Rough times, 1870-1920

;h times 1870 — 192Q A fiJOUVENIR Of TM| 6pth ANN!- rnc red r;ver ex- <>.Ni:> THR FORMATION 01- OVINCE OP* MANITOBA ,*1&-!r' **: •» m n fifctfc&PH F, TEN WANT t$Si ^^^^^^^r^^ • ^ ^i s»*"%5» «EfA* I M9Miry$v. ^cKv^^^^/^Sa^ 3^y«^3^nR S^$k?*H$ ci^^^^i^^ UK& ^^^^^^^ Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from University of Toronto http://www.archive.org/details/roughtimes18701900tenn ROUGH TIMES 1870 — 1920 &v BUGLER JOSEPH F. TENNANT FORT GARRY PARK Ruins of the North gate of the old Fort, presented by the Hudson's Bay Co.'y to the City of Winnipeg- A Souvenir of the 50th Anniversary of the Red River Expedition and the Formation of the Province of Manitoba. I THE AUTHOR, BUGLER JOS. F. TEXXAXT, 1920. Frontispiece INTRODUCTION "Rough Times"--1870-1920— is a souvenir book of Fort Garry, the Bed River Expedition and the formation of the Province of Manitoba, by a veteran in the Military and Civil Service of Canada since 18ti(>, who has lived in this country for over fifty years, and in Manitoba since its creation and entry into the Confedera- tion of the Dominion of Canada. It is a narrative of early days addressed to comrades about the organization of the Cana- dian Militia, the Fenian Raids, the troubles in the North West Territories that caused the Red River Expedition, and the Saskatchewan Re- bellion. Matters Military and Civil are dealt with more or less in detail, prior to 1870 up to 1920. The 50th anniversary of the capture of Fort Garry by the Red River Expeditionary Forces, under Col. Wolseley, (later a Field Marshal of the British Empire) and Manitoba, the first province in the west organized to enter Confed- eration, form the chief purport of the book. Its contents are a plain statement of facts from personal observations by one who took an active pari in many of the proceedings, or came into close contact with reliable officers and men engaged in other deeds related. The aid of Lieut. Colonel Jack Beresford Allan for reliable information received is grate- fully acknowledged. The services of many gallant comrades have had to be left unrecorded owing to the limit of time and space in writing the book, and prefer- ence is given more to the men on the Red River Expedition, the North West Mounted Police force and the Rebellion of 1885. The continuation of the narrative, the proceedings in later years, are gathered from standard periodicals and press reports x>f the current events of the day. In conclusion the reader's favour is in re- quest respecting the literary faults of composi- tion and leniency asked for an ordinary Cana- dian Volunteer, known in Military records as Regimental No. 9, No. 1 Company, 1st Ontario Rifles. BUGLER JOS. F. TENNANT. TABLE Ol'1 CONTENTS Pari I. Chapter I I The Militia of British North Amerioa Tin- American War -Rebellion in the Upper and Lower Provim Scattered Units from Battalions Seniority of infantry Re-organiza- tion of the Militia - Fenian Raids 250th Anniversary of the H. B. Co.'y Battle of Seven Oaks — Union of the Hudson Hay Co.'y and North-West Pur Companies — Selkirk Settlement -- Fort Garry and Lower Fort Garry [mperial Troops Stationed -- First Newspapers - French Metis. Chapter II 12 Government of the North-West — Council of Assiniboia — Transfer of Territory to Canada : — Prolonged Negotiations — Protests — Settlers Alarmed — McDougall's Appointment — Provisional Government Organized — President Bruce Elected — American Inducements — Barrier Erected — Officials Turned Back — Bishop Tache Absent — Riel Oc- cupies Fort Garry — Strong Opposition — Opponents Ar- rested — Donald A. Smith — Convention Held — Bill of Rights — Deaths of Sutherland and Parisien — Arrest of Bolton and Scott — Execution of Scott — Delegates in Ot- tawa — The Red Saloon — Province of Manitoba Formed — Bishop Tache Returns. Chapter III 21 The Dominion Aroused — Sir Garnet Wolseley — Red River Expeditionary Force — Three Rifle Battalions — 60th Regulars, Ontario and Quebec Volunteers — Pay Roll — Lieut. -Col. 's Fielding, Jarvis and Cassault — Uniform and Equipment — Recruiting — Start from Toronto and Col- lingwood — Sault St. Marie Canal — Camp Alarm at "Soo" — Chicora — Louis Shickaluna and Convoy — Fenian Gun Boat — Prince Arthur's Landing — Road Making — Stock- ade Fort — Kaministiquia River — Oskondagee Creek — Lake Shebandowan — Marching Songs. X. Table of Contents Page Chapter IV 33 Towing - Teddy Ronssell — Poling — Packing — Muskegs and Flies - Fort Garry War Cry — Start from Shebando- wan — Boat Brigades Rainy River — The Opportunity Missed — Portage System — Jim Smith — Cooties. Chapter V 44 No. 1 Co y Rifles — A Scrap for an Oar — Harry Walker — Boat Wreck — Deerfoot — Rations — Slap Jacks — Acci- dents — Winnipeg River — Fort Alexander — A Storm ■ — A Race on the Lake — Indians — Scotch Half-Breeds Speak Gaelic — Landed at Fort Garry — Capture of Fort Garry — Flight of Riel. O'Donoghue and Lepine — Captain Huyshe's Narrative — Captain Young's Story — No. 7 Co'y. Ont. Rifles — Roseau River. Chapter VI 62 Return of the Imperial Troops — Wolseley's Address to the Regular and Volunteers — Lieut. Gov. Archibald — Corp. Youngston's Death — Bootlegging — Tragic Death of Goulet — Tanner Killed — Winter Quarters — Military Record — Church Parades — Red River Steamboats — Pioneer and International — Camp Near the Border — Prairie Fire — Halleluiah — Deaths of Privates Granger and Wright — The Company Cook — Foraging — Capt. Butler — Guard Duty Fort North Pembina — Frost Bites — Winter Amusements - Divine Service — Personal Grievances — Here Before Christ — American Troops Build Fort Pembina Col. Stutsman Bob O'Lone — Jimmy From Cork — John Lennon. Chapter VII 80 The Canteen Fight Sinclair and Godon — St. Paul, Minn., Correspondent - - The Blizzard -- New Year's Day — Sheriff [nkster — A Glee Club — Dick Jones — Private Maloney Dies Prom Exposure — Boots and Spurs — Doing Penance Si^ns of Spring — Flint Lock — Prairie Chickens — The New Provisional Battalion — Discharged and Disbanded — Fenian Raid of 1871 - - Capture of Fort North Pembina ■ — Fenian Scout Party General O'Neill -- Col. Lloyd Whea- ton and His American Soldiers — Riel Offers Service — Ex- Cltemenl In Winnipeg — Col. Thos. Scott Arrives With Troops From Eastern Canada — Capt. MacDonald's Com- pany Winter in Fort North Pembina. Table of Content! XI. Chapter VIII 99 Barrack Room Varna and Gospel Btorie The Big Drum- mer Charter of tin- First Orange Lodge In Manitoba An Expedition Song Bet a Thief to Catch a Thief wi Who and wiiv The Brasa Scabbard The Cameron Clan No Load to Carry An Act of COUIBge at Kakab»-ka Kails -- A Memorial of tin1 Red River Expedition Ann- tion to the United states Capt. Steele'a Letter. Chapter IX 121 True Copy of Militia General Orders - - Formation of Two Battalions of Riflemen — 1st Ontario Rifles and 2nd Quebec Rifles List of Officers and Men — Wolseley's Staff - Major General Sir Redvers Buller — Major General Butler. Chapter X 139 Names and Rank as Far as Known of the Survivors on Red River Expedition — Records Kept Open for Omissions. Chapter XI 154 Historical Land Marks — Massacre of Father Aulneau, De La Verendrye and 19 Frenchmen by Lake of the Woods Indians — Monument to Lord Selkirk — Seven Oaks Site. Chapter XII 158 Winnipeg Veteran Associations — Tenting Tonight on the Old Camp Grounds. TABLE OF CONTENTS Partll. Chapter I 169 Manitoba's Population in 1870 — The Postage Stamp Province — Boundaries Extended to the Sea Coast — First Provincial Elections — Boyd-Clarke Government — Parlia- ment Buildings Burned Down — Girard Government - Davis-Royal Government — Norquay Government — Death of the Hon. John Xorquay — Harrison Government — Green- way Government — The Hon. Jos. Martin — MacDonald Government - Roblin Government — Norris Government — Elections of 1920. Chapter II 179 International Boundary Commission Dufferin Barracks — Capt. Cameron Capt. Featherstonehaugh — Capt. Herchmer - Fort Benton — Cotton M. Almon - Grass- hopper Plague The Queen of the Roseau Dacotah Star - Emerson Colony - Carney, Fairbanks and Hutche- son — Customs Collector Bradley — West Lynne — Duncan Matheson - Post Master Lewis — Ferries — Homesteads Fort North Pembina and Fort Pembina Abandoned Gordon's Kidnapping and Death - - Attorney General H. J. Clarke - 49th Parallel Boundary Posts -- R.N.W.M. Police J. E. Tetu, Immigration Agent. Chapter III 188 Lieut. Col. G. A. French Lower Fort Garry The Big Stampede Indian Raid Offer of Service Two Gallant Officers Dnder Different Flags Following the Trail Riders of the Plains Col, A. Powen Perry — Ports Mac- Leod, Walsh, Steele and "Whoop Dp" Buffalo The C.P.R. and Pie-a-Pot Table of Content xiii. Chapter I V L95 Mounted Police Reoordi Inspector Fitzgerald Con stables Kinney. Taylor and Carter The Dawson Trail Superintendent Snyder Corporal Dempster Constables Fyte, Turner, and Indian Charley Heroic healths of Fitz- gerald and Party Aimighl Voice Sergt. Colebrook shot Capt. .lack Allan Asst. Commissioner Mcllree com missioner Col. L. vv. Herchmer Change of Name to Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Chapter V 206 Earl Dufferin — Emerson Scouts — Hop and (Jo One - A Dollar a Punch — Land Boom — Rail Connections — Cus- tom's Troubles — Manitoba Police Force - Death of Chief Dick Powers — Fort Whyte - Provincial Rights The School Question University of Saskatchewan — French Language. Chapter VI 214 The Nile Campaign — The Northwest Rebellion - Louis Riel — Fort Carlton — Battle of Duck Lake — Dumont ■ — Crozier — Irvine — Prince Albert — Big Bear — 90th Winnipeg Rifles — Eastern Troops — Frog Lake Massacre — Gen. Middleton — Fish Creek — Poundmaker — Otter — Cut Knife — Gen. Strange — Fort Pitt — Battleford — Battle of Batoche — Collapse of the Rebellion — Steamer Northcote — Midland Battalion — Death of Capt. French — Little Black Devils — Trial and Execution of Riel and Others — Decoration Day Parade. Chapter VII 231 The South African War — Opposition in Ottawra President Kruger — Queen Victoria — King Edward — Lord Roberts — Pretoria — General Kitchener — General Botha — Cana- dian Mounted Rifles — Strathcona Horse — Strength of the Canadian Forces. Chapter VIII 234 Lord Kitchener of Khartoum and Gordon — The Mahdi — Tragedy of the Hampshire and European War. XIV. Table of Contents Page Chapter IX 240 Takes Europe's Resources — The U.S.A. Joins the Allies — Recruiting Depots — Route Marches — Barrack Rooms — Marching Tunes — New Battalions — Cameron Highlanders — Capt. Geddes the First to Fall — Major Ross Murphy Killed — The Grenadiers. Chapter X 256 A Soldier's Monument — Emerson Roll of Honor — Ceno- taph — Major Gen. Sir Arthur Currie — Major Gen. Ketchen — Brig. Gen. McNaughton — Ladies' Auxiliaries — Patrio- tic Associations — Rev. Major Amb. Madden — Who Won the War? — Immortals — Blaze the Trail — Flanders Fields. ILLUSTRATIONS The Author Frontisph < > Seven Oaks' Monument 5 Interior Fort Garry 0 H. R. H. The Prince of Wales 31 The Late Lord Wolseley 31 The Late Col. Jarvis 31 Map of Route Red River Expedition 59 The Old Hudson Bay Post, Fort North Pembina, 1870 69 Lieut.-Col. Thos. Scott 95 The Officers of No. 6 Company, 1st Ontario Rifles 107 Lieut.-Col. Jack Beresford Allan 115 Lieut.-Col. Sir Daniel Hunter McMillan 123 Sir Hugh John Macdonald, K.C 143 Lieut.-Col. Herbert Swinford 149 Commander Geo. C. Cook 159 The Frontier Posts 185 Col. Lawrence William Herchmer 201 Monument in Front of City Hall, Winnipeg 223 Mausoleum in St. John's Cemetery, Winnipeg 229 Lord Kitchener 237 The Late Capt. John Geddes 243 The Late Lt.-Col. J. A. Cantlie 243 The Late Lt.-Col. R. M. Thomson 243 Major Ross Murphy, M.C 247 Groups With the Colors of the 79th Cameron High- landers of Canada, Winnipeg 257 Cenotaph in Front of the Bank of Montreal, Winnipeg 261 Major Rev. Father Madden, O.M.I. , M.C 265 Trooper Reginald Donovan Tennant 269 PART ONE CHAPTER I. THE MILITIA OF BRITISH NORTH AMERICA — THE AMERICAN WAR — REBELLION IN THE UPPER AND LOWER PROVINCES — SCATTERED UNITS FROM BATTALIONS — SENIORITY OF INFANTRY — RE-OR- GANIZATION OF THE MILITIA — FENIAN RAIDS — 250th ANNIVERSARY OF THE H. B. CO'Y. — BATTLE OF SEVEN OAKS — UNION OF THE HUDSON BAY COMPANY AND NORTH-WEST FUR COMPANIES — — SELKIRK SETTLEMENT — FORT GARRY AND LOWER FORT GARRY — IMPERIAL TROOPS STATION- ED — FIRST NEWSPAPERS — FRENCH METIS. The Militia, or Volunteer Force of British North America, was organized years before the Confederation of the Dominion. During the war with the United States, they rendered great service to the Empire, in defence of Canada. The blood of English and French Canadian Volun- teers mingled with that of the British regulars on well fought battlefields, during the cam- paigns of 1812, 1813 and 1814. De Salaberry, and his historical regiment of Voltigeurs, Gen- eral Brock, Queenston Heights, the capture of Detroit and other battles, form a record of gal- lant officers and men, that redounds to the glory 2 Rough Times of Canada, and the Provincial Volunteers. Dur- ing the troubles of 1837 and 1838, the Volun- teers, English and French, again proved their mettle. Iii the Lower Province (Quebec) the rebels were led by Papineau. In the Upper Province (Ontario) Lyon Mackenzie, Matthews and Lount were the chief leaders in the rebellion. After a prolonged struggle which gave the Gov- ernment great anxiety and caused much trou- ble, it ended in the complete defeat of the rebels. The Hon. MacKenzie King, present leader of the Opposition at Ottawa, is a grandson of Lyon Mackenzie. An act was passed in 1859 for the forma- tion into battalions of the scattered units lo- cated in the province. The three oldest infan- try corps that rank in seniority for Canada, are the Prince of Wales Fusileers of Montreal, who formed the first battalion of the Volunteer Mili- tia, the Queen 's Own Rifles of Toronto, and the 63rd Halifax Nova Scotia Battalion-. The Gov- ernor General's Body Guard was raised in 1822, as the Queen's Light Dragoons. In L862, a Royal Commission was appointed for the re- organization of the Militia, but not until 18G3 was a Militia department established. The next call for service was made in 1865: The Fenians planned an invasion of Canada — many of them were Veterans of the American Civil War — their Leaders skilled officers, viz.. Rough Times 3 Generals Sweeney, O'Nei] and Speir, In June, L866, the Fenians began their raids al points in New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario. General (VWil crossed the Niagara River near Fori Erie, with a strong armed force The invaders were met at Ridgeville by Volunteers, the Queen's Own Rifles, under Lieut.-CoL Booker. The action thai followed was a temporary suc- cess for the enemy. On the advance of CoL Peacock's command of regulars and volunteers the Fenians retired and re-crossed the Niagara into the United States. Further east, General Spier entered the Province of Quebec in Missiqnoi County with 1,000 men, and made a stand on Pigeon Hill. The Canadians were out-numbered, and with- drew to await reinforcements. A party of Vol- unteers from Montreal attacked a body of Fen- ians near Pigeon Hill and took sixteen pris- oners. Spier waited a few days for the sup- ports promised to him by General Sweeney. They failed to come. His own men began to scatter. The position was abandoned, and Spier with his staff returned to Vermont, and was placed under arrest by officers of the U.S. army. The main body of the Fenians under General Sweeney gathered along the St. Lawrence for an invasion in force. The regulars and volun- teers under Colonel Packenham, of the 30th Regulars, and the Ottawa Field Battery, pre- pared to meet the Fenians at the border. Gen- 4 Rough Times era] Meade, of the U.S. army, was sent to pre- vent a breach of neutrality with power to act. The Canadians facing the Fenians, and the Americans being* in the rear of them, Sweeney had to yield, and he, with several other leaders, submitted to the U.S. authorities, and his army disbanded. The second Fenian Raid was in 1870. The Canadian Volunteers were better prepared. Strong forces were stationed along the Inter- national boundary line, in Quebec and Ontario. Late in May the Fenians, under General O'Neil, entered Canada, from Vermont, U.S., and made an attack on Eccles Hill, which was held by a small body of Canadians. Later they were strengthened by detachments from the Victoria Volunteer Rifles, and the 60th Rifles (Regulars) under Colonel Osborne Smith, second in com- mand to Colonel Brown Chamberlin. The Fen- ians were charged and driven across the border. O'Xeil was arrested by U.S. officials and his men became fugitives. During the month of May, 1920, the Hud- sou's Bay Company celebrated the 250th anni- versary <>f its charter for the North West Terri- tories, known as Prince Rupert's Land. This charter was granted to them by the Crown in L670. It was not surprising that, in later years, the Hudson's Bay Company had rivals for the fur SEVEN OAKS MONUMENT Monument in Kildonan to commemorate the Battle of Seven Oaks between the Hudson Bay Co. and the Northwest Fur Co., June ISth, 1S16. Rough Timi 7 trade. The Northwesl Pur Co, was organized in 17<m for this purpose. Both companies erected forts where Winnipeg now stands, viz.: Fori Douglas, built by the Hudson's liny Com- pany, and Fori Gibraltar, by the Northwesl Pur Company. Their rivalry was keen. It led up to the Battle of Seven Oaks on dune L8th, L816. The adherents of the Northwesl Pur Company, under Cuthbert Grant, threatened the capture of Fort Douglas. Governor Semple, of the Hudson's Bay Company, and his party went out on the prairie to meet them and had a parley. A fight was precipitated in which the Governor and twenty of his men were killed. A monu- ment marks the place in memory of this histori- cal event, Charge of the affairs of the Hud- son's Bay Company passed over to Lord Selkirk. He arrived with a small body of Imperial soldiers, and quickly regained supremacy for the Hudson's Bay Company. The feuds be- tween the rival fur traders ended bv their unit- ing in 1821, under the name of the Hudson's Bay Company. Selkirk founded a colony mostly of Scotch settlers on the Red River south of the Assini- boine. He also brought to the Red River the Swiss settlers and De Meuron's regiment of hired trained soldiers from Europe, to aid his plans. Mr. George Simpson was appointed the new Governor and was sent from across the seas with 8 Rough Times Mr. Nicholas Garry, Deputy Governor, to re- organize the united companies. Mr. Simon MeGillivray, representing the Northwest Com- pany joined them. The deed of union was sign- ed at Foil William. Nicholas Garry continued his journey to the Red River. He found a bitter feeling still ex- isting among the old rival fur trader s, and de- cided to abandon both the Northwest and Hud- son's Bay Forts. By order of Governor Simp- son new stone forts were built — one on the north bank of the Assiniboine, close to its junc- tion with the Red River, called Fort Garry, and the other twenty miles north on the west side of the Red, called Lower Fort Garry. Both forts were named after Nicholas Garry. The Hudson's Bay Company was not favor- ably disposed to Selkirk's colonization schemes. The Governor of the colony often found opposi- tion from the Company and Governor Simpson. To stop illicit fur trading with Americans was difficult. The British Government sent out the 6th Royals, 500 strong, under Col. Crofton; later they were recalled. In L848 Colonel Cald- well with 100 old pensioners from the British Army, took the place of the regulars and settled in the Colony. Americans were free to come and go among the settlers to trade, and they kepi a watchful eye on developments, with a view to annexation. They located in the Vil- lage of Winnipeg, near the walls of Fori Garry. pQ nKTicr Old Fort Gttrn INTERIOR FORT GARRY The front figure, first to the left, is John McTavish, the Chief Trader, Hudson Bay Co., at Fort Garry, 1869-70. Rough Timi i 1 In l(S(i7 the Nor'-Wester newspaper was started with the help of a newcomer, \h\ John Schultz, the future Sir John Christian Schultz, M.P., and Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Manitoba, L895-1901. Thomas Spence, an other arrival, was a strong advocate for a Pro- visional Government to represent the people, instead of the Council of Assiniboia. There was a merry little war going on with the Com- pany. The Americans were watching, and were keeping tab on their side to gain the advantage by the publication, of the ihXew Nation", a paper which advocated annexation to the States. Across the Red River from Fort Garrv stood the old Cathedral of St. Boniface, and the resi- dence of Bishop Tache. The French Metis had settled along the Red River and the Assini- boine. They formed the largest body in Assini- boia. The French w^ere opposed to annexation to the States, and the tone of the "New Nation" was compelled to change. CHAPTER II. GOVERNMENT OF THE NORTH-WEST — COUNCIL OF ASSINIBOIA — TRANSFER OF TERRITORY TO CANA- DA — PROLONGED NEGOTIATIONS — PROTESTS — SETTLERS ALARMED -- McDOUGALL'S APPOINTMENT PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT ORGANIZED — PRE- SIDENT BRUCE ELECTED — AMERICAN INDUCEMENTS — BARRIER ERECTED — OFFICIALS TURNED BACK — BISHOP TACHE ABSENT — RIEL OCCUPIES FORT GARRY STRONG OPPOSITION — OPPONENTS AR- RESTED — DONALD A. SMITH — CONVENTION HELD — BILL OF RIGHTS — DEATHS OF SUTHERLAND AND PARISIEN — ARREST OF BOLTON AND SCOTT —EXE- CUTION OF SCOTT — DELEGATES IN OTTAWA — THE RED SALOON — PROVINCE OF MANITOBA FORM- ED — BISHOP TACHE RETURNS In 1869, and for some time previous, this country was governed by the Council of Assini- boia, appointed by the Hudson's Bay Company. The Dominion of Canada desiring to bring As- siniboia and the North West Territories into the Confederation, treated with the Hudson's Bay Company, and purchased their charter rights to the Northwest, for the sum of £300,000 sterling and a large grant of land. The money was to be paid over <>n the day of the proposed trans- fer, December Lst, L869; but the transfer was not finally authorized until June 23rd, 1870. The agreement was reached after prolonged negotiation. The lied River Settlers and the Eudson's Bay Company's officers in the West Rough Timi s 13 were no! consulted. They resented this treat- ment. On tin* pari of the Canadian Govern- ment it showed lack of tact, more especially as the Dominion Government commenced to as sume control in the fall of 1868, without waiting for the Imperial order-in-council transferring the territory. Early in 1869 the Dominion Gov- ernment sent their surveyors to the West to block out land. The Governor of Assiniboia, Mr. William McTavish, made x^rotest against this intrusion into his own territory. The set- tlers were alarmed and the French Metis, led by Louis Riel, ordered the survey stopped. The Hon. William McDougall was appointed by the Dominion, Lieutenant-Governor of the new territory. He reached Pembina, Dacotah, by way of St. Paul, Minnesota, in October, 1869. In the meantime the Metis organized a Pro- visional Government, and elected John Bruce the first President. Afterwards he was suc- ceeded by Louis Riel. Governor McTavish fell seriously ill and was unable to assert his author- ity in person. The Americans, led by Col. Stuttsman and William O'Donoghue, offered inducements to Riel and others to join in a scheme to annex the country to the L^nited States by complete severance from the British Crown. In spite of various intrigues Riel and his followers remained faithful to Brit- ish sovereignty. There is evidence to show how nearly the loss of the Northwest Territories to the Dominion of Canada, and their absorption 14 Roi'GH Times by the United States was becoming an ac- complished fact but for the loyal attachment to British connections, of the old French settlers. Governor McDougall made several attempts to establish himself in Fort Garry. They all proved futile. His secretary, Mr. J. A. N. Pro- \ rencher, was stopped at St. Norbert and sent hack to Pembina. Major Cameron, of the Gov- ernor's staff, was held up on the road from Pem- bina to Fort Garry. A barrier was built across the road, near the south side of the Riviere La Salle, and armed guards put in charge. Cam- eron made strong protest against the barrier and ordered it removed, but wras compelled to return to Pembina. A monument on the Pem- bina Highway, near the Trappist Monastery, marks the spot where the barrier was placed. The monument is in the shape of a cross about 1.1 feet high and of stone cement on a foundation platform of two steps. A marble slab forms part of the cross, with the inscription "Souvenir of L869-1870." During these troublesome agitations it was a matter of regrel that Bishop Tache was absent in Rome, lie was a man of power and action and it is safe to say that the deplorable events which followed the establishment of a Provis- ional G-overnment, to succeed the Council of Assinihoia, could never have happened if the Bishop had been present in his diocese. Riel, as President, occupied Fort Garry with a number of his men and assumed power to rule THE BARRIER CROSS Erected on the Pembina Highway, St- Norbert. 15 Rough Timi 17 as bead of the Provisional Government. Op position parties strongly objected to this move. They were led by Dr. Schultz and Major BouJ ton, of Portage la Prairie. Riel played a high hand and caused the arrest of a number of his Opponents, confining them as prisoners in Fori Garry. After the establishment of the Provisional Government, with Riel as President, Mr. Don- ald A. Smith, of the Hudson's Bay Company, (the late Lord Strathcona ), was appointed Com- missioner from Ottawa to treat with the people. Mr. Hardisty acted as secretary. A mass meet- ing was called for January 19th and 20th, L870. It was attended by over a thousand people. They decided to hold a convention on January 25th, to consider Donald A. Smith's proposals. Twenty English delegates and an equal number of French were appointed to act for peace and harmony. Governor MeTavish had abdicated. A Bill of Rights was drawn up and submitted to the Commissioner. It received approval and three delegates, viz. :the Rev. Father Richot, Judge Black and Mr. Alfred Scott were appoint- ed to present the Bill of Rights to the Dominion Government in Ottawa. Some sixteen prisoners were then released by Riel. The English party divided itself into two groups — one at Portage la Prairie, under Major Boulton, the other at Lower Fort Garry under Dr. Schultz. They de- cided to upset the new Provisional Government. The two parties were to meet at Lower Fort 18 Rough Times Garry. At this juncture, on the 16th of Febru- ary, 1870, Norbert Parisien was made a prisoner by the Schultz party. Parisien escaped, and on his way took a gun out of a sleigh, A number of men started in pursuit, Sutherland, (a son of the Hon. Senator John Sutherland) a quiet and inoffensive young man, was met on the road. The persons chasing Parisien called to Suther- land to stop Parisien, and whether Sutherland attempted to do it or not, Parisien at once shot him dead and hid in the bush. The Eng- lish party recaptured Parisien and treated him in a horrible way. His hands were bound behind his back. It was very cold and his hands froze stiff. From the cruel treatment re- ceived Parisien died on the 6th of March fol- lowing, if is said that he was mentally unbal- anced and opposed to Kiel. The death of Sutherland and Parisien caused bitter feelings. Major Boulton and Thomas Scott were arrested with others and confined in Fort Garry. No Love was lost between Kiel and Scott. Scott was a bar-tender in the well known Bed Saloon kept by Edward Lennon and Wm. Costello, relatives of the late Dennis Lennon, of the Woodbine Hotel, Winnipeg, and was good natured, but quick tempered. Both men were aggressive. A prisoner in the Fori named (iaddee was sentenced to he shot, lie was brought out for execution and pardoned by Kiel. Major Boulton was next tried and condemned to death. Owing to the intercession Rough Timi 19 and Influence of Mrs. John Sutherland, Father Lestance and Donald A. Smith, Boul ton's life was spared. Scott's violent disposition got liini into trou- ble with Kiel and the guards. He resented his confinement, frequently giving expression to his feelings in words and deeds. These aggressive actions caused Scott the further indignity of being placed in chains. That did not cow the dauntless spirit of the man. He continued his open defiance of the Provisional Govern- ment and was sentenced to death. Donald A. Smith, Father Lestance and the Rev. George Young, the Methodist minister, exerted all their influence and power to save the condemned man, but without avail. Scott was taken outside the Fort walls and shot by a firing party at noon on the 4th of March, 1870. It was a fearful thing to do, and it stained the character of all who in any way countenanced or justified the act. It was a most regrettable incident. A report of the sorrowful event of the exe- cution of Scott states he was placed in a kneel- ing position outside the Fort near the wicket gate in the East Avail. The firing party of six faced South towards the ill-fated man. On the signal to fire, three bullets pierced the victim's body and he fell over on his side. One of the executioners approached Scott, and drawing a revolver ended the poor fellow7 's life by shoot- ing him in the head. 20 Rough Times It was said Thomas Scott's remains were buried inside Fort Garry, and in August, 1870, the place designated in the report was opened by a fatigue party. A coffin-shaped box was found, but it was empty. Evidently this mock service was done to mislead; Scott's body has not been found. It is conjectured by some that the night after his execution the body was put through a hole in the iee on the Red River, and carried away when the ice moved out in the spring. There is really no authentic informa- tion, official or otherwise, as to the disposition of Scott's remains. Following close, one after another, are three deplorable events in the history of the Red River Settlements: The death by violence of Sutherland, Scott and Parisien. Scott's death was the cause of strong party agitation in On- tario, his native province. Commissioner Donald A. Smith returned to Ottawa about the middle of March, 1870. The delegates elected by the Provisional Govern- ment, Judge Black, Father Richot and Mr. A. Scott, to present the Bill of Rights to the Do- minion Government, followed Smith a little later. Shortly after their arrival in Ottawa an Act was passed constituting the Province of Manitoba. In the meantime Bishop Tache arrived in St. Boniface, March 9th, 1870. His presence served as a restraint on party agitators. CHAPTEB III. THE DOMINION AROUSED SIR GARNET WOLSELY RED RIVER EXPEDITIONARY FORCE - THREE RIFLE BATTALIONS - - 60th REGULARS, ONTARIO AND QUE BEC VOLUNTEERS — PAY ROLL LIEUT.-COL.'S FIELDING, JARVIS AND CASSAULT — UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT — RECRUITING — START FROM TORONTO AND COLLINGWOOD - SAULT ST. MARIE CANAL — CAMP ALARM AT "SOO" — CHICORA — LOUIS SHICKA- LUNA AND CONVOY - - FENIAN GUN BOAT — PRINCE ARTHUR'S LANDING — ROAD MAKING — STOCKADE FORT KAMINISTIQUIA RIVER — OSKONDAGEE CREEK — LAKE SHEBANDOWAN — MARCHING SONGS. The news of Scott ?s death aroused the peo- ple of the Dominion to the grave danger of the situation in Assiniboia. It stirred the Govern- ment to quick action. The time had passed for negotiations. The Imperial and Dominion authorities decided that a force of regulars and militia be sent to the Red River to restore law and order under the Dominion of Canada. This force was placed in command of Colonel Sir Garnet Wolseley. He was acknowledged to be a gifted officer and well trained soldier who had seen much active service. Experienced officers from the Imperial troops joined Wolseley's staff. The Red River Expeditionary Force con- sisted of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal 60th Rifles, an Abyssinian battery of the Royal Field Artillery, a company of Royal Engineers, with 22 Rough Times detachments from the Militia train (Army Ser- vice) and the Hospital Corps of the Regulars stationed in Canada. The Canadian Militia were the First Ontario Rifles and the Second Quebec Rifles. These battalions were each 350 men strong. The battalions were divided into seven companies — fifty men to a company. Be- sides the regimental staff, three commissioned officers were attached to a company. Three hundred experienced voyageurs were also en- gaged with the troops, from Prince Arthur's Landing to Fort Garry. The pay roll, monthly payments for the Vol- unteers and their commissioned officers, was at the followings rates: Rank and file — Privates, $12.00; buglers, $13.00; corporals, $13.00; ser- geants, $15.00; color sergeants, $17.00. Com- missioned officers — Ensigns, $70.00; lieuten- ants, $76.00; captains, $83.33. Lieutenant-Colonel Fielding commanded the 60th Rifles. Lieutenant-Colonel Jarvis commanded the 1st Ontario Rifles. Lieutenant-Colonel Cassault commanded the 2nd Quebec Rifles. The Ontario and Quebec Battalions wore the same uniforms, a black tunic witli scarlet fac- ings, and dark gray trousers with black stripe, changed later to black trousers with \^A stripe. The head gear was the old style army forage cap with a white havelock (to cover when re- quired) and a dark grey overcoat. A fatigue Rough Time 23 dress formed part of the kit, consisting of a dark blue serge, scarlet collar and while duck pants. Mosquito oil and nets were issued to protect the face and neck from bites. Neither men nor Hies eared about then). In addition to the army shoes, all the force, including the voyageurs, (who had no uniform), were issued a pair of beef moccasins knee high, supposed to be waterproof, for boat service. The winter of 1870 found the men poorly provided to stand the climate, although a beaver cap to cover the ears, and a pair of mitts with a woollen scarf, were added to their kits. The 60th Rifles also wore a black uniform with scarlet facings, black trousers with a nar- row red stripe. The accoutrements of the three Rifle batta- lions were the same — short Snider Enfield rifle and sword bayonet, black belts, knapsack, hav- ersack and water bottle. The Royal Field Artillery wore their usual dress of dark blue with scarlet facings and yellow braid. The Royal Engineers wore scar- let with royal blue facings. The Military Train and Army Hospital corps had a dark blue uni- form. The company officers carried no swords. Instead, on account of a risk of Indian warfare, they were armed with rifles, belts and pouches to carry sixty rounds of ammunition, the same as the rank and file. 24 Rough Times The physique of the men of the Volunteer battalions was perfect. Many of them on the Hanks of each company were splendid specimens of manhood, standing over six feet high and built in proportion. Private George Lee, the right hand man in the front rank of No. 2 com- pany of the 1st Ontario Rifles and afterwards the big drummer in the band, was the tallest man in the regiment, He stood 6 feet 4% inches in his stockings. Color Sergeant Wilson and Corporal Bevins, of No. 1 company, were each 6 feet 3 inches. Recruiting was pushed with vigor in the military districts of Ontario and Quebec. Many could not pass the strict medical inspection of the army doctors and were rejected as unfit for military service. Headquarters was located at Toronto, Out. In May 1870, Wolseley got the troops in mo- tion. The first to leave Toronto were Nos. 1 •uid 4 companies of the Ontario Rifles, command- ed by Captain H. Cook and Captain I). II. Mc- Millan. They embarked the same day on the Algoma, a1 Collingwood, were landed at Sault Ste. Marie, and went into camp. The Canadian canal was not then built. The United Stales authorities closed their canal to the British troops and stores. Later, this embargo was lifted off the stores, but the troops continued to land on the Canadian side and make the port- asre. The steamers Chicora, Algoma, Arctic and Rough Timi 25 Louis Shickaluna passed through the canal, fol- lowed soon by oilier vessels. Willi the two companies of the Ontario Rifles in camp a1 the "Soo", rumors of Fenian Raids caused some concern. Strict guard was kept over the Landing, A nighl alarm caused a turn out. Not all of the men were in marching orders. It was very dark as they skirmished through the thick bush surrounding the camp and shots were tired. One ball pene- trated Lieutenant Kennedy's cap. The blood shed, the squeals and grunts that intensified and added terror to the excitement of the dark hours, came from a drove of pigs wandering through the cam]) in search of feed. The casualties found the next morning were a few dead hogs, the property of the Hudson's Bay company. The steam boat Chicora was the fastest boat on the lakes and, during the American Civil war, had been the successful blockade runner known as the "Letter B.' Now, under the British flag, the Chicora was making speed records moving the troops up Lake Superior. While the Ontario Volunteers were at the "Soo" the 60th Rifles landed, and crossing over the portage, embarked on the Chicora for Prince Arthur's Landing. Xo. 1 company of the On- tario Rifles followed and boarded the steamer Louis Shickaluna to form a guard for the steam- er and two schooners she had in tow, viz.: the 26 Rough Times Pandora and Snowflake. The vessels were Loaded with army stores. It was rumored the Fenians had a gun boat on Lake Superior to capture some of them. Part of Captain Cook's orders were to defend the steamer to the last man. There were tons of baled hay on board. It was piled on the sides as a barricade to be used in case of a fight. Owing to the heavy tow of the schooners, progress was slow. The second day out the smoke of a fast ap- proaching steamer appeared in the distance. If attacked, the tow was to be cast adrift and each vessel to make off in different directions. The Shickaluna was to draw the coming boat's attention. This was done. Signals were ex- changed. It proved to be a tug boat under con- tract to the Canadian Government, to aid in unloading stores at Prince Arthur's Landing, and there was no cause for alarm. The United States authorities had permitted boats to pass through the canal. The mistake made was natural. The rest of the day was spent in search for the two schooners. When lasl seen they were sailing in opposite directions, and had disappeared behind the lee shore of neighboring islands. Next morning they were picked up and taken in tow. Without further delay the convoy arrived sate at the Landing. The first sight of Prince Arthur's Landing, now known as Porl Arthur, was disappointing. Bush fires had destroyed the timber and deso- lated thousands of acres of wood lands. A Rough Timi 27 dense smoke hovered over the place, and the unloading of the vessels had to be done in ligW ers, owing to the shallow depth of water on the stony beach. In spite of the delay in the journey up the lake, the men of No. 1 company were the firsl Volunteers at the Landing. They pitched their camp on the lake front near a small creek. The 60th were further west. It was not long before the rest of the Ontario and Quebec Rifles fol- lowed. The Quebecers camped close by the Ontario Rifles. A trout stream divided their camps. Drills, and hard work, became the order of the day. Your regimental number was marked on all your effects for identification purposes. Mov- ing camp on the road was done in heavy march- ing order. Here Private Cotter showed military strategy of no mean order by making the enemy (?) supply needs. Betsy Cotter, his Christian name was Mike, was a dog thief. He collared a dog wherever he could lay his hands on one, and they became regimental property, all but "Betsy", in whose honor Mike's name was changed. She stuck to him from Collingwood to Fort Garry. Betsy Cotter was not partial to a heavy pack, and made it light. Things such as tin cups, plates, canteens, water bottles, etc., or anything he could trade off, were discarded, and time spent on the quiet, scratching his number on 28 Rough Times other comrades' articles. Reaching a new camp, Betsy claimed the goods so marked and some- times bluffed it through. He ran up against a snag when he marked Sandy MacDonald's canteen. Sandy called for a "show down" and Betsy was " shown up/ Mac settled down to farming on the Brandon plains, after he was discharged, and made good. Betsy Cotter did not confine his military science to stealing dogs. Fish were also confiscated from other fellows' nets, and in foraging for sugar he was immense. Generous to a fault, he shared his captured lux- uries, and many sins were forgiven him by feed- ing the other brutes. Sandy MacDonald, after their encounter, was Cotter's great chum. Number Nine, was the regimental number of the bugler of Xo. 1 company Ontario Rifles. His name began with "T" and he marked his things with this letter, using Roman Numerals to follow. Thus his plate would show T. IX. and read "Tix." The name Tix stuck to him as close as the woodticks, sand flies, black flies, mosquitos and bull dogs, that gave him and his chum, dim Cadhem, a happy life I On the port- ages they were called the poney team, and were never known to mire in a muskeg, though they carried between them the ten army chests, the heaviesl pack on the boats. Weeks were spent road making and getting -tore- to Lake Shebandowan. Boat loads were taken up the Kaminist [quia River, or by trail, waggons and pack; any way to get there. Rough Ximi 29 A stockade fori was built on the lake shore, under the direction of the Royal Engineer . midway between the 60th Rifles' and the Vol unteers' camps. The stockade was to protecl the retreal of the force, in ease of disaster, and form a base. In every camp work was rushed. Soldiers, regulars and volunteers, with other labor, pitch- ed in from daylight to dark, building roads through the burnt wilderness. Some were toil- ing against stiff currents on the Kaministiquia. Others, with Indian and Canadian voyageurs, were poling the shallow waters, or towing boats against the swift rapids up Oskondagee creek. But all were on the way to Lake Shebandowan. The boats were partly unloaded at a place on the creek and the stores packed by runners follow- ing a single path through the woods to the wharf at Shebandowan. Other crews would take the lightened boats to Shebandowan wharf where they were overhauled for the long journey to Fort Garry. The Volunteers working on Oskondagee creek left camp at daybreak to take boats up the river. After delivering the boats, the men hiked back 15 miles over heavy sand roads to their old camp for the night, after a day's hard work. Their working clothes were white duck pants, moccasins and a grey shirt, On the march some one would start up a song with a good swing to the chorus. All 30 Rough Times joined in. Popular songs on the road or in the boats were "John Brown's Knapsack is Num- bered 95.,! This was a relic of the American Civil war. Another reminded one of the Mexi- can campaigns and had a chorus that opened the hoys' lungs. They joined in with vigor. This song of about fifty verses related the deeds of General Santa Anna. One verse was as follows, and all ran much in the same style: — Santa Anna lost a leg, Hurrah, Santa Anna, Oh! And now he sports a bass wood peg, All on the Plains of Mexico. A favorite at all times was " Tenting To-night on the Old Camp Ground, Give Us a Song to Cheer.' The boat songs of the Quebec Rifles and the Canadian Voyageurs were splendid, and did much to lighten the hard toil on the road or in the boats, besides keeping the men free from care and in good spirits. 1920 Commander in Chief. 1st Ontario Rifles. Red River Expedition, 1S70. 3) CHAPTER IV. TOWING TEDDY ROUSSELL - POLING PACKING MUSKEGS AND FLIES — FORT GARRY WAR CRY START FROM SHEBANDOWAN — BOAT BRIGADES — RAINY RIVER — THE OPPORTUNITY MISSED POR- TAGE SYSTEM - JIM SMITH — COOTIES. At times the opposite side of a stream would look better for towing, and crews taking chances would go over with their boats. An oc- casion of this kind happening, Teddy Roussell, a private in No. 1 Company 1st Ontario Rifles, was in a crew that took a chance and thev cross- ed to the west side of the stream. Ted was clumsy in his movements and reminds one of the inimitable caricatures of Captain Bairns- father in his illustrations of the " Better 01e,! even to the fierce moustache and large rolling eyes of "Old Bill." Teddy was his counterpart and a good fellow with a rough voice. The west bank of the river where this crew landed was hilly and stony, covered with a growth of scrubby Jack pine. Just below the point the river had left a big dry flat space, caused by a washout. Between this sandy flat and the west shore was a branch stream, deep, about ten or twelve feet wide, running swifter than a mill race and almost hidden from view. A large tree had been cut to fall across the 34 Rough Times stream and the trunk flattened on top for a foot bridge. It was about 12 inches above the rush- ing waters and convenient for anyone stranded on the flats. On landing from the boat to take his place on the tow line, Roussel slipped, lost his bal- ance, rolled into the river, and in an instant was shot down stream head first into the mill race. One of the men crossing the flattened tree below the point saw it, He threw himself flat on the log just in time to snatch Ted by the hair as, swept by the current, he passed under the tree. Hanging on to each other like grim death, Ted's body swung around in the current and he now headed up stream. Others came quickly to the rescue and Ted was dragged from his perilous position none the worse for the ducking, and only a little time was lost in the fracas. Iioussell could not swim, and when asked how he managed to keep afloat, gruffly replied, "I hung on to my blooming moustache, but lost my rap." Poling a Loaded boat up stream was hard work, and at times dangerous, when a risk had to be taken crossing from one side of a stream to the other. Poling was resorted to only when no headway could be made rowing against the current. The quick movements of a poling crew, all of them standing erect with strong, slitn, twelve-foot poles in their hands, working Rough Times together in symmel ry and on time, was a sight to command your admiration. None bul men of good physique could stand the si rain and keep balanced on their feel in a rocking boat. On the Oskondagee river there were sev- eral methods used to get the boats to Lake She- bandowan. Rowing, poling and tracking was combined in a day's work. Tracking had to be done in many places on the rivers. At this work two voyagenrs would remain in the boat, one at the bow^, the other in the stern, each of them with a long pole to steer with. The man in front kept the bow of the boat off the shore, while the other would use all of his strength and skill to shove the stern tow ards the shore. Each working against the other kept the boat headed straight up stream. A long tow line was made fast to the boat. The crew took hold of this, and towed the boat, pulling and strain- ing as they moved forward for all there was in them. An active man was in the lead. He had to be a good swimmer, for occasional jerks on the tow line would throw him into the w^ater. The duty of this man w^as to w^atch the point of danger. He passed the line in front of the trees or big boulders on the shore. Sometimes a washout had left them some distance from the shore line, then he would have to wade or swim to get there, and pass the rope in front while the others wading along the shore or tow- ing along the bank, whichever way preferred, 36 Rough Times for sure footing. There were numerous duck- ings, but all hung on to the tow line for life, ready to let go and on signal rush to the help of the leader when slack was allowed, before the strain would fall on him alone and the boat became unmanageable. It was on the portages where the big fellows had to take the back water from the men of average size. There were forty-seven portages to be crossed of more or less length, one of them about two miles long. Steep, hilly portages streAvn with rocks and big boulders were spanned in the very rough places by a ladder of skids, set two or three apart on heavy string- ers made from trees cut down by the soldiers to make a track through the woods over the port- age, for the boats and for packing. It was no joke for anyone to ascend such a trail even with- out a pack. But when you had at times to mush your way through a deep muskeg found on the trail, it added to the agony of the trip. To make the journey from six to a dozen times or more over a portage, with a heavy pack on your back, was a trial of endurance and strength, that test- ed the courage and temper of the men to the limit, especially when myriads of mosquitoes, black fhes and sand flics got operating on them. These infernal pests got in their eyes and ears, tickled them under the chin, stung them wher- ever there was a ghost of a chance to find an- other bare spot on their skins, that some other blood-sucker had not already pre-empted. Rough Timi 31 \\Tiih hands engaged holding the pack on the back, ilic protests againsl this devilish torture was made in choice forcible Language nol heard on church parades. The mosquito oil and nett- ing served oul afforded hoi little protection from fli(\s. You had to grin and bear it. Some authentic stories are told of the heavy packs carried occasionally by a strong man over a portage, but most of the stories related should be taken with a grain of salt. Har- ness a 200-lb. barrel of pork, or an arm chest of the same weight, to a man's back and forehead with tump strap, and the bulk of it, outside the weight, leaves little room to add to the burden. This, too, over rough ground, with climbing and mudholes en route. To the credit of the officers let it be said, that they carried and did the same amount of work as the rank and file, balking at nothing. "On to Fort Garry" wras their w^ar cry. The work of crossing a portage left a brigade of weary men. After it was over camp fires were lit and pannicans of black hot tea served out with the grub. The men, nothing daunted, would quickly revive to launch their boats, and with a laugh and song rush each other for the lead on lake or river, to get to the next portage. The 60th Rifles were the first troops to leave Shebandow^an, the real starting point of the Ex- pedition. Each company formed a brigade of boats. A brigade comprised from six to eight boats. The boats were provided with mast and 38 Rough Times sail. Eight to twelve men formed a crew, ex- clusive of two skilled voyageurs. The crews carried their own arms and ammunition. The whole force had enough commissary stores to cover a year's provisions for about 1,500 men. The stores and boats had to be dragged and carried by manual labor across forty-seven portages, over tracks cut through the bush and corduroy roads laid on treacherous muskegs. It was a serious problem, attended with con- stant danger from storms, in open boats on the lakes and running perilous river rapids, and this outside of the military risk involved. Then, too, there was the uncertain attitude of the In- dians in the territory to be passed through. Some experts predicted disaster to the Expedi- tion, sooner or later, at some point on the route. They were disappointed. The start was made with the Regulars in advance, the Ontario Rifles in the centre, and the Quebec Rifles bringing up the rear. The brigades continued their long tortuous journey to Port Garry in this order. They followed the track of the Indian fur traders, across Rainy Lake, down Rainy River to the Lake of the Woods, then to the Winnipeg River at Rat Portage, down this river with its many danger- ous water tails and rapids, to Lake Winnipeg, thence up the Red River to Fort Garry. The passage up Rainy River was the critical pari of the route. Both sides of this river are well timbered. It is an International stream, Rough Timi 39 forming the boundary between Ontario and the Slate of Minnesota. An enemy located along the river could find excellent cover, and, under a skilled leader, inllict a serious blow on the Ex pedition. The advance was by boat, and could not be made in force, l5oats and brigades passed down the rivers, much in the same way as troops would march through a narrow pass. No stop was allowed for rest on Rainy River. The men rowed night and day, till their brigade passed the danger spot. The course was down stream and in some places the current was ver\ rapid. The boats Avere kept in close touch. The men chewed beans, washed down with strong tea, black as ink, till they w^ere afloat on the waters of the Lake of the Woods. Riel and his councillors had missed their opportunity to attack. Daily a brigade left Shebandow;an wharf and soon the Expedition was stretched out over many miles of w^ater. A case of follow^ yonr lead had to be kept. No boats w^ere allowed to land on a portage, until the landing* w^as clear, and the leading brigade on the other side of the portage. This system worked well. It pre- vented delays by a mix-np of two companies. If one brigade w^as overtaken by another there was no w^ay to pass in front unless it w^as done on a lake. A position gained in open w^ater w^as held. Some brigades w^onld come out on a lake and strike a favorable breeze. Hoisting sails they made good headway. The next brigade 40 Rough Times would enter the lake against the wind, and pro- gress would slow up, though the crews worked hard on their oars. At the same time others were navigating narrow cork-screw streams, or running the rapids of connecting rivers between a chain of Lakes, all striving to make record time on the way to Port Garry. The boats had to run the risk of being caught in a storm on a big lake. Some had this dangerous experience more than others; few escaped from it. Heavy loaded open boats caught in a sudden squall, or furious storm far out on a lake, w^ould tax the skill of the voyageurs to reach shelter. Some men would quake and mutter a silent prayer, others would "damit", but all worked hard for the salvation of their lives and the boat's load. Jimmy Smith had studied for the priesthood. It was not his vocation, so he joined the Quebec If i ties. On the way he got laid up. A boil de- veloped, causing him to take any position for comfort other than sitting down. He submitted fairly well to the joshing remarks bandied about, but when his friends called him a dead- head passenger, Jimmy failed to equal the patience of Job. "Cheese it," he yelled, and striking out straight from the shoulder, landed his right on his chum's nose. Blood flowed. Quick as lightning a whallop shot back that caughl Jimmy off his guard, and he sat down good and hard square on his stern across the -unwale of the boat. Jim gave a grunt, follow- Rough Times 41 ed by a loud Laugh. I lis chuin, sorry for bla own action and expecting more fireworks, look- ed astonished, Jimmy exclaimed, "Now, you did it! Shake!" The crew grinned, even the stern [roquois voyageur from Caughnawauga relaxed. It was all over in a Mash — the boil had burst. The summer of 1870 was very wet. It rained nearly every day. In and out of the water tow- ing boats or lifting them over shallows, the men seldom had on dry clothes, and were almost am- phibious. In making a night camp, sometimes on marsh ground, oil cloths were spread and, rolling up in blankets or doubling up with a chum, the men lay down. They slept in their clothes. No time then to undress. Reveille sounded at daybreak; up they jumped and got busy. Steam would rise from their clothing, and the soft moist ground showed by the im- pression of their bodies where they had slept. Smouldering fires were stirred into a blaze and hot tea served with the grub. Each crew rushed on another to be the first afloat. This was the daily routine. After crossing Rainy Lake a short stop was made at Fort Francis to get around the falls on Rainy River. Many Indians were encamped there and the troops were cautioned not to awaken distrust among the Redmen. As the advance brigades were about to enter Rainy River, General Wolseley in his canoe was met by Captain Butler, of the 16th Bedfordshire 42 Rough Times Regiment coming out. Wolseley travelled in a .•aiioe. with a crew of guides and voyageurs pad- dling. They could speed the canoe, without seeming effort, from one (Mid of the line to the other. The commander kept a keen watch over all. and was on the lookout to meet Butler, to gel the latest news from Fort Grarry. Captain Butler was the staff officer detailed for special service. He had gone around by way of St. Paul, Minn., and passed through Fort Graxry, evading the efforts of Riel's party to catch him. Butler, afterwards, rose to be a .Major General in the British Army, and was in command in South Africa when the Boer war broke out. His statement to the British authori- ties, that it would take an army of 200.000 men to hold South Africa, got him in w^ronir with the War Department, and Butler was promptly recalled. The result of the Avar proved Butler well understood the situation, and he was vindicated. A soldier in his first campaign, receiving the baptism of fire does not qualify to the full de- gree till he is lousy. This is doubtful, but pass- es tor gospel with many. Some are the4 proud ( \ ) owners of stock fed off their own flesh and blood. Since the Great War, the louse is better known by the more endearing term of "Cootie/ : The little beggars take part in most campaigns. They are of various sizes, from the small nit and crab, up to the giant grayback. Old soldiers declare graybacks are thoroughbreds and brand- ed with II. 15. (Vy on their flanks (0. When R m Timi trained by their breeders they can race or fig according to the taste of the owner for athletic sports. The games are held on a tin plate, w Inch sen es for a field or ring. The rules permil a backer to prod his favorite for cham- pionship honors with a pin poinl much in the same style as in Mark Twain's bull frog contests. ( !< m >1 [< - have other qualities seldom men- tioned. It is said they arc a special diel much sought after by epicures desiring something uew to tickle their palate. Be this true or not, others go further, and lay claim to the cootie having on several occasions saved human li\ Authentic stories are related where with an ur- gent desire to have closer acquaintance wit! persistent cootie, a soldier make- a quick move, and the change in position saves his life. The place he occupied was vacant when the bullet sped whizzing by. The cootie is permitted to go on sawing wood — Scratch, Comrade, Scratch. Friendship is sealed for life with the louse. The soldiers on the Red River Expedition preferred to be stung to death by flies rather than grant free board for life to a louse. The men had no choice but to scratch, scratch, scratch, and it was sure death to the cootie if caught. Morning, noon and night they were up against Mack flies, sand flies, mosquitoes and lice, but they never got chummy with a cootie, although they slept and ate together. They had a strong aversion for the crawling little insect pests wh i got in their best licks under cover of A blanket. CHAPTER V. NO. 1 COY ONT. RIFLES — A SCRAP FOR AN OAR — HARRY WALKER - BOAT WRECK — DEERFOOT — RATIONS - SLAP JACKS - - ACCIDENTS — WINNIPEG RIVER — FORT ALEXANDER — A STORM — A RACE ON THE LAKE — INDIANS — SCOTCH HALF-BREEDS SPEAK GAELIC — LANDED AT FORT GARRY — CAPTURE OF FORT GARRY — FLIGHT OF RIEL, O'DONOGHUE AND LEPINE — CAPTAIN HUYSHE'S NARRATIVE — CAP- TAIN YOUNG'S STORY — NO. 7 CO'Y. ONT. RIFLES — ROSEAU RIVER. Following' the progress of No. 1 Company of the Ontario Rifles from Shebandowan. They got their packs mixed on the first portage. It was a ease of go as you please, and all the troops seemed to have experienced the same, till their commanders established system and order. On the start the boys were for picking their own tote loads, and things. A London cockney, whose name was Smith, and who had served in the Royal Navy, took a fancy to an oar, and got into an argument over it with Private Jack Cade, a tall and lanky young fellow from the Canadian backwoods. Both claimed it and struggled for possession. Smith was of short, stout build. They were fairly matched in strength, hut the Cockney could easily out- slang Cade. Still the tug-of-war continued, each striving to wrench the oar from the other. Men passing back and forth over the portage would rest a few minutes to look Rough Timi 45 (Hi mid encourage the scrappers to 'go to to it.1 The contestants were in an ugly tnood and it looked like a fighl to the finish. They slip ped, and both fell, bul did nol Id go holds. A bugler named Harry Walker (in later years the popular bandmaster of the Royal Nbrthwesl Mounted Police in Regina), was a witness to the latter part of the scrap. He drew (dose to the winded men struggling on the ground, neither of them quitters, and with no sign of lei up. Harry asked to be allowed to settle the matter, and promised to act fair for both. They were about all in and agreed. Walker knew a good thing when he saw it. He told them so, and mentioned his great need for a good oar. With a hearty " Thank you boys for this", he placed the oar over his shoulder, smiled and passed on. The crowd laughed. It was sad. Each brigade saw many thrilling scenes along the route. Heroic life saving deeds pass- ed as a matter of slight importance. The pres- ence of a number of men on the spot, capable of rendering prompt aid contributed to this. Passing the first height of land portage, a boat running the rapids met with disaster. Striking on a rock near the safety channel a bow voyageur, the well known champion Indian run- ner, Deerfoot, was thrown head first into the rapids and carried down a mile or so. He was a strong swimmer and landed safe. The boat turned turtle and jammed. Some of the crew got on top of the boat, while the others clung 46 Rough Times tenaciously to its side. Over an hour passed be- fore they were rescued from their perilous posi- tion. Their arms were recovered. The boat was a total wreck, and served as a warning* to the brigades that followed after. Leaving" Shebandowan the men's rations con- sisted of fat salt pork (sow belly), beans, hard tack or flour, a scant supply of sugar and all the black tea you could drink. Cold tea for drinking was kept in the boats. Teetotalers by order-in- eouncil. Stealing sugar was no crime. You swiped it when you got a chance. The chances were slim. Tobacco, none in sight, either to chew or smoke. A " cookie " was placed in charge of a supply of camp kettles and frying pans for a boat's crew. Coming down to brass tacks, a man and his chum did their own cooking. They fried their slapjacks (pancakes) and little cared how they were done on the inside, if the outside was burnt black. They got to be experts from long practice in turning over slapjacks with a flop in the aii*. Their appetites were enormous and no time was lost in swearing at the cook. Accidents were frequent, though seldom of a very serious nature and many hair-breadth es- capes happened. Boats caught in whirlpools, the treacherous waters of some swift rapid, or being carried too near a Call, would be res- coed in the nick of time by the skilful throw of a rope from a boat, or from the shore. Rough 'I imi 47 Private John MacDonald fell on a rowlock and was seriously injured in a storm on the Lake of the Woods. He would have fallen overboard if not seized by a comrade. Ai Port Garry he was invalided, went hack with the 60th Rifles, was discharged, and sent to his home in London, Out. He never regained his health. Another volunteer was accidentally shot on a portage. After receiving first aid, his brigade passed on Leaving the wounded man to care for himself, after posting a notice on the portage, calling the attention of the other brigades following to his needs. He was seldom alone for more than a tew hours at a time, and on convalescence re- joined his company at Fort Garry. The Lake of the Woods was crossed to Rat Portage. There the troops entered the Win- nipeg River, noted for its water falls and dangerous rapids. They had many portages to tote over with loads. The falls and the rapids on the river made it a perilous stream, and the most difficult one on the route to navigate. The boats had to run most of the rapids and chutes. Thev were first unloaded, then a call was made for a crew of six to run the rapids with two ex- perienced voyageurs. There was no difficulty in getting volunteer crews. Some had the thrill- ing experience of taking every boat in their bri- gade over a dangerous chute. No one was com- pelled to take this risk, and there were always men willing for an extra run. At Fort Alexander the river sheds into 48 Rough Times Lake Winnipeg, As the Ontario brigades pass- ed the Fort they camped, by special invitation, for a big feed. Fresh beef and garden stuff was provided by the Hudson's Bay Company. Their new potatoes were the best spnds and murphies placed on any market. There was no stint — that feast still tastes good. It was the misfortune of No. 1 Company, Captain Cook's brigade, to enter Lake Winnipeg in rough weather. After leaving the river there was little progress against the headwind, and a landing had to be made at Elk Island, in the vi- cinity of what are now the popular bathing re- sorts of Victoria and Grand Beach. It blew from the northwest and rose to the violence of a hurricane. Three times during the night the boats had to be dragged further up the beach to save them from the pounding waves and the rush of the invading waters. The wind drove the water up as if it were a rising tide. At break of day the boats were actually on the timber line. Towards noon it began to go down. Hopes had been expressed that the 60th Rifles would wait at the mouth of the Red River, on the other side of Lake Winnipeg, till joined by the Volunteers. This delay knocked out all thought of overtak- ing them. A good watch was kept for boats coming from the Winnipeg River and during the afternoon a brigade was seen coming out of Traverse Bay from Fort Alexander. They were still in the comparative shelter of the bay but coming on. It was Captain Smith's brigade, Xo. Rough Timi 2 Company of the Ontario Rifles. The chanci of being overtaken and passed on the lasl -t, of the journey was gall to Captain Cook. At all hazards h<4 determined to gel Launched. The wind had fallen but the waxes were high and greal difficulty was found iii getting the boats out of the surf. By this time the rear brigade was almost abreast, out on the lake It would be a great feather in their cap if they passed. Captain Cook would not stand for that. The position favored them and all the boats rac- ed to gain the mouth of the Red River first. Both brigades entered the estuary before dark. It was a elose contest, but Xo. 1 Company held the lead and camped for the night on the west bank of the river near some Indians. They paid us a friendly visit dressed up in full war paint in honor of the arrival of the troops in Red River. Xext day settlers on the river came out in their boats to give glad greetings as the bri- gade progressed up stream. It looked like a return to civilization to see the neat farm houses and cultivated lands of the Selkirk settlers, with once in a while the glim- mer of a church spire. A short stop was made near Lower Fort Garry. It was a pleasure to meet with the native population. Many of them were Scotch half-breeds, nearly as dark in color as negroes, but there was no mistaking their friendly welcome. The look on Sandy MacDon- ald's face, when spoken to in Gaelic by one of them, can never be forgotten. Turning to Color 50 Rough Times Sergeant Wilson he said: "For Gad's sake, lis- ten man to him speaking the Gaelic, can the black divil be Scotch?" The shades of evening were approaching when the boats turned into the Assiniboine river at Fort Garry and landed in front of the Fort among a number of brigades whose crews had taken possession of Fort Garry. Unloading boats, and handing over stores, the brigade camped at the junction of the two rivers, just opposite St. Boniface. The men could barely wait to pitch their tents before there was a rush to the Fort to see what had happened. But this is the story told in another chapter. The 60th Rifles and the other detachment of regulars, including the Abyssinian battery of the Royal Field Artillery, with Lord Wolseley, left Fort Alexander on the 21st August, arriving at Lower Fort Garry the morning of the 23rd. Pinal preparations were made for an attack on Fori Garry. The advance began by road on both sides of the Red with boat brigades follow- ing up the river. Parties met were detained. About six miles from Fort Garry cam]) was made for the night. The camps were carefully guarded. Captain Wallace with a company of the 60th held a house about half a mile south of the main eamp on the west bank. The rain was Palling in torrents and sticky roads made the march difficult. Nexl morning ihe river bri- «j;i(](- Landed at Point Douglass to join the troops on the west side. Companies were formed, Roi «.n 1 imi 51 the guns made ready for action, ammunition and hospital supplies gol in readiness, and with scouts thrown out on the flanks, in front and rear, the bugles sounded the advance. The rain still continued making the ground deep in mud. The Village of Winnipeg was passed on the left, and a straight drive made for the Port. The gates facing the troops were (dosed. Still all was quiet. No flag was hoisted. A desperate fighl was anticipated. (Inns pointing from the bastions and from the ramparts over the gate- way were expected every moment to open fire but no sign of life appeared as the advance drew nearer. Then it dawned on the command, Port Garry was abandoned. This was the fact. Riel, O'Donoghue, Lepine and their followers had fled through the front gates that opened south on the Assiniboine River, and crossed it over the pontoon bridge, striking the road for Pembina in the United States. All was at an end without a struggle, or a single rifle shot from a soldier. The troops marched in by the south gates and hoisted the Union Jack. A royal sa- lute was fired and three cheers given for the Queen. They camped that day within the walls of the Fort. The men gave themselves up to a f estival. Congratulations were passed around among the few^ people present, and a general good time followed. The strain on the troops was relaxed. They had time allow ed to enjoy their freedom and rest, after three months of hard labor on a military expedition without a 52 Rough Times parallel for the enormous transportation diffi- culties encountered and overcome; six hundred miles or more from their base. FIFTY YEARS AGO TODAY. "Tell them that he who ruled in Fort Garrv a few days ago is now a homeless wanderer with nothing* to eat but two dried suckers. ': By W. J. HE ALY Provincial Librarian. At 8 o'clock on the morning of August 24, 1870, (it was a Wednesday) the Red River ex- pedition under the command of Colonel Garnet Wolseley, numbering 1,431 men, of whom more than two-thirds were Canadian volunteers, and 400 were British regulars, disembarked at Point Douglas, and formed in open column of compan- ies to advance upon Fort Garry. The artillery of the expedition consisted of four 7-pounder brass mountain guns; "they were limbered up behind a couple of country carts/' writes Cap- tain G. L. Euyshe, who was Colonel Wolseley's chief of staff, in his book, "The Red River Ex- pedition", published in London in 3871. kkIt was raining in torrents, and the whole place was one sea of black, slimy mud." The expedition had set forth from Toronto on Ma\- 21, and travelled 04 miles by rail to Collingwood; thence by the steamers Chicora ROI OH Timi and Frances Smith across Lakes Huron and Su perior, 534 miles to Thunder Bay; thence 50 miles by land transport over the Dawson route to Lake Shebandowan; and over the remaining distance to Point Douglas, 550 miles, in boats from 35 to 40 feet long and 6 to 7 feet wide, through the wilderness of lakes and rivers. The expedition had 47 portages to make, and went through some thrilling experiences in running certain of the rapids on the Winnipeg river. This morning 50 years ago at 8 o'clock it had come at last almost in sight of Fort Garry. Ankle-Deep in Thick Black Mud "The force marched straight on the village of Winnipeg/' continues Capt. Huyshe, fckthe road being ankle-deep in thick, black mud, and the rain still pouring in torrents. Passing around the flank of the village, the Fort appeared in sight about 700 yards off, across the open prairie." It had been Colonel Wolseley's intention when the expedition arrived at Lower Fort Garry the evening before, to march from there upon Fort Garry at a very early hour in the morning. "But about 10 p.m.," again to quote from Captain Huyshe 's narrative, "a violent gale sprung up from the northwest, accompanied by torrents of rain, which continued without in- termission all night. The unfortunate picquets and sentries looked more like drowned rats than human being's, and the men were so done up with 54 Rough Times cold that Colonel AVolseley was obliged to change his plans and continue the advance in the boats. Breakfast put a little life into the men, though everything was so wet that it was diffi" cult to get the fires lit; and at 6 a.m. the men re- embarked and rowed up the river, the rain still falling in torrents. Spies had been sent into the town of Winnipeg during the night, and brought back news that up to that evening the rebel flag >till waved over Fort Garry, and though vague rumors were afloat of the force being some- where in the river, these were discredited by Riel, who with a few of his adherents still kept possession of the Fort." A Skillfully Managed Advance So skillfully was the advance of the Red River expedition conducted that even the In- dians at Lower Fort Garry were taken by sur- prise when it arrived there; Captain Huyshe records that "they declared they had no idea that the expedition had left the Lake of the Woods until they saw the boats coming around the point opposite their wigwams." Colonel Wolseley sent Hanking parties ahead on each side of the Red River, who detained any persons they round moving abroad; and when word was broughl to Riel, Ambroise Lepine, his adjutant- general in "the provisional government", and AW 15. O'Donoghue, his secretary of state in "the provisional government/ ' who were having breakfasl together, thai the expedition was ap- proaching Port Garry, they were dumbfounded. Rough Times 55 They did tioi finish their breakfasl fifty years ago this morning. In consternation, they ran to the stables, mounted horses and galloped ou1 of the south gate <>r the Fori and over the pontoon bridge across the A.ssiniboine where the Winni peg Electric Railway car barns now stand. They crossed the Red by ferry, made off south- ward through the driving rain. They fled in- continently. Captain Huyshe describes the dis- order in the room where the three had been breakfasting — "the breakfast things on the table, documents of all kinds lying about, be- tokened a hasty retreat." Riel and his associates had been living quite comfortably since they had set themselves up as "the provisional government" in the preceding September, and sent an armed force towards Pembina which drove back the unfortunate Hon. William McDougall, the first appointed lieuten- ant-governor of Manitoba, and seized and ap- propriated the forty-odd wagonloads of furni- ture and other household gear and provisions he was bringing with him. On December 12 they had opened the Hudson's Bay company's safe at Fort Garry and taken the money it contained, amounting to £ 1,090 4s.; and they commandeer- ed the company's goods and provisions. But now "the provisional government" vanished like a scene in which some actors, clothed in a little brief authority, had been strutting their brief hour on the stage. 56 Rough Times Plight of the Three Fugitives f5 Let us make one more quotation from Cap- tain Huyshe's narrative: "The three ringleaders made their escape across the pontoon bridge over the Assiniboine, and then crossing to the right bank of the Red river, galloped up the bank for some distance, when, finding, doubtless to their surprise, that they were not pursued, they halted to rest. Next morning they could not find their horses, which had either been stolen, or had strayed over the prairie during the night, so they pur- sued their journey on foot." " After a while they wanted to cross to the left bank of the river to take the regular road to Pembina, but were unable to find a boat, Col- lecting some logs of wood and rails from the fences, they extemporized a raft, which they lashed together, in default of rope, by their braces and neckties and other portions of their attire, and at last succeeded in getting across. Kiel, however, lost one of his boots in the pas- sage. They had nothing to eat except a few suckers (fish), procured from a farm house- and in this sorry plight, footsore1, hungry and weary, tie- ex-Presidenl and his two confederates reached the Tinted States territory, a melan- choly example of the mutability of human af- fairs and the ups and downs of fortune. Kiel seemed to feel acutely the change in his position, and said to the Settlement, 'Toll them that he Rough Tjmi 51 who ruled Fori Garry a few days ago is \io\ houseless wanderer, with nothing to eal bul two dried suckers!' M So vanished "the provisional government;" and the Province of Manitoba proceeded to get itself established as a strong concern, expedit- iously and without trouble. On September -!, at f) oVIoek in the evening there arrived at Fori Garry by canoe Adams George Archibald, the first actual lieutenant-governor of Manitoba. He had come from the east by the same route as the Red River Expedition. The next morn- ing Colonel Wolseley and his regulars departed on their return journey over the same route, after a stay of only nine days here. Captain George H. Young, who in after years was Inspector of Customs, and the officer in charge of Louis Riel at the end of the rebellion in Saskatchewan, came with his father, the Rev. George Young, to Winnipeg, by way of St. Paul, Minn., arriving July 4th, 1868. The Captain, then a young man of 17 years, was em- ployed as clerk by the Hudson's Bay Company. He makes the statement that he was so employ- ed when Fort Garry was seized by Riel. At first the voutli was allowed full libertv. Later he was locked up, but he escaped and joined Dr. Lynch 's company, and was with them when they surrendered in December, 1869. On account of his years he was allowed out on bail, provided he remained at his father's parsonage. This -continued until (according to the Captain's 58 Rough Times statement) the morning of the 23rd or 24th of August, 1870 — "My father received word by means of a loyal Indian runner, that the troops had at last entered the Red River. Early that morning with Mr, Burke, of St. James, I was sent by my father to meet the incoming troops. We met them just the other side of the rapids, (St. Andrews), and from that point acted as guides for the land advance." There are several accounts of the capture of Port Garry, but the two related differ in no spe- cial detail with any of them and it is not essen- tial to repeat. On August 27th, companies of the 1st Ontario Rifles reached the Fort and joined in the cele- bration with their comrades of the regular forces. Other companies of the Ontario Rifles ar- rived within the next couple of days and the Battalion with the exception of No. 7 Company, were together for the first time since Leaving Prince Arthur's Landing. No. 7 Company of the Ontario Rifles reached Fori Garry later, over the Dawson Route from the northwest angle of the Lake of the Woods, by a short cut to Winnipeg of 90 miles. At that time the end of this road was little more than a path cut through the bush, and across mus- kegs. The Roseau River, a tributary to the Red, lias its source in Minnesota, and is known in ex- ceptional seasons of high water to conned the Rough Timi 61 Lake of the Woods with the Red River. The Roseau enters the Red about ten miles north of the [International Boundary line. The [ndians have used Ihe Roseau Torn short canoe route to Winnipeg. Logging camps in south eastern Manitoba now drive logs down in the spring to the Winnipeg saw mills. H was thoughl tin* Roseau could bo used for the Expeditionary forces. It was not feasible. CHAPTER VI. RETURN OF THE IMPERIAL TROOPS — WOLSELEY'S AD- DRESS TO THE REGULARS AND VOLUNTEERS — LIEUT. GOV. ARCHIBALD — CORP. YOUNGSTON'S DEATH — BOOTLEGGING — TRAGIC DEATH OF GOULET — TAN- NER KILLED - - WINTER QUARTERS — MILITARY RE- CORD - CHURCH PARADES — RED RIVER STEAM- BOATS PIONEER AND INTERNATIONAL — CAMP NEAR THE BORDER — PRAIRIE FIRE — HALLELUIAH DEATHS OF PRIVATES GRANGER AND WRIGHT — - THE COMPANY COOK — FORAGING — CAPT. BUTLER - GUARD DUTY — FORT NORTH PEMBINA — FROST BITES -- WINTER AMUSEMENTS — DIVINE SERVICE — PERSONAL GRIEVANCES — HERE BEFORE CHRIST — AMERICAN TROOPS BUILD FORT PEMBINA — COL. STUTSMAN — BOB O'LONE — JIMMY FROM CORK — JOHN LENNON. The Imperial troops had to get back to East- ern Canada before the freeze-up closed naviga- tion. The end of August and early September saw tlieni in line for the return voyage. The Ontario Rifles gave the gallant fellows a send-off as they manned their boats for the long journey back and the haul over the portages. The 60th Rifles left their band instruments with the On- tario Battalion and their band played them off. Other brigades were still pushing their way to the [fed River, and, when they met the troops re- turning, a cheer was raised over the capture of Fori Garry, and a salute given to the Imperial troops and Genera] Wolseley as they passed. Rough Timi Lord Wolseley before his departure from Fori Garry with the [mperial troops gave expression of his feelings to the men and made it known in orders. The Regulars be thanked for so successfully carrying out the work of tin* Expedition, Ee referred in words of emotion to Ins sympal by for them under the great difficulties they were call- ed upon to overcome in the performance of duties of such an arduous nature, which bore comparison with those of any previous military expedition. He then mentioned the roads con- structed, ()00 miles of travel through a wilder- ness route, calling for the transportation by manual labor, and the carrying of boats, guns, ammunition stores and provisions over 47 por- tages for the forces on the Red River Expedi- tion. His words went on to tell: — "The whole journey had been made through a wilderness, where, as there were no supplies of any sort whatever to be had, everything had to be taken with you in boats. I have through- out viewed with pleasure the manner in which officers have vied with their men in carrying heavy loads. It has rained 45 days out of the 94 that have passed by since we landed at Thun- der Bay, and upon many occasions every man has been wet through for days together. There has not been the slightest murmur of discontent heard from anyone. It may confidently be asserted that no force has had to endure more continuous labor, and it mav be truthfully said 64 Rough Times that no men on service have been hotter behaved or more cheerful under the trials arising from exposure to inclement weather, excessive fa- tigue and the annoyance of flies." To the 1st Ontario Rifles and 2nd Quebec Rifles he said in his farewell address: — k*I can say without flattery that, although I have served with many armies in the field, I have never been associated with a better set of men. . . . You have only to attend as carefully to the orders of the officer to whose command I now hand you over, as you have done to mine, to become shortly a force second to no corps in Her Majesty's service. ... I bid you all good-bye with no feigned regret. I shall ever look back with pleasure and pride to havings commanded you, and although separated from you by thousands of miles, I shall never cease to take an earnest interest in your welfare. ?« Lord Wolseley writes in his " Story of a Sol- dier's Life":— "I can draw no distinction between the rela- tive merits of the military value of the regular soldier and the Canadian Militiaman who went with me to Red River. Each had arrived at Prince Arthur's Landing with special attributes peculiarly their own, hut by the time Fort Garry had been occupied each had acquired the mili- tary virtues of the other. What it is that a Large army of such men under some great leader could not achieve, [, for one, know not/' Roi (.11 TlMJ 65 Before Lord Wblseley lefl Fori Garry, 8 banquel in bis honor was given al Governmenl House by Lieutenant-Governor Archibald, the tirst governor of tin* Province of Manitoba. Governor Archibald arrived on the 31s1 of August in a canoe manned by Indian VOyageUTS from Thunder Bay. Lord Wolseley embarked for flu* boat voyage over the route again Oil Sept. lltli, L870. Corporal Youngston was drowned in the Bed River a few weeks after the arrival of the troops. He was detached from the Quebec Rifles to serve as one of the Military Police Force organized from soldiers of both battalions, and placed un- der command of Captain Villiers, Quartermas- ter of the Quebec Battalion. Charges were laid against some bootleggers plying their trade in the woods back of Mapleton, below Lower Fort Garrv. Thev were sent to Fort Garry for trial. Corporal Youngstoii would have been the chief witness against them. The Corporal was seen to leave the Davis House on Main Street (where the Mclntyre block now stands), at about 8.30 p.m. with one of the escorts. This man was found the following morning asleep in a flat bottom boat on the St. Boniface side of the river by Dick Powers, later chief of the Provincial Police Force in Manitoba. The escort remem- bered seeing Corporal Youngstoii standing up in a skiff trying to paddle over to the late Bobby Tate's ferry, and falling into the river, but he came up again over the stern and again fell over. 66 Rough Times Thai was all the escort could remember. This statement was made to Captain Villiers, Chief of Police, to Quartermaster Armstrong and to Sergeant Major Mat Coyne, of the 1st Ontario Rifles. The late Jack Benson, a well known liv- ery man in Winnipeg's early days, was then on the Provincial Police Force. He was detailed to drag- the river but met with no success. The following spring, after the ice had gone out of the river, the body of Corporal Youngston was found at Maple Point below Lower Fort Garry l>v a Scotch half-breed named Pruden, and the « 7 remains buried at the Lower Fort. Two w^eeks after the arrival of the Ontario Battalion the tragic death of Elzear Goulet oc- curred. It is an irreparable disgrace to all con- cerned. The Canada Hotel on Lombard street, at that time a nameless saloon, was kept by Mar- chaund, an American ex-soldier. The place was frequented by Ontario Volunteers. Some of them were drinking in this saloon on the 13th September, when Groulet was pointed out by a person present, as the man who shot Scott. The men became furious, and eager for revenge they rushed (ioulel, who fled for his life to the Bed River and plunged in to swim for the St. Boniface side. Fearing they would be balked of t heir prey, the frenzied mob in pursuit hurled missiles of all kinds at the hunted man and -toned him to death in the water. (loulet was a man of a quiet disposition, who fell a victim Rough Timi 67 to circumstances. Bis widow is still a residenl of St. Boniface and held in high respect. Another furore arose in Eastern Canada over this shameful cowardly affair, and a bitter at- tack was made on the Ontario Rifles for the lynching of Goulet. The whole Battalion should not have been blamed for the mad acl of a few. Volunteers who came to this country to uphold law and order deeply resented the attacks cer- tain Quebec papers made upon them as a regi- ment, and much as they deplored the cause, they were more astonished at the apathy of the Gov- ernment who apparently made no effort to bring about an investigation into the death of Goulet. To err is human, to forgive divine. Why should not more charity be shown concerning the lamentable ends of Thomas Scott and Elzear Goulet? For certain purposes one is kept fresh in memory for the advantage of a noisy element, while thousands never hear a word of the other; yet both of these deeds left a deep, dark stain in historv. Another violent death was caused by this mis- chievous spirit which emanates from a few of the volunteers. These men wilfully scared the horse attached to a buggy which a Mr. Tanner was driving causing a runaway. Tanner was thrown from the rig and killed. But there are bullies in every school and the Ontario Volunteers had their share of them, with all the blame attached to the battalion for the bad conduct of a few. 68 Rough Times \<>. 1 Company of the 2nd Quebec Rifles were Left at Thunder Bay, to hold the base at the stockade fort built at Prince Arthur's Landing by the troops before making their advance through the wilderness to Fort Garry. The Company officers were Captain De Bellefeuille, Lieutenant H. F. Patterson, and Ensign W. Wil- mont Ross. This company remained there un- til the return of the Imperial troops after the capture of Fort Garry, when they were sent back to Eastern Canada and wintered at St. Helen's Island opposite Montreal. They re- ceived their discharge in the East, returning to Toronto for demobilization after one year's ser- vice, except those who volunteered for further service in the Provisional Battalion under Ma- jor Acheson Irvine, of the Quebec Battalion. The new Provisional Battalion organized in 1871 was changed from riflemen into infantry with headquarters at Fort Garry. Six companies of the Ontario Rifles wintered in Fori Garry. No. 1 Company, under Captain Cooke, was sent to the International Boundary Line and wintered in Fort North Pembina, the Hudson Hay Post on the frontier, for the purpose of watching half-breed fugitives, and the Americans who had leagued themselves with Rid to suit their own purposes. Their (the Americans ) headquarters were in Pembina, Dakota territory (now divided into the States of North and South Dakota), and they kept on plotting against the British Crown till their Rough Timi 71 intrigue culminated in L871 Ln the Fenian Raid, and the capture of the Eudson's Bay Posl known as Fort North Pembina. The six companies of the Quebec Battalion that left Thunder Bay wintered in Lower Port Garry. The men kept healthy and si rong. The open air life agreed with them. No rum or tobacco rations were issued. Prohibitionists noted this as the cause of the health record and freedom from crime. When the troops reached Fort Garry a tot of rum was served daily, you could get smokes and the men kept out of the hospital. The "Wets" can afford to take a smile now at the expense of the "Drys." At Fort Garry, Church parade on Sundays was strictly observed. The Anglicans marched headed by the regimental band to St. John's Cathedral. Archbishop Machray was then pre- eminent. Archbishop Matheson succeeded him on his decease. His Grace Archbishop Mathe- son is a native son, a descendant of the old Sel- kirk settlers. He holds the esteem and friend- ship of all who know him and is Primate for all Canada. The Rev. Dr. Black, a much respected minister, stood at the head of the Presbyterian Church in the community and the Rev. George Young was entrusted with the care of the Meth- odists, the Rev. Father McCarthy, O.M.I., the first parish priest of St. Mary's, held service for the Catholics in a little chape] on Xotre Dame Street, East. 72 Rough Times The first steam boat on the Red River was the Anson Xorthriip afterwards named "Pio- neer." It was brought from the Mississippi in L862. The trade with Assiniboia was gradually extending to the South. The States were inter- ested, too, in turning* it from the old route, via York Factory to Hudson Bay, and Montreal via Fort William and the Great Lakes. Not long after the "Pioneer" ^Yas placed on the Red, the Hudson's Bay Company bnilt the stern- wheeler steamboat, International, a staunch boat of much Larger capacity, for freight and passengers. During the seventies trade developed rapidly on the Red and soon a large fleet of stern- wheel- ers was engaged, including such boats as th° Selkirk, Manitoba, Minnesota, Marquette, Al- pha, Dakota, Northwest, Swallow and Cheyenne. The Cheyenne was a side-wheel paddle steamer. Some of them navigated the Assiniboine and in high stages of water reached Fort Pelly, far above Brandon. About the middle of September, No. 1 Com- pany of the Ontario Battalion was ordered for Outpost duty on the frontier, opposite Pem- bina, Dakota, the headquarters of many fugi- tives thai fled from Port Garry, The troops em- barked on the steamer International. Next day they neared the 49th Parallel, known as the In- ternational Boundary line. 11 was then in dis- pute where the line crossed the Red River. To make >\\\'{^ they were on British territory a land- ing was made on the west bank, near where the Rough Timi 73 boundary coin mission buill I hifferin barracks in the fall of L872. The camp was pitched in a meadow well sheltered by poplar groves and hush. The men were subjeel to alarms and guard duty was severe. On one occasion it was only by strenuous efforts thai the camp was saved Prom complete destruction by a prairie fire, which raged through the hush surrounding the camp, the high gale actually carried sparks thai stalled another fire on the east side of the river. Before retreat sounded at sunset one even- ing, two sturdy young- travellers in rough scanty attire caused a small stir in camp by their unex- pected arrival. They each had a log canoe and were Canadians from the States making their way by the Red River route to Fort Garry. They gave their names to Captain Cooke as Richard Powers and W. P. Leslie. Powers afterwards became Chief of the Provincial Po- lice force, and was drowned in the Red River with a prisoner. Leslie was the future Collector of Canadian Customs at the Port of Gretna and was also connected with the Emerson Customs. He became a defaulter and absconded in 1888 to Portland, Oregon, U.S.A. After a short resi" dence there, Leslie committed suicide. In Dufferm camp, Sergeant Swinford got chummy with the bugler. In the tent one night with most of the others in dreamland, the ser- geant got in a sentimental mood, and in a sub- dued voice told of the girl lie left behind him 74 Rough Times and feared ho had lost. Tix, eager to console, whispered in his ear, "There are just as good fish in the sea as have ever been caught", and of- fered the distressed sergeant some of the sugar swiped from him before bedding down. The Non-Coin, had a sweet tooth, he forgot the girl and ate the sugar. Were they downhearted? Xo! The sergeant had no suspicion it was his own rations they shared. Stolen fruits are the sweetest. Corporal Allan Mann was in charge of a tent where they held an occasional prayer meeting. Jesse Thorn, an ex-soldier of the American Civil War was the leader, and he had good assistance from Granger, a Yorkshireman, and Charley Wright, another Englishman, from Bedford The way this trio could disturb the atmosphere of a peaceful camp when they started on a " jam- boree", might be equalled but never excelled. Jesse had a deep bass voice, Granger a musical tenor, and Charley could render delightful solos as a contralto or soprano, according to order. When they joined in the "Hallelujah Chorus" it sounded more like "Sally I Hardly Knew Yer". It was grand opera with a vengeance. The corporal was very much struck on his sweel singing birds. No1 so Sergeant Vicars; lie considered them a nuisance and landed them in the guard tent, charged with being drunk and disorderly. Sad to relate, in later days, the pooi* fellows. Granger and Wright, came to sudden ends. They took their discharge Rough Timi 75 in the spring t<> settle in Manitoba. Granger was drowned soon after while driving Logs down the Roseau River into the Red. Wrighl was ac cidentally killed by the discharge of his gun while shooting pigeons near Stoney Mountain. Private James Dunne (Fatty) the company cook, besides his assistant the cookie, had a bunch of young half-breeds in daily attendance The cook's cam]) was the favorite resort for these little skinny youngsters. They gathered wood and berries for Fatty, and were much at- tached to him. Before the company broke camp to move to Fort North Pembina, Fatty had his school of kids all in good condition for the win- ter. They were sorry to part with the good- natured soldier. The Tuson brother s, Roger and Joe, with Hiram Hearn (nick-named Paddy), were bat- men for Captain Cook and Ensign William Hill Nash, and Paddy was Lieutenant Benson's man. Paddy was also the chief cook, for the officers' mess, and they made no unnecessary enquiries if their table was supplied with more than the military rations allowed. The Captain was blessed with a good easy conscience and any un- due curiosity expressed by the junior officers was nipped in the bud. Paddy was allowed a free hand, and he was the boy to do himself jus- tice on a foraging expedition, often at Betsy Cotter's expense by the loss of fish twice stolen. It was from this camp Captain Butler, al- ready mentioned, started on his long journey 76 Rough Times across the Continent through the Peace River Valley, and found material for his book "The Greal Lone Land." Guard duty during the fall and first part of the winter was hard. Later the guard was not so strong. In relieving sentries orders were given over, ending with the formula "in case of fire alarm the guard." Some sentries mixed orders, and gave it to the relieving sentries, "in ease of an alarm, fire the guard. ' The guard was not fired. November found the company still tenting on the west bank of the Red. They had moved from Dufferin camp to Fort North Pembina, with the intention of occupying this Hudson's Bay post, for winter quarters. The store buildings had to be got ready for their barracks. In the last week of November they exchanged their canvas walls for something more solid between them and the bitter cold. It was about time. The river was frozen over — the men suffered from frost bites. Private Walters had his feet badly frozen and lost several toes. It was spring before he returned to duty. Private Jack Mitchell was struck off duty to act as doctor. Jack was a chemist and what he did not know about medicine would fill a book. He proved a kind-hearted, careful uurse, and his patients a healthy bunch. I:i tents without stoves, below zero, huddled together ten or twelve in a bunch for heat, a Rough Timi 77 tent collapsing in a snow storm, kepi the l>« in good humor ( ?)> especially when there was a tiighl alarm and they, too, were frequent. A good-natured bloke was "Fatty*1 Dunne, the cook. When kepi supplied with dry fire wood he could perform miracles in the culinary art. Smoky tires broughl OU1 his best points with a lew extra-sweet swear words to spiee the grub. In winter quarters the men got a needed clean up and the luxury of undressing to sleep in their own beds. The large store and its attic floor accommodated the company. The ser- geants roomed in another building. The of- ficers moved into the residence of the Hudson's Bay Company's chief trader, Mr. Watt, and his clerk, Mr. Scott. The guard occupied the bas- tion at the northwest corner of the Fort. The amusements during' the long winter evenings called for stag dances; Private Snider, with a mouth organ, provided the music; then too, there were games of cards, checkers, writing let- ters and so forth. The bugle sounded retreat at sun down and reveille at day break. It was standing orders for all to be inside of the fort before the gates closed at the last post, excepting those on pass. Week days you were kept in training by route marches or exercising drills. Divine ser- vice was held every Sunday by Captain Cooke, according to the ritual of the Church of Eng- land. The stern old veteran of many campaigns 78 Rough Times shouted as if he was giving orders on parade. After the doxology, and without change of voice, would be a warning to some poor innocent, that the next time he kicked over the traces his daily grog ration would be stopped. If it was near the end of the month, notice was given to get ready to settle accounts in ten minutes; all being made in the same tone and it left one in doubt if it formed part of the litany, "Good Lord deliver us and incline our hearts to keep Thy laws. The day of reckoning had come. Some of the lads wanted to learn French and Private Bob Woods, from Chatham, opened a class for the winter. Bob Avas well educated and spoke French fluently. He is now in business in the vicinity of Vancouver, B.C. Tom GUendenning and Donald McKellar were also two Chatham, Out., boys who attended Bob's class, but never graduated. The winter sports, not including sawing wood, were snow shoeing and sledding down the steep banks of the river. There was no skating rink. Billy Mills, a customs officer in Emerson, was an adept on snowshoes. If two of the boys had any personal griev- ances to settle they went outside and mixed it up for a few pounds to their mutual satisfaction, and were the better friends afterwards for the misunderstanding. The British Bed Ensign floating over the Budson's Bay foils hears the legend— II. B.C. — Rough Timi in Large white '"iters on the red field. It al tracts notice and causes questions. An Ameri- can soldier, visiting the Hudson's Bay post, ask- ed a Canadian soldier its meaning. Without hesitation the reply came back, "Here Before Christ.,: It was a rather profane old chestnut, sprung on an innocent victim. The Yankee soldier said no more, but looked wise. A pass was regularly made out for a Non- Coni. and tile to go to Pembina, Dakota, for the mail. Passes were also granted at Intervals to exchange visits with the American troops in their new fort, which was built a mile south of the town and named Fort Pembina. Our fel- lows were w^ell treated by the American soldiers and citizens, except by those who had fled from Fort Garry and were wintering in Pembina. Among these w^ere Colonel Stutsman, Jimmy from Cork (a cranky little Irish- American) and Bob O'Lone. Stutsman and Jimmy resented the visits of the Volunteers to Pembina. Bob O'Lone, a more genial character, and the United States Sheriff, John Lennon, a brother of the late Dennis Lennon, the well-known hotel pro- prietor in Winnipeg, were always ready to pre- vent interference with the Canadian soldiers. In December, 1870, Bob O'Lone w^as killed in a brawl at a half-breed dance on the Pembina River, and the redoubtable Jimmy from Cork suffered death the following summer in a fight with Indians. CHAPTER VII. THE CANTEEN FIGHT — SINCLAIR AND GODON — ST. PAUL, MINN.. CORRESPONDENT — THE BLIZZARD — NEW YEAR'S DAY — SHERIFF INKSTER -- A GLEE CLUB — DICK JONES — PRIVATE MALONEY DIES FROM EXPOSURE BOOTS AND SPURS — DOING PENANCE — SIGNS OF SPRING - FLINT LOCK — PRAIRIE CHICK- BNS THE NEW PROVISIONAL BATTALION — DIS- CHARGED AND DISBANDED — FENIAN RAID OF 1871 — CAPTURE OF FORT NORTH PEMBINA — FENIAN SCOUT PARTY — GENERAL O'NEILL — COL. LLOYD WHEA- TOX AND HIS AMERICAN SOLDIERS — RIEL OFFERS SERVICE -- EXCITExMENT IN WINNIPEG — COL. THOS. SCOTT ARRIVES WITH TROOPS FROM EASTERN CANADA — CAPT. MACDONALD'S COMPANY WINTER IN FORT NORTH PEMBINA. Breaking barracks was an offense that would happen at times. A loyal Canadian named Sin- clair opened a canteen in a log house, near the Boundary Lines on the road to Pembina, and a few hundred yards south of the post. Its loca- tion was in disputed territory. During the day it was patronized by Volunteers, The bugle calls, which by now had become generally known to others, gave notice of the presence (or otherwise) of Volunteers — they knew when it sounded the roll call. A gang of half-breeds entered the canleen one night, and found three or four Volunteers who had over-stayed their pnss to Pembina and were feeling in "good spirits". A mix-up occurred. In the melee Sinclair was fired upon and might have been Rough Timi 81 killed, hut for a loyal French halfbreed named Gabriel Godon, who threw his arms around Sinclair and received the ball Intended for sin clair in Jiis own right arm. The alarm was sounded at the Port, but already a number of Volunteers were over the palisades, for the gates were (dosed. The re-enforcements ended the fight and drove their battered opponents, hell for leather, on the run to Pembina, The can- teen was a complete wreck. Sinclair and Godou were admitted to the Fort and Godon ?s wounds received attention. Godon was a good fellow, but inclined to be wild. Unfortunately in a fight with another French half-breed in the fall of 1873, he killed his opponent with an adze, was arrested, tried for murder and sentenced to death. Sinclair, whose life Godon saved in 1870, worked hard to save him from the gallows. A petition was forwarded to Ottawa and the sentence was changed to life imprisonment. Lower Fort Garrv was then used as the Peni- tentiary. Godon broke jail from there and was never recaptured. The big fight at the canteen caused a num- ber of the boys next morning to answer the de- faulter's call, generally known as the Angel's whisper, and they were entertained for the next two weeks with pack drill in heavy marching order. This did not end the matter, for Colonel Stutsman, special correspondent of a St. Paul, 82 RoroH Times Minn., paper, go1 busy, and tried to make an in- ternational affair of it. He wrote a scries of vicious articles to his paper, against what he called the "Ontario Banditti' who crossed the " Line" at will, armed with heavy military belts and sword bayonets, to attack peaceful Ameri- can citizens in their own country, thus creating a reign of terror on the border — Bosh! A snow storm in the superlative degree is called a " Blizzard. ?: A blizzard drives all be- fore it, and converts the drifting snow into the finest steel particles, that sting* your flesh, and could all but penetrate a solid wall. If there are any invisible crevices in a building, a drift of snow will find the spot. Many people have lost their lives in a blizzard, blinded by the whirling snow, unable to see shelter, even when within a few yards of safety. One of these old "snorters'" found the attic sleeping quarters of the men a fine place to give a demonstration of its powers, and before it calmed down the job was well done. The next morning was bright and clear, but bitter cold. The floor and sleeping cots were covered over with a blanket of snow. A tew men, loath to rise, stayed in bed till the breakfast call. The pipes from the stoves below heated the upstairs and the stoves were fired red hot. When the heat commenced to take effect the moisture caused by the hot air froze into icicles, that actually con- ROUOH I i mi tiected, in places, the roof with the floor. Tin- of fleers came to sec the show, and Lieutenant Benson stopped a1 the head of the stairs to re mark on the beautiful transformation of the place caused by the glittering of the snow and the ieieles under the sun's Pays coming through the window. A voice from the far end of the room was heard; it came from Teddy Roussell, as he raised his head and said, "That may he, hut I am damned if I can appreciate it/ The Icicles hanging from Ted's fiercely drooping moustache emphasised his words. The men laughed as their officers disappeared. Five minutes later a fa- tigue party was at work to shovel out the snow. Accidentally (0 an icicle got between Ted's bare legs — with an oath he sprang up and grab- bing his pants and shoes, reached the head of the stairs in a hop skip and jump and down he went, followed by an avalanche of ice and snow. Of course it was another accident. The other late risers met the same fate, and a series of "unfor- tunate events'' continued to happen as they tumbled down stairs one after the other in their pajamas(?). Misery likes company and they huddled close together by the stove to dress, while the Bruce boys pushed to the front to con- sole Teddy. The strong language used by the bunch smelt of brimstone. Blizzard! Bliz- zard v ! ! Blizzardness ! ! ! On New Year's Day it was the universal cus- tom among the native population to make calls and greet all they met with a friendly kiss. 84 Rough Times Fort North Pembina was the centre of attrac- tion for its disl rict and natives came to pay their respects. January 1st, 1871 was a clear frosty day. The visitors arrived early, and the news of the favors bestowed by the ladies spread like wild-fire. In a flash a score or more brave sol- dier boys were outside the gates to wait on them. The boys had been abstemious a long time, and some of the more daring spirits among them claimed from the girls an extra kiss or two. Of course the ladies objected. When the officers of the Hudson's Bay Company appeared, the greetings were renewed with increased vigor. Score cards were kept, and the count afterwards revealed that Private Billy Patterson headed the list with a total of about one hundred to his credit. He went by the name of Beauty, and if a gorilla could win first prize in a beauty show, Billy would carry off the Blue Ribbon. It was the event of the season, and it made some sore heads, even the captain growled. Sheriff Inkster, a native son of Selkirk stock, tells a story of this friendly custom existing among the Old Timers of the Red River Settle- ment making their New Year's Day calls. One New Year's Day he started off bright and early in the morning with a young friend (now one of the highest church dignitaries in the land) to perform this duty. They worked hard all day. In the evening the future sheriff of Manitoba, with honest pride, produced his record. It showed a little less than 500 greetings sealed Rough Timi with Ladies' kisses. His Eriend smiled. Ee had out-distanced his worthy companion. To this day the Sheriff cannol explain how ii was he eanie out only second best. Groat preparations for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New 5Tear kept the boys jovial. Corpora] Duncan started a G-lee Club. On Christmas Eve the Club serenaded the officers' quarters and gave a successful concert. Like other choirs they had their trials and sometimes failed to strike the right notes. After New Year's came a burst up. Billy McClelland (in later years a successful farmer on the Marais), said that it must have been on account of grat- ing voices, not enough medicine left over to wet their whistles. Too many had joined the Glee Club and gone the limit; singing at night after "lights out" was then tabooed. During the winter travellers going south and to Eastern Canada went to St. Paul, Minn., by way of Pembina and made a report at Fort Xorth Pembina. Parties on the road from the States to Fort Garry did the same. Travel was light, but visitors reporting were welcomed. They served to break the monotony and the garrison was eager to get the latest news. Perhaps the first ring fight for the champion- ship of Winnipeg caused as much interest with the boys as the Dempsey-Carpentier match of these times. So when a mill was ar- ranged between Private Dick Jones, of Xo. 2 86 Rough Times Company, of the Ontario Rifles, and Miles Mc- Dermot, of Winnipeg, our boys bet their pile on Dick, against the American sympathizers. Anxious for news they kept their eyes on the trail from the north till they heard the result. The Volunteers won their bets. Dick is now one of the pillars of Holy Trinity Church and has for years served as church warden. Before sundown one day an unexpected ar- rival in the uniform of an Ontario Volunteer mushed into the Fort. It was Private Maloney, of the Kingston Company, very well known for practical jokes worked out by himself and his chum Tweed. Maloney was tired after the tramp over a winter trail of 65 miles. He gave no account of himself further than to say that he was lost. While waiting for reports, the Captain placed him on rations. It was evident Maloney was not in his right mind, but he seem- ed harmless and was not placed under arrest. Just before tattoo one night, while the boys were still engaged in barrack-room frolics, Maloney, lying asleep on a cot, was awakened. lie got up and loading a rifle with a ball car- tridge tired among the crowd. The bullet passed through the log wall and penetrated a similar nail across the road in the sergeants' quarters, lodging in a barrack room form on which a couple of non-coms, were sitting. It was a miracle no one was hit. Maloney was arrested, senl under guard to Fori Garry and placed in a. hospital. Sad to saw he made his escape in ROUpH Timi S/ scanl attire one nighl and wandered barefooted some distance over the prairie, now covered with snow, and before the hospital attendants cap tured him, lie was badly frozen and died from exposure. Larry McGovern, a soldier who had seen ac- tive service in the British and American armies, was a favorite. Larry had one failing, a crav- ing for fire water. It was against his religion to refuse a tot of grog. A noisy animal when Loaded for a bear, Larry would never at- tempt to sneak by the sentry, but preferred to enter camp shouting' his war whoop fc'Hells, Bells and Cockle Shells.7' He was a great en- tertainer and could relate many good stories of army life. Firm in his belief in the fairies, Larry had much to say of their deeds in "Ould Ireland." When the boys were wrapped in their blankets for the night, Larry would start his yarns. Occasionally he would shout, " Boots/' the response from the boys was "Spurs," and Larry kept it up until all were in dreamland. Boots — Spurs ! Silence ! Accidents will happen in the best regulated families, and one happened to Bugler Tix, as a result of which he had to pick out a soft plank in the guard room to sleep on. The next morning with two comrades he stood before Cap- tain Cook for being absent without leave. Color- Sergeant Wilson acted as the orderly room clerk. His position was behind the captain, ss Rough Times facing the defaulters. The sergeant could carry on without being observed by the officers seated at the table. Tix was in a peni- tent mood and cast an appealing glance at the sergeant, which meant "please intercede. " It had no effect on Wilson, for he had suffered 1 1 inch. Instead, he quietly placed his thumb to his aose and extending his hand in the shape of a fan, gave a broad, mocking smile. It was im- possible for Tix to hold back a grin, and he ex- ploded with a laugh. The dignity of the court was insulted. The Captain too, exploded, but witli anger. It was Tix's first offense. He got a month, confined to barracks. The others, two old offenders, George Pomeroy and Symonds, were let off with a week. Tix's punishment was dealt out to cover offenses committed but not charged. The captain could see as far through a stone wall as the next man, and had many a smile over his bugler doing penance. Tix planned to get square with long-legged Wilson, but the sergeant was not to be caught and to this day the account stands open between them. The Hudson's Bay Company's store in Fort North Pembina shared the reputation of all the company's trading posts in the Northwest of keeping everything for sale, from a needle to an anchor. An assortment of flint lock u'uns were kept for trade. Some of them had a very elab- orate finish and sold at high figures. Others were of a far lower trading price, hut all of them RoupH Times B9 were good shot guns and vevy Long in the bar reL A few old fashioned percussion cap guns, muzzle Loaders, were also kept in stock. They were considered a modern gun by I he aativ< Some of the Low-priced flint lock and cap guns were traded off to the soldier boys in the fort. Private Billy Patterson (Beauty), got one. He was a very good shot and fond of the sport. Often he would rise at an early hour to go shooting prairie chickens. The prairie chicken is a plump fine bird, larger than a part- ridge, feathered to the toe nails and splendid eating. In the winter season the prairie chick- ens used to gather in flocks by the hundred, seek- ing the tops of the higher trees to bask in the rays of the early morning sun. They made easy marks for any kind of a pot hunter. You could drop a half dozen or more of them, one after the other, without having to move a step from your firing position. When the birds did take alarm, off they would go with a whir, to settle again on trees near by. Beautv made many friends bv his success as a hunter, and the chicken stews prepared on the side by Fatty Dunne, the cook, would rival the best table set in a Winnipeg cafe of the present day. Signs of spring reminded the men of a re- turn to civil life. The Dominion Government, anxious for settlement in the west, offered to give discharges in Manitoba, and a free grant Rough Times of L60 acres of land to each Volunteer who served on the Expedition. six of the men at Port North Pembina got their discharge and bought two birch bark canoes on which they started down the river, following the ice, but they were very glad to abandon their leaky canoes when overtaken and picked up by the steamboat] Selkirk, on her maiden trip to Winnipeg in 1871. At Fort Garry preparations were going on for the return of the Red River Expeditionary Force to Eastern Canada. Provisional com- panies were formed of men from the Ontario and Quebec battalions willing to serve to garri- son Fort Garry. They were placed under the command of Major Irvine of the Quebec Rifles. The Major was afterwards a commissioner of the R.N.W.M. Police and still later warden of the Manitoba Provincial Penitentiary. The ser- vices of other gallant officers from the Active Militia were also accepted, among them Captain William Herchmer, of the Ontario Battalion, and Captain MacDonald and Lieutenant Jack Allan, from the 2nd Quebec. Berchmer and Allan were in future years superior officers in the IJ.VW.M. Police and saw active service dur- ing the Northwest Rebellion. In tact, Jack Al- lan took part in every campaign within reach and lived on t he smell of gunpowder. Some of the men discharged settled down to farming. Mm looking for employmenl went to km (,i [Times ,(i work <>n the Dawson route to complete the road to Winnipeg from the Northwesl angle of the Lake of the Woods. A few trekked farther wesl to Prince Albert and Edmonton. Oth< scattered far and wide, north and south of tie- Line. What was left of the Expeditionary Forces in the spring of L871, returned over the port- ages to Eastern Canada and were disbanded in Toronto, Out. The Dominion Governmenl con- ferred a medal and bar on each soldier who took part in the Red River Expedition of 1<s70 under Lord Wolseley. The soldiers discharged in Manitoba found various occupations: Steamboating, rafting and Logging on the rivers; and on land, building roads, working- at trades and farming. In the fall of 1871 ex-Bugler Tix had a small contract putting up telegraph poles for a new line to connect with the system in the States. A young French half-breed named Michaud, as- sisted with an ox-team and wagon. Michaud was killed two years later by Gilbert Grodon, previously mentioned. There were manv rumors coming from Pern- bina of the Irish- Americans making a raid on Manitoba, now that Fort Xorth Pembina was left without troops. The Metis settled along the Red River were frightened because of these vague reports of an invasion, and Michaud while at work kept a vigilant eye on the trail to Pembina. The Boundarv Line was ten miles (J2 Rough Times south. Suddenly the half-breed shouted ''Fen" ians", pointing' south at a cloud of dust on the Pembina trail. Quickly unloading the poles from the wagon, he cleared out, going straight cast to his home in the bush on the Red river, calling to Tix to come along as the Fenians were coming. Believing it to be another false alarm Tix refused. The woods on the Marais River and the Red formed a background which served as a screen from the vision of the approaching party. Impressed by Michaud's flight, and judging discretion the better part of valor Tix made for a nearby bush on the Marais that made good cover, close to his own camp on the trail. Hidden in the thick clump of haw- thorn and willow he awaited the coming of the travellers and took a good look at them as they passed by without knowledge of his presence. The party consisted of four men in a light spring wagon drawn by a team of horses, and three riders on sturdy ponies. It was a strange look- ing outfit at that time and place and little doubt was left that they were a Fenian Scout party. They crossed the Marais where Letellier now stands, moving along the trail to the Two Points and passed out of sight. Undecided what to do, Tix remained under cover waiting for darkness, a1 the same time watching the ti'ails. He had not long to wait before the party was sighted returning to Pembina. Early next morning Tix struck out to Dan Shay's place, a squatter on the Marais, intending to borrow a pony to ride to the Fort. Finding no one at home, Tix waited Rouoh Timj 93 for Shay 'a return. The Fori was distanl aboul seven miles southeast across the prairie. Shay arrived home before dark and 1 old of the ureal doings at the Fort, He was very excited. The Fenians had captured the Fori from the Hudson's Bay officials, but the American soldiers came and drove them out the next day. Tix got a pony in the morning and rode to the Fort. Mr. Watt and his clerk were pleased to see him. From their statement it appeared that the Fenians (again under General O'Neill) had taken the Fort and made them prisoners, but had not ill-treated anyone. The party Tix had observed three days be- fore were General O'Neill and Col. Donnelly, with Fenian Scouts, taking observations on the road to Fort Garry. The old Fort which Cap- tain Cook and his company of the Ontario Rifles had occupied the previous winter had been captured and the British Flag hauled down. The Hudson's Bay chief trader, Mr. Watt, a man of stern character, could offer no resistance to the Fenians, as the post was only occupied by himself and his assistant, Mr. Scott, with a few old employees. At this juncture, Col. Lloyd Wheaton, com- mander of the United States Infantry at Fort Pembina, Dakota territory, began operations. Colonel Wheaton moved his soldiers to the bor- der. Fort North Pembina was not then known definitely to be in British Territory, though 94 Rough Times generally conceded to bo so. Wheaton threat- ened a further advance and the Fenians, alarm- ed at this turn of affairs, cleared helter-skelter out of the Port — a most disorderly mob of about one hundred men. They threw away their arms (Winchester Rifles) as they fled. The loyal stand of the Metis in refusing the Fenian Ambassador O'Donoghue's overtures to join their ranks, and the prompt action of the gallant American Colonel, may have saved this country to the British Crown. If the native ele- ment had listened to the voice of treason, grave consequences might have been the result. Thus ended the third and last attempt of a Fenian invasion in Canada. The only sympa- thizers found in the west were Americans of the Colonel Stutsman type, some border toughs and a few fugitives who had left Fort Carry in 1870. The French Metis all through the emergency stood loyal to the Crown. The strong efforts made to entice them into an alliance with the Fenian elements seeking to get control of the Northwest territory, fell flat. In fact, on Oct. 8th, 1871, Kiel offered the services of him- self and four hundred of the French Metis to Lieutenant-Governor Archibald for the purpose of resisting the Fenian invasion of Manitoba. In the meantime, greal excitement prevailed ;it Fori Garry. Citizens of Winnipeg enlisted in the Volunteers. Manx- Leading men joined as privates and did guard duty to assist LJEUT.-COL. THOS. SCOTT North West Field Force, 1885 — Captain of No. 7 Company, 1st Ontario Rifles, Red River Expedition, 1870. 95 Rough Timi 91 the garrison lefl in Fori Garry under Colonel [rvine. In Eastern Canada the agitation grew to fever heat. The Governmenl feared Rieland the Metis would lake advantage of the situation, and set the whole count ry ablaze. A force about 200 strong was raised and rushed Over the Dawson route to Manitoba. Colonel Thomas Scott, an officer of the Bed River Expedition, was selected to command thorn. Many in the ranks had also served in 1870. The season was far advanced and early frosts retarded the progress of the boats and made the march over the rough roads from the northwest angle of the Lake of the Woods very difficult. The force arrived in Fort Garry in record time and in good shape, greatly to the credit of the gallant officer in command. Colonel Thomas Scott displayed soldierly quali- ties and knowledge that made him conspicuous and won great praise from Col. Wolseley. The Volunteers at Fort Garry marched out to meet the Fenians. The weather was bad, and in the rain and sticky mud thev advanced with their equipment and guns over fearful roads. Progress was slow and difficult. Transport carts and wagons sunk in the mire up to the hubs. When they reached Scratching River (the present site of the town of Morris) official word was brought of the rout of the Fenians on the border by the United States Regulars under Colonel "Wheaton. 98 Rough Times The Volunteers returned to Winnipeg. The troops under Colonel Scott remained to rein- force the men on service and a company of the Provisional Battalion under Captain MacDon- ald was dispatched to the border to garrison the old Hudson's Bay Post of Fort North Pembina for the winter. Captain Macdonald made a good officer on the border. He was far better known under the name of "Old Pemican," and his company as the "Forty Thieves. ': Captain MacDonald quieted matters on the frontier, and for some time Manitoba was free from war alarms. CHAPTER \ III. BARRACK ROOM YARNS AND GOSPEL STORIES - THE BIG DRUMMER — CHARTER OF TDK FIRST ORANGE LODGE IN MANITOBA -- AN EXPEDITION SONG SET A THIEF TO CATCH A THIEF - WHO'S WHO AND Win — THE BRASS SCABBARD -- THE CAMERON CLAN — NO LOAD TO CARRY — AN ACT OF COURAGE AT KAKABEKA FALLS A MEMORIAL OF THE RED RIVER EXPEDITION — ANNEXATION TO THE UNITED STATES — CAPT. STEELE'S LETTER. Ill 1871, after the disbandment of the Vol- unteer Force of the Red River Expedition, when the boys would meet to swap lies, some barrack room yarns and true as gospel stories ( ?) of in- cidents en route and on the portages, would be related and kept in memory for the benefit of future re-unions. George Lee, big drummer of the band, and his bosom chum, Cloggy Collins, bugler of No. 2 Company, Ontario Rifles, were known in the Battalion as the "Long and the Short of it" — Lee stood 6 feet 4% inches, Cloggy nearly 2 feet under. A love quarrel over a brunette shatter- ed their friendship. There was a clash. Cloggy stood on a barrack room table in the centre of a small ring to get within reach of the big drum- mer for a fight to the finish. They finished in bed together, and next morning both were re- ported late on parade. 100 Rough Times One could not understand why Corporal Tweed, another Ontario boy, was not a local preacher, for he had a good gift of the gab, till Private Maloney explained Tweed's great ad- miration for the fair sex. A kk diamond in the rough" was Private La- riviere, of the Quebec Battalion, a good natured fellow who would as soon fight as eat. It was play for "Shoo Fly?: (the familiar name all knew him by, for his proper name was forgot- ten), to jog over a portage with a pack of 200 ]x mnds or more. He looked a splendid specimen of a lumber jack and could not be excelled on river or portage. Private George Taylor, No. 1 Company, 1st Ontario Rifles, a barrack-room lawyer, was just as ready to lay down the Articles of War as to lead a forlorn hope. He proved on good au- thority that we had nothing to say about our coming into the world, but could take a chance on going out of it. You might rely on George, for he stood ready to take his chance with the rest. After Taylor's discharge in Manitoba, he returned later to his native city, London, Ont., and was elected Mayor. For two terms lie served as M.I\ for the County of Middlesex, Ontario. He died a short time ago at Cobalt, Out. Corpora] Hank Bevins hailed fi-omthe States, lie stood six feet two inches. Hank and his chum Hector McKay were great fellows in a Rough Timi ioi tussle, Both men took their discha pge in Mam toba. Bevins went back to the Stat< McKay became a conductor on the C.P.R. and, Inter, the owner of a livery bam in Brandon. He died a tVw years ago. Jack NTeilson, another veteran of No. 1 Company, 1st Ontario Rifles, Ls a pros perous farmer near Prince Albert, Sask., and Joe McFarlane is also located near there. Johnson E. Cooper, a stout jolly little Irish- man from Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, [re- land, belonged to No. 4 Company of the Ontario Battalion. He was a full private but no man in the Regiment was more willing to do his bit — and then some — than Johnson E. Stowed in his knapsack he carried from Toronto to Fort Garry the charter of the first Orange Lodge establish- ed in Manitoba. He took his discharge in the Province and went into business at Emerson and became a partner in the firm of Cooper & Carmiehael, building contractors. He sat as a member of the town council for a number of years and died at Emerson, one of its most respected citizens. Sergeant Clarke, of the 2nd Quebec Rifles, a brother of the Hon. H. J. Clarke, an Attorney- General of Manitoba, was the inspired songster and poet-laureate of the Expedition. His merry laugh and songs cheered the boys in sunshine and rain, through weary hours and days of hard toil on the march. The song that brought him credit, and became a general favorite in the 102 Rough Times early days of Manitoba, was "Hurrah; for the Boats and the Roads, Jolly Boys.". It was set to music, had a greal swing, and caught on like "hoi cakes/ The song went on to tell: "It's true the roads were rather rough, and rapids too were swift, And on the cussed portages, the loads were hard to lift, But what of that, we got along in spite of wind and weather, We were sure to get along, my boys, if we only pulled together. Jolly boys, Jolly boys, Hurrah ! for the boats and the road, Jolly Boys.': It goes on further to relate : "That when we reach our journey's end, at no distant day, That most of us will take a wife and settle down to farming, Jolly boys, Jolly boys. The morning Betsy Cotter sneaked out of Dufferin camp to forage, he had little thought of being watched getting into a log canoe, paddling up stream, and stopping at the mouth of a small coulee lined with fishing nets. Finding no one in sight, he hauled in a net, took a good supply of the trapped fish, and leaving a few for the owner, turned back to the landing. After clean- ing the fish, Betsy called on Fatty Dunne the cook, borrowed a camp kettle to salt the catch before placing them in it, and hid the kettle. Rough Timi 103 The same morning Bugler Tix was detailed to go with Sergeanl Swinford on pass to Pem- bina for the mail, when Betsy 's suspicions move ments interested him. On the principle of "se1 a thief to catch a thief,'3 Tix shadowed his com- rade, saw him bide the kettle and make his gel away. Then came Tix's opportunity, and he loo made a successful "get-away" with the fish. Leaving no trace behind, he joined the Sergeant, to be absent from camp till retreat. Blood was in Betsy's eye on discovering the loss of his morning's work. Mad clean through, he made straight for the officers' kitchen tent. approaching the private grounds as near as he dared. The Tuson brothers, with Paddy Hearn, (the three officers' servants) were cleaning up, when Betsy boldly stated Tix had stolen fish from him got in trade from a half-breed and they knew all about it. The Tuson boys denied it, and strong in their innocence, they continued to wash dishes. Paddv Hearn, more comba- tive, said it could not be, for Tix was not in camp all day, and had gone to Pembina — so it was an alibi — only Paddy pronounced it "damli.r This staggered Betsy, but quickly recovering his just suspicions, he choked as he gave his emphatic opinion of the three of them, in language so much more forcible than eloquent that it had to be cut out by the censor. After retreat, Tix was guest of honor in the officers' kitchen tent at a fish dinner on the Q.T. He kept out of his own tent as much as he 104 Rough Times could and away from Betsy. This left Tix's pos- sessions somewhat unguarded. Betsy was quietly observant. Tix had bought some luxur- ies that day and put them in his haversack, which he placed for better security with the Sergeant's kit. Xow was Betsy's opportunity, and he did not miss it. An empty haversack was found in its usual place next morning, Tix made no mention of his loss. It was all in the day's work. Private Ormiston, an old soldier, who joined the Quebec Battalion, and served later on the Boundary Commission, was another singing- bird, who found it easy work to smoke, drink or chew tobacco. Old Matt's working days are over and he lives with his family near St. And- rews Rapids on the Red River. Bugler Danny Madigan, of the Ontario Rifles, after his discharge was employed by the Hud- son's Bay Company for many years. Dan en- j< >yed the friendship and respect of all wiio knew him. lie died a few years ago leaving a large grown-up family. Sergeant Jack Douglass, of the Quebec Bat- talion, took his discharge at the Lower Port, married and settled at Selkirk. Jack is a fre- quent visitor at the headquarters of the Army and Navy Veterans in Winnipeg and takes as active a part in the day's doings as any young- ster in the line. A bugler of the Quebec Rifles, William J. Keats, writes from Toronto, and sends his regards to Sergeanl Douglass and all Rough Timi 105 his old comrades who answer the roll call on the 50th anniversary, "Who's Who and Why?" said Sergeanl Major Mai ( !oyne of the 1st Ontario Rifles, when he ran up against Sergeant-Major Pal Connolly of the 2nd Quebec Rifles. They both hailed from the Emerald Isle and botli liked Scotch. Two better drill instructors never me1 on parade. They hare answered the "Last Post/ After lights out sounded, admittance to the fort could not be gained without giving the coun- tersign to the sentry on the gate. One of the boys told a yarn about holding up the O.C., Gen- eral Wolseley, because he could not give the countersign till the Sergeant of the Guard came to his relief. Of course this raised a laugh, but a true story follows. An officer well known for his love of display, the brass scabbard and salutes, presented him- self at the wicket gate for admittance at a late hour one bitter cold night. Challenged, he fail- ed to remember the countersign. His excuses were not well received. The sentry informed him it would not be long before the rounds would come to his relief and rather enjoyed the situ- ation, for he knew it would be another hour be- fore the coming of the visiting rounds. This was in retaliation for a reprimand once given for a failure to salute the officer in proper form, more than the soldier's desire to do his duty. 106 Rough Times Private Ambrose Stock was an Ontario Rifle- man, who took his discharge from the o!3rd Reg- ulars in London, Ontario, to join the Rod River Expeditionary Forces. After his discharge from the Volunteers he became a school teacher in Manitoba Public Schools. He died at Emer- son in 1919. Private W, B. McClelland, of Xo. 1 Company of the 1st Ontario Rifles returned to Manitoba in 1872 and took up land on the Marais near Le- tellier. He w^as one of the most prosperous farmers in the district and died a few^ years ago leaving a wife and large family in good circum- stances. Major William Hill-Xash served as Ensign <>f No. 1 Company of the 1st Ontario Rifles. He held a commission previous to 1870, in the 7th London Light Infantry, afterwards the 7th Lon- don Pusileers, and served in the Fenian Raid of 1866. During the Northwest Rebellion of 1885 he was Captain in the Winnipeg Light Infantry commanded by Colonel Thomas Scott, and re- turned at the end of the campaign with rank of Major. In civil life Major Nash was a solicitor and barrister and the first member for Emerson in the Provincial Legislature. He re- signed to accept the office of Registrar of Deeds \'nv Emerson district. Later he was transferred to the Land Titles Office in Winnipeg and was THE OFFICERS OF No. 6 COMPANY, 1st ONTARIO RIFLES Capt. Alexander R. Macdonald on the right, Lieut. William T. McMurtry, center, and on the left Ensign Hugh John Macdonald, later knighted for his distinguished services. 107 Rough Timi iog a resident of Winnipeg up to the time <>r his death on the 26th of April, L917. Surgeon-Major Alfred Codd was attached to the Ontario Battalion. After the return of the Red River Expeditionary Forces Dr. ('odd was appointed to take charge of the Provisional I5at talion formed to garrison Fori Garry and con- tinued his services for many years as Senior Medical Officer for Military District No. LO. Ee was highly esteemed among the Medical Fra- ternity of Manitoba for his professional knowl- edge and skill, and won the friendship of all by his kindly disposition. He died on the Pacific Coast. Ensign Biggar, of No. 2 Company, of the On- tario Rifles, was another of the Red River of- ficers to get elected, after his military career, for parliamentary honors in civil life when he returned to his native Province, Ontario. Capt. Macdonald, of Xo. 6 Company of the Ontario Battalion, died about three years ago in Eastern Canada. This gallant officer was a member of the Medical Profession in civil life. He volunteered his services to the Dominion Government and went west to look after the smallpox epidemic which had broken out in the fall of 1870 among the Indians near Wood Moun- tain in the North AVest Territories. Father Lestance, of St. Boniface, had preceded him to l 10 Rough Times care for the natives and both of them wintered there — 1870-71 — rendering great service during the scourge among the Red Men. Sergeanl Constantine, of the Quebec Rifles, took his discharge in Manitoba and joined the Provisional Battalion at Fort Garry. He gain- ed his commission and was in command of the last troops to garrison the Hudson's Bay Fort, North Pembina, when it was abandoned bv the military in 1872. Captain Constantine after- wards joined the R.N.W.M. Police and was In- spector of the Yukon District. He was a good officer and highly esteemed bv the men who served with him. Broken in health he left the service to reside in California and died there. The Honorable Judge Walker died in Cali- fornia in the spring of 1920. He served in the Fenian Raid of 1866, and with the 1st Ontario Rifles on the Red River Expedition of 1870. After retiring to civil life Capt. Walker was elected to the Provincial Legislature and re- ceived the portfolio of Attorney-General under the Norquay administration in L876, but re- signed to accept a judgeship in 1882. The judge was one of the landmarks of the City of Winnipeg and highly esteemed in the Legal pro- fession. His son. Mi*. Geof. Walker, is Pro- thonotary of the Manitoba Law Courts. Mi*. Augustus Mills, who also served in the Ontario Battalion, is Deputy Prothonotary. ROI OH TlMl 1 1 I George Fullthorpe, of the Customa staff in Winnipeg, Berved as a private In the Ontario Rifles, lie look his discharge in Manitoba and is on active duly in the Civil Service, well re- spected by all who know him. Sergeanl Houston joined the Quebec Batta- lion, He is another Winnipeg old-timer, still on the war path, and was one of the original members of the Manitoba Provincial Police1 Force. He has grown grey in the service of his country and although retired, he continues his visiting rounds. Sergeant Houston holds med- als and bars for active service in the Fenian Raids of 1866-70, the Red River Expedition, and the North West Rebellion of 1885. His son, who left Winnipeg in 1914, a private in the Great War, returned invalided with a commission for merit. Dr. C. X. Bell, F.R.G.S., attends to his daily duties as active as ever. He is one of Winni- peg's best known and highly respected citizens. Private C. X. Bell, one of the youngest members of the Ontario Rifles, took his discharge in Mani- toba. For years he served as Secretary of the Grain Exchange, and materially helped in build- ing it up to be the greatest grain exchange mar- ket in the world. He was honored for his dis- tinguished service in keeping historical records by receiving the degree of Doctor. Private William Buchanan sends word from Onion Lake, Sask., that he is still going strong. 1 12 Rough Times After the Fenian Raid campaign in 18(>() he join- ed the Ontario Rifles to serve in the Red River Expedition. In 1885 he added another seal]) to his trophies by service in the Xorth West Rebellion. Private C. C. Bailey enlisted in Xo. 3 Com- pany of the 2nd Quebec Rifles and took his dis- charge at Lower Fort Garry. Later he went railroading in the States and was conductor on a Texas line. Comrade Bailey now resides at Cooking Lake, Alberta, and is Chief Forest Banger on Cooking Lake Forest Reserve. "Calamity" was the name given to a daring Indian Voyageur. He was so called for using this word instead of "danger" for a warning signal, and predicting troubles ahead. Captain Parsons, adjutant of the Ontario Rifles, took immense pride in his splendid beard which reached half way down to his waist line. He gained the sobriquet of "Job Lots" for the men felt if he ever did cut it off the contract would have to be lei out in job lots. Others of the Cameron (Ian, backed up by the Mac I kmalds and Campbells were to be found in every company of the Ontario and Quebec Battalions. Most of them an educated class of men. speaking Gaelic, French and English. NTo l<»ad to carry around. They could also on oc- casion use a few choice swear words without Rough Timi i 13 thr oilier fellows catching on to their line of argument. Knowledge is power, and as in Canada, the French Language is statutory, why objeel to it being taughl in Canadian schools in centres with a strong French-Canadian population, who are native and Canadians to the core? The 2nd Quebec Rifles had an advantage over the Ontario battalion by their knowledge of the English as well as the French Language. This is a verbatim copy of letter received August, 1920, from Comrade Bob Youngson, of the Quebec Rifles: Spirit Lake, Iowa, U.S.A. To J. F. Tennant, Army and Navy Veterans, Winnipeg. Sir:— I notice from your paper that on the 24th of this month you are having a banquet for the men who survived the hardships of the Red River Expedition of 1870, and I want to tell that I am the only one of Captain Jack Allan's boat crew of fourteen alive of the Non-Commis- sioned officers and twelve men, and only because he saved the whole crew from going over the Kakabeka Falls at Fort William in June, 1870. I'll never forget that brave action of the best Officer of the Expedition, and yet we never 1 14 Rough Times heard a word about him. I wonder why? I often talked about that to my chum Jim Ben- net, who was in the other boat watching us and died out here only last year. He was the man what Captain Jack gave a threshing at the foot of the falls which broke him all up, as he was a bully and some of us were scared of him. He told me all about it after we left the Boundary Commission in 1874 and told me that he (Captain Allan) gave him five dollars and told (him) to £0 across the river to the Hudson's Bay Store and get some sticking plaster for his lace and keep his mouth shut and forget that lie was a fighter, and he says that taught him a lesson, but he would have gone through hell fire and back again for that only officer, Captain Jack Allan. God bless him. And if I could have enough money to get there to shake his hand I would be willing to die after it as T am 78 years old, and four of my boys were killed in the last war. Tell the Captain that Bob Young- son was wishing to be remembered to him. My only son now left will mail this when through to Fori Garry. BOB YOUNGSON, No. 340. The House of Commons debates, from Han- sard, of dale April 25th, 1898, mentions a similar incident to the one related so graphically by Private Youngson, of the Quebec Rifles. "A1 great personal risk, J. \<\ Tennant of "No. 1 Company, of the 1st Ontario Rifles, LIEUT. -COL. JACK BERESFORD ALLAN R.N.W.M.P. Police, 1884-1889 — South Africa, 1889-1902 - of No. 3 Company, 2nd Quebec Rifles, Red River Expedition, 1S70. 115 Ensign RoiKiM Timi 1 17 "saved a whole boat's crew from dcst met ion. "and was the recipienl of the marked approv kkal of Lord Wblseley, for the promptness of "his action and the gallantry of his conduct/ 1870— 50th ANNIVERSARY--1920 A question of moment for the Legislature of the Province of Manitoba, and the general pub- lic, in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the en- try of the Province into the Federation of the Dominion of Canada in 1870, and commemora- tive of this important event would be to erect a memorial to the Red River Expeditionary Forces. This is worthy of the most serious con- sideration, not only on the part of the citizens of Manitoba, but also Canadian citizens of the Provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta. The success of the campaign of 1870, secured the Great North West Territories to Canada. If the Red River Expedition had met with disaster the vast country north of the 49th par- allel might have drifted into annexation with the United States. A very strong element of Amer- icans existed in Winnipeg during the troubles of 1869 and 1870, who favored annexation, and used their influence on the Provisional Government to bring it about, going so far as to publish the "New Nation" a paper devoted to this purpose, but not supported by the French Metis. 1 18 Rough Times The following letter was received by the Busi- ness Manager of the Army and Navy Veterans of Canada* on the subject of a memorial to the men of the Red River Expedition: 1 5 Kennedy St., Winnipeg, Man. March 10th, 1920. \V. A. Shepherd, Esq., Army and Navy Veterans' Assn. CITY. Dear Sir: I see by the paper that you are handling, or assisting in the handling, of the arrangements for the forthcoming celebration of the arrival of the Red River Expedition of 1870 in Winni- peg, and on that account have decided to offer a suggestion which I feel deserves all the consid- eration possible. I have written the Editor of the Free Press on this matter already, but pre- sume that he has been unable to take action. I feel thai I am not over-stepping the bounds of propriety in bringing forward my views, as my father, the late Major General Sir Sam Steele, was a Corporal in the Expedition, and after- wards commanded the troops here in Winnipeg. Again, I myself served in France with the Cana- dians and have lived since 1909, with the excep- tion of war-time absence, in Winnipeg. My suggestion is that steps should be taken to secure the erection of a tablet or memorial to the men of the Expedition. The present is the Rough Timi i IQ very best time for action. The City is now en joying ureal prosperity and we arc all Lnteresl ed in the Expedition, rrhis will not be the case hereafter, I suggested In the Free Press thai they mighl open a subscription list for the mem orial. The whole thing mighl he done by pub- lic subscriptions secured through the Press, or possibly augmented by canvassing and adver- tising. I think that Winnipeggers, as a whole, are generous people and would respond to a movement of this kind if it were placed prop- erly before them. Two facts alone make tin people greatly indebted to this force: (1) It opened the way for them by bringing law and order and the symbol of British power into the country. (2) It accomplished a march which is the longest ever made by a force from its base and certainly one of the most difficult, coupling the name of Winnipeg with a truly great feat of skill and endurance. Of course you are fully conversant with all details of the Expedition so I need not say more. I know that some people may argue that the little Fort Garry Gateway is enough to commem- orate the Expedition. But, in the first place, the Gateway has nothing to do with the Expedition, except as a barracks in which it was accommo- dated after the march, and in the second, it does not represent and has nothing to say about the Expedition. Winnipeg is almost the w^orst, in fact I am sure is the worst city for its size in Canada, in so far as good monuments are con- 120 Rough Times cerned, and, if we are going to have something decent in Winnipeg, it would be a fine thing to start with one to the Red River Expedition. Perhaps we might get little response to an appeal, but then if the best thing we could run to was a bronze tablet, say, in the wall of a promin- ent building downtown, it would be better than nothing. I hope you will pardon my writing you at this length but I am sure that you will be sym- pathetic. As far as I am concerned, I am ready to do anything within reason to help this movement along, if you consider the suggestion I have made is practicable, I would be obliged if you could let me have vour views. » Yours faithfullv, H. S. STEELE, (Captain.) CHAPTER IX. TRUE COPY OF MILITIA GENERAL ORDERS FORMATION OF TWO BATTALIONS OF RIFLEMEN — 1st ONTARIO RIFLES AND 2nd QUEBEC RIFLES • LIST OF OFFI- CERS AND MEN - WOLSELEY'S STAFF — MAJOR GENERAL SIR REDVERS BULLER — MAJOR GENERAL BUTLER. (True Copy) MILITIA GENERAL ORDERS Headquarters General Order (17). Ottawa, No. 1. 1 2 May, 1870. ACTIVE MILITIA The formation to date from 1st instant, of two Battalions of Riflemen from existing corps of Native Militia for service in the "North West'' is hereby authorized, to be styled, respectively, the First (or Ontario) Battalion of Riflemen, and the Second (or Quebec) Battalion of Riflemen, and the appointments thereto as follows, viz. : List of Officers gazetted to the 1st or Ontario Battalion of Riflemen for service, 1870, with rank and precedence therein: To be Lieut.-Colonel : Lieut.-Col. Samuel Peters Jarvis. i i \22 Rough Times To bo Major: Major Griffiths Wainwright. To be Captains: Major Thomas Scott No. 7 Company Major Thomas Macklem. No. 3 Manor W i 1 1 i a m Macauley Herchmer No. 5 Captain William Smith No. 2 Captain Alexander R. Mac- donald No. 6 Captain and Adjutant Henry Cooke ..No. 1 Captain Daniel Hunter Mc- Millan No. 4 To be Lieutenants: Captain and Adjutant Donald A. Macdonald No. 7 Captain David M. Walker No. 4 Captain and Adjutant Wil- liam X. Kennedy No. 4 Captain Andrew McBride No. 2 Captain Wm. T. McMurty....No. 6 Captain Samuel Bruce Har- man No. 5 " Lieutenant James Benson No. 1 " To be Ensigns: Capt and Adjutanl A. T. L. Peebles No. I) Lieutenant Stewart Mul vey....X<>. 4 " Lieutenant Josiah Jones Lell.No. 7 " Lieutenant Samuel Hamilton. No. 5 " LIEUT.-COL. SIR DANIEL HUNTER McMlLLAX Lieut. -Governor of the Province of Manitoba, 1900-1911, Captain of No. 4 Company, 1st Ontario Rifles, Red River Expedition, 1ST0. and 123 Rough Timi 12s Lieutenanl John Biggar No. 2 Lieutenant Wm. Hill Nash No. I Ensign Hugh John Macdon- ald No. 6 To be Paymaster: Captain I. F. P>. Morrice. To be Adjutant with the rank of Captain : Captain William J. B. Parsons. To be Quartermaster: Quartermaster Edward Armstrong. To be Surgeon: Surgeon Alfred Codd, M.P. To be Chaplain : Rev. Stewart Patterson. 2NP (OR QUEBEC) BATTALION OE RIFLEMEN To be Lieutenant-Colonel: Lieutenant Colonel Louis Adolphe Casault. To be Major: Major Acheson G. Irvine. To be Captains: Lieutenant-Colonel L. C. A. L. de Bellefeuills Xo. 1 Company Major Allan Macdonald Xo. 3 Major Jacques Labranche Xo. 5 Captain Samuel Macdonald. ...Xo. 6 Captain John Baptiste Anyot.Xo. 7 Captain John Fraser Xo. 4 Captain Wm. John Barrett.. ..Xo. 2 126 Rough Times To be J .lieutenants: Captain Jose p h u s \V. Vaughan No. 6 Captain John Price Fletcher..No. 2 Captain Edward T. H. F. Pat- terson No. 1 Captain Maurice C. B. Duch- esnay No. 4 Captain Henri Bouthillies No. 7 Captain Leonides de Sala- berry No. 3 Lieutenant Oscar Prevost No. 5 To be Ensign: Captain John Beresford Al- lan No. 3 Captain Ed. S. Bernard No. 7 Lieutenant George Simard....Xo. 6 Lieutenant Gabriel Louis Des Georges No. 5 Ensign Alphonse de Monte- enach Henri D'Eseham- bault No. 4 Ensign Willia m Wilmount Ross No. 1 Ensign Alphonse Tetu No. 2 To be Paymaster: Lieutenant (\ Augliste La line. To be Adjutant with rank of Captain: Major F. I). Gagnier, To be Quartermaster: Riding Master F. Villiers. Rough Timi 127 To be Surgeon: F. L. A. Neilson, Esq. To be Chaplain: Rev. Father Marie Joseph Lioycr of the City of Ottawa. The Roll Call of the rank and file of the 1st Ontario Rifles was not available in time Cor publishing. Neither was the Roll Call of No. 1 Company, 2nd Quebec Rifles. This Company did not reach Fort Garry. NOMINAL ROLL, NO. 2 COMPANY, 2ND BATTALION, QUEBEC RIFLES Number. Rank. Name. 327 Ser geant-Major Connolley, Pat. 149 Ser geant Hunter, R. 248 a Kent, Wm. 150 a Montgomery, W. 151 Corporal Burling, Ed. 68 a Clarke, Hugh. 319 Morris, Wm. 153 ( ( Nesbitt, I. 273 Private Halliday, Geo. 333 ii Bates, John 310 a Bennett, John 61 i i Brookes, Jas. 159 a Buckle, J. 375 it Cadman, J. 308 a Chapman, J. 166 a Drewerv, R. 154 a Dunbar, J. 74 it Greenly, Geo. 128 Rough Times Number. Rank. Name. 257 Grogan, A. 272 a Hackett, E. 77 ii Hamilton, J. 171 i i Hill, A. 76 Holland, John 281 . i Horsely, Robert 199 i i Hull, Hy. 371 i i Houston, D. 172 » I Jeffreys, T. 174 i i Keates, Rd. 17.1 ii Kett, E. 200 a King, D. 157 a King, Hy. 3 83 McHarg, Jas. 181 a Marshal, Jas. 184 a Martin, John 283 Mitchell, Thos. 82 a McGregor, Th. 8<i a Mmmo, Wm. 328 a Odell, Robt, 90 a Page, Rd. 3,73 a Ryan, Jas. 362 a Scott, Rd. 2S4 a Levigne, Albt. 136 Smith, das. 207 i i Smith, Albt. 187 a Sprit's, Robt. 291 Thomas, Geo. 97 Thompson, John L88 Waite, John LOO i c Whiteley, John Rough Timi 129 NOMINAL ROLL, NUMBER 3 COMPANY, 2ND BATTALION QUEBEC RIFLES Nun iber Rank Nam 51 Col Lor Sergeanl ( lonstanl Lne, ( !. 54 Sei 'geanl Palliser, J. 91 * k Parker, E\ 53 k * Kellond, Geo. 52 Corpora] Mannix, A. 58 i i McDonald, (i. 56 k k Youngston, C. 80 Bll: gler Jaffrey, Wm. 59 Private Alley, C. 366 i i Andrews. 64 i i Butterworth, H 350 { i Biddick. 162 a BaiUie. 63 a Billington. 67 a Cook, Jas. 57 a Colwing. 65 a Chenier, F. 20 a Cokely, C. 71 a Cruise, J. 70 a Carson, J. 72 i i Deely, F. 263 a Dempsey. 73 a Deacon. 330 a Findlev. 78 a Henry. 173 a Jessop. 363 a Long, Wm. 231 i i McCoy, P. 85 a Mclntyre. 130 Rough Times Number. Rank. Name. 289 i » McDonald, Edwc 265 Mulvaney. 253 McNicol. 83 a McKelvey, R. L02 McKelvey, J. 84 k k McConville. 368 Machon, Ed. 88 Ormston, Matt. 148 Pope. Sam. 296 i k Paul, Reuben 92 Ridings, Wm. 331 a Sullivan, J. 94 a Sinclair. 75 a Stuart, Alf. 342 a Smith, J. 96 a Thompson, R. 357 Young, Wm. 99 Widgeons, Hy. 101 i i Wilson, Thos. 326 Wyatt, John 340 Youngson, Robt. NOMINAL ROLL, NO. 4 COMPANY, 2ND BATTALION, QUEBEC RIFLES Number Bank Name 155 Color Sergeanl Pitou, N. 53 Sergeani Miller, John 81 •• Mamiix, Ceo. 152 " Rolph, R. 26 Corporal Horner, Th. 300 •• Robertson, P. Rough Timi Number. Rank. Nam< 1!) Boyd, I. %j 11 Bug] x Chiskelly, C. 312 Privi tte Ashe, Edw. L2 Angus, Geo, 13 Abbott, Wm. 267 ' Arthur, Jas. 247 ' Beaudoin. 49 ' Butterworth, I. 18 ' Baylis, Art. 254 ' Barry, Leon 318 ' Beattie, J. 334 ' Chambers, Wm 269 ' Donnelly, M. 378 ' Earnest, W. 7 Ellis, Wm. 362 ' Fisher, Robert 245 ' Gardiner, R. 24 ' Goodboy, Wm. 358 Gill, Wm. 104 ' Harbor, John 25 ' Howard, J. 27 ' Holman, Wm. 335 ' James, Th. 377 ' Marsh, H. 379 ' Maddiford, S. 35 ' Popham, C. 156 Pugh,J. 316 ' Prior, B. 42 ' Rowe, J. 271 ' Symmons. 34 * Stuart, J. C. 131 132 Rough Times X U 1 11 her. Rank. Name. 1!)() Woodall, O. 50 Wilton, Wm. 14 Wilson, R. 189 Williamson, T. 361 Kelly, J. 131 > < Le Rose, J. 285 .. Hickey, J. 128 * » Herrington, A. NOMINAL ROLL, NO. 5 COMPANY, 2ND BATTALION QUEBEC RIFLES Number Rank Name 311 Color Sergeant De Plainval, L. 110 Sergeant Slack, Th. 105 i i Gilchrist, Th. 305 Corporai Genereux, Ernest 250 i i McDonald, A. 180 a Marshal, D. 32 C. Buglar Marks, T. 127 Lance Corporal Hatt, C. 214 i i, Lord, John 38 a Rolph, Geo. 344 a Pickard, W. 325 Bugler Brown, Robt. 107 Private Codotte, Pierre 10!) a Leblanc, O. in a ttenaud, Jos. 117 a Lacroix, P. 122 a Stuart, John 124 a McBean, G. 125 a Hunt, J. 126 a Garvin, W. ROUQH TlMl Number. Rank. N;ilnc 7!) i i Brown, Jas. 131 i < Ross, Jas, 134 Gpver, Alexis 135 t i Parent, Edw. 146 a Pattenaude, Aug 142 a l/( >iseau, C. 303 a Ray, Win. 143 i t Ruthven, J, 255 i i Angell, Geo. 254 a May, Jas. 256 a Annette^ Hy. 257 i i Dainetts, Jas. 294 a Le Page, Louis 293 a Le Page, M. 317 u Harnois, Th. 324 a Anderson, J. 322 a Taylor, Geo. 323 a Coulter, Robt. 349 i i Bennett, Edw. 345 a Gibbs, W. 346 a Naylor, John 353 a Davis, Sam 352 a Driver, Will 120 i i Garnot, 0. 195 i i Carroll, T. 259 a McNearn, H. 225 i i Lariviere, J. 230 a Terreault. 223 i i Provencher. 43 < i Swanston, Geo. 268 i i Barker, Jas. 133 134 Rough Times NOMINAL ROLL, NO. 6 COMPANY, 2ND BATTALION' QUEBEC RIFLES Number Rank Name 2 Color Sergeant Lawson, W. 3 Sergeant Dillon, G. 4 . . McGinn, Rd. 6 a Isaacson, Alf. 1 Corporal Wilson, W. 10 n Robinson, Ben. 37 a Pringle, Wm. 277 Lance-Corporal McManus, R. 136 Bugler Smith, Jas. 16 Private Alloway, Wm. 360 Abraham, Ch. 354 Boggs, Edw. 17 Buise, Chas. 347 Blisdel, C. 380 Campbell. 8 Clarke, F. 5 Dean, Hy. 350 Gravel, H. 22 Griffiths, Ernest 369 Griffiths, Edw. 23 Gordon, Jas. 365 Hewlett, Chas. 295 Helliewell, C. 348 Helliewell, A. 28 Jones, Wellington 386 Keenan. 30 McCartney, A. 355 McKenzie, M. 32 1 McNamara. Rough Timi Number, Rank. Nam 34 * » Mullen, Edw. 151 Mawson, J. 297 Matthews, J. 33 Mitchell, Geo. 36 i i Pridham, Geo. 270 a Pattesbn, I?. 39 i i Reid, Dan. 349 k k Roberts, Geo. 350 a Moxall, E. 364 a Vidal, R. 45 a Smallshere, T. 336 a Rule, T. 47 a Taylor, Baron. 41 kk Roe, W. H. 21 kk Davidson, G. 314 kk Gilmore, J. 309 kk Harris, G. 29 kk Lindsay, W. 176 kk Lyonnais, P. 244 k k McXair, J. 40 kk Rowles, M. 95 u Trevor, J. 44 4k Sullivan, Pat. 135 NOMINAL ROLL, NO. 7 COMPANY, 2ND BATTALIOIN, QUEBEC RIFLES Number Rank Name 226 Color Sergeant Martineau, H. 232 Sergeant LeBourdais, L. 212 " Hanley, L. 192 " Couture, Louis 36 Rough Times X 1 1 1 1 1 ber. Rank. Name. I'll Corporal Voyer, Nap. 282 I ( Leblanc, H. G. 228 i i Garveau, J. 107 t i Douglass, J. 314 Bugler Kennedy, John 291 Private Andrew, Geo. 129 Beaudoin, Thos. L63 Beauenfait, Jos. 193 Bissiere, L. 160 Belleau, Gustave 121 Bouchard, John 298 Bellair, John 104 Caneault, Jas. 104 Chabot, Jas. 227 Chartier, L. 140 Cayen, Chas. 385 Crawford, John 280 Chartrand, Fr. 29S Couture, F. 337 Connolley, Pat. 141 Dauphin, A. 190 Downes, John 278 Demers, Wm. 178 Fontaine, Oct, 10S Fortin, Cyp. 17S Gazie, Jos. 109 Gamache, Alex. 239 Globensky, E. 198 Gilbert, Ernesl 210 Hall, Thos. 241 Jenkins, 15. ROI '.ii TlMI Number. Rank. N ; 1 1 1 1 201' 1 <andxy, J 1 1 201 Tabbe, Thos. 383 Lanagan, Tims 341 Lemoine, L. 182 Malangon, (<. 1 85 Michaud, P. 240 Melady, A. 520 McDonald, J. 206 Boy, Arthur 384 Lous, Hoels 205 Roy, Octave 374 Shields, Jas. 279 Tracy, Jno. 209 Vocelle, Louis. Thorn, David 37 WOLSELEY'S STAFF OFFICERS Imperial — Lieutenant-Colonel Fielding, commanding the 2nd Battalion. 60th Rifles — Major Bolton, Captain Butler, Captain Huyshe, Captain Buller, Captain McNeale and Major Matt. Irvine, Chief-of-Staff, a Canadian officer from the Staff College. Among the Imperial officers serving on the Expedition several rose in after years to dis- tinction. Sir Redvers Buller, a captain in the 60th Rifles, became Major-General in the army. He was an idol of the troops under his command and stood for his men. Like several other Brit- ish Generals his fame suffered to some extent 138 Rough Times in the South African campaign. It was the for- tune of war and the blame should be attributed to the War Department more than to men like Major-General Butler and Sir Redvers Buller, who were forced to obey orders contrary to their observations on the ground. CHAPTEB X. NAMES AND RANK AS FAR AS KNOWN OF THE SUR- VIVORS ON THE RED RIVER EXPEDITION — RECORDS KEPT OPEN FOR OMISSIONS. The following are the names and records of the survivors of the Red River Expedition under Lord Wolseley, or connected with it so far as known by the Winnipeg unit of the Army and Navy Veterans in Canada. Also those who replied to the public press notices requesting answer to the Roll Call for the fiftieth anniver- sary of the Red River Expedition of 1870. Lieutenant-Colonel Jack Beresford Allan, 2nd Quebec Rifles, who is now a resident of Win- nipeg, entered early in life the Volunteer Militia Force of Canada. In 1864 he was chosen for active service from the 3rd Victoria Rifles of Montreal and was sent with 100 men to Windsor, Ontario, during the American Civil War, for special duty putting down crimping and smug- gling of soldiers at Detroit, Mich. He returned to Quebec in 1865, and was gazetted Captain in the 5th Provincial Battalion, afterwards Captain and Adjutant of the 3rd Victoria Rifles. He went through a course of instruction in the Mili- tary School at Montreal with honors. In 1886 during the Fenian Raid he saw active service with the Victoria Rifles and was detailed for 140 Rough Times special service (mufti). He received a com- mission as Ensign of No. 1 Company in the 2nd Quebec Rifles to join the Red River Expedition of 1870, and was appointed Adjutant of the Bat- talion with rank of Captain on the death of Major Gangnier. On the expedition his merit was recognized. He was detailed for special service by Lord Wolseley on three occasions. First under Major Irvine of the Quebec Rifles to prevent a threatened landing of the Fenians at Sault Ste. Marie. Again with Capt. William Herchmer, of the Ontario Rifles, for boat service on the Kaministiquia River to Lake Shebando- w an, receiving the thanks of Colonel Field- ing, of the 60th Rifles for aid rendered to a wrecked crew. On Rainy Lake he was sent in haste to carry special despatches for Lord Wol- seley. In 1871 Captain Allan was detailed to take charge of the invalided Red River Expedition men returning to Toronto. He returned to Manitoba in 1872 with 250 men under the late Colonel Osborne Smith, who was gazetted to command M.I). No. 10. In 1873, under Licuten- ant-Colonel Otty, 200 men exclusively from the Lower Provinces, were handed over at Fort Frances to the late Lieutenant-Colonel Allan McDonald, after a strict medical inspection by Surgeon Major Alfred Codd. Capt. Allan was present. lie served with the R.N.W.M. Police, 1884-181M), including active service in the North- west Rebellion: also in the South African cam- Rough Timi 141 paign, L899-1902, for which lie holds Queen's and King's medals, with five bars. He also re ceived Fenian Raids, IS(i(>, and Bed River K\ pedition medal with two bars, and medal for the rebellion of L885. In 1S7K Captain Allan was elected to serve a parliamentary term in the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Manitoba before lie joined the R.N.W.M. Police Force, Private A. H. Anthony, No. (> Company Lsl Ontario Rifles; residence, Stirling, Out. Red River Expedition, medal and bar. Private William Allow ay, 2nd Quebec Rifles; residence, Winnipeg, Man. Red River Expedi- tion, 1870, medal and bar. In civil life he was the senior member of the firm of Alloway & Champion, one of the oldest and most successful banking institutions in Winnipeg. Bill Allo- way, as he is familiarly known in the city, comes from Montreal. He is still on deck, though not so active as he used to be when coaching boat crews for the annual regatta held on the Red River. His old partner, Sergeant Champion, of the 1st Ontario Rifles, died a few years ago. He too was a member of the Red River Expedi- tion. Private C. C. Bailey, 2nd Quebec Rifles, For- est Ranger, in charge North Cooking Lake Re- serve, Alberta. Red River Expedition, medal and bar. 142 Rough Times Private Dr. C. X. Boll, F.R.G.S., 1st Ontario Rifles; residence, Winnipeg, Man. Red River Expedition, medal and bar. Private C. Bennett, 2nd Quebec Rifles; residence, Danville, Que. Fenian Raid and Red River Expedition, medal and bars. Private William Buchanan, 1st Ontario Rifles; residence, Onion Lake, Sask. Fenian Raid, 1866, and Red River Expedition, 1870, medal and two bars, and North West Rebellion, medal, 1885. Private J. Cade, 1st Ontario Rifles; resid- ence. Mission City, B.C. Red River Expedi- tion, medal and bar. Private A. R. Chisholm; residence, Payton, Sask. Red River Expedition, medal and bar. Sergeant J. Douglass, 2nd Quebec Rifles; residence, Selkirk, Man. Red River Expedi- tion, medal and bar. Voyageur Sam Forest; residence, Manitou, Man. Private George Fulthorpe, 1st Ontario Rifles; residence, Winnipeg, Man. Bed River Expedition, medal and bar. Private Alexander Gibson, 1st Ontario Rifles; residence, Steeprock, Man. Red River Expedition, medal and bar. SIR HUGH JOHN MACDOXALD, K.C. Police Magistrate for the City of Winnipeg:, 1920 — Ensign of No. 6 Company, 1st Ontario Rifles, Red River Expedition, 1ST0. 143 Rough Timi ftcrgeanl David lliistun, 2nd Quebec Rifl< ; residence, Winnipeg, Man. Bed River Expe dition, medal and two bars; Fenian Raid, I88(i- 1870; North W^sl Rebellion, medal for L885, and long service medal. Private T. F. Eyde, 2nd Battalion, 60th Rifles; residence, West Kildonan, Man. Red River Expedition, medal and bar. Private Richard Jones, 1st Ontario Rifles; residence, Winnipeg, Man. Red River Ex- pedition, medal and bar. Bugler William J. Keats, 2nd Quebec Rifle-; residence, Toronto, Ont. Red River Expedi- tion, medal and bar. Voyageur Robert Lovell; residence, Portage la Prairie, Man. Fenian Raid, medal and bar, 1866. Sir Hugh John Macdonald, K.C., joined the 14th Rifles at Kingston, Ont., as a private dur- ing the Fenian Raids. In 1867 he entered as private the University Company of the Queen's Own Rifles, and was holding the rank of Ser- geant when he received his commission as En- sign of No. 6 Company, of the 1st Ontario Rifles for the Red River Expedition of 1870. When the rebellion broke out in the North West Ter- ritories in 1885 he went to the front as Lieuten- ant of No. 1 Company, of the 90th Winnipeg Rifles, was present at the battles of Fish Creek and Batoehe, and became Captain in command 146 Rough Times of the Company before he returned. Ho re- ceived medals for the Fenian Raid, of 1866, and Rod River Expedition, of 1870, with two bars, and medal for the North West Rebellion of 1885. Sir Hugh John holds a brilliant record as a public servant. He was elected M.P. for Winnipeg in 1881 and served for three sessions in the House of Commons. The work was not congenial and he resigned. In 1896 he accepted the portfolio of the Department of the Interior under Sir Charles Tupper, and served while Sir Charles continued in office. The follow- ing year he was unseated on petition and dropped Dominion politics to become the leader of the Conservative party in Manitoba. In the general elections of 1899 he defeated the Hon. Thomas Greenway's government and be- came Premier of Manitoba, holding office for one year. He resigned to unsuccessfully con- test Brandon for a Dominion seat against Sir Clifford Sifton, after which he abandon- ed political life, and is now Police Magistrate for the City of Winnipeg. His legal knowledge and training eminently fits him for this office and the public place full confidence in his judg- ment. Strong government influence was brought to beai- on Sir Hugh John Macdonald to succeed Sir John Christian Schultz, as Lieutenant-Gov- ernor of Manitoba, but Sir Hugh John absolute- ly declined the office. Private Edward Machon, 2nd Quebec "Rifles; residence, Duluth, Minn. Red River Expedi- tion, medal and bar. Rough Timi i 47 Corporal Allan Mann, I si Ontario Rifles; residence, Middlechurch, Man. Bed River I pedition, medal and bar. Private Mall Ormiston, 2nd Quebec Rifles; residence, St. Andrews, Man. Red River Ex- pedition, medal and bar. Sir Daniel McMillan received his commission in the 1st Ontario Rifles as Captain of No. 4 Company. Under him served Lieutenant Wil- liam Kennedy and Ensign Stewart Mulvey, both of them deceased. Before his lamented death, Lieutenant Kennedy became a distin- guished officer, and was Lieutenant-Colonel in command of the Canadian Yoyageurs on the Nile, again under their old Commander in Chief, Lord Wolseley, for the relief of General Gor- don at Khartoum, in the Egyptian Campaign. Ensign Mulvey was elected member for Morris in 1896 and served on the Board of Education in Winnipeg for eleven years. Sir Daniel Mc- Millan has made a splendid record in Manitoba. He was a member of the Legislature represent- ing Centre Winnipeg from 1890 to 1899, and held the portfolio of Provincial Treasurer under the Greenway government. In 1900 he was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Mani- toba and retired in 1911, after serving about a year over two terms. Sir Daniel began his military career in 1861 in a pro- visional battalion at Xiagara, with the rank 148 Rough Times of corporal. In L866 he was at Port Colborne and Fori Erie with the rank of Sergeant-Major. In 1870 ho joined the Rod River Expodition as stated. In 1885 lio again saw active service in the North West Field Force as Major of the 95th Battalion, and retired as Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment. Sir Daniel holds two medals and two bars. Private Auguste Mills, 1st Ontario Rifles; residence, Winnipeg", Man. Deputy Prothono- tary Manitoba Law Courts. Red River Expe- dition, medal and bar. Private William Mills, 1st Ontario Rifles; residence, Emerson, Man. Customs officer. Red River Expedition, medal and bar. Private James A. Montgomery, 1st Ontario Rifles; residence, Breslan, Ont. Red River Ex- pedition, medal and bar. Private J. F. Xeilson, 1st Ontario Rifles; residence, Prince Albert, Sask. Red River Ex- pedition, medal and bar. Comrade W. A. Shepard joined the Red River Expedition as private in No. 6 Company of the 1st Ontario Rifles. His first active mili- tary service was in the Fenian Raid of 1866 and he holds a medal for the campaigns of 186()-70, with two bars. In private life he is the business manager for the Army and Navy Veterans' LIEUT. -COL. HERBERT SWIXFORD General Manager for the X.P. Railway, Vancouver, B.C. North West Field Force, 1885 — Sergeant No. 1 Company 1st Ontario Rifles, Red River Expedition, 1870. 149 Rough Timi 151 units in Winnipeg, and also conducts a publicity agency. He organized patriotic work during the years of the Greal War with rare ability. No just den muds on his time or labor were turn- ed down. In L915-1916 he was Chairman of the Relief Committee for the Returned Soldiers' As sociation. In 1!)17 First Vlce-Presidenl of the Army and Navy Veterans in Canada. Consti- tutionally a strong man, he accomplishes a rasl amount of work for Veterans in need of help. It docs not matter to Comrade Shepard to what or- ganization a Veteran belongs, when the call is made to adjust a grievance, a veteran is *\\n> of sympathy and aid. Private J. Small, 2nd Battalion, 60th Rifles; residence, Teulon, Man. Red River Expedition medal and bar. Lieuteiiant-Coloiiel Herbert Swinford, Ser- geant No. 1 Company, 1st Ontario Rifles; resi- dence, Vancouver, B.C. Red River Expedition, medal and bar; North West Rebellion, 1885, medal. He was transportation officer to the North West Field Force, rendered splendid ser- vice, and was frequently mentioned in despatch- es. He had a son killed during the engagement at Fish Creek. Lieutenant-Colonel Swinford has distinguished himself in civil life. He holds the important position of general manager for the Northern Pacific Railroad, with headquar- ters in Vancouver, B.C. 132 Rough Times Private J. D. Taylor, 1st Ontario Rifles; residence, Delevan, 111. Red River Expedition, medal and bar. Bugler Joseph F. Tennant, 1st Ontario Rifles; residence, Winnipeg, Man. Fenian Raid, 1866; Red River Expedition of 1870, medal and two bars. Customs officer. Private Roger Tuson, 1st Ontario Rifles; residence, Vancouver, B.C. Red River Expe- dition, medal and bar. Great War service. Private Joe Tuson, 1st Ontario Rifles; resi- dence, Vancouver, B.C. Red River Expedition, medal and bar. Great War service. Voyageur William M. Vidal; residence, Woodlands, Man. Fenian Raid, medal and bar, 1866. Private W. S. Volume, 1st Ontario Rifles; residence, Winnipeg, Man. Red River Expe- dition, medal and bar. Comrade W. S. Volume is a familiar figure at Veterans' Associations in t he city, and is in the service of the C.P.R. Mrs. W. S. Volume, a prominent member of the Daughters of the Empire, is devoted to patriotic work. Private Robert Woods, 1st Ontario Rifles; residence, Vancouver, 15. C. Red River Expe- dition, medal and bar. Roi OH Timi 153 The foregoing does not claim to be a com pleted lisl of the survivors of the Bed River I pedition. The records are kepi opec for omi 3 sions. The old boys are scattered far and wide, but few <>r them are Lefl t<> celebrate today the anniversary of the arrival of the Red River i pedition ;it Fori ( l-arry in L870. CHAPTER XL HISTORICAL LAND MARKS — MASSACRE OF FATHER AULNEAU, DE LA VERENDRYE AND 19 FRENCHMEN BY LAKE OF THE WOODS INDIANS — MONUMENT TO LORD SELKIRK — SEVEN OAKS SITE. It is a matter of regret that Western Cana- dians are so careless about historical land marks. For instances many Winnipeg citizens unknowingly pass by the old sites of Fort Rouge, Fort Gibraltar and Fort Douglas. Yet they were important in pioneer days, and arc located within the city limits. Scattered throughout the Western provinces are many such places that can only be traced by memory or from records. Few can point to the spot where the Hudson's Bay Post on the Interna- tional Boundary Line, called Fort North Pem- bina, was located. This historical ground is in the town of Emerson. There are many places prominent in the history of the past and of interest to future generations almost for- gotten owing to the indifference of our people. True, some of the old settlers have taken action to commemorate a few events, such as the Battle of Seven Oaks (by a monument erected just north of the City of Winnipeg) and tin4 enforced return to Ottawa of Governor McDougall in 1870 (by a Barrier Cross on the Pembina High- wax-, near St. Norbert) but these efforts, while praiseworthy, only mark a beginning. Roi oh Timi 155 In this respect the action of the Hudson's Bay Company iu present ing the North Gate and battlements of old Fori Garry to the City of Winnipeg is worthy of the highest commenda lion. These historic grounds containing all thai remains to remind ns of what was once the centra] trading posl of the greal North Wesl Territories, have been turned into a small park which is much appreciated by both citizens and strangers. In this delightful resting place the visitor is forcefully reminded of the infant days of the West and of the deeds of the brave, hardy adventurers who erected frontier posts and broke a trail into a wilderness then belonging entirely to roving bands of Indians. It fur- nishes inspiration to both the old and the young. To the former the contemplation of this monu- ment recalls days of effort and successful ac- complishment while it kindles iu the latter a desire to prove worthy of these dauntless men and their ideals of citizenship. Iu this respect also, an example worthy of emulation by wider circles has been given by the Historical Society of St. Boniface. The zeal and perseverance displayed by this select body has been crowned by the most signal success in clearing up disputed points in the early history of the Canadian West. Their most notable achievement, however, was undoubtedly the dis- covery, in August 1908, (after three fruitless expeditions) of the site of Fort St. Charles, built by the great explorer, the Sieur de la Verendrye. 156 Rough Times in 1 732, and the finding of the remains of his son, •lean Baptiste La Verendryc, Father Aulneau and 1!) French Canadian voyageurs massacred by Indians in June 1736. In the Bulletin published by this Society these events are very vividly described by His Honor Judge Prud'homme. The party, led by young La Verendrye had left Fort St. Charles, on the mainland of the southwest angle of the Lake of the Woods for the Red River. They camped on an island, since known as Massacre Island, the first night after leaving the Fort, when they were sur- prised by a band of marauding Sioux Indians and massacred to the last man. Their remains were seemed and buried at Fort St. Charles by the explorer. For nearly two centuries they rested here until they were discovered and transferred to the chapel of St. Boniface College by the Society. Suitable memorial crosses have been elected on Massacre Island as well as on the Site of Fort St. Charles. The following news item also records fur- ther progress in the right direction: GOVERNMENT MAY GET SEVEN OAKS SITE That the Seven Oaks monument and proper- ty marking the site of a famous Indian battle ground, will be transferred to the Dominion Government, providing the federal authorities Rouoh Timi 157 will undertake to erect a monument to Lord Selkirk, was announced by R. 8. Henderson, president of the Lord Selkirk Settlers5 Associ ation. Seven Oaks property is located west of EQldonan, north of the city limits, and adjacent to the [nkster property. The Dominion War Memorials association has asked thai tin* property be turned over to the Government, in connection with the main- taining of historic sites. Mr. Henderson stated that should the Government not agree to erect the monument, the association will hold the property, and at some future dale undertake t lie erection of a monument to Lord Selkirk. CHAPTER XII. WINNIPEG VETERAN ASSOCIATIONS — TENTING TONIGHT ON THE OLD CAMP GROUNDS. ARMY AND NAVY VETERANS IN CANADA Incorporated Dominion and Provincial Charters Motto: " Shoulder to Shoulder." Honorary Patrons : *j Their Majesties the King and Queen H.R.H. the Prince of Wales H.R.IL the Duke of Connaught His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, Governor-General Major General Sir Sam Hughes Officers : 1920 Dominion President — W. J. Tnpper, K.C., Win- nipeg, Man. First Vice-President — A. J. McCausland, To- ronto, Can. Second Vice-President — George C. Cook, Hali- fax, x.s. Third Vice-President — William Gordon, Mont- real, Que. Secretary-Treasurer — K. Chrystal Irving, Win- nipeg, Man. COMMANDER GEO. C. COOK Royal Navy, Halifax, Nova Scotia — 2nd Vice-President of the Army and Navy Veterans in Canada, 1920. 159 Rough Timi • 161 I dominion Execul Lve: ( !, II. ( Iross, Mont real, Que, Allan W. DiiiTus, Balifax, N.s. J, (l. Evans, Kingston, < tail . J, 1 1. I [olman, Winnipeg, Man, A. ( !. Stewart, Xorkton, Sask. K. (;. Taylor, K.C., Portage La Prairie, Man. Joseph M. Tees, Calgary, Alfa, .J. II. Soung, Victoria, B.C. Of fie e r s a n d E \ e cuti v e C <> u noil of t li e Winnipeg Uni t, A. & \. Y. i n C a i) a (1 a Past Presidents: Sir Hugh John Macdonald, K.C. George F. Carruthers, John Hay, D.C.M. Charles Midwinter, W. J. Tupper, K.C. Officers 1920: President — J. H. Holman, First Vice-President — E. Browne-Wilkinson. Second Vice-President — James Lightfoot. Secretary-Manager — W. A. Sheperd. Treasurer — H. Chrystal Irving. Executive Council: Frank Hardistry, J. L. Mills, A. Gr. Hunt, Thomas Morgan, P. Chrystal Irving, J S. Patrick, W. S. Johnson, C. C. Stewart, 162 Rough Times M. Jones, J. F. Tennant, E. W. Low, F. G. Wheeler, \Y. J. Meacham, Jos. Mills. Auditors — W. A. Henderson & Co. Solicitor — E. Brown-Wilkinson. M embers of the Ladies' Executive : President — Mrs. Kemp Richardson. First Vice-President — Mrs. E. Wasdell. second Vice-President — Mrs. W. H. Nesbitt. Secretary — Mrs. Wilton Dart. Treasurer — Mrs. G. G. Moore. Finaneial-Seeretarv — Miss Kathleen Smith. The Great War Veterans' Association (Incorporated by Dominion Charter.) London Block, Winnipeg, Man. 1920 The Executive Council for the period named, is as follows: President — Comrade A. E. Moore. Vice-President — Comrade D. Sinclair. Second Vice-President — Comrade T. Leevers. Members: Comrade P. G. Burner, Comrade G. s. Walter, Comrade C. W. Marshall, Com- rade W. E. Home, Comrade C. E. Berry, Com- rade H. K. Parker, Comrade B. Haigh, Comrade (;. Boorman, Comrade W. H. Hamilton, Com- rade I). MeHierson, Comrade J. O. Callede, Comrade W. Jenkinson, Comrade J. Pearce, kniMi Timi 163 Comrade J. V\ Johnson, Comrade M. lounger, Comrade E. II. Leighton, Comrade J. A. Brown, Comrade T. I). Barris, Comrade T. Coslik. o. tostbotty, Secrfeary-Treasureri The I in ]> e r i a I Vet <> ?• a q b o f C a n a (I a (Incorporated*) 1920 Manitoba Command Affiliated with the National Federation of Discharged and Demobilized Sailors and Sol- diers of Great Britain. Chambers of Commerce, Winnipeg, Manitoba. President— W. J. Iball. Vice-President — F. Hilson. Second Vice-President — R. W. Ross. Secretary-Treasurer — W. Templar. Executive Council: W. J. Iball, H. MacRae, F. Hilson, P. Cafferty, N. Templer, W. Vince, A. E. Russell, H. C. D. Briercliffe, S. H. Woodhoad, P. T. McCoy, C. H. K Woollett, R. W. Ross. 164 Rough Times G r a n d A r m y o f U n i t e d Veterans 1920 "Unity is Strength/' "We will not break faith. " Board of Trade Building, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Manitoba Provincial Headquarters Executive : President — L. L. Spalding. First Vice-President — T. Gibson. Second Vice-President — W. B. Hutchison. Secretary — H. F. King. Treasurer — C. E. Weller. Directors: J. Patterson, P. Caiferty, J. Cole, S. More, J. P. Rattray, T. Morrison, P. F. El- verd. Assistant-Secretary — John F. Hurley. Tvler — Comrade Stevenson. %j J. Harry Flynn, Dominion Organizer. TENTING TONIGHT We're tenting tonight on the old camp ground; Give us a song to cheer Our weary hearts, a song of home And friends we love so dear. Chorus — Many are the hearts that are weary tonight, Wishing for the war to cease. Many are the hearts looking for the right, To see the dawn of peace. Tenting tonight, tenting tonight, Tenting on the old cam]) ground. Rough Timi 168 WVve been tenting tonighl on the old camp ground, Thinking of days gone by, Of the loved ones al borne thai gave us the hand And the tear thai Baid good-bye, — Chorus, We are tired of war on the old camp grounds, Many arc dead and gone Of the brave and true who've left their homes; Others have been wounded Long. — Chorus. WVve been fighting today on the old eamp ground ; Many are lying near. Some are dead and some are dying — Many are in tears. Chorus — Many are the hearts that are weary tonight. Wishing the war to cease; Many are the hearts looking for the right To see the dawn of peace. Dying tonight, dying tonight; Dying on the old camp ground. PART II. PART TWO CHAPTEB I. MANITOBA'S POPULATION IN 1870 — THE POSTAGE STAMP PROVINCE — BOUNDARIES EXTENDED TO THE SEA COAST — FIRST PROVINCIAL ELECTIONS — BOYD- CLARKE GOVERNMENT — PARLIAMENT BUILDIXCS BURNED DOWN GIRARD GOVERNMENT — DAVIS ROYAL GOVERNMENT — NORQUAY GOVERNMENT — DEATH OF THE HON. JOHN NORQUAY — HARRISON GOVERNMENT — GREENWAY GOVERNMENT — THE HON. JOS. MARTIN — MACDONALD GOVERNMENT — ROBLIN GOVERNMENT — NORRIS GOVERNMENT — ELECTIONS OF 1920. Manitoba in 1870 had a population of about 12,000. The Metis or French half-breeds num- bered 10,000, but scattered among them are many Scotch and English of mixed blood. On entering Confederation the Province contained only 13,500 square miles and was known as the Postage Stamp Province. Since then the bound- aries have been extended twice, and Manitoba now has an ocean port on Hudson's Bay. The prospects are unlimited for developing marine trade from provincial sea-ports at Xelson, Churchill, and other harbors on the Hudson's Bay. 170 Rough Times The first provincial elections were held in December, 1870, and the first Cabinet was formed by — Hon. Alfred Boyd, Minister of Public Works and Premier. Hon. M. A. Girard, Provincial Treasurer. Hon. H. J. Clarke, Attorney-General. Hon. James McKay, President of the Council. Hon. Thomas Howard, Provincial Secretary. The Hon. Mr. Bovd retired a vear later and was succeeded by the Hon. John Xorquay. In March, 1872, the Hon. M. A. Girard resigned, and the Hon. Joseph Royal became Provincial Secretarv. The building' occupied by the members of the first Provincial Parliament was the Banna- tync residence situated on the east side of Main Street, between McDermott and Bannatvne. It was a commodious, well-built frame and log building, located in avcII kept grounds, afford- ing convenient office rooms suitable for the time, and was destroyed by fire in 1873. In July, 1874, the Hon. M. A. Girard formed a new Government, taking the office of Provin- cial Secretary and Premier, with — Hon. Joseph Dubuc, Attorney General. Hon. R. A. Davis, Provincial Treasurer. Hon. E. II. (1 (J. Hay, Minister of Public Works and Agriculture, Hon. P. Ogletree, no portfolio. ROUQH TlMI 171 rriiis ( i<>\ eminent retained oilier only ftve months, when the lion. P. A. Davis was called upon to form a ( )o\ eminent in December, L874, and he held office till October, L878, with the following cabinet : lion. P. A. Davis, Premier and Provincial Treasurer. lion. Joseph Royal, Provincial Secretary. Hon. Colin Inkster, President of the Council Hon. Jos. Xorquay, Minister of Public Works. Hon. James ^lcKay, Minister of Agriculture. The next administration was farmed October. 1878, with— Hon. John Xorquay, Premier and Provincial Treasurer. Hon. Joseph Royal, Minister of Public Works. Hon. D. M. Walker, Attorney-General. Hon. C. P. Brown, Provincial Secretary. Hon. Pierre Delorme, President of the Council and Minister of Agriculture. Many changes took place in this ministry during its term of office. The Hon. Joseph Royal resigned in 1879 to give w^ay to the Hon. S. C. Biggs, w^ho later resigned and was replaced by the Hon. M. A. Girard. The Hon. John Tay- lor succeeded the Hon. P. Delorme. In 1880 the Hon. Mr. Goulet took office as Minister of Agriculture and retired in 1881. The office of Provincial Secretary passed at the same time to the Hon. A. A. C. Lariviere. The Hon. M. A. Girard retired from the Government in January, 172 Rough Times 1883. This caused more shifts. The Hon. A. M. Sutherland became Provincial Secretary. Owing to the retirement of the Hon. Judge Wal- ker to a judgeship, Mr . Sutherland was act- ing as Attorney-General. The Hon. J. A. Miller received office in September, 1883, as At- torney-General, and held it until his resignation in December, 1884. The Hon. A. M. Sutherland died in March, 1884, and the Hon. D. H. Wilson became Provincial Secretary. In February, 1885, the Hon. C. E. Hamilton was appointed Attorney-General and the Hon. Dr. Harrison was sworn in Minister of Agriculture in August, 1886. The Hon. John Norquay, a native son of mixed blood, was a man of far more than aver- age ability. No one took a more patriotic stand for Provincial Rights. Unfortunately he had strong interests working against him at Ottawa, although in Ottawa as well as Winnipeg, Lib- eral-Conservative governments were in power. It was then the policy of the C.P.R. to prevent the intrusion of other railroads, and apparently for a time they triumphed over the Hon. John Norquay, the champion of Provincial Rights. His apparent failure to carry his railway policy to a successful conclusion caused great resent- ment among the people of the Province, al- though he was universally loved and respected. I lis death in 1889 was a great loss to Manitoba. The Harrison government formed to tide over the crisis when the Hon. John Norquay re- Rough Timi 173 signed <>n December 24th, L887, failed to Becure the confidence of i li<' electors. The Hon. Joseph Burke, who was appointed Provincial Secretary, suffered defeal in the St. Francis Xavier elec lion and presaged the downfall of the weak Harrison administration. They resigned Janu- ary 19th, L888, having held office for less than one nionl h. The Greenway Government look- office Jan- uary 19th, L888, as follows: Hon. Thomas Greenway, Premier, President of Council and Minister of Agriculture and Immigration. Hon. Joseph Martin, Attorney-General, Land Commissioner and Railway Commis- sioner. Hon. James A. Smart, Minister of Public "Works and Municipal Commissioner. Hon. Lvman Jones, Provincial Treasurer. Hon. James E. P. Prendergast, Provincial Sec- retary. As Attorney-General, the Hon. Mr. Martin was succeeded by the Hon. Clifford Sifton (af- terwards Sir Clifford), on May 4, 1891, and he was succeeded on November 17, 1896, by the Hon. J. D. Cameron. As Minister of Public Works, the Hon. Mr. Smart, was, on May 26, 1892, succeeded by the Hon. Robert Watson. 1 M Rough Times As Provincial Treasurer, the Hon. Mr. Jones was, on May 9, 1889, succeeded by the Hon. Daniel McMillan, (afterwards Si* Daniel.) As Provincial Secretary, the Hon. Mr. Pren- dergasl was succeeded on Sept. 5, 1889, by the Hon. I). McLean, who was succeded on January in, 1893, by the Hon. J. D. Cameron, who was succeeded on November 27, 1896, by the Hon. C. J. Mickle. As Land Commissioner, the Hon. Mr. Martin was succeeded May 15, 1891, by the Hon. Mr. Sifton, who was succeeded Oct. 7, 1895, by the Hon. Mr. McMillan. Municipal Commissioner, the Hon. Mr. Smart was succeeded by the Hon. Mr. Cameron, January 13, 1893. The Hon. Joseph Martin, the clever Attor- ney-General in the Greenway administration, may be considered a stormy petrel in politics, either Provincial, Dominion or Imperial. When not serving his country with distinction, he advertises his jxresence in parliament as a radi- cal of radicals. He has been a member several times of the Provincial, Dominion and Imperial Parliaments during his career. In the General Elections of 1889 the party led by the Hon. Hugh John Macdonald defeat- ed the Greenway Government. The Macdonald Government took office January 8, 1900, as follows: Rough Timj The I Ion. (afterwards Sir) Eugh John Mac donald, Premier, Presidenl of Council, Attorney General, Railway Commission- er, Land Commissioner and Municipal ( lommissioner. The Hon, John A. Davidson, Provincial Trea- surer and Minister of Agriculture and [mmigral ion. The Hon. I). II. McFadden, Minister of Public Works and Provincial Secretary, The Hon. Hugh John Macdonald, after holding office for one year, resigned the premier- ship to enter Dominion politics, and was suc- ceeded by the Hon. R. P. Roblin. The Roblin Government took office October 20, 1900, as follows: The Hon. (later Sir) R. P. Roblin, Premier, President of Council, Railway Commis sioner and Land Commissioner. The Hon. Colin H. Campbell, Attorney-General and Municipal Commissioner. The Hon. Robert Rogers, Minister of Public- Works. The Hon. John A. Davidson, Provincial Trea- surer and Minister of Agriculture and Immigration. The Hon. D. H. McFadden, Provincial Secre- tary. On the death of the Hon. Mr. Davidson, the Hon. J. H. Agnew became Provincial 176 Rough Times Treasurer on March 1, 1904; and on Mr. Agnew's death the Hon. Hugh Arm- strong succeeded Xov. 19, 1908. The Hon. Mr. Roblin became Minister of Agri- cutlure December 20, 1900. The Hon. S. \Y. Mclnnis became Municipal Commissioner March 16, 1907, and was succeeded in that office by the Hon. George R. Coldwell, Nov. 14, 1907. The Hon. Mr. Coldwell became Minister of Edu- cation, March 5, 1908. The Hon. J. H. Howden became Minister of Telephones and Telegraph March 5, 1908. The Hon. S. W. Mclnnis became Provincial Sec- retary June 29, 1907, and was succeeded November 14, 1907, by the Hon. Mr. Coldwell, who was succeeded November 10, 1908, by the Hon. Mr. Howden, who was succeeded October 11, 1911, by the Hon. Mr. Roblin, who was succeeded as Provincial Treasurer on April 16, 1913, by the Hon. Joseph Bernier. The Hon. Robert Rogers resigned the Minister- ship of Public Works on October 11, 1911, and was succeeded by the Hon. Colin H. Campbell, who was succeeded in that Ministership by the Hon. Dr. Montague on October 23, 1913. The Hon. Mr. Camp- bell had resigned the Attorney-General- ship on October 11, 1911, and on that day Hon. J. IT. Howden succeeded him as Attorney-General. Rough Timi i 77 On October 1 1, L91 i, the I [on. George Lawrence was made Minister of Agriculture and I mmigral Ion. The NTorris Governmenl look office May 24, L916, as follows: The lion. T. C. Norris, Premier, Presided of Council, Provincial Lands Commissioner and Raliway Commissioner. The Hon. Thomas II. Johnson, Minister of Pub- lic Works. The Hon. A. B. Hudson, Attorney-General and Minister of Telephones and Telegraphs. The Hon. Edward Brown, Provincial Treasurer. The Hon. Dr. R. S. Thornton, Minister of Edu- cation. The Hon. Valentine Winkler, Minister of Agri- culture and Immigration. The Hon. J. W. Armstrong, Provincial Secre- tary. The Hon. A. B. Hudson, resigned as Attorney- General and Minister of Telephones and Telegraphs on November 10, 1917, and was succeeded by the Hon. Thomas H. Johnson. The Hon. George A. Grierson succeeded as Minister of Public Works on November 10, 1917. 178 Koigh Times The Hon. Valentine Winkler died .June 7, 1.920. The Hon. Gh TT. Malcolm succeeded as Minister of Agriculture September 15, 1920. The Genera] Elections for the Province, hold in June, L920, resulted in the return of the Nor- ris Government with a reduced majority. CHAPTER II. INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY COMMISSION DUFFER1N BARRACKS CAPT. CAMBRON CAPT. FEATHER STONEHAUGH CAPT. HERCHMER PORT BENTON — COTTON M. ALMON GRASSHOPPER PLAGUE — THE QUEEN OF THE ROSEAU DACOTAH STAR - EMERSON COLONY CARNEY, FAIRBANKS AND HUTCHESON CUSTOMS COLLECTOR BRADLEY — WEST LYNNE - I UJNCAN MATf I ESON- POST MASTER LEWIS - FERRIES - HOMESTEADS FORT NORTH PEMBINA AND FORT PEMBINA ABANDONED — COR- DON'S KIDNAPPING AND DEATH - - ATTORNEY GENE- RAL H. J. CLARKE 49th PARALLEL BOUNDARY POSTS - R. N. W. M. POLICE — J. E. TETU, IMMIGRA- TION AGENT. In 1882 the International Boundary Commis- sion began the erection of the depot headquar- ters for the survey of the 49th parallel, from the northwest angle of the Lake of the Woods, to the "Line/' established years previous in British Columbia. A site was chosen for the depot buildings less than two miles from the Hudson's Bay Post, called Dufferin, after the Earl of Dufferin, at that time Governor-General of Canada. Some time after the arrival of the Boundary Commission, the troops in garrison at Fort North Pembina, now under Captain Constan- tine, left for Fort Garry, and the old fort was never again occupied by soldiers. Captain Constantine later joined the R.X.W.M. Police. 180 Rough Times Captain Cameron of the Royal Artillery was appointed Commissioner in command of the British Survey party. lie accompanied the Hon. William McDougall, when McDougall at- tempted to enter the country in 18(>9. Captain Featherstonhaugh, of the Royal Engineers, was chief of the Astronomical and Scientific branch. A more capable man could not have been chosen. A staff of competent officers and a company of the Royal Engineers were with him. The Com- missary and Transportation departments came under Captain Lawrence Herchmer, the right man to overcome obstacles in breaking a new trail. Later he saw service in South Africa, and rose to be commissioner of the R.N.W.M. Police. The British Survey party had no con- venient transportation routes available like the Americans, with the Mississippi and the Mis- souri rivers at their service, and Fort Benton in the far west for a depot. On account of In- dian troubles the American Boundary Commis- sion had to be protected by a regiment of United States Infantry and Cavalry detachments. A great many teams of horses and oxen from Dufferin were used for the transportation of supplies to the branch depots established at points on the long trail. They had to keep mov- ing over the road, going and coming all the time. The Government stalled a farm at Dufferin to raise coarse grain for their stock and Mr. Cotton M. Ahnon was appointed manager. He was Rough Timi 181 making a success of it when the grasshopper plague desl royed all prospects. Among the I < > < - ; 1 1 characters who occasionally visited the c<'ini|) at DulTcrin was au aged little squaw known as the Queen of the Roseau In- dians. When she paid her royal visits, the colors of the rainbow faded. The grotesque magnificence of the tinsel decorations of her costumes, when in full dress, is left to the imagi nation; it, as well as her dignified manner of en- tering camp, was above reproach. The Queen was immense in all but stature. Eer presence acknowledged, she would condescend to receive presentations, and visits were made from tent to tent. A young fellow of the Royal Engineers in scarlet uniform, attracted her special attention, and he was pressed into service when the Queen made her grand rounds. As a Queen's favorite he Avon imperishable fame. The pipe of peace was smoked in the tents for the old lady who en- joyed it to her heart's content. A gift of tobac- co set all her plumes nodding, and gained an ex- pression of thanks in broken English with the word "dam" frequently used as an adjective, just to show that her literary attainments had not been neglected when she was of school age. When officers invited her to call on the ladies at the barracks, she gave them to understand the white squaws must first come to her. The Queen of the Roseau was an eccentric old soul with the reputation of being a good herb doctor. 182 Rough Times Dacotah Star, another celebrated dusky maiden of the frontier, hold claims to beauty and a good figure that made her Leader of her set. She was the high kicker that downed the famous Beaupre mules of Winnipeg in 1870. Dacotah Star had many followers who fought royal battles for her favours. With the Boundary Survey in full swing came the advent of the Emerson colony under the auspices of Messrs. Carney and Fairbanks, who were to receive a grant of land for securing a certain number of settlers. The first hotel, in fact, the first building in Emerson was erected by William Hutcheson, in 1873. He and his wife were well known for their generosity to early settlers, and their names are kept in mem- ory by old timers. Hutcheson later put up the " Pioneer's Rest" at Pembina Crossing, now known as La Riviere, and still later he built the first sawmill in the Turtle Mountains at St. John's, North Dakota, south of the Boundary Line. He died in Los Angeles some years ago. His wife, who lived for a few years after his death, died at Churches Perry, North Dakota, in 1913. Previous to these events, F. J. Bradley was appointed Customs Collector, and the name of the old Hudson's Day Post, Fort North Pem- bina, was changed to AYest Lynne. Mr. Lewis was in charge of the post office, and Mr. Dun- can Matheson, of the Hudson's Bay Company succeeded Mi*. Watt. W. P Leslie acted as as- Rouoh Timi |83 sistanl to the ( 'oiled or of Customs and Captain \V. Mill \;ish opened the ftrsl law office aero the river and was elected M.P.P. A ferry boal was placed <>n the river t<> conned Emerson willi Wesl Lynne, and both towns prospered. Soul Ik 'I'D Manitoba attracted man) early settlers from the Boundary Survey, the volun- teers and new arrivals from Eastern Canada coming on steam boats down the Bed River, To clear the Customs, the first steamboat Land- ings had to be made al West Lynne. Then the boats would make a Landing at Emerson on the cast side of the river. The Dominion Gov- ernment opened a land office in Emerson with George Newcombe as agent. Homesteads were entered by many who, to save time and expense, did not want to go to Winnipeg. These home- steads are often found today in possession of the old pioneers or their descendants. The old Hudson's Bay Post, Fort North Pembina, was dismantled in 1880 and sold to the Mennonite community after the Hudson's Bay Company occupied their large new store in West Lynne. In 1895 Fort Pembina, on the American side, was also abandoned as a mili- tary post, and thus two historical land marks, so well known to the hardy frontiersmen and voyageurs on the Red River, ceased to exist, There was no more need for the protection af- forded by them in past days. In the summer of 1873, the Gordon kidnap- ping case aroused indignation. Lord Gordon 184 Rough Times I tordon, as he was called, (a stylish Englishman) had, at New York, cleverly outwitted, in a big business deal, some of the leading financiers of thai state and lefl them embarraassed by his departure to Winnipeg. They conspired to get him back in their power, and the chief of the Minneapolis police undertook to do the job. No Legal way was attempted. Gordon was taken by force near his resi- dence at Deer Lodge, gagged, bound hand and foot, thrown into a rig and rushed over the Pem- bina trail to the border. He suffered cruelly from his cramped position, and from mosquito bites. The Attorney-General, H. J. Clarke, wired Collector of Customs Bradley, at West Lynne to arrest the party and send them back to Winnipeg. Bradley had a well-earned repu- tation for fearlessly upholding the law. On receipt of the message, Bradley armed himself and with a posse went out on the trail to meet them as they were Hearing the line. They met on the trail, with the result that the Bradley party arrested all concerned, released Gordon fnun his bonds, and sent them back under escort t<» Winnipeg. The Gordon affair did not end there. His prosecutors, smarting under their defeat, in- stituted legal proceedings in Canada. In the process <>r serving a warrant on Gordon at his residence in Headingly, August 1st, 1874, he Was permitted to enter his room for a minute. illS^I::;Mlr::ifl?OIII:''' Vllillii THE FRONTIER POSTS The Frontier Posts are placed one mile apart along- the 49th Parallel to designate the Boundary Line between Canada and the United States. 185 Rough Timi 187 and seizing a revolver from the bureau drawer Gordon shot himself, dying Instantly, In Inter years, <'\ Attorney-General Clarke in passing through Minneapolis was assaulted and badly injured by the chief of the Minneapolis police in revenge for his arresl in Manitoba. The fall of 1873 saw the end of the survey of the Internationa] Boundary line. Captain Featherstonehaugh, starting the line of the 49th parallel from the northwest angle of the Lakfl of the Woods, made a straight journey half wax- across the continent to British Columbia, and had the supreme satisfaction of striking to a hair's breadth the stone cairn that marks the International Boundary between the States and British Columbia, set up by himself some years previous. The International Boundary Line is desig- nated by hollow square iron posts or pillars ta- pering towards the top. They stand four feet above ground, and are sunk six feet, with a flat cap or flange at the bottom to hold them firm. An inscription in raised letters bears the legend, "London Convention of 1818, ': and date. On the north side, "British Possessions, " and fac- ing the south, "U.S. Territory/' The Canadian Government placed posts two miles apart. The LTnited States authorities also filled in a similar post every alternate mile. 188 Rough Times The disbandmenl of the [nternational Bound- ary Commission followed, and the company of Royal Engineers with their officers returned east. The buildings at Dufferin were left in the hands of caretakers, stock and stores were sold, and the cattle stables pulled down. A drove of about sixty head of stout riding- and cart ponies were kept to be fed until spring*, in case they could be of service to the R.N.W.M. Police. It was the intention to have the police make Dufferin their temporary headquarters while preparing for their "trek" west, The early summer of 1874 saw the whole force of the R.N.W.M. Police encamped at Dufferin, for the first and last time in the history of the daring Riders of the Plains. Later, Dufferin barracks was used as a depot for immigrants, with Mr. J. E. Tetu as agent. Today, Dufferin with its large buildings has dis- appeared, and the property has passed into the hands of Dr. D. H. McFadden, ex-M.P.P., who resides and farms there. CHAPTER III. LIEUT.-COL. G. A. FRENCH LOWER FORT GARRY THE BIG STAMPEDE INDIAN RAID OFFER OF SERVICE TWO GALLANT OFFICERS UNDER DIFFERENT FLAGS FOLLOWING THE TRAIL RIDERS OF THE PLAINS COL. A. BOWEN PERRY FORTS MACLEOD, WALSH. STEELE AND "WHOOP DP" BUFFALO - THE C.P.R. AND PIE-A-POT. Three troops or divisions of the Royal KTorth West Mounted Police, consisting of about fifty men each, were organized in October, 1873, and stationed at Lower Fort Garry under command of Lieutenant-Colonel George A. French as Commissioner. In the spring of 1874, three more troops were mobilized in Toronto and sent West, through the United States, to join the others now at Dufferin Barracks. They saw for the first time the prairies of the Great North West Territory, where for many years to follow they upheld the supremacy of law and order, and made for the scarlet riders of the plains a record second to that of no other or- ganized force that served the British Empire. The men went into camp with their outfit, the troop horses tied to rope lines strongly staked, or to parked wagons forming a corral around the camp. 190 Rough Times One night a fierce storm arose. It developed into a hurricane. Lightning and thunder in heavy discharges increased the effect. Rain IV! I in torrents and then hail. A few of the hail stones the size of a teacup could be picked up the next day. The gale came from the North- west. A surveyor's camp on the north side of the Marais river was lifted, and all the mate- rial, including the loaded carts, Avas carried to the south bank, a distance of over a mile. Dufferin Camp met with disaster. The storm broke there in all its violence and stam- peded three hundred horses. In great terror they had been straining and plunging till their halters broke and they bolted. Many of them when the stakes gave way, were tied together. Maddened by fear at the fury of the elements that drove them before it, on they went in a mad gallop over the trail to Pembina, N.D. A band of horses rushed over the frail bridge which spanned the Pembina River, about half- way down its banks. The guards on the side of the bridge gave way under the pressure, and sonic of the horses were pushed into the river and more or less disabled. Two or three days elapsed before they were rounded up by Inspector Walker's Party. It was a miracle none of the men were killed on thai awful night, with debris blowing in all directions, wagons turned over, tents thrown down, and the horses blinded with fear rushing through the camp. The men injured remained Rough Times 191 in hospital at Dufferin Barracks long after the force had 1 reked West. One of 1 he last Indian raids east of 1 he Mon tana Line, near the Canadian border, was in the early summer of L874. Colonel French was then at Dufferin preparing his command Cor' (heir great trek across the plains. A small hand of SioilX Indians swept through a gap in the Pembina Mountains, and massacred some mem- bers of a Metis family in the sett lement between St. Joe and Walhalla on the Pembina River, N.T). The Sioux ran off some stock and com- mitted other depredations, making a quick get- away back to the plains. The few scattered American settlers in tear of their lives, with the dread of the Minnesota massacre still fresh in their mem- ory, fled to Fort Pembina, garrisoned by the United States troops under Colonel Wheaten. The alarm spread south along* the Red River, but caused no fear on the Canadian side. At the height of the excitement the R.X.W.M. Po- lice, mounted and armed, crossed the border to Fort Pembina to assist, if necessary, the United States regulars in protecting the settlers from Indian raids. On behalf of the United States txovernment Colonel Wheaton declined the offer * >f Colonel French. Nevertheless it demonstrated the spirit animating the police, always ready for the pro- tection of settlers on either side of the border 192 Rough Times from Redskins, and Whites of bad character. On this occasion it was a special tribute paid by one gallant officer to another, each serving under different flags, Canadians had not for- gotten the Fenian Raid of 1871, and the quick action of Colonel Wheaton with his regiment of United States regulars at that time. Though the R.N.W.M. Police were not needed they inspired confidence to the settlers on both ides of the line. They were soldiers and looked well. A troop of lancers carrying pennants formed part of the array. To see the full force out in their bright scarlet uniforms was a rare sight on the prairies. Following the trail of the Boundary Commis- sion, the R.N.W.M. Police left Dufferin in the summer of 1874, making their trek to the North West Territories. Arriving at the foothills near the Bow and Bellv Rivers the Force was divided «/ and sent to different strategical points in the North West. The story of the police force from now on is not followed in its entirety. Only a few inci- dents will be mentioned. To give the names of and due credit to all the officers and men lies beyond the scope of this book. General George French, the first commissioner, Sir Sam Steele, General Macdonnell, Colonel MacLeod, Walsh, Irvine, Jarvis, the Ilerchmer brothers, Snyder, ( Irozier, Griesbach, Belcher, Moffat, Cotton, Mc- Gibbon, Constant ine, Inspector Jack French, killed in L885 at the Battle of Batoche, Dickens, R01 OH I [Ml 193 Sergeanl Wilde, Wood, Horrigan, Wroughton, Knight, Mclllree, Carvell, Allan, Scarth, Strick land, Starnes, and Colonel Aylesworth Bower Perry, C.M.GK, the lasl commissioner on the force, all these names live ill the annals of the force. Another daring Rider of the Plains was Cap tain E. A. Brisbois. He had military experi- ence before joining the force and was promoted to be Inspector. He built Fori Brisbois on the Bow River, Later the name was changed and it is now the thriving city of Calgary, Alberta. lie left the force in 187f), and was appointed registrar at Minnedosa, Man. lie died some years ago. His wife, Madame Brisbois, resides in Winnipeg. The names of Fort MacLeod, Walsh and Steele serve to commemorate the three gal- lant officers avIio built them. Fort McLeod stands on the site of Fort Whoop Up, a notorious stockade of the early seventies, con- trolled by a gang of bad white border ruffians, who smuggled whiskey into the country from Fort Benton in Montana, on the Missouri River, to trade it to the Indians in open defiance of all law, order and decency. There were other simi- lar stockades among the foothills raising hell in general. All of them were dismantled by the Mounted Police. MacLeod and Walsh added more lustre to their names by their Avatchful vigilance over the 194 Rough Times force of Indians led by Sitting Bull and brought into Canada when the old chief made his escape from the pursuit of the United States troops after the Custer massacre. In 3874 and 1875, buffalo roamed the plains in thousands, and the force were plentifully sup- plied with fresh meat from game of all kinds. In later years the extinction of the buffalo and other wild animals was a severe hardship for the Indian tribes. The survey work of the C.P.R. began in 1881, and for several years after construction work was pushed with vigor. The Indians grew rest- less and added to the many difficulties of the Police Force. Pie-a-Pot, a Cree chief, tried to raise trouble, but was held in check. All along the C.P.R. the Mounted Police added to their fame by upholding the law against strikers or threatened interference from Indians. CHAPTEB LV. MOUNTED POLICE RECORDS INSPECTOB FITZGERALD — CONSTABLES KINNEY, TAYLOR AND CARTER — THK DAWSON TRAIL SUPERINTENDENT SNYDER — CORPORAL DEMPSTER CONSTABLES PYFE, TUR- NER, AND INDIAN CHARLEY HEROIC DEATHS OF FITZGERALD AND PARTY — ALMIGHTY VOICE — SERGT. COLEBROOK SHOT — CAPT. JACK ALLAN — ASST. COMMISSIONER McILREE • COMMISSIONER COL. L. W. HERCHMER -- CHANGE OF NAME TO ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE. Published records of the R.N.W.M. Police in their ordinary course of duty, give many thrill- ing episodes of life on the plains. These two incidents are typical: Inspector Fitzgerald, with three men, Con- stables Kinney, Taylor and Carter, left Fort McPherson on December 21, 1919, expecting to make Dawson (Yukon Territory) about the middle of January. They were all powerful men in splendid condition, and had three trains of dogs. An Indian guide, who was with them part of the way, was released at a certain point from which Carter was supposed to know the way to Dawson. But the winter was deadly cold, the snow was deep and drifting clouds of it obscured every trace of river and trail. The Indian, rejoining his tribe, went on later to Dawson, only to find that the Fitzgerald party had not arrived. Immediately the worst was 196 Rough Times feared, and Superintendent A. E. Snyder, who was in command at Dawson, got a search patrol organized, in charge of Corporal Dempster, who took with him Constables Fyfe and Turner and an Indian, Charles Stewart. The brief order, issued by Superintendent Snyder read in part: 'k Corporal Dempster — You will leave to- morrow morning- for a patrol over the Fort McPherson trail, to locate the whereabouts of Inspector Fitzgerald's party." 'kI cannot give you any specific instructions, You will have to be guided by circumstances and your own judgment, bearing in mind that nothing is to stand in your way until you have got into touch with this party. " This Dempster patrol made the journey in record time, although they had to search the rivers, facing high winds and binding snow storms- They found the bodies of Fitzgerald and his three men, and from Fitzgerald's diary gathered the facts. Despite Carter's knowledge of the country, the conditions had made the route impossible. They might have returned to Fort McPherson, but the police tradition was to go ahead according to orders. For some five or six days they held on, killing and eating their dnus and even the leathers of the sleds till all hope <>f finding the trail to Dawson was gone. Then Fitzgerald decided to try to get back to Fori McPherson with his men, but cold and starvation were too heavy odds, and the four Rough Timi 197 bodies were found not very fur apart, bUtzger aid apparently did all he COllld for the other , TheD w hen they perished he laid out their bodi crossing their hands and covering their face before he staggered <>n a little farther himself. Me was found dead with his diary and the mail under his body protecting it from being lost. At the last he had made his will and put it in his pocket. The will was written with a charcoal stick, and read: "All money in despatch bag, hank, clothes, etc., I Leave to my dearly beloved mother, M rs. John Fitzgerald, Halifax. God bless all." Inspector Sanders, of Athabasca Landing, who had a report from Corporal Somers, sent a communication to Commissioner Perry, at Re- gina, in which these fine sentences occur: "It would appear that Inspector Fitzger- ald was the last to succumb, and that he and Carter would probably have made Fort Mc- pherson had thev not heroically stood bv their «/ «/ «/ stricken and weaker companions. "The pathetic attention evidently paid bv Inspector Fitzgerald to his dead companions was in keeping- with his brave and manly character." When Commissioner Perry sent a full report to Ottawa he said: "Their loss has been felt most keenly by everv member of the force, but we cannot but feel a thrill of pride at the endeavor they made 198 Rough Times to carry out their duty. I cannot express it better than in the following extract from a letter addressed to me by His Honor the Lieu- tenant-Governor of Saskatchewan: ' While the even! brings deepest sadness to all, we feel that an event such as this gives greater lustre and enduring remembrance to the splendid force/ " Corporal Dempster and his companions made the trip in search of the lost patrol in record time, but they came back to Dawson gaunt and haggard after the hard and mourn- ful journey which had been such a strain. They had taken the bodies of their comrades to Port McPherson, where funeral services were held by the Rev. C. E. Whitaker, of the Church of England. A memorial service was also held in Dawson, during which Governor Alexander Henderson, of the Yukon said: "They have not fallen in the glorious shock of battle, they did not die in a gallant charge, but none the less, they all died nobly in the discharge of their duty and in the service of their country.'1 Corporal I Dempster, on his return to Dawson, made a very clear report of the facts to Superin- tendent Snyder, and said: "In conclusion, I wish to draw your atten- tion to the splendid manner in which Con- stable Vy\'(\ ex-Constable Turner and Indian Stewarl performed their work." Rough Timi r<(> And then Dempster goes on to say in thai unaffected style in which these men write their reports: "The regular Herschel] [sland Fori Mc PhersoE mail for Dawson, carried by the Fitz- gerald patrol, has been found secure and in- tact under Inspector Fitzgerald's body, and same has been duly delivered/ CASE OF ALMIGHTY VOICE dp in the Prince Albert district, near Kinis- tino, Sergeant Colebrook, another gallanl man, was shot while taking a notorious Indian named Almighty Voice, whom he had once before ar- rested for cattle stealing. As in the case of Sergeant Wilde, Colebrook could have shot the Indian, but they were out, as Colebrook said to his interpreter, to arrest and not to kill. Al- mighty Voice defiantly raised his rifle and warn- ed Colebrook not to approach, but no Mounted Policeman ever halted at the order of an armed outlaw. Colebrook continued to advance, and received a fatal bullet through the heart. Cole- brook's interpreter, who was not a member of the force, rushed to the nearest police quarters for assistance and weeks were spent in a vain hunt for the outlaw. But the police never let go, and when in May of the next year word reached Prince Albert barracks that Almighty Voice had turned up and shot a half-breed in the Minnichenas Hills, Captain "Jack" Allen, with a small detachment, took the trail and 200 Rough Times travelling all night, located the murderer and two other Indians in a bluff and closed in on t hem. The Indians were well armed and fought from cover, "like rats in a hole, against the Policemen, who were in the open. Allen, lead- ing in a reconnoitre, dropped from his horse with a bullet in the shoulder, and as he lay in the grass, the outlaw called "throw me your cart- ridge belt or I will kill you." "Never," said Allen. Sergeant Raven was also wounded and in an attempt to rush the bluff, Corporal Hoskin, ( instable Kerr and a civilian, Mr. Grundy, were killed. Next day Superintendent Q-agnon, with more men, came from Prince Albert and sur- rounded the bluff, in order to prevent the escape of the Indians. Then a detachment from Re- tina, under Assistant Commissioner Mcllree, came with a nine-pounder. The bluff was shell- ed by the two guns and Mcllree, leading a rush, found the outlaws dead. The Indians, and law- breakers generally, who found that after months of hunting the defiant murderer had been dealt with, once more recognized the futility of fight- ing the police and subsided into a more whole- some respect for the law. The following sketch of Colonel L. W. Herch- mer's career uives an Lnsighl into the character of the men in whose steps he followed, and he, i'1 his turn, served as a model to Ins successors. All of them were of greal force of character and endowed with a strict sense of duty. They I A %1| i 1 A 1 COLONEL LAWRENCE WILLIAM HERCHMER International Boundary Commission, 1S72-73 — Indian Agencies. 1878-85 — Commissioner R.N.W.M. Police, 1SS6-1900 — South Africa, 1900-1902. 201 Rough Timi 203 hewed straighl to the line regardless of where the chips might fall, bul with ;i full sense of justice and iinderstajiding of the [ndian'e nature and training, they never soughl to lake advantage of him. Laurence William Herchmer, who was Com missioner of the Royal North West Mounted Police from L886to L900- -fifteen years— was the son of the Rev, William MacAuley Herchmer, M.A., (Queen's College, Oxford), of Kingston, Ontario. He came of Tinted Empire Loyalist stock and may be fittingly described as one of our Empire builders. In practically all the im- portant stops taken towards the development of what are now the magnificent provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, the late Commissioner Herchmer was an important fac- tor, both in an advisory capacity and as an ex- ecutive head. Intimately associated with, and a life -long friend of both the late Hon. Sir John A. Macdonald and the late Sir Richard Cart- wright — who although opposed politically, shared the same high ambitions for Canada's advancement — he was honored with the trust and confidence of both. Gazetted Ensign in Her Majesty's 46th Reg. in 1858, he was stationed in Ireland, serving later with that regiment in India and afterwards returned to Canada. In 1872 he was appointed Commissary of the British North America Boundary Commission, 204 Rough Times his services in this commission earning for him the thanks of the Imperial and Dominion Gov- ernment-. He became Indian Agent in 1878, and Inspec- tor of Indian Agencies in 1885. In that posi- tion his strong personal influence proved of the greatest assistance in pacifying the Indian tribes and keeping them from actively partici- pating in the Riel rebellion, which took place in the latter year. His reputation for sterling honesty and kind, but firm diplomacy, com- manded the confidence of the chiefs to a very marked extent, and his advice and persuasion were largely instrumental in preventing what narrowly escaped being a most disastrous up- rising. Later he served as Rebel Loss Com- missioner. In 1880 he was specially selected by Sir John A. Macdonald to bring the Royal North West Mounted Police to a state of still greater efficiency. His intimate knowledge of the re- quirements of the country and its inhabitants, both white and red, supplemented by his great ability as an organizer, resulted in that world renowed force being brought up to the high standard of efficiency which has earned its reputation. During the period lip to 1900, while immigration composed of all sorts and conditions of men was pouring in, Commissioner I [erchmer's administration of affairs gained for him the highest praise and approval, not only of Rough Tim'i the settlers bul of those in high places. Sol dierly ; 1 1 1 < 1 exact, lie had little patience with m led of duty, bul his men could always rely upon his \v\n> kindliness, appreciation of honesl en- deavor and his sense of justice, while his strong personality, cheerfulness and charm of manner commanded the Liking and respecl of all with whom he came in contacl . Upon the outbreak of the Boer War, in L899; Commissioner Herchmer obtained leave of ab- sence, and raised the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles— largely recruited from the Mounted Po- lice. In command of this force he proceeded to South Africa. In 1900, upon his retirement from the R.N.W.M. Police, he was made Colonel. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, formed by the union of the Royal Xorth West Mounted Police and the Dominion Police, came into ex- istence on February 1st, 1920, and the old force passed into history. CHAPTER V. EARL DUFFERIN — EMERSON SCOUTS — HOP AND GO ONE - - A DOLLAR A PUNCH — LAND BOOM — RAIL CONNECTIONS - - CUSTOM'S TROUBLES — MANITOBA POLICE FORCE — DEATH OF CHIEF DICK POWERS — FORT WHYTE -- PROVINCIAL RIGHTS — THE SCHOOL QUESTION — UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN — FRENCH LANGUAGE. The first visit of a Governor-General to Manitoba was made by the Earl of Dufferin in 1877. He travelled by steam boat down the Red River and made a landing in the Province at Emerson, called at that time the Gateway City. The Emersonians made this visit a gala day, and the Indians from the Roseau River joined in the celebration. The Emerson Scout com- pany, in scarlet uniform, provided the guard of honor, under Captain William Hill Nash, and Lieutenants Casper Kellar and Henry Tennant. After the Governor had continued his journey to Winnipeg, the Indians kept up their pow- wow, heating their tom-toms night and day till exhausted. A Lame Indian called "Hop and Go One,r did odd jobs in Emerson, lie spoke fair Eng- lish, was a tinker and made himself generally useful. The Governor's visit served to excuse him on his pounds Tor celebrating kkt<><> much.,! Entering the store of a local merchant in this ROl OH Tim i condition was aol good for trade, bo "Mop and (Jo One" was told i<> "git.,! Me was slow, and the merchant went to ids help. In the proce "Mop and (io One'' received a puneli oh the nose. The merchant, a man of pence as well as of business, when he saw the blood Spurting from the Indian's nose, was as scared as the latter. 'The business man, however, recovered first, and pressed a dollar in Iloppy's hand. The old buck limped off smiling, followed by his squaw and retinue, to spend the easy dollar and another jolly time in camp. The next day he presented himself again at the store. Fearing another calamity, the merchant backed away. "Hop and Go One", extending his hand, fol- lowed up his advantage and pointed to his nose, inviting another crack at it for one dollar. Nothing doing. The head of one of the largest departmental stores in Winnipeg* was asked if he remembered this incident. He did. " Forget it/' he said, and Jerry, producing* a box of cigars, told other stories of the High Cost of Living in the seven- ties, at one dollar a punch around the Four Cor- ners. The land boom in Manitoba started in 1879. Town sites were planned and laid out in many places, and auctioned off for sale in the Eastern provinces as well as in Manitoba, at greatly in- flated prices. A rush was made to buy — the "boom" was on, and the boomers kept it boom- 208 Rough Times Lng night and day for a couple of years or so be- fore it flattened out and land resumed its normal value. Winnipeg's only rail connection with the Easl for sonic time was south by way of Emer- son, through the States. Emerson became a large Port of Entry for railroads and steam- boat lines. A Large staff of custom officials, under Collector Bradley, were employed on both sides of the river. Trouble occurred at the Port, which led to an investigation. The result was that two of the chief officers failed to account for large sums of money collected, became defaulters, and took a hurried departure to the States. Collector Bradley placing implicit confidence in his men, had grown lax in his duty. He was arrested and put under bonds to appear in court at Winnipeg. Bradley, a proud, high-spirited man, strong in his personal innocence, suffered 1 1 inch. His health broke down under the strain. He appeared in court, but on account of his ill- ness the case was postponed for a day. That night Bradley died. No one who knew Bradley considered him a defaulter. The Rev. John Scott, the Presbyterian pioneer minister at Emerson, so well known in the early days for his charity to all men, had a staunch helper in Bradley in giving aid to struggling settlers. No two men were held in higher esteem at the Border, and their memory is kept in respect. Rough Timi 209 The first chief of the Manitoba Provincial Police Force was Captain Villiers, former quar termaster of the Quebec Rifles. H** was sue ceeded by Color-Sergeanl De Plainville, of the Quebec Rifles. The tiexl was Richard Powers, and his successor was Color-Sergeanl Constan lin<\ also of the Quebec Rifles, and afterwards an Inspector in the R.N.W.M. Police. Richard Powers was the son of Sergeant- Major Powers, an old pensioner of the British Army, who came i<> this country in the early days when Port Garry, by the special requesl of the Hudson's Bay Company, was garrisoned by Imperial troops. Sergeant-Major Powers took his discharge and settled near the Fort to serve the Hudson's Bay Company under the Council of Assiniboia, His son, Dick Powers, was in the States dur- ing the troubles of 1869-1870, but made his way back shortly after the arrival of the Red River Expedition in 1870. The plucky young fellow worked his own passage down the Red River in a log canoe, and found ready employment on the newly organized Provincial Police. He was a big, strong, active man and his ability was quickly recognized. When De Plainville resigned, Powers became chief. In the fall of 1880, a prisoner known to be a desperado, was arrested bv Chief Powers in St. Boniface. The ferries on the river were slow flat scows, with- out motor power, and were worked back and 210 Rough Times forth by the force of the river current and the trrrx man. Anxious to quickly place his prisoner in the security of the gaol in Winnipeg, tin4 Chief en- gaged a small skiff to row them across the river. Before entering the boat Powers handcuffed himself to his prisoner with the remark, "No get-away this time. A short distance from the St. Boniface shore, the prisoner started to de- liberately rock the boat and the occupants were thrown into the river. The boatman reached land with his boat, but, sorrowful to relate, the brave chief was drowned in the execution of his duty with the prisoner linked to him in the death struggle. The files of the Free Press give a slightly different account of the affair. Their record states that Richard Powers, Chief of the Provin- cial Police, was drowned in the Red River in the early hours of Friday morning, July 23rd, 1880. Be had gone across the river on the previous evening to effect the arrest of au escaped pris- oner, one Mike Carroll, and having secured his man was returning to the city. It was late and the regular ferry being hauled up for the night, a row boat was secured to re-cross the Urd River. In getting into the boat it capsized, both Power and Carrol] being drowned. Manitoba was kept in constant turmoil from various causes. There was the action of the R01 OH TlMl 21 1 O.P.R. in trying to prevent other railroads bav ing a righl of-way, The Bed River Valley Railroad endeavored to force a crossing over the C.P,R. al the siding called Fori WTiyte on the Pembina branch. The militia were held in readiness to prevenl strife between them. The C.P.R. ditched two of their locomotives al this siding to slop track laying by the Red River Valley Railroad. Irritation was also caused l)v the rival claims of Manitoba and Ontario for disputed territory, which included Ra1 Por- tage, now known as Kenora. The fighl for fck Provincial Rights" kepi on. A Company of Militia went from Winnipeg to Rat Portage on the day of the elections, Manitoba and Ontario both opened separate polling booths in the district, and hold elections on the same day for a member for each legis- lature. Then too, the everlasting school question was a continuous source of agitation chiefly pro- moted by professional politicians ready to take a sledge hammer to kill a fly so long as it got the votes to keep them in power. The minority seeking a restoration of their dues were told, " Serves you beggars right. ,: Occasional bursts of indignation were heard but there it would end till the time came for another general elec- tion, when the matter would again be opened by those clamoring politicians, and thus the school question became a political football. 212 Rough Times It would be wise if this question could be ap- proached in a spirit of equity, and generously dealt with by the Government in power, instead of making it a matter of national and provincial discord. Minorities have some rights, and un- der fair government treatment and supervision, the School Question would settle itself. Students of the University of Saskatchewan are setting a good example to other university students throughout Canada. The senate of the Saskatchewan institution recently considered a proposal to make French an obligatory subject of study on the university curriculum, according to the "Montreal Star.?: It was found upon in- vestigation that ninety per cent of the students were studying it voluntarily and the senate thereupon decided to take no formal action. The Saskatchewan undergraduates have the right idea. A knowledge of French — by which is not meant merely a bowing acquaintance — is a vcrv valuable asset. In Canada it is naturally of special value. Much of the suspicion and misunderstanding which retards the progress and well-being of Canada, is due to the inability of the two great groups of our population to un- derstand each other's mother tongue. No or- ganized pilgrimage which representatives of one group may make to the home of the other will do as much to promote real harmony as the intermingling of individuals capable of under- standing one another's spoken word. Rough Timi 213 There is certainly no doubl aboul I be R is- <loni of the French or English student who de termines to learn both languages. Be gains an asset which will serve and sooner or later pay him well. More than that, be is a better Canadian. CHAPTER VI. THE NILE CAMPAIGN -- THE NORTHWEST REBELLION — LOUIS RIEL - - FORT CARLTON — BATTLE OF DUCK LAKE DUMONT - - CROZIER — IRVINE — PRINCE ALBERT BIG BEAR — 90th WINNIPEG RIFLES — EASTERN TROOPS — FROG LAKE MASSACRE — GEN. MIDDLETON — FISH CREEK — POUNDMAKER — OT- TER -- CUT KNIFE — GEN. STRANGE -- FORT PITT — BATTLEFORD — BATTLE OF BATOCHE — COLLAPSE OF THE REBELLION — STEAMER NORTHCOTE — .MIDLAND BATTALION — DEATH OF CAPT. FRENCH — LITTLE BLACK DEVILS — TRIAL AND EXECUTION OF RIEL AND OTHERS - - DECORATION DAY PARADE. It was not till the Nile campaign in Egypt, 1883-1884, for the relief of (Chinese) General Gordon, at Khartoum, that another call was made on Canadian Volunteers for active service. Lord Wolseley, mindful of his experience with the skilled and daring boatmen on the Red River Expedition, made a request for voyageurs to navigate the River Nile. The required num- ber of volunteers was soon enlisted and placed under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Wil- liam \. Kennedy, the same gallant officer who served on the Red River Expedition as Lieutenant of No. 4 Company, under Captain D. H. McMillan, of the 1st Ontario Rifles. With Colonel Kennedy in command of this unit, the skill of the Canadian voyageurs was at once recognized in the management of the boat ser- vice on the rapids of the Nile. R01 OH Tim i 215 The troops engaged captured Khartoum, bul arrived too late to rescue General Gordon, who was assassinated by his fanatical captors jusl previous to the fall of Khartoum. H is also t<> relate thai after the end of the campaign Colonel Kennedy, who was returning to bis Canadian home in Winnipeg, took seriously ill in England and died there on Nov. Llth, L884. The Metis agitation in Saskatchewan began in the spring of L884. Gabriel Dumont, James Isbister, Moise Quilette and Michael Dumas went to Montana in June as delegates to solicit the aid of Louis Riel, so prominent in the trou- bles of 1869 and 1870. Riel returned with them and the following September a Bill of Bights was presented at a meeting held at St. Laurent. The discontent of the Metis kept fermenting till it broke out in open rebellion in the spring of 1885. mollis Riel was born at St. Boniface on October 23rd, 1844. His father was a very popular leader among the Metis of the district. Upon completing his education at the seminary in Montreal, Louis returned to the West irt October 1869 and became secretary of the National Committee formed by the Metis. On October 18th, 1869, lie was elected presi- dent of the Provisional Government establish- ed at Fort Garry. This position he held until the arrival of Colonel "Wolselev, when he fled. A reward of $5,000.00 was offered for his arrest 216 Rough Times by the (Government of the Province of Ontario because of his connection with the execution of Thomas Scott. In October 1873, he was elected by acclama- tion to represent a Manitoba constituency in the House of Commons, but was not allowed to take his seat in the House. A year later he was re-elected, presented himself, signed the roll and became a full-fledged member of the Commons. But on April 16, 1874, he was ex- pelled from membership by a vote of the House — only, however, to be again elected in Mani- toba. The result was that, on October 15th, an order was issued declaring him an outlaw. Prom that time until 1884, he remained com- paratively inactive; then he resumed his former leadership among the half-breeds as new trouble loomed up. Rebellion followed, and some sharp battles took place, but in the end he was defeated and taken prisoner. From the time of Kiel's arrival in Saskat- chewan, the R.N.W.M. Police kept the Gov- ernment posted regarding the danger of an up- rising and the probability of it receiving sup- port from the Indians under Big Bear and other chiefs. Again Ottawa failed to realize the gravity of the situation, or, at least, took no steps to remedy it. The Metis were prepared and threatened to resort to arms if the Govern- ment did not errant their claims. Rough 1 imi 217 Superintended Crozier senl a deputation to Batoche to consult with Kiel, who demanded the surrender of Fori Carlton. Colonel Ervinc was notified and he left Regina lor Carlton with a troop of aboul one hundred men, reach inn* Prince Albert after a hard march over a frozen snow trail, on the 25th of March, L885. Taking a day to refil he continued the march to Carlton which he reached some hours after the battle of Duck Lake, in which Crozier, out- numbered, suffered defeat at the hands of the well-armed half-breeds (led by Gabriel Dumont, who proved himself a skilful leader) and In- dians who had joined them. There were many casualties among- the Police and Prince Albert Volunteers. Irvine received orders to defend Prince Al- bert. He returned there and Fort Carlton was abandoned. It was Irvine's duty to guard this centre and hold it against the rebels during* the campaign. His presence saved that place from disaster. In Big Bear's district Inspector Griesbach held Fort Saskatchewan and tried to hold the attention of the Indians who were on the war path. On receipt of the news of the fight at Duck Lake the 90th Winnipeg Rifles, called by the Metis the " Little Black Devils/' and the 13th Winnipeg Field Battery, were rushed to the front. Depots were established in Winnipeg 218 Rough Times for recruiting new battalions and troops were moved as rapidly as possible from Eastern Can- ada. Owing to the season of the year great dif- ficulty was experienced. The line of the C.P.R. along the north shore of Lake Superior was not completed and the troops had to march over long stretches of frozen ground, covered with snow, between the sections of the railroad not constructed. On April 2nd occurred the Frog Lake mas- sacre by the band of Indians under Big Bear, the Cree chief. Here Father Fafard and Marchand, two missionary priests, lost their lives in an attempt to prevent injury to Mrs. Simpson, a white woman. Seven other white men were slain and some of the women taken prisoners by the Indians. On April 26th, Dumont made an attack on Middleton's forces at Fish Creek, but suffered a reverse. In this action the 90th Rifles lost ten men killed and forty-three wounded. Dumont had to fall back on Batoche. In the meantime, Chief Poundmaker sacked Battleford and the white people took refuge in the fort. Col. Otter sought for Poundmaker 's band to prevent their union with Big Bear. Otter fought the battle of Cut Knife on April 2nd. After losing eight men killed and twelve wounded he withdrew. Trumpeter Burke of the Rough Timi 219 U.N.W.M. Police was among the killed. Ee served in the Bed River Expedition as buglei of \<>. 2 Company of the 1st Ontario Rifle , Major-Genera] Strange, under orders from Middleton, assumed command in Alberta. Strange was then at Calgary and be organized a column to march on Edmonton after Big Bear and the Indians who had joined him. Me had under him the 65th Mount Royal Rifles from Montreal com main led by Lieutenant -( Li- onel Ouimet. A few days later the Winnipeg Lighl Infantry under Lieutenant-Colonel Os- born Smith arrived. The Indians were doing savage work, plundering the Hudson's Bay Company's stores and destroying farm proper- ty. Many white men employed on the reserves were massacred. Further depredations would have been committed but for the influence of the missionary priests Fathers Scollen and Laeombe. Inspector Dickens was in command of the R.N.W.M. Police at Fort Pitt, who were harass- ed day and night by the Indians; but their ap- peals for help from Battleford were ignored. Under the circumstances, Dickens was com- pelled to evacuate Fort Pitt. Under cover of darkness he embarked with his command in a scow, drifted down the Saskatchewan River and arrived safely at Battleford. Colonel Otter was joined by General Middle ton at Battleford and an advance was made 220 Rough Times on Batoche. The attack began on May 9th, and Dumonl made a vigorous defence, showing mili- tary skill of a degree that astonished Middleton and caused him to express admiration for his foe, On the 10th and 11th, the struggle was continued with little advantage to either side. On the 12th, however, the attack was pressed with more vigor, and an advance in force or- dered. At three o'clock in the afternoon Ba- toche was captured. The rebellion in the North- west collapsed. STORY OF BATOCHE The following account of the battle of Ba- toche is given by Captain C. A. Millican, who was sergeant-major of the 90th: "As near as I can recollect we left Fish Creek on the morning of May 8th, and got with- in a few miles of Batoche that night and camped. We were to break camp at four in the morning and march at five, but we did not get away until seven. We should have been in Batoche at eight in order to meet the steamer Northcote that was coming down the river from Saskatoon. We had got about a mile out of Batoche when we beard firing, indicating that the enemy had opened on the Xorthcote, which had to pass Fish Creek, As soon as the firing was heard General Middleton sent a battery ahead of the column mi the gallop with instructions that as soon as they had cleared the column they were to swing round and fire a round in order to let the people Rough Timi 221 oil the Northcote know we were coming. We followed along and Landed Lnto our objective an hour late. "The result of 1 he firing of this gun was thai many of 1 lie breeds and [ndians bad their atten lion distracted from the Northcote. It also gave them an opportunity to gel out into the rifle pits they had prepared along the hanks of the Saskatchewan at Batoche. What evidently was intended as a surprise movemenl failed Had we been on time we would have gol to the position at Batoche and gol through the first line of rifle pits without any opposition, and we would have got the rebels right on the river hank, at their last line of pits, and probably would have settled the whole thing* in three hours. The de- lay gave them the chance to take up their posi- tion on the top of the hill and it was the fourth day before we broke through. We were fight- ing the whole of the four days and some part of the column the whole of the time. "On the evening of the first day, May 9, we retired about half a mile back from the brow of the hill to a plowed field, a field of new break- ing. We dug sods and built breastworks, a za- reba, as some of the boys who had recently come back from the Nile expedition called it. This place was our headquarters for three days. "A little after noon on the 12th Colonel Wil- liams, in command of the Midland battalion, from Ontario, gave his men the order to advance. 222 Rough Times The troops hack in the zareha heard the cheering and there was a hurry order to 'Fall in.' We all got to the top of the hill at the double and spread out along the crest. About this time the Midlanders were down at the bottom among the hushes. After two or three minutes' rest on the top of the hill we got the order to advance. After we got through the bush we had to cross about a quarter of a mile of flat, open land. With bayonets fixed we crossed on the rnn to the river bank and captured the stronghold of the rebels. They fled down the river bank under cover of the scrub leaving their women and children behind in the camp, and some wounded breeds and Indians. It was during this charge that Captain Jack French, of French's Scouts, and formerly of the R.N.W.M. Police, was shot and killed. "By three o'clock the position was taken and scouting parties were sent out after the breeds and Indians that had fled. Several of them were captured, brought back to camp, and placed under guard. Many others surrendered. Placing a white band on their arms they walked into camp and gave themselves up* On the fol- lowing day many more came in. All was quiet after the position was captured and the troops thai night quartered in Batoche village. "We released Kiel's prisoners, one of whom was J. W. Astley, C.E. During the negotiations between Riel and General Middleton as to the Rough Timi 225 preventioi] of firing on the women and children Astley had acted as courier, carrying a white flag. He and three others had been kept in the basement of a store in the village. I think he was in the Prince Albert district on survey work when he was taken. He had been in the cellar several days, bul he did not appear to be any 1 he worse Tor it. "It was the final charge thai gave the 90th Rifles thai name by which they have since been so well known/The Little Black Devils.' When the Indians surrendered they told General Mid- dleton it was not the Red ( !oats t hey were afraid of. It was those 'little black devils.' Black enough we were. We wore rifle green and we were as black as crows, not having a chance of washing for days. "The column stayed in Batoche until Satur- day— the fighting was over on Tuesday — and then we moved down the river to Gardupey's crossing. We stopped there over Sunday, tak- ing advantage of the day to get transported across the river. It was while we were there that Jack Hourie and Armstrong, two of the in- terpreters, brought in Riel as prisoner. "On Monday we marched to a place called Beaver Creek, about eighteen miles south of Prince Albert, and the following morning we were in Prince Albert, The first thing we did w^as to go down the river and have a jolly good wash — and we needed it. However, we had not 226 Rough Times the discomfort of being 'drowned out' when we were in front of enemy's position at Batoche. The weather was fine. We stayed at Prince Albert until May 24, when we moved towards Fort Pitt." Captain Millican concluded his story of the fight, recalling that some four men of the 90th were killed. Dick Hardisty, he recollected, was fatally wounded on the second day. He had just returned from Egypt where he had been with Colonel Kennedy as one of the Canadian voyageurs. After the Battle of Batoche, Gabriel Dumont and others implicated in the rebellion escaped to the United States. Riel gave himself up to a party of scouts on May Kith and they took him to General Middleton who handed him and many of his councillors over to the civil author- ities at Regina. Chief Poundmaker surrendered uncondit- ionally. Big Bear held out longer, but released his captives, among whom were some white women. His capture was now only a question of time, and in an endeavor to make his escape to the north, he was arrested by a small detach- ment of the R.X.AV.M. Police on July 2nd at Fori ( !arlton. Kiel was brought to trial at Regina, July 20th, 188.1, and sentenced to be hanged on the Rough Timi 227 18th of September following. After two re prieves had been granted, lie was handed Oil Nov. L6th, L885. Other prisoners were tried in September of the same year- Eleven Indians were sentenced to bo hanged on November 27th, and eight of them suffered the death penalty at BattleforcL The other three were imprisoned for life. Eleven half-breeds were sentenced to seven years in the penitentiary. On promise of good behavior most of the Indians were sent hack to their reservations and kept under striet sur- veillance. Big Bear after his capture was brought to trial and sentenced to five years in the Manitoba penitentiary. Winnipeg sent more troops to the front in the North West Field Force than any other centre in Canada and suffered more casualties. A monument in front of the City Hall perpe- tuates the memory of the Winnipeg Volunteers who sacrificed their lives on the banks of the Saskatchewan. A mausoleum stands over their last resting place in St. John's Cemetery. An- nuallv, 011 a Sundav in Mav nearest to the an- niversary of the battle of Batoche, the 90th Rifles and other military units march to this sacred spot to hold a memorial service. The day is known as Decoration Day. The North West Rebellion of 1885 is dealt with principally from press reports and state- ments received from officers and men who 228 Rough Times served in the campaign. The South African War and the Great European War are historical events which go far beyond the compass of this book. Incidents arc touched upon to show their bearing on the history of the Canadian Militia. - M M :- =r fe - - 0 -§•3 l"3 71 CHAPTER VLI. THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR — OPPOSITION IN OTTAWA PRESIDENT KRUGER QUEEN VICTORIA KING BD WAKI) LORD ROBERTS PRETORIA GENERAL KITCHENER — GENERAL BOTHA CANADIAN MOUNT- ED RIFLES — STRATHCONA HOUSE — STRENGTH OF THE CANADIAN FORCES. The South African War aroused the patriot- ism of many Canadian Volunteers and they en- listed in numbers from every part of the Do- minion. Notwithstanding strong opposition the Gov- ernment decided to send a Canadian Contingent to South Africa. Australia and Xew Zealand took the same action and the three dominions fought together overseas for their mother coun- try and the British Empire for the first time. In the Transvaal, President Kruger had been making ready for years for the struggle he had determined upon. With him were his neighbors in the Orange Free State. They had the veiled sympathy and secret help of the Kaiser and the German Empire. Kruger 's prophecy that his preparedness would astonish the world came true. During the four vears of war, manv battlefields on the South African veldt were stained with blood of the soldiers of the Queen. The war broke out 232 Rough Times in L898 and did not end until L902. During the dark days of the war Queen Victoria passed away and King Edward was on the throne when t In- final victory was won. As foretold by Major-Butler it took an army of over 200,000 men to win the war. His candid reports on the situation were, however, unfavor- ably received and resulted in his recall. After the fall of Pretoria, Lord Roberts gave over his command of all the British forces in South Africa to Major-General Kitchener, and returned to England, where his great services to the Empire received popular recognition. To General Kitchener was left the difficult task of compelling the complete surrender of the scattered forces of the Boer Army. For sonic months guerilla warfare prevailed and there were many minor engagements between Kitchener and his gallant foe, the great military leader General Botha, before hostilities finally ended. There are several good books on the Boer War and there is little room for additions to its history. It may, however, be mentioned that in later years of peril to the Empire, such regi- ments as the Canadian Mounted Rifles, Strath- cpna I Corse and others, who were first organized for service in the South African War, added fresh lustre to the glory of 1 heir uame and fame. During the Boer War the Canadian Mounted Rifles and the Slrathcona Horse were Largely Rough Timi 233 recruited from the North Wesl Mounted Police Force. Their lenders were picked men, chosen for their military ability and experience such officers as Lieutenant Colonel L. W. Herchmer, Lieutenant-Colonel Sam Steel, Lieutenant Jack Beresford Allan and other intrepid commanders of the "Riders of the Plains.?.' The Canadian Contingent sent to South AT rica including their officers and the Strathcona Horse, numbered 3,100 men, and to this may be added another 1,000 officers and men sent to temporarily relieve the Imperial troops a1 Hali- fax, VS. CHAPTER VIII. LORD KITCHENER OF KHARTOUM AND GORDON — THE MAHDI — TRAGEDY OF THE HAMPSHIRE AND EURO- PEAN WAR. The Life of Lord Kitchner (By Sir George Arthur.) No more important and no more interesting* biography has appeared in late years than these three full volumes recording the far-reaching services to the British Empire of Kitchener of Khartoum, "the only Field Marshal in history to die at the hands of the enemy. ' : The author had no need to ask the indulgence of his readers, regretting a biographer "of experience/1 For he has given a lucid account of those great and far-sighted and faithful services, and has por- trayed a man of remarkable powers, intellectual and moral. He has made the man himself better known and therefore better loved. Those who have thought of him as a hard man only, whose stern military and difficult administrative duties allowed no place for the finer amenities of mind and heart, learn from these volumes that he also had two soul-sides — one of deep emotion and of reverence for all high and right things in life. For one thing, ho was, as those who knew him best could test i f \\ a religious man even from youth; and we are told that there was in him an Rough Timi 235 element of the mystic, While a studenl a1 Woolwich, he spent the evenings with a friend studying Hebrew, trying to gel certain pari the Old Testamenl in the original. "An unufi ual recreation for gentleman cadets/1 says his biographer. No friend of his ever heard an im- pure or mean word fall from his lips, and he would tolerate no such table talk. %kIIis life was based on religion in the primary sense of tin- word — the binding himself ii]) with (Jod.,! lie hold in reverence all sacred things. "Christian- ity was to him not an attitude, but an atmos phere." It is not surprising that a man like that had a deep reverence for womanhood, that he loved children and made friendships. Kitchener's relations with Gordon reveal this intimate side. Sending Gordon's last letter home for safe keeping, he wrote that it was the best reward he would get for many months of hard work, that the shock of the final news was dreadful. He said that paper bonds (enormous sums) passed as money in Khartoum, "showing how he was trusted by the people. ' ' At the Gor- don memorial service, thirteen years later when he had won his great victory of the Sudan, Kit- chener was deeply moved. "The tears welled up and coursed unrestrained down his cheeks; and when the simple ceremony was over, and his officers waited for his word to dismiss the par- ade, he was too overcome to speak," and merely signed to the General to give the word of com- mand. I think it worth while to note this inti- 23ti Rough Times mate and personal side of the greatly silent, stern, aloof commander who carried heavy bur- dens all his life, in whose outlook and purpose his country had so large a place. The true story of the disposition of the Mahdi's remains is here told; and the colossal lies denied concerning the killing of unarmed or wounded Dervishes, the looting of Omdurman and the gunfire on masses of fugitives in its streets. Kitchener wrote Lord Salisbury that the Mahdi's tomb was in a dangerous condition, having been damaged by shell fire. Its destruction was necessary. More- over being the centre of "pilgrimage and fanati- cal feeling," it was necessary to remove the body lest the people should think that their belief in the efficacy of the bones prevented the conquer- ors. It was by the advice of Mohammedan of- ficers that they were removed entirely, Kitch- ener ordering the destruction of the tomb ere he left Omdurman. The bones were thrown into the Xile, the skull only preserved and handed over to the Sirdar for disposal. It was immediately after the memorial ser- vice for Gordon in Khartoum that a telegram of thanks from the Queen was handed the Sirdar. the royal appreciation to be tangibly expressed in a peerage. And this is what he wrote con- cerning it all: "Ouf! it is all over, and I feel like a rag— bu1 very, very thankful there was no hitch. The Queen offered me a peerage in such ;i nice manner. ! think 'Khartoum of AspalT LORD KITCHENER The only Field Marshall of the British Empire to die at the hands of the enemy. 237 Rough Timi will be the title I choose. 'Kitchener* Lstoo lior rible a name to put a 'Lord' in front of.'1 When the Greal War broke out, be was jm England. He had scarcely arrived, iii duly, when " Austria was presenting a pistol to Ser l)ia\s head," and he knew that Germany would pull the trigger. He was the man who, having said Little, had left India prepared for war; had won the "hearl and hand of South Africa;" had been responsible for the military organization of Australia and New Zealand; had made Egypl secure "up to the margin of his means. ,: Now, he was to create the new army and take charge of the war. The whole third volume is devoted to this last service, ending with the projected visit to Russia and the tragedy of the Hamp- shire. He was to have examined the whole Rus- sian situation, being given an absolutely free hand. "The secret of his journey had been be- trayed. ' : " By an error of judgment an unswept channel was chosen. " No light is thrown on what happened. It may well be that some one of the enemy will leave a confession of that crime. "One thing is certain/' says his biogra- pher, "the brave eyes which had faced so many difficult and dangerous passages in life, looked steadily into the face of Death; one thing in God's good mercy is possible — that to those eyes, always strained to pierce the future, there was vouchsafed in the storm and in the darkness and in the death agony a vision of the Eternal. ?: CHAPTER IX. TAXES EUROPE'S RESOURCES -- THE U.S.A. JOINS THE ALLIES - RECRUITING DEPOTS — ROUTE MARCHES BARRACK ROOMS — MARCHING TUNES — NEW BATTALIONS — CAMERON HIGHLANDERS — CAPT. GEDDES THE FIRST TO FALL — MAJOR ROSS MUR- PHY KILLED — THE GRENADIERS. Reminiscences of the Great War The war taxed the resources of the European countries including the British Empire to their utmost limits and far bevond what was con- */ ceived to be possible at its outbreak in August, 1914. In 1917, the United States of America joined the Allied Nations against the German- Austrian Empires. Soon after the declaration of the War which startled the world, Winnipeg became a leading recruiting depot for the West, and with Camp Hughes within easy distance, formed great training grounds for infantry soldiers. It was here the Volunteers, and later the conscripts who joined the Canadian Contingent for overseas' service, were drilled and "licked into shape" by competent military instructors. Khaki was the color of the uniform of all the soldiers. Daily on the streets of Winnipeg could be -icn battalions <>n parade that Later at the front became distinguished fighting corps. Route marches and drills t<><>k place in all sorts Rough Timi 24 1 of weal her. Large hotels and big warehoi blocks were converted into barrack room- for t he men, Bugle blasts and the sound of drums were heard from every direction. Highland regiment swung by, led by their pipers and drummers to the lively tune of the "Cock of the North" or some other stirring Scotch air. Other batta- lions were headed by their regimental brass bands playing military marches and favorite patriotic tunes — "The Maple Leaf Forever," "Oh Canada," "Its a Long, Long Way to Tip- perary," and "Soldiers of the Queen" were fav- orites. Units were frequently leaving for the front in heavy marching order parade. They would be played off by some other battalion's band. The tunes most often heard then would be — "Auld Lang Syne," or "Keep the Home Fires Burning. ' ' Western battalions from Saskatchewan, Al- berta and British Columbia were constantly passing* through by train. It was the general rule to exercise the men by a short march through the streets of Winnipeg. THE 79TH CAMERON HIGHLANDERS The 79th Cameron Highlanders were raised in Scotland in 1793. The 79th Cameron High- landers of Canada are a Winnipeg corps, and a battalion of this distinguished regiment that 242 Rough Times foughl campaigns for the Empire in all quarters of the globe. The Winnipeg Battalion was or- ganized in 1!)1(), and Lieutenant-Colonel R. M. Thompson assumed command. When the war broke out, Lieutenant-Colonel J. A. Cantlie was in command. The Winnipeg Camerons sent 10 officers and 250 men to Valcartier Camp as their quota to the First Canadian Contingent under the command of Captain John Geddes. At Valcartier Cam]) they united with detach- ments from other Highland Regiments located in Hamilton, Out,, and Victoria and Vancouver, B.C., to form the 16th Scottish which went to the front in February 1915. Two months after the first contingent went to Valcartier, 7 officers and 250 men, under Major D. S. McKay, were sent to the 27th Win- nipeg Battalion. In December 1914 the Camer- ons were authorized to raise a full battalion, the 43rd, and in two weeks they were an organized unit under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel R. M. Thompson, the first O.C. of the 79th. The 43rd went to England in May, 1915, to train there before leaving for France in February 1916 when they formed part of the Third Cana- dian Division. On the departure of the 43rd overseas, Lieutenant-Colonel Cantlie decided to make the 79th a depot battalion, with two full companies constantly training to supply drafts to the L6th and 43rd battalions when needed. In July 1915, Colonel Cantlie received au- thority from the Militia Department in Ottawa CAMERONS Captain John Geddes was the first officer of the 79th Cameron High. landers to make the supreme sacrifice of his life. He was killed in action in 1915. Lt-Col. Thompson was killed in 1917. 243 Rough Timi 245 to raise two more units for oversea The L79tfa under command of Lieutenant ColonelJ. ¥. Eteid was raised in L916, and lefl the same year for England, followed by the L74th in 1!)I7, under the command of Lieutenanl Colonel II. F. Osier. Captain John Geddes, who commanded the first detachment of the 79th Camerons sent to the war, was also the first of ficer of the Cameron Highlanders of Canada t<> fall. This brave of- ficer was killed in action in L915. Since then the Honor Roll of the Camerons shows a Long list of gallant officers and men who gave their life's blood for the flag in the hour of the Empire's peril. Major Ross Murphy, who left Winnipeg a Lieutenant in the 43rd Cameron Highlanders, was subsequently promoted to the rank of major and attached to the 16th Scottish. He was kill- ed at the head of his gallant men at the battle of Lens, August 14th, 1917. For conspicuous con- duct at the front he was mentioned in reports several times and gained the decoration of the Military Cross with two bars. Major Murphy did not live to wear his honors, and they are now in the possession of his bereaved widowed mother in Chatham, Out, ("Glad" Murphy, one of Canada's greatest all-round athletes was the major's brother. "Glad" joined the aerial corps at Toronto, and was accidentally killed there while engaged in a football match.) 246 Rough Times Accompanying the medal for Major Murphy is the official statement disclosing the acts of bravery for which it was awarded and letters from the Duke of Devonshire and Lieut enant- Colonel Almande Fraser, official secretary of the Lieutenant-Governor of the Province. The text of the official statement from the War Office follows: "Military Cross awarded Major J. Hector 1 1 oss Murphy, 16th Canadian Infantry Battalion, for the most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty under shell fire over a period of several weeks, notably on April 20th, 1917, during the operations culminating in the capture of Arleux village. k4He ' carried on' until relieved after two of his officers had been killed and a third wounded. "His forgetf ulness of self and splendid ex- am] )le ureatly inspired the men to ' stick it out' at a time when the heavy shelling was causing serious losses in the ranks of his company. His behaviour was magnificent throughout. "Major Murphy is a most reliable and pains- taking officer and has been twice wounded dur- ing his twenty months with the battalions in France." The following Letters regarding the presenta- tion of the decorations from Government House, Ottawa, and Government House, Toronto, are -elf explanatory: MAJOR ROSS MURPHY, M.C. Second in Command 16th Scottish. Killed at the battle of Lens, August 14th, 1917. 247 R01 OH TlMl 24!) ( J-overnment I [ouse, Toronto, Ottawa, Nov. L2, L9J - My I >ear Lieutenanl ( tovernor: 1 enclose Military Cross for presentation Lo the next-of-kin of the late Major J. II. II. Mur- phy, I regrel thai as I cannot be in the vicinity of Toronto, a1 any rale in the near Future, i am unable to make this presentation myself, and I shall be grateful it' your honor will yourself make the presentation at the earliest opportun- ity on behalf of His Majesty the King. The occasion should he a public one unless the recipient desires to receive the decoration privately. If your honor is unable to make the presenta- tion yourself, perhaps you will be kind enough to make arrangements with the Officer Com- manding the Military District to do so. Will you kindly send me a report of the pro- ceedings when the presentation has been made. Believe me, Yours Sincerely, -DEVONSHIRE/1 Government House, Toronto, November 29th, 1918. Dear Madam: His Honor the Lieutenant-Governor desires me to send to you by registered mail the Mili- tary Cross awarded to the late Major J. H. R. 250 Rough Times Murphy, L6th Battalion Canadian Infantry y which has been sent to me from Ottawa. I also enclose a copy of the reasons for which this dis- tinguished honor was conferred. Yours very truly, ALMANDE ERASER, Lieutenant-Colonel Official Secretary. WAR RECORD OF THE WINNIPEG GRENADIERS 1914—1915 At the outbreak of the Great War the Win- nipeg Grenadiers, under the command of Lieu- tenant-Colonel J. B. Mitchell, volunteered prac- tically to a man for active service. On August 24, 1914, having been formed into the 11th Bat- talion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, the Gren- adiers proceeded to Valcartier and thence on to England. After training all winter at Salisbury Plains, the First Canadian contingent proceeded to France, in February, 1915, and the 11th Batta- lion remaining in England for the important work of reinforcing the fighting line as required, became known as the 11th Reserve Battalion. Throughout the war the Winnipeg Grenadiers, as represented by this battalion, continued to re- inforce the units at the front, thousands of men passing through their hands. The original bat- talion was very soon absorbed in this way, only the training staff being left to carry on the work. ROUOH TlMI 251 The Winnipeg Grenadiers, through this nun, reinforced at one time or another, every mum in the Canadian corps, and altogether supplied 7,000 Mien for service in France. In October, L916, Lieutenant < Jolonel J. B. Mitchell raised the LOOth Overseas Battalion, Winnipeg Grenadiers, which received its train- ing in Winnipeg and Camp Hughes, proceeded overseas and was stationed first ;it Wit ley Camp, Surrey, and from there transferred to Seaford, and again later transferred and absorbed by the 11th Reserve Battalion, Shorncliffe. From the time the 100th Battalion arrived in England to their departure to take their part in the front line, the battalion was under strenuous and si rid training from early morning to late in the day. This battalion proved one of the most effi- cient units in the Canadian corps. The Win- nipeg* Grenadiers were represented in Prance by the 78th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers), which was raised in 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel J. Kirkcaldy, D.S.O., and which went to the front in the 12th Brigade of the Fourth Canadian Division, in August, 1916. The Grenadiers, thus represented, served first in the front line of the Ypres salient. In October thev were transferred to the Somme area, where they played a most noteworthy part, which included a share in the capture of Regina trench. Thence, in Xovember, they proceeded to the front between Lens and Arras and spent the winter in continual contact with the enemy. 252 Rough Times In April 1f)17, the great attack on the for- midable and immensely powerful Vimy Ridge was carried out by the Canadians, and the Win- nipeg Grenadiers captured all their objectives, which lay on the most difficult part of the ridge, in the face of terrific resistance, and held them against all opposition. The desperate struggle around Lens follow- ed, and the Grenadiers carried the line of the Canadians forward, with the rest of the comrade battalions, to within rifle-shot of the heart of the city. In October and November they took part in the fighting at Passchendaele, again carrying all their objectives in the face of very severe machine gun and artillerv fire under terrible cli- matic conditions. In the battle of Amiens, August, 1918, the British armies delivered the first blow of their great counter-advance, thrusting back the Ger- mans from the gains won by them that spring. The Grenadiers, advancing in the open under vei*y fierce fire, carried all their objectives once more and at night were nine miles in advance of the positions whence the attack had been launched that morning. Two days later, at Hal- lo, they captured and held their objectives, though their flanks were exposed and they were under incessant fire. Here Lieutenant J. M. Tait, M.C., won the Victoria Cross, There followed the glorious victories won be- tween Arras and Gambrai, which destroyed the Rough Timi GermaD armies and decided the war. On Sep tember 2, the Winnipeg Grenadiers a i ted to break the famous Drocourl Queanl line under ihe heaviesl machine gun fire ever experienced by their divisions. Then, crossing the Canal I >u Nord, on September 27, the Grenadiers once more carried their objectives and forced their way to the outskirts of Cambrai. Lieutenant S. L Eoney, D.C.M., M.M., won the Victoria Cross in this fighting. Lieutenant-Colonel Kirkcaldy being pro- moted to command the 12th Brigade, Lieutenant- Colonel J. N. Semmens now assumed the com- mand of the Grenadiers in France. In the final enemy retreat from Mons the Grenadiers took Quievrain on November 6, thus maintaining their grip upon the German throat to the last. NEW BATTALION TO BE FORMED IN WINNIPEG Winnipeg will be the headquarters of a com- plete new battalion, to be known as the First City of Winnipeg battalion, the Manitoba regi- ment, according to an official announcement made at headquarters of Military District No. 10. It is understood that Lieutenant-Colonel Harold J. Riley, D.S.O., (two bars) who com- manded the 27th City of Winnipeg battalion in France, will be in command of the new unit. 254 Rough Times It is the intention of the military authorities to retain, as far as possible, the identity of Win- nipeg's own battalion, which served with such distinction in the Great War. Organization of this new battalion will give Winnipeg two new units, the formation of the 10th Canadian Machine Gun brigade under com- mand of Colonel Royal R. Burritt, D.S.O., having been authorized some time ago. Several of the old Winnipeg regiments will retain their identity under the reorganization for the permanent force, now in effect, it was an- nounced. The numbers will be dropped, but the regiments will still be connected with the over- seas battalions. The 90th regiment, Winnipeg Rifles, will be known as the Winnipeg Rifles and the first battalion of the regiment will be identi- fied with the 8th battalion, C.E.F. The 100th regiment, Winnipeg Grenadiers, will be known as the Winnipeg Grenadiers, and the First battalion will be identified with the 78th battalion, C.E.F. The 79th regiment, Cam- eron Highlanders, of Canada, will be known as the Cameron Highlanders of Canada, the First battalion being identified with the 43rd battal- ion. r.E.F. The 106th regiment, Winnipeg Lighi Infantry, will be known as the Winnipeg Light Infantry, its First battalion being identi- fied with the 10th battalion, C.E.F. Gazetting of the officers for these regiments should appear shortly in the Canada Gazette. Roi OH Timi 255 Each of these Winnipeg regiments will have reserve battalions which will be organized Later and which will idenl ify any battalions other than 1 he Pirsl battalions, the regiments senl oversea , For example, the 3rd battalion of the Cameron Highlanders of Canada will be identified with the L79th battalion, C.E.F. The artillery in Winnipeg has been reorgan Lzed, but the details are not yet available. The brigade will probably be known as the 5th bri- gade, C.F.A., it was said. A genera] reduction of the Canadian Expedi- tionary forces is progressing steadily in all mili- tary districts, excepl in the eases of those actual- ly required to look after patients in hospital and the few required to clear up the military records. Those staffs still have a great deal of work before them, as many of the medals and other awards, made recently, have not yet been issued from the department of militia and defence at Ottawa, and there are quite a number of patients at the various military hospitals. CHAPTER X. A SOLDIER'S MONUMENT — EMERSON ROLL OF HONOR — CENOTAPH — MAJOR GEN. SIR ARTHUR CURRIE — MAJOR GEN. KETCHEN — BRIG. GEN. McNAUGHTON — LADIES' AUXILIARIES — PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATIONS — REV. MAJOR AMB. MADDEN — WHO WON THE WAR? — IMMORTALS — BLAZE THE TRAIL — FLANDERS FIELDS. A Soldiers' Monument There will be unanimous endorsement of the government's proposal to erect on the grounds of the Parliament buildings, a memorial in stone for the men who gave themselves to die for the great cause on the battlefields of France and Flanders. Many memorials there may be, and ought to be, that are wholly benevolent and prac- tical and active in purpose and scope. But whatever is attempted and achieved in the way of memorials for our immortal dead, this idea of a monument on the grounds of the Capitol of the Province must not be neglected. Let it be of native stone, Let it be the work of an artist of high rank, and let its design be simple and impressive, Last year a movement to ensure genuine works of art as soldiers' memorials, pub- lic and private, throughout the kingdom brought together a group of artists in conference at the Victoria and Albert museum, where they ex- hibited tablets and statues of various designs. / i S B»S X :-,: Rough Timi The Local government has done well with ii "Spirit of the West'1 crowning the parliament buildings, its bronze buffaloes within, and the statues to fill the niches in the facade. At the present moment, n<> soldiers' memorial, nothing in bronze or stone, nothing concrete or abstract, can make sue 1 1 popular appeal as a monument on some public grounds where the multitude passes day by day. 'The spot in front of the Hank of Montreal, no longer needed Tor a monument of Lord Selkirk, since his statue is to he in one of the niches mentioned, would also he a place of vantage for such a memorial as we hope to see. There are many to whom the lilies in John McCrae's inspiring lyric may suggesl both de- sign and inscription: kkTo you from falling hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high.,! I have received a copy of the booklet "Roll of Honor" issued bv the Women's Institute of Emerson as a memorial of those who made the great sacrifice in that district. There are por- traits of twenty-three noble vouths, besides lists of the fighting' men. It is published by the Emerson Journal , and is meant as a pre- lude to a memorial in more permanent form. There will, we are sure, arise in every town in this province memorials in bronze or stone. The temporary cenotaph, modelled after that in London, which has been placed in the busy centre of Winnipeg will give the impetus. Per- haps Emerson will be the first to follow wdth a 260 Rough Times cenotaph of native stone. This form of monu- ment is especially appropriate as a war memor- ial. The English word is derived from two Greek words meaning "empty* and fcktomb", and is in contradistinction to mausoleum, the term given to a monument which receives the remains of the dead. The cenotaph had its origin in monuments erected for those whose remains could not be recovered, as in the case of drowning. Xo form of monument can possibly have the same sig- nicant religious appeal. The Women's Cana- dian club lay emphasis on the word "tempor- ary. ' : There will be no difficulty in getting the money for a permanent cenotaph. Every organ- ization in this city and province would surely, be eager to help in the erection of a cenotaph to commemorate the sacrifice made by the men of Manitoba on the field of honor. — The Bookman, Free Press. Many of Canada's citizen soldiers rose to high rank during the war in the military service of the Empire. Better known to Westerners are the names of Major-General Currie, now Sir Arthur Currie, and Major-General Ketchen, O.C. M.I>. Xo. 10. Brigadier-General McNaughton, of the Cana- dian artillery, pointed out to the Toronto Cana- dian club that not a single Canadian gun was left with the enemy in the Great War— a unique record among the national armies in the strug- gle. 'HE GLORIOl S 01 N CENOTAPH IX FRONT OF THE BANK OF MONTREAL, WINNIPEG, 1920. 261 Roi OH Timi 263 The dautless courage and patriotism of < lanadian women was called upon again and again during war times, and nobly thej stood the required test, Ladies auxiliaries formed a pari of every semi-military and patriotic association in town and country. They visited all those in distress and misfortune they could Locate, and, combined with the Bed Cross Society and Daughters of the Empire their efforts were crowned with such success that it was a rare case if anyone in affliction was left to suffer. The Knights of Columbus, the Salvation Army and the V.M.C.A. are organizations that did commendable work at the depots in Canada, the United States and England. Their estab- lishments for the service of the troops were ad- vanced as near as possible to the firing lines. PRIEST AND HERO The Rev. Major Madden, M.C., O.M.I., is a graduate of the Ottawa University and a Winni- peg boy, formerly a pupil of St. Mary's school, and the first of its boys to be raised to the priest- hood. The officers of all ranks have the greatest respect for this priest. They say he knew the front line trenches better than any trench offi- cer, intelligence officer, or forward observation officer. Major Ambros Madden was engaged in mis- sion work in Vancouver, B.C., when he enlisted 264 Rough Times and went overseas with the First Contingent from the Pacific Province. WHO WON THE WAUi Who won the War? The army of noble wo- men and men that gave their lives and made the supreme sacrifice, martyrs for the cause — They Won the War — many of them died unknown. Numbers found an ocean grave. Countless thousands lie buried in pits scattered far and wide under the sod of the bloody battlefields in the old world. They won the war. Their exalted spirits are enshrined in the hearts of all who mourn for the loved ones whom they will never see again in this life. "Who won the war?'3 Ask it of Foch and bis Poilus; Haig's Tommies; Beatty's Sailors and Marines; the brave Merchant Seamen; the Nursing Sisters; King George; the King of the Belgians; Pershing's Doughboys; the in- trepid Soldiers of Italy, Servia, Roumania and Japan; the gallant Volunteers from the British Dominions overseas. Ask the survivors of the Allied Nations, all who went through the awful death struggle of 1914-1918. Ask the great Cardinal Mercier, and the answer will be "The heroic spirit of the dead". Amen. So let it be. The Allied Nations have their Honor Rolls of many illustrious women and men who yield- ed their lives and gained a martyr's crown for the liberty and freedom of the world. They stand prominent in t he history of the Great MAJOR REV. FATHER MADDEN, O.M.I., M.C. (with two bars) Chaplain of B.C. Regiment, now resident of Kamloops, B.C. 265 Rough Timi War. With them, loyal, faithful and true to the British Empire, and Freedom's cause, are the distinguished names of Edith Cavell, Lord Kitchener and Captain Fryatt. They live among the Emmortals. "THE BOY WHO WENT AHEAD TO BLAZE THE TRAEL ( By Sergeanl Rafferty.) The nigh.1 is dark and through the pin( The winds a requiem play; Above, ih<k sky is overcast, The dawn seems far away. I go about the wonted task — Where hath its solace fled, And where the hopes of other days, Since he went on ahead? I look into the room he left, Where boyhood treasurers lie; Thus did his hand dispose them there The day he said good-bye. But lo ! Beyond the sombre hills A light breaks through the gloom, A tender radiance is diffused Within that hallowed room. And looking out into the night, Mine eyes, enraptured, hail A star serene and beautiful Just yonder, up the Trail. 268 Rough Times A star whose glowing beams dispel The shadows grim and black — The watch-fire of the hero lost Where he doth bivouac. In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses row and row That mark our place. And in the sky The larks still bravely singing fly. Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago \\ e lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe, To you from failing- hands we throw The torch. Be yours to hold it high; If ye break faith with us who die, We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. -Late Lieut-Col. John McCrae, C.A.M.C, Resl ye in peace ye Flanders dead. The fight that ye so bravely led We've taken up. And we will keep True faith with yon who lie asleep With each a cross to mark his bed, TROOPER, REGINALD DONOVAN TENNANT A student of St. Boniface College — Killed in Action December 4th 1915 — Regimental Number 1065S7, 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles. 269 Rough Timi 271 And poppies blowing overhead Where onee his own life blood r;ui red. So let your rest he sweet and deep In Flanders fields. Pear not thai you have died Tor naught, The torch ye threw to us we caught, Ten million hands will hold it high, And Freedom's lighl shall never die; We've learned the lesson that ye taughl In Flanders fields. —If. W. 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