Part 19 (1/2)

Then, either from misunderstanding, or perhaps that I was not sufficiently explicit, I found that I had been relieved from the command of my own battalion, and not of the general command only, as I had expected. I immediately communicated with Majors Skinner and Cattley that I had been relieved.

The history of my connection with the campaign, which resulted in the expulsion of the Fenians from the Niagara District, has now been detailed, from the moment I received orders until I was relieved from command. I submit to those to whom the inquiry of my conduct on the occasion may be entrusted, that the state of affairs which existed at Port Colborne on my arrival at 11 o'clock p.m. on Friday. 1st of June, will be better understood if the communications which previously pa.s.sed between Colonel Peac.o.c.ke and the officer commanding at Port Colborne were obtained. I have reason to believe that they will bear materially in explaining the plans proposed and under consideration before Captain Akers' arrival, and the propriety of the modification which, if Colonel Peac.o.c.ke's approval were obtained, was to have been pursued.

I further submit the official despatches connected with the affair at Lime Ridge, published by authority in the Canada Gazette of Sat.u.r.day, 23rd June, 1866. Upon two points I expect inquiry will be directed, namely, to the capacity and care shown by me for the command entrusted to me, and my personal conduct on the field. On this latter point I ask for the evidence of those who are present.

That every precaution and every consideration for the comfort and advantage of my battalion which the circ.u.mstances did permit, I confidently a.s.sert were taken.

The volunteer force from Hamilton answered to the call for service with alacrity. The entire force which I had the honor to command was animated with the highest feelings of patriotism and zeal. All personal considerations gave way, all hards.h.i.+ps were borne cheerfully and without a murmur. We had but one wish-to meet the enemy; and but one hope, to aid in his discomfiture; and if under the trying circ.u.mstances in which we were placed the result was not so triumphant as the devotion and heroism of the volunteers deserved, I trust that as their conduct cannot be impugned, the Court of Inquiry will, on appreciation of the facts, exonerate their commanding officer from the complete want of success of an attack which undoubtedly caused the enemy to abandon their plans of invasion and commence their retreat.

A. BOOKER,

Lieut.-Colonel.

The Court then proceeded to the examination of witnesses.

The first witness called by Lieut.-Col. Booker was Major Chas. T.

Gillmor, commanding the Second Battalion, or Queen's Own Rifles.

MAJOR GILLMOR'S EVIDENCE.

Question from Lieut.-Col. Booker-When I relieved the Queen's Own and advanced the Thirteenth, did you report to me that your men were becoming short of ammunition?

Major Gillmor-On some one occasion I mentioned that one or two companies stated to me that they were short of ammunition.

Question from Lieut.-Col. Booker-When the Thirteenth were in action, did you send out the Highland Company, at my request, to hold the woods to our right, and the road, from the reserve?

Answer-I did send out the Highland Company with orders as described, but I cannot say if it was before or after the Thirteenth went out.

Question from Lieut.-Col. Booker-What did they report on their return?

Answer-I don't recollect their return. I believe them to be the last to leave the field.

Question from Lieut.-Col. Booker-Did you hear the cry of ”Cavalry”?

Answer-Yes.

Question from Lieut.-Col. Booker-Did you see the Fenian reserves advancing after the cry of ”Cavalry'”?

Answer-No.

Question from Lieut.-Col. Booker-Did you see that we were outflanked to the right?

Answer-No, I believe it was the reserve. I could not see the extreme right.

Question from the Court-On what do you ground your belief that they were not outflanked on the right?

Answer-Princ.i.p.ally on the statements of the officers and men who were out skirmis.h.i.+ng on the right.

Question from Lieut.-Col. Booker-Did you notice men coming down the hill to our front at a double, in front of the reserves, crying ”Cavalry”?

Answer-No.