lk sash and
gold stripes, I visited my friends and my former companions. I was the
only soldier in the town.

During Christmas day two regiments--2nd battalion 25th, and Tower
Hamlets Militia--quartered in the east block, were disputing as to
which had the best dinner. The dispute became so hot that the men ran
to their barrack rooms and opened fire on each other. The space between
the barracks was covered with glass. Every man had possession of ten
rounds of ball cartridge, which he kept in his pouch. Every reasonable
means was used to stop the firing, but they still kept it up. At last
it was found necessary to bring up a battery of artillery, and the
rioters were warned that if they did not cease firing the battery would
open fire upon them. In a short time they ceased and the rioters were
made prisoners, later tried by court-martial and sentenced to long
terms of imprisonment. Fortunately no one was killed, and the only
casualty was a drummer slightly wounded. The next day both regiments
returned their ammunition into the magazine. The Tower Hamlets were
ordered to their headquarters, London, and disbanded. The 25th were
sent to Spike Island, a convict settlement near Queenstown, Ireland.

We had now a very nice reading-room, also a library. A regimental
school was opened and the children attended. Any man who could not read
or write must attend school until he obtained a fourth-class
certificate, but that did not prevent him from advancing. If he wished
promotion he must obtain a third-class for corporal, second-class for
sergeant, and a first-class certificate would be an important factor if
he were looking toward a commission.

Being musical, I took a great interest in our band, which by this time
had become a fairly good one. Our bandmaster, Mr. John Holt, was
transferred from the Stafford Militia and was a most genial and
courteous gentleman. Our band-sergeant was Charles Fitzpatrick, son of
the sergeant-major of the South Devon Militia, and, like the master, he
was a fine fellow. In 1868 he was appointed bandmaster of the 18th
Royal Irish. There were some good voices in the band, and in rendering
programmes there would generally be a chorus which we enjoyed. The only
drill during the winter was route marching; we also had gymnastics and
an occasional lecture from adjutant, sergeant-major or musketry
instructor.

The spring drill of 1860 commenced, and every man must have a month's
setting up. This means l