four successive Sundays, as a mark
of respect toward our late commanding officer. The commander-in-chief
granted it.

The furlough season was near and I was to leave for six weeks,
commencing at Christmas, but there was something not very pleasant
going on between the United States and England over the _Trent_
affair. It looked so serious that some 25,000 troops were placed under
orders to proceed to North America, and the "Tigers," our battalion,
was among them. We had received orders to the effect that as soon as
the hired transport steamships _Cleopatra_ and _Mauritius_ were ready,
we would embark for Halifax, Nova Scotia. The commanding officer
informed me that I could not have my leave, and those already on leave
would be recalled immediately. In this case the company owning these
ships was responsible only for the conveyance; the military
authorities were to make all other arrangements.

The commanding officer selected me to superintend the shipping and
stowing away of provisions and clothing, which was to be done at Haul
Bowlin, where the regiment was to embark, and I left at once to perform
this duty. Arriving in Cork, I reported at the quartermaster-general's
department and was attached to the 12th Regiment. Christmas was near
and the steamer had not arrived. On Christmas the regiment arrived at
Cork station. I went down to meet them and returned to the barracks,
where the right wing remained till they embarked. Not a drum was heard,
in consequence of the death of H.R.H. the Prince Consort. The battalion
marched to barracks in death-like silence, with colors draped and other
signs of mourning visible. The sergeants of my regiment were invited to
dine with their old comrades of the 12th on Christmas Day. We were
enjoying our dinner when an orderly summoned me to the orderly room.
When I reported I found the Q.M.G., colonel, quartermaster, adjutant
and others assembled. I was ordered to at once prepare to accompany
them to Haul Bowlin. That stopped my Christmas festivities, but the
12th boys filled my haversack with good things.

On arrival my duties were at once explained to me. I was to make notes
of the disposition of all packages, barrels, bales, etc., of provision
and clothing, so they could be found without difficulty during the
voyage. A winter campaign was expected, and we had considerable furs
and clothing to meet it. Not far from Haul Bowlin is Spike Island, a
convict settlement, and the convicts we