me ere long being gazetted as commander of a battalion in the North-Western Territory. On my return, to England, if ever, I shall take my Fenian trophies along with me, and perhaps a few hundred of Indian scalps, &c., as curiosities for my friends and old acquaintances. "Give my respects to none but those who inquire kindly about me. My love to the little '_chick_.' He may live to be yet proud of his father. I shall write again as soon as I get the savages disposed of." "Father, mother, sisters and brother, accept the expression of my love. Farewell, farewell." "Fred. Charlston." The volunteers for Red River were forwarded from Toronto to Collingwood; where they embarked on the steamers Algoma and Chigora; and proceeded 300 miles to Thunder Bay, on Lake Superior; thence by land and water through a dense wilderness, several hundred miles, to Fort Garry, at Red River. A prodigious undertaking, indeed, involving a vast amount of labor and privation; nevertheless the majority of the troops endured it tolerably well. During the first two or three weeks Fred Charlston stood the hardships and inconveniences with a brave spirit, and enjoyed with good relish the rough life of the military pioneer; so much so that he gave expression to his patriotic feelings in the following song, which he and his associates frequently sung with great gusto:-- Come now, my lads, we'll march along, And wave our banners high, The savage herds in forest wilds Shall hear our battle-cry. The distant realm before us lies, The road is rough and drear, O'er lake and stream thro' mountain wild Our martial course we'll steer. _Chorus._--Then march along, my hearty lads, And cheer your hearts with song, The nation cheers the Volunteers Who bravely march along. No scorching sun, no torrent shower, No toil, nor want of rest, Has power to check that British pluck Which warms each loyal breast. No savage of the woods we dread, Nor death, nor danger near, We are a nation's loyal sons Who spurn a coward's fear. _Chorus._--Then march along, &c. That savage wretch with bloody hands, Usurping in his might, Shall keenly feel a nation's steel That justifies its right. "_Revenge_" shall be our battle-cry, Revenge the bloody foe: Fort Garry's walls with tongues of blood, Shall echo back the blow. _Chorus._--Come march along, "my hearty lads," And shout the martial song. The nation cheers the Volunteers Who bravely march along. CHAPTER VIII.