A Soldier's Life Part 4

One death occurred at our detachment. Our bathing grounds were about one and a half miles from the barracks and we always bathed in the early morning. Four strong and good swimmers were detailed as a picket, remaining on the beach ready to rescue anyone in danger. When the tide is receding the current is very strong. We therefore knew it was dangerous to swim too far out. The officer in charge always directed the bugler to sound the retire when he considered there was danger for the swimmer to proceed farther. One morning Drum-Major Fielding, in company with Private Charles Dunkley, started to swim out. They kept together for some time. The bugler sounded the retire and Fielding obeyed the call, but Dunkley continued. When the drum-major arrived at the beach he was almost exhausted, and said he did not think that Dunkley, who was now trying to get back, would ever reach the beach unless there was help sent to him. The picket was at once sent to his a.s.sistance. While the men were reaching him he was drifting farther out. When they got to him he was helpless and sinking, and at last poor Dunkley sank to rise no more, and it was with difficulty the men returned to the beach.

Near by stands Elizabeth Castle, on a little island which can be reached on dry land when the tide is out. The body drifted on the rocks around the castle and was discovered by the men within half an hour after he sank. In the meantime I had gone to barracks and informed the doctor of the sad affair, who immediately went to the beach and did all in his power to resuscitate the lifeless form, but to no avail. The body was taken to the morgue at the barracks and finally interred with military honors in the little churchyard at St. Peter's. We erected a beautiful stone over the grave in memory of our departed comrade.

There was a small barracks about three miles from St. Peter's and a rifle range where we went to do our musketry course. The companies at St. Heliers also used this place.

In 1870 we received the news that France had declared war against Germany and was fighting already. The people of the island were much concerned over the matter. They were mostly French, and were, of course, anxious that their countrymen be victorious in the battles they were about to fight.

CHAPTER IX.

We now received orders to prepare to embark on the troopship _Euphrates_ for Portsmouth en route for Aldershot. At Portsmouth we entrained for Aldershot, and on arrival marched to the same grounds we occupied eleven years ago. We were again attached to the reserve brigade. After the season closed we removed to the barracks. About this time the purchase system was abolished, and officers could get a commission without paying for it, and those who had paid for it got their money back.

We were sorry to lose Colonel McKinstry, who had commanded us for the last ten years. He always took a deep interest in the regiment, and did all in his power to make us comfortable and happy, and kept the corps in a high state of excellence. Lieutenant-Colonel Brice a.s.sumed command. He served with the 1st Battalion in the Crimea, and was a strict disciplinarian but a popular officer. The first act of the colonel's disposition toward criminals was to recommend the pardon of Private Welsh, who was mentioned in this book as having stabbed Sergeant Roe in the barracks at Halifax, and as being sentenced to penal servitude for life.

The autumn manoeuvres lasted sixteen days. Forty thousand men were to engage in a sham fight. Our brigade consisted of 2nd Battalion of 17th Regiment, Tower Hamlets militia and a London volunteer battalion known as the "Devil's Own"--they were lawyers. This regiment came swinging up the road, the band, which was a splendid one, playing a familiar tune.

They marched in quarter column, halted, piled arms, and immediately proceeded to pitch tents and prepare the camp for a two days' stay. The whole brigade looked on and were astonished at the smartness of the volunteers in this part of their drills and exercises, and indeed, afterwards we found nothing wanting in their field work.

Several sham battles were fought and many long and tedious marches endured. Her Majesty the Queen and members of the Royal family came down to witness the march past of the two armies who had been engaged in the sham fights. The strength was 45,000 all ranks.

We returned to barracks to spend the winter, which pa.s.sed away without incident. The regiment moved to Salisbury Plains, took part in the autumn manoeuvres, and at their close proceeded to Plymouth to occupy the Citadel. We met the 100th Regiment in Aldershot. It occupied the centre block with the 94th, and, if I remember rightly, Colonel Grasett, chief of police, Toronto, was then adjutant of the corps.

And now, after many roving years, we were back again at the old spot where our kindergarten days were spent. Twelve years had pa.s.sed since we left and many changes had occurred. True, we earned no honors for the colors, but we were always ready when the alarm sounded, and returned with an excellent record. We found Colonel Brice a splendid commanding officer, always ready to help the regiment in any way toward their comfort and happiness. The colonel was pleased to appoint me librarian. We had a splendid regimental library, also a garrison library, where we could draw and exchange books quarterly.

The next three years were spent in this garrison. We were doing duty with an occasional field day or route march.

In the fall of 1873, my wife, who was a trained nurse and a native of Halifax, was taken ill with phthisis, and the following summer I was informed that she could not live. It was her ardent wish to be taken to her home to die, and although there was promotion before me, I forfeited the balance of my service toward pension and took my discharge. In June, 1874, she finished her last earthly journey when we arrived at her home in Halifax. She died nine days after our arrival.

In the presence of her mother and sister she pa.s.sed away, loved by all, and in the hope of a blessed resurrection.

CHAPTER X.

I was awarded one shilling twopence per day pension. Being a civilian again and relying on my military experience and knowledge of physical culture, I went to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and spent the winter with ex-Sergeant Campbell, who was a dear old comrade and is now a merchant. The following summer I returned to Halifax, and during the early part of July General Laurie was enlisting recruits for the provisional battalion at Winnipeg, and deputed me to conduct them to that city.

Accordingly, on the 3rd of August, 1875, with forty men in charge, we left en route for Fredericton, N.B., where we added several men to our contingent and continued our journey. We stayed overnight at the Franklin House, Bangor, Me. We stopped four hours at Montreal, and next arrived at Sarnia. We camped a week at Point Edward waiting the lake steamer. One morning while at drill a stranger approached me, who turned out to be ex-Private Patrick Sharket, employed as a signal-man on the G.T.R. He heard my voice in the distance, and he knew it was "Teddy's," so he told me after. Sharket was a smart and good soldier.

He served in the Crimea, and while the regiment was quartered in Toronto, 1867, obtained his discharge and took employment with the Grand Trunk Railway, but had not been working long when he met with an accident which caused the loss of his left hand. The company kept him in their service. It was eight years since we met.

We had a beautiful trip, reaching Thunder Bay on Friday afternoon. We had to stay there overnight, and occupied the emigrant sheds. That night I had to look up a doctor, as some of our men were sick, but by Sunday morning they were much better. We met a R.C. missionary who was on his way to the Height of Land to take charge of an Indian reserve.

He was excellent company and kept the contingent alive by his funny stories. After breakfast the following morning we proceeded to Lake Shebandowan by wagons over the Dawson route, a road made by the troops under the command of Sir Garnet Wolseley on their way to the North-West, 1870. We halted about half way and had our dinner. It consisted of ham and beans, bread and tea; it was splendidly cooked and well served by half-breeds.

We arrived at the lake and found a woman and a man in charge of the post. It had been headquarters for the surveyors in that section and used also for emigrants who chose to go that way. We were on the banks of a charming little lake. The opposite sh.o.r.es are picturesque with their tall poplars and oaks frequented by thousands of wild pigeons.

The lake abounded with fish. The men took out the Government boats and caught a quant.i.ty of pike sufficient for breakfast the following day.

The R.C. priest had sufficient paraphernalia with him to erect an altar, and invited the contingent to ma.s.s Sunday morning. Nearly all the men attended, and there were also quite a number of outsiders at the pleasant service. In the morning, after another breakfast of pike, a small steamer conveyed us to the Height of Land. The mosquitoes now got in their work and deprived us of some of the fluid which gives us life. Although we got a lotion to rub on our hands and faces it did not prevent them from biting. The chief and many Indians were there to meet the reverend father.

After nearly a month's travel over lakes, rivers and portages we arrived at St. Boniface. On a Sunday morning we crossed the Red River on the ferry and at once paraded and marched to Fort Osborne. I reported to the officer on duty, and the men were quartered temporarily. Next day the contingent paraded and was inspected by Colonel Osborne Smith, D.A.G., and posted to their respective companies, and during the day received their kits and clothing. Shortly after our arrival I was appointed garrison sergeant-major, which position I held till the battalion was disbanded two years later.

Lieutenant Hayter Reed was the adjutant. I now had to work with Mr.

Reed in putting the battalion in the best possible order. Quite a change in the drill had taken place but had not been put into practice.

This had to be done and other reforms were necessary, and with the permission of the commanding officer, I commenced to put the corps in a better state of discipline and drill. After a few months the regiment was a credit to the Dominion forces.

I found, however, they had never been instructed in musketry, and a soldier is useless if he can't shoot. I asked the colonel's permission to put them through a course of musketry, which he was pleased to grant, and selected a site for the ranges a few miles outside of St.

Boniface. I put the battalion through up to 600 yards; the course was carried out according to the school of musketry regulations, and I rendered all the returns in ma.n.u.script, the report showing fair average shooting. There was a band of twenty under Bandmaster Harry Walker, late of the Imperial 7th Fusiliers. It was in good shape and kept busy, for bands were scarce in the city at that time. We gave entertainments at the fort occasionally. There was excellent talent among the men and it was always put to good use. The bandmaster was always ready to help us in every way possible. A most pleasing incident took place during the winter. Sergeant-Major Steele, N.W.M.P., returning from leave of absence, and pa.s.sing through Winnipeg, called on his friend Adjutant Reed, and during their conversation asked Mr. Reed who his sergeant-major was. Mr. Reed replied that it was ex-Color-Sergeant Rundle.

"Why," said Sergeant-Major Steele, "that's my old drill instructor; please send for him."

An orderly came to my room and said that Mr. Reed would like to see me.

I went to the adjutant's quarters, where I met an old pupil of the Military School, Toronto, 1867. We were both pleased to meet and had a good old chat about the times past and future. The sergeant-major obtained a first cla.s.s certificate at this time, and we all know what brilliant services Colonel Steele has rendered to the Empire, especially in South Africa.

Some months later I received an offer to become musketry instructor to the Mounted Police. I declined because I could not ride a horse.

I had many friends in Winnipeg. Amongst them was Rev. Mr. Fortin, All Saints, now a bishop; Rev. Mr. Matheson, Manitoba College, now bishop and Primate of Canada, who married Miss Fortin, the bishop's sister (I sang at the wedding); Rev. Mr. German, Grace Methodist Church, of whose choir I was a member; the late Colonel William N. Kennedy, of distinguished Nile memory, who was also a member of the choir. The late Mrs. Chambers, formerly of Peterboro', was the organist. I can say with much delight that my acquaintances and a.s.sociations during the two years were fraught with much pleasantness and reciprocated kindness.

The N.W.M. Police, having been thoroughly established, was sufficient protection against attacks from Indians or half-breeds; therefore, on the 3rd of August, 1877, the battalion was disbanded, each man receiving a grant of 160 acres of land for his services. A good many remained in the country. Others went to their homes in the East.

I was now engaged in organizing single companies, making my headquarters at Emerson. A company was raised in Winnipeg under the command of Captain C. W. Allen and Lieutenant Killer. I spent another two years in perfect enjoyment with the good people of Emerson, and a.s.sisted in every way to build up this young town. I made my home with Mr. and Mrs. Hooper and family, who resided on the west side of the river, opposite Emerson.

One lovely evening in August Mr. Thos. Hooper, Jr., with his young bride, came over to spend the evening. It was near midnight, the ferry had stopped running, and I offered to row Mrs. Hooper over in my skiff and return for her husband and a gentleman friend. We were pa.s.sing where the ferry was moored, and Mrs. Hooper, reaching to seize the end of the ferry, lost her balance and fell into the river and sank. I immediately sprang to the rescue and succeeded in bringing her to sh.o.r.e.

The fall was approaching and I made up my mind to visit my friends in the East. My Emerson friends having learned of my intentions, Mr.

Carney, who was to be first mayor of the town, offered me the office of clerk if I remained, but my arrangements had been made and I could not cancel them. I was invited by the citizens to meet them in Library Hall the night previous to my departure. A programme had been prepared, the band was present and played my old favorites. During the evening Mr.

Fairbank, J.P., read an address regretting my departure from the town, and also presented me with a handsome purse.

CHAPTER XI.

The following morning, November 9th, 1879, I left Emerson for London, Ontario. Arriving in London I repaired to the home of Mr. and Mrs.

Johnson, the parents of Mrs. Thomas Hooper, whom I rescued from drowning in the Red River, and was invited to make my home with them while in London. I was also invited to visit the Sunday School, Pall Mall Church, in which Mrs. Hooper had been a teacher, and tell them how Mrs. Hooper fell into the river and how I saved her from drowning. I received a hearty vote of thanks, and all were delighted that their dear teacher was well and happy.

The following spring I went East, visiting my friends and relatives in the township of Reach and Durham County. While visiting Port Hope I met the late Colonel Williams, who subsequently became a sincere friend of mine, and in 1882 I was appointed drill instructor at Trinity College school. Having no gymnasium, my work was confined to military drill.

There was a well-equipped cadet corps officered by the teachers. A very sad accident occurred during the summer holidays. Mr. Selby Allen, son of Chancellor Allen, Toronto, a student at the school, was drowned near Brockville. Mr. Allen was a splendid athlete and a fine cricketer.

In 1887 I was appointed gymnastic and drill instructor to the Collegiate Inst.i.tute, Peterboro'. I held this office for eleven years.

Nothing gives me greater pleasure in writing this book than to relate the pleasant and profitable eleven years I spent in the physical education of the students of the Collegiate Inst.i.tute and Central Public School, and also the convent. I say _profitably_ because the majority of those who obtained the several courses of instruction are to-day pursuing their professions and vocations able to meet the physical endurance of their calling, and all I have met since my retirement nine years ago I found to be specimens of the highest type of physical maturity and invariably athletes. There are at present three doctors practising in this city (Toronto), three teachers in the public schools, and one in Trinity University, and all are of the same type.

I am pleased to say that the physique of the ladies also whom I have met is all that could be desired. Neither have they forgotten the graceful bearing they were taught. I also had large private cla.s.ses, both ladies and gentlemen, who were thoroughly trained by the system I introduced.

When my appointment was made in the fall, 1887, there was no gymnasium, and the Board of Education the following summer built a very fine one.

It was equipped the same as the Oxford University gymnasium, and the system was that used by Professor McLaren. The High School Inspectors, Messrs. Seath and Hodgson, agreed with me that it was the best. Their reports were always satisfactory, and often special mention was made of the progress and development of the pupils.

I was always an enthusiastic lover of physical training, and it was good to me to meet or see my pupils on the street, in the parks or public places of the city, not forgetting their dignity, graceful bearing, elastic and uniform step and perfect carriage, which was always noticeable then. I don't think they will ever forget it. The Board was always willing to do anything in its power for this department. At the age of sixty, through ill health, I was obliged to resign.