ng the river's bank for a considerable
distance. In the middle of the night the sentries on the extreme flank
of the outpost saw lights of varied colors which they thought were
ships signaling to each other and approaching the shore. They came to
the conclusion it was a Fenian fleet, and sent the alarm along to the
reserve of the picket. The officer in command ordered the bugler to
sound the alarm, which was repeated by the bugler on guard at the
regimental headquarters.

This was the first time since the battalion was formed such excitement
occurred. The men certainly put into practice what they had been taught
for the supposed battle that awaited them, for in fifteen minutes the
regiment was on parade, equipped, and having forty rounds of
ammunition, were ready for the fray. The other corps in garrison were
on parade and ready to move. The whole town was aroused. The Charlotte
militia was under arms and anxious to give battle to the Fenians. The
general and his staff were on parade (mounted). Brigade-Major Stokes
and Captain Clarke, A.D.C., made good use of their horses. They
galloped hither and thither, giving orders to the commanding officers
as to positions they were to occupy. The general addressed the troops
and bid them be steady and courageous. Daylight was near and the fog on
the river was lifting, when the artillery was ordered to move and take
up their position. The 17th extended a line of skirmishers to cover
their advance as they moved to the points of defence. There was now
sufficient light for us to see the ships, which to our great
disappointment proved to be fishing craft. We were dismissed, and felt
sorry not to win a battle to add to the many on our regimental colors.

After five weeks on the frontier and the Fenians giving no trouble,
orders were issued to furnish a guard of honor to General Meade, of
Gettysburg fame, who commanded in Maine and was making a visit to Sir
Charles Doyle at the headquarters of the garrison. It was a gala day in
St. Andrews. General Meade and staff arrived and were met at the wharf
by General Doyle. The guard of honor presented arms, the band playing
the salute. General Meade inspected the guard and then repaired to
headquarters. They held a conference and came to a decision as to the
movements of the Fenians. A general parade was ordered for the next
day. The troops paraded in the morning, all the citizens that could
possibly be present being there.

The general addr