e tents, parade, and
entrain on cars which were in waiting to convey them to Stratford. The
work of packing up was quickly accomplished, and at 6 o 'clock the train
left Fort Erie for its destination, the troops being accompanied by Col.
Garnet S. Wolseley, A.Q.M.G., of Her Majesty's Forces. They arrived at
Stratford at 5 p.m., and were immediately billetted among the citizens.
At this time it was feared that the Fenians contemplated an attack on
the frontier of the western portion of the Province, and it was deemed
advisable to have a sufficient force mustered at a convenient point,
to be available in case of emergency. The force collected at Stratford
consisted of Capt. Gore's Battery of Royal Artillery, two companies of
H. M. 16th Regiment, the Queen's Own and the York and Caledonia Rifles,
the whole being under command of Col. Wolseley.
The withdrawal of these troops from Fort Erie reduced Col. Lowry's
force to about 2,000 men, but they were sufficient to over-awe the 8,000
Fenians who were still hanging around Buffalo and vicinity with the
intention of making another raid as soon as they could escape the
vigilance of the United States authorities, who were now determined to
prevent any further incursions if possible.
The Thirteenth Battalion, of Hamilton, under Major Skinner, garrisoned
Port Colborne, and guarded the approach to the Welland Canal.
At Clifton and Suspension Bridge a provisional battalion consisting of
the Collingwood. Aurora. Bradford, Derry West and Grahamsville companies
were assembled under command of Lieut.-Col. Robert B. Denison, while
two more companies were stationed at Chippawa, so that the whole Niagara
frontier was carefully guarded.
[Picture (page 95) 0095.gif Caption: CANTEEN OF THE NINETEENTH BATTALION
AT FORT ERIE. JUNE, '66.]
At St. Catharines several other companies were billetted, who were ready
to move in any direction that their services might be required.
Toronto was also well garrisoned with troops which arrived on Sunday,
among which were the following:--The Cobourg Cavalry, Col. Boulton, 40
men and 40 horses; Cobourg Battery, Capt. Dumble. 46 men; Ashburnham
Infantry. Capt. Rogers, 32 men; Peterboro Infantry, Capt. Kennedy, 50
men; Campbellford Infantry, Capt. Lin, 40 men; Lakefield Infantry,
Capt. Leigh, 31 men; Cobourg Infantry, Capt. Elliott, 45 men; Peterboro
Rifles, Capt. Poole, 44 men; Cobourg Rifles, Capt. Smith, 47 men;
Bowmanville Rifles, Lieut.-Col. Cubit
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