essed the soldiers and also the citizens, and assured
them that the conference was satisfactory; the United States Government
would prevent any unlawful conduct or annoyance to the town of St.
Andrews by the Fenians, and General Doyle could withdraw his troops at
any time he desired. The people were pleased that the United States had
taken such a stand, and would look to General Meade for the fulfilment
of this promise.

Orders had been dispatched to Major Heigham, commanding a detachment
of two companies at St. Stephens, and of which Lieutenant Dywer was
acting adjutant, to return to headquarters and embark for Halifax. The
troopship had arrived and we were to embark on the morrow. Two men of
the 17th had arranged to desert that night. They answered their names
at tattoo, afterwards breaking out of barracks and getting into a
rowboat at the wharf for the purpose of crossing the river. They must
have forgotten that H.M.S. _Wolverine_ was anchored in the river. The
boatman, however, rowed out and all looked safe. Presently the
sentry--for they were near the ship--called, "Who goes there?" The
officer in command of the guard ordered a boat lowered and captured
the would-be deserters. Their names were Lavin and Cass. They were
immediately returned to the regiment and placed in the guard room. The
conduct of the regiment had been excellent during its stay in St.
Andrews, and we regretted this incident on our departure. The general
was determined to have these two men tried and sentenced before we
embarked at 10 a.m. the following day. This meant a busy time for me.
I had to prepare all the documents, issue orders as to the convening
of the court, etc. The court assembled, the prisoners were tried,
found guilty, and the proceedings made known to them and the garrison
when the troops paraded for embarkation. The sentence was five years'
penal servitude.

We now sailed for Halifax, arriving the next day. We disembarked from
the _Tamer_, and took up our quarters in Wellington barracks, the time
being near June. Sergeant-Major Jackson retired on a well-earned
pension, and my youth was the only objection to my being his
successor. Color-Sergeant Green, who was transferred to the battalion
on its formation from the 36th Regiment, a very smart soldier, was
promoted sergeant-major.

We received orders to be in readiness to proceed to Toronto, relieving
the 47th Regiment, and were to have another trip on the _Duncan_. We
embarked