a society for the purpose of improving ourselves in literature.
We had in the regiment John Smith, musketry instructor, and Sergeant
George Smith. These were two educated and capable men, and offered to
do all in their power for the advancement of this class. These brothers
were also good actors, and trained us in theatricals, which became part
of our lives.

The married women and children were now on passage to join the
battalion. In view of the reception for them the writer was appointed
chairman of a committee to make arrangements and provide refreshments
for their reception. Those who are interested are watching the signal
station at the Citadel. The ship will be signaled at least two hours
before she comes up the harbor. At last we are notified that the
steamer with her precious cargo is in sight, the banqueting room is
prepared and everything they could wish for is ready. All the cabs,
hacks, etc., have been hired to convey the loved ones to their new
home. They arrive in good health and spirits. The reception, which was
a great success, was soon over, and the families repaired to their
respective quarters. I received the thanks and best wishes of the
ladies, who hoped I would have one of the best wives when I married.

In the spring we prepared for our course of musketry, when the
following paragraph appeared in regimental orders: "The commanding
officer has been pleased to make the following promotions and
appointments: Color-Sergeant Robert Gilbert to be quarter-master-sergeant,
_vice_ Draycott, discharged. Sergeant E. G. Rundle to be color-sergeant,
_vice_ Gilbert, promoted." I did not expect this promotion, for there
were several sergeants my senior, and I would rather one of them were
promoted, but I had no say in the matter. The commanding officer had
made his choice and that ended it. The ordeal of meeting my comrades
in the mess-room that night put me to the blush, and I will with all
modesty repeat what was said on my meeting them: "Hurrah for Teddy!
Here is our new color-sergeant. We are glad you got it, Teddy; you
deserve it. For he's a jolly good fellow," etc.

The rifle ranges are fourteen miles east of Dartmouth, a town opposite
Halifax. We marched to Chobham camp, where the ranges are located, and
spent two weeks to complete our course. We found the eastern passage a
very pleasant part of Nova Scotia. After our duties were ended each
day, we went boating, fishing, lobster catching and swimming.