ht that
if this was not done they would share the fate of the horses, and the
daily sight of the dead animals was certainly not very encouraging.
However, the mutiny was the most absurd undertaking ever attempted by
sailors, as we soldiers were nearly all qualified and willing to take
their places, which was quite unnecessary, as one or two quick military
court-martials took all thoughts of mutiny out of their minds.

When we got to St. John's, Nfld., where we put in for coal, we were all
astounded at the amount of snow and ice, and what struck us as funny
were the shingled roofs on the houses. But a very short time in Canada
taught us that the Canadians knew more about how to live and do in
their country than we did.

What we wondered at most when we reached Halifax was, who were those
swell-looking soldiers on the wharf with white facings on their
overcoats and long swagger leather boots with queer-looking spurs on
them. To our surprise and delight, on nearing the dock, we found they
were the right wing of our own regiment, newly clothed, and the
supposed spurs were only military ice-creepers.

We settled down and anticipated a long stay in this garrison. The 62nd
and 63rd were in quarters here when we arrived, but left for St. John,
N.B., thus making room for the 16th Bedfordshire. We were quite pleased
to meet with our old friends and comrades again, and our social
intercourse was extremely pleasant. The city was crowded with all arms
of the service which happened to be on the water when the United States
yielded to Britain's demands. They were waiting orders to proceed to
their destination, which they received, and moved to points in Quebec
and Ontario, leaving a sufficient force necessary to garrison and
defend Halifax.

We were glad to find a splendid gymnasium, with library, reading and
refreshment rooms, which were thoroughly appreciated and patronized.
The weather was extremely cold, or we thought so. The "Bluenoses" would
only smile when we complained of it, so we thought it advisable to
become acclimatized as soon as possible. We formed skating clubs, and
on the little lakes and any frozen space outside the city could be seen
soldiers trying their best to keep their equilibrium, but they became
fairly good acrobats before this was accomplished. Later we took to the
North West Arm, where cricket and other games were played. We found
this most invigorating and splendid pastime. During the winter we
formed