Page:History of the Fenian raid on Fort Erie with an account of the Battle of Ridgeway.djvu/84

 Subsequently, fresh reports of attempts of the Fenians to escape having reached me, I determined on advancing at once.

We were about to move when Lt. Col. the Honble. John Hillyard Cameron, came into Camp and informed me that they had escaped.

This intelligence caused great mortification in my little force. I desired Major Denison to scour the country and enter the town; he sent me a message that he was informed that there were still a body of Fenians about the old Fort.

We at once marched in that direction skirmishing through the woods though Major Denison soon informed us that they really had escaped, as many scouts and farm people assured us they had not escaped. We took a long sweep through the woods, our right on Lake Erie; a few stragglers were seen and 4 reported shot.

On entering the Old Fort traces were found of its having been recently occupied.

During the short operation which extended only over forty hours, the troops under my command underwent very great fatigue, and bore it with the best spirit and great cheerfulness.

I received all possible support and co-operation from officers of all ranks, the conduct of the men was excellent—a great number of private individuals rendered me services in various ways and the inhabitants generally displayed a good and loyal feeling.

Mr. Swinyard, Manager of the Great Western Railroad, gave me the benefit of his services in person; he placed at my disposal the resources of the railway and the officials on the line exerted themselves to render these available.

I have the honor to enclose a report of Lt.-Col. Booker, of his operation on the 2nd instant.

(Signed,)

Col. and Lt. Col. 1—16th Regt.

Commanding First Military District,

Toronto, C. W.

Port Colborne, 2nd June, 1866.

Sir,

I have the honor to report that in accordance with instructions received from Colonel Peacocke through Captain Akers, I proceeded by train at 5 a.m., today to Ridgeway station, on the B. and L. H. R. R. with the Queen's Own of Toronto, Major Gilmor, say 480 men of all ranks, the York Rifles, Captain Davis, the Caledonia Rifles, Captain Jackson, and the 13th Battalion of Hamilton, together about 360 men total of all ranks, say 840 men, in order to form a junction with Col. Peacocke at Stevensville at 9 to 9:30 a. m. On arriving at Ridgeway I sent the G. W. R. train away, and as I could not obtain a horse or