Batoche 1885

from The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville  Friday July 31, 1885
WELCOME
Cartwright People's Welcome to the Heroes of Batoche
Grand Banquet in their Honour
Major Hughes and Co. "C" of the Midland Battalion, the Lions of the Day
Wednesday was truly a gala day in the capital of the municipality of Cartwright, where everyone left their ordinary occupation to extend an enthusiastic welcome to the gallant Company "C" of the Midland Battalion, recently returned from the North-west. ...

At one o'clock the citizens and many others went to Caesarea to welcome the Lindsay contingent, who came down on a chartered boat with a goodly number of their townsmen and ladies, to participate in the Cartwright reception to the Heroes of Batoche at the home of their commanding officer, Major Hughes.

The Williamsburg Band played the martial procession into the village. The sun-burned heros were greeted with stentorian cheer upon cheer by the crowds of people who lined either side of the street as they marched through. The procession marched south to the residence of Mr. John Hughes, Sr., where a halt took place and the soldier boys were refreshed. The procession re-formed and marched back to the Town Hall, where a banquet was spread and full justice done to it.

The Bowmanville Volunteers were the last to arrive, and they were received with lusty cheers from the people and a hearty greeting from their old comrades, who acted as if they had not seen them for a twelvemonth. There seems to have grown a friendship among the boys that will last as long as they live.Most of the Volunteers wore their faded and much-worn uniforms, while others whose uniform was too tattered and torn to appear in, where dressed in civilian's clothes. The improvised head-gear was a subject of much comment. ...

The Dinner served to the Volunteers in the Town Hall, which was also nicely though modestly decorated for the occasion, was a recherche affair—the tables being very neatly and tastefully set out and, best of all, contained an abundance of substantial and wholesome edibles in addition to delicious dainties. This excellent spread was prepared and served by Mr. Coulter of the Commercial Hotel.

Lieut.-Col. Cubitt presided.
On the right were: Major John Hughes; Lieut-Col. Deacon; Rev. J. Creighton; Capt. Grace; Lieut. Hopkins (Lindsay); Lieut. Jordan (Fenelon Falls); Rev. W.C. Washington, M.A.; Sergeants Christie and McMurtry and Staff-Sgt. McClung.

On the left were Surgeon W.S. Boyle; Inspector James Hughes (Toronto); Lieut. Laidlaw; Adjutant Sam. Hughes; Capt. Wallace (Mayor of Lindsay); Capt Evans (Omemee); C.H.A. Williams (brother of the late lamented Col. Williams, Port Hope); Major Patterson and ex-Major W.J. McMurtry (Port Perry); Rev. Geo. McKay; James Parr, and members of the Council.

At a long table to the right of the guests' table were seated the Heroes of Batoche, and other members of their respective Volunteer Companies.

At another table on the left were the members of the Band and citizens.The interval between the dinner and concert was spent in a social way, groups standing here and there listening to the accounts of the battles fought and victories won by the heroes. An exciting game of base ball was played on the fair grounds between Darlington and Cartwright teams. The latter won by 13 to 9.

The meeting in the Drill Shed can hardly be called a concert, it was a semi-military and semi-citizen thanksgiving and praise meeting. James Parr, Esq., Reeve of Cartwright, presided in his genial style. On the platform were Lieut-Cols. Cubitt, and Deacon; Major Hughes; Mayor Wallace; Chas. H.A. Williams, Esq.; John Carveth, Esq., ex-Reeve of Clarke; R.B. Spinks, Esq., ex-Reeve of Cartwright; the resident ministers and several other gentlemen.

After a short address from the chairman, he called on Lieut.-Col. Cubitt, who spoke of tbe brave career of the late Col. Williams, and his Midland Battalion. This battalion was said to be the best that arrived in Winnipeg during the campaign and they bad proved themselves one of the most useful in the active service, and it had also been said that Co. "C" was the best in the Batt. They were worthy scions of noble stock and would, as in this case, always be ready to fight for their Queen and country. They are a great credit to the district and he hoped their services would he fittingly recognised by the Government.

Lieut.-Col. Deacon was tbe next speaker. He had tried to introduce economy in the regiment by allowing Col. Cubitt to do the speaking while he did the acting (laughter). He paid a high compliment also to the Midlanders, saying they were possessed of great pluck and endurence.
When he sat down, three loud cheers were given for Col. Deacon and the Midland Battalion.

Major Wallace made a short speech. He was proud of the 45th and 46th Batts. He joined the volunteers in 1861 and would gladly give his whole service of 24 years to have been one of the heroes of Batoche.

Major John Hughes, Commander of Co."C," Midland Battalion, was received with rounds of applause and deafening cheers. He was glad to be home again after nearly four months' campaigning. It was a short time, but they had travelled about 6000 miles in that time. He reviewed the journey, recounted some of the incidents and casualties of the campaign, described the 13 days' trip on the Saskatchewan on the Northcote, referring to many laughable occurrences en route.

Referring to the capture of Batoche, he denied the statements made in the papers by Col. Straubenzie and expressed surprise that he would write as he had. On the third afternoon it was suggested that the Midlands make a rush on the rifle pits. This was done and after quite a brush with the enemy they retired. Next day the officers met in council. Col. Williams and Major Hughes were asked if they could do it again and they said they could. Cos. "A" and "C" started and had gone 400 yds. and within 100 yds. of Batoche before Col. Straubenzie was seen in the advance. Finally the charge was made by the Midlands and 90th, who, said he, deserve as much credit for the capture of Batoche as the Midlanders or Grenadiers. Col. Williams was the first officer at Batoche and members of "C" Co. were among the first privates there. He referred in touching terms to the death of Col. Williams. Gen. Middleton had said that he would rather have the three regiments he commanded in the Northwest for the late campaign than any other three regiments in the British Service.

Major Hughes was frequently applauded during his speech, and after speaking for over half an hour he sat down, though many voices shouted "go on. "

Lieut. Laidlaw and several others were announced to speak, but our reporter left at this stage of the meeting for home.

The Drill Shed was well filled and the audience kept the best of order. The Band played several airs between the addresses.

The Reception Committee who so far as we saw or heard carried out the program of the day without a hitch or accident and the arrangements were most complete. The only newspaper men present were Mr. Sam. Hughes of the Llndsay Warder and the Editor of the Statesman both of whom received every possible attention and courtesy from the committee and citizens generally. The Committee was composed of the following gentlemen: Messrs James Parr (Chairman); John Hughes, sr. (Secretary); R.B. Spinks; N. Jeffery; T. Whitfield; R.H. Prust; J.J. McKee; Dr. Campbell; J.H. Devitt; Wm. Parr; R. Kerrighan; Albert Spinks; Geo. Bartley and R.J. Graham.


Arthur Trefusis Heneage Williams, click here for a sour dismissive current view
cursor over the image

from The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville  Friday July 31, 1885
Anent our remarks on the lack of respect shown by Toronto military officers to the remains of the late lamented Col. Williams, a Belleville paper says:—It was very noticeable that no mark of respect was paid the remains by the volunteer force of Toronto, and as a consequence the despatch of the commanding officers of the district mounted guard themselves on the funeral car for two hours to allow the small escort of the Midland, which had been on duty with the body since leaving Winnipeg, to get some refreshments and take a run into the city. A pleasing mark of respect in striking contrast to the want of attention at Toronto, was shown at Bowmanville. As the train drew into the station, the very excellent band of the 45th Batt. was playing the Dead March in 'Saul' on the platform.

from The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville  Friday July 31, 1885
SOLDIERS' WELCOME HOME.
Last week our citizens welcomed home with a warmth and enthusiasm commensurate with the noble services which they have rendered their country, with the honour which they have done their town and district, the brave soldier boys of Company "C" of the Midland Battalion. Our town also extended a most hearty greeting to the companions in arms and in glory, of its own sons, as they passed on route to their respective homes where without exception they also received a warm welcome.

Never were men more deserving of all the appreciation their fellow townsmen and fellow-countrymen can show them, than the fearless and hardy troops who last week sank the soldier in the citizen. At a moment's warning they threw down the implements of their various callings and at the call of country rushed to face hardships and danger that might well have dismayed professional warriors.

While the entire Dominion feels proud of the conduct of our young soldiers, and welcomes them home from the scene of toil and danger with all applause due to brave men who have done their work well, there is more than a national pride and more than a national interest felt in the towns and villages to which the volunteers belong. It is not alone the feeling that they have shown themselves brave and enduring soldiers which fills our hearts with pride, and makes us welcome our Co. of the Midland wilh pleasure; the chief feeling is one of gratification that their lives have been spared through the dangers of a campaign, and that our citizens and companions and brothers and sons have come back to us in safety.

As has been remarked, there is a "pomp and circumstance of glorious war" which looks well on paper. Battles bravely fought—noble victories won—rapid marches—daring attacks—gallant defences—all these things sound well, and inflate our national pride. But the reverse of the picture—the privation and suffering— the toilsome journeys—the exposure to wind and rain and storm and cold and heat—the wasting diseases—the wounds and mutilation—the death on the battlefield and in the hospital—the waste and loss of life and health and possessions; of these things the people get but a faint perception. It is only when our own personal friends are exposed in these dangers; when we wait anxiously day by day for some word from the loved ones at the front; when our hearts are wrung by the tales of suffering we gather up from the letters written for our own reading, or when we receive the fatal message telling us that the one from whom we parted a few days or months before will never come home again; it is then that we realise what war is—and then all the glory of war is, in our eyes, but vanity and woe.

All honour and glory are theirs who suffer and endure and toil, as well for those who fight and bleed and die. The men of the "C" Co. have shown themselves good soldiers who have done their duty, and we welcome them home with pride in their record, with pleasure in their personal safety, and with the earnest hope that their martial services will not be required for many a year.

Our people have reason to be proud of the reception they gave the returning heros last week, as the latter have reason to treasure the remembrance thereof, as that of one of the brightest incidents in their lives. Old and young, rich and poor, alike, thronged the streets to welcome the heroes of Batoche. There was no man so poor that he could not afford a cheer, and no womnn so indifferent that she did not lend the enthusiasm of a waving handkerchief, or add the tribute of an ill-suppressed tear of joy! From the depot through the various stages of the march to the Drill Shed, it was one continuous ovation of boundless enthusiasm. Cheer after cheer rent the air; the sound of martial music by our two excellent bands, and the clangor of the fire and church bells seemed to lend energy to the shouts of welcome; the most undemonstrative for the moment lost their characteristics and were cheering and waving handkerchiefs with a boyish enthusiasm.

Wherever the sun-browned soldiers with the campaign stained and tattered uniforms appeared, that appearance was the signal for renewed outburst of welcome. Our people have always felt proud of the local militia, but, on this occasion there was not a man wearing a uniform as spic and span as the strict lines of military taste could make it, but who would gladly have changed it for one of the tattered, harlequin suits, worn by the men home-coming from active service, and that feeling was reciprocated by the on-looking masses. Those masses were composed of the relatives, friends and neighbours of the returning volunteers.

This town has witnessed many demonstrations, but never such a demonstration as that. There was no sham and no social tinsel—no straining after effect—it was a demonstration which came from the hearts of the people, whose reality and sincerity needed not being heightened by the general holiday attire of the town. King street was such a mass of glowing colours, with its impromptu arches of parti-coloured drapery, of blooms, of cut knives and bayonets, guns and flags. The spectacle King street presented from Division to Scugog street will never be forgotten. It was a living sea of surging people, whose general sombreness of attire was relieved by the red line passing through their midst. Every window and place of advantage was occupied, and the general effect was impressive as well as gratifying to those for whose honour the demonstration was made.

The repast served to the "boys" at the Drill Shed by the ladies of the town was one of the best ever witnessed here and reflects great credit on those who prepared and served it.



Battle of Batoche as seen by Sgt Grundy


from The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville  Friday July 31, 1885
THE CHARGE AT BATOCHE
The following letter appeared in the Mail last Thursday in regard to the charge upon and the capture of Batoche, from the officer in command of the Infantry Brigade:
Kingston, Ont., July 22, 1885
To the Editor of the Mail
Sir.—In the Mail of the 20th inst., I see it stated that Lieut.-Colonel Williams was told by Colonel Straubenzie to use his own discretion as to the matter of a charge. In justice to Lieut.-Colonel Grasett and the Royal Grenadiers, as well as to myself, I beg to state that there is not a word of truth in the above statement. On the occasion of the charge of the rifle pits at Batoche, on the 12th May last, I ordered the late lamented Col. Williams, in most emphatic and unqualified language to advance to the charge, which he did, and two companies of the Midland Battalion (62 strong) under his command, charging in line with the Royal Grenadiers (230 strong) under Lieut. Col. Grasett, at the same time advancing myself in command of the attacking parly.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
B. Von Straubenzie,
Lieutenant-Colonel,
Late in command of the Infantry Brigade, North-west Field Force.

One can scarcely imagine a more disgraceful epistle than the above. Not satisfied that he simply ordered the Grenadiers and Midlanders to advance. Lieut.-Colonel Straubenzie singles out the commandant of the Midland Battalion and says of him :
" I ordered the late lamented Col. Williams, in most emphatic and unqualified language to advance to the charge, etc."
What does Lieut.-Colonel Straubenzie mean by "most emphatic and unqualified language" in that connection? It has ceased to be a secret that Straubenzie has stated since his arrival in this province, that he ordered the late Col. Williams to advance two or three times before he went forward. Such conduct, we say unhesitatingly, is unworthy of a British officer or a gentleman. Why he should direct all his cowardly insinuations against one who loyally gave his life for his country, in a civil war that should never have taken place, is a mystery. Such an attempt to traduce the memory of the gallant Colonel Williams is one of the most disgraceful episodes in connection with the military operations in the North-west. Colonel Straubenzie need not imagine that his whisperings or his epistles to the Mail will be allowed to go unanswered.

What procedure the military regulations provide for we know not, but if anything can be done to punish Straubenzie for the aspersions he has cast upon the bravery and courage of the late Col. Williams, action should be taken at once, even if it should result in Straubenzie being stripped of the Queen's uniform. There are those who say that there was a stump up there just large enough to protect Straubenzie's figure from rebel bullets. We would regret to believe anything of the kind of one who had passed through the Crimean War, but it is hard to say what we might not be tempted to credit of an officer who has endeavoured to rob a deceased and gallant soldier of honours that were credited to him during his life time. — Port Hope Guide.

from The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville  Friday July 31, 1885
The late campaign in our North-west should dispell all the fond anticipations of our American cousins who have been looking forward to annexation. The men that followed Williams and Otter, Strange and Steele, have dispelled that error; they have shown that the Dominion is a nation, able to take care of itself, able to vindicate its authority in its own territory, able to guard the heritage that has come down to it from Wolfe and Montcalm, DeSalaberry and Brock. In the words of Sir Richard Cartwright, "The cost and the loss are to a considerable extent likely to be compensated to the people of Canada. I say that there has been a gain in national spirit. I say more: I say that in all countries which have made their mark in history it has been found that considerable sacrifices are a necessary ingredient of true patriotism."

from The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville  Friday July 31, 1885
$2O,OOO TO GEN. MIDDLETON.
The Government's gratuity to General Middleton is altogether too large, considering the present financial condition of our country. We do not deny that he has rendered the country good service in the North-west campaign, but he went there in the discharge of the duties of the position he occupied, and made no sacrifice, financially, in his removal from Ottawa to the West.

Not so with the officers and men who have so bravely supported him, for many of them made great sacrifices and have sustained heavy financial losses by leaving home. Furthermore, many of these men did as great service to their country in their respective capacities and bore as great hardships and ran as great risk as did the General himself. Rumour says that the Batoche victory should be credited to some subordinate officers rather than to the Commander-in-chief; and the capture of Batoche had more to do with quelling the rebellion than all the other military events of the campaign.

Who can say how the siege of Batoche would have resulted had not the noble hero, the late Col. Williams, with Companies "A" and "C"of the Midland Batt. made that daring advance on the rifle pits, and who by their cheers aroused the enthusiasm of their comrades—the Grenadiers and the 90th—who also dashed forward, their combined attack driving the enemy in great confusion from their almost impregnable strongholds and won the crowning victory of the whole campaign.

Parliament has promised the men grants of land, and pensions to the wounded, but the country loses nothing by the former, and could not do otherwise by the latter, and it is slight recognition compared with $20,000 for four months' service. $5,000 a month is big pay in addition to his regular salary. This campaign will also no doubt open the way for General Middleton's promotion in the regular army, and secure to him royal recognition, as the Red River campaign did for Gen. Wolseley. This is a big consideration in itself.

We think that a modest $10,000 grant to Middleton and the other $10,000 divided among other officers and men who distinguished themselves in the campaign would have been a much more satisfactory disposition of the $20,000 grant.



Belleville, Ont welcomes the heroes of Batoche c1885


from The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville  Friday July 31, 1885
It is not a little refreshing to hear one of the bitterest of the most bitter Conservative journals speaking thus plainly of Sir John MacDonald and his followers at Ottawa in reference to the recent salary grab. The Port Perry Observer, a rank Tory paper, says:— Here are 211 men in the Commons receiving $1,000 each for sessional allowance, but they are not satisfied with it, they must have $500 more, so they agree to pillage the treasure chest to that extent, so that in place of $1,000, each took $1,500 for the past session.
Poor, hard driven, toiling men must strike, struggle and suffer to secure the paltry sum of $300 a year, while a lot of windbags impertinently take to themselves $1,500 for three mouth's pass-time at Ottawa. Not one of the present House should ever be honoured with another election.

from The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville  Friday July 31, 1885
INGRATITUDE TO THE VOLUNTEERS
The Globe instances a strong case of ingratitude on the part of the Dominion Government in the refusal to allow the pay of the Volunteers to continue to the First of August, in consideration of many of them being out of employment, and in any case a week's rest is almost imperative after the fatigue of their journey home.

The Volunteers at the call of duty cheerfully surrendered their situations in order to serve their country. The Government express their gratitude by refusing them a single week's extra pay.

The General is granted $20,000 in addition to his salary. The weather-beaten privates are given scrip worth $40, and a "vote of thanks." The Government paid each of its own members $500 for alleged extra work, which in their case was never performed. The request made in behalf of the Volunteers for an extra $3.50 each is ungraciously refused. For a widow whose husband fell on the field 25 cents a day is all the Government can afford. For the soldiers who returned, 50 cents a day for a single week is more than can be given.

A wonderful thing indeed, is Tory gratitude.



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