible loss of life and suflfer-
ing in its traiii and Canada has wept tears of blood, but eut of the
evil good has come. The business of Canada has received a tremen-
dous stimulus and her ability to supply the Impérial authorities with
food stuffs and other war material has opened up a very wide market
for her. The British authorities now know that their wants can be
supplied within the Empire and that they need no longer be at the
mercy of other nationalities. It is interesting to learn that the War
Office has placed heavy orders in Canada for war supplies, to be sent
to China. Waggons, herses, hay, cattle, food, etc., great coats and
other clothing of varions classes " as used in Canada " are required
and very soon to build men-of-war. This, besides being highly
interesting from a commercial standpoint, is significant as being a
straw showing the direction of the wind of British policy.
This can't replace the blood of our braves, but by the sacrifice of
that blood it is the guarantee of a prosperity that is due to our brave
Canadian soldiers.
A CREDIT TO McGILL COLLEGE
" Mr. Alfred E. Burrows, under-graduate in medicine at McGill,
who joined Kitchener's Horse about the middle of August last.
Writing under date of November says : —
" I am writing from what was once the Orange Free State Hôtel,
I was sent back hère after the engagement, in charge of tlie wounded.
I was to rejoin my column as soon as the ambulances arrived, but the
ambulances havc evidently been unable to come, as I hâve had no
LE LIVRE d'or 157
Word since. In the meantime some Boers came and walked off with
my horse, saddle and saddle-bags, containing ail I possessed. We
had six wounded hère, including a Royal Artillery captain who had
his arm shattered. Another man had his mouth and part of his nose
torn away. I had only one orderly to help me.
"The Boers I hâve been speaking to claim that the worst of the
war is not over yet."
'• Later Mr. Burrows writes from Kroonstad under date of Nov-
ember llth : —
" I hope you will be able to read this indistinctly written letter,
which was written by the flickering light of a candie. Since writing
last I hâve rejoined my column. It was read out in orders the day
before I arrived hère that Quartermaster-Sergeant A. E. Burrows, on
account of his médical expérience, had been left at Bothaville in
charge of the wounded, and would remain on the médical stafl on his
return.' I brought ail my patients safely into Kroonstad — not one
death, although ail were seriously wounded."'
KENNEDY'S MANY WOUNDS
"Big Jim Kennedy, of Toronto, was formerly a sergeant in the
Queen's Own Rifles. He now enjoys the distinction of having on his
person eleven marks of Boer ballets, although only six struck and
stick lovingly in some part of his anatomy. There is lots of room for
that bullet, too, for Big Jim. as his eomrades fondly call him, weighs
about 235, whereas he tipped the scales at less than 180 when he left
Québec last October. His right arm was broken in two places, and
one setting has not been completely successful as yet. However,
Private Kennedy does not worry. He has travelled in the north of
Ireland for two months in company with his mother. On his right
arm are seven wounds, the tip of his shoulder is knocked off, while
one bullet went into his back and came out in the thigh, while the
other is located in the leg. ' It was a sniper,' said Big Jim, and he
was up a tree, but he'll never go there any more. He plugged me full
of holes, but something struck him after a while and now he isn't
sniping. It is hard on a fellow, though, not to give him a chance to
return the compliment ; but I am glad to get home just the same. I
158 LE LIVRE d'or
was well treated in the hospitals and the orderlies could not steal
anything, for I had no clothes left but the band of my pants and the
pocket which contained my purse, my watch and my mother's photo.
Ail the rest of my clothes had been shot off by that fellow up the tree
and I rode from Paardeberg to Modder River with no clothes on me.
There some one gave me a suit of pyjamas, and thus attired I reached
Wynberg."
A HALIFAX HERO
"Corporal Charles Hancock, of Halifax, is a great favourite with
the contingent, and not without reason. At times he was the only
assistant that Dr. Fiset could find on the bloodly mission of remo\àng
the dead from the battlefield. Each and every one of the members
engaged at Paardeberg hâve a good word to say of Charlie Hancock,
who helped many of them in their hour of dire need. He himself fell
a victim to the dread enteric, and was forced to give up the fight. It
is pretty hard on a fellow to hâve to tum back and not foUow the
régiment to the end.
•' Sergeant Peppiatt was wounded on the day of the second battle
of Paardeberg, which foUowed by a day the battle of February 2'jth."
EARNED THE VICTORIA
" Fred Ramsay, of Si. John, N. B., has received a most interesting
letter from Private Fred McCain, of the first contingent. It is from
Bloemfontein under date of March 28th. He tells of the action on
February l8th, in which Private McCreary was killed. He writes : —
" We had two killed and two wounded of our company. One of
them (the killed) was from Prince Edward Island and the other from
Kings County. The latter's name was Taylor. He was a nice quiet
boy and a very good living fellow, end McCreary was in our section.
He was a good fellow, too, and if any one earned the V. C, it was
he. He was a stretcher bearer and when any fellows were wounded
and called ont for stretcher bearer, poor Pat was up and away to him,
no matter how thick the bullets were coming. He worked ail day in
the thick of the fight, and, when we were ordered to retire, we thought
he had gone to the hospital with some poor wounded fellow ; but
LE LIVRE d'or I59
■when we went out next morning to see and bury our dead, poor Pat
was there on the field shot in four places, and the Boer doctor had
bound up his wounds. He was alive but unconscious. He died in the
hospital next day."
WELL DONE !
Message from the people of Canada to their Contingents in South
Africa, after Paardeberg and the relief of Mafeking.
Well done, brave sons ! Your every move we've traced :
With eager eyes — through tears — we've scanned the news ;
You are of us, and so we cculd not choose
But stand with you or fall at Fate's behest.
We knew your valeur. In your veins you bear
The chivalry of France — the Briton's pride —
With names like " Daulac "or " Champlain " to guide,
Or *' Brant " or " Brock " to teach you how to dare.
But never did we dream that you might do
Such deeds as late hâve set us wild with joy ;
Such fearless feats — fit boast for fabled Troy —
As give the palm of Paardeberg to you.
We wait, impatient till the war is o'er,
To do you honour on your proud home shore.
George Graham Currie.
Winnipeg, Man. May 24th, 1900.
OUR ROYAL CANADIANS
(B\ J. H. Cowden)
Hurrah for our soldier lads so true ! —
They corne of the good old stock,
Sinews of steel, and sun-tan hue.
Courage as firm as a rock.
l6o LE LIVRE d'or
For they've gone over océan blue —
They've marched over veldt and plain,
Sturdy of will and hearts as true —
Their fathers' fights they'd fight again.
This guiding thought of their line so keen,
It's firing front to vict'ry bore —
♦' To dare and die for the Empire's Queen,
And Canada's famé from shore to shore."
No weakling cravens in trench or pit,
Met the zest of Canadian zeal,
Than Cronje's burghers are none more fit,
Worthy of sternest foemen's steel.
With the flag of Empire in the van —
With Impérial will they faced the foe —
To do whate'er may be dared by man,
For Britain to go where man may go.
In forefront flashed Canadian steel —
Forward the Empire's youngest son !
No hait midway during battle's peal ;
No rest for the brave till duty's done.
They waver not at the fire so drear,
That galls and kills with war's grim spite,
Canada's soldiers spurn each fear —
Their war cry " Britain's Queen — The Right!"
The end — none else might the bravest seek
The stubborn beaten foemen yield,
Their cry for mercy, faint and weak,
Was ne'er to Britons in vain appealed.
* There were 26 killed and 95 woundcd in the battles that preceded Cronje's
surrender at Paardeberg.
LE LIVRE d'or Ibl
And counting our dead — our dying braves,
Victorious sorrovv, mourning weeps,
While she wreathes the laurel o'er their graves,
And the south wind moaning — vigil keeps.
Little they reck of the guerdon won,
Resting in peace, neath Afric's sod —
Their course of duty early run —
Their seuls keep try^t with Mercy's God.
A prayer for our soldier lads so young,
Who fought like the good old stock,
With sinews of steel and nerves well strung.
And courage as firm as a rock.
KIPLING'S LATEST JPOEM
SUNG AT BLOEMFONTEIN IN THE CONXERT ORGAMZED FOR WlDOWS'
AND ORPHANS' FuND.
" Bloemfontein, Thursday, April 2oth, 1900.
" A concert was given last night in aid of theWidows' and Orphans'
Fund organized by the war correspondents. The leaders of the army
were présent, and the feature was Kipling's new poem sung to the
music of ' Auld Lang Syne.' It is as follows : —
We welcome to our hearts to-night
Our kinsmen from afar,
Brothers in an Empire's fight
And comrades of our war.
For Auld Lang Syne, niy lads.
And the fights of Auld Lang Syne !
We drink our cup of fellowship
To the fights of Auld Lang Syne.
The shamrock, thistle, leek and rose,
With heath and wattle twine,
And maple from Canadian snows.
For the sake of Auld Lang Syne.
102 LE LIVRE d'or
For Auld Lang Syne take hands
From London to the Une !
Good luck to those who toiled with us
Since the days of Auld Lang Syne I
Again to ail we hold most dear
In life we left behind,
The wives we wooed, the bairns we kissed,
And the loves of Auld Lang Syne.
For surely you hâve your sweetheart,
And surely I hâve mine j
We toast her name in silence hère
And the girls of Auld Lang Syne.
And last to him, the little man,
Who led our fighting line
From Kabul on to Kandahar
In the days of Auld Lang Syne.
For Auld Lang Syne and Bobs,
Our chief of Auld Lang Syne !
We're bere to do his work again
As we did in Auld Lang Syne ! "
We would never end were we to reproduce ail the letters that hâve
come to us from ail over the Dominion, for, we may say with assur-
ance that each soldier has written at least one letter — which would
give an average of three thousand letters in ail.
But as ail thèse letters are written with the same heart, the same
sentiments, and the same love for Canada, we will pause, to give
expression to our admiration, at the story of the postal service, the
systematic organization of which has allowed us to follow, step by
step, the magnificent advance of our brave lads, as depicted in their
own letters.
HONORABLE W. MULOCK,
POSTMASTER-GENERAI,,
Organizer of the Postal Contingent .
THE POSTAL SERVICE
HOW OUE PEOPLE ARE APPRECIATED IN SOUTH AFEICA
'HE following correspondence has just taken place between the
officer in charge of the Amiy Postal Service at Cape-Town,
(^ "ê) and Hon. Mr. Mulock, Postmaster-General of Canada, in
regard to the effective service rendered by the Postal Contingent in
Africa : —
" Army Postal Service,
*' Cape-Town, April 25th, 1900.
*' To the Honorable the Postmaster-General, Ottawa.
" Sir:
' ' Two months hâve elapsed since the arrivai in this Colony of the
Canadian Postal Service, and I désire to note tlie precious assistance
that youi Government has been able to so timely afford me.
"The correspondence naturally increased in proportion to the
number of soldiers serjt hère. The postal service corps did not at
first suffice for the duty, and it became necessary to increase its
numbers in order to obtain a better service.
"The Canadian members thereof, under the direction of Captain
Ecclestone, rendered very effective service. Apart from their delivering
me from ail work in connection with the correspondence of the Can-
adian troops, they were on several occasions of valuable assistance.
" Sergeant Johnston and Privâtes Murray and Bedell are now with
the van-guards of the army with ihe campaign service. Captain
Ecclestone and Private Lallier are busy with the distribution of letters
164 LE LIVRE d'or
at the postal headquarters of the Army, hère. They both fulfil their
duties in a niost satisfactory manner, and to the crédit of the Canadian
Post-Office Department.
"While expressing my high appréciation of the services rendered
by the Canadian Postal Corps, I hâve the honor to be, Sir,
" Your obedient servant,
" G. W. Tremble,
•'Major commanding the Army Postal Service."
"Ottawa, May 23rd, 1900.
"Sir:
" Permit me to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 25th, in
which you give expression to your satisfaction with the services
rendered by the Canadian Postal Corps in South Africa. While I am
not surprised, I am very happy to learn that the officers of the Post-
Office Department chosen to assist you hâve acquitted themselves of
their duty in a manner such as to dravv forth the praise which you so
obligingly distribute to them in your letter.
" Yours very sincerely,
" W. MULOCK,
' ' Postmaster- General.
" Major G. W. Tremble,
"Postal Headquarters of the Army,
"Cape-Town, South Africa."
" Ottawa, July 30th, 1900.
"Hon. William Mulock has received the following letter from
Lieutenant-Colonel Otter : —
" Bloemfontein, May I3th, 1900.
•« Dear Sir :
" A slight wound in face and neck, received in action on the 25th
ult., has necessitated my returning hère to hospital for a few days and
gives me an opportunity of writing you a short note, which otherwise
I would not hâve had.
"I am quite sure you will be glad to learn of the working of the
Canadian Postal Service, established by you from one who has had
LE LIVRE d'or 165
the best of chances for noting its usefulness, or otherwise. I am very
glad to be able to say everything that is good of it. The service since
it passed into the hands of Captain Ecclestone, has been most efficient
and satisfactory. Two of its members hâve been doing duty at this
station for some time, and the resuit has been most prompt and
regular deliveries at ail times that the exigencies of war would permit,
while Captain Ecclestone himself has been most attentive in meeting
our demands and giving information. Nothing could be more satis-
factory, and I can safely say that if any delays hâve taken place in
the deliveries of either letters, papers orparcels, the fault has not been
with the officiais of the Canada Post-Office Service. I consider it my
duty to make this statement voluntarily, in view of the good work
done and of the great satisfaction, under what is no doubt difficult
and trying circumstances.
'• Presuming that, as a Canadian, you will be glad to learn of our
condition and circumstances, I venture to increase the length of my
note by referring to them. The régiment, though in good spirits, is
woefully depleted in numbers by death, wounds and sickness, and
where we had, on landing in South Africa, 1,040 stahvart men of ail
ranks, we cannot muster to-day 600 effectives. No régiment in the
army has had barder or, I think I am safe in saying, more fighting.
How such has been performed it is not for me to say, but must leave
the verdict in the hands of the authorities and the public to détermine.
I can only trust that up to this the record of the régiment has heen
satisfactory to those who sent us hère. I know we hâve striven hard
to ment their confidence and I hope that we hâve succeeded.
" Yours very sincerely,
"W. D. Otter."
THE PATRIOTIC FUND
NDER the patronage of Her Majesty, the Queen, the
presidency of Lord Minto, Govemor-General, and with the
co-operation of several high and distinguished citizens of
Canada, subscription lists were opened for the benefit of the widows,
the orphans and the wounded during the war. So patriotic was the
idea that the whole of Canada made générons response to the appeal.
In fact, on the 3lst of July, 1900, Mr. G. M. Courtney, C. M, G.,
the secretary of the Fund, wrote us that the sums subscribed amounted
to the very large figure of $317,636.75.
Thèse figures require no comment. We will not give the names of
the generous contributors, nor of the banks that hâve subscribed ; yet
we désire to make one exception, in the case of the lists opened at the
Canadian Pacific offices, which resulted in a sum of $12,033.00.
We are the more pleased to make spécial mention of the Canadian
Pacific Railway as we désire to relate a spécial incident, which is
sufficiently explained by the foUowing letters : —
A little girl of eight years of âge, from Streetville Junction, Ontario,
Miss Annie Hyland, wrote some days past, to tlie Président of the
Committee, Mr. Robert Miller : —
" I hâve fifty cents saved up for Santa Claus to bring me a doU,
but my Ma is sending Pa's subscription to the fund for widows and
orphans. I won't mind my doU now, but I will send my fifty cents to
buy a doU for some soldier's little girl fighting in South Africa.
"Annie Hvland."
Thîs letter, which came to hand some time ago, was answered yester-
day, the committee going into their own pockets and purchasing the best
SIR CHARLES TUPPER,
Organizer ot "The Insurance Association for the Benefit of the
Wounded and the Dead."
LE LIVRE d'or 167
doll in the city and sending it to little Annie, accompanied by the
foUowing letter : —
"Windsor Station, Montréal, May 30tli, 1900.
"Dear Little Annie :
"Your- letter and subscription to the Canadian Pacific Railway
Employées Patriotic Fund was duly received. There bas been a delay
in replying, as we waited for a meeting of the whole committee, so
they could see what a little patriotic girl had done to help our absent
soldiers. The members of the committee felt sure that they would
hâve received a great scolding from Santa Claus had they not shown
in some way how pleased they were to receive your letter and
subscription, so they, with a few others, made a private subscription
and got this doll to replace the one you were so willing to sacrifice
for the sake of some little girl who must be so anxious for her dear
Papa now in such great danger in far away South Africa. Please
accept it with our best wishes.
" Robert Miller,
"For the Committee."
The doll given by the committee cost fifteen dollars.
In ail this great crédit is due to the employées of the Canadian
Pacific Railway and specially to the good hearted little Annie.
THE TUPPER INSURANCE
It is universally knoMrn, that, under this title. Sir Charles Tupper
established an Insurance Association for the benefit of the wounded
and the dead, during the South African campaign, or for the benefit of
their heirs.
Wilh a capital of one million dollars, this association insured each
soldier to the extent of $1,000. As this was surely a noble and
patriotic idea, and as the association has strictly adhered to its
obligations, we feel bound to give due crédit to Sir Charles Tupper
for his philanthropie conception.
Congratulations for the Contingents
"The Colonial Secretary to
"His Excellency, the Governor-General.
" London, February 27th, 1900.
ER Majesty, the Queen, desires me to convey to the
Canadian people the expression of her admiration for the
■^t^^ bravery with which the Canadian troops hâve acted in the
last engagement, and to express her sorrow for the loss of so many
brave men."
Extracts from Militia Records.
March ist, 1900.
" His Excellency desires personally to avail himself of the oppor-
tunity of expressing his admiration for the brilliant courage and the
devotedness of the Canadian troops at présent in South Africa."
The Governor-General received the following despatch from Lord
Roberts : —
"Paardeberg, February 22nd, 1900.
'*The Canadian régiment has acted admirably since its arrivai in
South Afiica. I deeply regret the manylosses suffered by the régiment
during the battle of the i8th instant and I beg of you to tell the
public how much we ail, hère, admire the bravery that our Canadian
comrades evidenced on that occasion.
" Roberts."
Lord Minto received, by the last mail from South Africa, a letter
from Sir Alfred Milner, Governor of Cape Colony, bearing date the
LE LIVRE d'or 169
27th February, the very day upon which General Cronje was
captured.
The foUowing is the letter : —
" Government House,
"Cape-Town, Febraary 27th, igcx).
«'Dear Lord Minto :
"Even though I hâve — as you can readily imagine — scarcely
the time to write, I feel that on this mémorable day I should send you
a word to congratulate you, you and Canada, on the important part
taken by your valiant contingent in the destruction of General Cronje's
army. It is the first great success that we hâve had in this terrible
struggle. The relief of Kimberley was an encouragement; by the
capture of Cronje and his four thousand soldiers, we hâve really
achieved marked progress. I fear that our brave Canadians hâve
suffered considérable losses. But on an occasion such as the présent
one, there is at least the satisfaction of knowing that their lives were
not sacrificed in vain.
•'The vàctory, in itself, praise-worthy as it may be, is not the most
important ; rather is it to behold the tightening of the bonds that unité
the whole Empire. That union will spring from the blood poured out
together by Canadians, Australians, and South- Africans competing in
courage, with Britons of the old country, in an effort to bring about a
happy issue to this struggle.
" I am sure that the British people of South Africa will never forget
the noble aid that Canada gave them in those days of battle.
" Accept mywarm congratulations for yourself and for Canada and
believe me,
"Yours very sincerely,
"A. MiLNER."
"I cannot speak in language too flattering of the bravery displayed
by the Canadians on this day ; the admiration, so strongly manifested
by the English soldiers, for them, should send a thrill of pride
throughout the whole Confédération. The authorities hâve paid the
Canadians a magniticent tribute and the English soldiers never tire of
praising them.
" Lord Roberts came personally to congratulate the Canadians
upon their bravery and to inform them that he had called the attention
of the government to their exploits." — Officiai dcspatcli from Paarde-
berg, of the 3rJ March, 1900.
lyo LE LIVRE d'or
The Governor-General received the following two despatches : —
" George-Town, British Honduras,
March I5th, 1900.
"My cordial congratulations to the Canadian troops on duty in
South Africa.
"Governor-General of Honduras."
Lord Tennyson to the Governor-General : —
" The Governor, the ministry and the people of Southern Australia
désire to offer their congratulations to the Canadian people upon the
fine conduct of their contingents in South Africa, and their deep
sympathy for the losses that they hâve suffered.
" Lord Tennyson."
" It is an open secret that, at the beginning, the majority of the
officers of the British army, had but slight confidence in the Colonial
soldiers, but now it is generally recognized that without the Canadians
and their Colonial companions, British arms vv'ould hâve had a great
deal more to do.
••Itis universally admitted, that the principal labors of the vi^ar
were performed, in that part of the campaign, by the Canadian and
New-Zealand soldiers, and vre, in Canada, hâve no reason to be
ashamed of our Canadian soldiers.
"G. Sterling Ryerson,
" Surgeon, Lieutenant-Colonel, Canadian and British Commissioner
" of the Red Cross, in South Africa."
". . . . What a splendid part was that of Canada ! I had a little
Canadian with me, Mcinnes of the Royal Engineers, a brave of the
brave. He had the defence works of Kimberley executed. He vi^as a
staff officer, and wherever he went he inspired confidence. I can never
forget what I owe him. The Canadians performed acts of heroism
everywhere, and we may soon expect to hear of fresh and brilliant
feats-of-arms by them, before the war is over.
•' Colonel Kekev^ick,
" Commander at Kimberley. "
LE LIVRE DOR I7I
A fine expression of praise from an American newspaper, the
Détroit Free Press : —
" We do not see that any other corps in the British armyhas carried
off more laurels in the African war than did the boys from Canada.
They were as conspicuous wherever the firing was liveliest as was the
white plume of Henry of Navarre."
"Cape-Town, May I7th.
♦'To His Excellency, the Governor-General.
"The detachment of Canadian artillery, by a séries of forced
marches and during the battle rendered great service.
«'Sir Alfred Milner."
" London, May 22nd.
" Compliments to Canada for the great services rendered by the
Canadian artillery in relieving Mafeking.
" Chamberlain."
"Ail the French papers, in their accounts of the latest military
events in South Africa, dwelt upon the heroism of which the Canadian
contingent gave proof.
"I will even add that we learned, not without a feeling of pride, of
the tribute paid to the valiant troops of the Dominion by Marshal
Roberts.
*' The bonds that unité a great number of Canadians to France, are
so strong, that ail that brings out in relief their personal qualities,
créâtes in the old land a mutual satisfaction.
" Maurice de la Fargue."
In regard to the engagement at Komati, on the 6th November,
wherein the Drageons, the mounted infantry and the artillery gave
évidence of admirable bravery, General Smith-Dorrien says : "The
courage and devotedness of thèse troops during the two days of battle
can never be too highly appreciated."
" Pretoria, September 26th, 1900.
" Lord Roberts accompanied by Lady Roberts as well as by their
daughters, reviewed the Canadian troops, on the eve of their departure.
172
LE LIVRE d'or
" I cannot" he said to them, " allow you to go without expressing
to you my thanks for your loyal services as also for your excellent
assistance, above ail at Paardeberg. I am sure that the Canadian
people will leam \dth pleasure of your gallant and splendid conduct
"I deeply regret the losses you hâve sustained, I would hâve been
happy to hâve seen you ail retum to your homes, but many losses of
lives must be expected, especially in such a hard campaign.
" I regret that some amongst you are obliged to retum as soon,
but I hère recognize the necessities of private business.
" I am certain that Her Majesty, the Queen, as well as the British
people, will never forget your services. If my good star will permit, I
will visit Canada, and I hâve the hope of meeting you ail once again."
THE RETURN
" Imagine a combinatton of the audacious
spiritof the French, the inventive geniusof the
American, and the tenacity of the British, and
you hâve an idea of the qualifies required in such
an undertaking." — Le Soleil.
^ the first réception tendered our brave soldiers is similar to
those that will follow, we will be content with the repro-
duction of the two following articles, which contain a fair
expression of the sentiments that exist in Canada.
:T^
WELCOME !
" Our invalided volunteers are returning in groups to the country.
They are the object of the liveliest enthusiasm on the part of the
crowds that flock to meet them. Yesterday the scène was truly grand
and contrasted with the coldness of the send off tendered our men
when they started for Africa.
** Instinctively and with reason, our population encourage very
slightly the enlisting of our people, nor did it augur any good results
from this distant war.
"There was, however, some consolation in the cleverly circulated
idea that the enterprise would merely consist of a sea voyage, always
more or less interspersed with pleasant incidents, of easy marches in a
new country, and, at most, a few skirmishes with half-savages the
dispersing and wiping out of whom would bc only child's play for
Canadian valor to accomplish. Then the glitter of military glory was
there — a thing so rare that our fine youth, especially those of English
origin, liastened to seize by the forelock an occasion, so unique in the
174 LE LIVRE D OR
course of their lives, of returning with promotion, decorated and the
envy of ail their friands, who would be heard saying : • He too, was
one of the contingent.'
'• We, therefore, tender a most cordial welcome to those brave
soldiers whom illness and the enemies lead could not entirely knock
eut. They did honor, in the infancy of our Dominion, to the Canadian
flag, on the fields of this Anglo-Boer conflict, — one of the most
painful as well as most glorious in history. They hâve proven that
Canada possesses the éléments of a vigorous and powerful army which
•we could establish and utilize to our own greater advantage.
" Let the nation profit by the lessons taught by the war from which
our valiant citizens now return, and no person, not even amongst those
most opposed to the idea of Canadian intervention, vnll regret very
much the décisions that sent us into Africa and which bring us back
broken and mutilated in the persons of our contingents." — La Presse.
Last evening Québec gave another striking example of patriotism
and above ail of loyalty.
The Mayor, accompanied by two secretaries of the réception com-
mittee — Messrs. H. J. J. B. Chouinard and E. T. D. Chambers —
read them the foUowing address : —
«'To THE OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS, AND SOLDIERS
OF THE Canadian contingent returning from South
Africa on the steamer " Lake Ontario. "
*• Gentlemen :
"The citizens of Québec are happy to be the first to greet you on
your return to Canada, after an absence of nearly a year, during which
you were ever présent to our minds on account of the loyal and noble
mission that you had freely undertaken, and also on account of the
constant dangers to which you hâve been exposed.
" But the émotion that we feel to-day is preater than usual as we
notice in your ranks, the well-known faces of Québec boys who grew
up and lived amongst us and whose familles are preparing to welcome
with a warmth and an enthusiasm that can be readily understood after
such a prolonged and cruel suspense.
•'AU of you, in risking, as you hâve donc, your health and your
lives, in going abroad to défend the honor of Britain's flag, hâve given
LE LIVRE D'OR 175
the entire world an example of courage and military virtue that does
honor to our country.
" Your parents, your friends, your fellow-citizens, bail with pride
yonr retum to our country where, we hâve no doubt, you will fulfil
with honor, and with benefit to yourselves, the duties of the useful
avocations in which you will find a wide field for the exercise of your
énergies that hâve been strengthened on the fields of battle, and a real
rest after your sufferings and privations along war's rugged pathways.
" The country is happy to see you once more, and the joy she feels
is the greater since you return fuU of honors after having imparted
everywhere a glory to the name of Canadian.
" May you be happy, and may you long enjoy the sweets of peace
and of home.
*'Such is the wish that arises from every Canadian heart at this
moment, and to which we give expression in the name of the entire
Dominion."
A PARTING WORD
ou know the rest of the stoiy. From Atlantic to Pacific the
home-coming of our bra\e lads was a triumphal procession.
Halifax, Montréal, Québec, Ottawa, Toronto, Kingston,
Belleville, Hamilton, St. Johns, Charlottetown, Winnipeg, Vancouver,
in a word ail the cities, from the largest to the smallest, received the
retuming soldiers with open arms and proud hearts. La Presse, La
Patrie, Le Soleil, L'Événement, The Star, The Herald, The Chronicle,
The Globe, The Daily Witness, The Daily Telegraph, to ail of whom
we are indebted for important information — not to mention other
sources — greeted them in nobly expressed and generous terms.
Everywhere they were righî royally received, and by that réception,
above ail, can we judge of the fratemal sentiment which unités ail the
Provinces of Canada.
Let us proclaim it frankly : that this war, which proved fatal to
some, has been a source of union and greater attachment for us ail.
Truly is it by the bivouac fire and on the field of battle that men and
races leam to know, to esteem and to love each other. Let us,
therefore, never forget that our union has been cemented and sealed
with the blood of our heroic youth amidst the confusion of carnage,
the groans of the dying, the bursting of shells, the rustling of standards,
the agonies of parents, the tears of the widows and orphans of the
glorious dead, and that our watchword fore ver more should be : —
•' In honor and memory of our brave ! "
Gaston P. Labat.
ADDITIONAL NOTE
Our work was completed whenthe following interesting information
vas received ; this explains the placing of this note.
See page 12 of appendix under heading " Betie Merenti"
FORTY-EIGHT CANADIANS GET SPECIAL MENTION
ARE NAMED BY LORD ROBERTS FOR BRAVERY IN THE FIELD
London, April 16
Another despatch from Lord Roberts on the subject of the South
African compaign, dated April 2, 1900, has been published in the
Gazette.
LIST OF CANADIANS
The following Canadians are mentioned for meritorious service : —
Cols. C. W. Drury and W. D. Otter ; Lieut.-Cols. L. Buchan, T. D.
B. Evans, F. L. Lessard and S. B. Steele.
Majors B. Belcher, A. M. Jarvis, G. and Ogilvie.
Surgeon-Major A. M. Worthington.
Captains G. W. Cameron, F. L. Cartwright and E. F. LacKie, of
Strathcona's Horse ; Capt. A. C. McDonald, of the Second Canadian
Mounted Rifles ; Capt. A. H. McDonald, of the Royal Canadian
Régiment, and Capt. H. A. Panet, of the Royal Canadian Artillery.
Lieuts. A. E. Cbristie and J. E. Leckie, of Strathcona's Horse ;
Lieut, Da\ndson, A. L. Howard, F. Young and William Inglis, of
the Canadian Mounted Rifles ; Lieut. Lew Irving, of the Royal Cana-
dian Artillery ; Lieut. J. H. J. Ogilvie, of the Royal Canadian Régi-
ment and Lieut. R. Turner, of the Royal Canadian Dragoons ; Sur-
geon-Lieut. C. B. Keenan, of Strathcona's Horse.
Regimental Sergeant-Majors Church, of the Canadian Mounted
Rifles and J. Hynes, of Strathcona's Squadron ; Sergeant-Major J. Ri-
chards, of Strathcona's Battery ; Sergeant-Major W. H. Gimblett, of
the Royal Canadian Artillery ; Sergeants W. H. Nelles and J. M. B,
Skirving, of Strathcona's Horse and Sergeant R. H. Ryan, of the
Canadian Mounted Rifles.
ADDITIONAL NOTE
Corporals T. Gallagher, T. R, Miles and F. \V. Whitlow, of the
Canadian Mounted Rifles.
Trooper Crawley, of the Canadian Mounted Rifles ; Trooper \Vhite,
of the Canadian Mounted Infantry ; and Privâtes J. Kennedy, M.
Crooke, J. Landen and S. R. Thompson, of the Royal Canadian
Régiment ; Hammond, T. Kerr, Miles and S. E, Morrison, of the
Canadian Mounted Rifles ; and L. W. E. Mulloy, of the Royal Cana-
dian Artillery,
SOUTH AFRICAN WAR
SILVER MEDALS TO BE GRANTED TO ALL WHO SERVED IN IT —
CLASPS ARE PROVIDED — THERE ARE TAV^EMY-SIX IN
ALL FOR THOSE WHO SERVED IN PROMINENT
ACTIONS IN THE WAR.
The following Impérial Army Order 94, april 1901 — regarding the
South Africa medal has been issued : —
1. His Majesty the King Las been graciously pleased to confirm
the order given by her late Majesty Queen Victoria that a medal be
struck to commemorate the military opérations in South Africa.
2. The medal, in silver, will, provided the claims are approved by
the commander-in-chief, be granted to ail offîcers, warrant oflîcers,
non-commissioned officersand men ofthe British, Indian, and colonial
forces, and to ail nurses and nursing sisters who actually served in
South Africa between october 11, 1899, and a date to be hereafter
fixed ; to ail troops stationed in Cape Colony and Natal at the out-
break of hostilities ; and to troops stationed in St. Helena between
april 14, 1900, and a date to be hereafter fixed.
BRAVERY REWARDED
" London, April 24th.
" The Gazette announces the Victoria Cross has been conferred on
Lieutenants H. Z. C. Cockburn and R. E. W. Turner, and Sergeant
E. Holland, of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, for conspicuous bravery
at Komatipoort River, November yth, 1900, in protecting artillery
from capture. "
AUDITIONAL NOTE
LIEUT. COCKBURX IS WARMLY CONGRATULATED
'« Toronto, April 24th.
" The family of Lieutenant Churchill Cockburn received last night
with jubilation the message announcing that he and Lieutenant
Turner, of the Royal Canadian Drageons, had been granted the
Victoria Cross for saving the guns of the Canadian contingent in
November at Koniatipoort.
" Lieutenant Cockburn is now one of five men in the British
Empire entitled to wear the Victoria Cross and the Royal Humane
Society medal. The latter was conferred on him in 1898 for gallantly
sa-snng the life of two companions in Lake Rosseau, Muskoka. "
QUEBEC IS PROUD OF LIEUTENANT TURNER
" Québec, April 24th.
"The news that Lieutenant R. E. W, Turner, of this city, has
received the Victoria Cross has been received with the liveliest rejoicing
by his family and his légion of friends in Québec."
SERGEANT HOLLAND THREE TIMES RECOMMENDED
" Ottawa, April 24th.
" Sergeant Eddie Holland, who is one of the three Canadians to
receive the Victoria Cross, is well known in Ottawa as a fellow of
sterling qualities, He was recommended for distinguished bravery
three différent times. "
CANADIANS IN HONOR LIST
AN ADDITIONAL LIST IS CABLED TO MINISTER OF MILITIA
" Ottawa, Ont., April 24th.
" In addition to the C.B. 's conferred upon Colonels Otter and
Drury and Lieutenant Colonels Steele and Evans, the Minister of
Militia was today advised by cable of the following additional honors
awarded to Canadian officers who served in South Africa : —
"Lieutenant-Colonels Buchan and Lessard, Major Denison ;
Majors Belcher and Jones, Strathconas, get C.M.G.'s.
Captain A. C. Macdonald, Mounted Rifles ; Captain H. Panet,
Lieutenant Irving, R. C. Artillery ; Lieutenant Ogilvie, Royal
Canadian Régiment ; Lieutenant Tumer, Royal Canadian Dragoons ;
Captains Cameron, Mackay and Cartwright, Strathconas ; Surgeon
ADDITIONAL NOTE
Keenan, Lieutenants Christie and Leckie, Strathconas, get dis-
tinguished service order.
" Kinsley, R. C. Dragoons, get medal for distinguished conduct on
the field."
SIR EDWARD GIROUARD
" Ail Canadians will feel honoured by the distinction conferred
upon Lieutenant-Colonel Girouard, now Sir Edward Girouard, K. C.
M. G., D. S. O. Never was knighthood more honourably won.
The young Canadian soldier hasmadea brilliant record both in North
and South Africa for useful service to the Empire."
THE VICTORIA CROSS MEN
•♦ Honors hâve been distributed with a generous hand to the
Canadian soldiers who took part in the South African war, AU hâve
been the cause of satisfaction in the country that sent out the men
who received them, because there was a gênerai belief, based on the
accomplishments of the différent corps, that they were worthily won.
None will give greater pleasure, however, than the award of the
Victoria Cross to Lieutenants R. E. \V, Turner and H. Z. C. Cock-
bum and Sergeant Holland, of the Royal Canadian Dragoons. The
cross is given 'forvalor,' that must be so conspicious as to attrack
attention and so effective of a useful purpose as to merit spécial
approval. It is a reward that ail in the service may aspire to, be they
cfficer or private, white, black, or yellow. Therefore is it the more
held in esteem by those who are so fortunate to win the approval that
it marks. The reward in the case of Lieutenants Turner and Cock-
burn and Sergeant Holland was for the manner in which they acted
in the action of Novemher yth, when the Canadians Dragoons and
Mounted Rifles, with two of ''D" Battery's guns were covering the
retirement of Smith-Dorrien's column from an advanced position near
Belfast. Lieutenant Turner, though wounded, directed the movement
of his men so as to better give Lieutenant Morrison a chance to get off
with his guns. Lieutenant Cockburn was prominent in the same kind
of duty. Sergeant Holland, when he could not bring off the machine
gun in his charge, dismantled it and brought away the barrel, leaving
the enemy only the wheels. In a spirited fight, where ail were doing
well, thethree merited spécial commendation, and ail their countrymen
will share in their satisfaction because it has been given." — The Gazette.
OlK TROX INCE-S RLl'RKSEMEI) liV CAVALKV, StRATIICUNAS, INKAiN'IRV AND ARTILI.ERY.
THE BOW OF PROMISE
1.1155 the Rainbow, that sign of Promise, tiending
%j^ in harmony its scven httes, seems to span
the heavens and join them to earth, so hâve
we thotjg:ht well to hère présent the emblem of each
of ottf seven Provinces, ail of which hâve been
cemented in a perfect, a fraternal, an indissoluble
and an indivisible union, by the blood which our
heroes shed under the torrid sun of South Africa. This
figure, and this strengtheningf of bonds, suggfest, at
this moment, the beautifui Unes addressed, years ago.
178 LE LIVRE d'or
to Canada, by one of this country's pocts: hc styled
out Dominion, —
*' The Northern Arch, whose vast proportions
Span the skies firom sea to sea ;
From Atlantic, to Pacific,
Home of unborn millions free."
Gaston P. Labat.
ARC-EN-CIEL
'OMME le signe de la Nouvelle Alliance, par
le mélangfe harmonieux des couleurs qui le
composent, semble relier la terre avec le Ciel,
ainsi nous avons cru devoir mettre ici Temblême de
chaque Province, cimentant par le sang coagfulë de
nos braves sous le soleil torride de l'Afrique, Tunion
fraternelle, indissoluble et indivisible des Provinces
réunies.
Gaston- P. Labat.
SKETCH SHOWING THE ADVANCE OF CANADIANS AT PAARDEBERG.
feE IsIVI^E D'OR
Contingents Canadiens dans l'Afrique dn Sad
AVEC UN APPENDICE SUR LE
LOYALISME CANADIEN
CONTENANT LETTRES, DOCUMENTS, PHOTOGRAPHIES
AINSI QUE LES
Portraits de la Reine Victoria; du Roi Edouard VII ;
et de la Reine d'Angleterre.
Par GASTOJf-P. LABAT
Auteur des " Voyageurs Canadiens à l' Expédition du
Soudan en 1883."
EN VENTE CHEZ TOUS LES LIBRAIRES
Dépôt principal : 479, rue Saint-Louis, Mile-End
1901
DÉDICACE
A SON EXCELLENCE LORD MINTO,
Gouverneur-Général du Canada
Excellence^
TRUAND je me suis permis de demander à Votre
Excellence de me faire l'honneur d'accepter la dédi-
cace de cet ouvrage, je connaissais depuis long-
temps l'intérêt que Votre Excellence témoigne au peuple
Canadien.
En effet, vous avez dit vous-même, en revenant dans ce
pays et en parlant d'une de vos charmantes filles née
ici : " C'est une Canadienne que je suis heureux de vous
ramener."
Voilà pourquoi, Excellence, j'ai cru devoir mettre
" Lt livre d'or des Contingents Canadiens en Afrique^^
sous votre égide, convaincu que les Canadiens seront
heureux et fiers de conserver l'une des plus belles pages
de leur histoire sous le très haut et distingué patronage
de Votre Excellence.
Daignez agréer, Excellence, l'expression de mes senti-
ments les plus respectueux.
GASTON P. LABAT,
Montréal.
13
LETTRE-PREFACE
Mon cher confrère,
(S-V^t
,p// lôVANT d'être littérateur, vous avez été soldat, et
cujy\(c) avant d'être soldat, vous étiez français.
Cf>-"i«^ C'est-à-dire que, par la race, le caractère et
l'entraînement professionel, vous avez naturellement la
passion de tout ce qui est noble et chevaleresque.
Mieuxencore, cette passion, vous la raisonnez. Quoique
français de sang et de cœur, aussi attaché que jamais au
souvenir de la grande aïeule, du jour où vous avez mis le
pied sur notre sol avec l'intention d'en faire votre future
patrie, vous êtes devenu canadien, et canadien loyal
envers le drapeau du jour, sincèrement dévoué aux insti-
tutions qui nous régissent.
Vous l'avez prouvé sous l'uniforme, dans les lointaines
expéditions comme aux casemates de nos citadelles ; vous
l'avez prouvé depuis, au pupitre du fonctionnaire, et
souvent la plume du journaliste à la main.
Personne donc n'avait plus d'autoiité que vous pour
signer le petit livre que vous livrez en ce moment au
public, et pour lequel vous me demandez deux mots de
préface.
VI LETTRE-PREFACE
Ce petit livre est précieux ; il ajoute à notre richesse
nationale, car il apporte une page héroïque de plus aux
glorieuses annales de notre passé.
Je n'entrerai pas sur le terrain politique en discutant le
plus ou moins d'opportunité qu'il y avait pour le Canada
d'envoyer des troupes dans l'Afrique du sud pour com-
battre les Boers. Qu'il me soit permis de ne voir là, pour
le moment, que l'élan spontané d'une jeune nation fière
d'apporter sa quote-part de sacrifices à la cause d'un
empire dont les circonstances, loyalement acceptées, l'ont
faite solidaire.
II ne peut être question non plus de la justice ou de
l'injustice de cette guerre étrange. De même que, par une
fiction nécessaire de la loi, le plus haut tribunal et le
souverain d'un pays sont considérés comme infaillibles,
d'après le imême principe, le drapeau qui flotte à l'avant-
garde d'un peuple ne saurait jamais avoir tort.
Je ne veux qu'admirer le beau côté du spectacle, et
applaudir aux heureux résultats qu'il ne peut manquer de
produire.
N'est-ce pas émouvant, en effet, que cette vaillante et
robuste jeunesse se levant l'arme au bras pour répondre
à un cri d'appel venu de l'autre bout du monde, et passant
les mers d'un hémisphère à l'autre pour marcher à la
rescousse du drapeau national en péril !
N'est-ce pas de nature à nous remplir le cœur d'un
légitime orgueil que de voir ces jeunes braves afiîrmer
l'héroïsme traditionnel de notre race, au point de conqué-
rir l'unanime admiration du plus vaste empire qui ait
jamais existé sous le soleil !
Et quant aux résultats, n'est-ce pas quelque chose que
d'avoir gagné la confiance et le respect de nos compa-
triotes anglais, trop portés, dans certains milieux, à
suspecter notre loyauté envers la couronne britannique ?
LETTRE-PRÉFACE vil
Cette confiance et ce respect sont la première condition
de l'harmonie entre les différents éléments de notre popu-
lation, harmonie indispensable au bonheur des nôtres
comme au développement de notre prospérité nationale.
A ce point de vue plus qu'à tout autre, le rôle joué par
nos volontaires d'Afrique est éminemment patriotique et
civilisateur.
Ils ont bien mérité de la patrie ; ils ont droit à la
reconnaissance publique ; et ce n'est que justice de per-
pétuer leur mémoire en consignant leurs noms et leurs
faits d'armes dans nos archives et nos bibliothèques.
Combien de fois le dévoûment de nos soldats de 1812
n'a-t-il pas servi d'argument victorieux contre les préjugés
soulevés à notre endroit dans les cercles ultra-loyaHstes 1
Ces patriotes du passé furent blâmés par plusieurs de
leurs contemporains, ce qui n'empêcha pas leur œuvre
d'être féconde et bienfaitrice.
Leur souvenir allait s'éteignant : il se trouve ravivé
par nos vaillants d'aujourd'hui, qui viennent, en renouve-
lant l'histoire, d'abattre la dernière tête de l'hydre.
Désormais nous ne sommes plus qu'un peuple, homogène
dans ses aspirations comme dans ses intérêts, et qui, bien
que formé de différentes races fidèles à leurs traditions et
à leur origine respectives, devra prospérer et grandir dans
l'accord d'une indissoluble fraternité.
Supposez maintenant un refus de notre part d'obéir au
vœu national dans cette circonstance, la crise devenait
aiguë, et les Canadiens-français étaient rejetés un demi-
siècle en arrière.
Donc, mes félicitations, mon cher confrère, avec mes
deux mains dans les vôtres.
Louis Fréchette.
Montréal, 12 octobre 1900,
PRÉFACE
ÎE livre n'est pas de nous. Il est écrit par nos
soldats des Contingents Canadiens dont l'admi-
rable bravoure a étonné le monde entier et dont
le sang a rougi le sol meurtrier de l'Afrique du Sud.
Tel est le but que nous nous sommes proposé en pu-
bliant cet ouvrage.
Maintenant, pourquoi ce livre est-il moitié anglais et
moitié français?
C'est que, partis ensemble sans distinction de race ni
de religion, la main dans la main, coude contre coude ;
ayant répandu leur sang sur le même champ de bataille ;
reposant dans le même sol, enveloppés dans les plis du
même drapeau, de même ils doivent revivre dans le même
livre et reposer dans toutes les bibliothèques, ce sanc-
tuaire immortel que chaque peuple consacre à ses gloires
nationales.
Nous disons que ce livre est écrit par nos braves. En
effet, à part quelques articles de circonstances dont nous
remercions les auteurs, il est uniquement composé de
leurs lettres ; quelques-unes inédites que nous tenons de la
gracieuse bienveillance des familles, d'autres déjà publiées
par les journaux, et nous espérons que personne ne nous
X PREFACE
reprochera de les avoir précieusement recueillies pour les
mettre en volume, de manière à laisser à l'histoire
Canadienne un souvenir compact et tangible de la noble,
héroïque et glorieuse vaillance de nos braves.
Avec eux et de par eux, le Canada est connu du monde
entier, plus et mieux que tout ce qu'on a pu dire, écrire et
faire depuis cent ans, tant il est vrai que c'est le sang
répandu qui fait la force des religions et des peuples.
Or, aujourd'hui, le Canada est un peuple, une nation
avec laquelle les autres nations devront désormais compter.
Voilà pourquoi après le sacrifice du sang de nos braves,
devant tant d'héroïsme, et la sainte folie de ces achar-
nés à la victoire, nous devons nous agenouiller sur la
tombe des disparus, et recevoir à bras ouverts, comme
pour le retour de l'enfant prodigue, ceux qui nous
reviennent couverts de gloire !
GASTON P. LABAT,
Montréal.
UN MOT D'EXPLICATION
§ 'OUVRAGE que nous publions pourrait contenir
dix volumes si nous relations tous les hauts faits
d'armes accomplis par nos braves et si nous
insérions toutes leurs lettres.
Comme ce n'est ni notre but ni notre prétention, nous
nous sommes contenté, dans ce modeste volume, de re-
cueillir des lettres, des documents provenant de toutes les
Provinces du Canada, pour rendre un patriotique hom-
mage à la vaillance de nos héros. . . . Que ceux donc qui
n'y trouveront pas de leurs lettres, mais qui y trouveront
leurs noms, car ils y sont tous, ne nous en veuillent pas :
cet ouvrage, à l'instar d'un monument qu'on érige à la
mémoire d'un général, rejaillissant sur tous ceux qui ont
été ses compagnons dans la lutte et la victoire.
Enfin, nous avons cru devoir y mettre aussi la photo-
graphie de personnages qui se sont intéressés à la forma-
tion des contingents, plus, dans un Appefidice, celles de
non moins braves Canadiens ayant fait connaître la valeur
militaire du Canada aux Indes, en Chine, aux Philippines,
et dans tout le monde entier : car on trouve le Canadien
partout.
XII UN MOT D EXPLICATION
Pour moi, en 1885, j'en ai trouvé dans le Soudan,
chantant : Un Canadien errajit.
Et s'il faut en croire l'histoire, voici ce qu'on raconte. . . .
A l'époque du déluge, un homme voulant échapper à la
fureur des flots était sur une montagne. L'arche venant à
passer, notre homme héla Noé pour avoir une place. . . .
Il n'y en a pas, lui fut-il répondu.
— Va donc chez le diable, répondit l'homme .... ce
n'est ben après tout qu'une petite orage.
C'était un Canadien. ... A part ce dernier fait qui
semble venir de Marseille, nous ne nous occuperons donc
que des premiers, car ils appartiennent à l'histoire.
G.-P. L.
COLONEI. L. V. riNAULT.
Dans l'envoi des contingents, le talent d'organisation du colonel Pinanlt
et sa capacité en affaires ont été démontrés à lui
degré remarquable." — Le Clûbe.
LE LOYALISME CANADIEN
|OUR prouver qu'il existe dans le Canada tout
entier, tout autant que dans le cœur de nos
braves, nous avons cru devoir faire précéder
leurs lettres des autorités suivantes.
D'abord, voici comment s'exprime Mgr Bégin à Mgr
Bruchési, dans une admirable lettre datée du 15 jan-
vier 1900 :
« La loyauté des évêques et des prêtres canadiens-
français ! elle est écrite en lettres d'or, en traits de feu,
dans les fastes de l'histoire, et tous les souverains, tous
leurs représentants qui se sont succédé ici depuis la
cession du Canada à l'Angleterre — même ceux d'entre
ces derniers contre lesquels il a fallu lutter légalement
pour la défense des droits les plus légitimes — tous leur
ont rendu le plus solennel et le plus cordial témoignage.
« Rappellerai-je ici un Mgr Briand qui, occupant le
siège de Québec au tournant de l'histoire de la Nouvelle-
France, vivant tour à tour sous le drapeau fleurdelysé et
sous l'étendard britannique, loyal d'abord au premier
jusqu'à ce que sur les plaines d'Abraham tout fût perdu
fors l'honneur, et puis transférant généreusement au
second l'hommage de sa loyauté entière, usa de toute son
2 LE LIVRE D OR
influence sacrée, aux jours terribles de 1775, pour garder
le Canada français fidèle à ses nouveaux maîtres ? Et
pourtant Dieu sait combien grande devait être la tentation
pour les enfants de la France en Amérique d'unir leur sort
à ces enfants d'Albion, moins scrupuleux, moins loyaux
qu'eux — et ne pourrait-on pas ajouter : moins vilipen-
dés et plus facilement pardonnes — pour une révolte réelle
et efficace que nous ne le sommes aujourd'hui pour une
déloyauté chimérique ? Si les émissaires catholiques des
Etats-Unis, si l'appel chaleureux des officiers français qui
servaient la cause de l'indépendance américaine ne purent
triompher des dernières résistances du peuple canadien,
c'est que la grande voix du chef de l'Eglise de Québec,
invoquant les principes sacrés du respect dû à l'autorité
régnante et stigmatisant du nom de rebelles ceux qui se
laissaient entraîner, opposa à la révolution une barrière
infranchissable. Et l'Angleterre, déjà spoliée de la plus
riche portion de son héritage en Amérique, dut à un
évêque français la conservation de ce pays du Canada,
l'un des plus précieux joyaux de la couronne impériale.
« Que ne pourrais-je dire — si je ne voulais être bref —
d'un Mgr Denaut dont le dévouement à l'Angleterre se tra-
duisit par des actes d'une héroïque générosité, et d'un Mgr
Plessis rappelant à ses diocésains, en 1807, «qu'il est im-
possible d'être bon chrétien sans être sujet loyal et fidèle »,
et, « qu'ils seraient indignes du nom de catholiques et de
Canadiens s'ils montraient de la déloyauté ou même de
l'indifférence quand il s'agit de remplir leurs devoirs de
sujets dévoués aux intérêts de leur souverain ou à la
défense du pays. » C'est cet illustre prélat qui, en 1812,
s'employa tout entier et réussit à maintenir les Canadiens
fidèles à l'allégeance britannique. La même attitude se
retrouve chez Mgr Panet, l'oncle maternel du regretté
cardinal Taschereau.
LE LIVRE D OR 3
« Puis aux jours si regrettables de 1837-38, c'est Mgr
Signay, à Québec, et l'un de vos prédécesseurs, Mgr Larti-
gue, à Montréal, qui s'interposent au nom de la religion
pour apaiser des luttes fratricides : acte de loyauté qui
leur a souvent attiré d'amers reproches de la part de
quelques-uns de leurs compatriotes ; devoir sacré qu'ils
ont dû accomplir, nonobstant la voix du sang et de la
tendresse paternelle. Nous retrouvons plus tard Mgr
Baillargeon qui trace à ses ouailles la même ligne de
conduite à l'égard des Féniens envahisseurs et Mgr Taché
qui, en un moment critique, pacifie ses Métis et les
conserve à l'Angleterre.
« Et si j'osais me citer moi-même, je pourrais répéter
ce que j'ai dit en pleine France, en pleine cathédrale de
Reims — aux grandes solennités du XlVe centenaire du
baptême de Clovis et de ses Francs — que, tout en
conservant de l'affection pour notre ancienne mère-patrie,
nous étions heureux de vivre à l'ombre du drapeau britan-
nique et que nous habitions une des contrées les plus
libres de la terre. »
Et plus loin il ajoute :
« Si jamais — ce qu'à Dieu ne plaise ! — la question de
l'annexion aux Etats-Unis s'agitait sérieusement, il serait
curieux de voir l'attitude respective de nos deux nationa-
lités — Anglo-canadiens et Canadiens-français — en face
de cette éventualité. J'aime à croire que nous n'aurions
pas à rougir des nôtres en pareille occurrence, parce qu'ils
sauraient encore une fois remplir leur devoir de loyaux
sujets de Sa Majesté Britannique. »
Tel est le noble langage de Mgr Bégin.
Après le clergé, laissons parler nos hommes publics.
4 LE LIVRE d'or
El d'abord sir Wilfrid :
« A Sa Majesté la Reine,
« Très Gracieuse Souveraine,
« Nous, sujets loyaux et soumis de Votre Majesté,
Sénat et Chambre des Communes du Canada, assemblés
en Parlement, désirons offrir à Votre Majesté, nos cordia-
les félicitations à l'occasion de la fin prochaine de la
guerre de l'Afrique du Sud, fin que font prévoir les succès
récents des armés anglaises couronnés par la chute de
Pretoria.
« Le sentiment de fierté et de satisfaction avec lequel
nous saluons toute addition nouvelle à la liste déjà longue
et glorieuse des hauts faits de la valeur et des ressour-
ces anglaises est encore augmenté actuellement de la
conscience que nous avons que le Canada, grâce à l'active
coopération de ses enfants sur le champ de bataille a
droit d'une façon nouvelle et spéciale de participer à la
joie du: triomphe actuel.
« Nous nous réjouissons que le conflit qui heureusement
s'achève maintenant, aura pour effet de faire disparaîrre
les embarras dont ont souffert pendant si longtemps beau-
coup de concitoyens, et nous ne doutons pas que l'exten-
sion de la domination bienfaisante de Votre Majesté sur
toute l'Afrique du Sud n'amène sur ces territoires les
bénédictions qui résultent d'une sage et bienveillante
administration de lois justes et équitables.
« Nous adressons des prières pour que le règne de Votre
Majesté se prolonge de longues années encore pour le
bonheur de votre peuple. » (Session du Parhme?it de içoo.)
Passons à sir Charles Tupper :
« C'est avec beaucoup de plaisir que je seconde l'adresse
que l'honorable Premier Ministre vient de proposer en
LE LIVRE d'or 5
termes si éloquents, et que je m'associe aux sentiments
qu'il a si noblement exprimés.
« Sir Charles parle ensuite de la noble conduite des
Canadiens-français depuis que le sort des armes a fait
passer leur pays sous la domination anglaise, et c'est du
fond du cœur, dit-il, qu'il déclare que la couronne britan-
nique n'a pas de plus loyaux sujets que les deux millions
de Canadiens-français qui vivent sur cette terre du
Canada. » (Session du Parlement de içoo.J
Laissons parler maintenant l'honorable Evanturel, pré-
sident de l'assemblée législative d'Ontario :
« Je sens que je ne puis rien ajouter aux sentiments de
parfaite loyauté et de contentement que vient d'exprimer
cette province entière, par la voix de son premier ministre
et du chef du parti conservateur. L'Orateur de cette
Chambre n'est pas, d'un sens, en position d'ajouter
quelque chose à ce qui a déjà été dit par des hommes
d'une bien plus grande importance et d'une plus haute
autorité ; mais, la Chambre me permettra, je l'espère,
d'oublier que j'occupe ici une position officielle, et de
déclarer qu'il n'y a pas de race au Canada qui ait appris,
avec une joie plus exubérante, les précieuses nouvelles qui
nous sont arrivées de l'Afrique Australe, que la race cana-
dienne-française, celle à laquelle j'appartiens. (Applaudisse-
ments.) Je parle à un auditoire instruit, peut-être l'audi-
toire le plus instruit de cette grande province d'Ontario,
aussi, je me permettrai de citer une page d'histoire,
certain par avance que l'on ne me contredira pas sur ce
point.
<( A une certaine époque, sur ce sol même que nous
habitons aujourd'hui — et quelle magnifique page de notre
histoire cela me rappelle : — alors que pas un seul Anglais
n'était encore venu^ alors que pas un de nos amis irlan-
6 LE LIVRE d'or
dais, qui ont pris une si large part à la formation de nos
destinées, n'avaient traversé les mers, à cette époque donc,
les Canadiens-français se tenaient seuls et durent résister,
de la part des Américains, à la plus sérieuse tentation qui
les ait jamais assiégés.
« La tentation fut une de celles que l'on ne rencontre pas
dans l'histoire du monde entier. Les Américains étaient
allés chercher en France le général Lafayette, celui-là
même qui vint déployer, sur la frontière qui nous délimite
au sud, le drapeau de ma race, le drapeau à l'ombre
duquel nous sommes nés ; puis, il fit à mes compatriotes
cet appel : « Pourquoi ne revenez-vous pas à votre ancien
drapeau ? Après tout, ce drapeau qu'ils appellent le Union
Jack ou le Royal Standard d'Angleterre, vous ne l'avez
jamais vu sur vos rives. Revenez donc à nous. Moi,
Lafayette, parlant au nom de vos voisins, de ce peuple
qui est à mes côtés, je représente la liberté, l'égalité et la
fraternité. »
« Puis, une autre voix se fit entendre ; elle parla aux
troupes canadiennes-françaises. C'était la voix d'un bon
évêque de Québec. Le distingué prélat se plaça devant
les rangs des soldats et leur parla en ces termes : « Ce
drapeau peut vous tenter ; les lois de la nature peuvent
aussi vous tenter ; vous pourriez vous réfugier sous les
plis de ce drapeau ; mais, n'oubliez pas une chose, c'est
qu'hier encore vous avez juré fidélité au drapeau qui doit
être le drapeau de ce pays. Si vous alliez renier cette
allégeance à ce drapeau, dès aujourd'hui la Providence
vous refuserait les bénédictions que vous êtes en droit
d'attendre d'Elle. »
« Cet appel fut entendu et les Canadiens-français
épaulèrent leurs mousquets et chassèrent devant eux les
soldats de Benedict Arnold et Montgomery. (Applau-
dissements.)
LE LIVRE d'or 7
« Je ne désire pas retarder cette Chambre dans ses
travaux ; mais, permettez-moi de dire qu'il n'y a pas de
plus loyaux sujets de Sa Majesté dans tout ce pays que
les Canadiens-français.
« Des enfants de ma race sont aujourd'hui à combattre
sous le drapeau anglais dans l'Afrique Australe !
« J'en suis fier, bien que je déplore qu'il y en ait parmi
eux qui aient été blessés ; même, parmi ces derniers, je
vois le nom d'un brave qui est né dans la même rue, dans
la même ville que moi.
« Oui, là, couché dans les tranchées de Paardeberg ou
dans une voiture d'ambulance anglaise, vous trouverez le
fils du président de la plus haute cour parlementaire —
sir Alphonse Pelletier — qui est un des premiers officiers
du régiment canadien. (Applaudissements.)
« Permettez-moi de dire, en terminant, qu'il n'y a pas
de race, représentée dans l'enceinte de cette législature, à
qui la victoire qu'on annonce aujourd'hui en appelle plus
fortement ou cause plus de satisfaction que cette race à
laquelle appartient celui qui préside aux débats législatifs
de cette province.»
C'est à coup sûr le plus noble et grand acte de loyauté
qui ait jamais été exprimé par un Canadien-français
devant un parlement anglais.
Voici maintenant Benjamin Suite :
« Nos guerres ont montré que nous voulions défendre
le Canada et le conserver au drapeau anglais. Par trois
fois, en 1765, 1775, 1812, alors que nous formions pour
ainsi dire la seule population blanche du pays et que
l'Angleterre, engagée ailleurs, ne pouvait pas nous secou-
rir, les milices canadiennes ont fait des miracles de
dévouement et sauvé la situation. Ces faits devraient
suffire pour répondre aux attaques, aux soupçons, aux
14
8 LE LIVRE D OR
dénigrements dont on nous abreuve. Par bonheur la vérité
reste victorieuse après les injures comme nos armes
d'autrefois après la bataille.» (Conférence au château
Ramezay.)
A son tour, voici ce que dit Ulric Barthe, dans une de
ses conférences, à Québec :
« Et dans cette nouvelle nation, les Canadiens-français
ont un des premiers rôles à jouer, qui consiste, non pas à
perpétuer en Amérique, sur cette terre d'Amérique, les
haines qui remontent à l'époque de Jeanne d'Arc, et qui
n'ont pas leur sens ici, mais au contraire à servir de trait-
d'union entre les deux plus grandes races du monde, et à
démontrer ce qu'ensemble elles peuvent faire pour la
civilisation. »
Enfin cette loyauté se confirme et s'affirme par les
extraits suivants :
« M. de Léry Macdonald, maire de Rigaud, a prononcé
quelques paroles chaleureuses au sujet du succès de nos
soldats en Afrique et a émis l'opinion, qu'en cette circons-
tance, il ne serait pas hors de propos d'affirmer notre
loyauté.
« En conséquence, il a proposé, secondé par M. Wm.
Brown, maire de Pointe Fortune, la résolution suivante
qui a été adoptée à l'unanimité :
« Que les maires du comté de Vaudreuil, assemblés,
désirent exprimer à Sa Majesté la reine Victoria leur vive
satisfaction à l'occasion du succès de ses armes en Afrique,
et saisissent cette occasion de réitérer l'expression de leur
loyauté à la couronne bricannique ; et comme témoignage
de leur sympathie offrent une contribution personnelle de
vingt-cinq dollars au Fonds patriotique du Dominion.»
Résolution adoptée par les maires du comté de Vau-
dreuil.
LE LIVRE d'or 9
Les Acadiens réunis en convention à Arichat ont
décidé de tenir leur prochaine réunion à Caraquette, N.B.,
et ont adopté la résolution suivante qui a été câblée à
Londres :
« Nous, les Acadiens-français, assemblés en convention
générale à Arichat, Cap-Breton, protestons de notre
inaltérable loyauté à la couronne britannique et comme
un gage de notre amour pour Sa Majesté nous lui offrons
nos condoléances au sujet de la mort récente de Son
Altesse Royale, le prince de Saxe-Cobourg. »
Résolution adoptée par les Acadiens.
Pour conclure sur le loyalisme ca7iadien, nous citerons
enfin les sentiments élevés et patriotiques de MM. J.-M.
TeUier, M.P.P., du juge Baby, de M. Dugas, C.R., du
R. P. C. Beaudry, C.S.V., de Joliette, lors de la distribution
des médailles aux vétérans de 1870 :
« Que la démonstration d'aujourd'hui soit pour nous
tous, messieurs, d'un salutaire enseignement, qu'elle soit
surtout un enseignement pour la jeunesse; que cette
démonstration en particulier rappelle à tous que chacun
doit aimer son pays, le servir fidèlement, et au besoin,
être prêt à lui faire le sacrifice de sa vie. »
Tellier.
« Après cette harangue du président, toute vibrante de
patriotisme, que l'assistance avait à maintes reprises inter-
rompue par ses applaudissements nombreux et chaleureux,
l'honorable juge Baby fut appelé à adresser la parole.
« Le savant magistrat dit qu'il était heureux de prendre
la parole devant cette foule. Il est enfant de Joliette. Il
sent qu'il se fait vieux ; ceci l'amène à dire que lui et
beaucoup de ses contemporains disparaîtront bientôt, et
qu'alors le poids des affaires et des intérêts du pays
10 LE LIVRE D OR
tomberont sur les robustes épaules de cette jeunesse
brillante qu'il a sous les yeux.
« De la campagne fénienne, il se rappelle un fait qui
peint bien le patriotisme des Canadiens. Il se souvient
que parmi la compagnie de Sainte-Mélanie, il y avait
comme soldat un brave cultivateur accompagné de ses
deux fils, M. Perreault. Il est heureux de voir que les
deux fils sont au nombre des médaillés. Le père est allé
recevoir sa récompense là-haut. Qui pourrait dire que les
Canadiens-français ne sont pas loyaux ; ils sont plus
loyaux que ceux qui prétendent qu'ils ne le sont pas.
Seulement, les Canadiens-français ne font pas parade de
loyauté, mais quand ils sont appelés à défendre leur pays,
il n'y a pas un peuple au monde capable de leur résister.
L'Angleterre est dans le moment engagée dans une guerre
atroce ; après une récente victoire, le commandant général
adressait à l'Angleterre elle-même un message disant que
c'est grâce à l'artillerie canadienne qu'il a remporté cette
victoire ; et ce corps est commandé par le major Hudon,
de Québec, un Canadien-français comme nous.
« Il veut adresser une prière aux jeunes gens. C'est
d'être toujours loyaux à l'Angleterre, au drapeau britanni-
que qui nous abrite. Sans le soutien de l'Angleterre, que
serions-nous ? un rien, un petit peuple d'aventuriers qui
deviendrait la proie des grandes nations. . . . Aimons la
France, notre mère-patre, mais vénérons et respectons
l'Angleterre, notre patrie d'adoption. ...»
« M. F.-O. Dugas, avocat, C.R., de Joliette,est l'orateur
suivant. Sa parole chaude, ardente, patriotique, trouve de
l'écho dans tous les cœurs. Il est vivement applaudi par
l'auditoire. Il dit que le district de Joliette a contribué
dans sa large part à la défense du pays, à cette époque de
danger. Il distribue à chaque compagnie de volontaires
LE LIVRE DOR II
sa part de compliments, mais il félicite tout particulière-
ment les Irlandais de Rawdon qui ont formé à eux seuls
deux compagnies. L'orateur fait l'historique des deux
invasions féniennes de 1866 et 1870. Il parle de la loyauté
des Canadiens-français. Il dit que ces troubles de 1870
ont fourni l'occasion aux Canadiens-français de démontrer
à l'univers entier qu'ils étaient loyaux sujets ; que leur
conduite patriotique a prouvé qu'ils n'avaient pas démérité
de leurs ancêtres. L'orateur est natif de la paroisse de
Saint-Jacques-de-l'Achigan. Il veut particulièrement féli-
citer ses ex-coparoissiens qui ont fourni eux aussi une
compagnie. Il rappelle que le capitaine de cette compa-
gnie d'alors, M. Euclide Dugas, lorsque le clairon d'alarme
a sonné, était à Chicago. Ce vaillant soldat s'empresse de
retourner dans sa paroisse, à Saint-Jacques et de se mettre
à la tête de sa compagnie pour voler à la défense du pays
menacé. »
« Le révérend M. Prosper Beaudry, curé de la ville de
Joliette, est invité par le président à adresser la parole.
« La religion et la patrie, dit-il, ont de profondes racines
dans nos cœurs, et à maintes reprises, les Canadiens ont
donné la preuve de leur dévouement à la religion et à la
patrie. Chaque fois que le pays a été menacé, il a trouvé
des bras pour le défendre. Nous sommes Français par les
sentiments, par notre origine, par nos affections, mais
nous sommes de fidèles sujets anglais, et il n'est pas
nécessaire de parler l'anglais pour faire de nous des
hommes loyaux, et je ne crois pas que l'Angleterre dans
son immense empire trouve des hommes plus loyaux,
plus dévoués que les Canadiens-français, quoiqu'ils parlent
français. . . . Comme l'a dit un orateur, pour le Canadien-
français, son cœur est à la France, et son bras à l'Angle-
terre. Si jamais notre pays était menacé, l'Angleterre
12 LE LIVRE D OR
trouvera encore des bras nombreux pour le défendre, et
des prêtres pour bénir ses étendards. »
« Le supérieur du collège de Joliette, le révérend C.
Beaudry, C.S.V., adresse à son tour la parole. Les pre-
miers du régiment de Joliette qui partirent pour repousser
les hordes féniennes, sont trois élèves du collège de
Joliette, MM. le Dr Sheppard, feu Arthur McConville et
J.-U. Foucher. Dans nos maisons d'éducation, dit-il, nous
cultivons la religion, mais aussi l'amour de la patrie. »
Nous pourrions ajouter à toutes ces autorités, les noms
des maires Payment, d'Ottawa, Préfontaine, de Montréal,
Parent, de Québec, dont les discours, lors du départ et du
retour des contingents, sont empreints du plus pur loyalis-
me, ainsi que les noms de beaucoup d'autres, mais nous
nous voyons obligé de nous arrêter ici, car, si nous
voulions continuer sur le loyalisjne cafiadien, notre volume
n'y suffirait pas.
Enfin, et pour terminer, nous rappellerons que lors du
jubilé de la reine, l'Eglise a été heureuse de recevoir
chez elle tous ceux qui sont venus chanter avec nous :
Domine, salvamfac reginam !
SON IION-NEUR LE MAIRE PARENT.
FORMATION DES CONTINGENTS
j'EST sur le désir bien connu d'un grand nombre de
Canadiens que le gouvernement a offert le service
de nos troupes à l'Angleterre. Après tout, ce
n'était pas une levée forcée, obligatoire, mais bien un
enthousiasme voulu volontairement, par la majorité. Cela
est tellement vrai que, si on les avait acceptés, on aurait
trouvé dix mille volontaires et plus, lesquels seraient
heureux de marcher encore aujourd'hui sur la trace
glorieuse de leurs illustres devanciers.
Du reste, ce n'est pas le premier essai des Canadiens sur
cette terre d'Afrique ; car, quand on a fait appel aux
Canadiens, en 1885, pour aller relever, à Kartoum,
l'héroïque Gordon, des volontaires sont aussi partis, aux
applaudissements enthousiastes de tout le Canada, et
voici ce que lord Wolseley disait d'eux à cette époque :
« Le Caire, 13 avril 1885.
« Au Gouverneur Général du Canada,
i( Le marquis de Lansdowne.
« Milord,
'( Les voyageurs canadiens attachés à la campagne
d'Egypte sont tous retournés au Canada. Je tiens à cœur
14 LE LIVRE d'or
d'exprimer à votre Excellence la haute appréciation que
j'ai faite de leurs services, et de l'aide qu'ils ont rendue à
l'expédition.
« A de rares exceptions, ils ont prouvé leur parfaite
compétence comme bateliers. Ils ont travaillé admirable-
ment bien et ont enduré les fatigues de cette rude campa-
gne sans proférer un seul murmure de mécontentement.
« En plusieurs occasions ils ont déployé non seulement
beaucoup d'adresse, mais aussi beaucoup de courage dans
la navigation du Nil, à la fois difficile et dangereuse.
« J'éprouve un vif regret de ce que, dans l'exécution de
leur tâche, quelques-uns d'entre eux aient été victimes des
difficultés qu'ils avaient à vaincre.
« Les officiers, le colonel Denison en particulier, ont
fait preuve de beaucoup d'énergie et de bonne volonté ;
leurs services ont été de grande valeur.
« Qu'il me soit permis de demander à votre Excellence
de communiquer cette lettre aux officiers et à tous les
autres membres du détachement des Voyageurs canadiens,
de même qu'aux autorités canadiennes.
« Certains journaux ont publié des rapports mal fondés
allant à dire que les services des bateliers canadiens
avaient produit des résultats fâcheux.
« Je désire enregistrer non seulement mon opinion, mais
aussi celle de tous les officiers mêlés à la direction des
troupes, et qui tous s'accordent à dire que les services
des Voyageurs ont été de la plus grande valeur, que de
plus, leur conduite a été excellente.
« Ils se sont fait une haute réputation parmi les troupes
engagées sur le Nil.
« Ces dernières ont éprouvé une vive satisfaction de
voir des Canadiens prendre part à l'expédition et partager
avec elles les privations et les dangers de la campagne.
« La présence de Canadiens au moment où des soldats
LE LIVRE DOR 15
anglais, écossais et irlandais étaient réunis, met en lumière
les liens qui unissent toutes les parties de notre grand
empire.
« En terminant, je tiens à exprimer à votre Excellence
personnellement, mes sincères remerciements pour la
peine qu'EUe s'est donnée dans le recrutement de ces
Voyageurs et dans les arrangements auxquels il a donné
lieu.
(I J'ai l'honneur d'être, elc,
« WOLSELEY,
(( Général. «
J'ajoute en outre la dépêche suivante :
« Downing Street, 19 août 1885.
« Milord,
« Je suis très heureux de vous transmettre, afin qu'elles
soient communiquées au gouvernement de votre Seigneu-
rie, des copies des votes de remerciements passés à l'una-
nimité le 12 du courant par la Chambre des Lords et par
la Chambre des Communes aux troupes expéditionnaires
du Soudan (1884-85) ; ces votes reconnaissent la bravoure,
la discipline et la bonne conduite des Voyageurs canadiens
et de leurs officiers, et les services qu'ils ont rendus à
l'expédition.
'( J'espère que les mesures ordinaires seront prises afin de
rendre publique l'action du parlement en cette circonstance.
« J'ai l'honneur d'être, etc.,
« Fred. Stanley (i). »
Pourquoi donc cette différence d'opinion par quelques-
uns, entre ceux partis en 1885, et ceux de 1899 ?. . . .
(i) Lei voyageurs canadietts à l'expédition du Soudan, ou quatre-vingt-dix
jours avec les crocodiies, par Gaston-P. Labat.
l6 LE LIVRE d'or
18S6 ! . . . . 18&9 !
Ces deux dates resteront mémorables dans l'histoire du
Canada ! . . . .
Donc, l'Angleterre a accepté l'offre volontaire des
Canadiens, et, après échange de dépêches entre les deux
gouvernements, trois contingents sont partis, (i)
Voici la teneur des dépêches échangées entre le gou-
vernement d'Ottawa, lord Minto et M. Chamberlain.
« Selon la promesse faite par sir Wilfrid Laurier, à
l'ouverture de la session, la correspondance concernant
l'envoi des troupes canadiennes au Sud-africain a été
déposée aujourd'hui sur la table de la Chambre. Il est
clair maintenant d'après les informations que sir Wilfrid
a demandées à lord Strathcona au sujet de ce que payent
les autres colonies pour l'envoi des contingents, que le
gouvernement n'avait pas l'intention de payer seul toutes
les dépenses occasionnées pour le transport des troupes.
« La correspondance se lit comme suit :
« Une dépêche en date du 3 octobre 1899 et venant de
l'honorable M. Chamberlain, a été soumise à la considéra-
tion du comité du Conseil privé ; elle se lit ainsi :
« Le secrétaire d'Etat pour la guerre et le général en
chef désirent que vous exprimiez votre haute appréciation
du patriotisme du peuple du Canada, offrant d'envoyer
des contingents dans le Sud-africain et que vous donniez
les informations suivantes qui aideront à l'organisation
des troupes, de manière à former des unités qui pourront
répondre aux besoins militaires : 1° cent vingt-cinq hom-
mes devraient composer chaque unité ; 2° ils peuvent
être soit de l'infanterie, soit de l'infanterie montée ou de
la cavalerie ; 3° Tous devraient être armés de fusils 203
(1) Nous donnons à la fin du volume le départ de chaque contingent, ainsi que
les noms de ceux qui en faisaient partie.
LE LIVRE D OR 17
décimais qui peuvent être fournis par le gouvernement
impérial, si c'est nécessaire ; 49 chacun devra fournir son
propre équipement et les soldats à cheval, leur monture ;
5° pas plus d'un capitaine et de trois subalternes pour
chaque unité. Un officier d'un grade pas plus élevé que
celui de major pourra commander toute la division. Quant
aux nombres que l'on pourra employer, le secrétaire d'Etat
pour la guerre se basera sur la nature même des offres,
mais il désire que chaque colonie soit représentée d'une
manière juste et équitable ; mais il ajoute toutefois qu'il ne
pourra pas dépasser les besoins nécessaires si l'état-major
doit employer toutes les troupes qui font partie des forces
impériales. Il accepterait avec plaisir les unités, aux
conditions suivantes : les troupes seront débarquées au
port d'arrivée, en Afrique, avec équipement complet aux
frais du gouvernement colonial ou des volontaires. A
compter du jour du débarquement, le gouvernement impé-
rial pourvoira au paiement d'après le tarif de l'empire,
fournira l'équipement et les munitions, paiera toutes les
dépenses pour ramener les troupes au Canada, paiera
des pensions aux blessés et se chargera des compensa-
tions, aux taux alloués par le gouvernement impérial.
« Les contingents ne devront pas embarquer après le
31 octobre et devront être dirigés sur Cape Town où ils
recevront les ordres nécessaires. Veuillez donner des
informations, d'après les instructions ci-haut mentionnées,
à tous ceux qui ont offert de faire une levée de volontaires. »
Signé, Chamberlain.
« Le très honorable sir Wilfrid Laurier, à qui cette
dépêche a été envoyée, fait remarquer que le secrétaire
des colonies, en réponse aux offres reçues des différentes
parties du Canada exprimant le désir des militaires prêts
à combattre pour Sa Majesté, a dit que des unités de cent
l8 LE LIVRE d'or
vingt-cinq hommes et quelques officiers seraient acceptées
à leur arrivée dans l'Afrique Sud, pourvu que leurs dépen-
ses soient payées par eux-mêmes ou le gouvernement
colonial.
« Le premier ministre, vu le désir bien connu d'un grand
nombre de Canadiens désireux de s'enrôler dans ces
conditions, est d'opinion que les dépenses modérées de
l'équipement et de transport de ces volontaires devraient
être payées volontiers par le gouvernement du Canada,
sans convoquer les Chambres, étant donné, surtout, que
ces dépenses, dans de telles circonstances, ne peuvent
constituer une dérogation au principe bien connu du
gouvernement constitutionnel et de l'usage des colonies,
ni établir un précédent.
« La Nouvelle-Zélande a déjà envoyé deux compagnies
aux mêmes conditions et dans des circonstances analogues,
le Queensland va envoyer deux cent cinquante hommes,
l'Australie et la Tasmanie en envoient cent vingt-cinq
chacune.
« En conséquence, le premier ministre recommande que
le gouvernement prenne dans les entrepôts du départe-
ment de la milice ce qu'il faudra pour équiper un certain
nombre de volontaires n'excédant pas mille hommes et
pourvoie à les faire transporter de ce pays au Sud-africain
et que le ministre de la milice prenne tous les arrange-
ments voulus à cet effet.
« Le comité prie votre Excellence de transmettre une
copie certifiée de cette minute au très honorable secrétaire
d'Etat pour les colonies.
« Le tout respectueusement soumis à l'approbation de
votre Excellence.»
JoHN-J. McGee,
Secrétaire du Conseil Privé.
LE LIVRE d'or rg
Télégramme de M. Chamberlain a Lord Minto.
i6 octobre 1899.
Le gouvernement de Sa Majesté a reçu avec beaucoup
de plaisir votre télégramme du 13 octobre me transmettant
l'o fifre généreuse du Canada d'envoyer 1,000 hommes, ce
qui est accepté avec reconnaissance.
Chamberlain.
Le Comte de Minto a M. Chamberlain.
Ottawa, 2 novembre 1899.
La nouvelle des revers du Sud-africain a causé une
profonde émotion au Canada ; mais partout on a le ferme
espoir qu'il n'y a pas raison de s'alarmer. Mes ministres
sont cependant prêts à agir d'après les données de votre
dernière dépêche, et à envoyer immédiatement un autre
contingent, si le gouvernement de Sa Majesté le juge
à propos.
(Signé) Minto.
M. Chamberlain a Lord Minto.
Londres, 2 novembre 1899.
J'ai communiqué au secrétaire d'Etat pour la guerre,
l'ofiTre généreuse et patriotique de votre gouvernement
d'envoyer un autre contingent. Sa réponse vous sera
télégraphiée aussitôt que possible ; en attendant, je désire
vous exprimer ma reconnaissance.
(Signé) Chamberlain.
M. Chambelain a Lord Minto.
Londres, 7 novembre 1899.
L'offre généreuse de vos ministres d'envoyer sans délai
un second contingent pour servir dans le Sud-africain a
20 LE LIVRE d'or
été prise en sérieuse considération par le secrétaire d'Etat
pour la guerre et ses aviseurs militaires ; mais ils regrettent
de ne pouvoir l'accepter dans les circonstances.
Le gouvernement de Sa Majesté prend cependant note
de cette offre, et n'hésitera pas à s'en prévaloir, si les
événements rendent la chose nécessaire.
Le gouvernement de Sa Majesté attache une grande
importance à cette nouvelle preuve de sympathie et de
bonne volonté de la part du Canada, et désire lui en
exprimer sa reconnaissante appréciation.
(Signé) Chamberlain.
M. Chamberlain a Lord Minto.
Londres, i6 décembre 1899.
Référant à ma dépêche du 7 novembre suivant une
autre dépêche reçue des Nouvelles-Galles du Sud disant :
'( Est-ce que le gouvernement de Sa Majesté désire que
les colonies anglaises envoient d'autres troupes dans
l'Afrique-Sud ? » La dépêche suivante a été envoyée en
réponse : « Prêt à accepter d'autres offres des colonies.
Si de telles offres sont faites, elles seront préférées à celles
de troupes à cheval. Les soldats devront être entraînés,
être de bons tireurs et se procurer leur propre cheval.
Communiquez ceci à vos ministres pour les guider au
sujet de leur offre d'un second contingent que le gouver-
nement de Sa Majesté accepte avec plaisir.
(Signé) Chamberlain.
Si après tout cela quelqu'un est à blâmer, ne blâmons
que nos exaltés d'enthousiasme, de patriotisme et de
loyalisme, lesquels unissaient de gaieté de cœur « La
Marseillaise » au « God Save the Queen. «
LE DÉPART DES CONTINGENTS
^, Quoique beaucoup de personnes aient déjà assisté
/^ à un départ de troupes, nous ne croyons pas
qu'elles aient jamais éprouvé le sentiment qui
envahissait tous les cœurs à ce moment.
En effet, c'était le premier pas de nos soldats vers le
champ de la gloire. ... ou de la mort, et chacun était
aussi anxieux qu'une mère qui voit son enfant commencer
à marcher. Va-t-il tomber avant d'arriver au but ?. . . .
Oui, ils sont arrivés au but, nos braves, et si quelques-uns
sont tombés, du moins ils sont tombés glorieusement.
Honneur à eux I . . . . Et pouvait-il en être autrement ?
Non, car tant de vœux, de souhaits, de cœurs les accom-
pagnaient et les protégeaient, que le Dieu des armées et
de la victoire les a pris sous sa garde. Et ces vœux, et ces
souhaits, et ces cœurs qui étaient leur Mascotte, leur
porte-bonheur, s'exhalaient, se manifestaient depuis le
Pacifique jusqu'à l'Atlantique. Voyez plutôt. . . . Vancou-
ver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Kingston, Hamilton, Ottawa,
Montréal, Québec, Halifax, enfin tout le Canada déployant
ses drapeaux sur la tête de tous nos soldats, pour les
bénir, tout comme le Christ bénissait avant de partir ceux
qu'il envoyait au combat. . . .
22 LE LIVRE D OR
Nous ne nous attarderons pas à dire et à dépeindre tout
ce qui s'est dit et fait à cette occasion, mais nous nous
contenterons de citer les discours des principaux person-
nages qui, au nom de la population entière, ont salué le
départ de nos braves.
N'ayant pas la prétention de vouloir donner au grand
complet tout ce qui s'est fait et dit au sujet du Départ des
contingents^ nous nous contenterons d'en donner les prin-
cipales lignes, car que ce soit le premier ou le dernier
contingent qui parte, la manifestation a été égale en tous
point, le sentiment patriotique, en la circonstance, étant
invariable.
Nous nous étendrons cependant plus longuement sur
le départ des Strathcona, car la générosité de son fonda-
teur mérite une mention toute spéciale.
C'est donc au milieu des drapeaux qui flottent sur tous
les édifices, des rues décorées de verdure, aux sons joyeux
des musiques militaires, aux acclamations de tout le peuple
que nous accompagnerons nos braves.
Après Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Hamilton qui
ont fait royalement les choses, arrivons à Ottawa, et
laissons la parole à sir Wilfrid Laurier qui, en la circon-
stance, a été l'interprète de tout le Canada :
« Que la Providence vous protège, dit-il, qu'elle vous
protège sur le champ de bataille où peut-être vous verserez
votre sang pour le drapeau qui protège ici vos libertés.
Soyez fidèles à ce drapeau. Marchez sur les traces de vos
concitoyens qui, déjà, ont fait honneur au Canada sur le
sol africain. Rappelez- vous que vous serez là-bas les
dépositaires de notre honneur national, rappelez-vous
avant tout que vous êtes Canadiens. »
La péroraison de sir Wilfrid Laurier a été couverte par
les applaudissements et les acclamations de la foule.
LE LIVRE D OR 23
Sir Charles Tupper parla après sir Wilfrid durant trois
quarts d'heure.
A Montréal, le maire Préfontaine s'exprime ainsi :
« La population de Montréal et celle de tout le Canada
apprécient à sa juste valeur la liberté qu'assure le drapeau
anglais, parce qu'elles en recueillent tous les bienfaits.
Elles souhaitent que Dieu bénisse votre entreprise et
vous accorde un prompt et triomphant retour dans les
lointaines plaines de l'Ouest. Nous honorons le grand
principe pour la défense duquel vous allez lutter ; nous
aimons et respectons le glorieux drapeau, notre drapeau,
sous les plis duquel vous allez combattre ; nous sommes
fiers de voir le Canada fournir autant de vaillants et de
courageux soldats pour combattre les combats de l'empire.
« Puisse votre traversée de l'océan être heureuse, et que
chacun de vous réalise son désir de prouver, sous le feu
de l'ennemi, quel cœur bat en sa poitrine 1 Puissent votre
patriotisme, votre loyauté, votre bravoure être à jamais
un exemple pour les générations que l'avenir verra grandir
sous les plis du glorieux drapeau de l'empire ! »
A Québec, c'est le maire Parent qui fait vibrer la note
patriotique de la vieille cité française :
Il Le maire et les citoyens de Québec, vous présentent les
félicitations de la ville à la veille de votre départ pour le
siège des opérations dans l'Afrique australe. Nous dési-
rons encore une fois formuler aussi fortement que possible
l'espoir que nous entretenons que vous saurez maintenir
en Afrique la réputation proverbiale de la vieille cité de
Québec pour sa loyauté à l'empire et à Sa Très Gracieuse
Majesté la Reine.
« Nous vous communiquons le plus cordialement possible
l'espoir que nous avons que vous débarquerez en Afrique
australe en temps pour célébrer le triomphe des armes
15
24 LE LIVRE D OR
anglaises et que vous aiderez à restaurer le prestige et la
suprématie de l'empire dans ces contrées lointaines.
« Nous sommes sûrs que vous êtes dignes de représenter
la valeur et l'esprit d'entreprise de notre pays et nous
caressons l'espoir que vous, comme ceux de nos compa-
triotes qui vous ont précédés, puissiez avant longtemps
rapporter de frais lauriers dans vos familles canadiennes. »
Enfin ! Halifax même sort de sa froideur britannique
pour acclamer nos braves.
« . . . • Jamais les habitants de cette vieille cité militaire
n'ont acclamé comme ils l'ont fait aujourd'hui, au départ
des Mounted Rifles^ pour le Sud-africain. C'est un événe-
ment qui ne sera jamais oublié.
« On n'aurait pu être plus démonstratif, si tous les
soldats qui partaient par le Milwaukee avaient été des
citoyens d'Halifax. Le peuple acclamait, chantait, criait
et poussait des hourras depuis l'heure à laquelle le
transport quitta le quai, jusqu'à ce qu'il eût dépassé la
ville et pris la haute mer. L'enthousiasme était à son
comble.
« Ceci s'expHquait en partie, par le fait que les volon-
taires ont fait beaucoup d'amis durant leur séjour ici. Ils
étaient les bienvenus dans les meilleures familles, on fit
tout pour leur prouver combien on appréciait leur zèle
patriotique. Durant la marche, plusieurs dames dirent
adieu aux soldats dans les rangs. Comme les volontaires
arrivèrent à la barrière de l'arsenal de marine, l'honorable
Dr Borden pria le colonel Steel de commander halte,
et montant sur un gros banc de neige, le ministre de la
milice lut un câblogramme de M. Chamberlain au gouver-
neur général, dans lequel il était dit : « La reine apprécie
le grand zèle du Canada, et souhaite aux troupes un bon
voyage et un heureux retour, n
LE LIVRE d'or 25
« Ceci fut l'occasion de nouveaux hourras. Les divers
corps de musique militaires jouèrent des airs patriotiques
pendant que les troupes s'embarquaient. Il y avait plus de
trois mille personnes à l'arsenal de marine. »
Voici quelques extraits détachés des manifestations qui
ont eu lieu dans plusieurs villes :
« Calgary. — Les carabiniers montés de Calgary sont
partis à cinq heures, hier soir. On leur a donné un
chaleureux send off. »
« Saint- Jean, N.-B. — Les artilleurs de Woodstock, en
route pour Halifax, ont eu une belle réception à la gare
de Saint- Jean. Toute la ville s'était rassemblée à la gare.
« La banque du Nouveau-Brunswick a voté cinq cents
dollars pour le fonds de secours du Transvaal. »
Galt, Ont. — Le fonds de souscription pour les cinq
jeunes volontaires de Galt, s'est monté à trois cent vingt-
cinq dollars en moins de trois jours. »
« A Ottawa, le train est arrivé, portant trois cents
soldats. A midi quarante, le régiment, habillé de peaux
d'ours, d'astracan, de buffle ; chaussé de bottes de peaux,
de mocassins ; coiffé de toute façon ; portant mouchoir
rouge au cou, et autres espèces de cravates, et présentant
un aspect des plus chamarrés, est arrivé sur la terrasse, à
pieds, précédé du colonel Herchmer, sur un beau cheval
bai, et du capitaine Winter, d'Ottawa, adjudant pour
aujourd'hui, et suivi de deux fanfares.
« Il y avait vingt-cinq mille personnes au moins. Les
soldats ont formé trois ailes, au pied de l'escalier, en face
de la tour centrale. Le gouverneur est arrivé à une heure
et quart, avec lady Minio et deux aides de camp, précédé
des dragons, commandés par le liculenant Powell.
20 LE LIVRE d'or
« Les acclamations faisaient résonner les échos les plus
lointains. Lord Minto, précédé et suivi de douze officiers,
a fait l'inspection des soldats, des cadets et des vétérans
de 1876, s'arrêtant ici et là pour parler aux types les plus
en évidence de cette troupe. Ensuite, le colonel Cotton,
sortant du milieu de tous les officiers des régiments
d'Ottawa, en grande tenue, a appelé en avant les quatre
officiers-commandants, et le colonel Foster, du Génie ; les
ayant rangés devant lady Minto, celle-ci, après un beau
petit discours, leur a présenté à chacun une lance avec
oriflamme vert foncée, avec bande blanche portant les
mots Canadian Mounted Rifles en rouge, et les armes du
Canada en coin. Lady Minto a fait allusion au service de
son mari dans l'Ouest, et a dit qu'elle remettait ces lances
en bonnes mains. Elle a terminé en souhaitant un heu-
reux voyage. Le gouverneur et sir Wilfrid ont fait des
discours.
« Le conseil municipal était présent ainsi que plusieurs
ministres. »
Avant de continuer, nous croyons devoir ouvrir une
page en l'honneur du colonel Gordon, le sympathique
commandant du district de Montréal :
« Samedi soir, environ deux cents officiers en tenue de
gala se pressaient dans la salle des banquets de l'hôtel
Viger, pour rendre hommage au colonel Gordon, comman-
dant du district militaire de Montréal, à l'occasion de son
départ pour l' Afrique-Sud.
« L'empressement avec lequel tous les officiers du district
militaire No 5 de Montréal ont répondu à l'appel des
organisateurs, et le tact et le dévouement de ces derniers
ont fait de cette démonstration un succès militaire sans
précédent.
« Le colonel Cole présidait ayant à sa droite le lieutenant-
LE LIVRE d'or 27
colonel Gordon. La partie musicale avait été confiée à
l'un des meilleurs orchestres de Montréal.
« Après la santé de la reine, bue avec un enthousiasme
indescriptible, le lieutenant-colonel Cole, en termes appro-
priés, a proposé celle du colonel Gordon. Dans quelques
paroles très bien dites, il a rappelé la carrière pleine de
succès du sympathique commandant.
« Ses paroles sur la loyauté du Canada ont soulevé les
applaudissements de tous.
« Le colonel Gordon a été salué avec beaucoup d'enthou-
siasme, lorsqu'il s'est levé pour répondre.
« Il a remercié les officiers de cette marque d'estime et
de sympathie. Trop ému pour pouvoir parler longtemps,
il a prié les convives de croire à la sincérité de son amitié
et de sa reconnaissance.
« La santé de Mme Gordon a été proposée par le lieu-
tenant-colonel Labelle avec une galanterie bien française.
« Le populaire commandant du 65me a parlé des mérites
et du dévouement de Mme Gordon dans sa participation
au fonds patriotique. Après avoir fait allusion au courage
de Mme Gordon, et au chagrin qu'elle ressentait de son
départ, il a parlé du grand vide que causerait l'absence
du colonel. »
Comme nous l'avons dit plus haut, nous devons une
mention toute spéciale aux Strathcona, tant pour louer
leur attitude martiale^ que pour rendre hommage à lord
Mount Royal et Strathcona, ce distingué patriote qui est
le père et le colonel du régiment.
Si je souligne les mots : letir attitude martiale, je ne
veux certainement pas diminuer la valeur des autres
troupes, mais ayant presque tous vécu longtemps dans la
prairie, ils montraient par leur allure qu'en partant pour
le Transvaal, ils allaient en pays de connaissance.
28 LE LIVRE d'or
En effet, gens de la prairie ou du Veldt, ils sont presque
cousins par la rude existence qu'ils y mènent.
« La cavalerie Strathcona a été passée en revue hier
après-midi par Son Excellence le gouverneur général. Il y
avait un grand nombre de spectateurs et plusieurs mem-
bres du parlement présents, entre autres, l'honorable Dr
Borden, ministre de la milice; sir Charles Tupper, MM.
Monk, Davin, Clarke, Cargill, le marquis et la marquise
de Hertford.
« Après l'inspection, une adresse de la part des citoyens
de Sudbury fut présentée au colonel Steele et à ses hom-
mes, ainsi qu'un riche drapeau en soie bordé de franges
argentées, avec hampe en chêne poli décoré de nickel et
de cordons d'or. Au centre de l'étendard sont inscrits les
mots : Strathcona^ s Ilorse.
« Ce drapeau a été fait par les dames de Sudbury et
avait été expédié à M. Klock, député de Nipissing au
parlement fédéral. C'est ce dernier qui présenta l'adresse
au colonel Steele, dont la réponse a été fort applaudie.
« L'honorable Dr Borden, sir Charles Tupper et M.
Davin, M.P., adressèrent ensuite la parole et félicitèrent
les soldats de leur bravoure et de leur belle apparence.
L'assemblée s'est dissoute aux cris de: vivent la reine et la
cavalerie Strathcona.
Ce matin le contingent a paradé en face des édifices
parlementaires. Mme Borden a distribué des guidons à
chacun des membres. Lord et lady Minto étaient présents.
Dimanche il y aura parade d'église. Les ofiîciers des
gardes à pied du gouverneur et le 43me bataillon feront
l'escorte d'honneur.
« Dix mille personnes au moins ont assisté, ce matin,
sur le terrain des édifices parlementaires, à la parade du
régiment de lord Strathcona.
LE LIVRE D OR 29
« Le bataillon, après avoir parcouru les principales rues
de la ville, est venu se grouper en face de l'édifice central
pour recevoir des mains de Mme Borden, quatre drapeaux
de la part des épouses des employés civils.
« La cérémonie s'est faite en présence du gouverneur et
de lady Minto, de sir Wilfrid Laurier et des honorables
MM. Mulock, Tarte, Borden, Blair, Mills et Scott. Il y
avait aussi sir Louis Davis, sir Henri Joly, sir Charles
Tupper, sir Alphonse Pelletier et la plupart des députés
et sénateurs.
« Après la présentation des drapeaux, le gouverneur
général adressa la parole aux volontaires. Sir Wilfrid
Laurier parla ensuite et reçut une ovation. Il fit l'éloge
du colonel Steele, commandant du bataillon. Ce militaire,
comme commandant de la police à cheval du Nord-Ouest,
a rendu au pays des services signalés, et il était difficile
de choisir un meilleur soldat pour mettre à la tête des
braves que lord Strathcona envoie à ses frais défendre
le drapeau de l'empire sur le sol de l'Afrique.
« Sir Wilfrid, parlant ensuite à lord Strathcona, dit que
le haut commissaire semble considérer ne posséder qu'à
ticre étfidéi-ccmmis la fortune qu'il a amassée.
« Déjà il a donné une large partie de cette fortune pour
la grande cause de l'éducation. Il ouvre aujourd'hui géné-
reusement sa bourse pour la défense de l'empire et l'hon-
neur du nom canadien.
« Sir Wilfrid a terminé en souhaitant bon voyage aux
volontaires. »
« La fête que la ville de Montréal a célébrée, hier, en
l'honneur des quatre cents braves Canadiens qui s'en vont
en Afrique du Sud pour défendre le drapeau britannique,
restera longtemps gravée dans la mémoire de la population
de la métropole du Canada.
30 LE LIVRE D OR
« Jeunes et vieux, hommes, femmes et enfants, se rap-
pelleront la journée du 12 mars 1900. Ce sera pour
l'histoire de noire pays un jour de gloire où l'étendard
britannique a été salué et acclamé à outrance. Jamais,
dans l'histoire de notre ville, il ne s'est vu un enthousiasme
aussi universel que celui dont les citoyens de Montréal
ont fait preuve pour acclamer ces quatre cents fils de
Mars qui sont partis, hier soir, pour représenter le Canada
et combattre avec leurs confrères du Canada qui les ont
devancés. Le maire Préfontaine avait proclamé l'après-
midi d'hier comme fête civique.
« Toute la population de Montréal, sans aucune distinc-
tion de nationalité ou de religion, s'est rendue à l'invitation
du premier magistrat de la ville.
« On estime à cinquante mille personnes la foule qui
était groupée sur le parcours de la procession d'hier.
■ (( Il a été payé jusqu'à cinquante dollars pour avoir le
droit d'occuper un endroit convenable pour voir passer le
Strathcona's Horse.
« Le maire, le conseil municipal, et une foule de citoyens
distingués étaient à la gare pour souhaiter la bienvenue
au régiment.
« Dès que la foule aperçut les volontaires, il y eut une
véritable explosion d'enthousiasme. La scène qui s'est
passée alors est indescriptible ; les cris et les vivats mêlés
aux sons harmonieux des airs patriotiques que jouaient
les fanfares, étaient au-dessus de toute description. Lors-
que la tête de la procession fut rendue au coin des rues
Saint-Denis et Sainte-Catherine, elle aperçut la magnifique
structure de l'université Laval couverte d'oriflammes de
toutes les nations et de drapeaux anglais. Les autorités
de Laval ont fait noblement les choses, et tous ont acclamé
à outrance le régiment du St rat h couacs Horse.
Les étudiants de l'université Laval étaient groupés sur
LE LIVRE DOR 31
le portique de leur Aima Mater. Chacun d'eux portait un
drapeau anglais et à maintes reprises, ils acclamaient les
troupes défilant devant eux.
«Sur la façade de l'édifice, on remarquait les inscrip-
tions suivantes : Pour Dieu et V empire et Dieu sauve la
reine !
« On ne saurait décrire ici l'ovation faite par les étudiants
du McGill, qui étaient dans la procession, aux étudiants
de Laval, en passant devant l'université. Les McGill ont
acclamé leurs confrères par des vivats enthousiastes en
criant Whats the matter with Laval ? S/ies ail right, you
bet ! et nos étudiants de Laval ont salué leurs confrères
du McGill par des hourras frénétiques.
« Six cents personnes assistaient au banquet au Windsor,
présidé par le maire Préfontaine. A sa droite étaient assis
le colonel Steele, commandant du régiment Strathcona ;
Mgr Racicot; l'honorable juge Tait; l'honorable juge
Davidson ; le principal Peterson, de l'université McGill ;
l'honorable A.-W, Ogilvie, sénateur; l'honorable J.-J.
Guérin ; l'échevin Faucher. A gauche, l'honorable M.
Forget, lieutenant-gouverneur des Territoires du Nord-
Ouest; sir Alexandre Lacoste, juge en chef de la Cour du
Banc de la Reine ; le colonel Roy, commandant du 5me
district militaire ; l'honorable Alphonse Desjardins ; l'ex-
maire Wilson-Smith ; le colonel Ibbotson ; le commandant
des Royal Scotts.
« Après le toast à la reine, on a lu des lettres d'excuses
de Mgr Bruchési, del'évêque Bond, du lieutenant-gouverneur
Jette et autres. »
Puis, le maire Préfontaine, le principal Peterson, du
McGill, Mgr Racicot, l'honorable juge Lacoste, l'honora-
ble juge Davidson, l'ex-maire Wilson-Smith, l'honorable
Forget et le colonel Steele ont prononcé des discours.
32 LE LIVRE d'or
Nous nous contenterons de donner quelques extraits
du discours du maire, lequel contient en substance les
nobles sentiments exprimés par tous les autres distingués
orateurs :
« Permettez-moi, en ce moment, comme Canadien-fran-
çais, de déclarer qu'aucune portion de notre commu-
nauté cosmopolite n'éprouve un plus grand plaisir de
votre visite, ne vous souhaite plus sincèrement que le
succès et un complet triomphe couronne votre campagne
dans le sud de l'Afrique, que les Canadiens-français de
Montréal. Nous vous souhaitons bonne chance et victoire,
parce que la reine et le drapeau pour lequel vous allez
combattre sont aussi notre reine et notre drapeau. Les
Canadiens-français ont eux-mêmes combattu pour l' Union
Jack à Saint-Jean, à Plattsburg, à Bennington, à Saratoga,
à Chateauguay, à la Butte-aux-Français, en Egypte, au
Soudan, dans l'Afrique du Sud et ailleurs, et ils sont prêts
à le faire encore aussi souvent qu'on aura besoin de leurs
services.
« Bien plus, colonel Steele, officiers et soldats, les
citoyens de Montréal sont fiers de vous à cause de l'œuvre
que vous avez si noblement entreprise, et parce qu'ils
croient voir en vous les hommes qu'il faut pour l'accom-
plir.
« Nous comptons sur vous, de même que sur vos cama-
rades de l'infanterie à cheval, de l'artillerie de campagne
et de l'infanterie qui vous ont précédés pour soutenir
l'honneur et le renom du Canada, et d'après vos états de
service, nous savons que nous ne serons pas désappointés.
Il Ce pays, grâce à l'héroïsme de ses enfants, qui servent
dans le premier contingent, a déjà cueilli une riche et
impéiissable moisson de gloire dans le champ de la mal-
heureuse guerre actuelle de l'Afrique du Sud ; nous sentons
LE LIVRE DOR 33
que nous pouvons en toute sûreté compter sur le régiment
de Strathcona pour maintenir la réputation de bravoure
et d'autres vertus militaires si noblement méritée par les
braves Canadiens qui font partie du bataillon commandé
par le lieutenant-colonel Otter.
« Nous vous suivrons avec intérêt et orgueil comme
nous l'avons fait pour les différents corps recrutés en
cette ville.
« Soyez certains que le peuple canadien vous suivra
d'un œil sympathique à travers les immensités du conti-
nent noir, qu'il sera fier de vos sacrifices et de votre
bravoure, qu'il se souviendra des souffrances que vous
aurez endurées en faisant votre devoir. Nous vous accom-
pagnerons par la pensée dans vos longues marches ; nous
monterons la garde avec vous, dans les sables du désert
africain, sous la merveilleuse et sereine clarté des constel-
lations méridionales. Nous vous suivrons dans les ravins
et sur les kopjes, sur les champs de bataille sanglants, où
le sentiment du danger redonne une énergie nouvelle aux
vaillants qui ont appris sous les plis de l' Union Jack à
lutter en héros ; où la grandeur des circonstances donne
une énergie de fer et des nerfs d'acier aux glorieux soldats
qui, de l'Angleterre et de l'Irlande, de l'Ecosse et du Pays
de Galles, de l'Afrique du Sud et de l'Australie, de la
Nouvelle-Zélande, des Indes et du Canada, sont allés
combattre pour notre noble et bien-aimée souveraine.
« Notre pensée vous suivra quand, dédaigneux du dan-
ger, vous marcherez à la victoire, à travers les plaines
rocheuses et les montagnes, et chaque pas de votre
marche glorieuse sera rythmé par notre prière qui mon-
tera, ardente, vers le Dieu des armées et de la justice, et
qui lui demandera d'épargner votre vie et de donner à
votre courage et à votre dévouement le succès qu'ils
méritent. «
34 LE LIVRE D OR
N'oublions pas non plus le colonel Steele, appelé à
prendre la parole :
« Au moment où il se lève, il se trouve en face de ses
deux petites filles, debout sur la table, qui lui présentent
chacune un superbe bouquet. Il les embrasse tendrement,
puis il renonce momentanément à ce plaisir pour se don-
ner tout entier au devoir de faire l'éloge de ses soldats.
« Et d'abord, déclare-t-il, il était fort loin de s'attendre
à une semblable démonstration quand il est parti d'Ottawa ;
il ne sait comment en remercier la population de notre
ville. Quoi qu'il en soit, il se sent fier, plus qu'il ne pour-
rait le dire, lui, obscur Canadien (cris : non ! non !)
d'être appelé à l'honneur de commander le régiment des
Strathconà's Horse.
« Il est impossible d'énumérer les qualités des soldats
qui font partie de cette vaillante troupe.
« Il y a là des hommes qui sont venus du Yukon, de la
rivière à la Paix, qui ont fait six cents milles de chemin
pour venir s'enrôler.
« Le recrutement s'est fait avec une rapidité extraordi-
naire. Le colonel termine en disant qu'il doit se rappeler
qu'il n'est qu'un soldat, et que le devoir du soldat est
d'agir plutôt que de parler. »
« Le maire donne lecture d'un câblogramme de lord
Strathcona, exprimant le regret qu'il éprouve de n'être
pas au milieu de ses hommes en cette circonstance, et
remerciant la population de Montréal de la réception
qu'elle leur a faite.
« On joue une dernière fois le God Save the Quee?i, puis
chacun se lève pour partir.
« Cette journée a été vraiment superbe à tous les points
de vue. Montréal a rarement été témoin d'une démonstra-
tion aussi bien réussie.
LE LIVRE D OR 35
« Le Strathcona's Horse est reparti vers huit heures, en
route pour Halifax, pour l'Afrique du Sud, et qui sait ?
pour l'éternité peut-être.
« Espérons toutefois qu'ils nous reviendront quelque
jour, heureux de leur lointaine campagne et rapportant, en
sus d'une grosse moisson de lauriers, un rayon de soleil
d'Afrique pour souvenir. »
Les voici à Halifax :
« Halifax. — Le régiment Strathcona s'est embarqué
vers cinq heures, hier après-midi, à bord du Monterey^
dont le départ pour les côtes d'Afrique a eu lieu, ce
matin, à cinq heures. L'embarquement s'est exécuté au
milieu du plus grand enthousiasme. Immédiatement avant
le départ des casernes, on a donné aux soldats lecture des
câblogrammes expédiés par lord Strathcona. MM. Elder-
Dempster avaient fait splendidement décorer le Monterey.
Des discours furent prononcés par le général lord Wm.
Seymour, le lieutenant-gouverneur Daly et le colonel
Steele. Puis le Dr Borden lut le câblogramme suivant :
« Londres, à Borden, ministre de la milice, Halifax.
« Donnez, s'il vous plaît, lecture à mon régiment de la
note suivante, que j'ai reçue du secrétaire privé de Sa
Majesté, et à laquelle vous donnerez la publicité qu'il
convient.
« Sa Majesté est heureuse d'exprimer sa confiance au
régiment, avant son départ, et croit sincèrement que les
soldats seront à la hauteur de leurs camarades canadiens,
qui se battent si vaillamment, à l'heure présente, pour la
cause de l'empire. La reine leur souhaite tous les succès
et un prompt retour dans leurs foyers.
H Dans ma réponse au secrétaire de Sa Majesté, j'ai dit
qu'officiers et soldats considéraient comme un privilège
36 LE LIVRE d'or
l'honneur de servir et leur souveraine et l'empire ; qu'ils
seraient toujours prêts à faire leur devoir comme Cana-
diens et comme loyaux sujets britanniques, afin de justifier
la confiance à eux si gracieusement accordée par Sa
Majesté.
« Signé, Strathcona. »
« Borden, ministre de la milice, Halifax.
« Veuillez exprimer au colonel Steele, à ses ofiiciers et
aux soldats, le grand désappointement que j'éprouve de
ne pouvoir assister à leur départ. Je n'en suis pas moins
personnellement heureux de leur souhaiter un bon voyage
et un prompt retour, absolument certain qu'ils s'acquitte-
ront bravement et crânement de leur service, faisant ainsi
honneur à la Puissance et à notre bien-aimée souveraine.
« Strathcona. »
« Sur tout le parcours du défilé, les rues, les magasins et
les maisons étaient envahis par la ioule. La législature
était en congé, et les membres des deux Chambres, ainsi
que le conseil municipal, précédaient la procession, en
voiture. Les Strathcona étaient immédiatement précédés
du 66e Fusiliers de la princesse Louise, fanfare en tête.
Venaient ensuite : le lieutenant-colonel Irving et la fanfare
du régiment Leinster j cent soldats du 63e Carabiniers,
avec fanfare, fermaient la marche, suivis de milliers de
citoyens et de quelques membres du régiment Leinster.
« Le contingent de cent hommes, destiné à aller rem-
placer, là-bas, les Canadiens tombés au champ d'honneur,
a tout particulièrement attiré l'attention des spectateurs,
et a été salué avec enthousiasme, pour sa mâle et fière
allure.
« A cinq heures, l'embarquement, qui s'était opéré aux
quais du gouvernement, était terminé, et le Monterey
LE LIVRE d'or 37
s'éloignait lentement, le cap sur la mer. Les fanfares
faisaient retentir, en notes vibrantes, l'hymne national, et
l'enthousiasme de la foule ne cessa qu'au moment où
l'ancre fut levée et le navire hors de vue. »
A CAPE-TOWN !
«Toronto. — Une dépêche de Londres, à VEvening
Telegram^ dit :
« Un câblogramme de Cape-Town, dit que le transport
Sardinian portant le contingent canadien est arrivé hier.
A Cape-Town, les troupes canadiennes défileront dans les
principales rues de la ville et le gouverneur lancera une
proclamation faisant, de ce jour, une fête légale. »
« Cape-Town. — Sir Alfred Milner a lancé une procla-
mation au peuple de la colonie du Cap, dans laquelle il
appelle son attention sur les preuves multiples que la reine
ne favorise pas une nation aux dépens de l'autre.
« Cette proclamation a été lue dans les écoles, les églises
et dans toutes les places publiques. »
« Ottawa. — La dépêche suivante a été reçue de la part
de sir Alfred Milner, gouverneur de l'Afrique du Sud
anglaise :
« Le Cap. — Viens de souhaiter bon voyage au contin-
gent canadien ; tous bien et contents d'aller de l'avant.
Le peuple ici a montré d'une manière irréfutable l'appré-
ciation de sympathie pour le secours venu du Canada.
« Milner. »
Enfin ! ils sont tous arrivés, sains et saufs, du premier
jusqu'au dernier, sur le terrain de leurs exploits glorieux,
et nous cédons la place à leurs lettres écrites de leur sang,
à la pointe de leur épée.
NOTICE
Nous prévenons le lecteur que nous avons élagué de
ces lettres ce qui ne pouvait l'intéresser. Ces extraits
sont insérés non par date, mais par classement, et sans
préférence pour aucun de nos braves dont la gloire est
égale du premier au dernier.
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL OSCAR PELLETIER.
LE LIEUTENANT-COLONEL PELLETIER
E lieutenant-colonel Oscar-C. Pelletier, qui agit
comme major dans le régiment canadien en Afri-
que, ler contingent, et qui a été blessé à Paarde-
berg, est né à Québec, le 3 mai 1862, Il est le fils de sir
Alphonse-P. Pelletier, K.C.M.G., C.P., C.R., président
du sénat ; et de feu Mme Suzanne Casgrain, fille de feu
l'honorable E, Casgrain, membre du Conseil législatif de
Québec.
Il fit ses études au séminaire de Québec, et étudiait le
droit à l'université Laval depuis un an, lorsqu'il embrassa
la carrière militaire.
Le colonel Pelletier débuta comme trompette dans le
régiment des hussards Queen's Own de Québec ; devint
trompette-major ; puis fut versé au 9e Voltigeurs de Qué-
bec avec une commission de sous-lieutenant. Il fut promu
bientôt au grade de lieutenant et adjudant du bataillon.
Il fut un des premiers cadets de l'école d'infanterie de
Saint- Jean-d'Iberville, où il obtint un certificat de première
classe.
Il fit ensuite un cours au collège militaire de Kingston,
et c'est pendant ce cours qu'éclata l'insurrection de
Nord-Ouest.
40 LE LIVRE d'or
11 fit la campagne de 85 avec la Batterie B, et le 2 mai
1885, il était sérieusement blessé à Cut Knife.
Il fut nommé, en 1887, lieutenant d'artillerie dans la
JBatterie B, et ses supérieurs ayant remarqué ses capacités,
son tact et sa bravoure, le recommandèrent pour la pro-
motion de comm.andant de la division d'artillerie de cam-
pagne de la Batterie B.
Il alla alors à Aldershot suivre un cours et sortit avec
distinction de cette école avec un certificat de première
classe, le rendant apte au grade d'ofifîcier d'Etat-major
de l'armée anglaise.
Durant son séjour en Angleterre, il suivit les grandes
manœuvres de l'armée anglaise pendant quatre mois.
Il fut nommé en 1898, officier commandant du district
militaire No 7 de la province de Québec.
Le colonel Pelletier a épousé en 1890 Mlle Alice
Archer, fille de M. Jos. Archer, jr., marchand de bois, de
Québec, et il est le père de six enfants vivants.
Le colonel Pelletier est un des rares officiers de la
milice canadienne qui soit qualifié dans les trois branches
de l'art militaire. Il possède en effet des certificats de
première classe dans la cavalerie, l'artillerie et l'infanterie.
.... Le lieutenant-colonel Pelletier, de Québec, parti
pour le Transvaal avec le premier contingent, écrit de De
Aar Junction à la date du 3 décembre 1899 :
« Nous nous attendons à chaque instant à livrer un
engagement important près de Kimberley, et notre régi-
ment a reçu ordre de se tenir prêt. Le général Joubert est
à une distance d'environ vingt-cinq milles sur notre gau-
che, et nous sommes préparés à lui faire la réception
chaude si fantaisie lui prend de venir nous rendre visite.
Et il viendra, probablement, car De Aar est une place
importante, tant par les nombreux magasins qu'elle con-
LE LIVRE D OR 4I
tient que par la situation qu'elle occupe sur la ligne de
communication. Il est donc certain que nous aurons été
au feu plusieurs fois lorsque vous recevrez cette lettre.
Mais j'ai lieu d'espérer que Dieu me conservera à la vie
et me rendra sain et sauf à ma famille lorsque la guerre
sera terminée. Nous nous attendons à une rencontre
après demain.
« Le canon gronde continuellement à quelques milles de
nous. Le thermomètre est à 107 degrés de chaleur, de
sorte que vous pouvez juger de ce que nous souffrons.
« La bataille de Modder River, la semaine dernière, a
été terrible, s'il est permis d'en juger par le nombre extra-
ordinaire de blessés qui ont passé par ici en route pour
Cape-Town. Je vous assure que ce genre de procession
n'est pas très gai.
« Tous les Canadiens sont en excellente condition
d'esprit et de corps, très enthousiasmés, et impatients de
se mesurer avec les soldats de Joubert. Nous préparons à
ce dernier une réception qui sera plutôt militaire que
civile.
« Le piquet d'un régiment voisin du nôtre a capturé
près du camp un individu que l'on croit être un espion.
S'il ne peut donner une explication suffisante de sa pré-
sence en cet endroit, il sera immédiatement fusillé. La
justice est prompte dans ses exécutions, ici. Elle ne perd
pas son temps à tergiverser.
« Nous sommes sur pied jour et nuit et le peu de loisir
que nous avons est consacré à dormir aussi promptement
que possible. Il est étonnant de constater avec quelle
bonne humeur et quelle gaieté nos Canadiens supportent
les fatigues de la campagne dont aucune description ne
peut donner une idée. »
.... Il nous fait plaisir d'apprendre de source absolu-
42 LE LIVRE d'or
ment impartiale que notre ami, le major Oscar Pelletier,
s'est distingué par sa bravoure sur le champ de bataille.
Voici un extrait d'une lettre du soldat McDermott, que
nous empruntons au Daily Telegraph, de Saint-Jean,
Nouveau-Brunswick, en date du 1 1 avril courant :
« . . . . Les Canadiens et les soldats du régiment Gordon
sont devenus très liés, les uns avec les autres, ayant com-
battu épaule à épaule, bivouaqué et marché ensemble
pendant deux semaines. Les Gordons sont des soldats
superbes. Ils sont sobres et très convenables, vous n'en-
tendez jamais sortir de leurs lèvres aucune parole déplacée,
et ils sont de fidèles camarades en toutes circonstances.
« Le régiment regrette beaucoup que le major Pelletiei,
qui commandait la moitié de l'aile droite du bataillon, ait
été blessé au bras, pendant qu'il commandait, dans la
matinée du 27 février. Le major Pelletier est brave comme
un lion et est adoré des soldats, à cause de son admirable
politesse pour tous. Sa blessure, heureusement, n'est pas
dangereuse, et nous espérons le revoir dans quelques
jours.
« Le Père O'Leary n'est jamais fatigué et s'attache à
nous comme une sangsue. Il est le seul chapelain qui
nous ait suivi partout. »
Afin de ne pas blesser la modestie du lieutenant-colonel Pelletier,
lequel n'aime pas à ce qu'on parle de lui, nous nous contenterons de
finir par un article du Chronicle, de Québec.
« On sait que le colonel Pelletier est l'idole des mem-
bres du contingent. Son courage en présence du danger
n'a été égalé que par la connaissance de la tactique mili-
taire qu'il avait déjà, ce qui lui a permis, en bien des
circonstances, de sauver la vie de ses hommes qu'un
ofiîcier moins expérimenté, moins soucieux, aurait sacrifiée
CHIRURGIEN ET BLESSE
LE LIVRE D OR 43
inutilement. Toujours bienveillant, il maintenait cependant
la discipline pour se faire respecter de ses hommes et
se faire obéir sans murmure quel que fût le commande-
ment donné, s'assurant ainsi leur estime et leur amour au
point qu'ils le suivraient n'importe où. Et c'est ce qu'ils
ont fait, et sa direction nous a valu une grande part de la
gloire qu'ils ont conquise et qui jette tant d'éclat sur le
Dominion.
« Canadien-français, il a prouvé sa loyauté de la manière
la plus pratique, en laissant l'aisance et le confort de
son home pour les montagnes abruptes du Sud-africain,
abandonnant la position de commandant en chef de ce
district. . . .
« Nous sommes fiers de lui et nous devrions le lui
prouver d'une manière tangible en lui présentant un
témoignage digne de l'homme et de l'occasion.
« Les noms du R. P. O'Leary, du Dr Fiset et du capi-
taine E. Turner seraient certainement dignes de figurer
avec celui du colonel Pelletier en cette occurrence, car ils
ont tellement mérité, que quiconque devrait être fier de
pouvoir leur témoigner son admiration.
« .... Le Dr Fiset s'est conduit en héros. Toujours au
plus épais de la mêlée, il a prodigué les ressources de son
art aux blessés. Sans ses soins habiles, la liste des morts
dans les rangs du contingent canadien serait, sans aucun
doute, plus considérable. Il aurait gagné la croix Victoria
plusieurs fois, si toute la vérité était connue.
« .... Le capitaine Turner s'est aussi distingué et il est
l'un des héros de cette guerre. Il a accompli plusieurs
actions d'éclat. Dans une circonstance entre autres, il n'a
pas craint de se jeter à la nage pour traverser une rivière
sous le feu meurtrier de l'ennemi, bien qu'il y eût peu
d'espoir qu'il pût atteindre la rive opposée, n
44
LE LIVRE d'or
Enfin, l'abbé O'Leary a prouvé qu'il était aussi vaillant
soldat de son pays que du Christ !
Nous félicitons l'organe anglais de ces belles paroles.
Le Soleil les fait siennes avec le plus grand plaisir et
fera tout en son pouvoir pour mettre à exécution une
aussi excellente suggestion.
L'ABBE P. M. O'LEARY,
AUMÔNIER.
LE RÉVÉREND PÈRE O'LEARY
Du Citizen d'Ottawa:
^,N dit da bien de tous les chapelains qui sont
'ï^J^ allés en Afrique avec le contingent canadien.
Il est intéressant de noter que les protestants
aussi bien que les catholiques font de grands éloges
du Père O'Leary, le chapelain catholique romain. Il
était ici, il était là, partout, et des plus bienveillants
pour tous, sans égard à la croyance religieuse. A
Paardeberg, le Père û'I^eary a inhumé tous les morts.
Un pauvre malheureux, un protestant, blessé et mourant,
était assisté par le Père O'Leary. »
Le Citizen ajoute : « Nous nous joignons de tout cœur
à cette expression d'admiration de la conduite du Père
O'Leary à Paardeberg et ailleurs durant la guerre. En
toute occasion, on l'a trouvé à son poste, et il a, par son
caractère et son exemple, noblement fait preuve des
46 LE LIVRE d'or
qualités les plus héroïques du ministre chrétien. Le Citizen
croit que l'Angleterre et tout l'empire ont bénéficié de la
présence parmi les troupes canadiennes, durant leur rude
campagne contre l'ennemi, de la présence de ce zélé
apôtre du Christ, faisant abnégation de soi-même, et il
espère, puisque le moment approche où ce qui reste de
nos boys en Afrique nous reviendra avec le bien-aimé
chapelain catholique, qu'on prendra immédiatement des
mesures pour prouver à ce bon père combien ses compa-
triotes ont hautement apprécié ce qu'il a pu faire, avec la
grâce de Dieu, pour ceux des nôtres qui nous étaient si
chers et que nous ne reverrons malheureusement plus. Le
peuple du Canada devrait donner un témoignage national
à ce vaillant disciple de l'Eglise militante. Nous espérons
aussi que lorsque le temps propice en sera venu, ceux qui
ont le privilège d'aviser Sa Majesté la reine en pareil cas
n'oublieront pas les héroïques services qu'il a rendus. »
Lettre du R. P. O'Leary, à son frère.
(1 Expédition canadienne dans le Sud-africain, à bord
du Sardinian, près des Tropiques. »
8 novembre 1899.
« Mon cher James,
« Comme j'aurai probablement la chance de mettre cette
lettre à la poste des îles du Cap Vert, que nous atteindrons
sans doute samedi, je profite des quelques moments de
répit qui me sont accordés peur te donner de nouveaux
détails sur notre voyage. Quand je t'ai écrit, la dernière
fois, nous quittions la Pointe-au-Père, et depuis ce temps,
le voyage a été très accidenté.
« D'abord, tout le monde semblait de bonne humeur,
et, quoique nous eussions l'occasion de nous heurter sou-
LE LIVRE D OR
47
vent sur le pont, — ce cher vieux Sardinian roule si bien
— il n'y a pas eu la moindre friction désagréable. C'est à
table cependant, que l'on s'amuse le plus, et, si ce n'était
la rude besogne qui nous est réservée à chacun de nous,
nous écririons que nous prenons part à un beau et grand
pique-nique.
A TABLE
» A la tête de notre table préside le colonel commandant
et les autres officiers sont placés dans l'ordre suivant :
« Lieutenants-colonels Otter, Buchan, Pelletier et S.
Hughes, major Drummond, lieutenant-colonel Drury, ma-
jor Lessard, aumôniers FuUerton et O'Leary, major Mc-
Dougall, colonel Denison, Mlles Pope, Russell, Affleck et
Forbes, ambulancières (Nurses), aumônier Almond.
« D'après la composition de notre petite famille, tu peux
juger de la bonne impression qui prévaut.
« Les pièces sont petites et étroites et plusieurs prennent
déjà leurs quartiers de nuit sur le pont, car nous pénétrons
dans les tropiques, et la chaleur est parfois très lourde,
comme en juillet et août chez nous.
« Mon compagnon de cabine, l'aumônier Fullerton, me
témoigne une grande amitié, et nous sommes déjà deux
inséparables.
LE PREMIER CONTRETEMPS
« Notre premier contretemps s'est produit au sud de
Terre-Neuve, mercredi matin. La mer furieuse a attaqué
avec violence notre navire qu'elle a roulé en tous sens,
brisant deux embarcations et bouleversant tout à bord.
Le pont offrait le coup d'œil le plus lamentable. Il était à
peu près impossible et même dangereux d'y passer. En
outre, la pluie tombait à torrents. Le mal de mer était à
48 LE LIVRE DOR
l'ordre du jour, et ce fut l'infime minorité qui résista au
mal. Cependant, au plus fort de la tempête, je dus officier
aux premières funérailles que nous avons faites en mer.
Un pauvre soldat, Deslauriers, de la compagnie du capi-
taine Rogers, fut trouvé mort le matin. Le malheureux
avait succombé à une syncope du cœur. Les funérailles
eurent lieu dans l'après-midi et ce fut un spectacle impres-
sionnant que je n'oublierai jamais, malgré les mouvements
du navire, malgré le vent et la mer qui roulait sur nous
ses vagues furieuses et qui balayait le pont. J'ai fait les
prières d'usage sur le cadavre que l'on avait enveloppé
dans un drapeau anglais. Lorsque j'eus prononcé les
dernières paroles : Requiescat m pace, une sonnerie de
clairons se fit entendre, et le cadavre fut jeté à la mer qui
a ainsi englouti notre première victime.
SERVICE DU DIMANCHE
« Dimanche. — La température étant un peu plus clé-
mente, nous avons eu le service divin sur le pont. Le
service catholique eut lieu à 9.30 heures, et cent vingt
hommes y ont pris part. La cérémonie a été très simple ;
elle a consisté dans la récitation des prières du matin et
dans la lecture de l'évangile du jour, suivies d'un sermon
en français et en anglais.
« Malheureusement, une allusion que j'avais cru pro-
pice de faire à ces chers soldats sur leurs parents si loin,
dont les prières ont été, sans nul doute, offertes dans
plusieurs églises, pour notre sauvegarde, fut cause que la
cérémonie se termina presque immédiatement. Pendant
la récitation du rosaire qui suivit, plusieurs voix voilées
tentaient, mais en vain, de répondre. La cérémonie se
termina par la bénédiction que tous reçurent, tête nue.
'( Depuis lundi la température est délicieuse et nous
passons presque tout notre temps sur le pont.
LE LIVRE D OR 49
« Les militaires font l'exercice presque continuellement
et leurs progrès sont satisfaisants.
« Le soir, à sept heures, tous les hommes sont appelés
sur le pont pour la récitation des prières. Cette scène est
toujours impressionnante.
« Ensuite, les hommes demeurent sur le pont et passent
leurs loisirs à chanter, à fumer et à se raconter des histoi-
res, jusqu'à l'appel du clairon.
« La vie sur un vaisseau chargé de troupes, est toute
une révélation pour moi et contraste fortement avec
l'existence que l'on mène dans le paisible séminaire de
Québec.
(I D'après des instructions ouvertes après le départ du
vaisseau, nous avons appris que nous devions nous rendre
à Cape-Town, sans arrêt. Cette nouvelle nous a contrariés,
car nous connaissions l'anxiété de nos bons amis qui
allaient être de six à sept semaines sans apprendre de nos
nouvelles.
SCËNE SAISISSANTE
« Novembre ii, — Nous espérons apercevoir les îles
du Cap Vert au coucher du soleil et comme nous pourrons
peut-être avoir la chance d'y déposer nos lettres, je saisis
cette occasion d'ajouter quelques mots à cette lettre déjà
longue et écrite dans des circonstances si diverses.
« Pendant ces derniers jours, notre vaisseau a été secoué
par le vent, mais cependant la température est restée belle.
(( Hier soir, nous avons eu un autre concert en plein air,
très joli. C'était le tour de la compagnie d'Ottawa et tout
a été très bien conduit par l'organisateur Rogers. Quelle
scène saisissante c'était de voir toutes ces têtes découver-
tes et d'entendre ces voix chanter le God Save thc Queen,
pendant que les cœurs se portaient au loin, vers les amis
absents. La lune brillait doucement sur cette scène paisi-
ble. Puisse-t-il en être toujours ainsi !
50 LE LIVRE D'OR
..« Demain, sera le deuxième dimanche que nous passe-
rons sur la mer et je dois préparer un sermon approprié.
Je devrai vous dire au revoir, pour encore plusieurs
semaines.
« Votre frère affectueux,
«P.-M, O'Leary.
« P. S. — La chaleur est terrible parfois. La tempéra-
ture de l'eau de la mer est de 82 degrés. Si ce n'était du
vent, nos cabines nous rappelleraient les cachots de
Calcutta.
A SAINT-VINCENT
« Dimanche, 12 novembre. — La température devient
plus tropicale à mesure que nous approchons de l'équateur.
Ce matin, à 8.30 heures, le thermomètre marquait 86
degrés et toute la journée, le 'mercure s'est maintenu à
90 degrés.
« Les cérémonies religieuses se sont faites dans l'ordre
suivant: 9.30, catholiques romains ; 10.30, presbytériens;
11.30, anglicans.
« Il est 11.30 heures, et nous nous préparons au repas
après un concert donné par les officiers.
«P.-M. O.»
A UN DE SES AMIS.
Cap de Bonne Espérance, le 29 novembre 1899.
« .... Je n'entreprendrai pas de vous décrire nos émo-
tions à nous tous lors de notre départ du bon vieux
Québec.
« Cette scène unique dans l'histoire de la vieille cité
restera gravée à jamais dans la mémoire de ceux qui en
ont été témoins.
LE LIVRE D OR 51
« Nous en parlons encore bien souvent, réunis sur le
pont, par ces belles soirées des tropiques, et nous nous
sentons toujours le cœur gros d'émotion, comme au jour
où nous avons laissé nos bons amis là-bas. . . . là-bas. . . .
« Tout alla bien jusqu'au surlendemain de notre départ.
C'est alors, au sortir du golfe, que nous avons été pour la
première fois, j'allais dire au feu — ce devrait être à Veau.
« Neptune en courroux fit une protestation si énergique,
pendant trois jours, contre cet envahissement de son
royaume, que de guerre lasse il a bien fallu nous avouer
vaincus.
« C'était notre première défaite. Nombreux, bien nom-
breux étaient les hors de combat.
« Sur ces entrefaites arriva un triste incident, le seul
nuage qui était venu jusque-là assombrir la franche gaieté
qui respirait partout. Nous avions à enregistrer notre
première mort. Celle d'un nommé Deslauriers, d'Ottawa.
C'était le 3 novembre, et la sépulture se fit le même jour.
« La tempête était à son plus fort j la mer en furie se
précipitait sur nous, avide déjà d'engloutir la proie;
au-dessus de nos têtes le tonnerre se faisait entendre en
roulements formidables et cest au milieu de cette convul-
sion de la nature que se fit la triste cérémonie. Le corps
du malheureux, cousu dans un sac de toile, recouvert du
drapeau, fut porté et appuyé sur le bord du bâtiment.
Tout le régiment était rangé sur le pont, le commandant
et les officiers en tête. Après les prières d'usage, au mots :
Reqiiiescat in pace, le corps disparut emporté par la mer,
tandis que les clairons sonnaient un dernier adieu. Nous
étions déjà un de moins. Si c'était le dernier !!....
Il Notre vie de communauté, sans offrir les douceurs de
paisible collège, n'est pas sans avoir ses attraits, et l'on
s'y fait assez facilement. A l'exception du réveil qui se
fait, non au son d'une innocente clochette, mais au bruit
52, LE LIVRE d'or
de la trompette ou du tambour ; il n'y a pas à s'y mépren-
dre, le sommeil est banni pour la journée ! Puis commence
le tintamarre : cris de commandement, à vingt-cinq places
à la fois : marches et contremarches sans fin, cliquetis
d'armes, puis les trompettes qui se font entendre à chaque
minute, et surtout l'exercice au tir des mitrailleuses qui
nous arrachent les entrailles.
« Le soir venu — et quelles belles soirées nous passons
au clair de la lune — tout comme dans les beaux jours
d'automne du Canada, nous nous réunissons sur le pont
pour écouter soit la musique de notre excellente fanfare,
soit les improvisations, etc. . . . Nos Canadiens ont souvent
la place d'honneur : Le Brigadier ainsi que \ Alouette
semblent avoir captivé tous les cœurs, et on les demande
toujours à outrance.
« Enfin nous arrivons au Cap de Bonne Espérance, »
De Aar Camp, 500 milles au nord de Cape-Town,
4 décembre 1899.
• « Eh bien ! nous voilà tout de bon en route pour la
gloire. Nous sommes sous les ordres de lord Methuen et
nous devons faire partie du corps expéditionnaire en
destination de Kimberley où les Anglais sont assiégés à
l'heure qu'il est. Les Boers sont à masser leurs troupes à
Spyfontein où se livrera la bataille décisive de la campagne.
Sera-ce un Waterloo ?. . . .
((.... On a promis à nos boys de les placer au premier
rang et naturellement leur chapelain ne sera pas au
dernier.
« Nos soldats sont fiers de cet honneur qu'on leur
décerne. Ce sera leur baptême de sang. Puissent-ils s'en
montrer dignes !
LE LIVRE d'or 53
« Le climat est horrible. Nous sommes campés avec
plusieurs autres régiments dans une plaine sablonneuse,
un vrai désert, entouré de rochers arides qui nous renvoient
les rayons brûlants du soleil. C'est un vrai four. Puis,
pour comble de bonheur, des coups de vent nous arrivent
à chaque instant, soulevant une poudrerie de sable qui
nous aveugle et nous étouffe.
« Jusqu'à présent, le métier de la guerre n'est pas ce
qu'il y a de plus attrayant.
« Les habitants sont pour la plupart des Hollandais qui
ne nous aiment pas beaucoup et des Caffres, dans leur état
primitif — même quaîit au costume !
« Nous nous arrangeons tous bien dans notre tente, les
quatre officiers canadiens et votre humble serviteur.
« De temps à autres nous sommes plus que le nombre
réglementaire : les centipèdes, les fourmis et les lézards
nous ayant pris en grande amitié ! La nourriture est bonne
mais peu variée ; le biscuit de matelot et du café ad
libitum en font les frais. Enfin, c'est loin d'être un pique-
nique.
« Nous attendons d'un moment à l'autre notre feuille de
route pour Modder River.
« On a eu hier la dernière bataille sanglante. Elle a dû
l'être, si l'on en juge par les convois de blessés qui nous
arrivent du front. De Modder River nous nous rendrons
directement au feu, d"où je vous écrirai, si Dieu me prête
vie. ... «
Modder River, 12 janvier 1900.
a .... Je suis revenu à Modder River, ou si vous le
voulez à Magersfontein, la scène de deux des plus impor-
tantes batailles de la campagne : une victoire et une
défaite, l'une et l'autre une boucherie.
54
LE LIVRE d'or
u J'ai pu juger par moi-même de ce qu'est un champ de
bataille fraîchement imprégné de sang humain. La rivière
Modder est un tributaire du Vaal. D'où le Transvaal,
pays situé au delà. Elle peut avoir mille pieds de large, et
elle est bordée de berges hautes et escarpées ; un pont
magnifique qui reliait les rives avait été détruit par l'enne-
mi, avant l'arrivée de l'armée anglaise, et les bords opposés
avaient été tpàs en état de défense, au moyen de tranchées
savamment pratiquées par des artilleurs allemands et
fourmillant d'habiles tirailleurs, dix mille au moins.
« C'était en face d'un feu d'enfer que nos troupes ont
dû descendre la rive sud, traverser la rivière à la nage,
enlever la position ennemie à la baïonnette. A mesure
qu'un régiment disparaissait, quasi anéanti par cette grêle
de boulets, de bombes, de projectiles de toutes sortes, un
autre prenait bravement sa place pour se faire foudroyer à
son tour jusqu'à ce que la position fût emportée.
« Mais si le passage de la rivière Modder fut gagné au
prix de flots de sang, que dirai-je de la bataille de Magers-
fontein, livrée seulement à quatre milles plus loin, et où
l'armée anglaise a subi une défaite sans exemple dans ses
annales militaires, depuis la guerre de Crimée.
« Je n'insisterai pas sur les détails que tout le monde
connaît maintenant par la voie des journaux.
« La belle brigade écossaise, composée de quatre régi-
ments en a le plus souffert.
« Dès la première décharge, leur général fut tué. Son
corps criblé de balles fut trouvé dans la deuxième tranchée
ennemie, entouré d'une poignée de braves qui avaient
vendu chèrement leur vie.
« C'était pour tout dire un désastre, mais un désastre
glorieux. En pouvait-il être autrement ?
« Depuis deux mois les Boers avaient fortifié cette ran-
gée de collines escarpées, longue de cinq milles.
LE LIVRE d'or 55
« Ils y avaient dressé des canons de siège à tir rapide et
de longue portée de huit mille verges. La plaine était
couverte de fil de fer barbelé, qui, dans la demi obscurité,
jetait la confusion dans les rangs serrés de nos soldats.
Aussi une victoire pour l'armée anglaise aurait été un vrai
miracle. Eh bien ! c'est là maintenant que je suis, allant
et venant au besoin, entre Magersfontein, Modder River,
Enslin, Graspan et Belmont.
« Dans mes voyages, je m'amuse à recueillir des souve-
nirs éparpillés çà et là, sur les lieux du combat. Aussi
quel musée intéressant je pourrais former si je n'étais à
deux mille cinq cents lieues de chez nous. C'est dans une
de ces excursions, où la curiosité m'avait entraîné au delà
des avant-postes que j'ai reçu pour la première fois les
compliments de MM. les Boers. C'était sous la forme de
trois coups de canons, dirigés assez habilement. En
entendant les cris perçants des projectiles passant au-dessus
de ma tête, je me suis rappelé l'affaire des Horaces et des
Coriaces. J'ai agi en conséquence.
« Que l'on dise donc maintenant que l'histoire ancienne
ne sert plus à rien, . . . Nos Canadiens ne sont pas oisifs ;
ils ont été chaleureusement félicités par le général en chef,
pour leur affaire de Douglass. A environ quarante-deux
milles d'ici, de concert avec les Australiens, ils ont pu
s'emparer d'un camp retranché, faire quarante-huit prison-
niers et enlever une grande quantité de provisions et de
vivres.
« La santé de tous est relativement bonne, la mienne
est excellente. On dit même que je rajeunis à vue d'œil.
Mes cheveux blancs m'ont obtenu d'être traité un peu
mieux que les autres. On m'a mis en possession d'une
espèce de masure trouée en tous sens par les balles, et
d'où la nuit, couché sur le dos, je puis faire des observa-
tions astronomiques très intéressantes, tant le toit s'y
prête facilement.
17
56 LE LIVRE d'or
« Enfin, ma petite paroisse augmente et diminue par
l'arrivée ou le départ des régiments anglais, et ce qui me
fortifie et m'encourage beaucoup, c'est de voir réunis,
autour de notre humble autel, des Canadiens, des Austra-
liens, des Essex, des Cornwalls, des Ecossais, des Mun*
slers, tous catholiques. ...»
Bloemfontein, le 15 mars 1900.
Mon cher frère,
« Nous venons de compléter notre affreuse marche de
cent milles ; une qui fera époque dans les annales militai-
res. Notre moyenne, pendant les derniers cinq jours, a été
de vingt milles par jour, la plupart du temps à travers un
pays dévasté et désert, où même l'eau était à prime.
De te dire que les animaux et les hommes tombaient le
long du chemin ne comporte qu'une faible idée des misères
que nous avons dû endurer. Tu dois naturellement te
demander comment j'ai pu résister. Eh bien ! je n'ai
succombé que deux fois, et cela, seulement pendant quel-
ques heures. J'ai accompli le trajet comme le plus jeune
des nôtres, et sans plus grande fatigue.
« Je n'ai pas été malade physiquement parlant, pendant
une seule journée, mais je portais une plaie au cœur
souvent, hélas ! trop souvent. Jamais, jamais je n'oublierai
les vicissitudes que nous avons éprouvées depuis le jour
où nous sommes montés à l'assaut de l'ennemi à Paarde-
berg, jusqu'à ce que nous l'ayons chassé de son camp, un
lundi soir que je n'oublierai jamais. C'était plutôt un
mardi matin. Ces scènes terribles sont encore présentes à
mon esprit. Si j'avais le talent d'un Détaille, je les confie-
rais au canevas.
«( Imagine-toi le passage de la rivière Modder avec la
crue de ses eaux, ou la charge insensée du dimanche soir.
LE LIVRE DOR 57
le 18 février, au moment du crépuscule. Quelle peinture
terrible ne pourrions-nous pas en faire ? Et puis, la
dernière espérance, lorsque nos braves camarades, dans
les ténèbres de la nuit, se tenaient par la main, au bout
du bras, pour ne pas se perdre pendant qu'ils montaient à
l'assaut des tranchées de l'ennemi.
'( Mais parlons des scènes terribles après la bataille !
L'expression des figures tournées vers le ciel, quelques-
unes ensanglantées, n'est pas à décrire. A un endroit, un
pauvre malheureux ressemble à un enfant dormant d'un
sommeil paisible. Plus loin, les traits contractés d'un autre
donnent facilement la pensée de l'agonie, que l'on ne peut
décrire, qu'il a dû endurer avant que le Tout-Puissant l'ait
soulagé de ses souffrances, lorsque d'un moment à l'autre,
le cri de rage semblait prêt à sortir du gosier du soldat
étendu, la bouche et les yeux ouverts et les mains jointes
lorsqu'il est tombé avec une balle dans le cœur.
« Mais ce n'est rien à côté de la sépulture triste et faite
à la hâte de nos braves garçons. Ils avaient marché à
côté l'un de l'autre et combattu ensemble. Leurs rangs
n'ont pas été brisés par la mort. Côte à côte on les a
déposés tendrement dans un sol étranger où ils dorment
le sommeil éternel.
« J'ai vu tout cela, et j'y ai pris part, pourquoi ? Je ne
le sais pas, mais j'ai été trouvé plus souvent au milieu de
la mitraille qu'il n'était nécessaire. J'obéissais à une
espèce de fascination que je ne pouvais maîtriser, et plus
d'un pauvre diable m'a remercié, avec son dernier souffle,
de m'être oublié moi-même pour le secourir.
« Les balles pleuvaient dru, ne semblant respecter per-
sonne, car j'en ai vu tomber plusieurs à mes côtés. Un
fait particulier qui peut t'intéresser est le suivant. Pendant
la bataille de dimanche, le feu de l'ennemi était terrible.
Nous étions obligés de nous mettre à l'abri, le mieux que
^8 LE LIVRE d'or
nous pouvions, dans un pays découvert, avant que nous
pussions monter à l'assaut, pendant que la fusillade serait
moins vive. Je me trouvais caché en arrière d'une four-
milière avec l'un des soldats de Black Watch. Voyant
que cet abri n'était pas suffisant pour en protéger deux, je
me suis décidé à courir de l'avant pour me mettre à l'abri
d'un petit monticule. Comme je me levais sur mes mains
et genoux, me préparant à rejoindre mon nouvel abri en
toute rapidité, l'on a tiré une seconde décharge, je me
souviens que mon compagnon m'a dit : « Mon Dieu, mon-
sieur, prenez garde. Que le Bon Dieu vous garde. » A ce
moment, une décharge était dirigée vers nous. J'ai échap-
pé au danger, mais le lendemain matin, j'ai trouvé mon
compagnon dans la même position, toujours en travers de
notre fourmilière hospitalière, mais percé au travers du
cœur par les balles que l'on me destinait probablement.
Sais-tu que je me suis trouvé coupable, lorsque je jetai la
vue sur mon pauvre camarade d'une heure, mais d'un
autre côté, si j'étais resté au même endroit, cette lettre ne
te serait jamais parvenue.
« Un autre moment d'inquiétude a été celui où nous
étions à quelques verges du laager, de bonne heure le
matin. Oh ! comme ce feu d'enfer fauchait le monde !
Mais nous n'avons pas cédé le terrain, et lorsque le jour
a paru, les Boers ont hissé le pavillon blanc, et se sont
rendus. C'est un des meilleurs compliments que l'on
puisse faire à la bravoure et à la valeur canadienne.
Pendant que tous, parmi les membres des autres régiments,
ne tarissent pas d'éloges à notre adresse, nous pouvons
être fiers de nos braves garçons. Ils le méritent bien. »
Mon cher frère,
i( Enfin, nous avons goûté au feu, et pour tout de bon,
et bien que la journée nous ait coûté cher, nous serions
LE LIVRE D OR 5^
Volontiers prêts à recommencer. Le Canada a droit d'être
fier de ses nobles enfaats. Cette terrible journée du i8
février a certes endeuil"é plus d'un foyer jadis heureux,
mais les êtres chéris qui là-bas pleurent les morts devront
être dans une certaine mesure consolés par la pensée que
tous ont fait leur devoir, tous, jusqu'au dernier. C'est
l'hommage que leur rendent les régiments historiques, les
vétérans des batailles, les Gordons et les Black Watch, les
Argyles, les Seaforths et les Cornwalls.
« Oh ! cette charge furieuse contre un ennemi invisible,
jamais je ne l'oublierai, et je n'essaierai pas de la décrire,
pour aujourd'hui du moins. L'enfer déchaîné n'en donne-
rait qu'une imparfaite idée. En avant I en avant 1 et nous
nous précipitions à travers une grêle de balles, dans une
atmosphère de mitraille. En avant ! et nous chargions
follement, furieusement à travers les ronces africaines,
buttant sur les camarades tombés, n'ayant qu'un but
dans ce délire de sang et de destruction ; atteindre les
retranchements ennemis. Et, dominant le bruit de la
bataille, une acclamation farouche, remuait l'âme jusque
dans ses profondeurs, ou plutôt un hurlement sauvage,
traversait l'air embrasé, pendant que nos braves enfants
bondissaient comme des tigres à travers la plaine.
« Le soir tomba sur notre victoire, et la nuit vint misé-
ricordieusement jeter un voile sur les horreurs de ce
glorieux champ de bataille. Et, dans la plus complète
obscurité, car la moindre lumière provoquait le feu de
l'ennemi, nous commençâmes la recherche des morts et
des blessés, nous arrêtant partout où nos mains trempaient
dans le sang. Du sang, du sang, encore du sang ! Et de
tous côtés nous venaient de faibles gémissements, avec
des appels déchirants. De l'eau, de l'eau, imploraient les
blessés. Parfois, un ami buttait sur le corps de son ami, et
quelle scène pathétique c'était ! «Tu diras à maman. ...»
6o LE LIVRE d'or
OU bien : « Ne me quitte pas ! Ce ne sera pas long ! »
disaient les malheureux blessés, au milieu de leurs
souffrances.
« La lune se leva sur cette scène de désolation et
répandit ses calmes rayons sur plus d'une figure sereine
et paisible dans la mort. Je restai tard sur le champ
sinistre, avec quelques dévoués camarades, cherchant dans
tous les coins et recoins les morts et les blessés, jusqu'à
ce que, harassés, la force nous manquât. Et, nous jetant
sur le sol, nous demandâmes au sommeil le repos et
l'oubli. Ainsi firent la plupart des survivants. A peine
échangeait-on une parole, car tous étaient rendus à bout
par la marche forcée (de vingt milles), de la nuit précé-
dente, et la fatigue de cette interminable journée.
« Lundi matin, nous rassemblâmes nos morts et nous
les enterrâmes côte à côte dans une grande fosse — ils
étaient dix-huit — pendant que je demandais aux anges
du Seigneur d'en prendre soin, quand nous serions loin
de ce pays, plein pour nous de si dramatiques souvenirs.
Qu'ils reposent en paix, ces nobles et courageux enfants I
« Mais il faut finir. Mon cœur saigne, quand ma pensée
évoque les sanglants tableaux que j'ai contemplés et les
tragiques événements dont j'ai été le témoin.
u Peter O'Leary, Ptre. «
^*^
CAPITAINE EUGENE FISET,
CHIRURGIEN-MAJOR.
LE CHIRURGIEN MAJOR FISET
E ministère de la milice vient de recevoir une
importante dépêche du colonel Otter comman-
tes^^ dant du premier contingent, datée de Paardeberg
le 27 février, au sujet de la bataille livrée à cet endroit
le 18 février dernier.
« Le colonel fait les plus grands éloges du capitaine
Fiset, chirurgien, attaché au régiment. Notre jeune com-
patriote s'est signalé par un bel acte de courage, sous le
feu de l'ennemi. Non seulement il courut panser le capi-
taine Arnold dangereusement blessé, mais encore il poussa
le dévouement jusqu'à prendre le brancard sur lequel était
le blessé, à le transporter loin de l'ennemi malgré la pluie
de mitraille qui pleuvait sur lui. Le capitaine Fiset a
encore rendu tous les services possibles aux autres blessés.
Le colonel Otter loue en outre le zèle entreprenant et
intrépide du chapelain O'Leary, qui n'a cessé et le jour et
la nuit de porter secours et prières aux blessés sur le
champ de bataille. »
Le chirurgien major Fiset à son père.
Belmont, le 18 janvier 1900.
«. . . .La semaine dernière, j'ai été choisi pour accompa-
gner une colonne volante que nous avons envoyée à quinze
02 LE LIVRE D"oR
milles d'ici, pour déloger un corps de Boers qui nous
enlevait nos troupeaux et nos chevaux. Je ne suis revenu
qu'hier.
« Nous avons eu deux hommes de tués et quatre de
blessés, mais nous ramenons quarante-deux prisonniers et
seize blessés. C'est la deuxième expédition de ce genre
que j'accompagne, et maintenant je suis tout à fait habitué
à soigner mes malades sur le champ, sans trop de tendan-
ces à saluer bas les balles qui sifflent si gentiment au-dessus
de nos têtes. Je n'ai pas encore une seule égratignure et
commence à croire qu'il n'y a aucun danger.
« Nous partons encore demain du côté de l'Etat Libre
d'Orange, nous ne reviendrons pas probablement avant
six jours, c'est pourquoi je me hâte de t'écrire. Je com-
mence à être passablement ennuyé de ce soleil torride, de
ce sable mouvant et la vie que nous menons ici serait
bien abrutissante si je n'avais l'heureuse chance d'accom-
pagner nos colonnes volantes. De plus, la vie coûte cher,
ici, en diable, et la solde est petite. J'oubliais de te dire
que je suis seul maintenant en charge de mon régiment,
le chirurgien major Wilson a été nommé « P. M. O. », dans
un hôpital. Le colonel Otter me témoigne une grande
confiance, ce qui me rend la vie plus agréable, mais j'ai
bien de l'ouvrage. Nous avons les fièvres typhoïdes
depuis quinze jours, et j'ai dû envoyer dix-huit de mes
malades à Orange River ; heureusement c'est une forme
légère. Pour ma part, je ne me suis jamais porté si bien,
j'ai un peu maigri à cause de la chaleur, aussi j'en bénis
le Seigneur, car je ne trouverais pas cela drôle du tout
d'être malade si loin des miens.
« Le Principal Médical Officer des Australiens, au camp
ici avec nous et dont j'ai fait l'ouvrage huit jours durant,
a écrit à son ami personnel, le général Hutton, notre
major général en Canada, et je crois que ce rapport n'est
LE LIVRE d'or 63
pas de nature à me nuire. Je travaille dur et ferme pour
faire mon devoir.
« Je ne puis en écrire plus long aujourd'hui, on vient
me chercher, le commandant me demande ; de plus il faut
que j'aille à douze milles d'ici à cheval, visiter un de nos
avant-postes qui est là en permanence. J'ai maintenant
deux magnifiques ponies à ma disposition et suis devenu
un bon cavalier. Je pense souvent à vous tous, surtout
pendant nos belles soirées, quand je puis goûter un peu
de repos. Les parades du matin sont très intéressantes de
ce temps-ci, au point de vue de la clinique, et il y a
beaucoup de variété.
« A bientôt.
0 Eugène. »
Hommage à un camarade.
Springs, 8 juillet 1900.
Dr Léonidas Larue, Québec.
Mon cher confrère,
« Vous ne sauriez croire combien j'ai été surpris tout
autant que peiné de lire dans nos ordres régimentaires du
jour, le bulletin annonçant la mort de mon ami Lucien,
votre malheureux fils. Quand nous sommes partis de
Bloemfontein, il y a trois mois, il était de retour de l'hôpi-
tal depuis quelques jours. Malgré son apparente bonne
santé, je lui conseillai fortement de ne pas accompagner
le bataillon, et je portai son nom sur la liste des convales-
cents ; il semblait alors reprendre des forces tous les
jours, et je ne m'attendais jamais à le voir devenir une
des nombreuses victimes de ces terribles fièvres entériques,
qui ont causé tant de ravages dans nos rangs.
64 LE LIVRE d'or
« Je considère comme un devoir pour moi de vous
offrir mes plus sincères sympathies dans le malheur qui
vous frappe. J'ai toujours essayé de me montrer son ami,
durant son séjour en Afrique, et lui ai toujours rendu
avec joie tous les petits services que je pouvais lui rendre.
J'ai été témoin de son excellente conduite dans le régi-
ment ; je sais par moi-même et par ses officiers comman-
dants qu'il s'est conduit en brave à la bataille de Paarde-
berg, et que sa blessure est la preuve la plus éclatante de
sa noble conduite.
« Mes compagnons d'armes d'origine française, le lieute-
nant-colonel Pelletier, MM. Leduc et Peltier, et tous ses
camarades se joignent à moi pour vous offrir nos sympa-
thies les plus vives, et compatir à votre malheur. Et si
cela peut vous consoler quelque peu, soyez assuré qu'il
est mort en bon chrétien et estimé de tous ses camarades.
Pour ma part, j'ai perdu en lui un bon ami, et c'est de
tout cœur que je prends part à votre douleur.
« Votre bien dévoué,
« Eugène Fiset,
<( Chirurg. major R. C. R. >.
r^l\^
SŒUR SAINT-ANTOINE-DE-PADOUE,
NÉE Desroches,
De la Pointe-aux-Trembles.
UNE VICTIME DE LA GUERRE.
,1 nous mettons ici Sœur Saint- Antome-de-Padoue,
c'est que nous sommes heureux de prouver que le
dévouement de la femme canadienne ne le cède
en rien à celui des Canadiens.
SŒUR SAINT-ANTOINE-DE-PADOUE
UNE VICTIME DE LA 6UEBBE
Une religieuse de Québec décédée en Afrique
« Le 3 mars de la présente année, un dimanche, à
l'hôpital d'Escourt (Natal), s'est éteinte dans le Seigneur
Sœur Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue, née Desroches, de la
Pointe-aux-Trembles, supérieure du dit hôpital.
« Elle fit sa profession religieuse le 7 août 1889, à
l'Hôpital-Général de Québec, et dans le courant de 1893,
elle quittait ce monastère pour l'Afrique du Sud. Elle
demeura pendant six ans au Sanatorium Berea de Durban,
puis se rendit au couvent d'Escourt, où elle venait d'être
nommée supérieure.
« Elle ne devait pas y séjourner longtemps. La guerre
apporta aux religieuses un surcroît d'occupations et de
tatigues, occasionné par le grand nombre de blessés con-
66 LE LIVRE d'or
fiés à leurs soins. Sœur Saint-Antoine, dit un journal
d'Escourt, était des plus empressées et des plus attentives
auprès des malades et des blessés ; oublieuse d'elle-même,
elle ne songeait qu'aux pauvres souffrants, et prolongeait
souvent tard dans la nuit ses travaux et ses veilles.
« Cet excès de fatigue épuisa ses forces, et le 3 mars,
entourée de ses compagnes, assistée par Mgr Jolivet qui
lui donna les derniers secours de la religion catholique,
elle payait de sa vie son beau dévouement à la grande
cause de la charité.
« Elle était âgée de trente et un ans et cinq mois. Elle
emporte l'estime de tous ceux qui ont eu le bonheur
d'apprécier la bonté et l'affabilité de son caractère.
« Les funérailles ont eu lieu le lendemain. Tous voulu-
rent y assister et prouver ainsi leur affection et leur
gratitude envers la regrettée défunte. Les Dublin Fusiliers
étaient présents avec leur fanfare — en tout trois cents
personnes.
« La chapelle se trouvant trop petite, le service funèbre
fut chanté souslavérandah du Sanatorium par Mgr Jolivet,
vicaire apostolique de Natal.
« Le ceicueil fut transporté de la chambre mortuaire à
l'église par les membres du corps médical de l'armée et
du Sanatorium; et de là au cimetière par le personnel de
l'hôpital civique.
« La cérémonie fut pleine de grandeur, et l'émotion
profonde des assistants, ajoute le journal d'Escourt, se
trahit par des larmes.
« C'est la première victime choisie parmi la phalange
héroïque de nos religieuses canadiennes, parties depuis
sept ans pour se dévouer aux soins des malades dans les
missions lointaines de Natal. L'esprit de foi qui leur a fait
abandonner leur patrie, leur famille, et le cloître où elles
ont prononcé leurs vœux de religion, en les signalant à
LE LIVRE D OR
67
l'admiration du monde, a jeté sur notre nationalité cana-
dienne un rayon plein de gloire.
« Le nom de Sœur Saint- Antoine-de-Padoue sera inscrit
dans les Annales de nos martyrs comme dans le cœur
reconnaissant des populations africaines qu'elle a su édifier
par ses exemples, auxquelles elle a prodigué, avec sa vie,
les soins incessants de sa charité et de sa tendresse
religieuse. » La Semaine Religieuse de Québec,
LE MAJOR J.-E. PELTIER
(DU 65e BATAILLON)
E capitaine J.-E. Peltier, de la compagnie F, du
deuxième régiment Royal canadien, est une figure
i'^H'-' bien connue. C'est un des braves qui ont maintenu,
haut et ferme, la vaillante renommée du 65e Bataillon,
dont s'honore la ville de Montréal.
Voici quelques extraits de lettres qu'il a écrites à sa
famille et à ses amis :
Camp de Belmont, 11 décembre 1899.
« . . . . J'en voulais, de la guerre. Eh bien ! j'en ai à
mon goût. Nous sommes arrivés le 30 novembre à midi,
et depuis ce jour, nous voyageons en chemin de fer, nous
campons ici et là. Ceux qui aiment la poussière, la
chaleur, etc., peuvent être heureux ici. Mais jamais de ma
vie je n'ai vu tel pays ; ils n'y a pas d'arbres, pas d'herbe,
pas de verdure, mais des montagnes, toujours des monta-
gnes à perte de vue, et des plaines qui ressemblent à de
vrais déserts. Ci et là, on voit des autruches perdues au
milieu des rochers. En passant, ça a l'air royalement bête
ces oiseaux-là, avec leur col allongé, leurs grandes pattes !
« Nous apprenons qu'une grande bataille se livre à
LE LIVRE d'or 69
l'heure actuelle, à quelques milles d'ici, à Modder River,
et nous sommes loin d'être sûrs du succès de nos armes.
Les Boers sont fortifiés d'une façon étonnante, sur les
kopjes qui sont de vrais Gibraltars. On m'annonce que la
brigade écossaise s'est fait écraser et que le général qui la
commandait a été tué. Le bataillon connu sous le nom de
Black Watch, et qui s'appelle le 42e Ecossais, est presque
complètement anéanti. Il ne reste qu'une douzaine d'offi-
ciers. D'autres bataillons ont subi le même sort. Comme
tu le vois, nous avons affaire à une forte armée fermement
retranchée. Je ne te dis qu'une chose, nous serions bien
chanceux de retourner vivants au pays.
« Ce matin, vers trois heures, nous avons eu une alerte.
Il faisait noir. Cinq minutes après l'alerte, nous étions
sous les armes. Il faisait froid : nous avions même les
doigts engourdis. Nos hommes prennent cependant très
bien les choses ; ils sont bien disposés à vendre chèrement
leur vie. Quant à moi, je suis bien décidé à faire mon
devoir, arrive que pourra. L'honneur du Canada, j'aime à
le croire, ne sera pas terni par ses fils en ce moment sur le
sol de l'Afrique.
« Cette après-midi nous avons capturé cinq Boers dans
la montagne. Nous espérons retirer d'eux des informations
utiles.
Il Nous sommes soumis à un régime très sévère. Le
réveil sonne à trois heures a. m. C'est dur en grand,
comme on dit chez nous, mais cela est nécessaire, car
nous nous attendons à une attaque d'un moment à l'autre.
Si nos succès ne sont pas meilleurs d'ici à une couple de
semaines, nous serons alors entourés d'ennemis, et il est
bien probable que nous aurons nos pertes comme les
autres. Nous nous attentions à ce résultat, sans trembler.
Nous vaincrons ou nous tomberons en braves.
'I Belmont a été le théâtre d'un rude combat, il y a un
70 LE LIVRE d'or
mois environ. Sous les kopjes, nous trouvons nombre de
chevaux morts, etc. Nous montons la garde au milieu de
ces dépouilles en décomposition. Ce n'est pas très sain,
je ne te dis que cela.
« Ce matin, encore, j'ai trouvé le cadavre d'un Boer sur
le bord d'un rocher ; je l'ai fait couvrir de pierres et de
cailloux. C'est le seul moyen que nous avons ici sur les
montagnes, d'enterrer les morts. Il y en a beaucoup
d'inhumés de cette façon ; on trouve des bras, des jambes,
des têtes, etc. ; ce n'est pas joli ; les peureux et les
nerveux en ont tout leur raide. Il y a des soldats de nos
amis qui ouvrent les yeux. Ce spectacle les étonne et les
attriste ; ils ne pensaient pas assurément voir de leurs
yeux des champs de bataille couverts de cadavres. C'est
!a guerre avec toutes ses horreurs. . . .
« Je profite de cette lettre pour souhaiter un Merry
Christmas et une bonne année à tout le Canada. Nous
«ilîons trouver cela curieux de passer le jour de Noël en
pleine chaleur. . . .
« Ton ami,
« J.-E. Peltier. »
Modder River, 24 février 1900.
Train d'ambulance.
« Ne vous alarmez pas ; je ne suis pas blessé du tout.
Mais j'ai eu la malchance d'attraper un coup de soleil.
Cela ne m'a pas empêché de prendre part à la grande
bataille de dimanche, le 18 courant, à un endroit appelé
Paardeberg Drift, sur la Modder.
« Je vais d'abord vous donner tous les détails de notre
campagne depuis notre départ de Belmont. Dimanche, le
II : Partis de cette station à sept heures p. m., nous
sommes arrivés à Gras Pan à huit heures et demie et nous
LE LIVRE d'or 71
avons couché à la belle étoile. Comme tous les soirs
depuis notre départ, le réveil a sonné à trois heures du
matin, et à quatre heures nous étions en marche pour
Ramsdam, situé à quinze milles plus loin. Cette marche
n'a pas été pénible par l'espace à franchir, mais il faisait
une chaleur si atroce ! Pas un air, pas un souffle de vent
pour nous rafraîchir ! C'était terrible. Nous sommes arri-
vés à destination à deux heures et demie de l'après-midi ;
j'étais exténué, rendu. C'est là que j'ai été touché par le
soleil brûlan'. Je suis tombé comme un caillou et je suis
resté assez mal jusqu'au soir. Cela ne m'a pas e!rpêché de
continuer notre marche, à quatre heures le k-idemain
matin. Il nous fallait faire encore quinze mi'Ies pour
atteindre Riet Rivr-r. A trois heures de l'é près-midi nous
nous sommes reposés jusqu'à quatre heuxis du matin
suivant.
« A cet endroit, il m'a fallu laisser un de mes caporaux,
le jeune d'Orsonnens, fils du colonel de ce nom. Il avait
les pieds ensanglantés et ne pouvait plus marcher. Ce
pauvre garçon aurait mieux fait de continuer son chemin,
car deux heures après notre départ, il a été fait prisonnier
avec le reste du personnel d'hôpital ; une partie du convoi
fut aussi capturée. Je n'en ai pas entendu parler depuis ;
je ne sais pas ce qu'il est devenu.
<( Enfm, nous avons continué n^tre marche sur Jacobs-
dale, que nous avons pris après un engagement de deux
heures, sans avoir perdu plus de cinq ou six hommes.
Personne des nôtres n'est tombé. Il était cinq heures
quand nous sommes entrés dans cette espèce de village»
Nous en repartîmes le soir, à neuf heures et demie, pour
une autre marche forcée, afin de couper la retraite au géné-
ral Cronje, qui avait laissé au plus coupant sa fameuse,
trop fameuse place retranchée de Magersfontein, y aban-
donnant presque tous ses bagages. La marche a duré
i8
72 LE LIVRE DOR
toute la nuit. Ma compagnie formait l'avant-garde ou
autrement ouvrait la marche de la colonne. Nous sommes
arrivés à Klipt Drift juste huit heures trop tard pour lui
couper la retraite.
« En arrivant, je fus envoyé aux avant-postes ; j'y suis
resté jusqu'à quatre heures. A cinq heures et quart, nous
sommes partis pour la nuit ; c'était le samedi soir. Nous
avons marché toute la nuit et nous sommes arrivés à
Paardeberg Drift à cinq heures et demie, salués par les
canons boers qui tiraient sur nous pendant que nous
prenions notre position. Nous avions parcouru trente-trois
milles pendant notre nuit.
Il semblait que nous avions droit à une couple d'heures
de repos, très bien mérité, mais à l'instant l'ordre fut
donné de distribuer une bonne ration de rhum, et en
avant, au feu ! Cela s'est fait dans le temps de le dire.
Nous voici encore en marche, cette fois bien sur l'ennemi,
car nous entendions son feu très nourri et dirigé sur nos
troupes déjà engagées.
« Pour nous rendre à notre position, il nous a fallu traver-
ser la rivière Modder à pied, malgré le courant qui atteint
une vitesse de neuf milles à l'heure. Vous comprenez si
nous en avons arraché ; de l'eau jusqu'au cou, et même
par-dessus la tête pour plusieurs ; mais cela n'était que le
commencement. A peine étions-nous sortis de l'eau et
avions-nous escaladé la côte, que nous voilà sous les balles
de l'ennemi. Ça pleuvait dru, je vous le dis ; il fallait voir
cela. A cent verges plus loin, vers sept heures, le premier
Canadien a été frappé à l'épaule ; la bataille a continué
jusqu'à neuf heures du soir. Je n'ai pas pu diriger ma
compagnie durant touie la journée, le soleil étant trop fort
pour moi. Cependant, je suis resté sur le champ de bataille
tout le temps. J'ai eu une fière chance, car vers cinq heu-
fes, les balles tombaieni comme de la grêle. J'ai reçu une
LE LIVRE d'or 73
balle à travers mon helmet, à un pouce de la tête et une
autre a emporté une partie du renfort de ma chaussure du
pied droit. . . .
« Franchement, c'est peu gai un champ de bataille ! — un
vrai champ de bataille — pas comme ceux qu'on nous
montre sur les images ! On voyait les Canadiens tomber,
les balles sifflaient de chaque côté de la tête, soulevaient
le sable. Le sifflement des balles devient désagréable à la
longue. Puis rester toute une journée couché sur le ven-
tre, sans bouger, cela devient fatigant, vous pouvez le
croire ; au moindre mouvement que nous faisions, nous
recevions de tous les côtés une vraie grêle de balles. J'en
connais quelque chose, car je me suis promené d'un bout
à l'autre de la compagnie, pour le seul plaisir de voir. A
ce moment-là on nous saluait libéralement d'une couple
de salves. . . .
« J'ai eu onze blessés dans ma compagnie ; heureuse-
ment que personne n'a été tué. . . .
« C'est affreux à entendre le bruit des canons et de la
fusillade, les différents sons de ces coups de feu ! Et puis
l'effet produit sur l'ennemi !
<( La bataille a cessé vers neuf heures dimanche, pour
recommencer le lundi matin vers cinq heures. On nous a
laissés nous reposer jusqu'à cinq heures du soir. Alors
il a fallu aller aider aux camarades aux prises avec les
Boers.
« Nous sommes restés toute la nuit à protéger une
batterie qui a tiré tout ce temps sur les Boers. J'étais fier
de voir avec quelle habileté nos soldats lançaient les obus
au beau milieu de l'ennemi. Mais en même temps, je
pensais que celte canonnade devait causer la dévastation
et la mort. Nos soldats ont lancé deux cents bombes dans
le laager des Boers, qui contient, dit-on, un grand nombre
de femmes. Il paraît que Mme Cronje est avec son mari.
74 LE LIVRE D OR
A présent, ils ne peuvent que se rendre ou mourir, car ils
sont cernés. C'est bon pour eux, n'est-ce pas ?
« Tout de même, je vous dis que ce n'est pas beau la
guerre pour tout de bon; je vous en dirai davantage dans
ma prochaine lettre. . . .
« Votre fils affectueux,
« J.-E. Peltier. i)
LE MAJOR T.-L. BOULANGER
Ost Q. F. B. C. A.)
Pretoria, Transvaal, 5 mai 1900.
A MM. L.-J. Demers & Frère,
|EPUIS la prise de possession de Johannesburg,
notre marche vers Pretoria a été forcée, si l'on
prend en considération le manque de nourriture,
pour hommes et chevaux, ainsi que le manque d'eau.
Quand nous fûmes arrivés à six milles de Sprout, nous
apprîmes que nous aurions de l'opposition, mais nous ne
savions sur quel point. Notre division d'artillerie fut
immédiatement mise en batterie pour bombarder les crêtes
qui entourent Pretoria ; nous sommes restés en action
jusqu'à quatre heures de l'après-midi, sous une pluie de
balles Mauser. Je vous avoue que cela devenait très
incommodant ; le pire c'est que nous ne pouvions décou-
vrir d'où venaient ces projectiles, quand un soldat d'infan-
terie vint nous dire qu'il avait vu remuer quelque chose
sur notre flanc droit ; nous retournâmes immédiatement
deux pièces sur cet endroit, et après avoir lancé dix ou
douze obus, le feu a cessé ; un bataillon d'infanterie fut
envoyé pour occuper ces hauteurs, cela a terminé les
76 LE LIVRE d'or
opérations de la journée. Nos pertes sont insignifiantes,
trois ou quatre blessés. Mi^n cheval a reçu une balle qui
lui a traversé une jambe et est allé s'aplatir sur l'os de
l'autre. Je ne sais si je pourrai m'en servir. Je me suis
rendu, ce soir-là, au bivouac à pied. Le lendemain, lord
Roberts avait été informé que la ville se rendait, de sorte
que tout notre corps d'armée était en Review Order pour
recevoir le général Botha. Mais, il appert qu'on avait eu
une assemblée très orageuse, la veille au soir et on en
serait venu à la conclusion de retraiter. Vers les dix
heures du matin, un messager est venu nous informer que
le général Botha était parti et que la ville était libre. Ordre
fut donnée à la 15e division de prendre possession de la
ville. Notre brigade d'artillerie s'en fut bivouaquer près
des casernes de l'artillerie transvaalienne.
« A propos de ces casernes, il ne s'en trouve pas de
plus belles, de plus spacieuses au monde ; elles peuvent
contenir au delà de mille chevaux et plus de trois mille
hommes. Tout est moderne, arsenaux, hôpital, bains,
abreuvoir, le tout éclairé à l'électricité. Tous nos officiers
en ont été étonnés. Dans un des magasins, nous avons
découvert près de trois mille fusils de tout modèle, que
les troupes transvaaliennes avaient capturé sur leurs
ennemis à différentes époques. Tous les officiers sont logés
aux places occupées par les officiers transvaaHens : un
rang de joHs petits cottages tout neufs avec jardins encore
tout en fleurs.
« Pretoria est une jolie ville située entre un cercle
complet de montagnes ; on y accède par un col formé par
la rivière Aapies, qui se jette dans la rivière Crocodile.
Les rues sont larges et droites. Les bâtisses publiques
sont très jolies. Les résidences sont somptueuses, toutes
entourées d'arbres et de fleurs. Le jardin des plantes est
de toute beauté, malgré que nous soyons en hiver. Les
LE LIVRE D OR 77
hôpitaux sont spacieux et des mieux outillés. L'école
publique est un immense bâtiment avec toutes les amélio-
rations modernes. Les religieuses de l'ordre de Lorette
ont la plus grande école de la ville, elles possèdent un des
plus beaux terrains. J'ai fait la connaissance du révérend
Père Beaudry, O. M. L, qui agit comme chapelain des
religieuses et curé ; c'est un charmant homme. Il a
fait la campagne du Zuberland, il était à Majuba Hill en
1881, et à la bataille de Colenso et Spion Kop, il est
Français et connaît très bien le pays.
« Nous ne savons pas combien de temps nous resterons
ici ; nous sommes immobilisés à cause de nos chevaux
qui n'en peuvent plus. »
79 mai.
A M. Edmond Bélanger,
marchand de la rue Notre-Dame.
« . . . . Nous ne savons guère quand la guerre finira.
Nous ne pouvons avancer bien vite en besogne, car les
Boers ont fait sauter tous les ponts et détruit le chemin
de fer. Comme il nous est impossible de nous procurer de
provisions dans le pays, il nous faut rebâtir à tout prix
avant d'avancer.
« Nous sommes dans un bien drôle de pays : des plaines
sans herbes et des rivières sans eau.
<i On reproche aux Boers d'être arriérés. Il n'y a rien
de surprenant à cela. Ils sont isolés dans l'intérieur, ayant
pour tout moyen de communication avec le littoral un
minuscule chemin de fer insuffisant au trafic et dont les
taux sont exorbitants, inabordables.
«J'ai visité plusieurs fermes boers ; elles sont admirable-
ment bien tenues et mesurent de deux mille à quinze mille
78 LE LIVRE d'or
acres carrés. Les Boers élèvent des troupeaux considéra-
bles. Ils ont les plus beaux moutons du monde.
« Nous arrivons à la région des mines, de ces célèbres
mines qui ont tant fait parler d'elles. J'ai hâte de constater
de visu si ce que j'en ai lu était exagéré ou non.
« Je jouis toujours d'une excellente santé, mais je l'ai
échappé belle à la bataille de Brantford. Un obus boer a
passé si près de moi que j'ai entendu son sinistre siffle-
ment. Il nous a démonté une pièce, tué un homme et blessé
quatre autres. C'était mon troisième engagement. ...»
Pretoria Club, Pretoria, 4 juillet 1900.
A M. Carrier, rédacteur de L'Evénement.
« . . . . Vous avez dû apprendre aussi que lord Roberts
n'est pas loquace. Il a tellement surveillé les nouvelles
que le général Tucker, le commandant de notre brigade,
ignorait même où nous allions la veille d'une marche. Les
quelques correspondants accrédités n'ont rien eu à com-
muniquer à leurs journaux respectifs, excepté ce qu'ils
voyaient pendant la marche.
« Vous avez dû remarquer que, depuis notre départ de
Kroonstad, c'a été une marche forcée continuelle. Quand
nous sommes arrivés en vue de Pretoria, nos chevaux se
tenaient à peine.
« Notre division n'a fait que passer à Johannesburg.
Cette ville ne m'a pas impressionné beaucoup. C'est peut-
être parce que j'étais fatigué. En retournant au Canada,
je me propose d'y arrêter.
« Je ne vous parlerai pas de la chaleur du jour et du
froid de la nuit, ni des privations qu'il a fallu endurer. Ce
que je veux vous dire, c'est qu'il était temps que nous
arrivions à Pretoria. Vous allez me demander comment il
LE LIVRE DOR 79
se fait que nous y soyons arrivés si vite ? Cela est dû à ce
que lord Roberts a profité des chicanes des Boers, pour
pousser l'ennemi l'épée dans les reins. Ils avaient à
retraiter aussi vite que nous avancions. Conséquemment
ils n'avaient pas le temps de s'assembler, de discuter et
de se demander mutuellement s'il était opportun de défen-
dre telle ou telle position.
« Maintenant un mot des célèbres défenses de Johan-
nesburg et de Pretoria :
« D'abord Johannesburg n'avait aucun travail de dé-
fense. Quant à Pretoria, ses défenses se résumaient à
quatre petits forts sur le sommet des montagnes qui
entourent la ville, vous comprenez que si les Boers avaient
fait mine de défendre leur capitale, il nous eût été facile
de bombarder ces forts, puisqu'ils étaient faciles à isoler ;
ils nous apparaissaient entre le ciel et le sommet des
montagnes.
« Une chose que les Boers avaient oubliée en bâtissant
ces forts, c'est celle-ci : S'ils avaient défendu Pretoria,
nous forçant à faire le siège de cette ville, nous aurions
d'abord bombardé les forts, et tous les projectiles qui
auraient manqué leur but, c'est-à-dire tous les obus tirés
trop haut, seraient tombés dans la ville où ils auraient
causé des dommages considérables. Lorsqu'ils se sont
aperçu de cela, ils ont préféré se retirer dans les monta-
gnes, au nord de Pretoria. Vous voyez qu'une principale
partie de leurs défenses se trouve inutile. Cependant elles
ont dû coûter des sommes fabuleuses.
« Les Boers ici sont complètement indifférents et ils ont
profité des premiers jours de notre arrivée pour déposer
les armes.
« Il y a une chose que tous les étrangers ignorent. C'est
que le père Kruger, que tout le monde respecte, parce
qu'il est vieux, aurait dû se retirer depuis dix ans. Pour
80 LE LIVRE d'or
se maintenir à la présidence, il dépensait de l'argent. Il
faisait élire qui il voulait.
<c Tous les employés publics étaient des Hollandais
nouvellement arrivés au pays ; de sorte qu'il avait ses
créatures. Joubert qui était un honnête homme, a passé
sa vie à le combattre.
« Aujourd'hui, Anglais, Hollandais et autres disent que
si Joubert avait été à la tête du peuple boer, ils n'auraient
pas à déplorer la guerre, ni la perte de leur pays, et que
les mines d'or qui environnent Pretoria, et qui sont aussi
riches que celles de Johannesburg, seraient encore en
pleine opération ; ils ajoutent que les Boers à qui ces
raines appartenaient seraient maintenant riches.
« Le père Kruger avait peur, en développant ces mi-
nes, qu'un trop grand nombre d'étrangers vînt s'établir
dans le pays, de sorte que les Boers qui ont versé des
sommes considérables pour obtenir le droit de miner, ont
perdu leur capitaux.
« Je suis un de ceux qui admirent les Joubert, les Botha,
les de Villiers, les Dewet et tant d'autres. Mais pendant
que ceux-ci étaient à défendre leur patrie sur les champs
de bataille, les quelques préférés ont enlevé le trésor et la
conséquence, c'est que les soldats boers n'ont pas reçu de
paye. Leurs femmes et leurs enfants crèvent de faim. Ils
vivent à la ration, comme nous.
« Les deux petits peuples boers ont bien fait leur devoir
en combattant pour garder leur indépendance ; mais la
tête était pourrie. Ils sont nombreux les Boers qui estiment
que leur gouvernement n'était pas un gouvernement natio-
nal puisqu'il était composé d'étrangers. Tous ces employés
publics hollandais ont déjà demandé la permission de
s'en aller, et tous les jours ils partent en aussi grand
nombre que les convois peuvent en contenir, et cela à la
grande satisfaction d'un grand nombre de Boers qui main-
LE LIVRE D OR 8l
tenant voient la porte ouverte pour eux; car ils d*î sont
pas tous ignorants, tant s'en faut.
« Au moment où je termine ma lettre, j'apprends que
Botha vient encore de rompre le cercle qu'on lui avait
préparé depuis dix jours. C'est la troisième fois qu'il nous
joue ce tour.
« Vous avez aussi appris, sans doute, que Dewet avait
détruit le pont sur la rivière Rhenoster, capturé nos malles
et tous nos vêtements d'hiver, et qu'il en avait fait un feu
de joie. A ce sujet notre ami et canadien Girouard a dit
sa façon de penser au général Kitchener. Il est le seul
officier qui parle au général Kitchener ; tout le monde en
a peur ; je vous dis que c'est un canayen, celui-là !
« Nos carabiniers montés, avec le général Hutton, sont
partis ce matin, pour une destination inconnue. . . .
« T.-L. Boulanger, major. >;
Nous croyons devoir clore les lettres du major en men-
tionnant ici le nom de son fils, Georges Boulanger, jeune
homme âgé de dix-neuf ans, aux avant-postes sous le
général Tucker.
A la délivrance de Mafeking, il était trompette sous les
ordres du major J.-A. Hudon.
C'est le cas de dire : tel père, tel fils I
LE CAPITAINE C. K. FRASER
(DU 63e BATAILLON)
Commandant de la compagnie E du premier contin-
gent CANADIEN, À SON FRÈRE, LE MAJOR
H. L. Fraser, de Sherbrooke.
Paardeberg Drift, 20 février 1900.
;E suppose que vous avez entendu parler avant
aujourd'hui de notre bataille de dimanche, le 18.
« Nos blessés seront dirigés sur Kimberley, cette
après-midi, et je n'ai que le temps de griffonner ce billet,
que j'enverrai mettre à la malle, à Kimberley. Nous avons
eu une chaude journée dimanche, mais, Dieu merci, je
suis épargné. Nos pertes ont été très fortes, vingt morts
et soixante-trois blessés. De ma compagnie, seulement
trois ont été trouvés morts et huit blessés. Je vous écrirai
de nouveau aussitôt que possible.»
Paardeberg Drift, 23 lévrier 1900.
« De telles choses sont survenues depuis dix jours que
je ne sais pas par où commencer. Nous quittâmes Bel-
mont, lundi, le 1 2, et bivouaquâmes à Gras Pan, ce soir-là,
LE LIVRE d'or 83
quittant le lendemain, à quatre heures du matin. Nous
avons marché douze milles et campé le reste du jour, à
Ram Dam, sur la rivière Riet. Ce fut une très pénible
marche, sous un soleil brûlant ; bon nombre d'entre nous
tombèrent, frappés d'insolation, mais j'ai résisté très bien
à la chaleur. Nous sommes restés là, ce soir-là, pour
repartir le lendemain matin, à quatre heures, avec toute
la 19e brigade, sous le commandement du brigadier-géné-
ral Smith-Dorien, la brigade navale, une batterie de
mortiers et de cavalerie. Nous, les Canadiens, marchions
sur la gauche des deux gros canons de marine. Notre
halte suivante fut à Waterval, distant de douze milles, que
nous quittions le lendemain matin, à trois heures, pour
marcher sur Wegdrai. Ce fut une marche plaisante, le
temps étant frais. A Wegdrai, nous avons opéré notre
jonction avec la 9e division, sous le commandement du
général Colville, et atteignions Jacobsdal le même soir, à
neuf heures, pour faire une marche de quartorze milles, à
Klip Drift, où nous restâmes tout le jour pour repartir
encore le soir pour faire une autre course de vingt milles.
Ce fut la plus longue et la plus harassante marche que
nous ayons faite, et nous étions presque tous sur les dents.
Nous nous étions à peine reposés un instant que nous
fûmes appelés sous les armes. Nous avions à traverser la
rivière, ayant de l'eau jusqu'aux épaules et nous former
pour l'attaque sur la rive nord de la Modder River. Les
compagnies A, B et C, formèrent la Hgne de bataille, et
les compagnies D et E, la réserve, en seconde ligne. Le
branle-bas a commencé vers neuf heures et nous sommes
restés couchés dans le soleil, toute la matinée. Nous avons
reçu l'ordre dans la ligne de bataille. Les balles sifflaient
tout autour de nous et un de mes hommes fut frappé à
l'épaule. Je ne peux vous donner une description exacte
du feu terrible auquel nous étions exposés. Afin d'attein-
84 LE LIVRE d'or
dre la première ligne, nous devions passer par-dessus le
sommet d'un coteau, et lorsque nous l'eûmes atteint, nous
avons couru cent verges et nous nous sommes couchés.
Je trouvai le pauvre capitaine Arnold frappé à la tête. Un
des deux ambulanciers, en le transportant, fut aussi frappé,
car Arnold avait été blessé quelque temps avant notre
arrivée, sur le flanc de la colline. Je le fis transporter par
deux de mes hommes. Ma position suivante fut à huit
cents verges des Boers, derrière un bouquet d'arbres, et la
fusillade, ici, était simplement terrifiante. Deux de mes
hommes furent frappés. Je rencontrai Hodgins et quelques
officiers, et ce fut alors que nous chargeâmes. Les Boers
étaient retranchés le long de la rivière, derrière de petits
buissons et il était impossible de les voir. Ce fut une
erreur d'essayer de prendre leur position d'assaut, car elle
était inexpugnable. Les Gordons étaient sur notre droite,
les Cornwalls sur notre gauche. Un pauvre garçon reçut
une balle dans le pied et je fus obligé de couper sa guêtre,
de le déchausser et de bander la plaie du mieux que je
pus. Il souffrait horriblement et comme tous les brancards
étaient occupés pour transporter les blessés, ce ne fut
qu'après deux heures de recherches que je pus en trouver
un pour le transporter.
« Nous avons tiré, après notre charge, jusqu'à ce qu'il
fît nuit et nous nous retirâmes. Les pertes des Boers
doivent avoir été très fortes, car notre artillerie a tiré
dans leurs retranchements, tout le jour durant. Ils se
retirèrent pour se retrancher une couple de milles plus
haut, dans la rivière.
« Vous dirai-je notre fatigue quand l'ordre fut donné de
se retirer pour bivouaquer ? Les blessés furent transportés
durant la nuit, et le lendemain matin, nous sommes allés
enterrer nos camarades. Ce fut une scène affreusement
poignante.
LE LIVRE DOR 85
« Nos blessés sont tous très bien et ont été dirigés hier
vers Modder River, dans des wagons. Ce pauvre Arnold
est mort hier, à l'hôpital. Nous avons maintenant une armée
de quarante mille hommes, et Roberts, Kitchener et French
sont ici. Cronje tient toujours, et on apprend que des
renforts sont en route pour le secourir. Je crois que le
plan de Roberts est d'attirer autant d'ennemis que
possible de Ladysmith et d'ailleurs. Je ne crois pas que la
guerre dure longtemps, quand nous aurons fini avec
Cronje. Notre brigadier nous a félicités le lendemain de la
bataille, disant qu'il était fier de nous et que notre charge
a été parfaite. »
Thaba N'Chu, 2 mai.
« . . . . Quand nous avons quitté Bloemfontein, il y a
dix jours, nous pensions être absents trois ou quatre jours
seulement ; mais nous sommes restés jusqu'ici à la pour-
suite de l'ennemi, qui fait en sorte de toujours nous
échapper. Nous avons eu plusieurs escarmouches ces jours
derniers. Mercredi, le 25 avril, nous en sommes venus
aux mains avec un petit corps de Boers retranchés sur
une chaîne de kopjes ou collines. Notre régiment a attaqué
de front. Les compagnies G et H étaient au premier rang,
E et F au deuxième, C et D au troisième et A et B au
quatrième.
« Les autres régimeits ont dirigé leur attaque contre la
gauche de l'ennemi. Le feu de l'ennemi a été bien nourri
pendant quelques minutes, mais n'a pas duré, et nous
n'avons perdu que peu de monde : un soldat de la compa-
gnie H tué, le colonel Otter et deux soldats blessés. Ma
compagnie est sortie indemne de l'engagement.
(( Le 28 avril a été pour nous une journée d'épreuve.
Nous avons levé le camp à quatre heures du matin et,
86 LE LIVRE d'or
après une marche de douze milles, sommes arrivés à Eden
Kop, où l'ennemi nous a tiré dessus toute la journée, sans
trop d'effet, cependant. Vers cinq heures de l'après-midi,
nous avons reçu l'ordre d'escalader le Kop, sur un flanc
duquel se trouvaient les Boers. La colline est haute d'au
moins quinze cents pieds et ce n'était pas chose facile que
d'arriver au sommet. Une fois rendus là nous avons
presque immédiatement reçu l'ordre de revenir sur nos
pas, ce que nous avons fait. Il commençait déjà à faire
nuit, et nous sommes retournés à Thaba N'Chu à la faveur
des ténèbres. Ayant perdu notre route, nous avons fait
un détour inutile de quatre ou cinq milles, par une route
affreuse ; la fatigue nous avait gagné tous les membres
quand nous sommes arrivés à Thaba N'Chu, à onze heures
du soir. Le lendemain, un dimanche, nous nous sommes
reposés toute la journée, oubliant les fatigues et les
tribulations de la veille. Nous avons de nouveau levé le
camp lundi matin et sommes maintenant rendus à huit
milles de Thaba N'Chu, dans la direction de Wynberg.
« Lundi après-midi et mardi matin nous avons livré un
combat assez sérieux, qui s'est terminé par la fuite de
l'ennemi. Les Boers occupaient une colline escarpée, à
notre gauche, et une autre position en face de nos lignes.
Ils avaient cinq canons. Notre compagnie E a servi
d'escorte à une batterie d'artillerie jusqu'à trois heures de
l'après-midi, alors que nous avons reçu l'ordre de nous
porter, avec le reste du régiment, à l'appui des Gordons,
qui avaient chargé l'ennemi sur la gauche.
« Nous avons dû parcourir un mille de terrain plat avant
d'arriver au Kop, et l'ennemi, tout le temps qu'a duré la
marche, a fait pleuvoir sur nous des balles et des boulets.
Chose étrange, nous n'avons perdu que quelques hommes.
Un pauvre gars de la compagnie D, fils du colonel Cotton,
d'Ottawa, a été tué. Nous avons passé la nuit sur la colline
»
MAJOR T. L. BOULANGER.
MAJOR J. E. PELTIER. CAPTAIN C. K. FRASER.
LE LIVRE D OR
87
OÙ nous avons failli geler. Les Boers occupaient le versant
droit, et nous le gauche. Nous nous attendions à un bom-
bardement pour le matin suivant, mais heureusement la
plupart des Boers décampèrent durant la nuit, et, au
matin, il nous fut facile de déloger ceux qui restaient.
Nous fîmes plusieurs prisonniers. L'ennemi a dû subir des
pertes considérables, car nous avons trouvé sur nos pas
plusieurs cadavres, y compris celui du commandant boer.
« C. K. Fraser,
« Capitaine. »
ï9
FEU M. LUCIEN LaRUE
LUCIEN LaRUE, dont nous annoncions la
mort, hier, n'était âgé que de vingt-cinq ans.
C'est bien jeune pour mourir, quand la vie
aurait pu avoir pour lui tant de charmes et quand tout
dans l'avenir semblait lui sourire.
« M. LaRue aimait beaucoup la vie militaire. Il était
lieutenant dans le 87e bataillon, il avait aussi été sergent
dans le 9e Voltigeurs, et il avait fait son cours militaire a
Saint-Jean. Depuis six ans, il était employé à la Banque
Nationale. C'était un excellent sujet qui jouissait de la
confiance de ses chefs.
« La dernière lettre du défunt, adressée à sa sœur, était
datée du 13 mai, de l'hôpital Adinburg, Norvals Pont. Il
écrivait : « Me voici de nouveau à l'hôpital, après en être
sorti le premier avril. Je soufTre du rhumatisme cette fois ;
je ne suis pas le seul. Une quarantaine de mon régiment
souffrent du même mal. J'en veux à mon ami le Dr Fiset,
qui m'a laissé en arrière de mon régiment à Bloemfontein,
au moment où il partait pour la conquête de Pretoria. . . .
Les fièvres font bien des victimes dans notre régiment.
Pour notre compte, nous avons à déplorer la mort de
LE LIVRE DUR 89
vingt-cinq camarades durant notre séjour à Bloemfontein,
et un grand nombre sont dans les hôpitaux. Notre excel-
lent chapelain, le Père O'Leary, a eu les fièvres lui aussi ;
il a beaucoup maigri. On doit, dans quelques jours, le
transporter à Capetown, pour sa convalescence. Le régi-
ment le regrette beaucoup depuis son départ, tant il était
aimé des catholiques comme des protestants. Aux der-
nières nouvelles que j'ai reçues, mon ami Fiset était
souffrant, mais il ne voulait pas quitter son régiment, qui
a besoin de lui. Les médecins de l'hôpital me promettent
une guérison complète dans quelques jours. » Il terminait
cette lettre en disant : « A bientôt. «
« Hélas ! cette chère illusion qu'il caressait de revoir
son pays, d'embrasser sa famille, elle lui a été refusée.
« Dans une lettre précédente, il parlait de ses projets
d'avenir. On lui avait offert une commission dans l'armée
anglaise, et il se demandait s'il l'accepterait ou non.
Mais avant tout il voulait revoir la patrie.
« Il avait si bien conquis la confiance de ses chefs qu'ils
lui offrirent la position de sergent dans son régiment : il
la refusa pour une raison qui fait le plus grand honneur à
ses sentiments délicats comme à son bon cœur. Il crai-
gnait, écrivait-il encore, d'être obligé quelquefois d'avoir à
sévir contre des camarades, et cela lui répugnait. « Je suis
parti soldat avec eux et je reviendrai soldat avec eux, »
disait-il. Voilà un langage qui lui fait le plus grand
honneur.
« Singulière coïncidence : Lucien LaRue est décédé le
jour même de notre fête nationale, le 24 juin. Pendant
que nous nous réjouissions, en proclamant notre atta-
chement à la France et notre fidélité à l'Angleterre, lu',
— ce vaillant, ce brave, — mourait pour la défense de
l'empire britannique. Honneur à lui, honneur à sa famille,
honneur à notre ville et à notre race ! ! » Le Soleil.
90 LE LIVRE D OR
JOURNAL DE LUCIEN LaRUE
A bord du Sardinian, 31 octobre.
« Voie! mon premier moment de repos, depuis notre
départ de Québec. J'aurais voulu jeter quelques notes sur
le papier dés hier soir, mais la chose n'était pas possible,
vu que mon lit se trouve situé au plafond du second étage
du bateau et qu'il n'y a pas de lumière. Du reste, nos
bagages ne sont pas encore débrouillés et je n'ai pas
encore réussi à mettre la main sur mon sac blanc qui
contient mon papier, mon encre, tout ce qu'il me faut
pour écrire. En bon soldat, je m'accommode de tout : à
défaut de papier, je jette à la hâte, mes impressions sur le
revers d'une carte d'Afrique, de ce pays où nous devrons
trouver peut-être la mort, mais sûrement la gloire pour
ceux qui survivront.
« Au moment où nous avons quitté Québec, j'étais
profondément ému. Je n'étais pas le seul non plus. Bien
des circonstances contribuaient à nous émouvoir : d'abord
nous quittions la patrie, nos parents, peut-être pour tou-
jours ; et, puis la belle démonstration que la ville de
Québec nous avait faite, la chaude sympathie que sa
population nous avait témoignée, nous avaient profondé-
ment bouleversés.
« Fort heureusement, nous fûmes bientôt arrachés à ces
idées sombres par le commandement. 11 fallut voir aux
bagages, se préparer au souper, et, ce n'est qu'à neuf
heures du soir que j'ai pu monter sur le pont du navire,
humer le bon air. Je me rappelais qu'au mois de juillet
dernier je descendais le même fleuve avec plusieurs amis j
aujourd'hui, quel changement ! Me voilà à bord du Sardi-
nian, au milieu de onze cents hommes, partant pour la
guerre. La vie est ainsi remplie de contrastes.
LE LIVRE d'or QT
A neuf heures et demie, j'avais i^eine à me tenir debout
tant j'étais fatigué. Je me jetai sur mon lit et je pris
un sommeil réparateur, si bien que, deux heures après,
lorsque le clairon annonça l'heure du coucher, je me levai
précipitamment, croyant que c'était le réveil. Je montai à
la hâte sur le pont où l'on me ramena de mon illusion.
« ler novembre 1899.
« La mer commence à se fâcher ; nous avons un com-
mencement de tempête. Un bon tiers des hommes souffrent
du mal de mer. Les officiers ont fait distribuer des citrons
et des oranges aux malades. Dieu merci, je suis bien et
j'espère tenir bon jusqu'au bout. Cela va me valoir la
faveur d'être attaché au service de l'hôpital.
« En bon voyageur que je suis, en arrivant à bord, je
me suis mis au mieux avec le cuisinier, qui de temps à
autre me passe des petites douceurs. La nourriture est
bonne.
« Après le souper, j'ai rencontré sur le pont, une
vingtaine d'Ecossais de Toronto, réunis en cercle. Ils
m'ont invité à me joindre à eux. Ce sont de charmants
compagnons et bien déterminés à faire leur devoir en
Afrique.
2 novembre 1899.
« Il fait une véritable tempête. La plupart des officiers
et les trois-quarts des soldats sont malades. Quant à moi
je me porte comme un charme. Je viens justement de
porter secours à mon camarade Hudon qui était disparu
de notre cercle depuis hier midi. Je l'ai trouvé blotti dans
un coin du navire, exténué, pouvant à peine parler. Il
n'avait pas mangé depuis hier matin, et personne n'avait
remarqué son absence. Avec l'aide du lieutenant Leduc,
je l'ai transporté à l'hôpital.
92 LE LIVRE D'OR
M 3 novembre 1S99.
<i C'a été une triste journée pour nous. Le deuil est à
bord, la mort a déjà saisi l'un de nos camarades, Deslau-
riers, de la compagnie d'Ottawa. Il a succombé, hier soir,
à une maladie de cœur, malgré tous les soins des docteurs
Wilson et Fiset.
« Je viens d'assister à ses funérailles. Quel pénible
spectacle ! A quatre heures, sa compagnie se mit sous les
armes pour lui rendre les derniers honneurs. Le corps
avait été placé dans un hamac dans lequel on avait mis
un poids destiné à le faire enfoncer. La dépovvllle mortelle
de notre camarade avait été enveloppée dans les plis de
ce drapeau anglais pour lequel il était prêt à donner sa
vie. Sous l'éclatante lumière du soleil couchant, M. l'abbé
O'Leary lut les prières ordinaires, puis, le corps glissa
dans la mer, et la vague mugissante ron^pait seule le
silence solennel qui existait sur le pont. Le Sardmian
reprit aussitôt sa course.
« La brise est très forte et soulève la mer d'une façon
terrible. Les vagues s'élèvent jusqu'à une hauteur de
quarante pieds et viennent quelquefois nous abîmer. Ça
vaut un beau bain d'orage.
« 5 novembre 1899.
« C'est dimanche aujourd'hui. Nous venons d'entendre
la messe ; c'était un spectacle imposant. Nous sommes
deux cent cinquante catholiques romains à bord. Après
avoir récité le chapelet, M. O'Leary nous a fait un joli
sermon, commentant l'évangile approprié à notre cas.
« Nous voici maintenant à une grande distance de
Québec ; il fait un vrai temps d'été. C'est charmant d'être
bien et de pouvoir rester sur le pont.
LE LIVRE d'or 93
'< 7 novembre 1899.
« La journée d'hier a été très occupée, je n'ai pas eu un
instant pour écrire. Il est bon d'observer que l'on nous
fait faire, à tour de rôle, des exercices militaires, pendant
trois heures par jour. Les médecins nous ont tous vacci-
nes et le perruquier nous a enlevé la chevelure ; les Boers
n'auront pas de chance à nous prendre aux cheveux.
« Une agréable surprise nous attendait après ces opéra-
tions. Le commandant fit appeler notre compagnie et
remit à chacun de nous la somme de vingt-cinq dollars
provenant de la généreuse souscription faite par les
citoyens de Québec. Québec nous poursuit de ses bien-
faits jusqu'au milieu de la mer.
« L'harmonie et la bonne entente qui régnent à bord
sont admirables. On dirait que nous sommes tous des
frères et que nous avons toujours vécu ensemble. Nos
officiers nous traitent très bien : à part les rations qui sont
abondantes l'on nous fait distribuer des fruits, des cigares,
du tabac et des cigarettes. Dimanche dernier l'on nous a
donné pour dessert un swçexhQ J>lum-pndding.
« Ce matin, à six heures, ma compagnie, composée de
cent vingt-cinq hommes, a été appelée sur le pont. C'était
le moment du bain. Le capitaine a fait diriger sur nous
les tuyaux des pompes, et je vous prie de croire que l'eau
coulait à flot. J'aurais voulu avoir un kodack pour photo-
graphier ce spectacle aussi amusant que pittoresque.
« Nous espérons toucher dimanche aux îles Canaries
pour faire du charbon et prendre de l'eau fraîche. Cela
nous permettra de jeter nos lettres à la malle. »
« Buena Vista, 3 Anchor Bay, Cape-Town, Dec. ist, 1899.
(I Dear Sir,
« Your son wished me to post the enclosed note. The
note speaks for itself.
94 LE LIVRE d'or
« Your son was enjoying the best of health, and seemed
^uite contented.
(( His corps was greatly admired hère, and thousands
of people went to the station to bid them au revoir.
« We out hère appreciate to the fullest extent the aid
vft are receiving from our fellow colonisls, but sincerely
hope that they may soon be safely restored to theirfriends.
« Yours sincerely,
« ROBERTS ShAW. ))
(Traduction.)
« Cher monsieur,
« Votre fils désire que je vous adresse la lettre ci-incluse.
Cette lettre parle par elle-même.
« Votre fils était en parfaite santé, et paraissait bien
content.
« Sa compagnie a été grandement admirée ici, et des
milliers de personnes se rendirent à la gare pour lui
souhaiter au revoir.
« Nous apprécions tous ici dans sa plus grande étendue
l'appui que nous recevons de nos concitoyens coloniaux,
mais nous avons la sincère espérance qu'ils pourront
bientôt retourner sains et saufs au milieu de leurs amis.
« Votre bien sincère,
« RoBERTS Shaw. »
Voici maintenant ce que Lucien LaRue écrit à son père :
« Cape-Town, ler décembre 1899.
« Mon cher père,
« Nous partons dans dix minutes pour la campagne ; on
nous dirige sur Kimberley. Nous avons eu une réception
LE LIVRE D'OR 95
enthousiaste à Cape-Town, le gouverneur de la ville était
en tête de la population. L'état-major du général BuUer
préside à notre départ aujourd'hui.
« iij^ heures a. m., 2 décembre.
« En chemin de fer.
« Nous voilà partis en route pour Kimberley. Nous
avons laissé Cape-Town, à trois heures p. m., hier. Entre
Cape-Town et Prince Albert station, nous avons rencontré
trois trains portant les pauvres soldats blessés venant de
Kimberley. Le pays que nous parcourons est vraiment
enchanteur et nous en admirons à loisir pour le moment
toutes les beautés. Il fait très chaud. . . .
« . . . . Nous aurons à faire face à l'ennemi demain.
Quel sera notre sort ? . . . Dieu le sait ; cela suffit au
soldat chrétien décidé à accomplir son devoir, et nous
sommes tous bien déterminés à faire honneur au drapeau.
« Prince Albert Road Station, 2 décembre 1899.
« II heures du matin.
« Enfin ! nous y sommes. Nous avons l'honneur d'être
sur le terrain ennemi depuis quelques minutes. Un quart
d'heure d'arrêt à cette station du chemin pour prendre le
lunch, et nous continuons notre marche en avant.
« C'est demain que nous rencontrons les Boers ; à la
grâce de Dieu ! . . . . Nous sommes tous bien portants et
prêts à sacrifier nos vies pour l'honneur du Canada.
« Belmont, dimanche, le 11 février.
« . . . . Nous partons pour Jacobsdale avec les trois
meilleurs régiments que l'Angleterre possède : les Seaforth,
Gordon et Blackwatch Highlanders.
gt LE LIVRE d'or
« Nous serons mis aussitôt sur la ligne de feu. . . La
lutte sera chaude, car l'Angleterre veut en finir le plus
vite possible, et je me demande combien reviendront sains
et saufs du combat.
« Pour moi, je suis prêt pour le drapeau et pour Dieu,
et si je n'en reviens pas, je prierai Dieu de te rendre
heureux sur tes vieux jours que j'aurais voulu entourer de
mes soins. ...»
A SA SŒUR.
« Belmont Station, 13 février.
« . . . . J'étais de service aujourd'hui quand on m'a
appelé par mon nom. C'était la poste qui était distribuée.
« Te dire le plaisir que ta lettre m'a fait, tu ne saurais le
croire : je pleurais, je riais, je sautais, et mes confrères
croyaient que je recevais une lettre de ma blonde ! . ...»
LA BATAILLE olj IL FUT BLESSÉ EACONTÉE PAR LUI-MÊME
LE NOBLE JEUNE HOMME REVIT TOUT ENTIER DANS CES LIGNES
«Hôpital Naauwport, 3 mars 1900.
« Mon cher père,
« Comme tu le vois, je t'écris de l'hôpital où je devrai
passer quelque temps grâce à une politesse de nos amis les
Boers. J'espère n'être pas retenu trop longtemps, car,
malgré que je sois très bien traité ici, c'est une vie
ennuyeuse et monotone après l'existence que j'ai menée
depuis mon arrivée dans ce lointain pays d'Afrique. On a
beau dire, la vie militaire malgré ses fatigues et ses périls
a aussi ses charmes. Il y a bien, sans doute, l'ennui, le
regret d'être éloigné de tout ce qui nous est cher ; mais
d'un autre côté le désir de faire honneur à son pays, à sa
LUCIEN LARUE,
BLESSÉ A PAARDEBERG.
Mori en AJrique du Sud U 24 juin iqoo.
LE LIVRE D OR 97
race, la pensée de conquérir un peu de gloire sur le
champ de bataille nous met au cœur un courage que l'on
ne saurait peut-être pas soupçonner tout d'abord.
« Ce que je désirais depuis si longtemps, voir une vraie
bataille, entendre le sifflement des balles, le grondement
des canons, s'est enfin réalisé. En effet, j'ai vu la mort de
près et j'ai connu tout ce qu'il y a d'horrible, de pitoyable
sur un champ de bataille, les plaintes et les gémissements
des blessés, les convulsions des mourants, leurs suprêmes
adieux à ceux qu'ils ne verront plus, leurs prières à celui
qui est le Dieu des batailles. Ce spectacle est inoubliable
une fois qu'il nous a été donné d'en être le témoin comme
je l'ai été à la bataille de Paardeberg, le i8 du courant.
« Laisse-moi maintenant te donner les détails de cette
rencontre dans laquelle les soldats canadiens se sont tant
distingués et qui s'est terminée par la capture du général
Cronje et de sa vaillante armée. . . .
« .... Le moment est solennel, l'heure est décisive.
Nous formons d'abord la troisième ligne de feu : les Cor-
dons, les Black Watchs, les Cornwalls, les Highland Light
Infantry forment les premières lignes de feu en front et
en flanc. L'artillerie se tient à notre gauche avec deux
gros canons de la marine royale. Aussitôt les Boers con-
centrent leurs forces sur nous. Dix minutes après que
nous avons ainsi pris position, les Boers ouvrent le feu
sur nous, les balles sifflent à nos oreilles et nous ôtent
toute envie de dormir. Il est facile de voir que la partie
va être chaude des deux côtés. Cependant ce bruit des
balles nous électrise, nous enrage presque, ei nous rétor-
quons de notre mieux. Le premier qui tombe blessé à la
tête, est le capitaine Arnold de la compagnie A du régi-
ment canadien. On le place sur un brancard (itretcher
bearer) et on le transporte hors des lignes. Hélas ! son
exemple fut suivi par d'autres; à toute minute nous
98 LE LIVRE D'OP
voyons tomber de nos braves Canadiens, les uns blessés
légèrennent, les autres grièvement.
0 Une demi-heure s'était à peine écoulée depuis le
commencement de la bataille et voilà la pluie qui se met
de la partie ; elle fouette tous ceux que les balles ont
épargnés. Deux hommes de ma compagnie qui ont été
blessés sont transportés en lieu sûr. Sur les dix heures du
matin le feu augmente ; les Boers sont retranchés dans un
coin de la rivière, abrités par des tranchées naturelles ;
d'autres sont montés dans les arbres et tirent sur nous
sans être aperçus. Seuls nos canons peuvent les atteindre.
Les balles pleuvent littéralement au-dessus de nos têtes ;
à chaque minute il tombe des morts et des blessés, leur
nombre augmente toujours. A onze heures notre ligne
avance de quatre cents verges, nous ne sommes plus qu'à
douze cents verges de l'ennemi. A ce moment les Boers
se mettent à concentrer leur feu sur notre ligne. Nous
restons fermes, pas un recule ; le devoir est là, il faut
vaincre ou mourir. Pendant ce temps-là, notre artillerie
fait des dégâts considérables dans les tranchées des Boers :
nos canons maxim lui prêtent main forte avec succès.
« A une heure, nous avançons de quatre cents verges.
Les morts et les blessés se comptent alors par centaines.
C'est horrible à voir. La fusillade ralentit du côté des
Boers et nous nous demandons s'ils ne sont pas à retraiter,
ou s'ils n'attendent pas plutôt le moment propice pour
recommencer le feu. A quatre heures les Boers recom-
mencent l'attaque d'une façon terrible. Nous sommes
couchés par terre et c'est quelque chose de lamentable
que les cris et les gémissements des blessés qui parvien-
nent à nos oreilles. Nous ne pouvons pas leur porter
secours, la bataille se continue, terrible, meurtrière.
« Il est cinq heures et notre vaillant et brave comman-
dant, le major Oscar Pelletier, donne ordre à la compa-
LE LIVRE D OR
99
gnie F de marcher à pas redoublés dans la première ligne
du feu. Celle-ci obéit à l'instant à son chef qui donne
l'exemple de la bravoure et du devoir. C'est à ce moment
que nous voyons la mort approcher, mais nous courons
au-devant en vrais soldats. A peine avais-je fait vingt pas
quune balle m'atteignit à l'épaule droite et que je vis un
flot de sang sortir de ma blessure.
« Le major Oscar Pelletier, toujours si bon pour ses
hommes, me félicite de mon courage et me crie au milieu
de la mêlée qu'il allait envoyer un brancard pour me faire
transporter hors des lignes du feu, mais le nombre des
morts et des blessés se multiplie, la besogne des ambulan-
ciers devient de plus en plus considérable. 11 fallait bien
se résigner, savoir attendre. Aussi, ce n'est qu'à huit
heures du soir, après la bataille terminée que je fus, avec
les autres, transporté en lieu sûr . Ce n'est qu'à trois
heures le lendemain que ma blessure fut pansée.
« Les médecins se prodiguaient, mais le nombre des
blessés était si grand qu'ils ne pouvaient suffire, malgré
leur dévouement et leur bon vouloir.
« Notre régiment seul a compté dans cette journée
vingt-cinq morts et quatre-vingt-dix blessés. Parmi les
blessés aujourd'hui, il n'y a que le fils du colonel Hudon
et moi de Canadiens-français.
« N'importe si nous avons eu de la misère, si nous avons
versé du sang, nous nous en consolons en songeant que
nous avons remporté la victoire et mis Cronje prisonnier
avec une partie de son armée. Puisse cet événement hâter
la fin de cette guerre meurtrière. Dans cette journée du
iS les Anglais ont eu trois cent cinquante morts et quatre-
vingts blessés.
Il J'aimerais beaucoup te donner beaucoup plus de
détails, mais je me sens trop affaibli. Dans quelques jours
je pourrai t'écrire plus au long. Ne prends pas d'inquiétu-
lOO LE LIVRE D OR
de, ma blessure va bien, elle commence à se cicatriser et
j'espère pouvoir sous peu reprendre mon service et rendre
le change aux Boers. C'est si beau la revanche, quand on
est militaire. . . .
Bloemfontein, 8 avril.
« .... Je t'avouerai que ceux de mon régiment qui ont
eu à combattre sans interruption depuis le i8 février et
qui n'ont pas été blessés dans ces batailles ont plus de
mérite que mes camarades et moi, blessés à la première
bataille de Paardeberg ; car ceux-là ont eu à souffrir de la
faim, de la soif, des fatigues et de la maladie. Quand je te
dirai que quelques-uns d'entre eux se trouvaient fiers
quand ils pouvaient trouver un mouton mort de maladie,
ou bien de la fleur mêlée de boue et d'eau qu'ils faisaient
cuire dans de la graisse de bottes. . . C'est la plus dure
campagne qui se soit jamais vue jusqu'à ce jour, disent les
officiers anglais. Mon régiment reviendra au Canada avec
les lauriers de la victoire, car nous avons fait de l'ouvrage
qui a réussi. Notre brigade ainsi que notre division a
été victorieuse jusqu'aujourd'hui. A ma compagnie (F)
revient l'honneur d'avoir capturé Cronje et quatre mille
prisonniers ; à mon régiment, d'avoir repoussé l'ennemi
jusqu'à trente milles de Bloemfontein, et j'ose espérer que
nous serons victorieux jusqu'à Pretoria, où là nous pour-
rons chanter tranquillement la chanson composée par mon
cher ami Donohue : The Jolly Musketeers^ chanson qui
égaie nos marches et nous donne de l'électricité dans les
jambes. ...»
A SON ONCLE.
« Bloemfontein, i6 avril.
« . . . . Depuis ta lettre du 6 février, bien des choses se
sont passées, et je me demande comment il se fait que je
LE LIVRE D OR lOI
n'aie été que blessé quand bien d'autres sont morts à mes
côtés. . . Blessé par une balle Mauser, je n'ai ressenti aucune
douleur si ce n'est le choc violent que j'ai éprouvé et la
perte de sang qui m'a fait tomber sans connaissance sur le
champ de bataille, lors de notre premier engagement à Paar-
deberg. Lorsque le major Oscar Pelletier, à cinq heures,
nous donna l'ordre de renforcer la ligne de feu, je partis
d'un bond, tout joyeux ainsi que mes confrères, pour faire
notre bonne part, comme les compagnies en avant de nous.
« Il n'y avait pas vingt verges de parcourues que j'étais
frappé : trois tours sur les talons et je suis tombé la tête
à la renverse sur une ruche de fourmis. Je perdis connais-
sance, et ce n'est qu'à huit heures du soir que je fus
transporté dans un hôpital temporaire, où l'on comptait
le lendemain huit cent quarante blessés et deux cent
cinquante morts dans une seule journée.
« Hier, pour la première fois, les conséquences de la
guerre m'ont fait frémir.
« Belmont, où nous sommes campés, a été le théâtre
d'une sanglante bataille le 25 novembre dernier, dans
laquelle les Boers ont eu le dessous, ayant perdu beaucoup
des leurs, et dans l'affolement n'ayant pu enterrer leurs
morts. Nous étions anxieux, mes amis et moi, de voir le
champ de bataille.
« Nous sommes partis trois, et il n'y avait pas dix
minutes que nous marchions, que l'on trouvait, à moitié
enterrés, dix-sept Boers, la tête sortie de terre rongée par
les insectes. . . .
« C'était horrible à voir ! »
A SA SŒUR.
Bloemfontein, 26 avril.
« . . . . Je viens causer quelques instants avec toi, car je
suis seul ici, mon régiment étant parti depuis quatre jours
nn'H combat les Boers.
102 LE LIVRE D OR
« Lorsque le régiment s'est formé pour la parade avant
le départ, je m'étais mis dans les rangs pensant qu'on ne
m'apercevrait pas. A l'inspection, on me fit sortir des
rangs ne me trouvant pas assez fort pour entreprendre la
marche. Aussi j'enrage !
« Quoique les nouvelles soient bien difficiles à avoir, je
puis te dire que lord Roberts ne peut plus se passer des
Canadiens, tant il apprécie leur courage, leur bravoure et
leur endurance. ...»
A SON PÈRE.
« . . . . J'ai oublié de te dire que quelques minutes avant
de traverser la Modder River à pied, le i8 février, pour
prendre notre position sur le champ de bataille, le général
Smith-Dorien, brigadier général de notre division, est
venu trouver le colonel Otter et lui a dit : « 7 aw proud
that your régiment, the Royal Canadian, under my com-
mand to-day belong to the same Empire that I belojign, et
continuant : — « I^o, iio, I want to say : That I am proud
to belotig to the same Empire that the Royal Canadian
belong. ...»
« Lors de notre inspection à Belmont par le même
brigadier, il avait aussi dit au lieutenant-colonel Otter
« qu'il était honoré d'avoir sous son commandement le
régiment canadien. » Enfin, des félicitations nous arrivent
de toutes part: par lord Roberts, Kitchener, Hector
Macdonald, etc., et par les journaux du Cap. . . . Malgré
les lauriers que nous emporterons au Canada, cent cin-
quante ou deux cents manqueront à l'appel à notre retour,
et il nous restera à sympathiser avec les pauvres familles
qui auront à déplorer la perte d'un fils ou d'un parent. »
Généreux et vaillant Lucien ! Il est du nombre, et
mettons sur sa tombe ainsi que sur celles de ses compa-
LE LIVRE d'or I03
gnons d'armes tombés au champ d'honneur, ces vers
du poète :
« Et les peuples encor n'ont rien vu de plus beau,
Qu'un brin de laurier vert sur un jeune tombeau !»
UNE ÉPITRE ÉMOUVANTE
SA DERNIÈRE LETTRE.
« Wynburg Hospital, 7 juin 1900.
« Mon bien cher papa,
« Me voilà rendu à Wynburg Hospital depuis hier
matin, soit douze milles au sud-est de Cape-Town. Les
médecins voyant que je ne pourrais me rétablir à Norval's
Pont, ont décidé de me transporter ici, en attendant que
je prenne le premier bateau hôpital en partance pour
Southampton ; les médecins prétendent que la guérison
rapide de ma blessure est la cause de ce rhumatisme qui
me fait souffrir depuis bientôt deux mois, et qu'aussitôt
sur la mer je ressentirai un bien sensible. Tous mes
confrères blessés comme moi à Paardeberg et revenus au
régiment après leur guérison ont dû, après une première
marche, retourner à l'hôpital, souffrant d'empoisonnement
du sang ou d'inflammation de leurs blessures.
« La guerre tire à sa fin, l'enthousiasme est à son
comble. Lord Roberts a fait son entrée triomphale dans
Johannesburg et Pretoria avec mon régiment, fort de trois
cent cinquante hommes, le second régiment canadien et
les gardes. Kruger, son état-major et ses troupes se sont
retirés dans les montagnes au nord de Pretoria. Je m'at
tends de laisser Cape-Town dans six jours en route pour
Southampton, Netley's Hospital. ...
20
I04 LE LIVRE D OR
« .... Je suis sans nouvelles de la famille depuis deux
mois, le régiment ne sachant, j'en suis bien certain, où me
trouver.
« Pour la première fois, depuis mon départ de Québec,
hier soir, je couchais dans une maison. J'ai pu me reposer
à mon goût, étant couché dans un bon lit. . . .
« .... Ne t'inquiète pas de ma maladie, je ne crois pas
que j'en souffrirai longtemps. ...»
Non, il n'a pas souffert longtemps, le brave enfant, car
il est mort dix-sept jours après, le jour de la Saint-Jean-
Baptiste, alors que nous célébrions notre fête nationale, et
nul doute qu'au moment où son âme s'envolait vers Dieu,
son cœur se portait vers le Canada 1
Mais tirons un voile glorieux sur ce triste souvenir, et
laissons parler les journaux, car ce qu'ils disent de ce
pauvre Lucien s'applique aussi à Borden,Cotton, McQueen
et tous ceux qui sont morts là-bas ! . . . .
SUR UNE TOMBE DE PATRIOTE
Voici l'hommage que dépose sur la tombe de feu Lucien
LaRue le Chronicle de cette ville :
« Le soldat Lucien LaRue, de cette ville, qui a été blessé
à Paardeberg, et que Ton nous annonce maintenant avoir
succombé à la fièvre entérique, a donné sa vie pour son
pays et pour sa reine, aussi absolument que s'il eût été
tué sur le champ de bataille. Son nom est digne d'être
inséré parmi les héros de la nation, car il a répondu à
l'appel aux armes, il a bien rempli son devoir de soldat et
il est mort en soldat. Nous qui jouissons des privilèges et
des immunités achetées aux prix de semblables jeunes,
ardentes et patriotiques vies, nous estimons comme un
précieux héritage la mémoire de ceux qui ont combattu et
LE LIVRE D OR 105
qui sont morts pour le drapeau que nous aimons tant.
Québec a déjà fourni trois noms à l'armée des héros
morts — Witty, LaRue et McQueen — et bien qu'ils
soient morts, ces hommes vivent encore comme une
inspiration pour l'accomplissement d'actions nobles et
patriotiques. »
MORT AU CHAMP D'HONNEUR !
Le Soleil publie à l'occasion de la mort du fils de notre
ami, le Dr Léonidas LaRue, de Québec, un article remar-
quable dont nous nous plaisons à citer les passages
suivants :
« Que la mort de ce jeune homme soit donc une leçon
pour les fanatiques qui nous dénoncent comme des sujets
déloyaux, parce que nous continuons à aimer la France,
tout en restant fidèles à l'Angleterre. Voici un enfant de
Québec, de cette vieille ville française, un Canadien-
français lui-même, appartenant à l'une de nos meilleures
familles, qui abandonne une jolie position à la banque
Nationale, pour aller défendre le drapeau britannique.
Après toute espèce de privations et de misères, il est
blessé ; il va plus tard mourir à l'hôpital, loin de tous ceux
qu'il aime. Et c'est en face de pareils dévouements, de
pareille générosité que l'on oserait accuser notre race de
déloyauté ? Allons donc 1 Est-ce que le sang versé par les
nôtres n'est pas plus éloquent que les flots d'encre répan-
dus par ceux qui nous insultent?
<( Pauvre Lucien LaRue ! Il est mort au moment où
nos soldats sont sur le point de revenir. Il ne connaîtra
pas les joies du retour. Cette voie triomphale, cet innom-
brable peuple, ces acclamations semblables au bruit de la
mer, les fleurs sur les armes victorieuses, ces soldats si
io6
LE LIVRE d'or
graves au milieu de leur gloire, si brillants dans leurs
habits fatigués, si modestes sous leurs blessures, il ne
verra pas cela. Ces acclamations enthousiastes de notre
patriotique population qui retentiront, au retour de nos
soldats, comme une ode immense pleine de fierté et
d'amour de la patrie, il n'aura pas la douce satisfaction de
les entendre. Comme il a dû penser à tout cela quand il a
vu la mort inéluctable ; comme il a dû penser aussi aux
siens, à son pays ! Il est mort la pensée vers son pays,
comme le héros dont parle Virgile ; « Et dulces moriens
reminiscitur Argos. »
Qu'il repose en paix dans ce lointain pays ! Son souve-
nir restera cher à ses amis et glorieux pour sa patrie.
LETTRE DU SOLDAT LUCIEN VALLEE
(FUS DU GOUVERNEUR DE LA PRISON)
Éloges du colonel Pelletier. — Notes de la bataille
DE Paardeberg. — Les Boers ont peur des
Canadiens et croient que nos sol-
dats SONT DES sauvages.
« Camp de la 19e Brigade, près Bloemfontein,
« Afrique-Sud, 21 mars 1900.
« Ma bien chère maman,
"« TiOnFIN ! je trouve quelques instants pour vous
G^}!^ écrire. Depuis plus d'un mois je me suis trouvé
(s «^N dans l'impossibilité de vous donner de mes nou-
velles. Le 13 février nous partions de Graspan, il va sans
dire à pied, pour couper la retraite de l'armée de Cronje
et secourir Kimberley.
« Mon bataillon forme partie de la 19e Brigade de la 9e
division, dont il est le 4e régiment. Les autres régiments
dans notre brigade sont : Les Gordon Highlanders, Duke
of Cornwall Light Infantry et les King's Shropshire Light
Infantry. Nous avons marché pendant quatre jours, de
quinze à vingt milles par jour, et après quelques coups de
canon nous avons pris Jacobsdale. Nous sommes partis
I08 LE LIVRE d'or
dès le lendemain en route pour Kimberley, mais après
quelques jours de marche nous dûmes changer de direc-
tion, une estafette nous ayant avertis que Kitchener était à
la poursuite de Cronje. Cette journée-là nous nous étions
reposés à peine depuis quelques heures lorsque nous
fûmes forcés de repartir à cinq heures p. m., et faire une
marche forcée de vingt-trois milles durant la nuit. Le
lendemain, i8 février, l'ennemi étant en vue, nous nous
arrêtâmes à Paardeberg Drift vers les cinq heures a. m.
Sans même prendre de repos ni déjeuner nous traversâmes
la rivière Modder, nous avions de l'eau jusqu'au cou, je
vous assure que plusieurs des petits faillirent se noyer.
« L'artillerie royale nous avait précédés dans l'attaque
afin de nous permettre de contourner les flancs des Boers.
Une de nos compagnies, aidée des Cordons, s'empara
immédiatement de trois petits kopjes que l'ennemi occu-
pait et par ce fait le cerna complètement, sa retraite lui
étant coupée d'autre part par la rivière. En moins d'un
quart d'heure nous avions traversé la rivière avec les
Cornwalls et deux compagnies de Shropshires et nous
nous avancions en ligne de tirailleurs vers les Boers.
L'artillerie vint occuper les trois petits kopjes et nous,
nous attaquions l'ennemi de tous les côtés à la fois.
Pendant toute la journée nous avons essayé de les déloger
de leur position, mais en vain, ils étaient trop fortement
retranchés, les rives de la rivière, minées par l'eau, les
mettaient à couvert de notre feu. A chaque moment je
voyais tomber de mes camarades et j'avais bien peur que
la balle suivante ne me fût fatale. Nous étions couchés à
plat ventre par terre sans pouvoir remuer, de crainte
d'être un point de mire. Nous étions déjà mouillés jus-
qu'aux os lorsque pour comble un orage s'abattit sur nous
vers les onze heures. Le capitaine Pelletier qui était déjà
malade depuis quelque temps, fut pris d'une indisposition
LE LIVRE d'or IO9
et perdit connaissance, nous fûmes obligés de le transpor-
ter à l'hôpital ; cependant, notre brave capitaine revint
nous rejoindre dans l'après-midi. Tous les quarts d'heure
nous avancions d'une trentaine de pas et les Boers recu-
laient toujours. Dans l'après-midi nous fîmes deux charges
à la baïonnette qui eurent un effet terrifiant sur l'ennemi.
J'ai encore à l'idée les lamentations d'un pauvre Cornwall
qui venait d'être blessé à mes côtés, on se préparait à le
porter en arrière lorsqu'il reçut une nouvelle balle entre
les deux épaules ! Il mourut trois minutes plus tard.
« Le feu cessa à la tombée du jour, vers les huit heures,
nous retraitâmes alors du côté de l'hôpital pour y passer
la nuit. Faute de provision, nous dûmes manger nos
rations d'urgence. Ces rations sont contenues dans une
petite boîte de ferblanc, divisée en deux, d'un côté quatre
onces de cocoa et de l'autre quatre onces de viande
concentrée ; cette portion est supposée suffisante pour
maintenir la force d'un homme pendant vingt-quatre heu-
res ? Nous n'avions qu'une couverture pour trois ou quatre
hommes.
« Le lendemain, nous eûmes un bon repas; ensuite on
fit l'appel. . . Hélas ! je vous assure, ma bien chère
maman, que le lendemain d'une bataille est bien plus
triste que le jour même du combat. Au nombre des joyeux
camarades qui nous suivaient la veille, chantant les gais
refrains du pays, plus de cent manquaient à l'appel de
leur nom ! . . . Ils étaient tombés en héros au champ
d'honneur, burinant une nouvelle page de gloire dans les
fastes militaires de notre cher Canada.
<( Après l'appel, une partie des hommes fut employée
toute la matinée à enterrer les morts et ramasser les blessés
qui étaient restés sur le champ de bataille. Quel triste
spectacle s'offrit à nos yeux en parcourant le théâtre de la
veille ! Gamelles d'un côté, gourdes de l'autre ; uniformes
IIO LE LIVRE d'or
épars, des morceaux de charpie et de bandages répan-
dus partout. Et nos pauvres blessés, quelle souffrance
n'ont-ils pas endurée durant cette horrible nuit? Pour
nos morts offrons une prière au Dieu des combats et
remercions-le ensemble de la protection qu'il m'a accordée.
Plusieurs de nos hommes qui avaient été blessés la veille,
ont succombé durant la nuit, qui a été bien froide.
« Les Boers se servent indubitablement de balles explo-
sives, car plusieurs de nos morts avaient des blessures
énormes. Un nommé Lester, de Montréal, qui demeure
près de chez nous, a reçu, dans la bouche, une balle dont
l'explosion lui a fracassé le crâne. En tout, nous avons eu
vingt-cinq morts et plus de quatre-vingts blessés. Le
capitaine Arnold, qui avait été blessé grièvement, est mort
plus tard de ses blessures.
« Ce devoir accompli auprès de nos morts et blessés,
nous avons pu nous reposer le reste de la journée. Je vous
assure que nous méritions bien ce petit farniente, après
avoir été trente-six heures sans nous reposer et rien manger.
« Le 20, nous avons eu une autre escarmouche, avec les
mêmes Boers. Ils avaient un canon Nordenfeldt {pne
pounder), qu'ils pointèrent sur nous, et dans le cours de
la journée, trois hommes furent blessés. Nous passâmes
le reste de la semaine en avant-postes et devoirs divers.
Nous avions nos repas très irrégulièrement, sans compter
que nous étions à la demi-ration depuis notre départ de
Graspan, et l'eau était très rare. Nous avions deux biscuits
{/tard tach) par jour.
(( Le temps des pluies est commencé, et tous les jours, il
pleut ; comme nous bivouaquons partout où nous allons,
et que notre couverture est notre seul abri, nous sommes
presque toujours trempés jusqu'aux os.
« Le 25, nous reçûmes l'ordre d'aller occuper les tran-
chées près des positions boers. Nous devions passer
LE LIVRE DOR III
quarante-huit heures en devoir ; mais, le soir, un contre-
ordre survint de faire une attaque de nuit. Profitant de
l'obscurité, les Cordons vinrent nous rejoindre dans les
tranchées, nous avions ordre de ne point leur parler ni de
faire de bruit, afin de ne pas donner l'alarme. Nous nous
sommes préparés toute la soirée et à deux heures du
matin, le 27, nous sortions des tranchées, la baïonnette au
canon. Les Cordons restèrent dans les tranchées. Nous
nous avançâmes en deux lignes de tirailleurs ; le rang de
serre-file portant des pelles et des piques, devait nous
creuser des tranchées pendant que nous attaquerions.
Nous avions marché à peu près sept cents verges, lorsque
nous fûmes reçus par une vive fusillade provenant des
tranchées boers, qui n'étaient qu'à vingt pas de nous
environ.
« En moins de temps qu'il n'en faut pour le dire, tout le
monde était étendu par terre. Nous avions ordre formel
de ne point tirer afin de ne pas donner notre distance,
mais, malheureusement cet ordre fut enfreint par quelques-
uns de nos hommes. Le soldat P. . . qui se trouvait à mes
côtés, tira deux coups et au deuxième il reçut une balle
dans le coude ; s'il n'eût pas tiré, certainement qu'il
n'aurait pas été blessé. Les Cordons qui étaient dans nos
tranchées se mirent aussi de la partie en envoyant plu-
sieurs volées qui eurent leur effet, ce qui nous permit de
retraiter vers les retranchements préparés pour nous par
notre rang de serre-file. Là nous continuâmes le feu
jusqu'au matin. Vers les six heures nous aperçûmes un
Boer qui faisait des signes avec un mouchoir blanc ; le
feu cessa et il s'avança vers nos lignes, il nous dit qu'ils
(les Boers) voulaient se rendre. Leur reddition fut accep-
tée par lord Roberts, sans conditions. Nous fîmes plus de
quatre mille prisonniers y compris le fameux général
Cronje, c'est jusqu'à présent la plus importante capture
112 LE LIVRE DOR
de la guerre, et un grand nombre de transports, provisions,
munitions, deux canons Maxim et quatre Krupp.
« Dans cette bataille, nous avons perdu treize hommes
tués et plus de quarante blessés. Je vous assure que c'est
seulement à cette bataille que je me suis senti énervé, car
un de mes camarades a été tué raide à ma gauche et un
autre à ma droite a reçu cinq balles, il est mort dans
l'avant-midi. Dans ce dernier engagement, ma compagnie
à elle seule a eu six morls et dix blessés.
« Les Boers ont une peur terrible des Canadiens, ils
nous prennent tous pour des sauvages ; nous sommes à
prime, dix schellings sont offerts pour un Canadien, mort
ou vif. Je crois que c'est celte peur qu'ils avaient de nous
qui les a forcés à se rendre.
« Quand, après la bataille, nous nous sommes avancés
dans le laager des Boers nous y avons trouvé quantité de
provisions que nous avons fait disparaître en fort peu de
temps, car nous étions minés par la faim, ayant été à la
demi-ration depuis notre départ de Graspan.
« Nous avons passé quelques jours dans le laager ;
pendant ce temps, nous faisions l'inventaire de notre
capture et donnions la sépulture à nos morts.
(( Le 7 mars, nous avons fait un grand déploiement de
troupes pour déloger les Boers de deux positions qu'ils
occupaient de chaque côté de la rivière Modder, Osfontein
et Poplar Grove. Notre mouvement a parfaitement réussi
et après quelques coups de canon, l'ennemi abandonna sa
position ainsi qu'un canon Creusot (modèle 90 Ibs.) Nous
avons fait cinq cents prisonniers et capturé un certain
nombre de transports. Dans cette journée nous avons
marché plus de vingt-trois milles et avons forcé la retraite
d'une cavalerie nombreuse qui tenait notre avant-garde en
échec. Après nous être reposés i^cndant une journée, nous
avons marché sans opposition jusqu'à Bloemfontein, où
LE LIVRE d'or 113
nous sommes maintenant. Bloemfontein n'a presque pas
fait de résistance.
(1 Depuis que nous sommes partis de Graspan, nous
avons fait au delà de cent quatre-vingt-dix milles.
« Notre bataillon a reçu les compliments les plus flatteurs
de toutes parts ; des télégrammes de félécitations nous
arrivent encore tous les jours. Le généralissime lui-même.
Lord Roberts, nous a dit : « Que nous pouvions marcher
la tête haute et fière, que nous étions les égaux de n'im-
porte quel régiment anglais. »
« Dans toutes ces différentes batailles, c'est le lieutenant-
colonel Pelletier, de Québec, et le lieutenant Ogilvie, qui se
sont montrés les plus braves.
« Quant à moi, je ne puis pas dire que j'ai eu peur, car
j'allais au feu, à vrai dire, sans songer à la gravité de
la situation ; je prenais cela plutôt pour un exercice que
pour la réalité. J'ai été étonné de moi-même. Vous pouvez
parler sans crainte de moi ; j'ai toujours suivi mon régi-
ment partout, j'ai assisté à toutes les batailles et n'ai
jamais tiré en arrière. . . .
« ler avril.
« Bloemfontein est une très jolie ville sise dans une
vallée et entourée de montagnes ; elle n'est fortifiée que
par deux forts situés sur ces montagnes; les rues sont
larges et très bien pavées.
« Hier, notre régiment est encore parti pour la ligne de
combat. 11 paraît que les Boers sont à vingt-cinq milles
d'ici et qu'ils sont au nombre de vingt mille.
« Les Anglais ont eu un échec, ce matin. Lord Roberts
a reçu un ultimatum lui donnant vingt-quatre heures pour
évacuer Bloemfontein, mais il n'a pas beaucoup l'air de
s'occuper de cela.
« J'ai suivi le régiment quatorze milles, mais j'ai dû
114 ^^ LIVRE DOR
revenir sur mes pas ; mes chaussures étaient défoncées et
je souffrais de rhumatisme dans les jambes. Je suis revenu
à Bloemfontein, chanceux de rencontrer une voiture en
chemin. Arrivé à la ville, il était huit heures du soir, et je
n'avais pas mangé depuis le matin ; j'allai frapper à une
porte pour me renseigner où je pourrais me procurer à
manger, mais la dame qui vint me répondre me fit entrer
et me servit un succulent souper. Je devais être chez des
personnes très riches ; la maison était somptueusement
meublée; dans la salle à dîner, un pan de mur était
couvert de belles fresques. Je suis retourné au camp vers
dix heures et demie, et j'ai dû me coucher sans couverture,
pas même de capote, la mienne étant restée sur les
fourgons du train.
« Vous devez remarquer que ma lettre est pas mal
décousue ; j'ai eu à la reprendre tant de fois.
« J'ai envoyé par la poste une boîte de chocolat de la
reine ; je me la suis procurée pour cinq schellings, pour
remplacer la mienne, qui m'avait été volée, dans le temps.
Dans la boîte, vous trouverez un certain nombre d'enve-
loppes que j'ai ramassées dans le laager des Boers, après
la bataille du 27 février.
« J'ai reçu les journaux et vos lettres datées du 25 février,
ainsi que les cigarettes, qui m'ont fait un énorme plaisir.
Les cigarettes n'étaient pas trop sèches, mais elles étaient
passablement aplaties ; n'importe, quand on est à la guerre
et que l'on ne peut s'en procurer qu'à deux schellings le
paquet, ça fait du bien. Nous payons des prix fabuleux pour
nous procurer les moindres douceurs ; ainsi, nous payons
le beurre, trois schellings ; le sucre, deux schellings, et
encore, ce n'est que de la cassonade ; un petit pain, comme
chez nous, vaut deux schellings. Comme vous le voyez, avec
notre prêt, il nous est bien difficile de satisfaire des appé-
tits de Gargantua. Mais, après tout, je m'en console en
LUCIEN VALLEE.
LE LIVRE d'or II5
songeant qu'il y a sous la calotte des deux bien des êtres
plus malheureux que nous sous ce rapport. Quant à moi,
je suis content, heureux et joyeux. A la guerre comme à
la guerre ! . . . .
'( Le capitaine Peltier est encore bien malade et n'a
pas rejoint le régiment. . . .
« Le colonel Pelletier, qui a été blessé à la bataille du
27, est revenu au régiment. Je vous assure que c'est un
brave.
« Excuser le papier sale ; on n'a pas toujours les mains
propres.
« Je vous embrasse de tout cœur, ma bien chère maman,
et vous prie de croire à la sincère affection de
« Votre fils tout dévoué,
« LuciEN-C. Vallée,
«Caporal à la Cie F, R. C. R. I. »
Lettre typique d'un soldat canadien-français
à son frère
ÉA.L HUOT, un des volontaires canadiens-fran-
çais en Afrique, écrit la lettre suivante à son
frère. Cette lettre ne manque pas d'intérêt :
« Cape-Town, 27 février.
« Mon cher Alphonse,
« Je t'écris de ma tente, pour te donner un peu de mes
nouvelles. Elles sont très bonnes. Je suis en bonne santé.
Je n'ai pas été malade, et je suis résigné à mon sort. Si je
meurs sur le champ de bataille, j'aurai vu beaucoup avant
de mourir. Les gens ici nous voient d'un bon œil, et font
tout ce qu'ils peuvent pour nous. Ils sont très polis. Je
n'ai jamais tant mangé de fruits que je l'ai fait cet hiver.
Mes officiers sont bons pour moi, jusqu'à présent, et les
hommes aussi.
« Hier on nous a fait mettre dans notre poche, au cas
où nous mourrions sur le champ de bataille, un papier
portant le nom du parent ou de celui auquel nous voulions
léguer nos biens. C'est ton nom qui se trouve sur mon
feuillet, et je l'ai adressé à l'hôtel Riendeau, Montréal.
Laisse ton adresse à ce dernier endroit, si tu quittes
Montréal, au cas où je mourrais, et écris -moi. Il serait
LE LIVRE D OR II7
trop long de te donner en détail ce que je vois tous les
jours, en fait de belles choses ici. Si j'ai le bonheur de
revenir au Canada, j'en aurai long à te conter. C'est pour
ainsi dire, un vrai cirque nouveau tous les jours. Si je
retourne, j'aurai quelques souvenirs à te donner. J'attends
une lettre de toi.
« Nous partons d'ici demain pour Kimberley, distance
de sept cents milles. Comme tu le vois, nous voilà bien
partis. Tous les hommes sont aussi bien disposés que moi
à mourir pour la reine.
« Mon cher Alphonse, c'est un beau pays, mais il fait
très chaud. Il n'est pas possible que les nègres soient
blancs, et j'ai grand peur que nous ne devenions comme
eux.
« Donne-moi des nouvelles de tous. J'aurais voulu t'écri-
re plus au long, mais tu comprends, mon cher Alphonse,
je n'ai pas une minute à moi, et pas de place. Nous
sommes les uns sur les autres. Les lettres doivent mettre
un mois pour se rendre, de sorte que pour avoir une
réponse à la présente, cela va prendre deux mois. Donc,
ne tarde pas à me répondre.
« Je suis content. Je rencontre des soldats par trois
mille et quatre mille tous les jours, de toutes nationalités.
C'est un joh coup d'œil, mais je te dis qu'une guerre
comme celle-là, ce n'est pas drôle. Que ça fait du tapage
tout ce bagage ! Je suppose que lorsque je recevrai ta
réponse, nous aurons fini de nous battre.
« On vient d'apprendre la nouvelle que Cronje vient
d'être pris avec tout son monde et ses canons. Nous
avons salué cette nouvelle pendant deux heures.
« Je suis ton dévoué,
« Real Huot,
« Canonnier batterie E, R. C. A. »
Il8 LE LIVRE d'or
LES SOLDATS HUOT ET GOSSELIN AU «SOLEIL»
^f Carnarvon, 6 avril 1900.
« A M. Ernest Pacaud,
« rédacteur du So/cil.
« Cher monsieur,
« Il y a déjà longtemps que je voulais vous écrire, mais
le temps m'a manqué. Aujourd'hui, vu la grande chaleur
et les mauvais chemins, nous nous sommes arrêtés de
bonne heure.
« Nous avons perdu, ce matin, cinq chevaux. Ils sont
tombés raides morts dans le chemin.
(' Partis de Victoria West, le 13 mars, nous sommes
arrivés à Carnarvon, le 17, après une longue marche à
travers les montagnes.
'( Nous avons eu ici une très belle réception. Les dames
nous avaient préparé un superbe repas. Il y avait du café,
du pain, du beurre et des gâteaux. Après avoir pris un
bon souper, nous avons pris un repos bien mérité.
« Nous sommes repartis le 21, continuant notre marche
à travers des montagnes étrangères pour nous. Enfin,
nous sommes arrivés à Van-Wyks-Vki, le 23, après avoir
parcouru la distance de cent quarante milles, depuis
Carnarvon à Van-V/yks-Vki.
« Toutes les maisons sont désertes, les rebelles ont
chassé la population. Même quand nous sommes arrivés,
les gens d'ici étaient avertis de quitter la ville dans vingt-
quatre heures ou de les suivre. Une grande joie régnait
dans cette ville quand nous sommes arrivés.
« Je crois que ces rebelles sont comme nos corbeaux au
Canada : il n'y a pas moyen de les rejoindre.
« Le plus drôle pour nous, c'est de voir des maisons
plâtrées avec des briques d'un pied carré sur à peu près
LE LIVRE D OR IIQ
huit pouces d'épais, mais faites avec de l'engrais de
mouton. De plus, nous nous chauffons avec ces briques
qui valent le charbon. Nous n'avons pas besoin de vous
dire que le bois est rare. Nous ne voyons pas un seul
arbre. Ce serait trop long de tout énumérer ici, mais nous
en gardons des notes.
« A Van-Wyks-Vki, nous avons eu un orage durant la
nuit. Nous pensions que c'était le déluge. Nous n'avions
pas de tente et il faisait très froid. Le lendemain matin
nous avions tous l'air très piteux, mouillés jusqu'aux os et
à moitié gelés. Aussi nos pauvres chevaux en ont eu leur
part. Ils ont barbotté dans la boue toute la journée. Nous
nous sommes couchés sur des portes de hangar et sur tout
ce que nous pouvions trouver.
« Nous croyions prendre un bon repos, mais la pluie
nous réveilla sur les onze heures. Nous avions une toile
en caoutchouc sur nous et en moins de dix minutes, nous
avions une petite rivière de chaque côté de nous. Les
officiers nous donnèrent alors la permission d'habiter les
maisons vides, ordre qui a été exécuté avec empresse-
ment par tous les soldats.
« Comme les chemins étaient impraticables, nous som-
mes restés là jusqu'au 2 avril.
« Le ler avril, un homme du nom de Bradley est mort
malgré tous les bons soins de nos médecins et de nos offi-
ciers. Il venait d'Ottawa et appartenait à la batterie D, nous
l'avons enterré le lendemain au pied de la montagne. Les
batteries D et E, les West Australians, Canadian Mounted
Rifles, New-Zealand, la Impérial Yeomanry et les Derby,
précédés de douze trompettes ont battu la marche. Ils
ont tiré six rondes de cartouches blanches et ensuite les
trompettes ont sonné ^^ The last posi In Nous avons mis
chacun une pierre sur son tombeau. Nous avions aussi
fait des couronnes avec des fleurs des champs que l'on a
21
120 LE LIVRE D OR
déposées sur sa tombe. Un des soldats de la batterie D
lui a fait une superbe épitaphe en pierre. Nous nous
rappellerons longtemps cette scène.
« Le matin, dix minutes après notre départ, les soldats
allaient aussi enterrer un de leurs morts pendant la nuit.
« Le 3, nous avons reçu l'ordre de partir immédiatement
pour retourner ici à Carnarvon. Nous avons fait le trajet
en trois jours, après une marche bien pénible. Nos voitu-
res de transport ont souvent eu besoin de nos hommes, à
peu près tout le temps, pour les tirer, quoiqu'il y eût de
huit à dix mulets par voiture. Vous pouvez juger vous-
même de l'état des chemins.
« Nous avons échangé ici les malades. Nous avons
repris ceux qui étaient mieux et laissé d'autres à leur
place, parmi lesquels un de nos amis, M. Miller, ancien
soldat de la batterie B, de Québec, connu parmi les amis
sous le nom de Sunny Miller. Il s'est fait tordre le pied
entre la roue et la garde d'un canon. Il croit pouvoir nous
rejoindre dans trois semaines, mais nous avons bien peur
qu'il ne le puisse pas, car la jambe est enflée.
« La plupart de nos hommes ont été malades, mais ils
sont assez bien maintenant. La cause en était l'eau. Nous
aimerions bien à avoir une tasse d'eau qui coule dans les
rues de Québec pour nous donner bonne bouche, car l'eau
ici est dégoûtante et très rare. Nous partons demain pour
une autre direction. On nous dit qu'il faudra marcher cent
cinquante milles dans les montagnes.
« Nous sommes toujours prêts, car nous avons hâte de
faire feu.
« Nous sommes en parfaite santé.
c. Edgar Gosselin,
« Real Huot. »
LE LIVRE d'or 121
NOBLE ENFANT !
IL ENVOIE UN LOUIS AU » SOLEIL » POUR FAIRE CHANTER
UNE MESSE DE REQUIEM POUR LE REPOS DE l'aME
DE SON PÈRE ET DE SA MÈRE DÉFUNTS.
« Real Huot, soldat du premier contingent canadien
au Sud-africain, nous adresse la touchante lettre suivante :
« De Aar, 6 mai 1900.
« Mon cher M. Pacaud,
« Je viens vous prier de me rendre un service. J'espère
que vous ne me refuserez pas.
« Je vous envoie en même temps que la présente un
mandat-poste au montant de cinq piastres pour faire chan-
ter une messe de requiem pour le repos de l'âme de ma
mère et de mon père défunts.
« Veuillez être assez bon de téléphoner au révérend
M. Gosselin, curé de Charlesbourg, pour lui demander de
chanter une grand'messe pour le repos de l'âme de feu
Gaspard Huot et de son épouse, Angèle Laberge, recom-
mandée par leur fils, Real Huot, en guerre au Sud-africain.
« Pour la messe et le téléphone, cela devra vous coûter
environ trois piastres. Vous garderez la balance pour votre
trouble. N'oubliez donc pas d'ajouter à l'annonce que les
parents et amis sont priés d'y assister.
« Rien de bien étrange ici si ce n'est que les régiments
d'infanterie qu'il y avait ici sont partis pour les avant-
postes.
« Quant à nous de l'artillerie, nous nous attendons à
partir d'une minute à l'autre. On envoie les jeunes en
avant tâter le terrain en attendant que nous, les vieux,
nous allions leur envoyer des heans avec nos jolies pièces.
« Notre ami, René Miller, que nous avions laissé à
122 LE LIVRE D OR
l'hôpital de Deelfontein, nous est revenu assez bien quoi-
que encore un peu douillet, mais il brûle cependant du
désir d'être bientôt aux avant-postes et de faire le coup de
feu.
« Au moment où je vous écris, nous venons d'enterrer
un Canadien d'Ottawa, appartenant à la batterie D, du
nom de Picket. Il est mort de la fièvre entérique.
« Mon camarade Gosselin est en parfaite santé ainsi que
les autres Canadiens-français.
« Nous avons un hôpital à vingt-huit milles d'ici appelé
Impérial Yeomanry Hospital, où il y a au-dessus de six
cents malades. La plupart sont atteints de cette fièvre
dangereuse qu'on appelle fièvre entérique. Il y a beaucoup
de mortalité.
« Nous sommes ici depuis trois semaines. Je crois qu'ils
ne nous ont gardés si longtemps que parce que nous avions
besoin de repos. Nous commençons à engraisser et ne
demandons pas mieux qu'à aller encore de l'avant.
« Je vous enverrai bientôt une autre lettre et je tâcherai
de vous donner des détails plus intéressants sur les mou-
vements du contingent.
« Des saluts à tous et veuillez me croire,
« Votre dévoué,
« Real Huot,
« Canonnier de la batterie E. »
Cette lettre admirable prouve un cœur d'agneau sous
une enveloppe de Hon, comme, du reste, tout cœur
canadien.
Après l'insertion des principales lettres de nos braves,
et afin de ne pas tomber dans des redites, — car beaucoup
de ces lettres se ressemblent — nous croyons devoir nous
LE LIVRE D OR I23
contenter de n'insérer que quelques extraits les plus sail-
lants de ces lettres, et cela sous la signature de leurs
auteurs. Nous espérons donc que ceux-ci ne nous en
voudront pas, car, comme nous l'avons dit au commence-
ment de cet ouvrage, il nous faudrait au moins dix volumes
pour donner entière et pleine satisfaction à chacun. Du
reste, tous leurs noms sont burinés dans l'ouvrage, et
quels qu'ils soient, ils appartiennent tous à l'histoire.
LE SERGENT GRATTON
(DU 65e BATAILLON)
La Presse a reçu la communication suivante de Bloem-
fontein. Cette communication est signée par les soldats
suivants : E. Lamoureux, Jos. Rémy, E. Charbonneau,
A. Tessier, A. Tansey, Thomas Donohue, Jos. Plamondon,
F. Lescarbeau, E. Jobin, L. Vallée, W. Duhamel, L. Dol-
bec, L. LaRue, G. D'Orsonnens, J. Touchette et J. Tapin.
« Monsieur le rédacteur,
« Nous, soussignés, membres de la compagnie F, des
Canadiens Royaux, avons l'honneur de vous adresser
cette communication, espérant que vous lui accorderez
une cordiale attention. Hier soir, après être entrés dans
nos tentes pour consulter les journaux de Montréal, nous
avons appris la triste nouvelle de la mort du père de l'un
de nos compagnons d'armes. Le coup a été rudement
ressenti par nous tous et spécialement par le sergent
Gratton, le fils du défunt. Pour la première fois depuis
son enrôlement comme volontaire d'Afrique, nous avons
vu sur sa figure les traces d'une grande peine et d'un
profond désespoir. A travers tous les périls et toutes les
124 ^^ LIVRE d'or
batailles, ses bonnes dispositions ont toujours été un sujet
d'encouragement pour ses camarades de section, et nous,
comme membres de cette section, sous son commande-
ment, nous pouvons dire sans crainte de contradiction
qu'il n'y a pas dans les rangs des Canadiens Royaux de
soldat plus brave et plus valeureux.
« Sachant que vous vous êtes vivement intéressé au
bien-être de chacun de nous, surtout de ceux que nous
avons laissés dans le besoin au pays, nous nous unissons
pour vous demander de secourir et d'aider la famille de
neuf enfants laissée aux soins d'une mère âgée, avec son
vaillant fils, le seul qui ait atteint l'âge d'homme et qui se
dévoue, sur le sol africain pour la défense du drapeau de
son pays, à 8,000 milles des siens qu'il ne peut secourir.
Nous osons espérer que, la famille vous ayant montré
ses besoins, vous lui prêterez une bienveillante attention,
et nous, les compagnons du sergent Gratton, vous offrons
nos plus sincères remerciements. »
Cette communication qui prouve leur esprit de corps
fait honneur à nos braves.
Le sergent Gratton était appelé T/ie Iron Sergeant
(le sergent de fer) par ses camarades, et voici ce qu'on
rapporte de lui :
« Au premier coup de feu des Canadiens, on lui fit
remarquer qu'il pâlissait. Aussitôt, il détrempe une poignée
de terre avec l'eau de sa gourde, se barbouille le visage
pour cacher sa pâleur et, maîtrisant ses nerfs, mène
héroïquement ses soldats à la charge. »
« . . . . L'ordre fut donné de se former en ordre de
bataille; pour cela il fallait traverser la rivière Modder,
qui se prolonge jusque-là. Les ponts et les bateaux étant
détruits ou enlevés, il fallut entreprendre de traverser
LE LIVRE DOR I25
à la nage, ce qui présentait quelques difficultés, avec la
carabine en bandoulière et tout notre bagage sur notre
dos.
« Je termine, nies forces m'abandonnent.
« La bataille ? Oh ! c'était terrible ! terrible ! Des cris
help me. . . help me, Fm wounded. Les balles pleuvaient ;
un bruit confus de canons, coups de carabine, charge à la
baïonnette.
« Le sol jonché de morts et de blessés, des cris confus,
désespérés. Epouvantable ! Terrible !
« Ne craignez rien, je vais guérir dans peu. . . .
« Mais voici l'hiver. . . L'hiver, oh ! quelle nostalgie
s'empare de moi à ce mot magique, j'avais toujours pensé
que l'hiver ne pourrait pas exister sans la neige immaculée
qui couvre durant quelques mois de l'année notre beau sol
canadien. Si mon cœur n'était pas si triste à la pensée de
mon exil, je pourrais chanter avec transport, de concert
avec notre poète canadien :
« O Canada, mon pays, mes amours ! »
mais en ce moment, je serais plutôt porté à chanter l'air
triste de la complainte du Canadien errant, qui confiait
aux flots muers ses peines et ses ennuis, tandis que moi je
puis, par le moyen de la malle, transmettre mes peines à
des amis qui ne m'oublient pas.
« Cependant, mes lettres semblent aller plus librement
vers le pays que les vôtres ne viennent vers moi, car depuis
un mois, pas une nouvelle canadienne ! Je ne puis me
mettre dans la tête que vous m'avez oublié si longtemps,
les lettres sont arrêtées quelque part, peut-être s'amusent-
elles en chemin, c'est pardonnable ; elles viennent de si
loin, elles méritent un repos à leur arrivée en Afrique. . . .
« Jos. Uesjardins,
« Caporal. »
120 LE LIVRE d'or
« Bloemfontein, 25 mars 1900.
« . . . . Durant le trajet, le colonel Oscar Pelletier, aussi
gai que brave, nous exhortait à chanter de nos chansons
canadiennes qui retrempaient notre courage et nous fai-
saient oublier nos fatigues. Nous traversâmes à la nage
cette rivière Modder, où je faillis me noyer, ainsi que
plusieurs de mes camarades. . . .
« Nous approchâmes des tranchées boers et nous reçû-
mes le commandement : « Chargez à la baïonnette ! » C'était
un spectacle horrible. Au pétillement de la fusillade, au
grondement des canons, s'ajoutaient les cris des blessés,
la voix tonnante des commandants. L'air était embrasé et
déchiré par les éclairs qui, partant des tranchées boers,
semaient la mort dans nos rangs. Les soldats tombaient
comme des épis mûrs, et j'eus le chagrin de voir plusieurs
de mes amis victimes de cette sanglante journée. Cette
lutte cessa vers huit heures du soir. Plusieurs blessés
furent laissés sur le champ de bataille, car l'obscurité
était trop grande pour pouvoir les trouver. Nous nous
retirâmes un peu plus loin de cet endroit, témoin de
cette lutte acharnée ; ce soir-là, nous couchâmes à la belle
étoile. Le lendemain, je visitai le champ de bataille ;
c'était un triste spectacle que de voir tous ces soldats,
victimes de leur amour pour la patrie, baignant dans
leur sang. . . .
« EUSÈBE JOBIN. »
« . . . . Nous avons quitté Belmont pour Maple Leaf où
nous sommes campés. Car maintenant, nous faisons partie
de la 6e division sous le commandement de lord Methuen
et nous sommes embrigadés avec les Black Watch et les
Gordons. Nous avons la certitude maintenant d'aller à
l'attaque de Magersfontein ; mais en attendant, nous fai-
LE LIVRE D OR I27
sons toujours des tranchées et autres travaux. Cela nous
embête beaucoup, car nous aimerions bien nous battre le
plus tôt possible afin d'en finir au plus vite et de retour-
ner au Canada.
« A. Chatel. ,)
« .... A part la chaleur qui est intense parfois et du
sable qui nous aveugle, nous ne sommes pas trop mal ici.
La nourriture est abondante et nos officiers, entre autres
nos officiers canadiens-français sont bien bons pour nous,
car ils cherchent à nous éviter toutes les petites misères
qui sont l'apanage du soldat devant l'ennemi. . . .
(I Jean D'Amour, m
« .... Le lieutenant-colonel Lessard avait été chargé
de distribuer les articles et provisions généreusement
ramassés pour le confort de la troupe durant le voyage. Il
fut un véritable dispensateur des biens terrestres, même
en pleine mer, sachant se multipUer pour remplir sa tâche.
Il s'en est acquitté dignement à la satisfaction générale.
« Le lieutenant-colonel Pelletier est d'une sollicitude
toute particulière pour son demi-bataillon, l'aile gauche du
régiment, et il ne manquera pas dans cette circonstance
de faire sa marque comme excellent soldat et brillant
officier. . . .
« Lieutenant. »
« . . . . Arrivés à près de vingt verges de leurs tranchées
nous fûmes reçus par une vive fusillade. En moins de
temps qu'il n'en faut pour le dire, tout le monde était
couché à terre et les Cordons qui étaient restés dans les
tranchées ouvrirent le feu sur l'ennemi. Pendant ce temps,
les Boers se cachaient et nous retournions vers nos
tranchées.
128 LE LIVRE d'or
« Le caporal Wythie, de la citadelle de Québec, qui se
trouvait à mes côtés, a été tué raide avant de battre en re-
traite. Je l'avais poussé et il ne me répondait pas. Quand
le jour fut venu, j'appris qu'il était mort. Le feu fut main-
tenu contre les Boers jusqu'au matin, et c'est alors qu'ils
montrèrent leur pavillon blanc. Mais nous avions battu
l'armée de Cronje, la plus importante capture de la guerre.
« Quel triste spectacle que ce lendemain d'une bataille l
Des camarades qui nous suivaient la veille, gais et dipos,
vingt-six manquaient à l'appel au nombre desquels se trou-
vait un officier et plus de quatre-vingts étaient blessés. . . .
« Joseph Plamondon. »
« . . . . J'ai failli me noyer, ayant mis le pied dans un
trou profond. J'ai disparu sous l'eau et perdu presque
connaissance. Mais cela n'est rien en comparaison du
temps que nous avons passé sous le feu des Boers. Je
t'assure qu'il ne fallait pas trop montrer la tête, car les
balles tombaient dru.
« A certain moment, on aurait dit qu'il pleuvait du
plomb et que l'air était rempli de taons, tant ça sifflait.
Mais aussi, de notre côté, nous ne restions pas inactifs.
Notre position était meilleure que celle de l'ennemi. Les
Boers étaient bombardés de trois côtés à la fois par notre
artillerie. Dans l'après-midi, nous avons eu une terrible
tempête de pluie. Le tonnerre s'est aussi mis de la partie.
Nous sommes restés sur le champ de bataille jusqu'à la
tombée de la nuit. On nous a alors servi un biscuit et une
tasse de thé ; c'est tout ce que nous avons pris durant
toute la journée. Nous avons couché à la belle étoile, et il
faisait froid. Nous couchons comme cela depuis que
nous sommes partis de Belmont. . . .
'I Louis Léveillé. h
LE LIVRE DOR 129
« . . . . Les apparences, au moment présent, ne sont pas
favorables pour nous, quant à la possibilité d'un engage-
ment avec les Boers, mais tout étant tranquille depuis si
longtemps, ici, et ne nous trouvant qu'à quelques milles de
l'ennemi, caché dans sa plus formidable position, nous
espérons que lord Roberts ne nous oubliera pas, et que les
Canadiens Royaux seront appelés à prendre leur place
sur le front de bataille. . . .
» Thos. Donohue. »
C'est ce Donohue qui a composé la chanson « TJie Jolly
Mtisketeers^ mentionnée par Lucien LaRue.
« . . . . Nous sommes toujours anxieux d'aller au feu, uu
peu au moins, pour avoir une idée de la guerre. Cela nous
donnerait un peu de distraction, car il y a déjà six semaines
que nous sommes ici. Jusqu'à présent, nous avons travaillé
cinq ou six heures par jour, et le reste du temps se passe
à nous reposer sous nos tentes. . . .
(( Je t'ai envoyé des plumes d'autruche que j'ai obtenues
chez un fermier des alentours. J'espère que tu les a reçues.
Les autruches ici sont en quantité et aussi communes que
les canards au Canada. . . .
« Léonard Dolbec. »
« Depuis notre départ de la ville, nous avons toujours
été en marche et je vous assure que nous n'avons pas
toujours eu tout ce que nous aurions voulu. Pendant
quarante-trois jours, nous avons manqué de pain, parce
que nous étions trop éloignés des lignes de communication.
« Cependant, nous n'avons rien à reprocher au gouver-
nement anglais, il a fait son possible pour nous venir
en aide.
130 LE LIVRE DOR
« . . . . Nous avons repoussé les Boers dans près de vingt
engagements sur les lignes, bien qu'ils eussent de meilleu-
res positions et une pleine connaissance du terrain. Je les
crois mauvais tireurs, la plus grande partie de leurs boulets
n'éclatent pas, ce qui indiquerait ignorance de leur part.
« Ils se font battre sur toute la ligne et sont en train de
perdre une république qui vaut beaucoup d'argent, car le
sol est très propre à la culture et les montagnes sont
remplies de mines d'or et d'argent.
(( Un homme qui voudrait travailler ici pourrait se faire
un bel avenir en peu de temps. . . .
« Albert Bouchard. »
« . . . . Nous avons eu beaucoup de longues marches,
de misères et de fatigues et à essuyer des combats pour
nous rendre ici. Ainsi, nous nous sommes battus à maintes
reprises avec les Boers. . . .
« Oh ! mes chers amis, c'était effrayant de voir les
champs de bataille par lesquels nous sommes passés. Je
vous en donnerai des détails à mon retour. Les balles
tombaient comme grêle, et plusieurs de nos camarades ont
été blessés d'une manière épouvantable. Nous avons per-
du beaucoup de monde, par le feu et par la maladie. Le
climat ne nous va pas du tout. Le jour il fait excessive-
ment chaud et les nuits sont fraîches ; la rosée tombe
comme une grosse gelée blanche au Canada. Sans parler
des orages qui sont très fréquents. Je n'ai jamais vu
tomber de la pluie comme elle tombe ici. C'est ni plus ni
moins qu'un déluge. En un instant le terrain se trouve
inondé, mais comme c'est un pays sablonneux l'eau se
retire très vite. . , .
'( Charles H. Tweedell,
« Caporal. 1.
TROMPETTE GEO. \V. liRAULEY.
A. J. TURXER. H. MONTIZAMBERT.
LE LIVRE DOR 131
GEORGES WASHINGTON BRADLEY
Quelques mots sur le jeune et vaillant enfant dont
la photographie est dans ce livre.
« Cape-Town, 30 août.
:< Tous les Québecquois sympathisent avec vous pour la
perte de votre fils. Il était l'orgueil de notre batterie.
« Ogilvie. »
Voici, du reste, ce qu'écrit Real Huot :
« Vryburg, 29 août 1900.
« A M. Ernest Pacaud, écr.
« Cher monsieur,
« C'est avec une bien grande douleur que je vous écris
ces quelques mots pour vous apprendre la mort de notre
trompette, le jeune Georges B.adîey, de Québec, et fils
de l'avocat Bradley. Il est mort des fièvres, à Kimberley,
lundi le 28 août. Le soldat Bradley, tout jeune encore,
joli garçon, aimable, était la coqueluche de la batterie.
Officiers comme soldats rencontraient Bradley toujours
avec joie, car il s'était tant fait aimé par son jeune âge et
ses manières polies. Sa mort cause un deuil général parmi
tout le camp. Chacun se rencontre et se dit : c'est bien
malheureux pour Bradley. Les plus sincères condoléances
sont offertes à la famille. . . .
« J'oubliais de vous dire que toute la batterie a souscrit
un montant assez élevé pour ériger un monument à la
mémoire du jeune Bradley, dans le cimetière catholique
de Kimberley. Ce sera très certainement le plus beau du
cimeiière. . . . i-
132 LE LIVRE D OR
« Maple Leaf Camp, Gras Pan,
« Orange Free State, 5 février 1900.
n . . . . Nous avons quitté Belmont le ler février et nous
nous sommes rendus ici. Nous ne sommes plus qu'à dix-
sept milles en arrière de l'armée de French et nous espé-
rons tous que nous serons à l'avant, lors de la prochaine
rencontre. Je vous enverrai tous les détails, si j'en reviens
vivant. . . .
« Quant à combattre les Boers, je dois vous annoncer
que j'ai déjà eu l'occasion de les rencontrer, et je ne
demande que de les rencontrer de nouveau ....
« Joseph Hudon.»
Ce brave garçon qui date sa lettre de v- Maple Leaf
Canip^ )) — nom donné par les Canadiens — et qui restera
en Afrique autant que leur bravoure, est ce même Hudon
qui fut blessé avec Lucien LaRue, à la bataille de Modder
River, le 18 février.
« . . . . Notre dernière étape fut Belmont, d'où je t'écris
ces lignes. Nous sommes ici depuis une semaine. Nous
sommes tous impatients d'aller de l'avant. Nous ne savons
pourquoi on nous fait faire de si courtes étapes, car sans
forfanterie, nous désirons tous voir l'ennemi. . . .
« F.-X. Lescarbeau. »
« Belmont, 7 décembre 1899.
( Nous sommes maintenant à Belmont, c'est-à-dire
en face de l'ennemi. Jour et nuit nous restons sous les
armes, la carabine au poing et les munitions à portée de
la main en cas d'alerte. La tâche est ardue, mais nous y
LE LIVRE d'or 133
résistons facilement, car nous sommes bien traités et
surtout bien nourris. Nous n'avons pas à nous plaindre
des officiers.
« Nous sommes tous impatients d'en venir aux mains et
de montrer aux Boers ce que nous savons faire.
« Je suis sur le premier rang avec deux de mes compa-
triotes, Gratton et Bagot. Nous battons la marche. . . .
« Demande donc aux journaux de ne pas publier de ces
absurdes plaintes venant de certains soldats que je ne
veux pas nommer, qui refusent d'avancer et se disent
malades. Dis-leur de déclarer au public que les braves du
65e ne sont pas tous comme cela. Nous avons contribué
à la capture du drapeau de l'Etat Libre d'Orange, ainsi
qu'à celle de Cronje et de ses formidables soldats. . . .
« Joe Tapin. »
«. . . . Nous avons pris part à trois batailles consécutives,
après avoir fourni une très longue marche forcée. Le i8
février, nous avons fait, durant la nuit, une marche de
vingt-quatre milles, et à six heures du matin, nous étions
au feu. La bataille a duré jusqu'à huit heures du soir,
sans interruption ; nous n'avons eu le temps ni de man-
ger, ni de boire, durant cet épouvantable engagement.
Le contingent canadien a eu vingt-quatre tués et quatre-
vingt-trois blessés, à cette bataille du i8; le 20, nous
avons pris part à un nouveau combat, qui a duré de dix
heures à six heures ; cinq Canadiens ont été blessés ;
enfin, le 27, nouvelle bataille qui a duré toute la nuit, et
au cours de laquelle quatorze Canadiens ont été tués et
quarante-huit blessés. C'est à cette bataille que le général
Cronje s'est rendu avec trois mille cinq cents hommes.
<( Les vivres nous font presque complètement défaut.
L'on ne nous donne qu'un biscuit par jour, de la viande
rarement.
134 LE LIVRE d'or
« . . . . Vous ne pouvez vous faire une idée de l'horreur
d'une bataille, comme l'une de celles auxquelles nous avons
assisté. La vue d'un camarade qui tombe à nos côtés
frappé mortellement d'une balle, crée des impressions de
tristesse et d'épouvante qu'il est impossible de décrire. . . «
« TOUCHETTE. »
« .... Il y a déjà une journée que nous sommes partis
d'Halifax, par un gros vent et un froid de chien. Mais
aujourd'hui le temps est changé et nous avons de la pluie.
Un gros vent soulève la mer et il fait une tempête à
laquelle nous ne sommes pas accoutumés. En général,
nous sommes très malades et nous avons bien du trouble
avec nos chevaux. Ces pauvres bêtes font tout leur possi-
ble pour se tenir debout mais plusieurs succombent aux
secousses qu'elles éprouvent, et il nous faut, tout malades
que nous sommes, essayer de les relever. Beaucoup de
nos chevaux se blessent et quelques-uns se cassent les
jambes. Ces derniers sont aussitôt tués d'un coup de
pistolet et jetés ensuite à la mer. Quelle pénible nécessité
d'avoir à en agir ainsi avec des bêtes qui nous sont si
chères ! . . . .
« Arthur Laroque. »
Nous n'en finirions pas si nous voulions transcrire toutes
les lettres qui nous sont parvenues de tout le Canada, car
on peut dire sans crainte que chaque soldat a au moins
écrit une lettre, ce qui ferait une moyenne de trois mille
lettres. Nous nous contenterons de mentionner seulement
quelques-uns de ceux que le public des journaux connaît
déjà et qu'ils ont su intéresser par leurs charmantes lettres :
celles d'Auguste D'Amour, des Strathcona, bien connu du
monde militaire, qui gagna au concours de Shoburnyness,
LA DERNIERE LETTRE.
LE LIVRE d'or i -, e
en 1886, la coupe offerte par sir Richard Wallace ; celles
de D'Orsonnens, ancien commandant des Cadets du Mont
Saint-Louis ; d'Emile-Auguste Globenski, nom bien connu
à Montréal ; de Geo. Boulanger, dont le père, le major
Boulanger, est parti d'Afrique, ayant été choisi par lord
Roberts comme délégué militaire en Chine ; enfin celles
d'Alf. Turner, blessé, fils de l'honorable Richard Turner;
celles de Cooper, Leconteur, McQueen, Joseph Lallier, du
contingent postal qui a rendu tant de services ; de G. Jette,
Ed. Carbonneau, Louis Bonacier, Jos. Remy, et de tant
d'autres, mais comme toutes ces lettres sont écrites avec
le même cœur, le même sentiment et le même amour du
Canada, nous nous arrêterons pour exprimer notre admi-
ration à l'administration du service postal, dont l'organisa-
tion intelligente nous a permis de suivre pas à pas la.
marche glorieuse de nos braves écrite par eux-mêmes.
SERVICE POSTAL
COMMENT SONT APPRÉCIÉS LES NOTEES EN AFRIQUE
A correspondance suivante vient d'être échangée entre l'officier
^ préposé au service des Postes de l'armée à Cape-Town et
l'honorable M. Mulock, ministre des Postes du Canada, au
sujet de l'efficacité du service du contingent postal en Afrique :
" Service des Postes de l'Armée,
" Cape-Town, 25 avril 1900.
" A l'honorable maître général des Postes, Ottavi-a.
" Monsieur,
" Deux mois se sont écoulés depuis l'arrivée, dans cette colonie,
du Service Canadien des Postes et je désire noter l'aide précieuse qu'a
su me donner bien à propos votre gouvernement.
" La correspondance a naturellement augmenté en raison du nom-
bre des soldats envoyés ici. Le corps du service des postes ne put,
tout d'abord, suffire à la tâche et il devint nécessaire d'en augmenter
le personnel pour obtenir un meilleur service.
•' Le personnel canadien, sous la direction du capitaine Ecclestone,
a rendu des services très efficaces. Outre qu'il me délivra de tout
travail ayant trait à la correspondance des troupes canadiennes, il me
fut "en maintes occasions d'une aide précieuse.
" Le sergent Johnston et les soldats Murray et Bedell sont mainte-
nant aux avant-gardes de l'armée avec le service de campagne. Le
■capitaine Ecclestone et le soldat Lallier s'occupent de la distribution
LE LIVRE d'or I37
aux quartiers généraux des postes de l'armée, ici. Tous deux remplis-
sent leurs fonctions d'une manière très satisfaisante et à la gloire du
Département des Postes du Canada.
" En appréciant hautement les services rendus par le corps postal
canadien, j'ai l'honneur d'être, monsieur,
" Votre obéissant serviteur,
" G. W. Tremble,
•• Major commandant le Service des Postes de l'Armée."
" Ottawa, 23 mai 190-0.
•' Monsieur,
" Permettez-moi d'accuser réception de votre lettre du 25 dans
laquelle vous exprimez votre satisfaction des services rendus par le
corps postal canadien en Afrique-Sud. Bien que je ne sois pas surpris,
je suis très heureux d'apprendre que les officiers du Département des
Postes choisis pour vous donner de l'aide se soient acquittés de leur
tâche de façon à s'attirer les éloges que vous distribuez si obligeam-
ment dans votre lettre.
" Votre tout dévoué,
" W. MULOCK,
"Maître général des Postes.
"Au major G. W. Tremble,
" Quartiers généraux des Postes de l'Armée,
" Cape-Town, Sud-africain."
SOUSCRIPTION PATRIOTIQUE
aJÎLs
^TjSj'EST sous le patronage de S. M. la Reine, la présidence de
>S r^<^ lord Minto, gouverneur général, et le concours d'illustres et
<»V/ê) distingués personnages du Canada que des listes de souscrip-
tion ont été ouvertes au bénéfice des veuves, des orphelins et des
victimes de la guerre. L'idée était si patriotique que tout le Canada y
a généreusement répondu.
En effet, à la date du 31 juillet 1900, M. G. M. Courtney, C. M. G.,
secrétaire de l'œuvre, nous écrivait que le montant souscrit atteignait
la très grande somme de $317,636.75.
Ce chiffre est assez éloquent pour nous dispenser de tout commen-
taire. Nous ne donnerons pas le nom des généreux donateurs ni des
banques qui ont souscrit, mais on nous permettra toutefois de faire
une exception à l'égard de la souscription ouverte au Pacifique Cana-
dien, dont le montant s'est élevé à $12,033.00.
Il nous fait d'autant plus plaisir de mentionner le C. P. R. spécia-
lement, que nous tenons à relater le fait suivant :
Une petite fille de huit ans, de Streetville Junction, Ontario,
Miss Annie Hyland, écrivit ces jours derniers, au président du comité,
M. Robert Miller :
" J'avais épargné cinquante sous pour me faire acheter une poupée
par Santa Claus, mais comme papa vous envoie une souscription au
fonds pour les veuves et les orphelins, je me passerai de poupée pour
le présent.
"Je vous envoie donc mes cinquante sous pour acheter une poupée
à la petite fille d'un des soldats qui se battent dans l'Afrique-Sud."
LE LIVRE d'or 139
M. Miller répondit hier la lettre suivante à la petite fille :
'« Gare Windsor, Montréal, 30 mai 1900.
" Ma chère petite Annie,
•' Nous venons de recevoir ta lettre et ta cotisation à la souscription
patriotique des employés du C. P. R.
' ' Nous avons tardé un peu à te répondre ; c'est que nous voulions
d'abord faire coimaître au comité, réuni en séance régulière, ce qu'une
patriotique petite fille avait fait pour nos soldats absents. Les mem-
bres du comité ont cru que Santa Claus serait très mécontent d'eux si,
de leur côté, ils ne donnaient quelque signe tangible du plaisir que
leur a causé ta lettre et ta souscription ; ils ont donc, avec quelques-
uns de leurs amis, fait une souscription pour t'acheter une poupée qui
remplacera celle que tu as cédée si généreusement à la petite fille
d'un soldat. . . Tu voudras bien accepter ce présent avec nos meilleurs
souhaits."
La poupée achetée par le comité a coûté quinze dollars.
Donc, doublement honneur aux employés du C. P. R. et surtout
au bon cœur de Mlle Annie Hyland.
L'ASSURANCE TUPPER
Sous ce nom, chacun le sait, sir Charles Tupper a fondé une société
d'assurance au profit des blessés et des tués sur le champ de bataille
africain, ou au profit des héritiers.
Cette assurance, au capital d'un million de piastres, assurait $1,000
â chaque soldat. Comme c'est là une noble et patriotique idée, et que
cette société à tenu grandement ses engagements, nous tenons a
rendre ici hommage à l'idée philantropique de sir Charles Tupper.
FÉLICITATIONS AUX CONTINGENTS
**Le Secrétaire des Colonies à Son Excellence le
" Gouverneur Général, Londres 27 fé\rier 1900.
,A Majesté la Reine désire que vous exprimiez au peuple
Canadien son admiration pour la bravoure avec laquelle
les troupes canadiennes se sont conduites dans le dernier
engagement, et lui exprimer sa douleur pour la perte de tant de
braves."
Extrait des ordres de la milice.
'• 1er mars 1900.
•' Son Excellence désire personnellement saisir l'opportunité d'expri-
mer son admiration pour le brillant courage et le dévouement des
troupes canadiennes maintenant dans le Sud-africain."
Le gouverneur général a reçu la dépêche suivante de lord Roberts :
" Paardeberg, 22 février 1900.
" Le régiment canadien s'est comporté admirablement depuis son
arrivée dans le Sud de l'Afrique. Je regrette beaucoup les pertes
nombreuses que le régiment a souffertes pendant la bataille du 18
courant et je vous prie de dire au peuple combien nous admirons tous,
ici, la bravoure dont nos camarades canadiens ont fait preuve en cette
occasion.
" Roberts."
LE LIVRE D OR I4I
Lord Minto a reçu par le dernier courrier du Sud de l'Afrique, de
sir Alfred Milner, gouverneur de la Colonie du Cap, une lettre portant
la date du 27 février, le jour même de la capture du général Cronje.
Voici cette lettre :
" Hôtel du Gouvernement,
" Cape-Town, 27 février 1900.
"Cher lord Minto,
"Bien que je n'aie — comme vous pouvez l'imaginer — guère le
temps d'écrire, je sens qu'en ce jour mémorable je dois vous envoyer
un mot pour vous féliciter, vous et le Canada, pour la part considéra-
ble prise par votre vaillant contingent dans la destruction de l'année
du général Cronje. C'est le premier grand succès que nous ayons
remporté dans cette terrible lutte. La délivrance de Kimberley avait
été un encouragement ; avec la capture de Cronje et de ses quatre
mille soldats, nous avons réellement accompli un progrès marqué. Je
crains que nos vaillants Canadiens n'aient subi des pertes considéra-
bles. Mais, dans une circonstance comme celle-ci, on a au moins la
satisfaction unique de se dire que les vies n'ont pas été sacrifiées
en vain.
" L'important, ce n'est pas tant la victoire en elle-même, si flatteuse
qu'elle soit, mais c'est de voir se resserrer le lien qui unit les différen-
tes parties de l'empire. Cette union résultera du sang versé en commun
par les Canadiens, les Australiens et les Sud-africains faisant assaut
de courage avec les Bretons de la vieille mère-patrie pour assurer un
heureux dénouement à cette lutte.
"Je suis sûr que le peuple britannique de l'Afrique du Sud n'ou-
bliera jamais la noble assistance que lui a rendue le Canada dans ces
jours de combat.
"Agréez mes chaudes félicitations pour vous et le Canada et
veuillez me croire,
"Votre très dévoué,
"A. Milner."
"Je ne puis parler en termes tropélogieux de la bravoure déployée
par les Canadiens en ce jour, l'admiration si hautement manifestée
par les soldats anglais à leur endroit devra faire courir un frisson
d'orgueil à travers toute la confédération. Les autorités ont rendu aux
Canadiens un magnifique hommage et les soldats anglais ne tarissent
pas d'éloges sur leur compte.
142 LE LIVRE D OR
" Lord Roberts est venu personnellement féliciter les Canadiens de
leur bravoure et leur a annoncé qu'il avait appelé l'attention du
gouvernement sur leurs exploits." — Dépêche officielle de Paardeberg,
du 3 mars 1900.
Le gouverneur général a reçu les deux télégrammes suivants :
" George-Town, British Honduras, 15 mars 1900.
" Mes félicitations cordiales aux troupes canadiennes en devoir dans
le Sud-africain.
" Gouverneur Général du Honduras."
Lord Tennysson au gouverneur général.
"Le gouverneur, ses ministres et le peuple de l'Australie Australe,
désirent offrir leurs félicitations au peuple canadien pour la belle
conduite de ses contingents dans le Sud-africain et leurs vives sympa-
thies pour les pertes qu'ils ont éprouvées.
" Lord Tennysson."
" Ce n'est plus un secret, qu'en premier lieu, la majorité des officiers
de l'armée anglaise avaient peu de confiance pour les soldats colo-
niaux, mais maintenant, il est généralement reconnu que sans les
Canadiens et leurs confrères coloniaux, les armes britanniques auraient
eu beaucoup à faire.
"Il est admis universellement, que les principaux travaux de la
guerre ont été faits, dans cette partie de campagne, par les soldats
canadiens et nouveaux - zélandais ; et nous, au Canada, nous
n'avons aucune raison d'avoir honte de nos soldats canadiens.
"G. Sterling Ryerson,
" Chirurgien lieutenant-colonel, commissaire canadien et anglais
" de la Croix Rouge, dans le Sud-africain."
" . . . . Quelle belle conduite que celle du Canada ! J'avais un
petit Canadien avec moi, Mcinnes, des Ingénieurs Royaux, un brave
entre les braves. Il fit exécuter les travaux de défense de Kimberley.
Il fut mon officier d'état-major, et partout où il alla, il sut inspirer
de la confiance. Je ne puis oublier ce que je lui dois. Les Canadiens
LE LIVRE d'or 143
ont fait des actes héroïques partout et l'on peut s'attendre à apprendre
bientôt de nouveaux faits d'armes brillants de leur part, avant que la
guerre soit finie.
•' Colonel Kekewick,
"Commandant de Kimberley."
Un bel éloge d'un journal américain, le Free Press de Détroit :
** Nous ne voyons pas qu'aucun autre corps de l'armée anglaise ait
remporté autant de lauriers dans la guerre d'Afrique, que les boys du
Canada. Ils sont aussi en évidence où le feu est le plus vif, que l'était
la plume blanche du couvre-chef de Henri de Navarre."
•• Cape-Town, 17 mai.
*' A Son Excellence le gouverneur général.
'* Le détachement d'artillerie canadienne, par une série de marches
forcées et durant la bataille a rendu de grands services.
"Sir Alfred Milner."
«' Londres, 22 mai.
'* Compliments au Canada pour les grands services rendus par
l'artiUerie canadienne en relevant Mafeking.
" Chamberlain."
•'Tous les journaux français ont fait ressortir dans leurs comptes
rendus des derniers événements militaires qui viennent d'avoir lieu
dans l'Afrique du Sud, l'héroïsme dont a fait preuve le contingent
canadien.
"J'ajouterai même que nous avons appris non sans un sentiment de
fierté, l'hommage rendu par le maréchal Roberts aux vaillantes
troupes de la Puissance.
" Les liens qui unissent un grand nombre de Canadiens à la France,
sont tellement étroits, que tout ce qui peut mettre en relief leurs
qualités personnelles, provoque dans la vieille patrie une communica-
tive satisfaction.
" Maurice de la Fargue."
144 LE LIVRE DOR
Au sujet de l'engagement de Komati, le 6 novembre, où les
Dragons, l'infanterie à cheval et l'artillerie ont fait preuve d'une
vaillance admirable, le général Smith-Dorien dit : " On ne saurait
trop apprécier le courage et le dévouement de ces troupes durant cee
deux jours de combat."
•' Pretoria, 26 septembre 1900.
" Lord Roberts, accompagné de lady Roberts ainsi que de ses
filles, a passé en revue les troupes canadiennes, la veille de leur
départ.
" Je ne puis, leur a-t-il dit, vous laisser partir sans vous exprimer
mes remerciements pour vos loyaux services ainsi que votre excellent
concours, surtout à Paardeberg. Je suis sûr que le peuple Canadien
apprendra avec plaisir votre galante et splendide conduite.
" Je regrette profondément les pertes que vous avez éprouvées,
j'aurais été heureux que vous soyez tous retournés dans vos foyers,
mais on devait s'attendre à plusieurs pertes de vie surtout durant une
campagne si ardue.
"Je regrette que quelques-uns d'entre vous soient obligés de
retourner sî vite, mais je reconnais ici la nécessité des affaires privées.
"J'ai la certitude que S. M. la Reine, ainsi que le peuple anglais
n'oubliera jamais vos services. Si ma bonne étoile me le permet.
)e visiterai le Canada et j'ai l'espoir de tous vous rencontrer encore."
;^c)^
^AARDEBERG ! grâce aux Canadiens, ayant été le Waterloo
des Boers, nous croyons devoir mettre ici le rapport
officiel du lieutenant-colonel Otter, commandant du second
bataillon du régiment Royal Canadien.
RAPPORT DU LT.-COLONEL OTTER
UN ELOQUENT TEMOIGNAGE DE LA VALEUR, DE LA BRAVOUEE
ET DU PATRIOTISME CANADIENS
L'honorable DrBorden, ministre de la milice, a lu aujourd'hui à la
Chambre ce rapport du lieutenant-colonel Otter, le commandant du
second bataillon du régiment Royal Canadien :
•' Paardeberg Drift, 26 février 1900.
"Au chef d'état-major de la milice canadienne.
"Monsieur,
"J'ai l'honneur de vous faire rapport de la part prise à l'engage-
ment de Paardeberg, le 18 courant, par le bataillon que je commandais.
L'arrivée à Paardeberg.
"Le bataillon est arrivé près de Paardeberg Drift, avec la 19e bri-
gade, à six heures le 18, au matin, ayant servi d'arrière-garde à la
brigade pendant sa marche de nuit de Klips Drift à Paardeberg,
distance de vingt et un milles.
146 LE LIVRE d'or
Les préliminaires.
" Moins d'une demi-heure après son arrivée, le bataillon recevait
ordre d'être prêt à parader à sept heures a. m., et à sept heures et
vingt, nous allions appuyer l'artillerie à un mille environ. Les hom-
mes, dans l'intervalle, avaient pris un biscuit et une tasse de thé.
" A peine le bataillon avait-il atteint l'endroit désigné, qu'il reçut
ordre de se porter vers le gué et de traverser la rivière. L'ordre fut
exécuté et la traversée commencée vers huit heures et demie. Le
courant était de neuf milles à l'heure et l'eau atteignait les aisselles
des hommes.
"On traversait à deux endroits éloignés d'une cinquantaine de
verges. A l'un, les soldats passaient en se tenant à un câble tendu
au-dessus de la rivière. A l'autre, ils traversaient par groupes de
quatre, les bras entrelacés.
L'ENTRÉE EN LIGNE.
"Les compagnies étaient lancées de l'avant au fur et à mesure
qu'elles avaient traversé, et, à neuf heures et demie, les compagnies
A et C étaient dans la ligne de combat, à environ cinq cents verges
de l'ennemi, qui occupait les bois le long de notre côté de la rivière,
mais était absolument in\nsible. Les Boers occupaient aussi une série
de dongos qui prenaient notre gauche en enfilade, mais on ne s'en
aperçut que dans l'après-midi, alors qu'ils se montrèrent, bien que
tout le jour ils eussent tranquillement piqué un homme de ci de là.
Les compagnies D et E appuyaient les deux premières, tandis que B,
F, G et H constituaient la réserve. Le reste de la brigade, le D. of
C. L. I., étaient sur notre droite, et les Cordons et les Shropshires
sur notre gauche, dans l'ordre indiqué, mais de l'autre côté de la
montagne et derrière l'artillerie. Le bataillon, toutefois, était virtuelle-
ment seul et durant tout le jour n'a reçu d'ordres ou d'instructions de
personne, excepté vers quatre heures, comme indiqué plus loin.
Le COMMENCEMENT DU COMBAT.
"La 3e brigade (Highland) a été engagée sur le côté sud de la
rivière avec la 19e brigade, à côté de l'artillerie et de l'infanterie
montée. Le feu a commencé vers neuf heures et demie, sur la droite
de l'eimemi et s'est continué le long de ses lignes en allant vers le
centre. Le bataillon s'est avancé sur un terrain parfaitement découvert
et légèrement ondulé, sans autre protection que les inégalités du
terrain et quelques fourmilières.
LE LIVRE d'or
[47
"La ligne de combat a pris position à une distance de l'ennemi
variant de quatre cents verges sur la droite, à huit cents verges sur la
gauche, et s'y est maintenue jusque tard dans l'après-midi. Le feu de
l'ennemi a été quelque temps très vif, après la formation de la ligne
de combat, et le capitaine Arnold, qui en ce moment rendait de très
grands services, a été mortellement blessé et plusieurs autres atteints.
En même temps, trois ou quatre hommes de la réserve (compagnie H)
étaient blessés à plus de mille verges.
Nouvelle entrée en ligne.
" Vers midi, la compagnie D alla renforcer la ligne de combat,
suivie peu de temps après de la compagnie E et d'une partie de la
compagnie B, le reste de cette dernière compagnie et les compagnies
F et G appuyant les combattants avec la compagnie H toujours en
réserve.
" On n'avait pu traverser qu'un Maxim. Le capitaine Bell l'a
rapidement mis en position, sur une élévation à notre gauche, à une
distance d'environ mille verges, et il a rendu de très grands services
pendant la journée, étant placé de façon à maîtriser le feu de l'ennemi
qui occupait les dongos à notre gauche.
" Une batterie d'artillerie de campagne occupait une colline sur la
gauche de notre arrière-garde et bombarda de temps à autre pendant
le jour les lignes ennemies.
Le tir.
" La discipline de tir des diverses compagnies engagées a été
excellente. Elles ont conservé tout le temps un parfait sang-froid et
leur justesse de tir. Le feu a duré tout le jour, tantôt vif, tantôt
relâché. L'ennemi avait certainement les distances précises, car à
certains endroits proéminents son feu était si juste que la position y
était presque intenable pour nous. Plusieurs fois durant le jour notre
feu a été interrompu par le cor venant d'au delà de notre droite de
cesser le feu à gauche, car le feu de notre gauche y blessait des
hommes. Les balles dont on se plaignait venaient, j'en suis convaincu,
des dongos occupés par l'ennemi sur notre gauche et non de nos
hommes.
L'attaque.
"Vers quatre heures de l'après-midi, trois compagnies de l'infante-
rie légère du duc de Cornwall arrivèrent sous les ordres du lieutenant-
148 LE LIVRE d'or
colonel Allwortli, et cet officier m'informa qu'il avait été envoyé pour
finir cette affaire-là et se proposait d'en finir à la baïonnette. Il me
demanda ensuite, sur la position de l'ennemi et de la nôtre, des
renseignements que je lui donnai.
" Une compagnie des Cornwalls fut aussitôt envoyée dans la ligne
de combat et bientôt suivie de deux autres, les Boers recevant ce
renfort par un feu très vif qui couvrait toute leur ligne.
"A cinq heures, le lieutenant-colonel Alhvorth annonça qu'une
attaque générale aurait lieu, et vers cinq heures et quart, la troupe
entière, à l'exception d'une partie des compagnies G et H, que je tins
en réserve, se lança à l'assaut. Le feu de l'ennemi devint intense et
arrêta nos hommes au bout d'environ deux cents verges. Et il fut
impossible d'aller plus loin. Le lieutenant-colonel Allworth fut tué.
La position gagnée fut cependant tenue, et un feu nourri et constant
maintenu jusqu'à la tombée de la nuit, vers sept heures, alors que je
donnai ordre de ramasser les morts et les blessés et de se retirer au
bivouac, près du gué. L'ennemi abandonna aussi des positions dans
le même temps et se retira au camp boer, environ deux milles en
avant de la rivière. Il laissa dans les dongos à notre gauche quelques
hommes qui continuèrent à tirer de ci, de là, jusque vers dix heures,
sur les partis chargés de relever les victimes.
Cas de bravoure.
" Il y aurait à citer de nombreux exemples de bravoure personnelle,
celui par exemple, du soldat Kennedy (no 8, lio) qui a conduit l'une
des mules chargées du transport des minutions droit à la ligne de
combat, où elle a été instantanément tuée. Les brancardiers des
compagnies ont fait preuve d'un grand courage et cinq d'entre eux ont
été blessés. Trois l'ont été en transportant le capitaine Arnold.
Les Boers visaient spécialement la civière sur laquelle il était. Je
dois noter à ce propos le courage déployé par le chirurgien-capitaine
Fiset qui, alors que la civière du capitaine Arnold fut arrêtée à peu
de distance du feu par la blessure de l'un des brancardiers, s'avança
et soigna le capitaine Arnold et, subséquemment, agit comme bran-
cardier pour le transporter en arrière. Le capitaine Fiset a aussi
soigné plusieurs autres blessés ce jour-là, sous le feu de l'ennemi •
(Acclamations.)
" Le lieutenan-colonel Buchan avait charge de la ligne de combat
Qu'il a dirieée et contrôlée avec le plus magnifique sang-froid et de la
LE LIVRE D'OR 149
façon le plus effective, tandis que le lieutenant O'Gilvy, faisant auprès
de moi fonction d'adjudant, a rendu d'excellents services en portant
mes ordres sur le champ de bataille. Les sous-officiers et soldats
suivants se sont distingués durant ce jour ; no 6, 559, sergent Utton ;
no 7, 117, soldat Andrews; no 7, 040, soldat Dickson; no 7, 043,
soldat Duncafe ; no 7, 376, soldat Page ; no 7, 306, soldat Murphy.
Les morts.
" Le relevé des blessés et des morts de notre propre bataillon et du
D. C. L. L, a été fait par des partis de Royal Canadians et a duré
toute la nuit.
" C'était une lourde tâche et on ne peut trop louer ceux qui l'ont
accomplie. A 7 heures, le 19 au matin, tous les morts du bataillon
étaient enterrés côte à côte, avec plusieurs de ceux du D. C. L. L, et
les blessés envoyés en arrière.
L'abbé O'Leary.
" Je dois ici noter officiellement les grands services rendus par le
chapelain catholique du bataillon, l'abbé O'Leary, qui a été présent
sur le terrain tout le jour et, vers la fin, dans la ligne de combat, et
qui, la nuit, a joué un grand rôle dans la recherche des blessés, puis a
officié aux funérailles des morts.
" Plusieurs des officiers ont accompagné ces partis jusqu'à minuit,
le sergent quartier-maître Reading (no 685), le sergent Ramage
(no 7,304), le sergent Middleton (no 7,302), et le soldat Whingate
(no 7,258), ont passé la nuit dehors, en accomplissement de ce devoir.
' ' Un autre exemple de sang-froid et de courage a été celui du
soldat Homibrook (no 7,347), qui, au lever du soleil le 19, étant sans
armes dans l'extrême droite des lignes occupées la veille par l'ennemi,
rencontra un Boer armé qui cherchait un cheval perdu.
"Avec une grande présence d'esprit, Homibrook fit semblant
d'être armé d'un revolver et appela à son secours des aides imaginaires
demandant en même temps à son adversaire de se rendre, ce que le
Boer fit tout de suite. A son arrivée au camp, on constata qu'il était
l'un des adjudants du général Cronje et un officier très important.
"J'ai l'honneur d'être, monsieur,
" Vv'. D. Otter,
•• Lieutenant-colonel, commandant le régiment
" Royal Canadien, 2e bataillon."
150 LE LIVRE d'or
" Paardeberg, 27 février 1900. ;
" Monsieur,
"J'ai l'honneur de faire rapport des opérations dans lesquelles le
bataillon que je commande était engagé le 20 du courant, et au cours
desquelles, quatre de nos hommes ont été blessés.
♦' Poursuivant la retraite de l'ennemi, de la position qu'il avait
évacuée dans la soirée du 18 courant, le bataillon a reçu ordre à six
heures a. m., le 20 du courant, de se transporter aux avant-postes et
d'avancer à mille verges des tranchées en avant du laager des Boers.
L'infanterie légère des Shropshires étant sur notre droite et les
Cordons Highlanders sur notre gauche.
" Le terrain occupé par le bataillon était tout à fait découvert et un
peu ondulé mais assez protégé par les fourmilières. On servit du thé
et du biscuit aux hommes vers dix heures a. m. Le wagon-cuisine et
le fourgon à l'eau avait été amenés à deux cents verges en arrière de
la réserve.
'• Une fusillade intermittente a continué jusque vers quatre heures
p. m., quand celle de l'ennemi a augmenté, et qu'ils ont tourné leur
célèbre canon Viscars-Maxim (Pom-Pom), pas moins de cinq fois,
contre nous, mais heureusement sans nous faire de mal. Cependant,
l'effet moral du canon est très grand et infiniment plus désastreux que
celui d'aucun autre engin de guerre dont nous ayons fait l'expérience.
" Les blessés étaient tous parmi les hommes de la réserve, et les
blessures infligées par des fusils à longue portée, soit environ mille
sept cents verges. C'a été une dure journée, la chaleur était intense,
de plus, il était presque impossible de porter de l'eau à ceux qui
étaient en avant, à cause du feu de l'ennemi et c'est lorsqu'on essaya
de conduire le fourgon à l'eau en avant, que le Pom-Pom a commencé
à tirer sur nous.
"A six heures p. m., le bataillon s'est replié sur son bivouac
complètement épuisé. J'ai indiqué la position occupée sur le plan
accompagnant le rapport de l'engagement du 18 courant et la liste
des blessés est incluse dans la liste générale.
"J'ai l'honneur d'être, monsieur,
" Votre obéissant serviteur,
'« W. D. Otter,
" Lieutenant-colonel, commandant le régiment
•• Royal Canadien, 2e bataillon."
LE RETOUR
" Imaginez une alliance de l'esprit auda-
cieux des Français, de l'esprit inventif des
Américains et de la ténacité anglaise, tel était
l'idéal des qualités requises pour un pareil
ouvrage." — Le Soieil.
A première réception à nos braves ayant été ce que seront
toutes les autres, nous nous contenterons de transcrire les
ttj^ deux articles suivants, lesquels sont bien l'expression des
sentiments canadiens.
BIENVENUE 1
•* Nos braves invalidés rentrent par groupes successifs au pays.
Ils sont l'objet du plus vif enthousiasme de la part des foules qui se
précipitent à leur rencontre. Hier la scène était vraiment grandiose
et contrastait avec la froideur du send off qu'on a fait à nos gens à
leur départ pour l'Afrique.
*' D'instinct et par raisonnement, notre population n'encouragea
guère l'enrôlement des nôtres et elle n'augurait rien de bon de cette
guerre lointaine.
"On se consolait assez à l'idée, habilement répandue, que l'aven-
ture se composerait d'un voyage sur mer, toujours plus ou moins
semé d'agréments, de marches faciles dans un pays nouveau et,
à peine de quelques escarmouches contre des demi-sauvages que la
vaillance canadienne se ferait un jeu de vite disperser ou d'anéantir à
jamais. Et l'appas de la gloire militaire était là, appas si rare que
notre belle jeunesse, l'anglaise surtout, s'empressait de saisir aux
cheveux une occasion qui serait unique dans le cours de la vie, de
n
152 LE LIVRE d'or
revenir promu, décoré et montré du doigt avec en\'ie par les siens qui
diraient : Et lui aussi, il en était.
" Nous souhaitons donc la plus cordiale bienvenue à ces vaillants
soldats que la maladie et le plomb ennemi n'ont pu abattre tout à fait.
Ils ont fait honneur, dès l'enfance du Dominion, au drapeau canadien,
sur le champ de cette guerre anglo-boer, qui restera comme l'une des
plus pénibles et des plus glorieuses de l'histoire. Ils ont montré que
le Canada possède les éléments d'ime armée vigoureuse et puissante,
que nous pourrions former et utiliser pour nous-mêmes avec les plus
grands avantages.
" Que la nation profite des leçons que comporte la guerre d'où
arrivent nos vaillants hommes, et personne, même parmi les plus
réfractaires à l'idée de l'intervention canadienne, ne sera trop chagrin
des décisions qui nous ont conduits en Afrique et qui nous ramènent
décimés, mutilés dans le corps de nos contingents." — La Presse.
Québec à de nouveau donné hier soir un éclatant exemple de
patriotisme et surtout de loyauté.
Le maire, accompagné des deux secrétaires du comité de réception,
MM. H. J. J. B. Chouinard et E. T. D. Chambers, leur a alors donné
lecture de l'adresse suivante :
AUX OFFICIERS, SOUS-OFFICIERS ET SOLDATS DU CONTINGENT
CANADIEN REVENANT D'AFRIQUE SUR LE STEAMER
" LAKE ONTARIO."
" Messieurs,
" Les citoyens de Québec sont heureux d'être les premiers à saluer
votre retour sur le sol canadien, après une absence de près d'une
année pendant laquelle vous avez été sans cesse présents à notre
esprit à cause de la loyale et noble mission que vous aviez volontai-
rement entreprise, et aussi à cause des dangers continuels auxquels
vous avez été exposés.
'• Mais l'émotion que nous éprouvons aujourd'hui est plus grande
qu'ordinaire parce que nous apercevons dans vos rangs des figures
bien connues, des enfants de Québec qui ont grandi et vécu parmi
nous et que leurs familles se préparent à accueillir avec une chaleur
et un enthousiasme bien facile à comprendre après une si longue et
s cruelle attente.
LE LIVRE d'or
153
" Tous, en risquant, comme vous l'avez fait, votre santé et votre
vie, pour aller défendre au loin l'honneur du drapeau britanique, vous
avez donné au monde entier un exemple de courage et de vertus
militaires qui fait honneur à notre pays.
" Vos parents, vos amis, vos concitoyens, saluent avec orgueil
votre retour dans la patrie où, nous n'en doutons pas, vous allez
remplir avec honneur, et avec profit pour vous-mêmes, des carrières
utiles dans lesquelles vous trouverez un vaste champ pour votre
énergie retrempée sur les champs de bataille, et un repos bien mérité
après vos souffrances, vos privations dans les rudes sentiers de la
guerre.
•' La patrie est heureuse de vous revoir, et la joie qu'elle ressent
est d'autant plus grande que vous lui revenez couverts d'honneur,
ayant fait briller partout le nom canadien.
" Soyez heureux, jouissez longtemps des douceurs de la paix et du
retour dans vos foyers.
" C'est le vœu que forment en ce moment tous les coeurs canadiens
et que nous vous exprimons au nom de tout le peuple du Dominion."
UN DERNIER MOT
~T;ni,OUS savez le reste. Depuis l'Atlantique jusqu'au Pacifique
le retour de nos braves a été pour eux une marche triom-
(^iîîîc) phale. En effet, Halifax, Montréal, Québec, Ottawa,
Toronto, Kingston, Belleville, Hamilton, Saint-Jean, Charlottetown,
Winnipeg, Vancouver, en un mot toutes les villes, depuis la plus
grande jusqu'à la plus petite, ont accueilli nos braves à bras et cœurs
ouverts. La Presse, La Patrie, Le Soleil, V Evéttevtent, Le Star, Le
Herald, Le Chronicle, Le Globe, Le Witness, Le Daily Telegraph, aux
quels nous devons des renseignements précieux, — pour n'en citer
que quelques-uns — les ont tous aussi noblement et généreusement
accueillis. Partout ils ont été reçus royalement, et c'est surtout par
la réception qui leur a été faite qu'on a pu juger du sentiment de
fraternité qui unit toutes les provinces du Canada.
Disons-le donc bien liaut, cette guerre, toute fatale qu'elle a été
pour quelques-uns, a été une guerre de rapprochement et d'union pour
nous tous. En effet, c'est dans la vie des camps et sur le champ de
bataille que les hommes et les races apprennent à se connaître, à
s'estimer, à s'aimer. N'oublions donc plus jamais cette union cimentée,
scellée par le sang de nos braves, au milieu du carnage de la mêlée,
des cris des mourants, du bruit de la mitraille, du tressaillement du
drapeau, des angoisses des pères et mères, des pleurs des veuves et
des orphelins des glorieux tombés, et que notre mot de ralliement, à
l'avenir et pour toujours, soit celui-ci :
" Honneur et souvenir à nos braves ! "
Gaston-P. Labat.
FIKST CONTINGENT
Royal Canadian Kegitnent of Tnfantry
2nd (Spécial Service) Battalion
Commanding Officer.
Otter, Lieutenant-Colonel, W. D., Canadian StaflF, A. D. C. to His Excellency
the Governor-General.
Promoted Colonel on the field. Fenîan Raid, iSbb. North-lVesi, iSSj.
H^ounded IsraH't Poort, April zsth, içco.
Majors.
2ND IN COMMAND,
Buchan, L., Lieutenant-Colonel R. C. R. I.
North- IVest, jSSj.
Pelletier, O. C. C, Lieutenant-Colonel Canadian Staff.
North- West, 1883. Wounded at Cut Knife, May snd, iSSj. Wounded
at CroujVc Laager, February zjth, jgoo.
**A" Co., British Columbla
and Manitoba.
Captain.
Arnold, H. M., Major goth W. R.
North- West, iSSj. Died zbth Feb-
ruary, içoo, of wounds receîved
in action, Paardeberg, February
iSth.
Lieutenants.
Blanchard, M. G., Capt. sth R. C. A.
Hodgins, A. E., Capt. N. R. Co.
Graduate R. M. C,
Layborn, S. P., Lieut. R. C. R. L
"B" Co., London, Ont.
Captain.
Stuart, D., Major aôth M. L. I.
Lieutenants.
Ross, J. M., Capt. 22nd The O. R.
Wounded, Blacktnountain, May
ist, IÇOO.
Mason, J. C, Capt. loth R. G.
Wounded, Paardeberg, February
iSih, içoo.
Temple, R. H. M., 2nd Lieut. 48th H.
156
LIST OF THE FIRST CONTINGENT
"C" Co., Toronto, Ont.
Captain.
Barker, R. K., Capt. Q. O. R.
Lieutenants.
Marshall, W. R., Lieut. i3th B.
Wilkie, C. S., Lieut. loth R. G.
Lafferty, F. D., Lieut. R. C. A.
Graduate R. M. C.
"D" Co., Ottawa and
Kingston.
Captain.
Rogers, S. M., Major 43rd O. & C. R.
North- West, 1885.
Lieutenants.
Lawless, W. T., Capt. G.-G. F. G.
Norih-West, 1S85.
Stewart, R. G., Lieut. 43rd O. & C. R.
Caldwell, A. C, Lieut. R. of O.
Graduate R. M. C.
"E" Co., Montréal.
Captain.
Fraser, C. K.. Capt. sard S. B.
Lieutenants.
Swift, A. E., Lieut. 8th R. R.
Laurie, A., Lieut. ist P. of W. F.
Armstrong, C. J., Lieut. sth R. S. of C.
Graduate R. M. C.
Wouuded, Cronje's Laager, Feb-
ruary sjik, iqoo.
"F" Co., Québec.
Captain.
Peltier, J. E., Major ôsth M. R. R.
Lieutenants.
Panet, H. A., Capt. R. C. A. Graduate
R. M. C.
Leduc, L., Lieut. R. C. R. I.
Pelletier, E. A., Lieut. ssth M. L. I.
"G" eo , New Brunswick
and P. E. Island.
Captain.
Weeks, W. A., Major C. E.
Lieutenants.
Jones, F. C. Capt. srd R. C. A.
Kaye, J. H., Lieut. R. C. R. I.
McLean, C. W. W., and Lt. Sth P.L.H.
Appointed A. D. C. on Staff of
Maj.-General Sir H. E. Coîville.
{Granted a commission in Royal
Ariillery.)
"H" Co , Nova Scotia.
Captain.
Stairs, H. B., Capt. 66th P. L. F.
Mentîoned in Despatches, Militîa
Orders, isf March, içoo.
Lieutenants.
Burstall, H. E., Capt. R. C. A.
WiUis, R. B., Lieut. 66th P. L. F.
Oland, J. C, 2nd Lieut. 6yà. H. R.
O. C. Machine Gun Section.
Bell, A. C, Capt. S. G., A. D. C. to
the Maj.-General CommandingCau-
adian Militia.
Regimental Adjutant.
MacDougall, J. C, Major R. C. R. I.
Battalion Adjutants.
Macdonell, A. H., Capt. R. C. R. I.
Meniîoned in Despatches, Miliiia
Orders, jst March, jqoo.
Ogilvy, J. H. C, Capt. R. C A.
QUARTER-M aster.
Denison, S. J. A., Capt. and Brev.
Major R.C. R. I.
Appoint ed A. D. C. on Lord Roberts*
Staff.
Médical Officers.
Wilson, C. W., Surgson-Major srd F.
B., C. A.
Fiset, E., Surg.-MajorSjthT. & R. B.
Attached for Staff Duty.
Drummond, L. G., Major S. G., Mili-
tary Secretary to His Excellency
the Governor-General.
Bechuanaland Expédition, 1884-8^;
Ashanti, iSqs (Star): Soudan,
j8ç8.
LIST OF THE FIRST CONTINGENT
157
Attached for Spécial Duty.
Drury, C. W., Lieut.-Col. R. C. A.,
A. D. C. to His Excellency the
Governor-General.
North- IVest, 1SS5. ( Transferred to
Contmand Brigade Division Field
Ariillery, 2tid Contingent.)
Lessard, F. L., Lieut.-CoI. R. C. D.
North- IVesi, /<%. {Transferred to
Contmand isi Èattalion, Can-
adiau Mounied Rifles, 2nd Con-
tingent.)
Cartwright, R., Major R. C. R. I.,
A. A. G. at Head-Quarters. Grad-
uate R. M. C.
North- West. iSSs-
Forester, W., Capt. R. C. D.
{Transferred to Comniand " A "
Sguadron, Canadian Mounted
Rifles, 2nd Contingent.)
Dobell, C. M., Capt. and Brev. Major
R. W. F. GraduateR. M. C.
Médical Staff for General
Service.
Osborne, A. B., Capt. C. A. M. S.
Nurses.
Pope, Miss Georgina, P. E. Island.
Forbes, Miss Sarah, Halifax, N. S.
Affleck, Miss Minnie, Lennox, Ont.
Russell, Miss Elizabeth, Hamilton,Ont.
HiSTORicAL Recorder.
Dixon, F. J., Capt. Reserve ofOfficers.
Graduate R. M. C.
North- West, iSSS-
Chaplains.
O'Leary, Rev. P. M., Québec, P. Q.
Almond, Rev. J., Québec, P. Q.
Fullerton, Rev. T. F., Hon. Chaplain
4tli R. C. A., P. E. Island.
Représentative of the Y. M. C. A.
Barrie, Dr. H. G., M. D. T. U.
Non-Commissionecl Officers and Men
STAFF N. C. OFFICERS
Sergeant-Major D. Borland, R. C. R. I.
Quartermaster Sergeant, G. Galloway, R. C. R. I.
Quartermaster Sergeant, E. Reading, O. R. Clerk.
Orderly Room Clerk, Sergeant T. I5. Potter, R. C. R. I.
Sergeant-Bugler Tresham.
Transport Sergeant, Sergeant T. Leblond, R. C. D.
StaflF Armourer, Sergeant A. J. Hoad, 8th Royal Rifles.
A" Company, British Columbia and Manitoba.
Rank, Name and Former Corps.
Col.-Sergt. Holmes, W. H., R. C.R. I.
Sergi. Whimster, P., Capt. M. D.
" Northcote, J., sth R., C. A.
" Scott, W., 5th R., C. A.
" Ingram, L., qoth W. R.
" Vinnel, A. J., R. C. D.
Corpl. Fowle, W. F., qoth W. R.
•' McH arg, W. H., 2nd Lient. R.
R. Co.
" Irvine, A. B., 2ndLt. gothW.R.
" Moscrop, J., 5th R., C. A.
Lee. -Corpl. LeBar, V. E., R. C. R. I.
Barlow, R. H.,9othW. R.
Private.
Allan, H. S., 5th R., C. A.
AUiston, B. D., goth W. R.
Adams, J., M. D.
Anderton, J., sth R., C. A.
Andrews H., sth R., C. A.
Armstrong, E., R. C. A.
Barrett, R. J., goth W. R.
Beach, A. C, s'h R., C. A.
Berthoiir, W. H., sih R., C. A.
Battson, A. S., s'h R-. C. A.
Bonner, H. M., sth R., C. A.
Boyce, A. W., i^th F. B., C. A.
Brook.ng, W., s'h R., C. A.
Carn::gie, J., qoth W. R.
Carter, A., sth P.., C. A.
Campbell, R. B., N. R. Co.
Campbell, A., R. C. A.
Chisholm, A., goth W. R.
Clough, P., qoth W. R.
Collins, J., R. C. D.
Cook, J.,gothW. R.
Corbould, G. B., sth R., C. A.
Cowan, H. J., 2nd Lient. M. D.
Cornwall, F. J., sth R., C. A.
Court, S. '1'., sth R., C. A.
Crooke, M., N. R. Co.
Davies, J. E., R. C. D.
Dickinson, F., sth R., C. A.
Dickson, J. K., N. R. Co.
Dickson, W. T. G., sth R., C. A.
Duncalfe, C. W., goth W. R.
Dochcrty, M., R. C. D.
Edwards, H., goth W. R.
Kindiey, T. A., goth W. R.
Foord, F. N., goth W. R.
Finch-Smiles, F., sth R., G. A.
French, J. P., goth W. R.
Gamble, C. W., sth R., C. A.
Grevés. CE., goth W. R.
Greavcs. P., sth R., C. A.
Hamiiioiul, J. L., goth W. R.
Haiison. S. S., sth W. R.
Hick-, 11. P., N. R. Co.
Holyoke. G. C. F., goth W. R.
Hughes, E. N., goth W. R.
Hiitchings, Geo., sth R., C. A.
Jackson, W.,6th V. R.
Johnson, H., goth W, R.
LIST OF THE FIRST CONTINGENT
159
Prîvaie, Rank, Name and Former Corps.
Jones, S. L., sth R., C. A.
Jones, J. \V., sth R., C. A.
Kelly, E., Q. O. R.
Kennedy, D., 34th O. B.
Lee, A. S., N. R. Co.
Leeman, R. W. J., sth R., C. A.
Leamy, C. S., sth R., C. A.
Liston, B., goth W. R.
Livlngstone, J., sth R., C. A.
Lohman, A. O., sth R., C. A.
Martin, A., R. C. R. I.
Mackie, A. S., 5th R., C. A.
Matheson, K., goth W. R.
MaundriU, A., sth R., C. A.
Mills, C. A., goth W.R.
Munro, A. E., goth W. R.
Moier, W. J., sôth P. B.
Moodie, W. H., K. R. Co.
McCalmont, R. J., sth R., C. A.
Mcivor, D., R. C. D.
McKeand, D. L., goth W. R.
McKenzie, H., M. D.
Neibergall, H. E., 6th V. R.
Neil, G., 5th R.,C. A.
Nixon, F. S., 36th P. B.
Nye, A. J., 5thR.,C. A.
O'Brien, S. W., sth R., C. A.
Odell, S. H., sth R., C. A.
Parker, H. F., goth W. R.
Patterson, W. O., N. R. Co.
Patterson, C, R. C. R. I.
Perry, J. C, R. C. D.
Rea, J. R., N. R. Co.
Rumsay, F., goth W. R.
Rush, F., R. C. D.
Rorke, F. B., goth W. R.
Robbins, A. E., goth W. R.
Roberts, S. C.gothW. R.
Roberts, C. M., sth R., C. A.
Sherlock, H., R. C. D.
Sherris, S., R. C. A.
Sinclair, J. J. S., sth R., C A
Smethurst, H., sth C. A.
Smith, James, s*i R-, C. A,
Snider, C. H., qoth W. R.
Soper, A. C. W., goth W. R.
Somers, J. H., sth R., C. A.
Stewart, J., sth R., C. A.
St. James, G., R. C. D.
Stebbings, W. H., sth R., C. A.
Talbot, A., 34thO. B.
Thompson, C. C, 6th V. R.
Thompson, T., goth W. R.
Todd, J., sthR.,C. A.
Wallace, W., sth R., C. A.
Wallace, G., sth R.,C.A.
Welch, W.,goth\V. R.
Western, T., M. D.
Whitley, W. F., sth R., C. A.
Wilkins, G. H., K. R. Co.
Wilkie, O. J., sth R.,C. A.
Wood, A. M., sth R., C. A.
Wyatt, H. R., goth W. R.
Ward, R., R. C. D.
B " Company, London, Ont.
Rank, Naine and Former Corps.
Col.-Sergt. Davies, R., R. C. R. I.
Sergt. McBeth, G. W., 26th M. L. I.
" Bowden, R. B., 2ist E. F.
" Sippi, G. R. B., yth F.
" Gorman, F.,Capt. 27thSt.C.B.
Corpl. Bethune, A., R. C. R. I.
" Adams, S., R. C. A.
" Phillips, G. R. S., 2ist E. F.
" Smith, J., 22ndO. R.
" Little, R. H., istH.
Lce.-Corpl. Power, L., R. C. A.
Stevenson, W. R., R. C
R. I.
" Northwood, J., 2ist E. F.
«• Merrix,A.E., R.C. R.I.
Private.
Adams, W. G., yth F.
Adair, A., R. C. A.
Auderson, A. H., 2Sth E. B.
Andrews, E. C, 2ist E. F.
Atkinson, D. H., 26th M. L. I.
BrcJin, I., aSth D. R.
Bollard,"H. E., 28th P. B.
Barr, H. B., zisl E. F.
Barrett, P., yth F.
Baiigh, E., R. C.A.
Beers, F. C, 2ist E. F.
Berges, H., sSth D. F.
Biggs, J. C, 2ist E. F.
Kurns, W. J., 26th M. L. I.
Burrell, H. 26th M. L. I.
Burwell, A. E.. 6th F. B., C. A.
Campbell, F. W.,3othW. R.
Chapman, W. H., yth F.
Charuian, A., R. C. R. I.
Coles, F. J., 7th F.
Cole, A. E., ist H.
Corley, J. B., 30th W. R.
Crock'ett, Samuel, yth F.
C.-aig, E. D., cist E. F.
CoUins, W., isuH.
Dalgleish, A. D., 29th W. B.
Day, J., 25th M. L. I.
Donegan, T. A., flôth M. L. I.
Dolman, E. N., 2ist E. F.
Donahne, H., 26th M. L. I.
Delmer, P., 26th M. L. I.
DiifT, J. B.,2Ôih :i. L. I.
Edward, A., iznd O. R.
Evans, F., 26lh M. L. I.
i6o
LIST OF THE FIRST CONTINGENT
Prhaic, Rank, Nanie and Former Corps.
Farley, J. E., 25th E. B., St. Thomas.
Finch, C. E., yth F.
Floyd, F. G. W., yth F.
Fox, W. H., R. C. A.
Foote, \Vm., 29th W. B.
Gorrie, W. B., 26th M. L. I.
Graham, Geo., 28th P. B.
GreeneC, 26th M. L. I.
Green, W. J., 25th E. B.
Hill, J. C.,26th M. L. I.
Herrick, J., 7lh F.
Hessell, F. W., 7ih F.
Hyman, W. J., 6th F. B., C. A.
Hennessy, J. T., ylh F.
Ingamells, P . C . , ist H .
Irvine, R., igth St. C. B.
Jell, A. P., 2ist E. F.
Jones, M. L., 33rdH. B.
Johnston, K. G., 27th L. B.
Kingswell, J., R. C. A.
Léonard, G. W., 22nd O. R.
Little, G. B., 34th O. B.
Lane, H., 22nd O. R.
Lundrigan, J., R. C. A.
McBeth, G. A., 7th F.
McLaren, CD., 7t'i F.
McLean, M., 26t'i M. L. I.
McCalla, J., loth St. C. B.
Mc>.ahon, W. H., 26ch M. L. I.
McMillan, D. C, 27th L. B.
McMurphy, A., 26ih M. L. I.
Marshall, A., 2.ndO. R.
McLean, A. R., sSth D. R.
Marentette, V. F., 2ist E. F.
Moore, D. L., R. C. R. I.
MuUins, E., R. C. R. I.
Munro, G. H., 26th M. L. I.
Nott, Wm., R, C. A.
Odlum, V., 22ndO. R.
Odlum, G., 22nd O. R.
Paddon, A. E., 2ist E. F.
Piper, T. J., 26thM. L. I.
Pinel, G. F., Tih F.
Pert, E. W.,28thP. B.
Powell, J., 29thW. B.
Purcell, J. J., R. C. A.
Reed, W. G., 7th F.
Reid, D. A., 2istE. F.
Redge, C, 7th F.
Robinsou, J. E., 2ist E. F.
Rae, A. H., 26thM. L. I.
Rorison, C. K., 2ist E. F .
Scott, C. R., 27th L. B.
Smith, R., 26th M. L. I.
Stanberry, F. G., 25th E. B.
Sutherland, J., 2Sth E. B.
Taylor, E., ist H .
Taylor, G., ist H .
Thompson, H., R. C. A.
Trolley, F. H., 26th M. L. I.
Turner, F. W., 6th F. B., C. A.
Tutt, T., R. C. R. I.
Wardel, A. E., 7th F.
Webb, A. B.,33rdH. B.
West, W., 7th F.
West.-jway, H., 25th E. B.
Wells, Jas.,3oth W. R.
Wheatcraft, A. H., 7th F.
White, G., 2ist E. F.
White, W.,2ist E. F.
Wilson, A. R., 33rdH. B.
Wigham, R. D., 6th F. B., C. A.
Woodliffe, G. W.., 7th F.
Woodward, .\. W., 26th M. L. I.
Woodvatt, W. H., 7th F.
Wilson, H. R.,22nd0. R.
C " Company, Toronto, Ont.
Rank, Naine and Former Corps.
CoL-Sergt. Campbell,;. S. .R.C.R.I.
Sergt. Beattie, A.,Q. O. R.
" Middleton, H. J., loth R. G.
Ramage, J. H., 36th P. B.
Corpl.Dixon, H. W. A., Q. O. R.
" Freemantle, A.H.O.,iothR.G.
" Ruthcrford, F. H., I3'i B.
" Magee, J. K. G., R. H. C. C.
" Hoskins, R. W.,Q. O. R.
Lce.-Corpl. Ramsay, I. F., 48th H.
Hodgins, E.W.,G.G.B.G.
Private.
Allen, L.,Q. O. R.
Andersen, F. T., sgth N. R.
Baldwin, Jno., 4Sth H .
Banton, T. H ., 48th H .
Black, N. D., ssth S. F,
Blair, F., 48th H.
Bird, B. M., Q. O. R.
Bingham, H. S., 3Sth S. F.
Blight, W. S., Q. O. R.
Brettingham, W. P. R., I2th Y. R.
Brunton, H. G., i2th Y. R.
Burkhart, F., 29th W. B.
Butler, W. B., loth R. G.
Cal vert, F. M., loth R. G.
Callahan, H. A., ssth S. F.
Christie, D. H., 37th H. R.
Cassel, K. J., i3th B.
Curtis, W. R., 3ist G. B.
Coggins, A., E., R. C. D.
Coggins, H ., 3ist G. B.
Cmhbert, F., loth R. G.
Dangerfield, A., loth R. G.
Davidson, J., I2lh Y. R.
D:.y, E. C, G. -G. B. G.
Diinham, F. H., 48thH.
Eakins, G., Q. O. K.
EUis, G. S.,Q. O. R.
LrST OF THE FIRST CONTINGENT
i6i
Privât e, Rank. Name and Former Corjit.
Fawcett, J. N., izth Y. R.
Findiay, J. H., ssth S. F.
Graham, T. H., i2th Y. R.
Grant, W. H.,48thH.
Gray, N.,S. St. M. R. Co.
Haines, AV., R. C. R. I.
Hector, F. T. D., Q. O. R.
Hendrie, M., i3th B.
Henderson, R. H., ssth S. F.
Hewett, W. H., 6. O. K.
HoUand, W. C. S., 77th \V. B.
Holland, J.,nil.
Hopeson, C. W., 48th H.
Hornibrook, J. L., 48th H,
Inglestrom, F., Q. O. R.
Ironside, G. M., T. P.
Jones, N. J., 3ist G. B.
Jordan, Jos . , Q . O . R .
Kennedy, Jas., loth R . G.
Kidner, R., loth R. G.
Long, J. L., loth R. G.
Lorsch, F. D., 48th H.
Love, W. M.,37thH. R.
Machin, H. A., i2th Y. R.
Manion, W. T., loth R. G.
Martin, G. F., loth R. G.
Morley, N. L., 48th H.
Mitchell, J. A., 48th H.
Morse, T., R. C. R. I.
McCall, A.,T. P.
McCosh, P., Lient, ssth S. F.
McCuish, D., R. C. R. I.
McGiverin, L., Q. O. R.
McHugh, E., loth R. G.
McKenzie, L. G., 48th H.
McLaughlln, R. H., R. C R. I
McNish, M., 48thH.
McPherson, D., 48th H.
Noble, D. A., aSth D. R.
Fage, P. G., G. -G. B. G.
Parry, CE., R. C. D.
Ferry, S., loth R. G.
Preston, D. G., 44th L. and W. B,
Bugler Prlngle, R., S. Ste. M. R.
Co.
Raspberry, J., 77th W. B.
Rae, F. A., 34th O. B.
Ridway, E. H., Q. O. R.
Robson, A.. i3th B.
Rogers, W. R., 44th L. and W. B.
Rooke, W. J., Q. O. R.
Rorke, J. H., 3ist G. B.
Seager, Jno., Q. O. R.
Seymour, C., loth R. G.
Sherritt, A. W., 38th DR.
Simpson, G. C. M., lath Y. R.
Smith, J., 48t;h H.
Smith, G. M,, 48ih H.
Solari, J., loth R. G.
Spence, J. D. 48th H.
Stewart, M. M., Q. O. R,
Sutton, J. H., i3th B.
Thompson, G., R. C. D.
Thompson, W. F., R. C. R. L
Tice, C., nil.
Tomilson, C, Q. O. R.
Travers, W., loth R. G.
Usher, J. F., Q. O. R.
Vanderwater, W. J., Q. G. R.
Van Norman, \. F., R. C. R. I.
Vicary, S., S. Ste. M. R. Co.
Vickers, J. R., loth R. G.
Wallace. T. G., sôth P. B.
Warde, S. M., Q. O. R.
Warren, W. C., I3th B.
Warwick, W. H., i3th B.
Watson, R. G., R. C R. r,
Weir, F. E., Q. O. R.
Wellar, E. T., 48th H.
Wilson, J. A., loth R. G.
Wilson, N. W.,Q. O. R.
Bugler Williams, D. F., Q. O. R.
Whitehead, J., 48th H.
Wright, D. M., R. C. R. I.
Young, H., Q. O. K.
Young, A., Q. O. R.
C" Company, Ottawa and Kingston, Ont.
Rank, Name and Former Corps.
Col.-Sergt. Thompson, C. H., R. C.
R. I.
Sergt. Chitty, L. M., 43rd O. and C. R.
" Ross, A. L., 3oth W. R.
" Carruthers, W . B. M., i4th P.
W. G. R., R. M. C.
" Eagleson, S. H ., 43rd C. and
O. R.
Corpl. Gilmour, W. J., R. C, R. I.
" Hulme, G. G., isth A. L. I.
Thomas, J. M., G. -G. F. G.
Ellard, J. F. G., G.-G. F. G.
Brady, W.S.,43rd0.andC. R.
Lce.-Corpl. Johnston, W., R. C. R. I
" Southey, E. C., 46th D. B.
Lce.-Corpl. McNair, J., i5th A. L. 1.
" Lyon. G. R. D., 43rd O.
and C. R.
Private,
Auger, E., G.-G. F. G.
Ault, C. E., P. of W. O. R.
Bartlett, E. D., 43rd O. ahd C. R.
Benbow, H. A., G.-G. F. G.
Bennett, A., P. L. D. G.
Bolster, H. G., C. C.,C. A.
Bolyea, A. W., isth A. L. I.
Bradshaw, J. L. H., i6th P. E. B.
Bull, E. W., C. C.,G. A.
Burns. O. T., 43rd0.andC. R,
l62
LIST OF THE FIRST CONTINGENT
Privaie, Rank, Name and Former Corpt.
Burns, R.,G.-G. F. G.
Bugler Cawdron, A. J.' G.. G. F. G.
Clunie, P., nil.
Cunnington. R., I5th A. L. I.
Cairns, J. S., 2nd F. B., C- A.
Chidlow, J., R. C. R. I.
Clarke, C. P., 43rd O. and C. R.
Clother, A., G. -G. F. G.
Cluff, N. W. H., 43rd O. and C. R.
Cockburn, G. G., C. C., C. A.
Coleman, J. D., 43rd O. and C. R.
Cotton, H., 43rd O. and C. R.
Cotterell, A., R. C. R. I.
Cram, J. A. C, 42nd L. and R. B.
Craig, C. E., 43rd O. and C. R.
Croit, F., i6th P. E. B.
Croft, P. C, 42nd L. and R. B.
Cunningham, R. J., 2oth H. R.
Dalberg, R. P., R. C R. I.
DesLauriers, E., P. L. D. G.
Deuchars, E., 43rd O. and C R.
Donaldson, C. A.. 4ist B. R.
Dunlop, E., I4th P. of W. O. R.
Dunlop, J. R., 43rd O. and C. R.
Eley, D. M., I4th P. of W. G. R.
Escobel, N., R. C. R. I.
Flemraing, A. J. , 43rd O. and C. R.
Foden, W. J., 47th F. B.
Foster, P. R., G. -G. F. G.
Frj-e, C. E., isth A. L. T.
Gallagher, J., 43rd O. and C. R.
Gibson, C. A., isth A. L. I,
Gilmour, A. E., 43rd O. and C. R.
Graham, J. D. H., P. L. D. G.
Haig, H.G., 2ndF. B.,C. A.
Hatton, J., i4th P. of W. G. R.
Hagan, J. R., 4ist B. R.
Hennessy, J., R. C. R. I.
HoUand, C, i6th P. E. B.
Hugall, P., R. C. A.
Jackson, CE. E., 37th H. R.
Jones, H. H., isth A. L. I.
Laird, A., late K. C. A.
Lamothe, G., 43rd O. and C. R.
Latimer, W. R., G. -G. F. G.
l^arge, A. L., isth A. L. I.
Lawrence, W. R., sgth S. and G. B.
Lewis, Z. R. E.,N. W. M. P.
Living, F. J., 43rd O. and C. R.
Lynn, F., isth A. L. I.
LeBean, L. P., G.-G. F. G.
Macaulay, A., 43rd O. andC. R.
Martin, W. A., 43rd O. and C, R
Martin, H., 43rd O. and C. R.
Mason, C. P., 43rd O. and C R.
Matthews, A. J., 43rd O. and C. R.
Malloch, E. St. J., 43rd O. and C. R-
Major, J., sôth G. B.
Mills, W. W., isth A. L. I.
Mitchell, N., 42nd L. and R. B.
Morgans, E. F., 43rd O. and C. R.
Morrison, W. A., G.-G. F. G.
Morin, J., G.-G. F. G.
Morrison, E. F., srd F. B., C. A.
McCullough, C, G.-G. F. G.
MacRae, R. A., 43rd O. and C. R.
McConnell, J. F., G.-G. F. G.
McCormack, A. J., i4thP. ofW. O. R.
MacKay, R., isth A. L. I.
McDonald, F., R. C. R. I.
McFadden, F., G.-G. F. G.
McLennan, J. A., S9th S. and G. B.
McCrea, J. M., 45th V. B.
Padmore, G. T., R. C. R. I.
Parr, W. B., 43rd O. and C. R.
Peters, A. E., R. C. R. I.
Phillips, G., isth A. L. I.
Prior, A., R. C. R. I.
Porteous, R. W., G.-G. F. G.
Ritchie, W. G., 43rd O. and C. R.
Ross, W. J. H., D. P.
Rowley, J., G.-G. F. G.
Schwitzer, VV. C, 43rd O. and C. R.
Shillington, W. J. H., P. L. D. G.
Small, H. C, 42nd L. and R. B.
Smith, J. F., G.-G. F. G.
Smith, W. A., 43rd O. and C. R.
Spence, C. T., 43rd O. and C R.
Street, L. J., G.-G. F. G.
Swan, N. W. D., uth P. of W. O. R.
Taylor, A. H., 43rd O. and C. ?..
Thomas, C. T., G.-G. F. G.
Thompson, R R., 43rd O. andC. R.
TiUey, G., 49th H. R.
Turner, R. H., 4ist B. R.
Turpin, T. J., C. C, C. A.
Wall, A., i6th P. E. B.
Walker, L. C, i6th F. B., C. A.
Wendt, W. G., 43rd O. and C. R.
Williamson, A. T. L., G.-G. F. G.
Wood, F. H., 43rd O. and C. R.
Wright, H. G., P. L. D. G.
E" Company, Montréal, Que.
Rank, Name and Former Corpt.
Col.-Sergt. Young, A., R. C. R. I.
Sergt. Allan, J., R. C R. I.
Adams, J. A., 8th R. R.
" Shreeve, J., R. G. R. I.
Corp: Baugh, T. E., R. C. R. I.
" Downey, G., nil.
** Gardner. J., jth R. S.
Corpl. Goodfellow, R., sth R. S.
" Moody, F., R. C. R. I.
Lee. -Corpl. Frawley, W. M. C, 3rd
V. R.
Lee. -Corpl. Molyneux, C. R., 5th R. S.
Pte. Allan, C. E., sth R. S.
Pte. Ackerman, F., gth V . de Q.
LIST OF THE FIRST CONTINGENT
163
Privaie, Rank, Nante and Former Corps.
Allmand, W. W., ist P. of W. F.
Aspell, T. J., ist P. ofW. F.
Bach, R. C., ist P. otW. F.
Bailey, T., 2nd R., C. A.
Barry, C. H., ard V. R.
Bigelow, J. A., (late N. W. M.
znd R., C. A.
Boit, G. H., srd V. R.
Byford, R., ist P. of W. F.
Byers, R. T., srd V . R.
Campbell, C, ist P. of W. F.
Canty, R., 8th R. R.
Carter, M. J.' 2nd R., C. A.
Clarke, R. C, 2nd R., C. A.
Coates.H. W., sth R. S.
Cox, F., R. C. R. I.
Crottj-, P., Sth R. R.
Curry, I ., sth R. S.
Corner, F. G., sth R. S.
Dawson, A., 8th R. R.
Delaney, M. J., Sth R. R.
Doyle, T. H. M., sth R. S.
Durkee, A. A., ard V. R.
Dynes, E. J., Q. O. C. H.
Erskine, F., sth R. S.
Fisher, H., srd V. R.
Fisher, R. L., ist P. of W. F.
Fowler, W., R. C. R. I.
Fraser, H., 4ist B. R.
Gamble, J., sth R. S.
Gorman, J. F., 3rd F. B., C. A.
Graham, R., R. C. R. I-
Greenlay, G., S4'h R- ^■
Gunn, R., sth R. S.
Harding, E., no corps.
HiU, J. K., Sth R. R.
Haie, W. J., sth R. S.
Hampson, G., 5th R. S.
Hannaford, A., sth R. S.
Hawkins, J., ist P. of W. F.
Hayes, R., R. C. R. I.
Hayward, H., 53rd S. B.
Home, F., Q. O. C. H.
Hynes, P., sth R. S.
Irwin, F. B.,Sth R. R.
James, A., ist P. of W. F.
Jones, F., sth R. S.
Jeffrey, W., sth R. S.
Jeffrey,;. W., srd V. R.
Kealey, M., ist P. of W. F.
Kelly, E., znd R., C. A.
Leconteur, R., Sth R. R.
Lee, F.,Q. O. C. H.
Lewis, C. E., ist P- of W. F.
Lester, C, s'h R. S.
Malin, J., sth R. S.
Marjin, H., 2nd R., C. A.
P)
Martin, A., 2nd R., C. A.
Meade, D., 2nd R., C. A.
Middleton, F., ist P. of W. F.
Mitchell, H., 3rd V. R.
Moore, T.,D. Y. R. C. H.
Murphy, D., ist P. of W. F.
Murray, W. R., Sth R. R.
Murdoch, W. A. H., znd R., C. A.
McDonald, A., sth R. S.
McCann, J., Sth R. R.
McGill, D. R., R. C. R. I.
McGoldrick, J., sth R. S.
McIver, W., sth R. S.
McLean, R. G., sth R. S.
McLeod, N. M., ard V. R.
McQueen, A., Sth R. R.
Nash, T. B.,ardV. R.
Nickle, C. R., ard F. B., C. A.
O'Brien, j., ist P. of W. F.
O'Meara, D. A., Lieut. Sth R. R.
Philips, J., sth R. S.
Platt, J., R. C. R. I.
Pope, A., sth R. S.
Porter, W., ist P. of W. F.
Prince, R. H., znd R., C. A.
Price, G., nil.
Robarts, G. P., D. Y. R. C. H.
Rupert, E., Ssth B.
Ryan, P., znd R., C. A.
Richardson, F., znd R., C. A.
Shaw, A. C, ard V. R.
Shaw, R.N., ardV. R.
Sheehan, M , y. O. C. H.
StannJng, W., sth R. S.
Swift, M„ Sth R. R.
Sword, A., sth R. S.
Sword, D. C., ist P. oiW. F.
Thomas, A. P., D. Y. R. C. H.
Thomas, G. W., sth R. R.
Travers, H. B., znd R., C. A.
■ Tregett, J.,Q.O. C. H.
Tulloch, A. J., sth B. S,
Turner, A. J., Sth R. R.
Tweddell, W., Sth R. R.
Walters, J. H., sth R. S.
Walker, H. H.,54.h R. B.
Walters, T. A., sth R. S.
Wasdell, F., ard V. K.
Wardle, G., S3rd S. B.
White, A.,S4th R. B.
Wilkin, W.,sth R. S.
Wilkins, A. W.,ard V. R.
Williams, H., sard S. B.
Wright, P. E., Sth R. R.
Wright, J., Sth R. R.
Yeland, J., sth R. S.
Youngson, J. S., s'h R. S.
" F " Company, Québec.
Rank, Natnc and Former Corps.
Sergt. Bessette, W., R. C. A. 1 Corpl. Peterson, C. F., R. C. R. I.
Peppeatt, W., R. C. A. " Withey, B., R. C. A.
Polkinghorn, J., ôznd St. J. F. | " McDonald, R. D., R. C. A.
164
LIST OF THE FIRST CONTINGENT
Rank, Name and Former Corps.
Corpl. Warren, C, R. C. A.
Vallée, L. C.,6sth M. R. R.
Lee. -Corpl. Desjardins, J. F., 6sthM.
R R
Lce.'-Corpl. Gratton, E., ésthM. R. R.
Col.-Sergt. Lafleur, L. E., R. C. A.
Prîvate.
Arnton, C. S., 2nd R., C. A.
Anthony, P., nil.
Atkinson, G., 8th R. R.
Barclay, C. N., D. Y. R. C. H.
Bagot, A., 6sth M. R. R.
Bamford, W., srd V. R.
Baldwin, C, K. C. D.
Beaupré, C, 8sth B.
Brown, H . T., nil.
Brown, H., R. C. R. I.
Brooker, L., R. C. D.
Bouck, L., nil.
Bower, J. W., 93rd C. B.
Carbonneau, E., 65th M. R. R.
Casey, J. E., gsrd C. B.
Champagne, M., ist F. B., C. A.
Chatel, A., 65th M. R. R.
Cloutier, W., 8oth N.B.
Chisholm, A. W., 62nd St. J. F.
Cooper, W.,62ndSt. J. F.
Conley, F., 93rd C. B.
Cowgill, H., R. C. D.
Curphy, J., nil.
D'Amour, J., gth V. de Q.
Demais, A., gth V. de Q.
Dolbec, L.,9th V. deQ.
Donahue, F., Iate6th U. S. I.
Downing, W., 62nd St. J. F.
Duhamel, J. W., 86th T. R. B.
D'Orsonnens, G., 8oth N. B.
Duberger, A., ist F. B., C. A.
Dixon, W., R. C, A.
Eite, Wm., R. C. R. I.
Fancy, J. G., nil.
Forest, H., 6ist M. and L'I. B.
Gates, L. H.,95rdC. B.
Gifford, B., i2thF. B., C. A.
Gingras, J., 9th V. de Q.
Good, R., R.C. R. I.
Grecia, J., 62nd St. J. F.
Harrison, R., end R., C. A.
Harrison, Chas., 2nd R., C. A.
Harvey, R.,R. C. R. I.
Hennessy, B., R.C. R. I.
Hill, J.,9th V. deQ.
Hudon, J. A.,6sthM. R. R.
Hunter, W.,62ndSt. J. F.
Hubley, C, R. C. A.
Irwin, W.,g3rdC. B.
Ivers, M., R. C. A.
Jette, G., 6sth M. R. R.
IJewell, T.,8th R. R.
Jobin, E., 9th V. de Q.
LaRue, L., Sjth Q. B.
Lambkin, H. J., 8th R. R.
Lamoureux, E., R. C. A.
Laverdure, E., R. C. A.
Lefebvre, P. W., gth V. Q.
Lescarbeau, T., 6sth M. R. R.
Lightbound, G. R., 2nd R., C. A.
Léveillé, L., ôsth M. R. R.
Le-A-is, O., 68th K. C. B.
Le.-nay, A., ôsth M. R. R.
Macness, J., R. C. R. I.
Matheson, O., I2th F. B. C. A.
Medhurst, J., R. C. D.
Michaud, L. C, 6sth M. R. R.
Monteith, J., 62nd S. J. F.
Montizambert, H., 3rd V. R.
McEihiney, J., 62nd S. J. F.
McNeil, J. D., R. C. A.
McCollom, G. H., R. C. R. I.
McDonald, R. D., srd V. R.
Mcintosh, M., R. C. A.
McTaggart, J. W., nil.
McLaughlin, H. P., R. C. R. I.
McMillan, A., ist P. of W. F.
McMillan, W.,93rdC. B.
Orman, G., 93rd C. B.
Paquette, G., Syth Q. B.
Plamondon, J., gth V. de Q.
Proulx, H.,65thM. R. R.
PuUen, E. (C. C.)
Rae, J. P.,3rd V. R.
Raymond, J. W. (or Culver), 62nd S
J-F.
Rémy, J., ôsth M. R. R.
Redmond, C, 62nd S. J. F.
Robertson, J. H., 62nd S. J. F.
Roy, A., 89th T. and R. B.
Roberts, W. A., R. C. A. (tr. to C.)
Scott, J. A., 93rd C. B.
Sievert, J. 93rC C. B.
Soucy, A., R. C. A.
Smith, L., 62nd S. J. F.
Strong, F. B., nil.
Sutton, G. J., 93rdC. B.
Sutherland, A., D. Y. R. C. H.
Tapin, J.,65th M. R. R.
Trattersall, H. C, srd V. R.
Tessier, H.,65th M. R. R.
Thériault, A., gth V. de Q.
Thompson, W. B., 93rd C. B.
Touchette, J., ôsth M. R. R.
Utton, F. W., R. C. R.
Walsh, J.,62nd S. J. F.
Warren, W., R. C. R. I.
Wiseman, N., gth. V. de Q.
Woodard, F., R. C. R. I.
Wylie, R. R. 2nd R. C. A.
LIST OF THE FIRST CONTINGENT
I^'S
Comiiany, New Brunswick and P. E. Island.
Rank, Name and Former Corps.
Keôdy, E., R. C. R. I.
Keswick, G., 73rd N. B.
Kirkpatrick, F. A., 3rd R., C. A.
Kitchen, W., i2th F. B., C. A.
Lane, W., 82nd Q. C. B.
Leavitt, H., yist V. B.
Leslie, J. P., 4th k., C. A.
Letson, J., dmà. S. J. F.
Lord, R. E.,82nd Q. C. B.
Lutz, E., 74th B.
Lutz, J., 74th B.
Matheson, J.. 4th R., C. A.
McCain, F., srd R., C. A.
McCarthy, M. J.. 4th R., C. A.
McRae, F. B., 82nd Q. C. B.
McCreary, P., 74th B.
Col.-Sergt. Charlton, Chas., R.C.R.I
Sergt. Sheldon, A., R. C. R. I.
Russel, J., R. C. A.
" Hessian, E., R. C. A.
Corpl. Morrison, J., R. C. A.
" Pringle, J., 7151 Y. B.
Withers, F. W., srdR. C. A.
Wallace, W. V., K. C. R. I.
Coombs, F. W., 62nd S. J. F.
Lce.-Corpl. Ward, G., R. C. R. I.
Lce.-Corpl. Miller, H., R, C. R. I.
Private.
Adams, G. F., Bth H.
Addison, J. M., 62nd S. J. F.
Aitken, J. M., 7ist Y. B.
Anslow, C, i2th F. B., C. A.
Baker, W., R. C. R. I.
Bishop, W., 74th B.
Boudreau, J., C. E., Co.
Bowness, E. W., 82nd Q. C. B.
Burnside, J., 3rd R.., C. A.
Brace, N. T., C. E. Co.
Brown, H. H., 82nd Q. C. B.
Bryant, W., ard R., C. A.
Campbell, G., R. C, R. I.
Carney, J., 62nd S. J. F.
Chapman, G., 74th B.
Chapelle, M. C, 74th B.
Cox, R. W., 82nd(^. C. B.
Craig, E-, srd R., C. A.
Creighton, C, 74th B.
Dillon, A. R.,82nd Q. C. B.
Donahue, W. W., 3rd R., C. A.
Doyle, A., 3rd R., C. A.
Dorion, N., C. E. Co.
Durant, H . E . , 74th B .
Dutney, J., 73rd N. B.
Dyas, F.,35th P. B.
Fabre, D. J., 3rd R., C. A.
Ferguson, D., 74th B.
Flewelling, E., R. C. R. I.
Foley, R. J.,C. E. Co.
Foster, M., 62nd S. J. F.
Fradsham, H., R. C. R. I.
Furzc, F. C, C. E. Co.
Gaudet, L. S., 4th R., C. A.
Globe, A. R., 62iid S. J. F.
Hallamore, W., R. C. R. I.
Hammond, A., 74th B.
Harris, B., I2th F. B., C. A.
Harris, J. A., 82nd Q. C. B.
Harris, LeR., 82nd Q. C. B.
Hatfield, A. S., srd R., C. A.
Haydon, A., 62nd S. J. F.
Hine, C. H., C. E. Co.
Hubley, R. C, 8thH.
Irving, W. H., ôînd S. J. F.
Jenkins, C. L., 3rd R., C. A.
Johnson, J., 62nd S. J. F.
Johnston, J. M., 62nd S. J. F.
Jones, S., 7ist Y. B.
McDiarmid, J., 62nd S. T. F.
McFarlane, B. E., 7ist Y. B.
McKinnon, H. V., 4th R., C. A.
McLean, H. L., ith R., C. A.
McLeod, J., 7ist Y. B.
McMullin, W., 8th H.
Mellish, A. J. B., 82nd Q. C. B.
Morley, H. A., srd R., C. A.
Munroe, J. R., 73rd N. B.
O'Rielly, J.,4thR.,C. A.
Pascoe, J. B., 62nd S. J. F.
Pelky, A.,62ndS. J. F.
Penny, R., 62nd S. J. F.
Perkins, T. A., 7ist Y. B.
Pickles, j., 7ist Y. B.
Quinn, M. J., R. C. R. I.
Raymond, W. J., srd R. C. A.
Rawlings, J., srd R., C. A.
Redden, H., R. C. R. I.
Riggs, W. A.,C. E. Co.
Rodd, T. A.,82nd Q. C. B.
Roberts, A., srd R., C. A.
Schofield, A., 62nd S. J. F.
Scott, J. B., R. C. R. I.
Scott, J., srd R., C. A.
Singer, L. M., 78th C. H. and P. B.
Simpson, A., srd R., C. A.
Simpson, P.,R. C. R. I.
Small, J. E., 4th R., C. A.
Sprague, F. W., srd R., C. A.
Sianton, L., sth R. S.
Stevenson, P. S., 7ist Y. B.
Stewart, L., 82nd Q ■ C. B.
Strange, E. H., 62nd S. J. F.
Swatridge, W. O., srd R., C. A.
Taylor, R. D., C. E. Co.
Tower, B. G., 74th B.
Turner, R. M., 62iid S. J. F.
Unkauff, W. C, 62nd S. T. F.
Walker, F. G,. 7ist Y. B
Walker, J. S., 82ud Q. C. B.
Wannamaker, H. L., 74thB.
Ward, R., 73rdN. B.
Waye, J- F., 82nd Q. C. B.
Williams, T., 62ndS. J. F.
Williams, F., 62nd S. J. F.
Wilson, J. H., 7ist Y. B.
i66
LIST OF THE FIRST CONTINGENT
H " Company, Nova Scotia.
Rank, Name and Forvier Corps.
Col.-Sergt. Eustace, J. D..63rdH.R.
Sergt. Grimshaw, W., 66th P. L. F.
Dooley, F., 66th P. L. F.
Ward, G.,68th K. C B.
Corpl. Baugh, B., K. C. A.
" Ferguson, W. R., gsrd C. B.
Lyndon, H., R. C. A.
Pooley, C. F., C. A. M. S. C.
Rolfe, J.,63rdB.,H. R.
Lce.-Corpl. Stevenson, J., ist L. R.
" Watson, H., R. C. A.
Prîvate
Anderson, J. H. N., 66th P. L. F.
Adams, W. F., ôsrd H. R.
Atwater, J., 94th A. H.
Ackhurst,H.W.,H.B.Co.,C.A.M.S.C.
Bennett, G. B., ôsrd H . R.
Blaikie, H., 66th P. L. F.
Borton, C. N., 66th P. L. F.
Burgess, M., gsrd C. B.
Blair, S., gsrd C. B.
Bent, E. L, 6bth K. C. B.
Brown, S., 93rd C. B.
Buchanan, K ., 93rd C. B.
Bingay, L. W., ist R., C. A.
Conrad, W., ist R., C. A.
Coons, F., 2nd R., C. A.
Cleary, W., ist L. R.
Carroll, J., 66th P. L. F.
Cameron, A. A., ôsrd H. R.
Chapman, F., ôsrd H. R.
Daly, T., sth R. S.
Drake, J., ôsrdH. R.
Duncan, J., 2nd R., C. A.
Defoe, J., R. C.A.
Elliott, W., 66th P. L. F,
Embree, G., 93rdC. B.
Ewing, J., 63rd H. R.
Ewing, D. H., 63rd H. R.
Farrell.G. P., D. L. I.
Farrer, DeB., 66th P. L. F.
Fillmore, W. A., gsrdC. B.
Fitzgerald, A. E., ist R., C. A.
Forsyth, A., nil.
Frasée, H. H., 66th P. L. F.
Gallagher, T., 4th V. B., M. R.
Grant, J. W., 66th P. F.
Hancock, C, C A. M. S. C.
Harrison, T. J., ist R., C. A.
Harnett, J. W., gsrd C. B.
Harris, J., 66thP. L. F.
Hart, W. J.,63rdH. R.
Halliday, J., R. C. A.
Huestis, G. j., ôsrd H. R.
Kire, J., 66th P. L. F.
Hunt, G., istP. W. R. F,
Hurley, T., ist R., C. A.
Hoult, E., R. C. A.
James, G., nil.
Jewers F., 66th P. L. F.
Johnstone, G., ôsrô H. Q.
Jones, H.,68thK.C. B.
Kelly, J.,ioithR. G.
Kennedy, J., R. C. A.
Keogh, P.,66th P. L. F.
Keefler, R. T., nil.
Kilcup, E., 68th K. C. B.
Kirkpatrick, F., 66th P. L. F.
Lewis, M., R. C. A.
Lenahan, J., 63rd H. R.
Lindsay, A. C, N. W. M. P.
Lockwood, A., 68th K. C. B.
Lowry, T. P., 66th P. L. F.
McDonald, C, 66th P. L F.
McDonald, D. C, ist R. C. A.
jNIacLean, W. J., nil.
McDonald, G., 66th P. L. F.
Miller, C, 75th L. B.
Miller, R., ist R.,C. A.
Munnis, M., 63rd H. B.
Muir, F., ist R., C. A.
Murray, N. G., nil.
Murray, A., D. Y. R. C. H.
McAldin, R., 66th P. L. F.
McCallum, B., nil.
McCallum, G. D.,93rdC. B.
McDougalI, H. A., sth R. S.
McLean, A., R. C. A.
McNab, F., 63rd H. R.
Neily, R. L., 68th K. C. B.
O'Brien, E., ySth C. and H. B.
Oxley,W., 93rdC. B.
Oulton, H., 93rdC. B.
Osborn, D., ml.
Parkes, F. S. 3rd F. B. C. A.
Patterson, A., 63rd H. R.
Parker, A., 68th K. C. B.
Pollock, W. J., 66th P. L. F.
Purcell, E. S., 66th P. L. F.
Purcell, L. A., ôsrd H. R.
Regan, W. J., 68th P. L. F.
Rector, R., gsrd C. B.
Roche, W., 66th P. L. F.
Rose, J. E.,66th P. L. F.
Rose, F.,63rdH. R.
Roue, J. F. L., C. A. M. S. C.
Ross, R., ist K., C. A.
Ross, W. J., ist R. C. A.
Robertson, A., 3rd V. R.
Rudland, R., ist R. C. A.
Reid, W., nil.
Ryan, D. J.,66thP. L. F.
Simmons, W., 66th P. L. F.
Sloan, R., ist R., C. A.
Swinyard, W. R. C. A.
Stuart, G. W.,66thP. L. F.
Taylor.F. A. E., 63rd H. R.
Tester, S., 2nd R., C. A.
Trider, A., ist R., C. A.
Trueman, W. E., 78th C. and H. B.
Walker, W. A., 66th P. L. F.
\Vash,T. J., 66th P. L. F.
Ward, E., 66th P. L. F.
Walke, C. W. J.,66th P. L. F.
Woods, D. L., 63rd H. R.
Wright, P., 63rdH. R.
Zong, A. E.,66thP. L. F.
SECOND CONTINGENT
tbe Canadian Illounud Hitles
Jst Battalion
Commanding OflScer.
Lessard, F. L., Lieutenant-Colonel, Royal Canadian Dragooos.
Nortk-West,i8S3.
Slajors.
2ND IK COMMAND.
Evans, T. B. D., Lieutenant-Colonel, Royal Canadian Drageons.
Noxth- Wist, 1885.
"A" Squadron
COMMANDING SgUADRON.
Forester, W., Capt. R. C. D.
Captain.
Pearse. C. St. A., Capt. R . C. D.
Lieutenants.
ist Troop : Elmsley, J. A.,Lieut. R.
C. D.
2nd Troop : Cockburn, H. Z. C. Capt.
G.-G. li. G.
3rd Troop : VanLuven, R. M., Capt.
4ihH.
4th Troop : King, A. H., Major ist H.
(Supernumerary) Sutton, F. H. C,
Capt. R. C. D.
B" Squadron.
CoMMANDlNG SqUADRON.
Williams, V . A. S.. Capt. R. C. A.
Captai.v.
Greenwood, H. S., Lient. -Col. 3rd D.
Graduate R. M. C.
Lieutenants.
ist Troop : Van Straubenzee, C. T.,
Lieut. R. C. D.
2nd Troop : Young, F. V., 2nd Lieut.
M. D.
Afghan U'ar, jSjç-So-S/. North-
li't'si, /SSj.
3rd Troop : U'urner, R. E. VV., Capt.
Q. O.C. H.
4ih '1 roop : liorden, H. L., Major K.
C. H.
24
i68
LIST OF THE SECOND CONTINGENT
Adjutant.
Nelles, C. M., Capt. R. C. D.
Noth- We^i, 1885.
QUARTER-M ASTER.
Wynne, J. H., Capt. 2nd R., C. A.
Fenîan Raid, tSjo.
Médical Officer.
Duflf, H. R., Sur. -Major, 4th H.
Transport Officer.
Harrison, C. F., Capt. 8thH.
Noth- IVest, iSSj.
Veterinary Officer.
Hall, W. B., Vet. Major R. C D.
2nd BATTALION
Herchmer, Lieutenant-Colonel L. W., Commissioner N . W. M. P.
" C " Squadron
C0MMANDING Squadron.
Howe, Major J., Supt. N. W. M. P.
Norih- U 'est, 1885.
Captain.
Macdonell, A. C, Insp. N. W. M. P.
Lieutenants.
ist Troop : Moodie, J. D., Insp. N.
W. M. P.
and Troop: Bégin, J. V., Insp. N.
W. M. P.
3rd Troop : Wroughton, T. A., Insii.
N. W. M. P.
4th Troop : Inglis, W. M., late Capt.
Berkshire Regt.
" D" Squadron
COMMANDING SqUADRON.
Sanders, Major G. E., Supt. N. W.
M. P. GraduateR. M. C.
North- West, 1S85.
Captain.
Cuthbert, A. E. R., Insp. N . W. M. P.
Lieutenants.
«st Troop : Davidson, H. J. A., Insp.
N. W. M. P.
South A/rica, iS^q-So. North- IVesi,
lS8s.
and Troop: Chalmers, T. W., formerly
Lieut. M. G. A. ; late Inspecter
N. W. M. P. Graduate R. M. C.
North-lVest,i8Ss.
3rd Troop : Taylor, J., Lieut. Man-
itoba Dragoons.
North- IVest, iSSj.
4th Troop : Cosby, F. L., Insp. N. W.
M. P.
Machine Gun Section.
Bliss, D. C. F., Major Reserve of
Officers.
North- IVest, iSSj.
Howard, A. L., Lieut. Unattached List.
Norih- West, 18S5.
Adjutant.
Baker, Capt. M., Insp. N. W. M. P.
North- U'esi, 1885.
Quartermaster.
Allan, Capt. J. B., Insp. N. W. M. P.
Médical Officer.
Devine, J. A., Surgeon-Lieut. goth
Battalion.
Transport Officer.
Eustace, Lieut. R. VV. B.
Veterinary Officbb.
Riddell, Vet. -Lieut. R.
LIST OF THE SECOND CONTINGENT
169
Nurses.
HeTcum, Miss D., Senior Nurse,
Montréal.
Home, Miss M., Q., Montréal.
Macdonald, Miss M., Pictou, N. S.
Richardbon, Miss M. P., Regina, N.
W. T.
Chaplains.
Sinnett, Rev. J. C. (Roman Catholic).
Lane, Rev. W. G. (Methodist).
Cox, Rev. W. J. (Church of Éngland).
Attached for Spécial Duties.
Gordon, W. D., Lieut.-Col. Canadian
Staff.
Boulanger, T. L., Major ist Québec
Field Battery, C. A.
Burch, J. E., Lient. 2nd Dragoons.
Biggar, J. L., Major isth Argyll Light
Infantry. To be attached on arrivai
to Army Service Corps.
McDonald, J. A., Lieut. Sand Queen's
County Battalion. To be attached
on arrivai to First Contingent.
Canadian Commissioner British
Red Cross Society.
Ryerson, G. S., Surgeon Lieut.-Col.,
Toronto, Ont.
Postal Corps.
Eccleston, Lieut. W.R., Chief in charge.
Johnston, R.
Lallier, J.
Bedell, F. B.
Murray, K. A.
Représentative of thb
Y. M. A. C
Best, Thomas F., Brantford, Ont.
SECOND CONTINGENT
p' Battalion Canadien mounted Rifles
Regfimental Staff
Corps — If not belonging io any CorJ>s, Post Office Address.
R. S. M., Page, J. C, R. C. D.
Q. M. S., Graham, J., R. C. D.
Fr. Q. M. S., Simpkins, G. J., R. C. U,
O. R. S.,Dalton, P., R.C. D.
Sergt. Tp., Inglis, L. J. S., R. C. D.
Arm. Sergt., CarroU, D. J., R. C. D.
Tran. Sergt., Skinner, A. R., R. C. D.
Sadlr. Sergt., Dunning, J. F., Ottawa.
"A" Squadron
Corfs — T/noi belonging io any Cor^s, Pat Office Address.
S. S. M., Widgery, T.. A S., R. C. D.
S. Q. M. S., Hunt, B., B S., R. C. D.
Sergt. Rhoades, W., A S., R. C. D.
" FuUer, H. F., A S., R.C. D.
" Hudson, G., A S., R. C. D.
S. Farr., Harraden, C. F., A S.,R.C.D.
Sergt. Smith, W. T., A S., R. C. D.
Till, L. A., A S., R. C. D.
Steer, E. A., A S., R. C. D.
Purdon, E. L., yth H .
" Terrill, W.H.,3raP. W. C. D.
Corpl. O'Connell, M., R. C. R. I.
" McDonald, A. A., ist H.
" Latremouille, S.,A S.,R.C. D.
" Bennett, J., 2nd D.
" Cartwright, J. W., 2nd D.
Price, P. R., 3rd P. W. C. D.
Willoughby, A. G., 3rd P. W.
C. D.
" Callahan, M. J.,AS.,R.C.D.
Corpl. S. S., Lovegrove, A. J., G. G.
B. G.
Prîvate.
Agassiz, R. H. G., and D.
Allen, E. B., Windsor, Ont.
Allum, D., znd D.
Anderson, C. E., A S., R. C. D.
Anderson, C. H., gth F. B., C. A.
Anderson, W. L., Ayr, Ont.
Anderson, W. J., i3thH. B.
Ardiel, E., ist H.
Baldwin, E., and D.
Bâtes, E., A S., R. C. D.
Baxter, J.,G. G. B. G.
Beaton, A., R. C. R. I.
Beers, L. M., and Q. 0. R.
Bishop, W. G., 163 Stanley St., Mont
, W. Q., A S., R. C. D.
LIST OV THE SECOND CONTINGENT
171
Prîvaie— Corps— 1/ noi belongîng io any Corps, Post Office Address.
Brown, A. W., A S., R. C. D.
P.lown, F., G. G. B. G.
Brown, J. B., srd D.
Bouchard, A., 45 St. Marguerite, Que.
Bowman, N., sSth D. R.
Builder, V. D., 381)1 D. R.
Burnett, S., G. G. B. G.
Burritt, J. W., 86 Wellesley St., Tor.
Butler, A., Lieut. ist P. W. R. F.
Butterfield, W. J., A S., R. C. D.
Campbell, G., 22nd Ox. R.
Ca.Tipbell, J. E., Orangeville, Ont.
Cameron, H. P., 3rd P. W. C. D.
Chambers, E., loih R. G.
Clark, J., A S., R. C. D.
Clendenning, G. M., 2nd D.
Cline, S., 25th E. B.
CoUins, G. H. A., P. L. D. G.
Cook,C., A S., R. C. D.
Cooper, C, A S., R. C. D.
Cordingly, VV. E., G. G. B. G.
Crowe, D. J., 27th St. C. B.
DeLisle, C. D., 48thH.
DeRochejacquelain, A., Cleveland, ().
Dougall, W., D. Y. R. C. H.
Daoust, D., G. G. B. G.
Duguid, J. F.,48thH.
Dunsmore, R. J , A S., R. C D.
Eagleson, E., A S., R. C. D.
ElUot, W. V., D. Y. R. C.
England, G.,2nd D.
Evans, W. L., P. L. D. G.
Farrel, J.,G. G. B. G.
Filson, E. A., Amherst Islands, Ont.
Fitzgerald, E., A S., R. C. D.
Flemming, G. E., 3rd D.
Forbes, G. A., ist H.
Fraser, J. E., 26th M. L. I.
GiflFord, T. A., 34th Ont. B.
Glover, W. M. ist H.
Gold, W. S., Beauly, Scotland.
Graham, G. C, P. L. D. G.
Gurnett, E., 2nd Q. O. R.
Hall, A. J., 57th P. B.
Hampton, W. J., 3rd D.
Harbottle, F., 195 Avenue Road, Tor.
Karman, J. W., 38 Mission Ave., Tor.
Hartman, F., I2th Y. R.
Harper, J. S., 4ist B. R.
Hagan, J., loth R. G.
Henry, A., 215 Beverley St., Tor.
Héron, J. B., oth F. B., C. A.
Hiam, H., D. Y. R. C. H.
HiUyard, A. E., yA D.
Hibbett, J., A S., R. C. D.
Hodgson, W., A S., R. C. D.
Hopkins, J. A., A S., R. C. D.
Holland, E. J., P. L. D. G.
Horner, H. R. C. R. I.
Hull, M. A., P. L. D. G.
Hubbard, J., 3oth W. R.
Hughes, N., A S., R. C. D.
HuUett, A., 2nd D.
Inglis, A. G., A S., R. C. D.
James, M., 7th F.
JefTerson, J., 2nd D.
Jenkins, V., 52 High St., Edinburgh,
Scotland.
Johnson, I., G. G. B. G.
Johnston, R. G., 3rd D.
Jordan, J., 2ndQ. O. R.
Keohler, C. H., A S., R. C. D.
Kinsley, W. A., syth H. R.
Landels, A. F., P. L. D. G.
Looseiiore, H. H., Toronto.
Lougheed, D., ist H.
Low, J. W., A S.,R. C. D.
Lyon, H. H., G. G. B. G.
McCanhy, P., G. G. B. G.
McCulla, J. \V.,N. W. M. P.
McCusker, F., 2nd D.
IMcGahey, J. W., A S, R. C. D.
MoGee, C. E., P. L. D. G.
Mclllroy, F., 335 DovercourtRd., Tor.
Mcintosh, 4ist B. R.
Mciver, M., A S., R. CD.
McKibben, D. M., G. G. B. G.
McRae, G. A., 598 Collège St., Tor.
Marsh, C. S., ist H.
Marshall, H. W., N. W. M. P.
Maycock, W. R., ist H.
M.iyne, Jos., B S., R. C. D.
Metcalfe, F., Kingston, Ont.
Miles, F., R. C. R. I.
Middïeton, J., 16 Collier St., Tor.
Mitchell, W., A S., R. C. D.
Moluskey, W . E., 2nd D.
Morrison, W. J., I2th Y. R.
Morrison, W. T., G. G. B. G.
Mulloy, L. W. R., P. L. D. G.
Muir, W. B., A S., R. C. D.
Manroe, J. H., R. C. R. I.
O'Brien, J. J., G. G. B. G.
Palmer, G. D., 2nd D.
Pearce, W., A S., R. C. D.
Pelton, R. J., P. L. D. G.
Peck, F. C, Jeannette's Creek.
Potts, J., Bella Bav, Ireland.
Price, P. R., 3rd D.
Purdon, E. L., D. Y. R. C. H.
Ratcliffe, A., 2nd D.
Reynolds, R. H., ist H.
Richardson, A. M., A S., R. C. D.
Robinson, R. R., Consecon, Ont.
Robinson, R. S., 103 Augusta, Av., Tor.
Roche, H. E., G. G. F. G.
Ross, A., I4th P. W. O. R.
Richardson, G., R. C. R. I.
Richardson, J., ist H.
See, D.,9thF. B., C. A.
Scott, C. D., D. Y. R. C. H.
Semple, \V. C, i6th F. B., C. A.
Shaw, C. E.,R. C. R. L
Shipp.T. P., A S., R. C. D.
Slatcr, K. J., P. L. D. G.
Smart, D., 15 Claremont St., Glasgow,
Scotland.
Sparks, J., Hamilton, Ont.
172
LIST OF THE SECOND CONTINGENT
Privaie — Cirpi—If noi belongîng to any Corps, Post Office Address.
Spence, D. M., sjth P. B.
Spicer, R. W. E., Schiller House.Tor.
Spink, W. B., 2nd Q. G. R.
Smith, G., G. G. B. G.
Smith H., Bratts Avely, Essex, Eng.
Stewart, M. E.. Niagara Falls, Ont.
Stonor, A. F., Ascott, Eng.
Sully, W. P., D. Y. R. C. H.
Taylor, H. J., 2nd D.
Terrill, W. H., srdD.
Thornton, F., A S., R. C. D.
Thompson, E., Deloraine, Man.
Tilley, W., istH.
Tripp, E. H., ist H.
Townley, W. J., G. G. B. G.
Trusler, A., syth P. B.
Turner, A. W., 3rd D.
Van Every, C. P., 2nd D.
Vine, J., A S., R. C. D.
Vizard, A. H., A S., R. C. D.
Walker, J. H., G. G. B. C
Wandley, E., A S., R. C. D.
Warren, D. J., G. G. B. G.
Wasson, P., srd P. W. C. D.
Wheatley, W. J., G. G. B. G.
Wigle, M. S., istH.
Wiçle, L., istH.
WiUoughby, A. G., srd P. W. C. D.
Winyard, W., A S., R. C. D.
Wyatt, F., A S., R. C. D.
Wright, W., istH.
Young, D. D., G. G. B. G.
" B " Squadron
Corps — Ifnoi belongîng to any Corps, Post Office Address.
S. S. M., McMiUan, Alex., B S., R.
CD.
S. Q. M. S., Sparks, J. R., B S., R.
C. D.
Sergt. Dyer, W. A., B S., R. Ç. D.
McLeod, W., B S., R. C. D.
Allison, H., B S., R. C. D.
" Bisset, W., Q. O. C. H.
" Hayward, G. F., 3rd D.
" Ryan, R. H., R. ot O.
Arnold, R. H., Lient. 8th H.
" Bradner, Jos., B. I. C.
Sergt. Farr. Spencer, Jas., Man. D.
Corpl. Square, Harold, B S., R. C. D.
Whitlow, F., B S., R. C. D.
" Harriot, J., Man. D.
" Carter, A., Man. D.
Hollid.iy, W. J., Q. O. C. H.
Pope, H. B., Q. O. C. H.
Parks, J. H., Lient. 8th H.
" Markham, R. F.,2nd Lt. 8thH.
Corpl. S. S., Warrian, J. S., Win-
nipeg, Man.
Privaie.
Allen, Cecil Crowder, B S., R. C. D.
Arnold, Arch. F., Yorkton, N. W. T.
Armstrong, B. R., Capt. 3rd R., C. A.
Ault, Alfred E., AuItsviUe, Ont.
Baker, Sydney Chas., B S., R. C. D.
Barton, Percy, Westmount, Mont.
Beckwith, B. M., H.-ilifax, N. S.
Bell, W. H.,8thH.
Bellamy, Geo. A., M.in. D.
Bettle, F., 62nd St. J. F.
Berg, Fred., 105 St. Félix St., Mont.
Bing, Andrew Blyth, Médical Collège,
Winnipeg, Man.
Boulton, D'Arcy E., Russel, Man.
Brand, Wm E., R.it Portage, Ont.
Brown, John J., Man. D.
Carter, Gerald St. Léger, Man. D.
Church, J., Gorevale Pk., Toronto, O.
Clarkson, Jos. Stone, B. I. C.
Cope, Edgar Cuthbert, Man. D.
Cummings, Hugo M.,Q. O. C. H.
Currie, Claud Vernon, Winnipeg, Man.
Dean, J. W., Halifax, N. S.
Danby, Ed. Sherman, Winnipeg, Man.
Dawson, Wm., B S., R. C. D.
de Balinghard.J. C, Yorkton, N.W. T.
Dill, C. E., 270 AdelaideSt., Tor.,0.
Dix, MacnamaraH., Winnipng, Man.
Dixon, Jas. Albert, 86th T. R. B.
Douglas, Henry S., Winnipeg, Man.
Doyle, F. L., 74th B., Sussex, N. B.
Drought, Thomas, Morris, Man.
Drummond, Leopold, B S., R. CD.
Elmhurst, Fred. Jas., B S., R. C. D.
Findley, John, B S., R. C. D.
Fraser, James Ross, D. Y. R. C. H.
Fovvler, James, sth D.
George, John Martin, B S., R. C. D.
Gray, Arthur W., B S., R. C. D.
Hagen, T., 92 McGill St.' Toronto, O.
Harvey, John Jas., Man. D.
Hawkins, J. F., 7ist Y. B.
Hayden, Daniel, B S., R. C D.
Head, Wilfrid Robt., B S., R. C. D.
Hawkins, Wm. Jas., Man. D.
Hilder, Albert Ed., Man. D.
Hobbs, B.,B S., R. C. D.
Hood, Alex. Young, Winnipeg, Man.
Hoy, Chas. Norman, D. Y. R. C. H.
Hubbard, Fred. W., Canning, N. S.
Hyry, Peter, B S., R. C. D.
Irvine, Jo. Hume, Man. D.
Jay, Wm. James, sth D.
Kaven, John, Winnipeg, Man.
Keiller, James, Man. D.
Kelly, W. D., 199 Berkeley St., Tor-
onto, Ont.
Key, Walter, Winnipeg, Man.
LIST OF THE SECOND CONTINGENT
173
Prîvate — Corps — 1/ not belonging to any Corps, Post Office Address.
Kingsley, Alex. R., 58 Fort St., Mont.
Lawson, F. W., 8th H.
Leavitt, A., 62nd St. J. F.
Linden, Thos. E., B S., R. C. D.
Litile, Andrew, B S., R. C. D.
Lobbin, John M., Q. O. C. H.
Lockhart, J. H., 74th B., Sussex, N.B.
Lord, John Wm., B S., R. C. D.
Macafee, Thos. R., B S., R. C. D.
MacCaffrey, John J., Kentville, N. S.
Mackay, John D., B S., R. C. D.
Wackintosh, A. C., B. I. C.
McMillan, L. C.,93rdC. B.
McCuUey, J. R., 8ih H .
Mcintosh, A . L., 62nd St. J. F.
Mcintyre, R., 62nd St. J. F.
McClintock, Guy, B S , R. C. D.
McGregor, Sara. J., B. I. C.
McKelvie, Albert, Man. D.
Merchant, E., 100 Loampit Vale, Le-
wisham, Kent, Eng.
Mallory, E. P.,62ndSt. J. F.
Marriott, Thos. H., Man. D.
Marshall, Herbert N., D. Y. R. C. H.
Massie, J. O., Sweetsburg, P. Q.
Metzler, H., 2nd Lient. 74th B., Sus-
sex, N . B.
Miller, L. R., Lawrencetown, N. S.
Moody, H. D., 218 McCaul St., Tor.
Morrison, D. A., 8th H.
Iklorrison, F. S., 8th H.
Moorehouse, A. H., 2nd Lient. 74th B.,
Sussex, N.B.
Mortimore, E. A., Catford Bridge,
London, Eng.
Newton. C. R. B., D. Y. R. C. H.
Nilant, J.,62ndSt. J. F.
Othern, Chas. R., B. I. C.
Qwen, Clarence C, 5th D.
Palmer, Henry, B S., R. C. D.
Pawsey, A. J., Gore, HantsCc, N. S.
Pickworth, A., 479 Huron St., Tor.
Ramsay, David Law, B S., R. C. D.
Rae, John Graham, 6th H.
Rea, Louis Aytoun, Winnipeg, M.in.
Reid, W. J., Holland Landing, Ont.
Reid, George, Toronto.
Kidley, Thomas, B S., R. C. D.
Roberts, Arthur H., Man. D.
Roberts, PercyC. F., D. Y. R. C. H.
Robinson, Geo. M., Como, Que.
Rodger, Wm. D., B S., R. C. D.
Rose, Edward Percy, Médical Collège,
\Vinnipeg.
Russell, Richard, sth D.
Ryan, J. T., Sth H.
Kyan, Bertram, Man. D.
Ryan, W. Cuthbert, Man. D.
Ryerson, A. E., 215 Bathurst St., Tor.
Sanford, E. A., Canning, N. S.
Shea, Isaac, Pendleton, Ont.
Simpson, John, Morden, Man.
Sinclair, James, Yorkton, N. \V. T.
Snyder, Wm. H., Berwick, N. S.
Stevenson, H. T., Sth H.
Stevens, C, A S., R. C. D.
Sterrett, J. S., Halifax, N. S.
Thompson, John, B S., R. C. D.
Thompson, S. H., 39 Assiniboine Ave.,
Winnipeg, Man.
Thompson, T. A., Oxford, N. S.
Treadkill, James, Man. D.
Todt, Théodore F., sth D.
Turner, Albert, B S., R. C. D.
Tylor, Montagne H., B S., R. C. D.
Venning, W. E., 62nd St. J. F.
Wallace, F. W., Man. D.
Ward, Wm. H, B. I. C.
White, J. W., Toronto, Ont.
White, Henry B., Waterville, N. S.
W'ilkinson, Thomas, Man. D.
Wood, JohnT., Man. D.
Woods, Robert A., B S., R. C. D.
Wurtele, G. E.,Q.O. C. H.
2nd BATTALION
Prîvate— Corps — If not belongittg to any Corps, Post Office Address.
Adams, David Egerton, Edmonton.
Aston, Geoffrey H., N. W\ M. P.
Aspinall, Alfred, N. W. M. P.
Avery, Walter, Maple Creek.
Ayre, Charles, N. W. M. P.
Aylesworth, John E., N. W. M. P
Bagshawe, >laurice Jos., N. W. M.
Baines, Harry Hewiit, Calgary.
P.
Barker, Joseph Martin, Calgary.
Barry, John, Moosomin.
Baldwin, Henry Yardwood, Regina.
Ballantine, James Alex., N . W. M. P.
Bail, John Éverett, Edmonton.
Bassett, Percy, Calgary.
Bell, Walter D., Maitland, Calgary.
Bell, Campbell, Maple Creek.
174
LIST OF THE SECOND CONTINGENT
Private — Corps— If 7iot belonging io any Corps, Posi Office Address.
Beyts, Stanley Buxton, N. W. M. P.
Beyts, Walter James, N. W. M. P.
Biddell, Percy James, Calgary.
Birney, John Andrew, Calgary.
Bird, Arthur Lewis, N. W. M. P.
Bird, Thos. Albert, Prince Albert.
Biscoe, Vincent Henry, N. W. M. P.
Blake, James Aug., N. W.. M. P.
Border, John Wesley, Regina.
Bourne, Lutwidge Edward, Macleod.
Bolster, George, Pincher Creek.
Boit, Herbert George, Calgary.
Bradley, Wm. Arthur, N. W. M. P.
Bredin, Henry Hall, Calgarj-.
Bredin, Andrew Noble, N. W. M. P.
Brewster, John Nipissing, Macleod.
Brindle, Herbert James, N. W. M. P.
Brinkworth, George W., N. W. M. P.
Brown, George A., Regina.
Brown, Hector J., N. W. M. P.
Brown, Thomas, B. C. Volunteers.
Brown, Arthur Herbert, Calgary.
Brown, Villiers Sidney, Calgary.
Brown, John Henry, Moosomin.
Bruce, Edgar Francis, N. W. M. P.
Bryans, Thomas, 2oth L. R.
Burke, James Alex., N. W. M. P.
Burke, Patrick, N. W. M. P.
Butler, Arthur Charles, Macleod.
Burke, Wm. Henry, N. W. M. P.
Brennan, Robert James, N. W. M. P.
Callaghan, Thomas, Maple Creek.
Camies, Ernest Jos., N. W. M. P.
Campbell, Aaron Wm., Edmonton.
Carson, Thomas Edgar, N. W. M. P.
Carter, Wm., Regina.
Carter, John, N. W. M. P.
Charlton, Henry Lyons, N. W. M. P.
Champion, Albert, N. W. M. P.
Charles, Allan Hughes, N. W. M. P.
Church, Frank, N. W. M. P.
Clarke, Douglas, Prince Albert.
Clark, Edward Douglas, Edmonton.
Clendinnen, Bertram Wm., N. W. M. P.
Colbert, James Alfred, N. W. M. P.
Courtney, Thomas James, Halifax.
Crawley, Alfred Wm., Pincher Creek.
Cudlip, Albert James, Pincher Creek.
Cunningham, Wm. Percy, N. W. M. P.
Cléments, Harry Ham., N. W. M. P.
Davies, Henry Bromley, Calgary.
Davis, JeflFerson, Calgary.
Davy, George Allastair, Edmonton.
Davidson, Frank, N. W. M. P.
Des Barres, Hermann, N. W. M. P.
De Rossiter, Walter W., N. W. M. P.
Dewey, John, Calgary.
Dennis, Oliver George, Edmonton.
Dean, Albert, Regina.
Dill, Frank Brown, Moosomin.
Dickson, Robert Thos., Pincher Creek.
Dodd, Victor, Regina.
Donovan, Daniel, N. W. M. P.
Doolan, John Thomas, Edmonton.
Donnelly, Austin John, Pincher Creek.
Doré, George L., Pincher Creek.
Dowler, Thomas, Macleod.
Drury, Percival S., Maple Creek.
Duxbury, Thomas, Pincher Creek.
Durrant, Wm. Francis, Macleod.
Durie, James Douglas, Calgary.
D'Easum, Basil Chichester, Edmonten.
Eaton, Robert Barry, Calgary.
Eddv, James Harden, Macleod.
Egan, Peter, N. W. M. P.
Elkington, Alfred Jos., N. W. M. P.
EUis, Percy, Regina.
Krmatinger, Charles P., N. W. M. P.
Erwin, Milton, Macleod.
Esson, Charles, Macleod.
l'erguson, George, Edmonton.
Ferries, Charles Henry, Calgary.
Fisk, Charles Edward, Calgary.
Fisher, James, Calgary.
Fitzgerald, Francis Jos., N. W. M. P.
Fletcher, James, Calgary.
Flynn, Wm. Bernard, Maple Creek.
Foran, Charles Joseph, Macleod.
Forbes, Lestock Reid, Calgary.
Fortune, Andrew Park, K. W. M. P.
Foster, Wm. Wallace, Maple Creek.
Fotheringham, David H., N. W. M. P.
French, Fred., Spécial N. W. M. P.
French, John Poyntz, N. W. M. P.
Frost, Walter, Calgary.
(ialwey, Richard M., Pincher Creek.
Geoghegan, John, N. W. M. P.
(jiles, Wm. A., Edmonton.
Gladwin, James Muir, N. W. M. P.
Glover, Fred. Stanley, Pincher Creek.
Goodfellow, George, Maple Creek.
Gordon, George Fred., N. W. M. P.
(ioodman, Théodore, Regina.
Gould, Goodwin N., Pincher Creek.
(iow, Alex. Murray. Moosomin.
(;ray, John Wm., N. W. M. P.
(iray, Wm., Macleod.
(ireenall, Frank, Calgary.
(îreen, Herbert Frank, Pincher Creek.
(.ireen, Grishorn W., Pincher Creek.
Green, Arthur E. C, N. W. M. P.
Griesbach, Wm. Antrobus, Edmonton.
(iroat, Forbies, Edmonton.
Gunn, Henry Aitken, Pincher Creek.
Haddock, Alex. Gardner, N. W. M. P.
Hammond, Wm. Henry, Regina.
Hanna, Wm. Henry, Edmonton.
Harris, Wm. James, St. Charles P. O.
Harle>, Thomas, Calgary.
Hayne, Murray H. Ed., N. W. M. P.
llead, Henry Arthur, N. W. M. P.
Healey, John May, N. W. M. P.
Hendren, George Grant, N. W. M. P.
Henry, Wm. Alex., Macleod.
Herchmer, Sherwood, Regina.
Hertzog, Wm. N. W. M. P.
Hewetson, John S., Pincher Creek.
Higinbotham, Wm. B., N. W. M. P.
LIST OF THE SECOND CONTINGENT
1/5
Privât e — Corps — If not belongîng io any Corps, Post Office Address.
HiUing, Thos. James, N. W. M. P.
Hilliam, Edward, N. W. M. P.
Hobbins, Samuel, Calgary.
Hodgkiss, Sidney Harry, EdmonUm.
Houlgate, Henry Laune, Calgary.
Howden, Gordon T., N. W. M. P.
Huckell, Benjamin Wm., Halifax.
Hughes, Thomas Price, N. W. M. P.
Hughes, Louis Campbell, Calgary.
Hughey, John, Regina.
Hutchinson, Charles Edward, Calgary.
Jackson, Frank Andrew, Edmonton.
Jamieson, Fred. Charles, Edmonton.
larvis, Arthur Byron, N. W. M. P.
jeffery, Nichol, N. W. M, P.
Jenkins, Horace, Regina.
Johnson, Norman S., Pincher Creek.
Johnston, Douglas F., Pincher Creek.
Johnstone, Andrew, N. W. M. P.
Kelley, PercyH., A Troop, Man. D.
Kerrigan, Michael, N. W. M. P.
Kerr, Graham, Moosomin.
Kerr, Robert John, Pincher Creek.
Kibby, Albert, Macleod.
King, Raymond Spencer, Edmonton.
King, George, Maple Creek.
King, John Edward, N. W. M. P.
Kirwan, Henry John, Calgary.
Knight, Reginad S., N. W . M. P.
Krag, Cari, Regina.
Lane, Harry Goldney, N. W. M. P.
Laroque, Joseph Arthur, N. W. M. P.
Lawe, Alex. Wrightson, Regina.
Laws, Burnett, Macleod.
Leach, Richard, N. W. M. P.
Leach, Frank É., Graduate R. M. C.
Lee, Hugh, Calgary.
Leggat, Matthew, St. Charles, P. Q.
Lett, Henry, N. W. M. P.
Lett, Richard, N. W. M. P.
Lindsay, John, Edmonton.
Lloyd, Benjamin Harry, Calgary.
Long, John Franklin, Calgary.
Long, Arthur Tilney, Regina.
Long, James Patrick, Regina.
McArthur, John, Macleod.
McCallum, Archibald Duncan, Regina.
McCall, Wallace, Maple Creek.
McCallum, Louis, Calgary.
McCauley, Alex. Jas. H., Edmonton.
McClelland, Wm., N. W. M. P.
McCulloch, F. Sergt. D.,N.W.M. P.
McDougall, Duncan, N. W. M. P.
Macdougall, Harold Vald., Macleod.
McGeachy, Thomas, Edmonton.
McKay, Charles Tossell, Calgary.
McKen, Wm., Regina.
Mackenna, Robert Jos., N. W. M. P.
McK-inley, Alex., Edmonton.
McLaughlin, Stanley, N. W. M. P.
McLaughlin, Sidney, N. W. M. P.
McLaughlin, P. Jas. S..N. W. M. P.
McLeod, Wm. Baldwin, N. W. M. P.
McLeod, Robt. Wm., N . W. M. P.
McMillan, Charles John, Regina.
MacNeil, Alfred C, Prince Albert.
McNeill, James, Calgary.
McNeil, Malcolm Reid, Moosomin.
McNicol, John, Regina.
McNicol, Peter Hector, Regina.
Maloney, Jos. Daniel, Edmonton.
Marchand, Charles H., Edmonton.
Marshall, Edward, Calgary.
Martin, Harry James, N. W. M. P.
Manson, James Reid, N. W. M. P.
Mead, Clément C, Pincher Creek.
Miller, Hugh, Regina.
Miles, Thomas R., Pincher Creek.
IMiles, Henry V. W., Pincher Creek.
Millie, Samuel Bouchier, N. W. M. P.
Moloney, Albert Charles, Edmonton.
Mongeon, Joseph, Pincher Creek.
Mooney, John, Prince Albert.
Morden, James Fred., Pincher Creek.
Morrison, Alf. S.,Col.-Sgt. gothW. R.
Morrison, Donald, Regina.
More, Peter James, N. W. M. P.
MuUen, William James, Edmonton.
Napier, William Hugh, N. W. M. P.
Near, Benjamin, Regina.
Nettleton, Thorn, Moosomin.
Nevile, Herbert Sandford, Moosomin.
Northway, Richard John, Calgary.
Nunneley, Edward, Edmonton.
O'Grady, Samuel C. H., N. W. M. P.
O'Kelly, Andrew Nolan, N. W. M. P.
O'Kelly, Gerald M., N. W. M. P.
Oliver, Walter R., N. W. M. P.
Olsen, Jas. A., Prince Albert, N. W.T.
Ouimet, Télesphore O., N. W. M. P.
Paling, Ernest John, Calgary.
Parker, Frank Edward, Regina.
Patterson, Francis David, Calgary.
Paterson, John Alexander, Macleod.
Palteson, Thomas Edward, Macleod.
Peebles, Herbert Walter, Edmonton.
Perry, Frank, N. W. M P.
Peters, Christopher R., N. W. M. P.
Petersen, Charles Frank, Regina.
Pierson, Alan, Edmonton.
Piper, Somerton F., Regina.
Pifer, William Warren, N. W. M. P.
Pointon, F., N. W. M. P., Spl. Con.
Pope, Harold William, N. W. M. P.
Porter, William Tom, Calgary.
Pratt, Frank Edward, Regina.
Quinn, David George, N. W. M. P.
Ramsay, Thomas M., Pincher Creek.
Randall, Reginald Chadd S., Regina.
Râper, Arthur C , Pincher Creek.
Reeve, George H., N. W. M. P.
Redpath, John R., Pincher Creek.
Reichert, Edward, N. W. M. P.
Reid, William Archibald, Edmonton.
Kitchie, James, N. W. M. P.
Robertson, Alistair Irvine, Macleod.
Robertson, John, N. W. M. P.
Robinson, Charles Wilson, Regina.
176
LIST OF THE SECOxN'D CONTINGENT
Privaie — Corps — If not belonging io any Corps, Pcst Office Addreit.
Rochfort, Cowper Fred. W., Regina.
Rogers, Edmund Harper, Calgary.
Ross, Arthur, N. W. M. P.
Ross, Grant Allan, Regina.
Rubbra, Frank Horace, N. W. M. P.
Rubbra, Théodore Charles, Macleod.
Ruck, Lawr., Carnarvon, X. Wales.
Russell, John, Edmonton.
Ruth, Frederick C, N. W. M. P.
Salmon, George Francis, Moosomin.
Sargent, John Beresford, Regina.
Schell, Joseph John, Edmonton.
Scott, Thomas, Macleod.
Sexton, Frank, N. W. M. P.
Shobbrook, Heber, Moosomin.
Sharp, Lance, Edmonton.
Sharpe, Stanley Lancelot, Moosomin.
Sharpe, George Grinley, Regina.
Sheppard, Walter F., N. W. M. P.
Sheppard, Reginald Harry, Regina.
Shunn, Abner, N, W. M. P.
Simms, John, Calgarj*.
Stewart, John Poster, Macleod.
Skeet, Ronald Geo. S., N. W. M. P.
Skinner, Wm. Paxton, Pincher Creek.
Slack, Charles John, Calgary.
Smart, James, Âlaple Creek.
Smith, Reuben, Prince Albert.
Smith, Henry Daniel, Edmonton.
Smith, James Alpin, N. W. M. P.
Smith, Cavin Graham, Regina.
Smith, Ovide, Pincher Creek.
Smith, William Cunningham, Regina.
Soper, Fred. Percy W., N. W. M. P.
Soubê, Angus, Pincher Creek.
Spreadbury, Alfred, N. W. M. P.
Sprott, William, Edmonton.
Stayner, Richard W., N. W. M. P.
Stephens, Reginald Herbert, Regina.
Stevens, Robert C. H., N. W. M. P.
Storey, Arthur, K. W. M. P.
Strong, Harold, N. W. M. P.
Talbot, Milton Smith, Regina.
Taylor, Sydney, Calgary.
Taylor, John Edward, Macleod.
Taylor, Frank Joseph, Edmonton.
Taylor, Joseph Robert, X. W. M. P.
Thackwell, Edward Hillyar, Calgary .
Threadkell, Frank, N. W. M. P.
Thevenet, Marcel Raoul, N. W. M. P.
Tracey, Augustus Warren, N. W. M. P.
Travers, Oliver, Edmonton
Tr^•on, Charles Robert, Kegina.
Tucker, Henry Walter, Pincher Creek.
Uniacke, Andrew Gore, Calgary.
Vernon, Walter G. H., X. W. M. P.
Villebrum, Peter, Regina.
Waite, A , Stanley, X. W. M. P.
Waldy, Edward Fielding, Calgary.
Waller, Pitt, X\ W. M. P.
Walsh, Robt. George, Regina.
Wallon, Joseph, Prince Albert.
Warene, Harrj' Thos., X. W. M. P.
Weatherald, Charles Ed., Moosomin.
Weaver, Oswald James, Regina.
Weir, Robert Henry, X. W. M. P.
Westhead, Charles George, Edmonton.
Wetzell, Olaf, X. W. Î^L P.
Whittaker, John, X. W. !SL P.
Wildman, George Ed., X. W. M. P.
Wilkie, William, Edmonton.
Wilson, Maurice Studdert, Macleod.
Wilson, Thomas G., Pincher Creek.
Wilson, George Peter, X. W. M. P.
Willson, Justus Duncan, Regina.
Winfield, Harry, Calgary.
Wolters, Paul, X. W. M. P.
Wood, William, Edmonton.
Wood, Percy Amble, Macleod.
Woollcombe, John, Edmonton.
Brigade Division, Tieid Jirtillery
Connuanding Officer.
Drurt, C. W., Lieutenant-Colonel Royal Canadian Artillery. A. D. C. to
His Excellency, the Governor-General.
North-lVett.iSSs.
" C " Battery
Major.
Hudon, J. A. G., Major R. C. A.,
North- Weit, 1883.
Captain.
Panet, H. A., Capt. R. C. A. Grad-
uate R. M. C.
Lieutenants.
ist Section: Leslie, J. N. S., Lieut.
RCA
and Section :'King, W. B., Capt. yth
F. B.,C. A.
ard Section : Irving, L. E. W., Capt.
R.ofO.
"D" Battery
Major.
Hurdman,W. G.,Maj. 2ndF. B.,C.A.
Captain.
Eaton, D. I, V., Capt. R. C. A.
Lieutenants.
ist Section: Van Tuyl, T. W.,Capt.
6thF. B.,C. A. Grad. R. M. C.
and Section: McCrea, J., Lieut. i6th
F. B.,C. A.
ard Section : Morrison, E. W. B., Lieut.
8ndF.B.,C.A.
"E" Battery
Major.
Ogilvie, G. H., Major R. C. A.
Nortk- West, 1883.
Captain.
Costigan, R., Major srdF. B.,C.A.
Lieutenants.
ist Section: Murray, W. P., Lieut. gth
F. B.,C. A.
2nd Section: Ogilvie, A. T., Lieut.
RCA
3rd Section: Good, W. C, Capt. loth
F. B.,C. A.
Attached for Duty.
Mackie, H. J., Capt. 42nd B., late
2ndF. B., C. A.
Adjutant.
Thacker, H.CCapt. R. C. A. Grad-
uate R. M. C.
Médical Officer.
Worthington, A. N., Surgeon-Major
53rdS. B.
North-yVett,i8Ss.
Veterinary Officer.
Massie, J., Veterinary-Major R. C. A.
Médical Staff for General
Service.
1 Vaux, Lieut. F., Can. Army Med. S.
Brigade Division, R. €. K
" C " Field Battery
Corps — If noi belonging to any Corps, Post Office Addrcss.
B. S. -Major Gimblett, W. H . , R . C. A.
Q. M. S. de M. Silifant, R. C. A.
Q. M. S. Bramah, \V., R. C. A.
Sergt. McCully, A., R. C. A.
'■ Shipton, W. J., R. C. A.
Graham, R. W., R. C. A.
" Slater, S., R. C. A
" Kiely, W., i3thF. B.,C. A.
Far. Sergt. Harper, S., Moulton, Ont.
Corpl. Wherry, M. E., R. C. A.
" Grey, E., R. C. A.
Hilton, A., R. C. A.
Aldcroft, G., R. C. A.
" Higginson, Jos., 4th F. B.,C. A.
Bomb. Barnard, W.,4th F. B., C. A.
Boyle, R., yth F. B.,C. A.
" Hope, R. S., 2oth L. R.
Tennant, W. H., i3th F.B.,C.A.
Marling, B., yth F. B., C. A.
Williams, O. V., R. C. A.
" Boulanger, G.
Trptr. Robert, E., R. C. A.
Gunners or Driver*.
Allan, W., 77th W. B.
Andersen, A., i3th F. B.. C. A.
Andress, B., Belleville, Ont.
Andrews, \Vm., 4ih F. B., C. A.
Armstrong, A., Tweed, Ont.
Baird, G. A., Ridgetown, Ont.
Barker, H. A., isthH. B.
Bell, Wm.,4thF. B., C. A.
Bellamy, R. E., Brockville, Ont.
Benson, W., R. C A.
Birch, C. E., Kingston, Ont.
Black, J., St. Catharines, Ont.
Blackley, F., 4thF. B., C. A.
Blackeby, A. E., Kinjjsiou, Ont.
Bond, J. C., loronto.
Burton, W., Harrismith, Ont.
Cavins, John.
Chandler, G., gth F. B., C. A.
Clarkson, L., gth F. B., C. A.
Cobb, E., i3thF. B.,C. A.
Coffey, G., Kingston, Ont.
Cosby, N. W., Lieut. 48th H.
Davenport, J., Northport, Ont.
Derwent, F. C, Croydon, England.
Derwent, W. R., Croydon, England.
Eastwood, W., Gananoque, Ont.
Evans, H. C., Toronto.
Eby, — F., Kingston, Ont.
Fuller, L. B., and Q. O. R.
Gare, J. C., St. Catharines.
(jarry, James, 4th F. B., C. A.
Glenn, M., Fort Henry, Kingston.
Goodbrand, A., 77th W. B.
Genge, R., Gananoque, Ont.
George, Wesley, i3th F. B., C. A.
Gillen, T. A., i8 Lady Lane, Paisley,
Scotland.
Gillespie, H., Plainfield, Ont.
Gordon, Hugh, i3th F. B., C. A.
Gowdey, B., Kingston, Ont.
Gray, J. W., Kingston Lower Station.
Grant, J. A., Gananoque, Ont.
Green, J. F., St. Catharines, Ont.
Greenfield, J. K., i6th F. B., C. A.
Guest, J. W., Picton, Ont.
Hamilton, T.
Hamn.ond, D. B., 3ist G. B.
Hanson, C., Cobiirg, Ont.
Harrison, E., Napanee, Ont.
Holbrook, Geo., Greenwood, B. C.
Holmes, W., Alcester Road, Brooms-
grove, Kent, England.
Hopson, E. H., 9ih F. B., C. A.
Hopkinson, Wm., 4th F. B., C. A.
Howe, G., Toronto, Ont.
LIST OF THE DRIGADE DIVISION, R. C. A.
'79
Corps— // no: telongitig io any Corps, Po:i Office Adiirets.
Hiidson, E. A. P., 4lh K. B., C. A.
Hudson, H. F., i3ih F. B., C. A.
Hughes, Cha'rles, isth F. B., C. A.
Hughes, E., Wolfe Island, Ont.
Irving, C. H., Toronto.
Irwin, J. F., 7th F. B.,C. A.
Isbister, M. L., i3lh F. B., C. A.
Sohns, J. C. M., Burlington, Ont.
ohnson, A. S., gth F. B., C. A.
ohnson, E., Vanick Hill, Ont.
Lenny, E. L., Brockville, Ont.
Laird, G. A., Irlaw, Manchester, Eng.
Laidlaw, W. C, Barrie, Ont.
La V aile, James, i3th F. B., C. A.
Loosemore, R., 7th F. B., C. A.
Malthouse, H., Niagara Falls, Ont.
McCalla, G. B., i6th F. B., C. A.
McCamis, H., isth H. B.
McCollum, W.,R. A.
McCoy, A. L., 42nd L. and R. B.
McDonald, W. E., 4th F. B.,C. A.
McDonald, A., Gananoque, Ont.
Macdonald, W. J., gth F. A., C. A.
Macdonald, F. Cgth F. B., C. A.
McEachern, C. E., 2nd Q. O. R.
McGregor, D. J., 14 the F. B., C. A.
Mcintyre, W., Fort William, Ont.
IMcKenzie, K., isth F. B., C. A.
McLean, James, 4th F. B., C. A.
McNabb, J. A., isth H. B.
McQuarrie, A., lath F. B., C. A.
Marsden, A., 7th F. B., C. A.
Marshall, G., Kingston, Ont.
Maatin, Jas., St. Catharines.
Martin, T., Borun, Newfoundland.
Mathias, C., I3th F. B., C. A.
Miller, J. W., Manchester, England.
Moore, A., St. Catharines.
Moffat, J. N., Valencia, P. O., Ont.
Munsie, H. S.,i476Le.\ingtonAv., N.Y.
^lurray. H., 358 Victoria Ave., Mont.
Kewdick, N., Stoufifville, Ont.
Newnham, T. F., Kingston, Ont.
Newton, S., 7th F. B., C. A.
Norwebb, C. H. S., West Bridgeford
Road, Nottingham, Eng.
O'Neill, R., St. Catharines, Ont.
O'Reilly, J. F., 77111 W. B.
Paget, T. E., Marmora, Ont.
Patton, Wm.,4th F. B., C. A.
Pe.isnell, A., i3th F. B., C. A.
Porteous, J., Hamilton, Ont.
Po\vell,G.,2nd Q. O. R.
Price, T. R., Brockville, Ont.
Raynor, H ., Toronto.
Richardson, J. R., loth R. G.
Robertson, W. J., 4th F. E., C. A.
Roberlson, W. A., 37th H . R.
Robinson, A., Kingston, Ont.
Robinson, G. F., Brockville, Ont.
Ryder, E., Kingston, Ont.
Schell, Geo., qth F. B., C. A.
Seward, F. W., i3th F. B., C. A.
Shaw, John, Toronto.
Shaw, E., Gananoque, Ont.
Shaw, E., i3th F. B., C. A.
Shedd, F., Centreville, Vermont, U.
S. A.
Smith, T., 200 Wood St., Hamilton.
Smith, W. J., Hickson Ave., King-
ston, Ont.
Smythe, G., Kingston, Ont.
Speck, F., 7th F. B., C. A.
Stallwood, R. J., i3th F. B., C. A.
Straley, Wm., gth F. B.. C. A.
Stringer, H. L., 4th F. B., C. A.
Sweeney, G. R., Toronto.
Sweet, C. E., Seeley's Bay, Ont.
Tompson, C. W., Kingston Ont.
Tibbs, J. W.,gthF. B., C. A.
Tramer, Wm. D., i3th F. B., C. A.
Troiman, D., Carleton Place, Ont.
Turnbull. John, I3th F. B.. C. A.
Tupper, R. R.
Turvey, Albert E , i3th F. B., C. A.
Turner, T., Mary Hill St., Glasgow.
Tyner, E. L., gth F. B., C. A.
Vanorman, G., 4th F. B., C. A.
Walker, J. A,, Hawthorne, Ont.
Wallis, G. F., i2th Y. R.
Watson, L., Brockville, Ont.
Williams, S., Toronto.
Williamson, W. J. S., Burlington, Ont.
Williams, A., I3th F. B., C. A.
Wilson, R., 421 Théodore St., Ottawa.
Wilson, H., 38 Charles St., Kingston.
Winger, J. C, 7th F. B., C. A.
Wood, A, H., gth F. B., C. A.
" O " Field Battery
Corps — Ifnot belongîng toany Corps, Post Office Address,
Sergt. Major Mcintyre, W., A F. B.,
R C A.
Q. S. M. Slade, J., A F. B., R. C. A.
Sergt. Henderson,G.,AF.B.,R.C.A.
" Somers, L., A F. B.,R. C. A.
•• Lett, K., iithF. B.,C. A.
" Bamhill, J.,6thF. B.,C. A.
" Stinsoii, \V.J.,AF.B.,R.C.A.
Sergt. Wood, B. S., 6th F. B., C. A.
Corp. Kenealy, J., jr., A F. B.
RCA
Corp. "Berubé, J. F. X., A F. B.
R. C. A.
Corp. Curzon, J., 2nd F. B., C. A.
" Ross, M., i6th F. B.,C. A.
" Colter, C. F.,6thF. B.,C. A.
i8o
LIST OF THE BRIGADE DIVISION, R. C. A.
Corps — If not belonging io any Corf>s, Post Office Address.
Bomb. Smith, W., 2nd F. B., C- A.
" Wagar, F. E.,AF.B.,R.C.A.
" Brown, G., A F. B., R. C. A.
" Beaven, L. E.,2nd F.B., C.A.
" Mattries. E.E., AF.B.jR.C.A.
Tptr. Barker, VV., 2nd F. B., C. A.
Cunners or Drivers.
Abbs, F., iith F.B.,C. A.
Alexander, F. H., and F. B., C. A.
Anderson, J. C, 6th F. B., C. A.
Ballantine, J., 2oth L. R.
Bancroft, G.R., i6th F. B., C. A.
Barber, S. W., soth W. R.
Bargette, T. E., iith F. B., C, A.
Barrett, G. A., 6th F. B., C. A.
Bapty, W., iith F. B.,C. A.
Belford, J. A., 2nd F. B., C. A.
Beaven, N. W., Ottawa.
Bennett, T. B., G. G. F. G.
Bolton, D., i6th F. B., C. A.
Bott, E. S., 2nd F. B., C. A.
Boyle, R., i4th F. B., C. A.
Bradley, R., Ottawa.
Bradley, S. W., Hazledean.
Bramah, E. J., A F. B., R. C. A.
Bramah, T., A F. B., R. C, A.
Brown, J. A., 6th F. B., C. A.
Burnham, H. L., I4th F. B., C. A.
Cameron, H. H., G. G. F. G"
Campbell, J. A.,3othW. R.
Cornett, H. G., i6th F. B., C. A.
Cartledge, W. R., iith F. B., C. A.
Cause, H., 6th F. B., C. A.
Chisholm, D., A F. B., R. C. A.
Clarke, S. A., 2nd F. B., C. A.
Crowe, A. R., 2nd F. B., C. A.
Coogan, R. J., 6th F. B., C. A.
Cormack, Jas., i6th F. B., C. A.
Daley, M. J., 2nd F. B., C. A .
Davey, W. H. G., 2nd F. B., C. A.
Davey, F., Ottawa.
Davidson, T. C., 2nd F. B., C. A.
Darlington, G. W., 2nd F. B., C. A.
Decasse, G., A F. B., R. C. A.
Denmark, J. C, 2nd F. B., C. A.
Denges, H. D., iith F. B., C. A.
Dickson, W., A F. B., R. C. A.
Donaghy, J. A., 6th F. B., C. A.
Elliott, L., 20th L. R.
Evatt, E.
Farquharson, G. H., 2nd F. B., C. A.
Fennell, C. W., i6th F. B., C. A.
Flannigan, A., i6th F. B.,C. A.
Forest, H., A F. B., R. C. A.
Gamble, R. B.
Garnett, C. G., 6th F. B., C. A.
Gavan, W., 29tn W. B.
Gervan, J. E., Ottawa.
Gillespie, J., Billings Bridge, Ont.
Glenn, W., A F. B., R. C. A.
Glenister, J., i6th F. B., C. A.
Gokey, F. W., iith F. B., C. A.
Gould, W. J.,2olhL. R.
Graham, G., Brighton, England.
Greene, E. W,, A F. B., C. A.
Griffin, T. M., Kemptville, Ont.
Hall, V. A., 46lh D. B.
Hare, W. A., E. C.
Hare, W. R., E. C.
Henry, B., Ottawa.
Hinch, J. E., A F. B., R. C. A.
Hodson, G. C, 6th F. B., C. A.
Hopkins, W., A F. B., R. C. A.
Howard, G. V. W., Aylmer, Ont.
Howe, H., iith F. B., C. A.
Hugall, P., R. C. A.
Hume, A. H.,6thF. B., C. A.
Hutchinson, E., A F. B., R. C. A,
Igglesden, E.,2nd F. B., C. A.
Irish, V. A.,C. C.,C. A.
Jackson, J., iith F. B.,C. A.
James, J. W., iith F. B., C. A
Keeler, H., J4th F. B., C. A.
Kerr, Thomas.
Kerr, P. A., 2nd F. B..C. A.
Kidd, C, i6thF. B., C. A.
KingC.,3othW. R.
Kitcheman, H., 2nd F. B., C. A.
Lacoste, J.
Lafloor, S., 2nd F. B., C. A.
Lamkin, W. L., B F. B., R. C. A.
Lane, E., 2nd F. B., C. A.
Lawes, G., A F. B., R. C, A.
Leach, W. D., 2nd Lient. 46th D. B.
Lee, F. E., iith F. B.,C. A.
Lefroy, C. J. A„ 6th F. B., C. A.
LeRoy, Lewis J., A F. B., R. C. A.
Lewis, C.
Lyon, A., 2nd F. B., C. A.
Macdonald, D. A., sôth L. R.
McDonald, J. C., 28th P. B.
McCuaig, A. B., P. L. D. G.
McGibbon, D., iith F. B., C, A.
McKenzie, H., i6th F. B., C. A. ■
Mason, F W., iith F. B., C. A.
Miller, A.,iithF. B.,C. A.
Mills, C. E.,6thF. B., C. A.
Mintram, A. M., A F. B., R. C. A.
Mole, C. E., i6th F. B., C. A.
Moore, W. J., 2oth L. R.
Nicholson, H., and F. B., C. A.
O'Connor, T. P., iith F. B., C. A.
Ough, C. R., i4th F. B., C. A.
Outram, F. H., 46th D. B.
Pape, J. J., AF. B., R. C. A.
Parker, G., i6th F. B., C. A.
Partridge, W. R., iith F. B., C. A.
Philp, J., iith F. B.,C. A.
Picot, E., C. I. F. B.
Pryke, G.,4th F. B.,C. A.
Quinney, J., 43rd O. and C. R.
Quirenbach, H., ii F. B., C. A.
Randell, J. W., 6th F. B., C. A.
Ray, J.,6thF. B.,C. A.
Read, H.,46thD. B.
Richmond, A. S., i6th F. B., C. A.
LIST OF THE BRIGADE DIVISION, R. C. A.
iSl
Corfs — If noi belonging io any Corps, Post Office Address.
Robinson, A., Ottawa.
Russell, D. H. N., i6th F. B., C. A.
Russell, J. M., i6th F. B., C. A.
Sandercock, J.
Sargent, A., A F. B., K. C. A.
Scollie, F. L., i4th F. B.,C. A.
Shepherd, G. K , i6th F. B., C. A.
Shore, E. R., eth F. B., C. A.
Skirving, V. A., 6th F. B., C. A.
Smith, W. F., A F. B.. R. C. A.
Somers, J., A F. B., R. C. A.
Sparrow, J. G., i6th F. B.,C. A.
Street, C, 2nd F. B., C. A.
Street, J. D., 2nd F. B., C. A.
Stephenson, B., iith F. B., C. A.
Sullivan, W. H., 2nd F. B., C. A.
Sutherland, Wm. , 6th F . B . , C . A .
Siitton. F,., 3oth W. R.
Symmes, H . C .
Taylor, Thomas, i4th F. B., C. A.
Taylor, W.,iith F. B.,C. A.
Thomas, H. N., i6th F. B.,C. A.
Thorne, W. K,, Ottawa.
Tucker, W. F., 4th F. B., C. A .
Tunstead, K. F., and F. B., C. A.
Wallace, J., solh W. R.
Walters, H., Ottawa.
Welch, Wm.,nil.
Wideman, M. E., 3oth W. R.
Williams, F. W.,2nd F. B., C. A.
Williams, M. S. P., i6th F. B.,C. A.
Whitten, D. A., G. G. F. G.
Woolsey, E. C, 43rd, O. andC. R.
Wright, H. A.,Hull, Que.
" E " Field Battery
Corps— T/noi telonging to any Corps, Post Office Address.
Sergt.-Major O'Grady, J., R. C. A.
Q. M. S. Clifford, W., R. C. A.
S. Far. Cunningham, J., R. C. A.
Sergt. Lyndon, A., R. C. A.
Hughes, A. T., R. C. A.
" Kruger, W. A., R. C. A.
Small. J., R. C. A.
Agus, W., R. C. A.
Jago, J. R.,G. R. M. C.
Corpl. Crockett, L., R. C. A.
Brown, H. M., R. C. A.
" Biggs, R. J., R. C. A.
" Latimer, W., i5th F. B., C. A.
" Black, S., I7th F. B., C. A.
" Macdonald, J. H., lyth F. B.,
C. A.
" Laflamme, J., R. C. A.
MacGillivray, D., R. C. A.
Bomb. Richardson, M., R. C. A.
Daniels, G., R. C. A.
" MacCormack, E. F., R. C. A.
Macaskill, J., R. C. A.
Evans, P. H., ard F. B.,C. A.
Tptr. Robert, A., R. C. A.
Bradley, G. W., R. C. A.
Shoeing-smith Cameron, N ., loth F.B.,
C. A.
Shoeing-smith Fletcher, J. E., 3rd F.
B.,C. A.
Shoeing-smith Stewart, D. G., New-
castle.
WheelerO'Donnell, W., R. C. A.
Pedley, W., R. C. A.
Collar-maker Pierce, H .
" McDonald, D. D.
Cunners or Drivers.
Boyce, A., i3th F. B.,C. A.
Byrne, Thos., 3rd F. B., C. A.
Bartlett, H. G., 3rd F. B., C. A.
Beauchamp, J.
Blyth, R. B., 3rdF. B.,C. A.
Buck, F., loth F. B., C. A.
Browning, J. H., R. C. A.
Borden, \V., Pugwash, N. S.
Boone, M., I2th F. B., C. A.
Brewer, F. C, loth F. B., C. A.
CarroU, T., i2th F. B., C. A.
Chesley, F. T., 3rd R.,C. A.
Creighton, J. F., I3th F.B.,C. A.
Creighton, J. A., I3th F. B., C. A.
Crocker, W. J., znd R., C. A.
Coombs, F. E. L., srd F. B., C. A.
Çornish, H„ isth F. B.,C. A.
Cunard, C. K., 3rd R., C. A.
Campbell, D., Hon. Capt. H. C. B.
Craig, S., i2thF. B., C. A.
Dalton, D., i2th F. B., C. A.
Dysart, H. B., loth F. B., C. A.
Duncan, J., srd F. B., C. A.
Duval, G. T., i2th F. B., C. A.
Eustace, M., R. C. A.
Everett, F. H., loth F. B., C. A.
Ferguson, W., R. C. A.
Ferguson, D., 3rd F. B., C. A.
Fielders, G. R., 2nd R., C. A.
Finnamore, B., i2th F. B., C. .\.
Fletcher, G. F., Halifax, N. S.
Fraser, W. D., 3rd F. B., C. A.
Fradette, T. G., K. C. A.
Gordon, W. S., i3th F. B., C. A.
Gorham, F., i3th F. B., C. A.
Galliah, J. J., i2th F. B., C. A.
Gilmour, E. F., R. C. A.
Grâce, M. T., 3rd F. B.,C. A.
Grey, H., loth F. B., C. A.
GIew, G. W.
Gosselin, E., R. C. A.
Hayden, A., loth F. B., C. A.
lS2
LIST OF THE BRIGADE DIVISION, R. C. A.
Corps — Jf not belonging to any Corps, Post Office Address.
Hacquoil, E., R. C. A.
Hall, H., lothF. B., C. A.
Hague, J.H.
Hamlev, John, srd F. B., C. A.
Harrison, R. A., ycà R., C. A.
Howard, A. G., srd R., C. A.
Hibbs, H. H.; R. C. A.
Hill, T. T., isthF. B.,C. A.
Horsfall, H. W., srd F. B., C. A.
Hughes, R., lotti F. B., C. A.
Huot, R., R. C. A.
Jackson, R. C, P. Co., ist R., C. A.
Jay, James, isth F. B., C. A.
Johnson, G. H., loth F. B., C. A.
Jones, H . , srd F . B . , C . A .
Jones, R., srd F. B., C. A.
Kane, J., R. C. A.
Kennedy, W., loth F. B., C. A.
King, M. R., i2th F. B., C. A.
Kirk, G. P., srd R.,C. A.
Leighton, W. L., loth F. B., C. A.
Lightstone, H., isth F. B., C. A.
Longée, M. M.,53rdS. B.
Lynn, W. P., loth F. B., C. A.
Macdonald, D., R. C. A.
Macdonald, D. J., i7th F. B., C. A.
Macdonald, J. J., ist R., C. A.
McLean, H. G., loth F. B., C. A.
McLaan, R., Reserve Mines, C. B.
Mackenzie, M. A., lyth F. B., C. A.
Mackenzie, C. L., znd R., C. A.
Mackenzie, A., srd F. B., C. A.
MacLeod, P., i2th F. B., C. A.
MacLeod, G. F.,srdR., C. A.
Macl.oughlin, JT., R. C. A.
Mason, Benjamin, srd F. B., C. A.
Miller, R.,R. C. A.
Michaud, D., s^-d F. B., C, A.
Maison, E. A.. 2nd R., C. A.
Morrison, D., lyth F. B.,C. A.
Morrison, S. J., I2th F. B., C. A.
Mottram, A. E., R. C. A.
Munsey, S. W., isth F. B., C. A.
Myra, W. A., i7th F. B.,C. A.
Neild, J., isth F. B, C. A.
Nethersole, Bdr. P. R., Johannesburg.
O'Handley, D., 94* A. H.
O'ReilIy, P. P., srd F. B., C. A.
Pagean, C., R. C. A.
Parker, G., loth F. B., C. A.
Perrin, J. H., R. C. A.
Phillips, H., R. C. A.
Phillips, G. H., isthF. B.,C. A.
Pitman, Joseph, srd F. B., C. A.
Price, W. E., isth F . B., C. A.
Porteous, A.
Pugh, S., R. C. A.
Randell, J. T., Trinity, Newfoundland
Rawlings, G. W., srd F. B., C. A.
Reynolds, W., D. Y. R. C. H.
Reus, J. H., R. C. A.
Roberts, W., srd F. B., C. A.
Ross, G. H., R. C. A.
Ross, J. G., i2th F. B., C. A.
Russell, G., i2th F. B. C. A.
Rutter, C. W., i2th F. B., C. A.
Ryan, R. J., sth R. S.
Scott, Thomas, i7th F. B., C. A.
Searle, G., loth F. B., C. A.
Sinclair, E. H., i2th F. B., C. A.
Smith, R., loth F. B., C. A.
Smith, A. A., srd F. B., C. A.
Smith, J. W., srd F. B.. C. A.
Smith, Johnston, srd F. B., C. A.
Squires, J., isth F. B., C . A.
State, A. F., srd F. B., C. A.
Stone, F., R. C. A.
Taite, H . B., isth F. B., C. A.
Tapp,W., ôsrd H. R.
Tibbitts, A., loth F. B.,C. A.
Tibbitts, J., i2rn F. B., C. A.
Tooker, J. R., Yarmouth, N. S.
Vincent, T., R. C. A.
Walsh, Patrick, znd R., C. A.
Wells, S., R. C. A.
Welch, R. S., loth F. B., C. A.
Welsh, G. E., isth F. B., C. A.
Wilson, J. W., 2nd R., C. A.
Wilson, T. R., i3th F. B., C. A
Withers, S. J., srd R.,C. A.
Woollard, C, isth F. B., C. A.
Woods, J. B., i2thF. B., C. A.
Woodeau, W. J., isth F. B., C. A.
Young, W. D., 2ndR.,C. A.
-♦32+^«»^«-C;«
Stratbcona's l)or$(
OFFIŒRS
Uentenaiit«ColoneI.
Steele, Lieutenant-Colonels. B., N. W. M. P.
Fenian Raids, 1866-70; Norih'West, iSSs^
Second in Command.
Belcher, Major R., N. W. M. P.
North- West, 1883.
Majors.
Snyder, A. E., N. W. M. P.
North- West, 1883.
Jarvis, A. M.,N. W. M. P.
Laurie, R. C. Graduate R. M. C.
Captains.
Howard, D. M., N. W. M. P.
North- West, 1885.
Cameron, G. W., Major «th R. S.
Cartwright, F. L., N. W. M. P.
Lieutenants.
Magee, R. H. B. Giaduate R. M. C.
Harper, F.,N. W. M. P.
Benyon, T. A., Captain K. C. A.
Mackie, E. F., Captain goth W. R.
Fall, P., and Lient. Man. D.
White-Fraser, M. H., Ex-Inspector
N.W. M. P.
South Africa, i8jq-8o. North- Weti,
1883.
\
Ketchen, H. D. B.,N. W. M. F.
Macdonald, J. F ., Captain 37th H. R".
Leckie, J. E., Graduate R. M. C.
Courtney, R. M., Captain ist P. W.
R. F. Graduate R. M. C.
Pooley, T. E., Captain sth R., C. A.
Christie, A. E.
Strange, A. W.
Laidlaw, G. E. Graduate R. M. C.
Kirkpatrick, G. H. Graduate R. M. C.
Tobin, S. H. Graduate R. M. G.
QUARTBRMASTBR.
Parker, W.
Transport Officer.
Snider, I. B., znd Lieut. Man. D.
Médical Officer.
Keenan, C.B., Royal Victoria Hospi-
tal, Montréal.
Veterinary Officsr»
Stevenson, G. T.
25
StratKona's Rorse
Non-Commissioned Officers and Men
"A" Squadron
Corps — If noi belongivg to any Corps, Post Office Address.
R.S. M. Elliott, Frank.
Q. M. S. Crafter, A. G., 27 Fleet St.
London.
F. Q. M. S. McMillan, A., OakLake,
Man.
S. S. M.,Hooper, H.C. L., 13 Nonh
Sherbourne Street, Toronto.
Private.
Albert, E., Deal England.
Andersen, E. F., Palmerston, Ont.
Archer, W., Melbourne, Derbyshire,
England.
Arnold, F. G., Corkstown, Barry,Ont.
Baker, W. G., Morrisburg, Ont.
Barker, M.,Herne Bay, Kent, England.
Barker, W. J., Victoria Road, Ont.
Barrett, J., Smallheath, Birmingham,
England.
Bastien, H., Rallanvelle, Assa.
Beckitt, F. W., 229 Yonge St., Win.
Bennett, J., Wakopa, Man.
Bland, E. M., 218 McNab St., Hamil-
ton. Ont.
Bourne, R., Staffordshire, Eng.
Bradbury, J., Fox Earth Hall, Stafford,
England.
Bride, F., Portage la Prairie, Man.
Brigham, T. R., Ottawa.
Brooks, W. , Indian Head, Man.
Brown, A. M., City Clerk, Win., Man.
Bullough, J., Grand Ville, Dewsbury,
England.
Burton, A. E., Cobden, Ont.
■Camffeell, M. G., Whycocomagh, N.S.
Carpenter, J., Carrigohane,Co. Cork,
Ireland.
CarroU, P. E., Spy Hill, N. W. T.
Carson, T. L., Y orkton, Assa.
Cassidy, H. E., Hendon, England.
Clark, G., Bentley, Ipswitch, England.
Clark, E. H., Maldon, Essex, Eng.
Common, A., Hazel ClifF, N. W. T.
Cosens, F. C, Maryfield, N. W. T.
Currie, W. E. E., Mayfield, Sussex,
England.
Cuthbert, W., Portage la Prairie.
Dandy, C. R., Medora, Man.
Daykin,A.U., Lacombe,Alta.,N.W.T.
Deacon, B. L., Freetown, P. E. I.
Dingan, A., Aberdeen, Scotland.
Dickson, J., Keddle Firth, Ork., Scotl.
Dodd, G. S., 381 Maint St., Winnipeg.
Doherty, G. H., Carllon Place, London,
England.
Donnan, J. W., Robson, B. C.
Drever, A., Prince Albert, N. W. T.
Dunsford, H., Mordon, Man.
Dunsmore, F. C., Stratford, Eng.
Edwards, E. H., Oxford Mills, Ont.
Ewing, A., Elkorn, Man.
Evans, J., Balkerry, Co Wicklow, Irl.
F armer, J. T., 34 Oxford, St., Toronto.
Fis'.ier, C. W. D., Tudor House, Chad-
desby, near Kidderminster, Eng.
Fletcher, R., Devizes, Ont.
Flotten, P., Prince Albert, N. W. T.
Fraser, R. N., 444 Pacific ave, Win-
nipeg.
Grammond, C., Fort William, Ont.
Garner, A. C, Moosomin, Man.
LIST OF THE STRATHCONA'S HORSE
1S5
Priva! c — Corps — 1/ not belongîng io any Corps, Post Office Address.
Gilroy, H., Regina, N. W. T.
Glass, N., Willoughby, N. W. T.
Goodburn, O., Newlands, Putney Vale,
England.
Gooding, J.E.P., Ipswich, SuflFolk,Eng.
Gordon, K., Hazelcliflfe, Man.
Gowler, A. W., Poplar Point, N.W.T.
Gregory, T., Field, B. C.
Grestock, H., 8 Fenchurch Buildings,
London, England.
Griffith, J. J., Hagersville, Ont.
Gurney, W. B. L , Aylesbury, Bucking-
hanishire, England.
Harley, .( . A., Petrolia, Ont.
Harris, M. R., Falmouth, Eng.
Hathorne, W., Rossburn, Northumber-
land, England.
Hazeldine, F. R., Manchester, Eng.
Henderson, J. J., Regina, N. W. T.
Hogarth, W. R., Strathclair, Man.
Hudson, W., Haydon, Ont.
Inkster, J., St. Marks, Man.
Irwin, H. M., Port Hope, Ont.
Irwin, F., Fitzmaurice, Man.
Jackson, W. P., Bournemouth, Eng.
Johnston, J. D., Snow Hill, Co Ferma-
nagh, Ireland.
Keeling, J. H. Clarkleigh, Man.
Kempster, H., Winnipeg, Man.
Kermode, J. O., Bradford, England.
King, W. J., 169 Frankland St., To-
ronto.
Firkpatrick, A., Moosomin, Man.
Lambert, J, S., Clitheroe, Lancashire,
England.
Lamont, B., Chesley, Ont.
Locke, C., 7 Mills Road, Acton, Eng.
Lorsch, A. P.,i6Grome!ieSt., Toronto.
Lowe, A. A. R., Mossomin, Assa.
Lyle, H., Tara, Ont.
Macdonnell, K. C, Grenfell, Assa.
Machen, S. R., Rosser, Man.
Martin, R. W., Treherne, Man.
Matthews, F. A. W., Essex Lodge,
Cheltenham, England.
Maweety, J. 1)., Prince Albert, Assa.
McAlonen, R., Winnipeg, Man.
McArthur, J. H., Tobo, One.
McGillvray, A., Kirkfield, Ont.
McLaren, G., Wor Road, Minnesota.
McLean, G., Goulais Bay, Algoma.
McLeod, W R ., Prince Albert, Assa.
McLoy, J., Prince Albert, Assa.
McNaiight, J. Y., Nertherhome, Dum-
fries, Scotland.
Mills, T., Newmarket, Ont.
Milligan, W., Brandon, Man.
Moberlcy, G. A., Prince Albert, Assa.
Morrison, J. H., Portage la Prairie,
Man.
Munroe, H. S., Hinnedosa, Man.
Murphy, W. M., South Norwich, Assa.
Neville, J. F., Wappella, Assa.
Nicks, J., Upton Pyne, Exeter, Eng.
Norquay, A., Winnipeg, Man.
Norris, F., Church Farm, DursIey,Ene
Nyblett, R. W., Nesbit, Man.
Orr, F. W., Moosejaw, Man.
Page, C. F., Moosomin, N. W. T.
Palmer, P. S., Renwyn, Clapham, Lon
don, England.
Palmer, G. S., Richmond.Surrey, Eng
Parker, H., Summerberry, Assa.
Parker, J., 751 Albert Road, Blackpool
Lanc. England.
Perkins, G., Kingsheath, Birmingham
England.
Powell, F. N., Great Malvern, Worces
tershire, England.
Ramsay, D., 10 Kensingnton Ave.
.rtshley Down, Bristol.
Reid, J., Smith's Falls Ont.
Richardson, A. H. L., Sefton Park
Liverpool, England.
Robinson, A., Winnipeg, Man.
Rooke, C. W., G. W. Life Insuranc
Co., Winnipeg, Man.
Rooke, R. P., G. W. Life Insurance
Co., Winnipeg, Man.
Ross, J. T., Moosomin, N. W. T.
Rushe, M. J., Pall Mail Gazette, Lon-
don, England.
Sabine, H. E., Winnipeg, Man.
Sawyer, W. L., Lockview, Sunbury-on-
Thames, England.
Saxby, H. B., bhetland.
Sayce, W., Craven, N. W. T.
Scott, L. B., Regina, N. W. T.
Scott, W., Regina, N.W.T.
Skirving, G. M., Dawson City, Y. T.
Smith, K. W., Montréal Que.
Sinnington, A., Elkhorn, Man.
Stanier, C. Y., Moosomin, N. W. T.
Starke, T. B., Elkhorn, Man.
Steadman, CD., Whitchurch, Shrop-
shire, England.
Stevenson, A. T., Orillia, Ont.
Stocker, J. R., 39 Martha, St., Winni-
peg, Alan.
Stuart, A. W., Sandypoint, Ont.
Stutt, W., Fairmead, N. W. T.
Sutherland, A., Collestar, N. W. T.
Terry, N. F., Buckingham, England.
Thompson, H. C, Kefinery, Montréal.
Thorne, A., Gore Bay, Ont.
Thornton, É., Sydney, N. S. W.
'Ihomas, C. F., Wrightson, Que.
Townsend, P. H., R. 1. I., Allahabad,
India.
Traill, W. M., Prince Albert, N. W.T.
Treston, J., Grand Forks, Minesota,
U. S.A.
Trelevan, A., 18 Melrose, Road, Du-
blin, Ireland.
Van Stan., A., 25 Gibson Square, Leur
don, England.
Wade, R., Smithfield, Ont.
Ward. J, Church St., Flint, Wales.
I
iS6
LIST OF THE STRATHCOXA S HORSE
Prîvate — Corps — 1/ noi belonging io any Corps, Poit Office Address.
Watson, A .
Webb, É,. Aspatria, Cumberland, Eng.
Webb, H.. Burford, England.
Wemyss, D. N., Reaburn, Man.
Wilkins, H., St. Paul Villas, Winches-
ter, England.
Wyndham, H. S., Bein Bridge, Eng.
Zimmer, W. J., Rapid City, Man.
" B " Squadron
Corps — If not belonging toatiy Corps, Post Office Address .
S. S. M. Steel, S. J., Ottawa, Ont.
Privaie.
A'Court, A. W. H., Antigua, West
Indies.
Abbott, W. R., Maple Creek, Alta.
Allison, D., Molica, 111., U. S. A.
Andersen, J. L., Lacombe, Alta.
Armstrong, J. p.. Newton Stewart,
Scotland.
Armonstrong, J. E., Newton Stewart,
Scotland.
Banks, E. M., S4Belgrave Sq., Dublin,
Ireland.
Bannes, P., Lauzanne, Switzerland.
Barton, M. M., 12 Cross Lane, London,
England.
Beaumont, T. E., Gananoque, Ont.
Bentham, W., Merrjtton, Ont.
Beresford, W. P., Winford, England.
Bingham, H. B., Dunseith, N. D.
Bertram C. F., Maple Creek, Alta.
Blick, C. A.
Bradley, R. H., Brandon, Man.
Brothers, J., Arthur, Ont.
Brown, H. S., Aberdeen, Scotland.
Brown, A. S., Peterborough, Ont.
Bull, J. V., 231 High Road, Balham,
London, S. W., England.
Burdett, A. H., 57 Charring Cross
Mansions, London, England.
Burgess, D., Pincher Creek Alta.
Calllin, T. A., Whitewood, Assa.
Campbell, N. M., 80 Charles St. Ha-
milton.
Carson, W., Puton, N. S.
Clayton, A., Birmingham, England.
Condon, F. B., Kingston, N. S.
Corbett, W., Laird Sutherland.
Cronyn, E. S., London, Ont.
Cross, J. R., Birkenhead, England.
Crozier, J. A., Ashburn, Ont.
Cruickshank, C, Red Deer, N. W. T.
Cumming, F., Toronto.
Dalglish, A., Pt. Beuf Station, Que.
Deane, J. 79 West i27th St. New-York.
Dick, M. F., North Eastern Bank,
Newcastle-on-Tyne, England.
Dickinson, D., Baschurch, Shropshire,
England.
Donaldson, A. S., Brockville, Ont.
Douglas, F. C. A., Virden, Man.
Down, G., Macleod, N. W. T.
Dupon, A. E., Calgary, N. W. T.
Dunn, F. J.
Eastmead, — Bristol, England.
Edmundson, T. L., Belfast, Ireland.
Edwards, A. J., 42 Bloomsbury St.'
Bedford Square, London, England.
Edwards, R. H., Halifax, N. S.
Fawcett, N., Lacombe, Alta.
Fennell, — Bobcaygeon, Ont.
FlintofiF, W., Fort Sascatchewan,NWT.
Ford, J.. London, Ont.
Fortey, A., Watford, England.
Freezer, J. R., Calgary, N. W. T.
Gramsby, G.
Ganesford, W. F., Montréal.
Gillies, A., Toronto, Ont.
Gilmour, J. F., Ottawa, Ont.
Grobil, A. C, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Graham,C.H.,i36 Cobourg St., Ottawa.
Grey, W., Dublin, Ireland.
Hall, F. A., St. Monaco, Cal., U.S. A.
Hardwick, M. D, K., High River Alta.
Hardy, A., Pocklington, Vorks, Eng.
Hart, C. A., Strathroy, Ont.
Haylett, J.
Hayes, R. P., Dublin, Ireland.
Hicks,, R. C, Ipswich, England.
Hobson, J., G. T. Ry., Montréal.
Inglis, R. C.
Irwin, H., Shelburne, N. S.
Jackson, H., 2 Dulwich Road, London,
S. E., England.
Jameson, T., Belfast, Ireland.
Jenkins, A., Red Deer, M. W. T.
Kerr, G. T., Perth, Ont.
Kindrew, C. F., Red Deer, Alta.
Laffertv, W., Ottawa.
Laidlaw, C. E., Victoria, Ont.
Lamb, A., Bolling Green, Ont.
Leder, Bert.
Lee, H. A., i Linton St. E., Toronto.
Lewis, T. A., Revelstoke, B. C.
Lewis, F. C, Nelson, B. C.
Lindsay, A. P., Springband, Alta.
Linton, R., Aurora, Ont.
Loney, M. F., Eustache, Man.
Lowry, W. A., Carberry, Man.
Lynch, W. G., Seaforth, Ont.
Macdonald, J. R., Puddes, Alta.
Macdonald, A. D., Manitou, Man.
Madge, F. T., London, Ont.
Mansell, M.
Martin, H., Winnipeg.
LIST OV THE STRATHCONA'S HORSE
187
Prîvaie—Corpt—1/noibelonsînsioany Corps, Posi OJfice Address.
Martin, L. A., Vancouver, B. C.
Matallal, A., Tatamagonda, N. S.
McDonald, G. A., Winnipeg, Man.
McDonald, R. S., Owen Sound, Ont.
McClay, R., 293 Gunnell St., Win.
McCormack, E .
McMillan, T., Ayrshire, Scotland.
McNichol, A., Red Deer, Assa.
McNair, E. W. C., Roundwood, Ip-
swich, Ensland.
McNeil, F. J., Lylton, B. C.
McRae, D., UpshiU, Victoria E.,
Ont.
McElray, G. E.
Mcintosh, E., Rossland, B. C.
McKeage, F. O. E.,Cc-s lebar, P. Q.
McKinley, ]\I., Edmonton, N. \V. T.
McKugo, G., Custom House, Lon-
don. Ont.
Miller, A., Dennison's Mills, Que-
bec.
Milne, A., Edmonton, N. W. T.
Mitchell, G., Çhard, England.
Moir, R. H., St. Mary's, Ont.
MuUigan, F., London, Ont.
Murphy, E. D., Str?.thcona, Alta.
Newman, F. G., Bradford,'Ont.
Niblock, B. L., Calgary, N. W. T.
Nichol, H, F., Northumberland, Eng-
land.
Nichol, D., 41 E. Claremont Street,
Edinburgh.
Paul, J., Tenitville, Ont.
Pearce, R. G., Toronto.
Pearce, E. J., Agricola, Alta.
Pearson, A., Tib Street, Manchester,
England.
Pinder, E. G. J., Nelson, B.C.
Percy, H. N., G. T. R., Mon real.
Perry, T., Bondon Street, Commercial
Road, London, England.
Peyto, E. W., Welwyn, England.
Phillips, J. W., Bellevillc, Ont.
Pillans, R. B., 3 Rue Les Bionosaits,
Brussels.
Playfair, W. S., Aislebank, Scot-
land.
Poolc, H., Lacombe, Alta.
Poole, F., Lacombe, Alta.
Purvis.A.S., BramptonLodge, Hitch.,
Hertl'ordshire, England.
Quick, H. H., Quick City, Miss.
Rackham,W. , 191 Seymour Road, Har-
ringay, London N., England.
Reed, W. E., Winnipeg, Man.
Rice- Jones, I . E. C, 2 CliftonTerrace,
Brighton, England.
Robson, J. S., Lytton, B. C.
Rogers, H . M., Sheep Creek, Alta.
Ross, A. M., Portage La Prairie.
Routh, G. F.,34PrincessRoad, Liver-
pool, England.
Saddington, W., 14 Axe St., Barking,
E&sex. England.
Scott, H. H., Lambton Mills, Ont.
Scott, F. W., 21 Moreoaks Road, Shef-
field, England.
Shuckburgh, W. C., TrafalgarTerrace,
Torquay, England.
Sharples, W. A., False Creek Station,
Vancouver, B. C.
Shaw, C. W., Medicine Hat, N. W. T.
Shiles, T., 74 Grosvenor Terrace, Cam-
berwell, London, England.
Simpson, T., Elm Creek, Man.
Skinner, A., Lindsay, Ont.
Smiley, S., 10 George Street, John-
stone, Scotland.
Smith, J., Poplar Point, Man.
Somerton, W., Parkington, Ont.
Spratt, A., 35 Jamieson Avenue, Tor-
onto.
Stewart, J. S., Brampton, Ont.
Stranger, P ., 85 Woodland Road, Wood
Street, Walthamstow, Essex, Eng.
Swanston, E., Merriton, N. W. T.
Sutherland, R., Edmonton, N. W. T.
Thomas, G. D., Halifax, N. S.
Tompson, F., Macleod, M. W. T.
Tegart, H ., Craven, Assa.
Townshend, N. S., Parsborough,
Tucicer, P. H.,BrackneIl, Bercks, Eng-
land.
Vernon, A. A., Victoria, B. C.
Waite, J. T., Fisham, Surrey, Eng.
Walker, T. C, Vancouver, B. C.
Walker, B. G., 24CarIyIe Square, Lon-
don S. W., England.
Watts, C. C. M., Virden, Man.
Watts, A. H., Virden, Man.
White, S. A., 2 The Cedars, Putney,
S. W. England.
Watson, A.
Whiteley, C, Rolland, Ont.
Whitehead, C. A. W. Calgary, Alta.
Wilby, A. W. R., Southsea. England.
Wilkin, W., Wickham Brook, Suffolk,
England.
Watson, B., Macleod, Alta.
Wllson, F., London, EneKind.
Wilson,D., Z9 Montagne l'errace, Edin-
burgh.
Williams, T. H. A. Monmouth, Eng-
land.
Woods, W. T., Innisfail, Alta.
Woodward, W., Ashby-de-la-Zouche,
England.
Woodward, A. J., 5 Union Place,
Limehouse, London, E., England.
Wragge, E. C., London, England.
Wright, T. W. H., Calgary, Alta.
Wright, H. H., Walkeringham, Notu,
England.
Wyse, D., Bush Terrace, Musselburgh,
Scotland.
Yemen, N. W., Ripsley, Ont.
Yule, B., Prescott, Ont.
LIST OF THE STRATHCOXA S HORSE
" C " Squadron
Corps— If not belonging io any Corps, Posi Office Address.
S. S. M. Hynes, J., Fahey EyreCourt,
County Galloway, Ireland.
Private.
Abbott, J., Rochford, England.
Agar, G. S., London, England.
Albert, G., Pickering, Ont.
Allan, P. K., Stanley-on-Chobham,
Surrey, England,
Armstrong, J. W., Warwick, England.
Bell, P. W. W., Vancouver, B. C.
Bell, W. H., Birkenhead, Engl.ind.
Bolton, N. T., Revelstoke, B.C.
Bonner, L. A., East Lodge, Wanstead,
England.
Bousiield, J., 139 Claremont Street,
Toronto.
Bowers, G. A., Nelson, B. C.
Brent, W., San José, Cal., U. S. A.
Brixton, J., Adelphi Théâtre, London.
Broadbent, E. R., CaldwelI,Hereford-
shire, England.
Burke, B., Trondheim, Norway.
Cameron, N. C. J., Christ Church,
Hants, England.
Castelaine, L., Bath, England.
Chancelier, E. V., Atlin, B. C.
Childers, H. C, 20 Carlisle Aiansions,
Cheyne Walk London, England.
Clark, W. F., Manotick, Ont.
Cochrane, R. L., Mount Charles, Mof-
fat, Scotland.
Cook, W., Brandon, Man.
Cotterill, C. W., Dundas, Ont.
Crée, A. H., Pemberton Gardens, Lon-
don, England.
Curtis, E. F. E., Caynham Court,
Ludlow, England.
Custance, T. F. M., Caldwell, Here-
fordshire, England.
Daley, H. M., Rossiand, B.C.
D'Amour, A. P., Notre Dame Street,
Montréal.
Dawson, W. H. N., Rainy River,
Ont.
Davis, L. S., 45 Léonard Street, New
York, U. S. A.
Deering, R., Deer River, Man.
Duncan, C. J., Glendevon, Penh, Scot-
land.
Dunn, F. J.
Dunn, T., Montréal.
Edwards, W., Glencoe, Ont.
Elliott, J., Dunstable, Bedfordshire,
England.
EUis, F. W., 17 Beverley Road, Aner-
ley, London, S. E., England.
Eyre, G., Hasborough, England.
Fader, G. J., Sydney, C. B.
Fall, C. S., Victoriy, B. C.
Fanning, W., Peterboro, Ont.
Faulder, E. R., Church Fields, Har-
row-on-the-hill, England.
Fernie, W. L., Macclesfield, England.
Fernie, M., West Street, Scarborough,
England.
Fischer, J. C, Conductor C. P. R.,
Mountain Division.
Poster, J. M., Cochrane, Alta.
Fraser, J. A., Grenville, Ont.
Fraser, H., Victoria, B. C.
Fraser, W., Victoria, B. C.
FuUer, J. W., Rapid City, S. D.
Fuller, James, Rio Sulto, Chili.
Halcro, A. J., Hudson, Que.
H.-1II, A.
Hambly, G., Procter Knob, Min.
Hammond, R. B. L., Melbourne, Au-
stralia.
Harding,J.E., Sykston, North Dakota,
U. S.A.
Harper, W. H., Smith's Falls, Ont.
Harris, C. C, Salmon Arm, B. C.
Harris, C.B., Salmon .Arm, B. C.
Hawes, H., Spry Harbor, N. S.
Haynes, W. T., Bridport, Dorsetshire,
England.
Hazel, George, 33 Melbourne Avenue,
Toronto.
Hicks, H. J., Mitchell, Ont.
Hirsch, John, Park Road, Chester,
England.
Hulbert, T., Portage la Prairie, Man.
Humfrey, W. H., Pincher Creek, Alta.
Hunter, E. T.,
Graham, W. F., Shuswap, B. C.
Griffin, John, Newent, Gîoucester, Eng.
Grogan, R. N., Cheltenham, England.
Ingram, W. H., Grand Prairie, B. C.
Jackson, C. F., Westmoreland, Eng-
land.
Johnson, A. W., Belgrave, England.
Johnston, H. R., Derbyshire, England.
Jones, A., Pontrellis, Hereford, Eng.
Jones, E. E., 5 Smith Street, Chelsea,
England.
Kearney, J., North Bay, Ont.
Kelly, S. A. J., Hoston, U. S. A.
Kennedy, J., Mattawa, Ont.
Kerr, F., Hanover, Ont.
Ledingham, G. W., Dominick, Ont.
Lee, B. H., Herne Bay, Kent, Eng.
Lefroy, L. B.. Ladner, B. C.
Linds.-iy, W. E., Toronto, Ont.
Lockhart, F. C-, Kirkcaldy, Scotland.
Logan, A. E. H., 16 Beuverie Road,
Folkestone, England.
Malalne, J. H., Oldham, England.
McAllister,D., Dumfrieshire, Scotland.
McDonald, A., Greenfield, Ont.
McDonald, G. A., Alexandria, Ont.
McDonnell, C. R., King.ston, Ont.
McDuflf, J., Point Fortune, Que.
LIST OF THE STRATHCONA'S HORSE
189
PrivaU — Corps — I/noi belonging io any Corps, Post Office Address.
McKanzie, A. W., Bonny Rigg, Mid-
lothiam, Scotland.
McMullen, J. H., Barnham, Court,
Bognor, Sussex, England.
McRae, D. J., Nashville, Ont.
McCullough, R. J., Stonewall, Man.
Melton, E. J., Poseyville, Md., U.S.A.
Monteilh, W. E., Rownham's Mount,
Southampton, England.
Morgan, H. E., Bissett's Creek, Ont.
Murray, E., Gleichen, Alta.
Murray, J. W., Hepworth, Ont.
Nash, J. F. P., Goring-on-Thames,
England.
Nesbitt, J. L., Winnipeg, Man.
Nicholson, C. J.
Norton, F., Yalding, Kent, England.
Norton, C., 4 Springfield, Erdington,
Birmingham, England.
Noury, H. W., Victoria, B. C.
O'Brien, A. W., Barrow-in-Furness,
England.
Ogilby, W. L., Poolewe, Ross-shire,
Scotland.
O'Hearn, W., Two Harbour, Minn.
Oldham, P.
Orchard, E. A., Sidmouth, England.
Palmer, R. H., Army and Navy Club,
London, England.
Parkes, F. C-, Kingsland, Hereford-
shire, England.
Pearson, A. C, Hullet, Wy.,U.S. A.
Peterson, C, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Parham, H. J., Chalford, Gloucester-
shire, England.
Peddigrew, J., Bright, Ont.
Pinkerton, T. A., Bangor, NorthWales.
Powell, C. J., Madras, India.
Press, A., Brandon, Man.
Pym, T. ^I. L., Melbourne, Australia.
Radwell, A., Kilburn, London, Eng.
Rennie, C, Regina, N. W. T.
Robson, W., Liverpool, England.
Routh, P., Toronto.
Ryan, J., Dublin, Ireland.
St. George, B. A., Cochrane, B. C.
Seymour, E., Ragley Park, Alcester,
England.
Shaw, R., Wapella, Assa.
Shaw, A. J. M., 41 Imaicko Agaba,
Tokio, Japan.
Stillingfleet, H.C., Rhayader, Radnor-
shire, Wales.
Simon, A. B. J., Paisley, Ont.
Skene, J. G., Revelstoke, B. C.
Simpson, P. E-., Aylmer, Ont.
Spencer, J., Victoria, B. C.
Squires, C, Kamloops, B. C.
Strickland, C. S., Dawlish, Devonshire,
England.
Swifth, T., Farnsfield, Nottingham-
shire, England.
Switzer, P., Carberry, Man.
Simmill, J., StaflFord Street, Newport,
Salop, England.
Swinburn, A., McKinley, B. C.
Tennant, C, Gayton Terrace, Hamp-
stead, England.
Thomas, L, Mewport, Mon., England.
Thomas, H., Okotoks, Alta.
Tuson, J., Winnipeg, Man.
Venner, R . P. , Guildford, Surrey, Eng-
land.
Warren, F. F., Vancouver, B. C.
West, W., Nottingham, England.
Wiggins, H. J., 24 Cobden Street,
Rocksbury, Mass.
Wilkie, J. H., 906 Lorne Avenue, Lon-
don, Ont.
Winearls, R. A., Martham, Norfolk,
England.
Winkle, W. C, 32 Niagara Street,
Victoria, B. C.
Wright, S., St. John, N. B.
Woodhouse, F. W. B., Cape Town,
South Africa.
.O-NO-
o^io-
Reînforcements f ir$t Continrent
OFFICERS ■
Carpenter, Captain A. E., R. C. R. I.
WiNTER, Captain C. F., Governor-General's Foot Guards.
Egypt, 1S82 ; North- West, 1SS5.
BoYD, Captain A. J., loth Royal Grenadiers.
Noth- West, 1S85.
Non-Commissioned Officers and Men
Prîvate — Corps — Jf not belonging ioany Corps, Post Office Address.
Aitken, R. C.,3othW. R.
Andersen, S., 8th R. R.
Arbuckle, George A., 4th R., C. A.
Ardagh, H. V.,8thR. R.
Austin, E. F., isth A. L. I.
Bailey, P., loth R. G.
Barnstead, Frank E., H. B. C.
Beecher, A. V., i6th M. L. I.
Boulter, John W., 82nd Q. Co. B.
Brown, Hubert G., 93rd C. B.
Browne, H. G., srd V. R,
Burrett, G. H., 43rd 0. and C. R.
Butler, J., H. C. C.
Cameron, Robert W., C. E. C.
Cameron, A. R. H., Russell House,
Cowardine, W. H., G.-G. F. G.
Convey, J.,8th R. R.
Cook, Wm. C.,C. E. C.
Coombs, Wm. E., C. E. C.
Dare, Eric, 103 Provide St., St. Henry,
Montréal.
Dodds, J. H. F., 3othW. R.
Doucet, R. P., ard V. R.
Drum, A., 8th R. R.
Dunlop, F. W., 3rd V. R.
Eaton, W., A F. B., R. C. A.
Edmondson, loth R. G.
Edwards, W., 7ist Y. B.
Evans, A., 8th K. R.
Evans, W. J., loth R. G.
Fairweather, Percy, ôznd St. J. F.
Ford, J., i2th Y. R.
Fraser, James A., 40th N.B.
Gerhardt, F., loth R. G.
Geen, E. D. F., isth A. L. I.
Gladwin, John S., Lacombe, Alberta.
Gurney, Thomas F., 82nd Q. Co. B.
Holl, Alfred J., 4th R., C. A.
Home, Robert, C. E. C.
Havris, W. M., 82nd Q. Co. B.
Hodgins, H. A.,2nd F. B.,C. A.
HoUoway, H. B., srd V. R.
Hooper, W. H., 43rd O. and C. R.
Horan, H. J., srd V. R.
Hove, James, 74th B., S., N. B.
Hulme, T. H.,G.-G. F. G.
Jackson, L. F. V., 2nd Q. O. R.
Jones, John, yist Y. B.
Kennedy, Donald R., C. E. C.
Kirk, R. J., loth R. G.
Lake, F. A., 2nd Q. O. R.
Lamden, J., sth R. S.
Lillie, C. W.,2ndQ. O. R.
Lucas, L.W., D. Y. R. C. H,
Lûtes, B.,G.-G. F. G.
REINFORCEMENTS FIRST CONTINGENT
191
Prîvate— Corps— 1/ noi belonging to any Corps, Post Office Address.
Macbeth, Thomas, L., 4th R. C. A.
Mackay, J. D.,4othN. B.
Mackellar, A., sth R. S.
McCarthy, V. 0.,2ndQ. O. R.
McCormick, A. S., 2nd L. 3rd V. R.
McDonald, N., ySth C. H. and P. H.
McDonald, M., 82nd Q. Co. B.
McEachern, W. A.,4th R. C. A.
McKerrihan, J. R. D., 2nd Q. O. R.
McNaughton, F. M., Sth R. R.
Miller.C. J.,G.-G. B. G.
Milliken, J. B., 26thM. L. I.
Mills, Thomas, H . B.C.
Moodie, G. H., 43rd O. and C. R.
Mudge, H., srd V. R.
Munnis, Charles H., ôsrd H. R.
Nicholson, John D., Provmcetown,
Mass.
Nixon, C.J..R. C. R. I.
Fardée, J.,27th St. C. B.
Pay, A., R.C. A.
Pepper,J. T., 2ndQ. O. R.
Phillips, Henry, 62nd St. J. F.
Pigot, James A . , 4th R. C . A .
Playfair, S. B.,2ndQ. G. R.
Price, E. H.,R. G. R. I.
Proud, W. J.,4thR. C. A.
Puddifer, W.,G.-G. B. G.
Rattray, E. E. B., Sth R. R.
Robertson, D., 62nd St. J. F.
Robertson, James M., yist Y. B.
Russell, P., Q. O. C. H.
Scott, Harry C, Athol, N. S.
Scott, C. C.,8th R. R.
Sinclair, A., 48th H.
Smith, C. L.,63rd H. R.
Tennant, James, 7ist Y. B.
Tierney, George V . , Prince St. Dart-
mouth, N. S.
TurnbuU, D., 43rd O. and C. R.
Walters, M. P., HuU, P. Q.
Wandless, John, F., yist Y. B.
Watson, Alex. H., 38 Tudor Villa,
Eglantine Avenue, Belfast.
Webber, Maurice, E., 66th P. L. F.
Webster, P. G. A.,48thH.
Welch, George H., 15 Gascony Avenue,
Brondesburg, London, England.
Wilson, James J., 17 South Hollis St.,
Halifax, N. S.
Wolfe, P.,8thR. R.
Wright, T. M., 7ist Y. B.
--^'
<^^
Keinîorcemenfs Stratbcona's l)or$e
OFFICIER
Adamson, Lieut, A. S. A. M., Governor-Generals Foot Guards.
NonCommissioned Ofticers and Men
Prîvate — Rank, and Post Office Address of next of kin.
Anderson, G., Millarville, Alta.
Andrews, A. M., 37 South Grove,
Highgate, London, N., England.
Bartram, W. B., Ottawa.
Blakmore, P. H. J., Car of Canada Life
Assurance Co., Montréal.
Bruce, G. B., Knee Hill, Calgary,
N. W. T.
Buchanan, J. J., Morden, Man.
Burnet, David, Ottawa.
Campbell, T. G., Orillia, Ont.
Campbell, W. J., Maryfield, Assa.
Clampitt, J. H., Redjacket, Assa.
Carey.S T.St.G.,CareofH. S. King &
Co., ôsCornhill, London, E. C., Eng-
land.
Cooke, J. T.,Cannington Manor, Assa.
Della-Torre, W. J., Sydney, Cape Bre-
ton.
Fowler, W. R., Hamilton, Ont.
Gilbertson,J.E., SaultSte. Marie, Ont.
Greaves, J. B., Douglas Lake, Nicola
Valley, B. C.
Green-Armytage, H. R., Fergus, Ont.
Grev, Charles, Wellington, England.
Grifflith, W. R., Penh, Ont.
Hall, G. L., Calgary, Alta.
Henderson, T. A., Moosomin, Assa.
Héron, R. B., Scarborough Junction,
Ont.
Heygate, W. A. N., 12 Bennett Street,
Bath, England.
Howell, T. E., Waghorn, Alta.
Hunt, W. de Vere, Millarville, Alta.
Hutchison, W., Fergus, Ont.
Isbester, C. J., 173 Daly St., Ottawa.
Macdougall, J. G., 648 Rideau Street
Ottawa.
Malet, C. C, Hirewood Road, Mertoa
London, S. W., England.
Martin, J. S., Market Drayton, Shrop-
shire, England.
McArthur, A., Lobo, Middlesex Co.,
Ont.
McDougall, J. B., Calg.iry, N. W. T.
McMillan, C. W., Gladstone, Man.
Morris, Cecil, i Albert Mansions,Brigh-
ton, England.
Myers, L., Winnipeg, Man.
Palmer, W., Lodge Road, Knowle,
Birmingham, England.
Paton, S. C, Toronto, Ont.
Preston. A. J., Folkestone, Kent, Eng.
Robertson, D., 192 Concession Street,
Ottawa.
Robinson, H . L., 12 Burlinghara Road,
Redland, Bristol, England.
Rose, D. W., Gladstone, Man.
Ritchie, D. V., 285 Metcalfe Street,
Ottawa.
Shuttleworth, P. P., Petersfield, Hants,
England.
Slocock, E. F., Goldwell House, New-
bury, England.
Smith, W., McLeod, N. W. T.
Sparkes, F. D., Address unknown.
Sparks, G. A. S., Careof Mrs. Vincent,
Basset, Southampton, England.
Stewart, D. M., Westbourne, Man.
Stringer, A., 152 Wallwood Road, Ley-
tonstone, Essex, England.
Tucker, R., Lacombe, N. W. T.
Graduâtes and Cadets ol tùe Royal Mîlitary Collège,
Kingston, Serving in South Mrica
Denison, S. J. A., Major R.C. R. !.. I
A. D. C. to Field Marshal Lord
Roberts. ^_. . ,
Dixon, F. J., Capt. R. O., Histoncal
Recorder, Canadian Contingent.
Laurie.R.C, Maj. Strathcona's Horse.
CampbeU, H. M., Major Royal ArtU-
Ho*^^n, H . H . , Trooper Duke of Edin-
burgh's Horse. , „ ^ ,
Sears, J. W., Captain South Staflford-
shire Reg't. ,- ^ t. t
Cartwright, Robt., Major R. C. K. I.,
Spécial Dutj', First Contingent.
Greenwood,H.S., Lieut.-Col. srd CD.,
Capt. ist Battalion, C. M. R.
Hodgins, A. E., Capt. Nelson Rifle
Co., Lieut. A Co., ist Contingent.
Ogilvie, G. H., Major R. C. A., Capt.
EBattery, R. C. A.
Laidlaw, G. E., Lieut. Strathcona s
Horse.
Gray, P. E., Major Royal Horse
Artillery. ,„ „ ^
Van Straubenzee, B. W. S., Captain
South Wales Borderers.
Nanton, H . C . , Capt. Royal Engineers.
Carruthers, W. B. M., Hth P.W.O.R.,
Sergt. D Ce, ist Contingent.
Strange, H. B., Capt. Royal Artillery.
Chalmers, T. W., late N. W. M. P.,
Lieut. 2nd Battalion, C. M. R.
MacDougall, J. C, Maj. R. C. R. I.,
Adjutant First Contingent.
Sanders, G. E., Supt. N. W. M. P.,
Majoi 2nd Battalion, C. M. R.
Von Hugel, N. G., Captain Royal
Engineers.
Dufifus, E. T., Capt. Royal Artillery.
Kennedy, J. N. C, Captain Royal
Engineers. , „ .,
Girouard, E. P. C, Director of Rail-
ways, Lieut.-Col. Royal Engineers.
Macdonnell, A. C, Captain and Bat-
talion, C. M. R.
Kirkpatrick, G. M., Captain Royal
Engineers. , ^ , ,.
Smith, H. C, Captain Royal Dublin
Fusiliers.
Hensley, C. A., Captain Royal Dubhn
Fusiliers.
Leader, H. P., Capt. 6th Dragoon
Guards, Carbineers.
Joly de Lotbinière, H. G., Capt. Royal
Engineers.
Barker,F.E.L.,Capt. Royal Artillery.
Williams, V. A. S., Major R. C. D.,
Major ist Battalion, C. M. R.
Dobell, C. M., Major Royal Welsh
Fusiliers.
Morris, E. M. Adjt. Thorneycroft s
Horse, Capt. Devonshire Reg't.
Macinnes, D. S., Kimberly, Lieut.
Royal Engineers.
Van Tuyl, T. W., Lieut. D Battery,
Royal Canadian Artillery.
Scott, R. K., Captain Royal Artillery.
Tacker, H. C, Capt. R. C. A. Adju-
tant Brigade Division, R. C. A.
Panet, H . A., Capt. R. C. A., Capt.
CBattery, R. C. A. „ ,„ „ „
Courtney, R. M., Capt. istP.W.R.F.,
Lieut. Strathcona's Horse.
Burstall, H. E. Capt. R.C. A., Lieu.
E Battery, R. C. A.
Duffus, F. F., Lieut. Army Service
Corps.
Clinch, H. W., Lieut. Army Service
Corps.
Armstrong, C. T., Lieut. sth R. S.,
Lieut. E Co., First Contingent.
Leckie,J.E., Lieut. Strathcona's Horse.
Magee, R. H. B., Lieut. Strathcona's
Horse. „ , ^ .
Frith, G. R., Lieut. Royal Engineers.
Cory, G. N., Lieut. Royal Dublin
Fusiliers.
Osborne, J. W., Lieut. Scottish Rifles.
Kirkpatrick, G. H., Lieut. Strathcona's
Horse.
J94
GRADUATES AND CADETS, ETC.
Cantlie, W. H. N., Lieut. Royal
Artillery.
Leach, F. E., Pte. 2nd Battalion,
G. M. R.
Parles, J. H., Lieut. P. L. Hussars,
Corpl. ist Battalion, C. M. R.
Wood, C. C, Lieut. Loyal North
Lancashire Régiment.
J^afferty, F. D., Lieut. R. C. A.,
Lieut. First Contingent.
Tobin,H.S., Lieut. Strathcona's Horse.
Cosby, N. W., Lieut. 48th Highlanders,
Gr. C Battery, R. C. A.
Hendrie, M., Pte. C Company First
Contingent.
Bland,E.M., Pte. Strathcona's Horse.
Hamersley, H. St. G., and Lieut,
Royal Artillery.
Caldwell, A. C, Lieut. First Con.
Poole, H. R., snd Lieut. Royal Gar.
Artillen'.
Ridout, J. Y. H., and Lieut. Royal
Gar. Artillery.
Kaulbach, H. A., Lieut. Roval War-
wickshire Régiment.
Jago, J. B., Sergt. E Battery, Royal
Canadian Artillery.
McLean, C. W. W., and Lieut. Royal
Field Artillery.
Magee, J. K. G., Pte. First Cont.
Vernon, A. A., Pte. Strathcona's
Horse.
<?^^
Officers who hâve Resigned their Commissions and Enlisted
in ttie Ranks for Service in Soutli Âfrica
First Contingent
Anslow.C.W., Lieut. lath F.B., C. A.
Pte. GCo.
Carruthers, W. B., Lieut. Graduate
R. M. C. Sergt. D Co.
Cowan, H. J., znd Lieut. Man. D.
Pte. ACo.
Ferguson.W.R., 2nd Lieut. gsrd C.B.,
Corpl. H Co.
Gardner, J., Captain M. B. S. R.,
Corpl. E Co.
Gorman, F., Captain zyth St. C. B.,
Sergt. B Co.
Hulme, G. G., 2nd Lieut. isth A.L.I.,
Corpl. D Co.
Irvine, A. B., and Lieut. goth W. R.,
Corpl. A Co.
Larue, L., Lieut. 87th Q. B., Pte. F Co.
McCormick:,A.S.,2nd Lieut. srdV.R.
with reinforcements.
McCosh, P., Lt. 3Sth S. F., Pte. C Co.
McHarg. W. H., 2nd Lieut. R. R. Co.,
Corpl. A Co.
Magee, J. K. G., Cadet, R. M. C,
Corpl. C Co.
Mellish.A.J.B., Lieut. Sand Q.Co
Pte. G Co.
O'Meara, D. A., and Lieut. 8th R.
Pte. E Co.
Oxley, W., Captain. çsrd C.
Pte. H Co.
Rood, T. A., and Lieut. 8and Q.Co.
Pte. G Co.
Rorke, J. H., Lieut. 3ist G.
Pte. C Co.
Ross, A. L., Captain 3oth W.
Sergt. D Co.
Southey, E. C, Lieut. 46th D.
Lee. -Corpl. D Co.
Stewart, L., Lieut. Sand Q. Co.
Pte. GCo.
Wall, A., Captain i6th P. E.
Pte. DCo.
Wallace, T. G., Captain sôth P.
Pte. C Co.
Ward, G. L., Captain 68th K. Co.
Pte. H. Co.
Whimster, P., Captain Man.
Sergt. A Co.
B.,
R.,
B.,
B.,
B.,
R.,
B.,
B.,
B.,
B.,
B.,
D.,
Second Contingent
Armstrong, B. R., Captain srd Ré-
giment, C. A., Pte. ist Battalion,
C. M. R.
Arnold, R. H., Lieut. 8th P. L. H.,
Pte. istB.,C. M. R.
Butler, A., Lieut. ist P. W. R. F.,
Pte. istB.,C. M. R.
Campbell, J. A., 2nd Lieut. aothW.R.,
Gr. DB.,R. C. A.
Campbell, D., Hon. Capt. H. C. B.,
Gr. EB., R.C. A.
Cosby, N. W., Lieut. 48th H., Gr.
Garnett, C. É., Capt. 26th M. L. I.,
Gr. D B., R C. A.
Hayward, G. F. H., Lieutenant ard
P. W. C. D., Sergt. ist Battalion,
C. M. R.
Hope, R. S., Lieut. aoth L. R., Bdr.
CB., R. C. A.
Jago, J. B., Lieut. Gr. R. M. C.
Sergt. EB., R. C. A.
Leach, F. E., Lieut. Gr. R. M. C.
Pte. 2ndB., C. M. R.
Leach. W. D., and Lieut. 46th D. B.,
Gr. DB., R. C. A.
Markham, R. F., and Lt. 8th P.L.H.,
Sergt. ist B., C. M. R.
Metzler, H., 2nd Lieut. 74th B., S.,
N. B., Pte. ist B., R. M. C.
Moorehouse, A. H.,2ndLieut. 74th B.,
S., N. B., Pte. istB., C. M. R.
Parks, J. H., Lieut. 8th P. L. H.,
Corpl. ist B.,C. M. R.
Read, H., Lieut. 46t"nD. B.,Gr. DB.,
R C. A.
Rayan, R. H., R. of G., Corpl.
istB.,C. M. R.
Warren, D. I., Lieut. G. G. B. G.,
Pte. ist B.,C. M. R.
Artificers EDrolled for Service with the Regular
Forces in Soath Âfrica
Belleveau, A. L., Saddler, 63 Patrick
Street, Québec.
Blackwell, Fred'k W., Shoeing-smith,
50 Elm Street, Toronto.
Brierly, Joseph, Wheeler, 787 York
Street, London, Ont.
Cass, Patrick B., Wheeler, 93 Campbell
Road Halifax.
Cooper, John T., Wheeler, 18 Artillery
Street, Québec.
Cumming, Geo. A., Shoeing-smith,
Meadowville, Ont.
Dickey, William J., Shoeing-smith,
Campbellford, Ont.
Hicks, John T., Shoeing-smith, Wel-
land. Ont.
Lauder. George, Shoeing-smith, 371
Burgess Street, Montréal.
Layng, Wm., Shoeing-smith, 118 Os-
sington Avenue, Toronto.
McMillan, Donald, Shoeing-smith,
Winnipeg, Man.
McMoris, Rupert, Shoeing-smith, 21
Poplar Grove, Halifax, N. S.
Patton, J. A., Saddler, Corbetton, Ont.
Pierce, Herbert McK., Saddler, New
Glasgow, N. S.
Poynter, Arthur, Wheeler, 20 Ellis
Street, Toronto.
Rankin, Hugh, Shoeing-smith, Bolton,
Ont.
Smith, Alex., Wheeler, Carp, Ont.
Smith, Horace, H., Saddler, Dart-
mouth, N . S.
Smith, John, Shoeing-smith, Port
Perry, Ont.
Speak, John, Saddler, 23 Yorshire
Street, Burnley, Lancs., Ëngland.
Thomas, William Henry, Saddler,
Long Ashton, near Bristol, England.
Wetmore, Henry A., Saddler, Mimicoe,
Ont.
Whiteoak, Norman, Shoeing-smith,
Markham, Ont.
1)^^®®^*^»
>^^èi^
CASUALTIES
Killed in Action, or Died of Woonds (t)
OFFICERS
• Then, here's their memory ;
May it be for us a guiding light,
To cheer our hearts for liberty,
And teach us to unité ! "
J. K. Ingram.
Major
Capt.
Lieut
Saunders, G. E.
Howard, (Gat.)
Arnold, H. N.
Hensley, C. A.
Osboriie, J. W.
Lieut. Wood, C . C.
" Blanchard, M. C
" Borden, H. L.
'• Burch, T. E.
" Chalmers, T. W.
NON-COlWMISSIOÎfED OFFICERS
Q. M
Sergt.
Sergt
, S. Elliott, T.
-Major Pearson, J. A,
Logan, A. E. H .
Brothers, J.
Edward, C. Parker.
Scott, W.
Bredin, H. H.
Munsey, S. W.
Sergt. Evatt, E.
Corpl. Morden, J. F.
" Taylor, J. R.
'■ Goodfellow, R.
" Bradley, W. C.
" Latimer, W.
" Wiihers, F. W.
•' Withey, B.
PRITATES
Arnold, T. G.
Angus, Jenkins.
Brown, A. W.
Barry, C. H.
Burns, O. T.
Clarence, C. Owen.
Cotion, H.
Cruikshank.
Uafoe, J.
Donegan, J. A.
Findlay, J. H.
Floyd, F. G. W.
Frost, W.
Ingram, W. H.
Jackson, C. E. E.
Jackson, W.
Johnston, Jos. M.
Jones, A.
, Lee, B. H.
; Léonard, J. W.
I Lester, C.
I Lewis, Z. R. E.
I Living, F. J.
i Manion, W. T.
Maundrill, A.
McCreary, P.
McQueen, A.
Ncild, J.^
Norris, F.
Orman, G.
Page, F. C
Radclifife, A.
Riggs, W.A.
Roy, A.
Scott, J. B.
Scott, L. B.
Sievert, J.
Smith, R.
Somers, J. H .
Spence, M. D.
Taylor, R. D.
Thomas, C. T.
Todd, T.
Wasdell, F.
West, W.
White, H. B.
White, W.
Wigins, W. J.
M This list is as complote as ir. possible, being from the officiai returns : and
thr re^ders will find menlioncd the corps lo which cach nian belonged on the Muster
Koll Now, if I do not note the namc of the places wherc they were wounded, or
died.'it is becausc their glorious sacrifice W.-IS the same, whether at Paardebe.g,
Spio'n Kcp, or clscwhere.
WOUNDED
OFFICERS
Lieut.-Col. Otter, W. D.
Pelletier, O. C. C.
Captain Nelles, CM.
" Turner, R. E.W.
" Macdonnell, A. C.
Lieut. Ingles, W. M.
" Young, H.W.
" Armstrong, C. J.
Ross, J. M.
" Masson, J. C.
KON-COMMISSIONED OFFI€ERS
Sergt. Ryan, K. H.
Hayes, W.
" Shreeve, J.
" Peppiatt, W.
" Sippe, G. R. B.
" Norways.
" Douglas.
•• Abbott.
Vine.
Far. Sergt. McCulloch, D.
Cr. Sergt. Thompson, C. H. D.
Corpl. Baugh, T. E.
" Baines, H. H.
Corpl. Miles, R.
" Brown, H.M.
" Moody, F.
" McDonald, R. D.
" Coombs, F. W.
" Smith, J.
" Stevens, R. C. H.
" McDonnell, C. R.
Lee. -Corpl. Van Norman,
R.C.
Lee. -Corpl. Powell, L.
Bomb. Hope, R. C.
" McCaskill, J,
PRIVATES
Adams.W. G.
Allan, L.
Andrews, H.
Armstrong, A.
Aspinall, A.
Bagot, A.
Baugh, E.
Beach, A. C.
Braee, N. T.
Bradshaw, J.L.H.
Brown, F.
Bums, R.
Bums,W. J.
Burney, J. A.
Bull, J. V.
Burns, D.
Clarke, C. P.
Coggins, H.
Cole, A. E.
Coleman, J. D.
Corley, J. B.
Culver, J. W.
Childers, H C
Carters, C. L.
Crawley, A. V
Davies, A. E.
Day, E. C.
Day, J.
Dickson, W. J
Donohue, W.
Downing, W.
Duncalfe, C.
Durant, H. E.
Deering, R.
Dodd.
Finch-Smiles, F
W.
Fletcher, Gr.
F.
Foster, P. R.
Fradshaw, H.
Flynn, W. B.
Gibson, C. A.
Gifford, B.
Gorman, J. F.
Gray, J. W.
Gray, N.
Green, W. J.
Garner, A. C.
LIST OF THE WOUNDED
199
Greewall, F.
Harris, J. A.
Harrison, C.
Haydon, A .
HiU, E.
HoUand, C.
HoUand, J.
Hudon, J. A.
Harvey, J. J.
Hainnioncl,R.6.L.
Hare, W. R.
Hudson, W.
Jackson, Gr. R.C.
Johnson, Jas.
Jordan, J.
ÎCane, Driver J.
Kennedy, Jas.
Kidner, R.
Kingswell, J.
Kerr, R. J.
Laird, A.
Larue, L.
Leavitt, H.
Letson, J.
Lohman, A. O.
Lutz, J.
Legott, M.
Lord, J. W.
Marentette, V. F.
Matheson, O.
Moore, T.
MacAulay, A .
McCollum, G. D.
McCollum, Gr.W.
McConnell, J. F.
McGill, D. R.
McGiverin, L.
Mciver, W.
McKenzie, H .
McLaren, C . D.
McLaughlin.R.H.
McLaughlin,H.P.
McLean, A. R.
McDuff, J.
McGregor, S. J.
McCarty, P.
Marriott, T. H.
McArthur, A.
McDougall, J. C.
Mulloy, L. W. R.
Monteith, W.G.S.
Niebergall, H. E.
Neild, Gr. J.
Nicks, J.
Northway, T. J.
Paddon, A. E.
Parker, A.
Patton, Gr. W.
Pelky,A.
Proulx, H.
Pralt, F. J.
Palmer, R. H.
Quinn, I^L J.
Regan, W. J.
Richardson, F.
Ritchie, W. G.
Robarts, G. P.
Robinson, J. B.
Rorison, C. K.
Ross, Dr. G. H.
Robinson, Strath.
Scott, J. A.
Shaw,A. C.
Simpson,;A.
Sprague, F. W.
Stewart, M. M.
Sutherland, A.
Sutton, J. H.
Switzer, P.
Seymour, G.
Stuart, A. W.
Sparks, C. A. S.
Taite, Gr. H. B.
Thériault, A.
Thomas, A. P.
Thompson, C C.
Turner, A . J .
Unkauf, W. C.
Usher, J. F .
Utton, F. W.
Vanderwater,W.J.
Vickers, J. R.
Warde, S. M.
Wayne, J. F.
Wheatcraft, A. H.
Woollard, Gr. G.
Watts, C. C. M.
Whiteley, F. C.
DIED FROM DISEASES
OFFICEBS
Captain Pearse, C .
" Sutton, F. H. C.
llîON-COZttMISSIONED OFFICUBS
Q. M. S. Hunt, S.B.
Sergt. Beattie, A.
Sergt. Clunnie, P.
Inglis, L. J. S
PRIVATES
Adams, T.
Adams, W. G.
Barr, H. B.
Blight, W. S.
Boit, G. H.
Bradley, Gr. R.
Bradley, Tr. G.
W.
Bing, A. B.
Chapelle, M. C.
Cléments, H. H.
Curphy, J.
Cotterill, C. W.
Crowe, D. J.
Cooper, Dr. J.
De Rochejacque-
lain, A.
DesLauriers, E.
Duhamel, J. W.
Dunsmore, R. J.
Dandy, Ch. R.
Davis, L. S.
Failey, T. E.
Forest, H.
Farrell, G.
Harrison, R .
Hull, W. A.
Hampton, W. J .
Hughes, Tr. W.
Irwin, R.
Kelly, G. M. O.
Liston, B.
Leit, R.
Larue, L.
Moore, D. L.
McMillan, Shoe-
jng-sm. D.
McNicholl, A.
MuUins, E.
.Merchant, E.
Maxwell, Femel.
Mclntosh, Ed.
lO'Rielly.Gr. P.
O'Kelly, J.
Picot, Gr. E.
Purcell, E. S.
I Purcell, J. J.
Ramsay, D. L.
Raspberry, J.
Ross, W. J. H.
Simmill. J.
St-George, B. A.
Valentine.
WooUcombe, J.
Zong, A. £.
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APPENDIX
/HIS Appendix is surdy in place, especially in view of the
death of the ever-to-be lamented Queen of England, and the
(T "^ manifestation of Canadian loyalty, on that sad occasion, so
corroborative of the remarks contained in the first part of this volume.
The reader will, therefore, not be surprised to hère find the
expression of the most deeply loyal sentiments, not only by the
Canadian people in gênerai, but, above ail, by the most eminent
personages in the religious, military, political, civil and administrative
sphères.
Apart from ail this, thèse few pages hâve been reserved for the
latest détails that the arrivai of the Second Contingent and of the
Strathconas aflfords us ; for, as our work commences with the departure
of our Contingents for the seat of war, it necessarily should not close
until the retum of the last soldier — otherwise our story would be
incomplète and unsatisfactory. Moreover, we deemed it proper to
hère give the names of a few Canadians who hâve fought, or who are
still fighting in various quarters of the globe. Such the purpose of
this Appendix !
Consequently thèse concluding pages will furnish the reader with
an account of the home-coming of the Second Contingent and that of
the Strathconas ; the striking évidences of French-Canadian loyalty
towards the British Crown ; and, finally, to mention but a few, the
tribute we feel bound to pay to the memory of Major Hébert, formerly
of the 65th and of *'B " Battery, who died of enteric fever, in 1882,
in Egypt. Nor shall we forget the number of Canafiian Voyageurs,
whom, during the expédition of 1884-85, the waters of the Nile swal-
2 APPENDIX
lowed up, or the sands of the désert coveied over forever. We shall also
recall the death of the kindly Colonel Kennedy, of Winnipeg, who
succumbed during the voyage, under the deadly influence of that
terrible malady, even as did the regretted Captain Sutton, Sergeant
Inglis, Private Deslauriers, and the half breed Henderson — ail of
whom found a last resting-place beneath the billows of the great océan.
And again, there are others : Lieutenant E. Carsley, who died in
India ; Révérend Mr. Leslie, a victim of Chinese barbarism ; Major
Boulanger and Alfred Bergevin, at présent in China ; James Welch,
of Port Hope ; Oscar Grégoire and Adjutor Vohl, of Québec, now
in Manilla, and a great number of other Canadians of whom the press
has largely spoken, and to whom références are still daily made.
Honor be to ail the heroic ones who spread abroad, over the world,
the famé of Canada and the renown of Canadian bravery and worth I
Honor be to the brave and valiant Strathconas, who hâve remained
in South Africa to complète the grand work of the Contingents, and
to whom it has been reserved to eventually deposit at the feet of
Canada the crown of glory that shall for ail time immortalize our
Canadian Contingents.
Gaston P. Labat,
RETURN OF THE 2nd CONTINGENT
From the Gazette, January Qlh, 1901.
„rTr;Yrr'HEN the booming of guns announced to those who had
Py»-A7/| anxiously watched for some sign of the transport since
(qq^ù Monday that the Roslyn Castle was sighted, the quarantine
steamer and a tug raced down the harbor to meet her. On board the
tug was a large party of ladies, some of whom were the wives of the
retuming officers. The moon was just rising, as the Roslyn Castte
came within sight, and by its faint light the party on board the tug
were enabled to see a flag flying at half-mast from the transport's
after peak. Long before the tug came within hailing distance of the
steamer the doctor's boat had reached it, and turned back to order
the captain of the tug to put back to shore. The ladies on board
piteously begged the doctor to tell them who was dead before they
started back. On the doctor's boat was the Révérend Father Sinnett,
who gently broke the news to Mrs. Sutton, one of the ladies who
made up the light hearted party aboard the tug, that her husband,
Captain Sutton, had died two days before the transport reached
port. She could not realize for a moment the full meaning of what
she heard, When she did her grief was pitiful. Mrs. Sutton had
been one of the gayest of the little party on board the tug and did not
attempt to restrain the joy with which she looked forward to meeting
her husband again. She had only been married eight years when her
husband answered his country's call to arms, and left her for South
Africa. Some time ago Mrs. Sutton left for England, hoping to
meet him on his arrivai there, only to find that he was coming direct
to Halifax, which she managed to reach just in time to welcome him.
4 APPENDIX
"The first boat to leave the transport vvas the Government tug
Argus, bearing the remains of Captain Sutton. The remains were
enclosed in a casket and the young wife, who had travelled eight
thousand miles to welcome her husband, received his dead body at
the landing stage.
" Captain' Sutton contracted enteric fever in South Africa, but
was apparently in fairly good health. Towards the latter part of the
voyage, when cold weather was encountered he was taken with
pneumonia, and, although every hunian effort was made to save him,
he died on Saturday last.
" The other officers' wives on the tug that met the transport were
Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Ogilvie, Mrs. Drury, Mrs. Eaton and Mrs.
Randolph. The meetings with ttieir husbands took place on the
deck of the transport with great tears of joy.
" The death of Captain Sutton was not the only one. Two days
out from St. Vincent, Sergeant Inglis died of enteric fever, and his
body was consigned to the deep, one of the chaplains performing the
last sad rites. His body was shot down a plank into the water."
Captain Sutton was highly appreciated by his chiefs and his men,
as a good soldier, hearthy comrade, and by society, for his noble
and distinguished manners. He was at forty-nine engagements, and
his last battle was with and for God, who gave him the reward
promised to every good Christian.
PRAISE FOR THE TROOPS
" When Colonel Lessard and Major Hurdman were interviewed
they showed your correspondent the following communication they had
received from General Smith-Dorrien just previous to the departure
of the Canadians for home.
" To C. S. O., 4th Division, Middelburg : —
" Sir,
"Ihavemuch pleasure in forwarding attached statements on the
gallant behavior of officers of the Royal Canadian forces in the action
of the 7th November, 1900, between Witkloof and Lilliefontein, the
Komatie emphasize the fact that the behavior of the whole Royal
Canadian rear-guard under Lieutenant-Colonel Lessard, was so fine
CAPTAIN F. II. C. SUTTOX.
APPENDIX 5
that it makes it most difficult to single any out for spécial distinction.
" There is no doubt the men sacrifieed themselves in the most
gallant way to save the guns of the battery, which they succeeded in
doing.
"Thèse statements, added to what I know myself, enable me to
bring forward five names for spécial distinction. The four first of
them I emphatically recommend for the proud distinction of the
Victoria Cross, and the fifth for some spécial mark of Her Majesty's
favor.
"I. Lieutenant H. Z. C. Cockburn, of the Royal Canadian
Dragoons, with a handful of men, at a most critical moment, held oflf
the Boers to allow the guns to get away ; but to do so he had to
sacrifice himself and his party, ail of whom were killed, wounded or
taken prisoners.
«<2. Lieutenant R. E. \V. Turner, later in the day, when the Boers
again seriously threatened to capture the guns, although twice
previously wounded, dismounted and deployed his men at close
quarters and drove off the Boers, thus saving the guns.
'« 3. No. 185, Private W. A. Kinsley, of the Royal Canadian
Dragoons, in a most gallant way, carried out of action under a heavy
and close fire No. 172, Corporal Percy R. Price, of the Royal
Canadian Dragoons, getting wounded himself in doing so.
«'4. No. 176, Sergeant E. HoUand, of the Royal Canadian
Dragoons, did splendid work with his Coït gun, He kept the Boers
off the two i2-pounders by fire from his gun at close range and then,
whcn he saw the Boers were too near for him to escape with the
carriage, as the horse was blown, he calmly lifted the gun oft" the
carriage and galloped off with it under his arm.
" 5. Lieutenant E. W. B. Morrison, Royal Canadian Artillery, for
the skill and coolness with which he worked and finally saved his gun.
•' I hâve the honor to he, Sir,
" Your obedient servant,
H. L. Smith-Dorrien,
" Major-General commanding flying column."
"After shakine hands with the officers, ail were asked to give
particulars of the deeds which received such substantial récognition,
but ail declined to discuss their actions in any other way than to state
that they had donc only their duty.
O APPENDIX
"True heroes in every sensé of the word, their very modesty
stamped them as soldiers of the do-and-dare character. None were
more proud of such achievements than Colonels Drury, Lessard,
Evans and Major H. Hudon, of the R. C. A., R. C. D., and R. C. R.,
respectively. While declining to make comparisons, the commanders
were satisfied that they had been placed over men who would not
contrast unfavourably with the best soldiers of the world. Like the
men of the first Canadian Contingent, they had been thrown into
contact with the pick of the British army, and in fighting and marching
they ' held their own, and a little better.'
"Colonel Drury, the senior officer, was one of the most pleased
men on the trooper. He preceded the Canadian Artillery by several
months, and joined "D" and " E " Batteries at Cape-Town. Under
General Parsons they were taken to Carnarvon, where they did duty
in the disaffected districts. Then they proceeded in a north-westerly
direction and marched five hundreds miles. " E " Battery then joined
General Warren and " D " Battery was detached to guard the line of
communication.
LORD ROBERTS' PRAISE
" But it was " C " Battery, under Major Hudon's command, which,
by its famous march to join Colonel Plumer, and which decided the
relief of Mafeking, brought so much glory to the Canadian arms. It
was that march which brought them to General Baden-Powell's relief
one-half a day before the historical siège was raised. Their guns
were galloped for hundreds of miles, with the aid of relays of mules,
sixteen to each team, and stationed twenty-five miles apart. It was
the ride which brought forth from Lord Roberts the exclamation :
' The wonderful, almost incredible, march of thèse Canadians ! "
"At Pretoria, when the majority of the Second Contingent were
drawn up before him, the British Commander-in-Chief again took
advantage of the opportunity to express his high regard for the services
of the Canadians, and thanked them for their efforts in behalf of the
Empire,
ON MISSIONS OF MERCY
"But there were other heroes on board whose mission had been
rather one of mercy than war. Chaplain Father Sinnett and Révérend
Mr. Cox had donc yeoman service in comforting the sick and wounded.
There were also the young lady nurses.
APPENDIX /
" Canada's daughters had not been behind lier sons, and seven of
thèse ministering angels accompanied the Contingent home. They
were Misses McDonald, Russell, Forbes, Hurcomb, Affleck, Pope
and Richardson. In their becoming costumes of khaki, with red
trimmings, their rosy cheeks and bright eyes, they did not seem to
hâve experienced much hardship. But thèse brave women had
endured the trials of the others. They moved from place to place as
best they could, lived on half rations, and slept, when the opportunity
offered, in the open and on hard floors, and ail without a murmur.
They were from the first placed in the advance guard, and led the
army to the Transvaal Capital. Hundreds of poor fellows had felt
their kind touch and had been cheered by their sisterly sympathy, and
many a ' God bless you ' had foUowed thèse heroines, as they passed
from cot to cot.
LANDING TOOK PLACE AT TEN
"The landing took place at the dock yard at 10 o'clock this
morning. Two hours before tliree signal guns from Citadel Hill
announced that the boat was to leave for the pier, and the rush for
places of vantage continued for several hours. The gênerai public
were admitted at the north gâte and Govemor Jones, the military,
Mayor and corporation, and relatives were allowed to pass at the
south gâte and take up positions on the wharf.
•' As the vessel steamed up the harbour a salute of twenty-one guns
roared their welcome from Citadel Hill, and the fire bells joined in
the réception. Shortly after the troops left the steamer they were
formally welcomed back to Canadian soil by Lieutenant-Colonel
Biscoe, on behalf of the Impérial authorities. His address was brief,
but appropriate. He said that it aflorded him great pleasure to
welcome, on behalf of the Impérial authorities, the men who had so
gallantly upheld the old flag. As a Britisher, he felt delighted over
the grand réputation the Canadian Mounted Rifles and Artillery had
made on the battlefield. Their work and their achievements were
brilliant. They had exhibited in no unmistakeable way that the
soldiers of Canada were made of fighting material, second to none in
the world. He was highly pleased to leam of the many brave and
heroic deeds performed by the Canadian soldiers, but ref retted that
their ranks had been thinned on the field of action.
•• In conclusion, he wished Lieutenant-Colonel Drury and those
who had returned under his command long and prosperous lives."
8 APPENDIX
LIEUT.-GOVERNOR JONES' ADDRESS TO THE MEN
" Lieutenant-Govemor Jones, addressed the returning Contingent
as foUows : —
** Lieutenant-Colonel Drury, officers and men of the 2nd Contingent :
" It affords me the greatest pleasure and gratification to extend to
you, on behalf of the people of Canada a most cordial and hearty
welcome on your retum to your native land.
" During the time you hâve been absent the people of Canada hâve
watched your movements with intense interest and satisfaction, and
vvhen, as on many occasions, your conduct in the field secured you
the high approbation of your illustrions commander and gênerais
under -n-hom you hâve served, a feeling of national pride and satisfac-
tion was felt from one end of the Dominion to the other.
" Every hamlet and cottage had an interest in your movements and
shared in the pleasure that ail felt at the crédit you were reflecting on
yourselves and on the country that sent you forth to battle in a
righteous cause. You hâve nobly illustrated in your persons the
qualities of the race from which you sprang. Worthy sons of worthy
sires ; and one of the brightest pages of Canadian history has been
fumished by her gallant sons on the field of battle.
" Some of your brethren in arms, who visited England and who
lately landed hère, hâve received from her people every possible
mark of national appréciation and gratitude ; from the highest in the
land, there was nothing but kind words and pleasant commendation
for the services rendered to the Empire.
" Our vénérable and sympathetic Queen, with an émotion that
faintly concealed the depth of her feeling, expressed, in graceful and
kindly language, her thanks for your dévotion and her gratitude for
your services to the Empire.
" I hâve witnessed the occasion of her kind words to a wounded
soldier, standing on crutches before her, which was an event that
must forever linger in the memory of ail who were présent.
QUEEN'S WORDS WERE FOR ALL
" The portion of our contingent now before us were not able to be
présent on that historié occasion, but you must not forget that every
Word addressed to those who were before her was intended for you ail,
APPENDIX 9
and belongs as much to you, one and ail, as if you had been actually
standing before her. Your services were the same as theirs, your
dévotion to duty and discipline had been equally great, your conduct
in the face of a stubborn foe had been equally brilliant and effective,
and you hâve a full right to share with your brave companions-in-arms
the crédit and commendation that was given to the soldiers of Canada.
'♦ At the time when it seemed right that our people should share in
the conflict for Queen and Empire the only difficulty the militia
authorities had to contend with was how to restrict the enthusiasm of
our people. No act of conscription was necessary to fiU your ranks,
thousands were only too ready to join the gênerai battalions who
were going forth to the seat of war. Our friends across the border,
in their hour of necessity, could only fiU their depleted ranks by an
act of conscription, but the Old Land, as well as her varions Colonies,
has never been compelled to resort to that arbitrary manner of securing
the services of her national defenders.
"Proud of their glorious country, her history and her institutions,
they always hâve been, and always will be, ready and willing to
proceed to the extremest corners of her possessions to fight under the
flag which, as Kipling observes : —
♦' Because on the bones of the English
The English flag is stayed."
••You men of the Contingent are returning once more to your
homes. We earnestly trust that you may be spared a long life of
honoured usefulness in the various walks of life with which you hâve
been previously associated.
" Mr. Président, I ask ail présent to join with us in drinking the
health of Colonel Drury, his officers and men under his command.
HEARTS SADDENED BY DEATH
" But amid ail our rejoicings our hearts hâve been deeply saddened
by the death so near home of two of your gallant band, just as they
should hâve been filled with the pleasurable feeling of reaching their
homes and meeting those so dear to them once more. They had
faced death in a thousund forms in the face of a stubborn foe, but they
were summoned to the Great Muster-RoUat a time when their hopes
1 O APPENDIX
must hâve been high, and loving friends were leady to welcome
them again.
"To those who hâve been so deeply afflicted are extended our most
heartfelt sympathy and commisération ; and we pray that the Good
Father of ail may grant them His blessing and consolation."
A NURSE AND THE WAE
ONE OF THOSE WITH BATTERY "d" TELLS OF HOSPITAL WORK.
" Miss Georgina Pope, sister of Mr. Joseph Pope, for many years
private secretary to the late Right Honorable Sir John Macdonald,
and now under-secretary of state, was one of the nurses who went eut
with the first Canadian Contingent. Miss Pope returned to Ottawa
with "D " Battery, and is now the guest of her brother. Miss Pope,
in common with the other nurses, was not allowed to go to the front,
owing to the hardships incidental to such work. She commenced her
labors in alleviating and caring for the sick and wounded at Wynberg
Hospital and subsequently served in the hospital at Rondebosch,
Kroonstad, and Pretoria. After January last, Miss Pope says, the
cases which she nursed were almost entirely of enteric fever, which
was of a very malignant type, with complications, and resulted in a
heavy mortality.
"Speaking of the hospital question, Miss Pope was under the
impression that the state of affairs had been grossly exaggerated. If
the field hospitals were in any way defective, she stated that it was
due to the inévitable horrors of war. Under the existing conditions it
was not to be expected that such improvised institutions could be
conducted as well as the regular hospital.
" At Rondebosch there were but thirty deaths in six months, and
this, Miss Pope considers, speaks well for the hospital service.
"The nurse met Mr. Burdett-Coutts and also some of the hospital
commission, but when they arrived the alleged cause of trouble
had largely disappeared. The base hospitals, Miss Pope stated, were
excellent.
' ' The nurse spoke very highly of the work perf ormed by the Red
Gross Society and stated that she and others were the récipients of
many acts of kindness on the part of Lieutenant-Colonel Ryerson."
APPENDIX II
AT THE KINGSTON BARRACKS
"There were the several members ofthe Réception Committee which
vas formed to make pleasant the stay of the Canadians in London
— the Duke ofAbercom, chairman ; EarlGrey, vice-chairman ; Lord
Onslow, Colonel Mackinnon, Captain Simpson, Mr. Fleetwood
Wilson, of the War Office, Mr. Oliver Williams, and Major Balfour,
of the Home District. The battalion reached the barracks at a quarter
past 3 o'clock, and when the men were drawn up in the square
Colonel Otter read to them the following letter, written by the Duke
of Connaught to the Duke of Abercorn : —
"Royal Hospital, Dublin, November 2'jth.
" My dear Abercorn,
"I Write to you as the chairman of the Réception Committee of
the Colonial Contingents visiting England on their return from the
Boer war to ask you to express my welcome to the Canadian
Contingent arriving to-morrow. I wish I had been able to come over
to see them personally. I hâve read with pride and pleasure the
accounts of the splendid services rendered by the Canadian troops to
the Empire in the numerous engagements in which they took part in
South Africa. I also share with ail Englishmen the feelings of sorrow
for those brave Canadians who fell in this war.
" I am no stranger to Canada nor to her troops. I always
remember with pleasure that I shared with her militia in the defence
of her frontier during the Fenian invasion of 1870, and for which
service I wear the Canadian medal.
"Wishingthe Canadians a good time in England, and a happy
return home.
" Belle ve me, yours, very sincerely,
•' Arthur."
"The final report of Lieutenant-Colonel T. D. B. Evans, to the
Militia Department as commanding officer of the Canadian Mounted
Rifles, contains the following, extract of a highly complimentary
character, from a letter written to him by Brigadier-General Alderson,
commanding the Mounted Infantry Brigade : —
" I should like to tell you how sincerely sorry I am that the
Canadian Mounted Rifles are leaving the mounted infantry brigade.
12 APPENDIX
Since the ist of May last we hâve soldiered together, and I can
honestly say that I hâve been very proud and pleased to hâve those
people with me. Everything I hâve asked them to do has been donc,
not only thoroughly well, but most cheerfully. I should like you to
know how the last has helped me along. Personally I do not think
that orders are quite the place to give vent to one's sincère feelings,
and, therefore, I write this semi -priva te letter to you to let your
people know how proud I hâve been to speak (and to write home)
about them as ' My Canadians,' and also how sorry, as far as I am
personally concerned, though thoroughly glad for their sakes, that
they are going, and how sincerely I wish them the best of luck in the
future."
BENE MERENTI
"Lord Roberts' despatches mentioning those officers who deserved
récognition for their services in South Africa are published in the
London press. Among those specially nientioned are Major S.
Denison, Royal Canadian Régiment of Infantry, A. D. C. to the
Commander-in-Chief.
" Captain Brevet Major and local Lieutenant-Colonel E. P. R.
Girouard, D. S. O., R. E., Director of Railways, has carried out his
duties in a highly creditable manner. The concentration of troops
prior to my advance was carried out by him without a hitch, and he
has recently performed valuable service in restoting through railway
communication between the Orange Free State and Cape Colony.
"Lieutenant-Colonel W. D. Otter, Canadian Staff, Aide-de-Camp
to His Excellency, the Governor-General of Canada.
"Major L. Buchan, Lieutenant Colonel Royal Canadian Régiment
of Infantry.
"Major O. C. C. Pelletier, Lieutenant-Colonel Royal Canadian
Régiment of Infantry.
"Captain H. B. Stairs, Captain of 66th Princess Louise Fusiliers.
" Lieutenant and Adjutant A. H. Macdonnell, Captain Royal
Canadian Régiment of Infantry.
" Sergeant Utton, Private J. Kennedy, Private H. Andrews,
Private J. H. Dickson, Private C. \V. Duncafe, Private F. C. Page.
"Lord Roberts confidently recomniends those named to the fovor-
able considération of the Government.
APPENDIX 13
'«General Warren in his report upon the attack on Faber's Port
commends Surgeon-Major Worthington, Canadian Artillery, for
excellent work in the field, and especially mentions Lieutenant-
Colonel Hughes, M. P. ; Major Ogilvie, of "E " Battery, R. C. A. ;
and Captain Mackie, R. C. A., attached to Warren's Scouts."
" GAT " HOWARD IS KILLED
"London, February 24th.
"The War Office has received the follovving despatch from Lord
Kitchener : —
"I regret to say that Major Howard, a very gallant officer of the
Canadian Scouts, was killed February lyth."
"The Major Howard referred to above is "Gat" Howard, who
went out with the Mounted Rifles, in command of a machine gun,
with the rank of lieutenant. He came to Canada in 1880, in charge
of a gattling gun which was used in the fight at Batoche, when Riel's
position was taken. He had formerly been an officer of the Connec-
ticut National Guard. On his return from the West, he was
instrumental in establishing the Dominion Cartridge Company, at
Brownsburg, near Lachute, of which he was manager. He volunteered
for service in South Africa. On the return of the corps he remained
in charge of his gun squad and later was given command of a corps of
Canadian scouts, whose services hâve been several times referred to in
the telegrams. He bade farewell to his retuming comrades at Cape-
Town, and returned to duty and, as it has tumed out, to death.
" During the past week there was received from him by a friend at
Ottawa a letter from which the foUowing was published : —
" I hâve added to my battery a pom-pom, so we hâve quite a force,
six coït guns, a pom-pom and loo scouts. We hâve had two brushes
with the enemy since you left, and made them hump each time. We
were paraded by the General and given great crédit. I may come
back in July and recruit a régiment of half-breeds. The Boers are
cutting up Hades around hère, so you see the war is not over yet or
likely to be for the next year. Give my best regards to ail. I will
meet you in England probably next June."
14 APPENDIX
" When the mounted men returned home Major Howard preferred
to remain, and formed a corps known as the Canadian Scouts, drawn
from men of the Canadian mounted Contingent who wished to stay on.
Sergeants' pay was given the men of this corps, showing the high
regard in which they were held. On several occasions they disting-
uished themselves. Poor Major Howard has evidently exposed
him self once too often."
FORMER TORONTONIAN KILLED
" News was received of the death in action of Frank Douglas,
formerly of Toronto. Mr. Douglas was a member of the Impérial
Oxford Yeomanry and was killed during an action under Lord
Methuen on February i6th. He enlisted a little over a year ago.
Mr. Douglas was an old Upper Canada Collège boy and studied
architecture in Toronto in the office of Mr. D. B. Dick. He had been
practising his profession in London, Eng. Mr. Douglas was the third
son of Mr. C. I. Douglas, Brampton, Oxfordshire, and a brother of
Mrs. W. M. Boultbee, of Toronto. Mr. George S. Holmested, of
Osgoode Hall, was an uncle of deceased. It is supposed that the
action in which he lost his life was that at Hartebeestfontein, in which
the loth Impérial Yeomanry distinguished themselves."
RETURN OF THE STRATHCONA'S HORSE
" Ottawa, January I4th, 1901.
HE following cable was received at the Militia Department,
from Lieutenant-Colonel Biggar to-day : —
" Cape-Town, January I4tli, igoi.
" Strathcona^' sail for Halifax about 2lst instant.
"Biggar."
"Ottawa, January 3rd, 1901,
" The Minister of Militia is in receipt of a report from Lieutenant-
Colonel Steele, Officer Commanding Strathcona's Horse, dated
Potchefstroom, November 2jth. The report commences with October
2oth, and is tersely written, and of great interest. On the night of
November 2oth at Elandstadt, the régiment was ordered to cover the
movements of the Impérial troops so as to enable General Barton to
cross the Valley. One of the Impérial Régiments failed to connect
and the plan failed. Then Colonel Steele was requested to send a
troop to recall a body of Impérial Light Horse on the other side of
the Valley. The troops started and rode to what they thought were
the Light Horse. That body had, however, retired, and the Strath-
conas had coma within range of a body of the enemy who opened fire,
The Strathconas retired. Private Read had his horse shot under him^
and surrendered. During the night finding his guard asleep he escaped
and rejoined.
"On November iith, General Barton wrote 'I cannot speak too
highly of the practical and efficient manner in which the duty assigned
27
l6 APPENDIX
to your splendid corps was carried out by yourself, and ail under your
command. I hâve specially mentioned this in my report to the
C. M. C General Barton regretted that the movement was net
successful, and the loss of one nian, and one taken prisoner. Colonel
Steele commends Private Stewart for bravery."
THEIR LAST MARCH
"The follovving interesting account of the last march of Strathcona's
Horse in South Africa before their departure for England was con-
tained in a letter received in Montréal from a member of the corps : —
" The régiment left Pochefstroom by rail under orders to go to
Aliwal North on the 28th of November, General DeWet was at this
time threatening to cross the Orange River into Cape Colony, and
our gênerais feared that the disloyal colonists would rise and assist
him. At Bloemfontein, on our way south, we received fresh orders
to detrain at Bethulie, near the Cape Colony boundary. We reached
the place in the afternoon, and at midnight " A " and " C " Squad-
rons, under command of Major lîelcher, joined a small column, under
command of Colonel Long, R. A., which marched east to join the
force under command of General Charles Knox. Passing through a
very diffîcult rocky range of hills, the little column joined the force
under General Knox.
STRATHCOKAS IN ACTION
" The Strathconas were immédiate! y ordered to join the advance
guard, which was then in contact with DeWet. Moving forward,
one squadron got under a very hot fire. Seven horses went down
and three men were wounded and some more were hurt by falls from
their horses.
' ' The rest of the régiment was then ordered up, and taking advant-
age of a donga, gained a farm house under cover, except for a short
distance. A pom-pom was brought up, and under the direction of
Colonel Steele, opened a withering fire on the enemy from cover
behind the farm house.
" A force of mounted infantry, under Colonel Herbert, about this
time turned the enemy's left flank. The Boers retired at once, and
APPENDIX 17
though darkness was closing in they were closely pursued by the
Strathconas and mounted infantry under Colonel Herbert. The
pursuit was continued the following day, the rain coming down in
torrents. A start was made at dawn, and a drift over the Caledon
River reached at dusk. The heavy rains had swollen the stream. A
hait had to be called until 3 o'clock in the morning, when the water
went down again, and the troops were able to cross the drift.
"Continuing the pursuit for several days our boys succeeded in
tuming General DeWet from the Orange River, which he wished to
cross, and compelled him to turn to the north again. Passing through
Rouxville, Smithfield and Dewetsdorp, the corps caught up to
DeWet's force again at Helvetia, and pressed him close. The
following day the enemy again had a hard time of it but on the third
day they put out a strong rear guard . and only the skill and cunning
of our boys saved the advance from a disaster. This was New Year's
day.
ENEMY PUSHED NORTHWARD
"Finally towards evening the enemy were pushed further north
and as darkness closed in our advance rode into the town of Lindley
which the enemy evacuated after a short but warm skirmish. During
the march the Strathconas covered about 400 miles at the rate of 20
to 25 miles a day. Owing to the rapid march the transport was
exceedingly light and during the wet weather the boys had not enough
blankets to keep the cold and wet out at nights. News from Elands-
fontein, i3thjanuary, says that the corps had marched 500 miles to
date in pursuit of the enemy, in which the casualties were only one
man and seven horses killed, and one man wounded.
" The régiment had Christmas dinner at Clocolair when they were
in camp. Christmas night the Irish Yeomanry who were camped
alongside our boys gave a smoking concert to which the Strathconas
were invited.
" One man was killed and another wounded the 24th December.
The Irish Yeomanry sent flowers to decorate the former's grave."
IN AN ALL-DAY FIGHT
" A delayed despatch dealing with the pursuit of De Wet before he
escaped from General Knox refers to an all-day fight near Bethulie,
in which the Strathconas participated.
l8 APPENDIX
"The despatch says : —
" Soon after daybreak the Boers began firing at our outposts. The
enemy held a strong position north of and parallel with the road.
"General Knox found Colonel Barker holding the several positions
•which he had gained the previous day, but the enemy's centre was a
very strong, rugged kopje, traversed by a solid stone wall, affording
splendid cover.
" Along the foot of the kopje ran one of the branches of the Silk
spruit, and up this a company of the Seaforth Highlanders attached
to Colonel Barker's column crept at the early moming. They were
warmly received by the enemy, but they ultimately gained a fann
house at the foot of the kopje, while on the opposite side the Boers
held the end of the ridge, the eastern portion of which was held by
Colonel Herbert.
" When General Knox arrived he ordered Strathcona's Horse to
support the Seaforth Highlanders, and they at once started off with
this object. They received a heavy and continuons fire, but quickly
took shelter in the spruit. Unfortunately, however, they took the
wrong track, and on discovering their mislake, made a bold and
plucky dash for some fann enclosures. They met with a terrifie rain
of fire, but gallantly persisted, galloping at fuU speed. They were
forced, however, to return in conjunction with the Seaforths, having
fought the whole day long, but having been well covered, their
casualties were small.
" Colonel Herbert and Colonel Williams had meanwhile swung
round to the right with great speed, and brought the howitzers of the
36th Battery to bear upon the Boer left. The enemy were unable to
stand the lyddite shells, and retired hurriedly, but their centre stood
firm till nightfall, and then also retired.
" When this despatch left, DeWet's convoys, which are three miles
in length, were proceeding northward."
AN INCIDENT IN CHASE OF DeWET
" Kroonstad, O. R. C, January loth.
"Lord Strathcona's corps to-day ended its chase after DeWet and
likewise its active participation as a régiment in the présent campaign.
Upon its arrivai hère this afternoon orders were received for mobiliza-
APPENDIX 19
tion in préparation for an early embarkation for home, and steps in
that direction hâve already begun."
•'There are still roving bands of Boers lingering along the main
roads leading to the railway with the object of capturing convoys sent
eut to the columns operating southward of this place. Thèse are very
bold and troublesome. They invariably attack the rear guard of
every column or convoy passing along the roads. General Barton's
column on its way in to Kroonstadt had rear guard fights with thèse
rebels daily. The Strathconas figured in two of thèse, on both
occasions ha\àng to hold off the Boers from daylight until dark. In
thèse fights the Strathcona pom-pom did splendid service and saved
the men on several occasions. In the last day's fighting the Strathcona
pom-pom fired almost a thousand rounds of ammunition which speaks
eloquently of the work the gunners had."
KING AND QUEEN ACKKOWLEDGE THE SALUTES OF
CANADA'S ROUGH RIDERS
" London, February I4th.
"Though the Strathcona's Horse only landed this morning they
occupied places within 200 yards of Buckingham Palace, the roof and
precincts of which were crowded with spectators.
"Among the troops lining the Royal route to the Houses of
Parliament, the Strathconas, clad in dark overcoats with grey cowboy
hats and carrying rifles, looked business! -like and bronzed.
"They were in striking contrast with the gorgeously uniformed
Guards."
CHEERED THE STRATHCONAS
«•' The heroes of the crowd were members of the Strathcona's Horse,
who came in several four-horse brakes, carrying their carbines and
wearing informai, slouch hats and khaki overcoats. They alighted in
front of the palace and marched down the line to a position a short
distance from the palace, where they were drawn up while the
procession passed. The King saluted them most cordially and the
people cheered them repeatedly."
20 APPENDIX
RECOGNIZED BY THE KING
"When passing them both the King and Queen, who were raised
well above the heads of the crowd in the golden state caniage drawn
by six cream coloured horses, and caparisoned in purple, were seen to
half turn in their direction, The King and Queen bowed several times.
" Soon after the procession passed the Strathconas marched to the
barracks,"
A MEDAL PRESENTED TO EACH OF THE OFFICERS
AND MEN
" London, February I5th, 1901.
"King Edward accompanied by Queen Alexandra, this morning
inspected at Buckingham Palace 350 officers and men of Strathcona's
Horse. His Majesty presented the régiment with the King's colour
and gave medals to the men. A detachment of guards held the lawn
of the West Terrace and the Canadians were drawn up in front of the
terrace. The company présent included Lord Roberts in full uniform ;
General Buller, the Duke of Connaught, Mr. Joseph Chamberlain,
the Secretary of State for the Colonies ; Lord Strathcona and Mount
Royal who organized Strathcona's Horse, and many army and court
officers. The Royal Standard was hoisttd over the palace as the
King, wearing a Field Marshal's uniform, and the Queen in deep
mourning, appeared on the terrace, accompanied by the Duke and
Duchess of Argyll, Prince Charles of Denmark and the Duke of
Cambridge.
"His Majesty shook hands with Lord Roberts and General Buller,
and the band of the Coldstream Guards played 'God Save the King.'
COLONEL STEELE PRESENTED
" Colonel Samuel B. Steele, of Strathcona's Horse, was presented
to King Edward who proceeded to inspect the régiment.
" Returning to the terrace, the King handed a medal to Colonel
Steele. Then the officers and men filed past a table, the King
presenting each of them with a medal.
"The King's colour was brought by an escort of Grenadier Guards
to the foot of the steps, and His Majesty presented it to the Canadian
cavalrymen, saying it had been the intention of his mother to présent
APPENDIX 21
ît to the régiment, and that he now did so in her name, and in his own.
•' Tlie colour was borne to the régiment, the band playing ' God
Save the King.'
THE KING'S SPEECH
" Afterwards the Canadians maiched past, and the King, accom-
panied by Lord Strathcona, advanced and addressed the troopers as
follows : —
"Colonel Steele, Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Privâtes,
««I welcome you hère to our shores on your return from active
service in South Africa. I know it would hâve been the ardent wish
of my beloved mother, our revered Queen, to vi^elcome you. Alas,
that was not to be. But be assured she deeply appreciated the services
you hâve rendered, as I do. I feel sure that in entrusting the King's
colour to you. Colonel Steele, and those under you, you will always
défend it and do your duty as you hâve done during the past year in
South Africa, and will do so on ail future occasions. I am glad Lord
Strathcona is hère to-day, as it is owing to him that this magnificent
force was equipped and sent out. I can only hope your short sejourn
in England will be agreeable and that you will return safely te your
homes, friends and relations. Be assured that neither I nor the
British nation will ever forget the valuable services you hâve
rendered in South Africa."
COLONEL STEELE'S REPLY
"Colonel Steele, thanking the King on behalf of the régiment,
assured him that the people of Canada would always do as well as
Strathcona's Horse, if not better, and added that they were, ' always
ready to défend the flag, the King and the rights of the British Empire.'
" After three cheers for the King, the officers were presented to His
Majesty, who shook hands with and thanked each of them."
LORD STRATHCONA'S RECEPTION
" London, February igth.
" London has rarely witnessed a scène of patriotic enthueiasm that
equalled to-day's luncheon given by Lord Strathcona, at Kensington
Palace Hôtel, to Colonel Steele, officers and men of the Strathcona's
Horse.
22 APPENDIX
"Owing to the national mourning the gathering was of a semi
private character ; but among Lord Strathcona's personal frienda
présent were Lord Dundalk, under whose command the Strathcona's
fought, Mr, St. John Brodrick, Secretary of State for War, Lord
Aberdeen, Earl Grey, Earl Derby, Lord Stanley, and other prominent
Englishmen.
" Lord Dundalk's speech, recording the deeds of the Strathcona's
Horse, roused the gathering to the highest pitch of enthusiasm.
"Lord Strathcona received volley after voUey of cheers from the
officers and men of the Strathconas ; but the wildest cheering was
reserved for General BuUer, who unquestionably remains the hero oi
the fighting Canadians.
" We are," said Colonel Steele, amid vociferous cheers, "going
back to Canada to settle up our little afifairs there. When we hâve
done that, we are ready to go back to South Africa to fight for the
Empire."
' ' The Strathconas are being overwhelmed with kindness at their
réception everywhere hère."
TWO BRAVE CANADIANS
" Ottawa, February 4th.
" Captain Fall and Lieutenant J. G. Leckie, of Strathcona's Horse,
hâve been recommended by Lord Dundonnald for the distinguished
service orderas reward for bravery in South Africa."
STRATHCONA'S DEPART
"Toronto, February 23rd.
•' An Evening Telegram's spécial cable, dated London, February
23rd, says : —
"The Strathcona's Horse received a most enthusiastic send-off this
morning on their departure for Liverpool to sail for their homes in
Canada. Though the hour was early, great crowds lined the streets.
Lord Strathcona and the Duke of Abercorn were présent at the station
to bid farewell to the men. One hundred Strathconas remain in
England on leave of absence. They will spend the time visiting
relatives.
APPENDIX
23
" On the way to Liverpool, the Strathconas met with a hearty
réceptions at Rugby and Crewe.
" At Liverpool an enormous crowd had gathered, and the men
were given a magnificent réception.
«' The régiment marched through the streets to St. George's Hall,
where they had lunch with the Lord Mayor, who, with the Lady
Mayoress, and a great gathering of the militia, received them.
" The Lord Mayor, in addressing the men, remarked that he would
be glad to change places with the men. He welcomed them in the
heartiest terms, and thanked them for the services they had rendered
to the Empire, and wished them God-speed on their journey home.
" The people of Liverpool were wildly enthusiastic over the
Canadians, and an enormous crowd assembled at the landing stage to
witness their departure on the Numidian. As the steamer moved out
of the harbor marvellous enthusiasm broke forth,
" Richardson, the trooper who won the Victoria Cross was recog-
nized, and the crowds soon gathered around in an attempt to shake
hands with the brave fellow. The Strathconas are immensely pleased
and gratified with the réception accorded them in England.
" Most of the members of the Strathcona's Horse, which arrived
hère from South Africa last week, left early this morning, and later
embarked at Liverpool upon the British steamer Numidian for their
homeward journey.
" The troopers were played to the station by a band of pipers of
the Scots Guards. Tlie large crowds which witnessed their departure
and the rousing cheers showed the popularity of the Canadians.
"The color presented by the King was carried by a subaltern.
Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal, the Duke of Abercorn and many
other persons were présent at the station to bid the troopers farewell.
"The Nuviidian sailed amid great démonstrations in honor of the
Canadians."
A STRATHCONA VICTORIA CROSS HERO
To the roll of heroes who can add the letters V. C. to their names
may now be added the name of Sergeant Arthur Richardson, of
Strathcona's Horse. His cross was won at Wolvespruit, near Stand-
erton, where thirty of the Strathconas, found themselves ambushed by
some 200 Boers. In the retirement, under heavy fire at short range.
24 APPENDIX
Sergeant Richardson saved a wounded trooper ; in doing so, Sergeant
Richardson and his doubly-burdened horse had to gallop a quarter of
a mile under heavy fire, until the steed was induced, by the stimulant
of a Boer bullet striking him in the hoof, to charge a barbed wire fence
which the gallant sergeant was trying to make bim leap.
IN STRATHCONA'S HONOR
"A meeting of citizens will take place in the St. Lawrence Hall,
on Monday afternoon at 4.30 o'clock, to discuss the proposai to erect
a monument to Lord Strathcona.
"Lord Strathcona having expressed the wish that this movement in
his honor should take some other form than the érection of a statue to
him, a proposai has been made to unité with the Soldier's Monument
Fund to obtain the érection of a suitable mémorial of Canada's
contribution of troops in the South African war, as well as of
Strathcona's Horse."
THE STRATHCONAS
THEIR FINAL HOURS IN LONDON WERE FULL OF ENTERTAINMENT. —
WERE PROUD OF GENERAL BULLER. — AN INTERESTING
INTERVIEW UPON THE CAMPAIGN WITH
CAPTAIN MACDONALD.
From the Star.
"London, February 23rd.
*« To-day we see the last of the Strathconas. ' Fine fellows ail '
has been the gênerai verdict, and again and again you would hear
regrets expressed that Kitchener has not a thousand or two of such
men to put on the trail of the slippery DeWet." '
" . . . . When, as one of the guests, I reached the hôtel I found
the spacious hall and passages lined with Canada's Western warriors,
bronzed and khaki-clad and to be dist'nguished from ail the other
khaki-clad troops that hâve been in London of late by the peculiar
wide-a-wake character of their hats. The Strathconas might once
hâve been distinguished by the brass letterings upon their shoulder-
straps and the Strathcona arms upon the collars of their tunics; but
not one in ten had any such distinctive marks on Tuesday last. I
APPENDIX 25
asked one of the officers why. ' Well,' he replied, * the Boer girls
hâve got those. They are great curiosity hunters and our boys were
tremendous favorites."
PROUD OF COLONEL STEELE
«* The relations between Colonel Steele and his men are evidently
of the best. They are proud of their commander, and they are proud
to remember that he is returning to South Africa, when, to quotè his
own words, ' We hâve been to Canada to settle up affairs and see our
little ones,'— as Colonel in the Baden-Powell constabulary force.
Indeed one impression brought away from the luncheon was that hère,
at last, one had seen a happy military family. An explanation of
this phenomenon might, perhaps, be found in a little incident, narrated
to me by one of the officers. When the Strathcona's landed at the
Royal Albert Docks, they were met by an Impérial officer with whom
the deputed Strathcona officer proceeded to arrange the matter of
déportation and joumey to London. As the two officers were talking
together, a Strathcona trooper came up and engaged in a conversation
of the freest type, with the Strathcona officer. He was grumbling
about something or other, and the officer gently reasoned with him
and at length sent him away, quite satisfied.
" You allow your men to talk to you like that, do you ?" said the
British officer.
«'Certainly, can't help it," was the Canadian reply.
"Well, l'd soon help it," was the British retort. '«If one of my
men talked like that to me, I would hand him over to the guard
immediately."
" Oh, you would, would you? Well, let me tell you, that if you'd
tried any of those high-handed ways with our fellows, in South Africa,
you'd hâve been lynched at the nearest tree, or buUeted onthe quiet
at night."
A STRATHCONA OFFICER INTERVIEWED
" A conversation had with Captâîn Macdonald, of the Strathcona,
at the Kensington Palace Hôtel last Thursday, will be of interest to
Canadian readers. When found, the Captain was stroUing up and
down a corridor of the hôtel deepin conversation with Colonel Steele,
arranging for to-day's journey to Liverpool. But he spared a few
minutes.
26 APPENDIX
" Glad to get home ? " the interviewer ventured.
" To see one's friends and get sight of the country again, of course."
" Do you intend remaining in Canada ?"
" Captain Macdonald laughed, but would not commit himself.
"You see," he said, " I am a law7er at home, and a lawyer's life is
a little différent to the one I hâve been leading during the last year or
so. The spirit of roving is upon me and I don't think I could ever
settle down to humdrum office work again."
"Are many of your men returning to South Africa?"
" About a hundred, I believe, to join Baden-Powell's constabulary.
Then we left thirty-two behind on private business, and thèse probably
intend to settle or obtain ci\'il employment of some kind. The
Colonel himself will not remain long in Canada, returning to South
Africa to take up a command in the Police."
" Speaking as a Canadian, were you struck with the prospects for
settlers in South Africa ? "
"Well, the country is good enough if you go to the right place.
Some of the valleys we passed through were wonderfully fertile and
splendidly adapted for fruit farming. It is a curious fact, though,
that the fruit is very fîavourless and that though roses flourish, they
hâve no smell. The country is not to be compared with Canada,
especially with my own Province, Ontario."
"Did you see much of the British Tommy in action?"
"The British Tommy?" said the Captain, "he's simply grand.
That is the only way I can describe him. I never want to see any-
thing finer than the way in which the Rifle Brigade stormed a Boer
position near Machadodorp. The Boers were well concealed on a
rocky kopje and the Rifle Brigade had to advance along a pièce of
level open ground to get at them. We were posted on a hill protect-
ing the left flank of the British troops and got a good view of the long
lines of khaki figures as they advanced, keeping their distances
splendidly. Of course, they lost heavily — over a hundred casualties,
I believe — but helped by the accurate fire of our artillery, with well
placed lyddite and sharpnell, they turned those Boers out vnth
heavy loss."
"What of British generalship and the British officer ? "
" We saw little of Lord Roberts, but he was undoubtedly much
too lenient. Lord Kitchener, in my opinion, is just the man for the
vork. The notion of his undue severity is quite a mistaken one. The
APPENDIX 27
officer who takes bis business seriously and means to get on bas no
better friend. To the lazy, eye-glassed officer, however, heis deserved-
ly a teiTor. We, of course, bad most to do with Buller. His popularity
with our men is extraordinary. As an instance, at the King's review
last week tbey asked as a spécial favour that they might be allowed
to cbeer him. This, too, although Lord Roberts was présent.
Naturally the Colonel could not allow it. As for the British officer
generally, he is a splendid fellow, alvvays treated us well, and as
brave as could be. Some they are sending out now are terribly
young, though they seem to lack nothing in pluck."
" What did you think of the Canadian horses? "
" We used them ail the time until we reached Pretoria, and found
they stood the hard work well. The Argentine horses were very
poor in comparison."
STRATHCOXA'S HORSE, ARRIVES
From the Star.
" Halifax, N. S., March 8th.
"As daylight was breaking on the Nova Scotia coast the staunch
ship Numidian, with Strathcona's Horse on board, came within sight
of the entrance to Halifax harbour. The Captain of the liner was not
sorry that the fourteen days' voyage was over, and Colonel Steele and
his brave men were more than glad once more to be within hailing
distance of Canadian soil. The régiment will be rashed forward
without delay, the whole corps proceeding direct from the ship's side
to Ottawa. There will be no stay in this city. The men will hâve
dinner on board the Numidiati as she lies at anchor in the stream,
having been paid off in the meantime, and early in the aftemoon they
will disembark and entrain for Ottawa. The voyage was uneventful
except that for the first four days particularly rough weather was
experienced. As the ship passed Cape Clear, she encountered a gale
which continued day after day. The sea was heavy and the winds
were contrary. Even after the long voyage from South Africa, there
were very few of the men who escaped at least a touch of sea-sickness."
ONE CASE OF SERIOUS ILLNESS
" Sergeant Miller, of Ottawa, was one of the first men the S(ar
correspondent met when he boarded the steamer in mid-stream. He
28 APPENDIX
said that the health of the men generally on the voyage out had been
good with no mishaps of any kind. There was only one exception to
this pleasant state of affairs, and this was the serious illness of Private
A. Robinson of " C " Squadron, who is down with pneumonia. Last
night Robinson's condition was so serious that he was hardly expected
to live, but to-day he is a shade better and will be removed to the
military hospital. Sergeant Miller says that of the thiity-one ofScers
who went out, eighteen return, and of the 569 men, 262 are on board.
When Strathcona's Horse left Cape-Town, the régiment had 515 of
ail ranks. Of thèse 145 remained in England, on furlough, pending
discharge. The régiment has lost 26 men by death since sailing from
Halifax a year ago, of whom 12 were killed and 14 died from illness.
Thirty-eight of the Strathcona's remain in South Africa in other corps,
a number of them having received commissions, and 26 more stay
behind there to engage in private business. Two of the Strathconas
died of enteric fever in England. Such, in brief, was the interesting
statistical story told of Strathcona's Horse, by Sergeant Miller. He
said before I left him, that there wer.e three horses on board belonging
to officers, one of them an Ottawa man. Thèse horses hâve had to
subsist, since leaving Liverpool, on potato peelings, for no hay was
taken on board the Numidian.^'
INDIGNANTLY DENIES STORY
"Colonel Steele was breakfasting with Mrs, Steele, who was hère
awaiting him, the Captain of the steamer, Colonel Irving, D. O. C,
and a number of other local officers, when I boarded the steamer.
He looks not a day older for his year's service, just as cool and
nonchalant as the day he marched the régiment Ihrough the streets of
Halifax to board the troopship for Africa. The first thing that
occurred to me was to ask him about the story told by an Australian
war correspondent, of cruelty to Boers practised by Colonel Steele's
men. The Colonel did not feel at first much like talking, but that
Australian yarn warmed him up.
"The story is absurd," he said. " Our coi-ps is notad for its
humaneness. \Ye never saw an Australian ail the time we were in
South Africa. Our lot was cast with other corps. No colonials were
in our column, except the South African Light Horse, a splendid
corps, and Tliornycroft's and Beaton's Horse, ail first rate régiments.
APPENDIX 29
Our men were most considerate to the enemy on many occasions wheii
severe measures would hâve been excusable. Boers were more than
once caught crawling up to shoot our sentries in the dark, yet they
were only taken prisoners and brought in. I hâve had considérable
expérience with men, and am prepared to say that there was no more
cruelty displayed by Strathcona Horse in South Africa, than there is
to-day among the North-West Mounted Police, and we ail know
what that body is like. There is no better body of men living.
Strathcona's Horse hâve done honour to their country. They obeyed
orders strictly and we always had magnificent discipline.
WELCOMED BY BOER LADIES
"They were kind to women and children, so much so ihat Boer
ladies were always anxious for the régiment to camp in their vicinity,
for they knew from expérience that they would be sure of the kindest
treatment. The soldiers of the regular British army also were exam-
plary in this respect. This war has been conducted on humane Unes.
" Yes, I am glad to be back," Colonel Steele said, in response to
an inquiry, and when I asked him what about the future, he said : —
" I hâve been ofTered the command of the Petersburg district of
South Africa and I may accept. Whether I shall or not dépends on
circumstanccs."
" Colonel Steele referred to the record of Strathcona's Horse in
South Africa, remarking that he had heard reports that his corps had
• raised Cain' in some towns. His sufficient answer to that was that
the régiment had no: been in Cape-Town on its way home, more than
to pass direct from the train to the steamer.
LORD STRATHCONA PROUD OF MEN
" People hâve to remember," Colonel Steele said, " that there are
no scrubs in our régiment. They are the sons of Canadian farmers
and gentlemen. What we did as soldiers in the field and on the
march I leave to our Gênerais to say, but of their good conduct I can
speak. Lord Strathcona is proud of his men. In London they were
the talk of the clubs. They looked magnificent when paraded before
the King. Ail the officers were presented to him. Lord Strathcona
gave the men Iwo banquets in the Empress room of the Royal Palace
Hôtel, Kensington. Among those présent were the Duke of Aber-
3Ô APPENDIX
corn, the Marquis of Hertford, Lord Dundonald and many noble men.
Lord Strathcona presided, and most complimentary remarks were
made of our régiment. Lord Dundonald, who commanded the Third
Mounted Brigade, to which the Strathcona's belonged, stated that on
the field we took everything seriously, and that our régiment was
made up from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot of men.
Lord Strathcona spoke of the great pleasure it was to hâve his name
connected with the régiment.
" Lord Strathcona, the Duke of Abercorn and Lord Dundonald,
saw us off at 7 o'clock in the morning when we left London. At
Liverpool we were given a splendid banquet in St. George's Hall.
The officers were presented to the Lord and Lady Mayoress, who
received in state. AU the military staff were présent and there were
ten thousand people in the galleries of the hall. After the banquet,
the régiment marched to the City Hall, the streets lined with a dense
mass of citizens, eager to catch a glimpse of us. The Lord Mayor
addressed us in terms highly complimentary to the régiment, and to
Canada."
GALLANTRY OF CANADIANS
'•Before finishing his talk with your correspondent. Colonel Steele
said : —
"Our régiment was always delighted to hear of the gallantry of
comrade régiments from Canada. We went to do our duty for
Canada and the Empire, and we are glad to know that no régiments
were more thought of than Colonel Otter's. the Canadian Artillery,
and the Dragoons and Mounted Rifles. There was only one opinion
of the Canadians among the British troops, and that was that they
were highly efficient and worthy of ail respect."
STRATHCONA'S LEAVE
COLONEL STEELE'S PATRIOTIC SPEECH. — HE ASKS HIS MEN
NEVER TO FORGET THAT THEY ARE CANADIANS.
— BE EVER LOYAL TO THE EMPIRE.
" Halifax, N. S., March gth.
"The military spécial with the Strathcona Horse, hauled by two
engines, left over the International at 7 o'clock last evening.
" One of the features of the afternoon was Lieutenant-Colonel
Steele's address to the men, every word of it ringing with patriolism.
APPENDIX 31
"After reviewing the men, Colonel Steele said : *I thank you
Colonel White, officers and men of the ITiird Royal Canadian Régi-
ment, for the honour you hâve donc Strathcona's Horse on receiving
us in this way on this occasion. I wish to congratulate you on the
fine appearance and discipline of your men."
" Then, tuming straight round to squarely face the men of the
guard of honour, his face grave and earnest, rivetting every eye, and
thousands straining their ears to hear every word, he said : —
" Boys, ne ver forget that you are Canadians, and that Canada, as a
country, has no superior in the wide world. Ahvays be ready to take
up arms to défend the Empire ■whenever occasion calls. The corps
you hâve welcomed home to-day, raised by that patriotic Canadian,
Lord Strathcona, hâve endeavoured in a quiet way to deserve the
respect of the Impérial troops in South Africa by endurance and
attention to duty. \Ve hâve not done much, but
WE HAVE DONE OUR DUTY
to the best of our ability. In returning home we hâve a picture in
Dur mind of a quiet farmhouse, and it should be characteristic of a
Canadian that he can couvert himself into a soldier and back again
into a citizen as required. The Strathconas are proud of being
Canadians, and I hope that the young men in particular will ahvays
remember that they are Canadians first. I hâve served in the ranks
and carried a rifle many a long day, and can advise you from
expérience to always endeavour to do your duty in whatever position
you are placed, and in the assurance that if you try you can
succeed.
*' I thank you again for the honour you hâve done the Strathconas
this day."
«'Concluding his brief remarks, the Colonel said, with fine eftect r
' Remember Canada. She is ail right.' "
»' At this the immense gathering burst into cheers, and the band of
the Third Royal Canadian Régiment struck up the Maple Leaf.
«' Women pressed forward eager to get a grasp of the Colonel's
hand, and one old Irishwoman ejaculated : ' That's good, Colonel ;
you've given us a real Canadian speech.' "
28
32 APPENDIX
THE KING'S COLOURS
" The King's colours, presented to Strathcona's Horse in London,
is a really beautiful flag. It is a silk Union Jack about 2^ feet by
SK f"2^t. The staff is richly mounted in gold, with tassais hanging
from the top. On the staff is a silver tablât, with the foUowing
inscription : —
PRESENTED BY
His MoGt Gracious Majesty Edward VII.
KING AND EMPEROR
TO
Lord Stratlicona' s Corps
In récognition of services rendered to the Emplir e in
South Africa in içoo.
"It is decided the colours will be placed in Lord Strathcona
and Mount Royals' Private Gallery.
"A group was formed on the Numidian's deck just before the
régiment disembarked. The group was composed of Lieutenant
Leckie, holding the colours, with Sergeant Murphy and Sergeant
Trail on either side with rifles at guard, and in this position they were
photographed. Colonel Steele appears in the photo a little to the
rear on the left."
HONOURS FOR COLONEL STEELE
HE IS APPOINTED TO FOURTH CLASS OF VICTORIAN ORDER.
" London, March çth,
" Lieutenant-Colonel Steele, of Strathcona's Horse, has been
appointed to the fourth class of the Victorian Order."
m.t ënd (ïrï0w«i&' the Wûvîî.
(
LOYALTY
r^
THE GOOD QUEEN
WILL be good," said the Princess Victoria at the âge of
eleven, when she first learned that she was heir to the throne.
" It is because she has been good that ail the world loves
her. Only those who met her could appreciate the chartn of her
personality, but ail the world knew of her goodness. The Queen's
name is always respectfully and even warmly greeted, net because
she is Queen, but because there is a gênerai feeling that she is one of
the best women that ever lived.
"There can be no doubt that the moral tone of the British Empire
is higher because Queen Victoria has reigned over it so long and her
influence for good has not been confined to the British Empire."
A WARM TRIBUTE FROM LORD STRATHCONA
"London, January 22nd.
"Speaking from a Colonial standpoint, Lord Strathcona, Canadian
High Commissioner in London, said : —
" The Queen's serions illness will cause deep sorrow in every part
of Her Majesty's Dominions. Hope will everywhere prevail that our
great Queen will soon be restored to her usual health. Her influence
for good throughout the Empire stnnds as one of the most marvellous
and beneficent things in the modem polilical world."
34 APPENDIX
LA REYNE EST MORTE
" London Times, January 23rd.
Mother of Mothers, Qucen of Queens,
Ruler of Rulers, Lord of Lords ;
War harvests, but the Reaper gleans
A richer prize than Swords.
God help our England, for we stand
Orphaned of Her who made us one ;
The Honour of the Fatherland,
Her Hope, Her Trust, Her Sun.
Afar, where Summers bum and glow,
The subject Peoples of our race
Shall see their stricken Master go
With tears upon his face,
The Nation, at her dying, born,
Shall weep beneath the Southern Cross,
And with her Mother-Country mourn
Irréparable loss.
The scattered Islands of Her Realm
Shall droop the emblem of Her sway
Who through the long years grasped the helm—
Through the laborious day.
And flashing lights shall signal far
Their tidings to the passing ships,
To tell the sinking of Her Star,
Her sorrowful éclipse.
Oh Mother Queen ! God's honoured guest,
Who greatly welcomes those who bring
Thy great credentials : thine His rest 1
Amen! God Save the King."
APPENDIX 35
THE VIRTUES AND GREATNESS OF QUEEN VICTORIA
BY ELLA WHEELER WILCOX.
(Spécial to the Star.)
" London, February Ist.
"Ella Wheeler Wilcox has written a poem extoUing the viitues
and greatness of Queen Victoria as foUows : —
Colossal woman of an epoch past
Your long, eventful pilgrimage is done ;
Yet, shall the influence of your goodness last
When later centuries their course hâve run.
Impérial, not iinperious, was your sway —
More than an Empress, greater than a Queen.
The -Hatchful world beheld in you alway
A virtuous woman of benignant mien.
Peace was your purpose, progress was your aim,
Fair justice was your large soûl 's honoured guest;
When war, relentless and resistless, came,
The tender heart broke in your woman's breast.
No impious lust for power defiled your mind ;
Concerned with but the ultimate good of earth —
Eecause you lived shall unborn rulers find
A nobler meaning in Impérial birth."
KING EDWARD'S MESSAGE TO HIS PEOPLE O'ER
THE SEAS.
" King Edward VII. has sent the following message to ail the
British Colonies and Dependencies : —
" To My people beyond the Seas,
"The countless messages of loyal sympathy that I hâve received
from every part of my dominions over the seas testify to the universal
grief in which the whole Empire now mourns the loss of my beloved
mother.
36 APPENDIX
'•In the welfare and prosperity of her subjects throughout Great
Britain, the Queen ever evinced a heartfelt interest. She saw with
thankfulness the steady progress which, under the wide extension of
self-govemment, they had made during her reign. She warmly
appreciated their unfailing loyalty to her throne and person, and was
proud to think of those who had so nobly fought and died for the
Empire's cause in South Africa.
" I hâve already declared it would be my constant endeavor to
follow the great example which has been bequeathed to me.
" In thèse endeavors I shall hâve confident trust in the dévotion
and sympathy of the people, and of their several représentative
assemblies throughout my vast colonial dominions. With such loyal
support, I will, with the blessing of God, solemnly work for the
promotion of the common welfare and security of our great Empire,
over which I hâve now been called to reign.
" Edward, Rex."
" The King has sent a spécial message to the people of India, and
a greeting to the ruling chiefs of the native states."
THE GOVERNMENT
FK.OCLAIMED A HOLIDAY. — THE OFFICIEL DECREE SUSPENDING
BUSINESS IN THE DOMINION. — BANKS AND PUBLIC
OFFICES WILL ALL BE CLOSED.
"Ottawa, February ist, 1901.
" As was announced yesterday would be the case, the Secretary «f
State last night issued a proclamation appointing Saturday to be a
public holiday. The proclamation reads : —
"To ail to whom thèse présents shall corne, or whom the same may
in anywise concern, greeting : —
PROCLAMATION
" David Mills, Attomey-General, Canada : —
♦' Whereas, Saturday, the second day of February, has been fixed
for the obsequies of her late Majesty our Royal Mother of Blessed
and Glorious Memory ;
APPENDIX 37
" And, whereas, well knowing that our deep grief is shared by our
loving subjects in Canada, \ve are desirous to afford them an opport-
unity of testifying their sorrow and their sympathy with us in the
grievous affliction which bas befallen us and them ; now tberefore we
bave thought fit, by and with the advice of our Privy Council for
Canada, to appoint and set apart, and we do hereby appoint and set
apart, Saturday, the second day of February next, as a public holiday
to be observed as a gênerai day of mourning byall persons throughout
our Dominion of Canada.
" In testimony whereof, we hâve caused thèse our letters to be made
patent and the great seal of Canada to be hereunto afiixed.
"Witness our right and trusty and right well-beloved cousin the
Right Honourable Sir Gilbert John EUiott, Earl of Minto and
Viscount Melgund of Melgund, county of Forfar, in the peerage of
the United Kingdom, 3aron Minto of Minto, county of Roxburgh, in
the peerage of Great Britain, baronet of Nova Scotia, Knight Grand
Cross of our most distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George,
etc., etc., Governor-General of Canada.
" At our Government House, in our city of Ottawa, this thirtieth
day of January, in the year of Our Lord, one thousand nine hundred
and one, and in the first year of our reign.
" By command,
" R. W. Scott,
" Secretary of State,
" God Save the King."
A ROYAL VISITOR
" Ottawa, February 7th.
" The formai opening of Parliament took place this afternoon at
three o'clock, when His Excellency in ail the State consistent with
Court mourning, and escorted by the Princess Louise Dragoon Guards,
drove to Parliament Hill, wherehe was received byaguard of honour
of the Governor-General's Foot Guards. As His Excellency passed
over Dufferin Bridge, a vice-royal salute was fired by the Ottawa
Field Battery from Nepean Point. His Excellency having entered
the Senate Chamber, the Black Rod was despatched to summon the
Gommons, who arrived headed by Mr. Speaker Brodeur, preceded by
the Sergeant-at-arms carrying the Mace.
38 APPENDIX
"Honorable Mr. Brodeur informed His Excellency that he had
been chosen Speaker by the House of Gommons, and in the name of
that House demanded Treedom of speech in debate,' a privilège
which even the impetuous Tudor Queen Elizabeth apologized for
ha^•ing unduly criticized : ' The préservation of their undoubted and
ancient rights and privilèges and access to His Excellency's person at
ail reasonable times.'
" His Excellency then delivered the speech from the Throne, as
follows : —
"Honorable Gentlemen of the Senate, Gentlemen of the House of
Gommons : —
" Since our last meeting the Empire has been called on to lament
the démise of Her late Majesty Queen Victoria, The universal regret
and sympathy \vith which the tidings of her decease hâve been received
throughout the entire civilized world afford the best testimony to the
manner in which she has at ail times discharged her duties both as a
woman and a Sovereign throughout her unprecedentediy long and
glorious reign, and I will venture to add that in no portion of her vast
territories were those sentiments more profoundly felt than in the
Dominion of Ganada. You will, I am sure, take early action to
express your sympathy with the royal family in their bereavement
and your loyalty to the new Sovereign."
CANADIAN CONTINGENT
" The Ganadian Gontingents to South Af.ica hâve nearly ail
returned, and it affords me a very great gratification to be able to
assure you that the valour and good conduct of our Ganadian soldiers
hâve called forth the highest encomiums from the several commanders
under whom they hâve served during the arduous contest."
ADDRESS TO THE KING
" Sir Wilfrid moved the address, which was as follows : —
" To the King's Most Excellent Majesty : —
" Most Gracious Sovereign,
"We, Your Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the Senate and
House of Gommons of Ganada in Parliament assembled, humbly beg
leave to approach Your Majesty with the expression of our deep and
APPENDIX 39
heartfelt sorrow at the démise of our late Sovereign Lady Queen
Victoria.
"Incommon -^vith our fellow-subjects in ail parts of the Empire,
we déplore the loss of a great ruler, whose manifold and exalted
virtues hâve for three gf^nerations commanded the respect and
admiration of the world.
"As representati^-es of the Canadian people we moum for the
beloved sovereign under whom our Dominion first rose into being,
and to whose wise and beneficent sway are due in no small measure
its growth and prosperity.
" May we venture to add that above and beyond thèse sentiments
which the sad occasion naturally calls forth there bas come to each
one of us a sensé of personal bereavement, which, we say it with ail
possible respect and duty, makes Your Majesty's sorrow our ovm.
" We pray that the God of Consolation may comfort Your Majesty
and the members of the royal family in their affliction.
" It is with feelings not less deep and sincère than those to which
we hâve just given utterance that we bail Your Majesty's accession to
the throne of your ancestors. We beg to assure Your Majesty of our
devoted attachment to Your Majesty's person and Government, and to
express our unclouded confidence that the glory and the greatness of
the British Empire abroad, and the happiness and well-being of Your
Majesty's people at home, will suffer no diminution under Your
Majesty's gracious rule."
SECONDED BY MR. BORDEN
"Mr. R. L. Borden (Halifax). I hâve little to add, Mr. Speaker,
to the very éloquent and appropriate words in which my Right
Honourable friend, the Prime Minister, bas moved his resolution,
beyond saying that it will meet, with the cordial approval and support
of every member of this House.
' 'The Right Honourable Gentleman bas well referred to the condition
of this country at the time when her Gracious Majesty ascended the
throne and its condition at the présent time. Then there were five or
six disconnected provinces having no means of inter-communication,
\^'ith hostile tariffs between them, wth our North-West a wilderness
and with British Columbia an unknown country. Now, we find this
country from the Atlantic to the Pacific governed by one Parliament,
subject to the same gênerai laws ; and instead of rébellion, we see
40 APPENDIX
our volunteer soldiers returning home from fighting the battles of the
Empire across the seas. It is truly a great change and a change
which has been to no small extent brought about by the influence of
Her late Majesty."
THE SENATORS PAY TRIBUTE
" Ottawa, February I3th.
"The Senate yesterday concurred in the resolution of sympathy
with His Majesty King Edward VII. on the démise of the Queen.
Honorable David Mills, in moving the resolution, made an excellent,
erudite address on the constitutional aspect of Her Majesty's reign,
the tributes to her personality being apparently little more than
incidental.
'• Sir Mackenzie Bowell spoke very briefly and with much feeling.
"The resolution was adopted, and then the debate on the address
was concluded, and that disposed of."
QUEBEC LEGISLATURE
" Québec, February i6th.
" Loyal and patriotic were the speeches of Premier Parent and
Honorable Mr. Flynn in the Législature to-day on the occasion of the
moving and seconding of the address of condolence to His Majesty
the King.
" Seldom indeed has the impression of the greatness of the British
Empire been more vividly shown and those calamity howlers who
believe that the many-pieced fabric woven by the world's greatest
statesmen is soon to crumble to dust hâve evidently no knovvledge of
the nature of that fabric nor ofthe secret strands that contribute to its
strength.
" The Honorable S. N. Parent, Premier ofthe Province of Québec,
is not an Englishman, and although he speaks English he is much
more fluent in his mother tongue, yet he, truly the représentative cf
over one million of his compatriots, of a race at one time at continuai
enmity with Britain, and of a religion at one time proscribed in
British territory, is a true, loyal and honest advocate of British
sovereignty, and bears devoted allegiance to Britain's Impérial crown.
" His speech to-day, and that of his political opponent. Honorable
APPENDIX 41
Mr. Flynn, were above ail ringing réfutations of the base slander that
French-Canadians are traitors, and the words of love, praise, and
regret that were spoken in regard to our late sovereign, Queen
Victoria, the great and good, will be received by Englishmen the
■world over as the direct resuit of a policy of liberty, generosity and
tolérance, which is a pattern to the other nations of the earth."
MONTREAL CITY COUNCIL
" Montréal to-day présents an appearance unique in its history.
Clouds of mouming are flapping from almost every building. Pillars
of public buildings are wrapt about with black and tied with bows of
royal purple. In sections, the black effects are relieved by mono-
grams, emblems and mottoes. Flags fly half masted from thousands
of flag pôles, and it is like a Sunday in the business portions of the
city, Loose streamers of black and purple float disconsolately in the
air and the gênerai effect is one of sadness."
" In addition to the resolutions of condolence on the death of Her
Majesty, passed by the City Council of Montréal, there was a resolu-
tion of much interest moved by Alderman Ekers and seconded by
Aldennan Bumbray. It was as follows : —
««That on behalf of the citizens of Montréal the Council seize this
mournful occasion to express their loyalty to the throne of Great
Britain."
««Like ail the other resolutions, it was unanimously adopted.
«' In a few words His Worship said the death of Her Majesty was
a shock to the whole world. Wherever the sun shone there were
mouming hearts over the death of the noble woman who had reigned
for so long and so wisely.
" Similar remarks were made by Aldermen Laporte, Jacques,
McBride, and others.
" Rising, Alderman Gallery said he would like to say a few words
on behalf of the Irish people he represented both in the City Council
and as a member of the House of Commons.
•'The twentieth century," he said, "cornes in with mourning for
the British Empire: The news has been flashed across the Atlantic
that England's noblest Sovereign, and one of the grandest of women,
has just passed away. After the longest reign in the history of
42 APPENDIX
England, Queen Victoria has closed her eyes on the world in whicli
she held such an exalted position.
"As an Irishman, I feel that I should express the sentiments of the
vast majority of the people of my race when I state how much more
esteemed was Queen Victoria in Ireland than were many of her
predecessors.
"I rise to pay a tribute of respect to the memory of a good and
noble woman, whose démise has thrown the whole Empire into
mourning.
"Her kind heart and many amiable qualities commanded the
admiration and respect of the whole civilized world, and especially of
her own subjects.
"We lament her Gracions Majesty's death, particularly when we
recollect what a good and noble woman she was, and how worthy of
the exalted place she filled with such dignity."
" Before adjournment, the Mayorsaid, after consulting the religions
authorities, he had decided to proclaim February 2nd as a day of
mourning, and that spécial religions services would be arranged. The
exact form of this would be decided later.
" He understood that His Grâce Archbishop Bruchési would issue
a pastoral letter next Sunday on this subject. Regarding the wearing
of mourning by the public, the Mayor said it had been suggested to
him, and he entirely approved of it.
" He also remarked that orders had been given to drape the City
Hall."
ONTARIO LEGISLATURE
" Toronto, February I3th>
"In the Provincial Législature, yesterday, appropriate action was
taken in regard to the death of the late Queen, An address expressive
of the sorrow of the members of the House and the people of the
Province, condolence with the King and Royal family, and recording
allegiance to His Majesty was moved by ^he Premier and seconded
by the leader of the Opposition. Mr. Ross's speech was befitting
the occasion. It was comparatively brief, but the language was
strikingly impressive. Mr. Whitney, who followed, also spoke well,
and the House, at the conclusion of his remarks, adopted the address
by a standing vote."
APPENDIX 43
AT WINNIPEG
" Winnipeg, February ist.
"A proclamation has been issued by the Local Govemment in a
spécial number of the Offitial Gazette, announcing Saturday, February
2nd, a public holiday on account of the funeral of Her Majesty the
Queen and directing that ail offices in which Govemment officiais are
employed be closed on that day. To ensure that Saturday is properly
observed as a day of mouming in Winnipeg. Mayor Arbuthnot has
supplemented the Government proclamation with one of a ci vie nature."
MOURNING IN THE DOMINION
"The day of mouming for the late Queen is being rigidly observed
throughout ail the Dominion. In ail cities ail business is suspended,
even hôtels being closed. The principal buildings on the main streets
are heavily robed in purple and black. Mémorial services are being
held in the churches. Ail the city régiments, with beat of muffled
drums and arms reversed, marched to diNnne service. Bells tolled
and guns boomed. Everything, indeed, betokened genuine and
heartfelt sorrow at the loss of Her Gracions Majesty."
LOYALT\' OF THE CHURCHES
MGR. FALCONIO'S TRIBUTE
"Mgr. Falconio, Apostolic Delegate to Canada, adds a fitting
tribute to the memory of the dead Queen, as follows : —
" Her Majesty was a noble, pious lady, who, during her reign, had
■won the respect, love and vénération of ail her subjects, and in an
especial manner of her Catholic subjects, who hâve enjoyed the
greatest measure of religions liberty in the Victorian era. Surely, if
any should regret Her Majesty's death, it should be the Catholics. I
speak from personal knowledge when I say that the Holy Father
always held the Queen in the highest possible esteem."
MGR. BRCCHÉSi'S REMARKS
" At the High Mass sung on Saturday at St. James Cathedral for
the Royal family, His Grâce Archbishop Bruchési, who attended at
44 APPENDIX
tlie throne, made the foUowing reraarks to the congrégation which,
stood during the delivery of the allocution : —
" My dear Brethren,
" At this solemn moment, while we are hère gathered together in
this Cathedral, the funeral of our late lamented Queen is taking place
in the British metropolis. With what sincerity we associate our grief
with that of the great Empire to which we ail belong ! We hâve
rendered homage, as it is our duty to do, to the noble woman, to the
model vnk and to the illustrious Queen, in whom we hâve always
recognized the sure friend of our country and the protectress of our
liberties. What can we ail do for her now that she has gone ? Each
one will fînd answer in Consulting our Catholic faith, which embraces
the world, and which teaches us that the tie which unités those who
hâve gone and those who remain, is not broken and that we may aid
those who hâve gone before by prayer and good works. That which
the holy laws of our Church permit us to do we are doing to-day.
We are prajdng for the Royal family in deep distress, and we are
praying for our new Sovereign, who has just ascended the throne,
and in doing this we are putting in practice the precept of St. Paul to
the first Christians who recommended them to think of, and particularly
before God, those who are invested with power and authority. What
the new reign will be, no one but God can tell, but let us pray it be
a prospérons and happy one. Let us pray for the Catholic Church,
for the Empire, and for the people. This, my dear brethren, is my
heartfelt wish."
After this noble and loyal language, the choir sang three times :
Domine, salvam fac regem ! God Save the King.
PASTORAI, LETTER FROM MGR. BEGIN
" The service at High Mass at the Basilica yesterday morning was
most impressive, and was attended by a very large congrégation.
Mgr. Bégin occupying the Episcopal throne. A draped Union Jack
hung at each side of the main altar.
" Before the sermon, Révérend Cure Faguy read the foUowing
pastoral letter from Mgr. Bégin, announciug the death of Her Majesty
APPENDIX 45
Queen Victoria and the accession of the Prince of Wales to the throne
of Great Britain and Ireland : —
" Louis Nazaire Bégin, by the grâce of God and the Apostolic See,
Archbishop of Québec : —
" We hâve just received, very dear brethren, the officiai announce-
ment of the sad event foreshadowed by ail that has taken place the
last few days, and which fiUed ail good citizens with the most
poignant appréhensions. Our gracious Sovereign, Victoria, is no
more ! She has just closed her earthly career, after a glorious reign
of sixty-four years.
" We hasten to communicate to you this afflicting news, in the firm
con\-iction that you will bestow just regrets on the memory of this
illustrious Queen, whose death is a matter of deep mouming for ail
her subjects.
*' Called while still young to occupy the throne, placed by Divine
Providence at the head of the vastest and niost powerful Empire the
world has ever known, profoundly penetrated by the responsibility
attached to the sovereign power, she has spared nothing towards the
accomplishment of her formidable mission.
" It was given her to occupy the throne of Great Britain longer
than any of her illustrious predecessors ; during her reign, events of
the most remarkable character and of the highest importance for the
future and the happiness of the people, hâve taken place ; She has
been a witness of the marvellous progress achieved in every depart-
ment of human activity, in literature, science, the arts, industry and
commerce.
"And while she favoured and encouraged ail thèse movements
destined to enlarge the boundariesof human knowledge, or to increase
the glory and prosperity of the State, it can be truly said that social
and philanthropie works, movements having for object to relieve or
diminish human misery, hâve always had the préférence in this noble
heart, and hâve most largely benefited by her benevolent protection.
'* Her subjects, toc, hâve always surrounded her with the deepest
respect, and hâve seized on every favourable occasion to testify their
love and gratitude.
"As they shared in her sorrows, and showed that they could
sympathize with her in her trials (because sorrow and trials visited
her, too, giving to her life the last touch of perfection), so, likevvise,
46 APPENDIX
they saluted the days consecrated to her triumphs with unariimous
and enthusiastic acclamations. For the dignity of her life, eminent
qualifies of her heart, and a political sagacity to which the whole
svorld had been pleased to render homage, had won ail hearts to her.
" Our Canada, like the other portions of the Empire, has benefited
by the justice and liberality of her nile ; during her reign, our material
progress has advanced far beyond our most sanguine expectations,
and the Catholic Church, the great inspiration of ail moral grandeur,
has been enabled to wield its influence and exercise its beneficent
action with the utmost freedom.
" And now she goes down into the grave mourned and regretted
by ail. Her death is a bereavement not only for one nation, but for
that immense multitude of peoples, differing so greatly in race,
longues, creeds and manners, who compose the vast Empire of which
she was the loved and venerated Sovereign.
" But the Almighty does not forsake His people in their afiliction,
and, in the midst of the universal mourning. Providence permits us a
subject of consolation and hope in the accession to the throne of His
Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, whom the laws of the Kingdom
call to succeed his august mother.
"The sentiments of kindness and benevolence which animate him,
give rise to the hope that he will maintain the noble traditions
bequeathed to him by his predecessors, and that he will apply himself
constantly to the task of maintaining the reign of peace, justice and
prosperity.
"It is the duty of every one of us, very dear brethren, to pray for
this August Monarch. Let us beseach God, through whom Kings
reign, and from whom ail power flows, that He may deign to bestow
on him His most abundant bénédictions, in order chat he may be a
worthy successor of the great Queen we mourn, and a monarch always
equal to the fundamental and important mission entrusted to him,
and to the charges which he assumes in circumstances peculiarly
difficult.
'• Wherefore, We hâve ordained and do ordain as follows : —
" On the first Sunday foUowing the réception of this mandate, there
will be sung in ail the churches of this diocèse, at the conclusion of
the Divine Service, in the morning, a solemn Te Deuvi and thanks-
giving for the accession to the throne of the High and Mighty Prince
Albert Edward, under the title of Edward VH., and afterwards the
psalm Exaudiat, with the prayer for the King.
APPENDIX
47
" Given at Québec, under our hand and seal, the seal of the diocèse,
and the countersign of our Secretary, the twenty-second day of
January, nineteen hundred and one.
" >i« L. N., Archbishop of Québec.
•'By order of Monseigneur,
"J. C. Arsenault, Priest, Secretary."
"Atthe conclusion of High Mass, God Save the King was played
on the organ by Mr. Gustave Gagnon. Mgr. Bégin, the Clergy and
congrégation standing. A Te Deiim was then sung in honor of the
accession of King Edward VII., Mgr. Bégin officiating, and as the
congrégation left the sacred édifice, Rule Britannia was played by
the organist."
MONSIGNOR DUHAMEL PARTICIPATES
" The Catholics of Ottawa will unité in a mémorial service for the
Queen on Saturday. The following Pastoral on the subject was
issued by the Archbishop yesterday : —
" Archbishop's Palace, Ottawa, January 3ist.
"To the Clergy and Faithful of Ottawa: —
" Dear Co-Operators and Brethren,
•' Last Sunday a circular announcing the death of our gracious
sovereign, Queen Victoria, and the accession of Edward VII. to the
throne of England was read in the churches of this diocèse. In
compliance with the order which we had given thereon prayers were
offered up to God imploring Him to showerdown upon our King His
most abundant blessings. We thereby openly manifested that we
shared in the deep mouming and the sincère loyalty of ail British
subjects.
" We shall hâve next Saturday, on the occasion of the late Queen's
funeral, another occasion to express the sentiments of our attachmeut
to the King and to the members of the royal family, and of our sincère
sympathy in the profound sorrow that they will feel, more especially
at the moment when the mortal remains of her who was so dear to
them in every way shall be deposited in that last abode hère below
which we call the tomb. As the laws of the Holy Church do not-
29
48 APPENDIX
allow Catholics to assist at a religious service in a non-Catholic church
we hereby announce to you that a Solemn Mass will be chanted at the
Basilica of Ottawa, at il o'clock in the morning of Saturday,
2nd February.
** For the reason that we cannot say the Mass which is célébra ted
on behalf of the soûls of Catholics dying in the bosom of the Church,
we will offer up the Mass of the day with the rightful trust that our
most fervent prayers shall be granted and obtain consolation to the
royal family and the blessing of God upon the reign of Edward VII.
" Ail the faithful are invited to attend. Seats at the Basilica will
be free to ail.
•' I remain, dear co-operators and brethren,
*' Your devoted servant,
" ^ !• Thomas, Archbishop of Ottawa."
"Kingston, Ont,, February ist.
" His Grâce Archbishop Gauthier has sent word to ail the priests
of the Archdiocese of Kingston, to hâve the church bells toll on next
Sunday from ii a. m. to 12 o'clock at noon, out of respect to the
memory of Her late Majesty the Queen ; and also to hâve the Te
Deum sung on next Sunday after Mass in thanksgiving for the new
King.
"This aftemoon the school children's mémorial services were held
in Sydenham street church. Therewere 2,000 pupils présent and the
singing of suitable hymns was aided by the members of the church
choirs. Addresses were delivered by Messrs. Lambert, J. G. Elliott,
R. Meek and Dr. Herald."
"Kingston, Ont., February ist.
" The Ontario Catholic Libéral Committee met hère yesterday and
passed a resolution of condolence at the death of the Queen."
THE BAR'S SORROW
" At the meeting of the Montréal Bar, held yesterday aftemoon, to
receive and adopt the resolutions drafted on the occasion of the
Queen's death, the Bâtonnier, Mr. J. A. C. Madore, M. P., presided,
and Mr. C. H. Stephens, Q. C, acted as secretary.
APPENDIX 49
••The followîng resolutions were adopted unanimously : —
" Moved by Mr. Rouer Roy, Q. C, seconded by Mr. Strachan
Bethune, 5' C. : —
"That the members of the Montréal Bar, in council assembled,
express their profound sorrow that death has removed our beloved.
Sovereign, Queen Victoria, who, in sympathy with the govemed, and
respecting the constitution, for over sixty-three years, has ruled the
largest and most populous Empire in the world as a wise, just and
humane potentite, administering justice with firmness, and yet with
mercy, redressing the wrongs of the people, uplifting the bondsman
from oppression's grasp, extending the national commerce, until it
envelopes the globe, founding infant communities and fostering them
in their growth to nationhood, steadfastly maintaining the honour and
dignity of the Empire among the nations of the earth, and exemplify-
ing the gifts and grâces which render private life beautiful, and public
life illustrious ; and that we gratefully recognize that during her
benign reign her subjects in Canada obtained the high benefits of
responsible government, the land tenure has been ameliorated, and
the varions Provinces of British Xorth America hâve been united in a
Fédéral Government."
«'Moved by Mr. F. L. Béïque, Q. C, seconded by Mr. G. B.
Cramp, Q. C. : —
"That the Bar of Montréal desires to place on record its heartfelt
expression of deep and sincère sympathy with the royal family in their
great sorrow ; and that upon the accession of His Majesty King
Edward VIL, we renew the honourable déclaration of our allegiance
and dévotion to his person and the throne."
'«Proposed by Mr. C. B. Carter, Q. C, seconded by Honorable
L. O. Taillon, Q. C. : —
" That the Bar wear mournlng for three months."
"On motion of Mr. A. Globensky, seconded by Mr. ti. C. St.
Pierre, Q. C, it was decided that the resolutions be inscribed in the
minutes of the Bar, and that a copy of the same be forwarded to the
Governor-General for transmission to the proper quarter.
"The meeting was brought to a close by a vote of thanks to the
chairman, moved by Mr. Donald MacMaster, Q. C."
50 APPENDIX
THE BRIGADE PARADE
REGIMENTS OF THE MONTREAL BRIGADE MARCHED TO CHURCH
THIS MORNING.
"The brigade parade this morning was one ofthe large st in the
history of the Montréal Militia, every man who could possibly absent
himself from work being présent in the ranks of his particular corps,
"The very gênerai manner in which the day of mouming was kept
by the business houses, the banks, and manufactories in gênerai, had
the effect of making the turnout of troops larger than was at first
expected. Tne boys are aware that the occasion was the last on
which they would hâve the opportunity of paying their respects to
their beloved Sovereign, in whose reign ail of them had been born
and brought up, and consequently the ranks to-day were fiill of
Queen's soldiers.
'* Strange as it may appear a very considérable percentage ofthe
militia of Montréal are still soldiers of the Queen, owing to the failure
of jjast commanding officers in the city to add to the oath of allegiance
the words, ' and to her heirs aixi assigns.' Every volunteer in Mont-
réal who failed to swear allegiance to ' Victoria, and her heirs and
assigns,' or ' Victoria and her lawful successors,' is to-day freed form
any obligation t-o serve in the militia of Canada, notwithstanding the
fact that his three years' term of service may not hâve expired as yet.
Consequently there were many in the ranks of the Montréal militia
to-day who could not by any stretch of the imagination be tenned
' soldiers of the King.'
"One impressive feature of to-day's parade was the présence ofthe
Army and Navy Vétérans, the Fenian Raid Vétérans, the Vétérans of
the North-West Rebellions, and past members of local corps. Thèse
formed a battalion in themselves. It seemed as if everyone in Mont-
réal who had borne arms for Her Majesty at some period in their
lives was anxious to participate in the gênerai mourning which
envelops and encircles the Empire to-day.
"The différent régiments fell in at their respective armories at
half-past nine o'clock, with the exception of the Vies, and the 65th,
who paraded at nine and half-past eight o'clock, respectively. At
half-past nine o'clock the 65th left for St. James Cathedral, where
a mémorial Mass was chanted by His Grâce the Archbishop of
Montréal."
APPENDIX 5 1
THE VICTORIA RIFLES
"The folio wing message from the Victoria Rifles of Canada, was
sent by Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Hamilton to Lord Strathcona, the
Honourary Colonel of the régiment : —
" Please convey to proper authority our great grief over the death
of our beloved Queen, from your régiment, the Victoria Rifles of
Canada.
"Arthur Hamilton,
" Lieutenant-Colonel."
DECORATING THE QUEEN's STATUE
" Two little children engaged in decorating the Queen's monument,
Victoria square, attracted considérable attention this moming."
SOLEMN MILITARY SERVICE
" Halifax, N. S., February 2nd.
" At eight o'clock this moming the Royal Standard was run to the
top of the flag-pole at the Citadel. Then it dropped to half-mast,
and remained. The military were soon astir for the mémorial service.
The non-conformists in the garrison attended St. Matthew's Presbyte-
rian, where a united service was held.
"Révérend Dr. Saunders, Baptist, and Révérend Dr. Lathem,
Methodist, were the speakers. The officiai, or State, service was held
in historié St. Paul's, where the Lord Bishop preached to 2,500
people. This service was attended by the 66tli P. L, F. and heads of
militia. The Dean of Nova Scotia, Dr. Gilpin, preached in the
Anglican Cathedral to a crowded congrégation.
"The military service was at the garrison, where Révérend Dr.
Bullock, honourary chaplain to the Queen, preached. The scène was
a most solemn one. Troops marched to and from church at slow
step, but the band did not play. The city is draped in mouming.
" Over in Dartmouth a union service was held in Christ Church,
Anglican. The preacher was Révérend F. Wilkinson, and Baptist,
Methodist and Presbyterian took part. The Mayor and Town Council
attended in a body.
" High Mass was celebrated in ail Roman Catholic churches."
52 APPENDIX
THE ST. JEAN BAPTISTE SOCIETY
"The St, Jean Baptiste Society met last night at the Monument
National to pass a resolution of sorrow at the death of the Queen.
Mr. F. L. Bêïque, Q, C, président, was in the chair.
" On motion of Mr. Justice Loranger, seconded by Mr. L. O. David,
the following resolution was directed to be sent to the Govemor-
General.
"Resolved, that the St. Jean Baptiste Association of Montréal, as
the interpréter of the French-Canadians, présents an address to His
Excellency the Governor-General, praying him to transmit to His
Majesty Edward VU. the assurance of its most profound loyalty, and
of its most sincère sympathies on the occasion of the death of his
illustrious mother.
"ITie FrenchCanadian people is one with ail parts of the British
Empire in deploring the death of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, and
in proclaiming that never did sovereign merit in greater measure the
affection and loyalty of her subjects, the respect and gratitude of the
civilized world.
"This illustrious sovereign possessed in the royal authority a
powerful means of exercising a salutary influence upon public and
private manners, and of putting into practice the inspiring principle
which St. Jean Baptiste Association has adopted as its motte :
•Make People Better.'
" The French-Canadians in particular cannot forget that under her
happy rule they hâve obtained the defmite consécration of constitutional
liberties, the complète enjoyment of their religious and national rights.
•* United by this thought round the hier of the good and great
Queen, they offer her the homage of their most profound gratitude,
and pray God to grant her the reward of her virtues.
"They are happy, in the midst of their sorrow, to think that shc
will hâve as her successor a prince whom they hâve learned to love,
and who will walk in her glorious steps in receiving the happiness of
ail his subjects, without distinction of race and religion."
MESSAGES OF LOYALTY
" AU Canada sorrows ; and loving tribu tes to the worth of the dead
Queen are coming from ail quarters of the Dominion and from ail
classes. There are spokesmen for the churches, for the press, for the
APPENDIX 53
Bench. The Member of Parliament speaks for his constituents, and
the Mayors send messages on behalf of the teeming thousands in the
large cities of our country. The officiai utterances are not formai,
but breathe forth a note of sadness.
"AU pay a high tribute to the worth of Queen Victoria. Her
virtues as a woman are extolled even more than her high qualities as
a ruler; for as she lies upon her death-bed her imposing attributes of
Impérial Sovereignty are temporarily lost sight of in the expressions
ofkeenand heartfelt sympathy, which are uttered by millions and
millions of her subjects from the highest to the lowest, and who, so to
speak, are brought side by side, animated only by one feeling as they
regard the passing away of 'Victoria the Good.' "
THE SPEAKER OF THE SENATE
" Québec, January 21 st.
*« To the Editor Montréal Star: —
" I am quite willing to express publicly my great sorrow in hearing
the sad news of the ill health of Her Majesty, most beloved Queen
Victoria, I heartily share the sincère grief and sympathy felt through
the whole world. Deep interest in Her Majesty is emphasized because
her examplary life has had its influence, not only upon her own
subjects, but upon ail who know of her kindness, her modesty, her
interest in humanity. Her Majesty has been a most examplary wife,
the model of a kind and devoted mother, and there was never a more
respected and beloved sovereign. In expressing my admiration, my
respect and loyalty to Her Majesty, I am speaking, 1 am sure, the
sentiment of ail true French-Canadians, whose loyalty and dévotion
bave been many times shown, even in ofiering their lives for the défense
of her flag. May God spare her life for a few years more for the
pood and welfare of her subjects.
"C. A. Pelletier,
•' Speaker of the Senate."
FROM HIS HONOUR L1EUTENANT-GOVERNOR FORGET, NORTH-WEST
TERRITORIES.
«'Government House, Regina, N. W. T., Jai«iary 22nd.
«« Nowhere will the sorrow at the démise of our beloved Sovereign
be greater than in this distant part of the Empire. As mother, wife
54 APPENDIX
and Queen, her life will be an everliving example to ail ; as mother
for her homely virtues, as wife for her deep affection, as Sovereign for
her broad sympathies and loving kindness to her people.
"A. E. FORGET,
" Lieutenant-Governor."
HONORABLE M. E. BERNIER, MINISTER OF INTERIOR
"Ottawa, January 21 st.
" To the Editor Montréal Star: —
" I really Jo not see how the opinion of Canadians could greatly
differ from those of the people of the whole British Empire, and,
indeed, of the world. We love and veiaerate Her Majesty for her
wisdom and her virtues, and her memory will ever live among us as
of the best and greatest of sovereigns. Nor will Canadians ever
forget that it is under the reign of Victoria, and thanks, in a great
measure, to her wisdom and policy, that we hâve obtained thèse
constitutional liberties which are the foundation of the Canadian
Confédération.
•'M. E. Bernier.
" Minister of Interior."
"Thousands of messages of sympathy from ail the Dominion were
received at Government House yebterday, addressed to His Excellency
tlie Governor-General : —
" Québec, January 23rd.
"It is with the deepest sorrow that the people of the Province of
Québec, and especially the French-Canadians, hâve heard of the death
of Queen Victoria, whose bénéficiai reign has made them the most
devoted and loyal of her subjects. They will never forget that it is
since her accession to the throne of England that they hâve enjoyed
that amount of civil, religious and political liberty, of which they are
so juslly proud.
" L. A. Jette,
"Lieutenant-Governor, Québec."
"Victoria, B. C, January 22nd.
" May I beg Your Excellency to forward the following message :
The Government of British Columbia express the profound regret
APPENDIK 55
which will be felt by the whole Province to its most remote limits at
the sad news of the death of our bèloved Sovereign.
Sir Heny Joly de Lotbinière,
" Lieutenant-Governor B. C.
" Fredericton, N. B., January 22nd-
'* I beg Your Excellency will transmit on behalf of my Government
and myself, as well as the people of this Province, an expression of
the profound grief which is feel at the death of our beloved Queen,
and our sympathy with the Royal Family in their sad bereavement.
"A. R. McLelan,
"Lieutenant-Governor, N. B."
«' On behalf of the Church of England in the diocèse of Ottawa,
we most respectfuUy désire to assure Your Excellency of our deep
sjrmpathy with ail the members of the Royal Family in their great
bereavements and of our earnest prayers that the spirit and blessing
of the rule of Queen Victoria may rest abundantly upon the Sovereign
Lord King Edward VII."
Charles, Ottawa.
James J. Bogert, Archdeacon of Ottawa.
Geo. J. Low, Canon.
H. POLLARD, Canon.
THE GARDENERS' WREATH
" The Montréal Gardeners and Florists' Club hâve prepared a most
imposing wreath, which was placed on the statue of the Queen on
Victoria square. The wreath, which is five feet in diameter, is
composed of lilies, roses, and orchids, with groups of heather,
shamrocks and roses. The club marched in a body this moming to
the statue at lo o'clock, and deposited the wreath."
'«At Temple Grove, Mr. McCord draped the Royal Standard
which was hoisted on the Citadel at Québec on the occasion of the
proclamation of the Queen in 1837."
56 APPENDIX
PUBLIC OFFICES CLOSED
" Ail Custom Houses, and in fact ail departments of the Govern-
ment will be closed to-morrow in honour of the dead Queen. As the
first proclamation issued merely called upon the people of Canada to
observe Saturday as a holiday and failed to designate it as a public
holiday, it did not allow of the closing of the différent departments.
However, as the addition to the proclamation déclares Saturday,
February 2nd, to be a public holiday, the Government buildings
throughout Canada must close as a matter of necessity.
"The samerule holds good, of course, with the banking institutions
throughout the country, and so the public will be obliged to put its
bank business off from this afternoon until Monday morning."
INDIANS EXPRESS REGRET
" Québec, January 25th.
" The Huron Indians of Lorette hâve passed a resolution of regret
at the death of Queen Victoria and fired a sainte of 21 guns as token
of loyalty."
THE MINUTE GUNS
"A salute of 8i minute guns will be fired from St. Helen's Island
this afternoon, by a contingent of the 2nd Régiment, Canadian
Artillery, in charge of Captain Renouf. The salute will be timed so
that the last gun will boom at sun-down. In this latitude the sun
wild set this afternoon at 5.02, so that the first gun will be fired
at 3.41."
HER LAST FUNCTION
" Lachine Locks, Que.
"To the Editor of the ^iar : —
" Sir,
" I had the honour of being among the first Colonials who were
presented to Her Majesty the Queen on November l6th. Every one
of us looked eagerly at the magnificent home of Her Majesty. One
of my comrades said to me : ' Of ail our visits, this one will live the
longest in my memory.' The inspection took place in St. George's
Hall, where the Queen, with Princess Henry of Battenberg was
APPENDIX 57
seated. The Queen asked specially after the wounded men as they
limped by, and enquired about Sergeant Legge, vvho had five brotiiers
at the front. The sergeant, who was presented to the Queen, belongs
to the Australian Horse. Sergeant MacDonald, too, of Kitchener's
Horse, was addressed personally. The Queen sympathetically asked
how he came by his wounds. After we had given three cheers and
an extra Colonial cheer, Her Majesty addressed us as follows : —
" It gives me very great pleasure to see you ail hère to-day and to
personally thank you for your loyal services to the Empire in South
Africa. I wish you God speed and a safe retum home.
" D. MURPHY,
" Late of Royal Canadian Régiment."
" Private Murphy also enclosed the following verses, which were
presented to the Royal Canadians on their visit to Windsor on
November l6th by the May or of the town : —
Ye winds that blow,
Ye seas that flow,
Fleets to and fro,
(To Afric, Austral, Ind, Canadian sons that go),
Move in one song to-day — stirs sons of Britain so I
Sound, Curfew Tower, Victoria's year,
With joyful, trembling noise ;
Peal, bells, " O serve the Lord with fear,"
Ring, nine times nine ; Rejoice !
Wave Windsor's Flag in stately folds,
High Heaven confirms the story
That length of Days her right hand holds,
And in her left is Glory,
In praise, in prayer the Empire joins
Vast Empire, sprung from Britain's loins.
Etemal God, Immortal King,
Ancient of Days, this day we bring
Great — Greater — Britain's praise, and sing
Thou hast preserved her.
58 APPENDIX
Gifted with Majesty and might
To smite at Miong, défend the right.
Victoria ! one and eighty years,
To crown our triumphs, share our tears.
Beam good-will, peace, ail sweet endears ;
Thou hast reserved her.
Grant her thy peace, give her to know
Thy choicest love, and may \ve grow.
Resolved to hold to Duty's ways,
Honour, obey her ail our days,
Uphold her Throne, strive for the praise
That we deserved her.
The Standard waves in proudest folds,
High Heaven confirms the story,
The length of Days her right hand holds,
And in her left hand Glory.
HONOR DEAD HEROES
MEDICAL STUDENTS AT MCGILL UNIVERSITY WILL ERECT A TABLET
TO THE MEMORY OF LIEUTENANT BORDEN AND GUNNER
O'RIELLY WHO DIED in SOUTH AFRICA.
" A very handsome mémorial to the late Lieutenant Harold
Borden, of the Canadian Mounted Rifles, who was killed ùi action
near Pretoria on July i6th last, and the late Gunner E. P. O'Rielly,
of the Royal Canadian Artillery, who died on active service near
DeAar, in May last, is under construction for the médical building of
McGill University. The mémorial is the gift of the médical students
of McGill, and consists of a marble tablet mounted on an onyx
background, and surmounted by a couple of Strathcona hats. The
sides of the tablet are relieved and ornamented with Lee-Enfield rifles,
while the base carnes a couple of cannon, a pyramid of shot, and
other features of an artillery field pièce. The ornaments and em-
bellishments, like the tablets, are sculptured out of marble. The
design is most artistic, and the whole forms a beautiful mémorial to
APPENDIX 59
the dead heroes, both of whom, at the time of their departure for
South Africa, were médical students at McGill. The tablet bears
the following inscription : —
HarolcL Lorthrop Borden, B. A.,
Lieutenant Canadian Mounted Rifles,
BORN AT CANNING, N.S., MAY asth 1876.
Kîîled in action near Pretoria, S. A., July ibtk, içoo.
Edwin Patrieh O'Rielly, B. A.,
Royal Canadian Artillery,
BORN AT HAMILTON, OKT., DECEMBER 29th, 1875.
Diedwhile on service near DeAar, S. A., iqoo.
Erected by their fellow students as an expression of admiration.
ABOUT LOYALTY
•Tlae last, but mot thie least. "
CANADA HAS NO SYMPATHY FOR THE ENEMIES OF THE EjrPIRE. —
MR. BOURASSA'S resolution ON BEHALF OF THE BOERS FOUND
ONLY TWO SUPPORTERS IN THE HOUSE OF GOMMONS. —
A MAGNIFICENT DEFENCE OF BRITISH POLICY
AND THE PRINCIPLES OF ERITISH LIBERTY
BY SIR WILFRID LAURIER.
"Mr. Bourassa, in moving his pro-Boer resolution — 'A stop
should be put to the spéculation of Milner and Chamberlain upon the
enthusiasm of Canadians.' "
SIR WILFRID LAURIER
" It has cither to be the libéral and enlightened civilization of
England of to-day or the old bigotted and narrow civilization of the
6o APPENDIX
Dutch of two hundrsd years ago. There is but one future for South
Africa, and that future is a grand confédération on the pattem of the
Canadia*! confédération. It is a fédération in which Cape Colony and
Natal and the Orange Free State and the Transvaal and Rhodesia
shall be united together under a fédéral constitution, under the British
flag, and under the sovereignty of England. When they hâve the
British flag over South Africa they shall hâve that which has been
found everywhere during the last sixty years under the British flag,
liberty for ail, equality for ail, justice and civil rights for English and
Dutch alike."
"The division was called on at lo o'clock. During the time before
the whips came in, Mr. Jabel Robinson, of Elgin, thought the
National Anthem the most fitting hymn for a division on such a
resolution, and struck up 'God Save the King,' being fairly well
supported in his own immédiate locality.
"The resuit of the vote was that the resolution was lost by 3 yeas
to 144 nays. The yeas were Messrs. Angers, Bourassa and Monet,
the three who last year supported Mr. Bourassa's anti-contingent
resolutions.
" On the déclaration of the vote the House rose en masse, members,
visitors and ail, save Messrs. Angers, Bourassa, Monet, Fortier and
Bourbonnais of Soulanges, and sang in the same spirit with which
we now exclaim : —
CONTENTS
Pages
Dedicated to His Excellency the Governor General m
An Introductory Letter v
Préface ix
A Word of Explanation xi
Canadian Loyalty I
Formation of the Contingents 13
Departure of the Contingents 21
Strathcona's Horse 38
Colonel W. D. Otter's Report 57
Lieutenant-Colonel Buchan's Report 78
Lieutenant-Colonel Lessard's Report 82
Lieutenant-Colonel Herchmer 90
Brigade Field Artillery : Lieutenant-Colonel L. W. Drury.... 93
Major Hudon 94
Révérend Lane, Chaplain 103
The Nurses 106
The Red Cross Society 106
Surgeon Major Worthington 107
Colonel Percy Girouard 112
Lieutenant Harold Borden 113
Lieutenant J ohn Burch 117
Private MuUoy 119
Corporal Armstrong 1 20
Sergeant Albert Beattie 121
Note. — The English part finishes at page 178. The Appendix after the
Nominai RoU.
02 • CONTENTS
Pages
Extracts from Letters from page 123 to 158
"Well Done ! (Poetry) 159
Our Royal Canadians 159
Kipling's Poem , 161
The Postal Service 1 63
The Patriotic Fund 166
The Tupper Insurance 167
Congratulations for the Contingents 168
The Return 173
A Parting Word 176
The Bo w of Promise 177
Nominal RoU (after French Part) 155
List of Killed 197
List of Wounded 198
Appendix from page l to 60
TABLE DES MATIÈRES
Pagb*
Dédicace
v
Lettre-Préface
IX
Préface
Un mot d explication
Le Loyalisme Canadien
Formation des Contingents 3
21
Départ des Contingents
Lieutenant-colonel O. Pelletier 39
Révérend Père O'Leary 45
Chirurgien major Fiset
Sœur Saint- Antoine-de-Padoue ^5
_ , . , 68
Major Peltier
Major Boulanger 75
Capitaine Fraser
Lucien LaRue
Lucien Vallée ^°l
, . ii6
Lettre typique
Huot et Gosselin
Noble enfant !
Extraits de lettres de 123 à 135
Service Postal -^
Souscription patriotique '3
L'assurance Tupper 39
Félicitations aux Contingents '4»
Note. — La partie française commence après (a page 178 de la partie anglaise.
64 TABLE DES MATIÈRES
Fagfs
Rapport du lieutenant-colonel Otter 145
Le retour 151
Un dernier mot 154
Liste complète des Contingents 155
Liste des tués 197
Liste des blessés 19S
Arc-en-ciel (partie anglaise) 1 7S
PHOTOGRAVURES
ENGLISH PART
Pagbs
Royal Family ^
His Excellency the Governor General i"
Sir Wilfrid Laurier 4-
L'Honorable Evanturel °
His Honor Mayor Préfontaine 12
Giving Souvenir to tne Contingents 23
Honorable Borden 29
Good-bye niy Boy 34
Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal 3^
Lieutenant-Colonel S. B. Steele 40
Two Brothers in Anns .... 52
Colonel W. D. Otter 57
Lieutenant-Colonel F. L. Lessard 82
Lieutenant-Colonel L. W. Herchmer 9°
Lieutenant-Colonel L. W. Drury 93
Major J. A. G. Hudon 95
Group of Canadians 99
Révérend W. G. Lane, Chaplain 103
The Nurses lo^
Surgeon Major Worthington 107
Colonel Percy Girouard "2
Lieutenant Harold Borden 115
Lieutenant John Burch "7
Private Mulloy and Corporal Armstrong 121
Sergeant A. Beattie, C. T. Thomas and Bugler Douglass 123
Private H. Cotton 127
Honorable W. Mulock 163
66 PHOTOGRAVURES
Pages
Sir Charles Tupper. 167
Our Pro\-inces represented by Cavalry, Infantry, Strathconas
and Artillery 178
Map of Paardeberg 1 78
Captain F. H. C. Sutton (Appendix) 4
PAETIE FEAHÇAISE
Lieutenant-colonel L. F. Pinault i
Son Honneur le Maire Parent 12
Adressant la parole au Contingent 23
Lieutenant-colonel O. C. Pelletier 39
Chirurgien et blessé , 42
L'abbé P. M. O'Leary 44
Chirurgien-major E. Fiset 61
Sœur Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue 65
Major J. E. Peltier, major T. L. Boulanger et le capitaine
C. K. Fraser 86
Lucien LaRue 97
Caporal Lucien Vallée 115
Trompette Geo. W. Bradley, A. J. Turner, H. Montizambert.. 131
La dernière lettre 1 35
Carte de Paardeberg (partie anglaise) 1 78
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