friends in England, the balance were sold.

I found my work brought me in touch with the Horse Guards and War
Office, which proved to be of much service to me in after years.

CHAPTER V.

A negro rebellion had broken out in Jamaica; many had been killed and
much property destroyed. The 6th Regiment was quartered at Newcastle,
and one of the West India regiments at Port Royal, but these were
unable to restore order. General Doyle received a telegram asking for
a regiment to be dispatched at once to assist in quelling the
rebellion. The 17th was immediately placed under orders to proceed to
Port Royal. It was arranged that we go in two ships, the right to
embark on H.M.S. _Duncan_, under the command of Colonel McKinstry; the
left wing in H.M.S. _Sphinx_, a gun-boat.

The morning for the embarking of the right wing had arrived and the
scene on the wharf at the dockyard was painful. The wives and children
of the departing troops were present, as was the general and staff.
The brigade-major (Captain Stokes, 16th Bedfordshires) read aloud the
latest dispatches from Jamaica, which caused much anxiety as to
whether all would return again. The embarking of the troops completed
and good-byes exchanged, the _Duncan_ left for her destination. The
left wing of the regiment, under command of Major Colthurst, embarked
on the _Sphinx_.

A fatal accident occurred as our ship was clearing the harbor. Peter
Jackson, "B" Company, venturing too far out on the bulkhead, was washed
overboard. There was a heavy sea running at the time, and poor Jackson
was soon lost sight of; there was no chance of saving him.

Lieutenant Rolph was appointed adjutant, and the writer orderly room
clerk. It was October and the weather was beautiful. We found we were
handicapped regarding quarters. The ship was so small we could not find
sufficient room in which to swing our hammocks. When we arrived in a
warmer climate we took our blankets on deck and slept there, but the
men were not allowed on the quarter-deck.

Captain Hamilton was commanding the ship, and I asked his permission
for the men to occupy the quarter-deck. He referred me to Major
Colthurst. I saw him and promised that for the privilege we would sing
glees, part songs, etc., while the officers were at mess each evening.
We had the use of the deck during the remainder of the voyage. We had a
very pleasant run for three days, when we reached Bermuda.

The steamer went to her dock a