Troublous Times in Canada: A History of the Fenian Raids of 1866 and 1870MacDonald, John A. (John Alexander)
History
Troublous Times in Canada: A History of the Fenian Raids of 1866 and 1870
MacDonald, John A. (John Alexander)
Canada -- History -- Fenian Invasions, 1866-1870; Fenians
When we arrived at the point where the railway track crossed the main
road, some of the men took the railway track and some followed the
road. Col. Booker and I both followed the track, and a train shortly
afterwards came up, upon which a number of men got; as many as it would
carry. Col. Booker walked on or remained behind. It was only an engine
and a baggage car. There were no passenger cars.
LIEUT. FERGUSON'S EVIDENCE.
The next witness examined by the Court was Lieut. John William Ferguson,
of No. 3 Company, Thirteenth Battalion.
Question--Did you command No. 3 Company of the Thirteenth Battalion at
the battle of Lime Ridge on the 2nd of June last?
Answer--Yes.
Question--State what took place that day under your own observation.
Answer--About ten or fifteen minutes after the firing commenced, Major
Gillmor came back to the rear and told Col. Booker that his men were
tired and their ammunition nearly expended, and asked Col. Booker to
send out the right wing of the Thirteenth to relieve his men. Col.
Booker then gave the order to the right wing of the Thirteenth to deploy
on No. 3 Company, and this being done, an order was given to extend
from the left. We then advanced over a fence through a field, and in the
middle of the field we were halted by bugle call. In a few minutes "the
advance" was sounded, and we continued advancing until we came under
fire. The Queen's Own were then retiring in good order. We then
commenced firing and advanced across a field. My company had to cross
the road to the left side. Here I changed my front a little to the
right, and saw the enemy about 100 yards off. I heard a bugle sound "the
retreat," and I gave the command to "retire." We retired about forty
yards in line into the original position, firing as we fell back.
While retiring I heard the bugle sound the "advance." I then ordered
my company to advance, but not to fire until they got where they were
before, under cover. I again heard a bugle call which I did not know,
but on inquiry was told it was "the alarm." I looked for the cavalry,
but could see none. I let my men remain where they were. I then heard
the bugle call "the assembly," followed by "the double." I then ordered
the men to make for the square the shortest way they could, and they
retired on the square. Three of them were wounded while retiring at this
time. When I saw the enemy coming out of the woods I went after my men.
I saw Major Skinner and Adjutant Henery making for the same point, that
is, the square. When I reached where the reserve stood, scarcely any men
were there. On my way down I saw one of the Queen's Own lying dead as
I passed. Several ineffectual attempts were made to form up the men. At
Ridgeway I saw Col. Booker on his horse forming up his battalion into
column. They were falling into column of companies, right in front,
facing towards Port Colborne, past Ridgeway. As soon as we had formed
I heard Col. Booker give the command, "Form fours--right. Left
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