ing heard of the formation of this battalion, I went to its
headquarters and offered myself for enlistment to Sergeant-Major Monk.
This was the beginning of a lasting friendship.

The sergeant-major acted in a kind and fatherly manner toward me,
explaining the soldier's life, and gave me sound advice, and when we
were satisfied with this part, the following question was asked: "Are
you free, willing, able to serve in H.M. 2nd Battalion, 17th Regiment,
for ten years, not exceeding twelve, if Her Majesty so long requires
your services?"

I answered: "I am." Then the sergeant-major placed a shilling in my
hand.

This took place on the 15th of July, 1858. The next day I was inspected
by the surgeon and was declared medically fit. The following day a
Justice of the Peace swore me in, and signed my attestation, and I was
then posted to No. 2 Company, my regimental number being 404.

A new life was now before me, and I am glad to say my desires were not
altered; that I wished to be loyal to my Queen, dutiful to my country,
obedient and courteous to my superiors, which in after years I found to
be an important factor in a soldier's life.

With other recruits, I was marched to the quartermaster's stores to
receive my kit and clothing. These consisted of a knapsack, two shirts,
two towels, two pairs of socks, one pair of boots, knife, fork and
spoon, one razor, one shaving brush, two shoe brushes, box of blacking,
one comb, one sponge, one button brush, one button holder, one tunic,
one shell jacket, two pairs trousers. The above were issued with
instructions that they be kept in repair, and replaced if lost or worn
out.

I was placed in a squad with ten others for drill. The stock then used
around the neck was made of thick heavy leather about two inches high,
with large brass fasteners behind, and at times this was quite painful
for want of ventilation, and it was difficult to lower the head without
bending the body from the hips. We had to endure this four hours a day,
but after a while we got accustomed to it and did not mind.

The worst part to contend with was the food; there was not sufficient
for the hungry recruit, and had it not been for the $15.00 bounty
placed to our credit, we should soon have become shadows of our former
selves. The pay after deduction was eight cents, issued daily, so we
could not have many extras but for the bounty. The following is a bill
of fare for a day: One and one-half pounds of brea