THE FOUNDING OF A REGIMENT

[QSAMIKE]

I have been requested to add this to this forum........

January 10th, 1900

53, Cadogan Square, S.W.
Januray 10th, 1900
Dear Mr. Chamberlain,

I beg to refer to our conversation of yesterday and to state that if the proposal should meet with the approval of H. M. Government I should like to provide and sent to South Africa at my own expense two squadrons of mounted men and officers, say, 400 men and horses.

My idea is that both men and horses should be largely drawn from the Canadian North West, the men to be unmarried, expert marksmen, at home in the saddle, and efficient as experienced rough riders or rangers.

I propose to pay the cost of equipment, similar to that of the Canadian Contingent, and the transportation of both men and horses to South Africa, where they would be taken over by the Imperial contingents. I presume on the same terms as the other colonial contingents. After the close of the campaign the men to have the option of returning to Canada the same way as those serving with the contingents sent by the Government of Canada, the horses and arms to be taken over by H. M. Government.

The suggestion has I may say, commended itself to the Dominion Government, and they are prepared to allow the use of their organization for recruiting and equipping purposes.

I shall be glad to hear from you at your earliest convenience if it is the opinion of yourself and your colleagues that the force proposed to be raised would be of substantial benefit in South Africa. If the proposal is in every way favorable regarded from that specific point of view, I will arrange to put the matter in train without delay.

Incidentally, I had just a word with the Marquis of Lansdowne a few days ago in regard to the project; and I need only add that for the present at any rate, I do not wish my name to be publicly mentioned in connection with it.

Believe me,
Yours sincerely
(Signed) Strathcona

P.S. Since the above was written I have received a further cable message from Sir Wilfred Laurier in the matter, and if you can quite conveniently let me have your answer today. I shall feel greatly obliged.


January 11th, 1900

Following tyelegram from Mr. Chamberalin:-

"Offer most gratefully accepted in principle. Details to be arranged later. No difficulty expected."


January 12th, 1900

Following letter from Mr. Chamberlain:-

Highbury,
Moor Green,
Birmingham,
January 12th, 1900

"My Dear Lord Strathcona.

I received your letter of the 10th, inst. at three o'clock yesterday, and after communication with the War Office I telegraphed to you that your offer war gratefully accepted in principle, leaving details to further discussion, and that no difficulty was expected.

I found Lord Lansdown most appreciative of your munificent offer, and desirious to avail himself of it do not imagine that anything will now arise to prevent its full realization. The provisio as to details is only an ordinary precaution, but I do not know any detail at present upon which questions arise.

In order to save time, I think it would be desirable that all further communications should take place directly between you and the War Office, to whom I have sent a copy of your letter. If, however, the slightest difficulty should occur, I beg you to use me to arrange it, and I shall always be at your service for this purpose.

I see that your offer has been made public in Canada, which will, of course, prevent the secrecy to which you attach importance. I cannot say that I am sorry, for I think it is right that honor should go where honor is due, and there is more probability of your example being followed when the facts are known. In any case, you will, I am sure, believe that I have endeavoured scrupulously to carry out your wishes, and have accordingly said nothing about your proposal to anyone outside the

War Office.
Believe me,
Yours very truly,
(Signed) J. Chamberlain"


January 12th. 1900

Mr. E. S. Clouston, the General Manager of the Bank of Montreal, empowered to act as Lord Strathcona's representative in Canada in connection with the matter. Mr. Clouston to work in conjunction with Sir Wilfred Laurier and the Department of Militia and Defence.


January 12th, 1900:

Lord Strathcona informed Sir Wilfred Laurier that the horses for the corps were to be purchased in the North West by Professor McEachran. That men and officers to be engaged on the same terms, and to be equipped in the same way as the Canadian Contingents. Matter to be entirely non-political only qualification being thorough fitness and suitability of officers and men for services required; and asking to have benefit of experience of the Department of Militia and Defence in selection of men, horses, arms and equipment. Names of all officers nominated to be submitted to Lord Strathcona for approval.


January 13th, 1900:

Following letter from Under Secretary of State for War to LordStrathcona dated:-

War Office
13th. January 1900

"My Lord,

I am desired by the Secretary of State for War to inform you that the Secretary of State for the Colonies has acquainted him with the offer made by your Lordship to provide and send to South Africa at your own expense two squadrons of mounted men and officers drawn principally from the North West of Canada.

Lord Lansdowne begs to convey to you the best thanks of H. M. Government for this most generous offer, which he is glad to be able to accept, and I am accordingly in communication with the Adjutant General of the Forces as to details, and with the Military Secretary as regards officers.

I am, my Lord,
Your Lordship's obedient servant,
(Signed) A. H. Knox


January 15th. 1900:

Following letter addressed by Lord Strathcona to Lord Lansdowne:-

53, Cadogan Square,
15th. January 1900

"Dear Lord Lansdowne,

As promised when I had the pleasure of seeing you on Saturday, I now send for your information a copy of the telegram I have since forwarded to Sir Wilfred Laurier, and which was read to you before being dispatched.

I was greatly concerned at the premature publication of the proposal, for, as I stated to you, I wished my name to be withheld. You will notice what I have said to Sir Wilfred Laurier about it. I am arranging for the immediate organization of the force (which may be increased in numbers, which I presume will not be unacceptable to you) and for its despatch to South Africa as early as possible. I only hope that it may prove to be of service to H.M. Government in connection with the war that has been forced upon us.

Believe me,
Yours very truly,
(Signed) Strathcona"


Copy of telegram to Sir Wilfred Laurier referred to:-

"Much concerned matter allowed to become public prematurely through medium of Ottawa press, as wished withhold name but secrecy no longer possible. H.M. Government now accept my proposition and it may be announced. Proposal is that 400 men should be recruited in Manitoba, the North West and British Columbia. Unmarried men, expert marksmen, at home in the saddle, and thoroughly efficient as rough riders and scouts. Horses preferred from North West, to be purchased by McEachran.

Men to be engaged on same terms as, and equipped like, Canadian Contingents. All officers and men to be passed medically under arrangements to be made by Dr. James Stewart of Montreal.

They will be armed, equipped, conveyed to South Africa at my expense and paid till arrival there, but I will accept no other responsibility.

Imperial Government takes over force on arrival, like Colonial Contingents, returning men to Canada after campaign, but retaining horses, arms and equipment, except clothing and necessaries.

Matter of course to be non-political, only qualification being thorough fitness and suitability of officers and men for service required.

Grateful to you for use organization Militia Department which will assure every economy compatible with fullest efficiency and thorough equipment of force.

Officers to be nominated by [him] Minister of Militia, and names and particulars submitted my approval.

All accounts connected with the force till its embarkation [endorsed-by-General-Htitton] will be paid by Mr. E. S. Clouston, General Manager, Bank of Montreal.

Any stores or equipment not obtainable in Canada will purchase here as done for other contingents. Am enquiring about transport and will cable further. Please telegraph meantime how soon likely to be ready to start."


January 15th. 1900:

53 Cadogan Square,
15 January 1900.

"Dear Mr. Chamberlain,

Many thanks for your letter of the 12th inst. I saw Lord Lansdowne on Saturday and read to him a telegram I propose to forward to Sir Wilfred Laurier. He approved of its terms and I now send a copy for your information. It was despatched, I may state, on Saturday.

I was very much concerned indeed that the matter was allowed to become public in Ottawa, as I wished my name withheld in the meantime, as I informed you on more than one occasion. However, secrecy is no longer possible, and you will see what I have stated to Sir Wilfred Laurier on the subject.

I have made all my arrangements as far as they can be done at present, for the immediate organization of the force (which may be increased in number), and I hope they will get away from Halifax without any unnecessary delay.

I can only trust now that my little force may be of some use to H. M. Government in the war that has been forced upon us, and upon the issue of which such matters of vital importance to the Empire depend.

Believe me,
Yours very truly,
(Signed) Strathcona


January 15th. 1900:

Letter from Lord Strathcona to the Under Secretary of State for War:-

53, Cadogan Square, S.W.
January 15th, 1900.

"Sir,

I beg to acknowledge your letter of the 13th. inst., in which you inform me that the Marquis of Lansdowne has been good enough to accept the offer made by me to provide and send to South Africa two Squadrons of mounted men from the North West of Canada.

I shall be glad to take advantage of the suggestion you have been good enough to make, and to place myself in communication with the Adjutant General of the Forces as to details, and with the Military Secretary as regards officers.

Believe me,
Yours very truly,
(Signed) Strathcona


January 16th. 1900:

Letter from Lord Lansdowne to Lord Strathcona:-

Dear Lord Strathcona,

Many thanks for your note of yesterday and enclosed copy of your telegram to sir Wilfred Laurier.

I trust your little army will be organised successfully and I wish it good luck.

Yours sincerely,
(Signed) Lansdowne.


January 17th, 1900:

Letter from Mr. Chamberlain to Lord Strathcona:

Highbury
Moor Green,
Birmingham,

17th. January 1900

'Dear Lord Strathcona,

Many thanks for your letter and enclosed copy of telegram to Sir Wilfred Laurier. The arrangements seem to me to be perfect, and there can be no doubt that the force which will be established by your generosity will do good service to the Empire in the present crisis.

I very much appreciate the patriotic feeling which has moved you in this matter.

Believe me,
Yours very truly,
(Signed) J. Chamberlain"


January 19th, 1900:

Following telegram sent by Lord Strathcona to Minister Militia and Defence:-

"Following suggestions by Adjutant General about my force begins:-

3 Squadrons mounted rifles, organization specify Militia Order No. 265, 20th December; each 162 men, 165 horses with necessary regimental staff, men armed with .303 rifle and bayonet. Should bring all personal equipment, including arms, accoutrements, clothing, 2 blankets, waterproof sheet. Each regimental transport, all camp equipment, as tents, saddlery, stabling equipment and picketting gear. Water carts and ammunition cart. One machine gun, detachment with 2 machine guns to be on tripod mountings.

Each man should have 500 rounds .303 ammunition mark 2 (no other mark permissible) and 50,000 rounds each machine gun Mark 2 rounds.

These are suggestions only for your guidance, and may be departed from both as to squadrons and men.

I am quite prepared to increase force to 450 or 500 men, but only _ if they, and the horses, can go on one ship."


January 19th. 1900:

Telegram from Sir Frederick Borden:

"Feel honored in being privileged to co-operate. Please command me fullest extent. Shall return Ottawa Tuesday noon."


January 22nd. 1900:

Following letter dated 22-01-00 from Mr. T. G. Rothwell, Law Clerk, Department of the Interior, to Lord Strathcona:-

"The lady employees of the Dominion Civil Service are very desirous of presenting the body of horsemen, whose formation your munificence has made possible, with a set of guidons, similar to those mentioned in the accompanying newspaper cuttings. The idea originated with my secretary, Miss Beatrice Barber, and it has been decided, before taking further action, to submit the intention to your Lordship for consent and approval.

For myself, I have the pleasure in stating that I am certain that Miss Barber, and those who will be associated with her in the proposed presentation, your Lordship's permission having been obtained, will carry it out to the satisfaction of all, and to their own credit."

January 25th. 1900:

Telegram from F.Borden

Colonel S. B. Steele of the North West Mounted Police recommended by Sir Frederick Borden and General Button as best man to command the force.

Appointment approved by Lord Strathcona.


January 26th. 1900:

Telegram from F.Borden

Sir Frederick Borden strongly advised selection of Elder Dempster steamer "Monterey" for conveyance of force, which he considered most suitable in every way for carrying troops and especially horses.


Jannary 26th. 1900:

Telegram from F.Borden

"Strathcona's Horse" suggested as name for force, and adopted by Lord Strathcona.


January 28th. 1900:

Lord Strathcona arranged with Elder Dempster & Co. to charter the ship "Monterey" for the conveyance of the force from Halifax to South Africa, on the understanding that all the arrangements for fitting up the ship, for victualling and conveying the force must be carried out to the entire approval of the Minister of Militia.


January 29th, 1900:

Extract from a letter from Lord Strathcona to General Sir Evelyn Wood, G.C.B.:-

"The men and officers are of course volunteers, and they are not being raised under any Act of Parliament. The officers are nominated by the Militia authorities, and their names will be submitted to me for approval. I cannot, however, give them commissions, and I am a little doubtful what authority the officer will have over the men.

When the force arrives in South Africa they will be taken over as part of the Imperial Forces, and there will not be any difficulty, I presume, from that time. If you think there is anything that can be done to clothe the officers with some authority, and the men also with some responsibility before they arrive in South Africa, I should like to know. No doubt the officers will be given temporary commissions when they come under the supervision of the War Office.


January 29th. 1900:

Telegram from Lord Strathcona to Minister of Militia making it clear that the force to be recruited from British Columbia as well as Manitoba and the North West Territories.


January 30th, 1900:

Minister of Militia telegraphed expected force to be fully assembled Ottawa by February 20th, and probably ready for embarkation Halifax 10 days later.


January 30th. 1900:

Telegraphed to Minister of Militia that War Office preferred no Chaplains or Nurses to accompany the force, all arrangements of that kind being made by them. War Office also suggests one Surgeon and one Veterinary Surgeon as sufficient.

War Office telegraphed for Christian and Surnames of Officers and Ranks for the force, it being the intention to give them acting commissions.


February l0th, 1900:

Lord Strathcona addressed the following letter to Colonel Steele:-

"I am writing a few lines to express my gratification that you have accepted the command of my little force, for I am sure that its control and its work will be safe in your hands. No doubt you are at the present time busy with matters of organization and equipment in consultation with the Minister of Militia. I feel sure that in the interests of the force and Canada, every care is being taken to insure that only the best and most suitable men for the services that are required will be selected, and that no regard will be paid to purely personal and other considerations. Naturally, the same remark will apply to the officers, who are being, and may be, nominated for the various positions.

While I wish the utmost economy to be exercised, compatible with efficiency, I desire that the equipment of the force shall be in every way suitable for its probable work, and the best of its kind; and the Hon. Mr. Borden has assured me that everything purchased will be subject to rigorous inspection.

We have purchased here at the request of the Minister, certain articles that are needed, and only a day or two ago three Maxim guns and ammunition were ordered and 50 binoculars for the Commissioned and Non-Commissioned Officers. The Maxims, ammunition and glasses will be addressed to the Chief Ordnance Officer Cape
Town, to your order, and will be there on your arrival.

I shall be glad to hear from you as frequently as you find time to write before your departure as to the progress that is being made with the organization and equipment, and I hope you will not hesitate to cable me fully and freely, either directly, or through the Minister, if the necessity arises.

I had hoped to go out to Canada in order to be able to witness the departure of the force in the "Monterey". Lately, however, I have had one or two bad colds and by the advice of the Doctors I am postponing my visit for a couple of months, although it is a great disappointment to me.

With best wishes, and again assuring you of the pleasure with which I approve of your nomination to the command, and of my conviction that the force will be a credit in every way to the country from which it goes, believe me, etc."


February 14th. 1900:

Following telegram from Minister of Militia dated 14th. February:-

"Whole force enrolled. Excellent men. First train 300 men arrive here Thursday morning. Next four days later. Remainder as soon as McEachran completes purchase horses, not later than 25th."


February 16th. 1900:

Telegram from Minister of Militia:-

"First trainload 287 men your force arrived Ottawa yesterday morning, having made good trip and being well satisfied food and general treatment received Canadian Pacific. Very good lot of men. Second lot left Calgary 14th. inst., consisting of 143 men and about 150 horses. Remainder of men waiting behind to assist getting horses together."


February 21st. 1900:

Letter from the War Office stating that the Commander in Chief had approved the appointment of the Officers of the Canadian Militia and other Gentlemen mentioned in Lord Strathcona's Letters that the necessary notifications have been made in an early Gazette and temporary commissions issued in due course.

(Note: All the officers appointed were given temporary rank in Her Majesty's army.)


February 28th. 1900:

Steamer "Monterey" arrived Halifax to be prepared for conveyance of force.


March 7th. 1900:

Arrangements made for the appointment of the officers of Strathcona's Horse to appear in the Official Gazette; and the temporary commissions granted to them will be in every way equivalent to those issued to the regular forces.


March 8th. 1900:

Telegram from Minister of Militia to Lord Strathcona:-

"Presentation of guidons to your force was made this morning by Mrs. Borden on behalf of Ladies of the Civil Service in Parliament Square, in presence of thousands of citizens and visitors. I also presented Steele with field glass on behalf of his many friends and admirers. Addresses were delivered by Governor General, Premier and Sir Charles Tupper. Force presented splendid appearance on parade. After presentation marched through principal streets to barracks amid great enthusiasm."


March 9th. 1900:

Telegram from Mr. E. S. Clouston, General Manager, Bank of Montreal:-

"Your force passed splendid inspection yesterday by both Houses of Parliament. Were given addressees by His Excellency, the Premier, Dr. Borden, Sir Charles Tupper and others; and there wasan enormous and enthusiastic gathering to witness it. "


March 9th. 1900:

Following letter from Sir Arthur Bigge:-

Buckingham Palace
March 9th. 1900.

'Dear Lord Strathcona,

The Queen understands that the body of Scouts from the North West Territories of Canada which has been raised and equipped by your munificent liberality, is on the eve of departure for South Africa.

Her Majesty would be glad if, before they start you would convey to them the expression of her confidence that they will prove themselves worthy comrades of her Canadian soldiers who are now so gallantly fighting in the Empire's cause.

The Queen wishes them all success and safe return to their homes in the Dominion.

Yours very truly,
(Signed) Arthur Bigge"


March I0th. 1900:

Following telegram from Governor General to Lord Strathcona:-

"It has been greatest pleasure to me. Your corps magnificent body of men and horses very good. Everyone deeply regrets that you have not been able to see them."


March 12th. 1900:

Following letter from Lord Strathcona to Sir Arthur Bigge:-

"Dear Sir Arthur Bigge,

I am in receipt of your letter of the 9th. inst., and beg that you will convey to the Queen my respectful acknowledgments of her most gracious message.

This significant mark of Her Majesty's consideration will be communicated to the members of the corps by whom it is certain to be received with affection and gratitude.

Both officers and men consider it a privilege to have the opportunity of serving their Sovereign and the Empire, and may be relied upon to do their duty as Canadians and as loyal British subjects; and to justify the confidence in them to which Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to give expression.

Believe me to be,
Yours very truly,
(Signed) Strathcona & Mount Royal


March 12th. 1900:

Telegram from Mr. E. S. Clouston:-

Force expected to arrive Montreal 13th. March at three o'clock in afternoon, and to leave at seven o'clock the same evening.

Dr. Borden, Minister of Militia & Defence to represent Lord Strathcona at embarkation of the force at Halifax. Pressure of Parliamentary duties did not permit of Sir Wilfred Laurier being present on this occasion.


March 13th. 1900:

Extract from letter from War Office;-

"The new commissions for the officers of your corps will be prepared and submitted in due course to Her Majesty and the Secretary of State for War. When completed they will be forwarded to your Lordship for transmission to the officers in question.


March 15th. 1900:

Following telegram sent by Lord Strathcona to Colonel Steele:-

"Very sorry cannot see my force embark. Have transmitted to Dr. Borden gracious message I have received from Her Majesty which he will publicly convey to you and the men under your command. Have also asked him express my best wishes to all of you that you may have a pleasant voyage, every success and safe return. Appointments of all officers gazetted and they will receive their acting commissions from the Queen. Hope to forward them so as to reach you arrival South Africa where in any case you will find a letter. Immediately on arrival report yourself to the General Officer Commanding Cape Town."


March 15th. 1900:

Following telegram to Minister of Militia, Halifax from Lord Strathcona:-

"Please express to Colonel Steele, Officers and Men my great disappointment not being able to witness their departure. I looked forward with keen pleasure to opportunity of personally wishing them Godspeed and safe return. Am quite sure they will acquit themselves bravely and gallantly in any service entrusted to them, and that they will do credit to themselves, to the Dominion and to our beloved Queen.

"Please read to my force following gracious message received by me through Her Majesty's Private Secretary, and after reading kindly see it has proper publicity. Begins - Her Majesty will be glad if before they start you will convey to them an expression of her confidence that they will prove themselves worthy comrades of her Canadian soldiers who are now so gallantly fighting for the Empire's cause. The Queen wishes them all success and safe return to their homes in the Dominions. - Ends. In my reply I stated that both officers and men consider it privilege to have honor of serving their Sovereign and the Empire, and may be relied upon to do their duty as Canadians and as Loyal British Subjects, and to justify confidence in them to which Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to give expression."


March 16th. 1900:

Following telegram from Dr. Borden, Minister of Militia, to Lord Strathcona:-

"Your splendid force embarked to-day amid the cheers of thousands of citizens of Halifax and Nova Scotia, and representatives of all the Provinces and Territories of Canada. Lord William Seymore and Governor Daly addressed them in the presence of thousands of your fellow Canadians. I also had the honor of addressing them and reading the message of Her Gracious Majesty and your own - both of which were warmly applauded by your force and by the people. The enthusiasm was unbounded. Representatives of the Dominion Parliament, the Provincial Legislature, the City Council and the local Militia participated in the imposing parade through the streets of Halifax. Officers and men in the best of health and spirits and eager to reach the field to assist in the defence of the Empire."

[QSAMIKE]

March 17th. 1900:

Telegram from General Lord William Seymore, Halifax to Lord Strathcona:-

"After inspecting Strathcona Horse can congratulate your Lordship and Colonel Steele on smart solderlike appearance, combined with orderly embarkation. Queen's message received with enthusiasm."

March 17th. 1900:

Following telegram from Dr. Duncan McEachran:-

"596 horses embarked good condition. Steele greatly pleased with them. Best ranch horses. Cannot be excelled mounted infantry scouts Transvaal. Congratulate you general excellence and efficiency of force

[GrantRCanada]

Great stuff, Mike!

[QSAMIKE]

March (Date Unknown) 1900:

Canadian Horses for South Africa:

The following is an extract from a letter from Dr. Duncan McEachran, Dean of the Faculty of Comparative Medicine and Veterinary Science, McGill University, respecting the horses purchased by him for Lord Strathcona's Corps:-

"I am glad to be able to report that I have secured 536 horses about 15 to 15-2; a few of them are about 14-3. 95 percent of them are thoroughly broken to cow-boy work. Taught to rein by the neck, stop suddenly, turn on the hind feet as a pivot, stand with the reins over their head on the prairie, ford and swim rivers, and go at a rapid pace up or down steep hills. They are stout animals with good short legs and strong quarters; good bone and as active as cats -- horses which know nothing of stables or grooms; accustomed to be ridden half a day or more, and at night are simply stripped of saddle and bridle and turned loose to find their feed. Except 24 head bought by police officers I bought every one myself - the riding horses and pack ponies in Macleod, Pincher Creek, on the range along the Foot Hills from there to Calgary, High River, Maple Creek, Regina and Lethbridge. The wagon horses I bought in Montreal - mostly Ontario bred - but there are a good number of Quebec Province horses. They are 15 to 15-3, stout, short legged horses, good movers and weighing 1200 to 1300 Ibs. In conclusion, I would say that hitherto it was not considered possible to purchase horses in Canada for army purposes. There are thousands suitable for mounted infantry - not all broken, it is true, but they are being broken now, and I have quite a number of letters and telegrams offering me horses. I feel convinced that the mounts will be so approved of by the Generals at the front that the question will be asked "Can more like them be bought quickly?", they can."

[QSAMIKE]

March 19th. 1900:

Extract from letter from the Minister of Militia to Lord Strathcona:-

" I have just returned from Halifax where I have had the great pleasure of taking part in the embarkation ceremonies of Strathcona Horse.

I think you have every reason to be satisfied with the work that has been done. I examined the steamship most carefully on two different occasions, and of all the five transports despatched by Canada the "Monterey" is the facile princeps. The Steamship Company deserves the greatest credit for their work.

In this connection I should like to mention the name of Mr. Paul Weatherbe, the Chief Engineer of the Department of Militia, who has remained at Halifax practically in charge of the fitting up of the "Monterey". Mr. Weatherbe is a most efficient officer, and has been engaged in and out of season with the work of fitting up all our transports including the "Monterey".

In beginning to mention names of officers who have distinguished themselves in this work, I scarcely know where to stop. I may, however, add the name of Lieut. Colonel D. A. Macdonald, our Chief Superintendent of Stores, who has done such splendid work in connection with the out-fitting of all the contingents, and who has worked no less faithfully for your force than for those for which we were more directly responsible. I should also mention our worthy Deputy Minister, Lieut. Col. L. F. Pinault, who has given his time and energy to the work. In my own office I take the liberty of mentioning my own Private Secretary, Mr. W. Brown, who has given his time to the work without regard to hours, holidays or Sundays. In the Military branch, Colonels Aylmer and Foster, and Lieut. Col. Cotton have all assisted most assiduously. Lieut. Col. Cotton being in command of this district has had much to do with the work of housing and feeding the force here, and has done it admirably. I should also like to mention the name of Mr. E. F. Jarvis, a First Class Clerk in the Military Branch, who has done his work most efficiently and zealously, and has not spared himself. I have already referred to the work done by Mr. F. W. Taylor, of the Bank of Montreal. I have seen a good deal of Mr. Taylor, and can assure you that he has done his work thoroughly.

I am sure you would be greatly pleased to have witnessed the enthusiastic send off your force received in Halifax. I have had the honor and pleasure of making you aware of it through the cablegram I sent to you. The whole city seemed to have turned out and the enthusiasm was wonderful for Halifax, which is rather a sedate old town ordinarily! The Province was largely represented, and, in fact, all the Provinces. I had the pleasure of taking down with me in my official car representatives of the West, so that the demonstration was of a national character.

There is but one feeling throughout Canada, and that is of admiration of your noble generosity and pride in being citizens of a country which has the honor to claim your Lordship as its adopted son."

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March 20th. 1900:

Letter from Miss Geraldine FitzGerald, the Secretary of the Committee of Ladies of The Civil Service, to Lord Strathcona, giving the following description of the guidons presented to the Strathcona's Horse:-

"The guidons were made of red silk with a broad band of white silk down the centre, with the words "Strathcona Horse" worked in red silk. The rest is a maple leaf embroidered in shades of green, upon which is a beaver in shades of brown, the whole being surrounded by a garter, oval in shape, worked in white, outlined in gold, with a gold buckle, surmounted by a Baron's coronet, embroidered in coloured silks. Lord Strathcona's motto "Perseverance" is worked in crimson letters upon the white ground of the garter. In the lower corner of each of the three of the guidon's is a letter designating the respective squadrons, "A", "B", "C", and the fourth guidon has the letters "C.O." representing Commanding Officer. Each guidon is attached to a lance by crimson ribbons."

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March 23rd. 1900:

Copy of letter from Lord Strathcona to Lord Roberts:-

"I beg to send you herewith a copy of a letter I have addressed to-day to Sir Evelyn Wood (with whom I was placed in communication by the Secretary of State) respecting the departure from Halifax on Saturday last of the corps raised in my name. It was a great disappointment to me not to be able to see the men off personally, but I have had one or two bad colds recently, and the Doctors advised my postponing my visit to Canada for a couple of months. I may say, however, that I have had many kind letters from Canada, among others from the Governor General, speaking in high terms of the men and of the horses. The men are typical Westerners, accustomed to life on the prairies of the great North West, good shots and fine horsemen. The horses have been raised in the same parts of the Dominion which are, I imagine, in some respects similar to the veldt in South Africa. The corps will probably arrive in Cape Town the second week in April. I commend them to your consideration and hope that you will be able to give them an opportunity of seeing some service in the campaign which is progressing so favourably under your brilliant and skilful direction.

Those who are connected with the outlaying countries which form part of the British Empire and are associated with the Motherland in the struggle in South Africa gratefully appreciate all that you have been doing to strengthen the Imperial sentiment amid the multitudinous matters that must demand your attention; and we all expect great results from your wise and tactful handling of this great part of a great subject. I venture to send you herewith a copy of the letter I received from the Queen's Private Secretary, and I may add that Her Majesty's message was read to my corps on the occasion of its embarkation at Halifax.

[QSAMIKE]

Telegram to Lord Strathcona

April 10th, 1900:

Commissions signed by Her Majesty for officers of the corps forwarded to Colonel Steele in South Africa.

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April llth. 1900:

Telegram: -

"Monterey" arrived Cape Town, April 10th. 163 horses died on the way."

Telegram from Colonel Steele to Lord Strathcona: -

"Arrived to-day. Lost 162 horses from pneumonia in spite of every care taken. Only five men on sick list."

[QSAMIKE]

Telegram to Lord Strathcona......

April 17th. 1900:

In reply to enquiry, Dr. McEachran attributed the loss of the horses to cold, draughty sheds in Ottawa, and stormy trip to Halifax. Horses contracted colds before being put on board.

[QSAMIKE]

April 18th. 1900:

Telegram from Minister of Militia nominating Captain Agar Adamson, Governor General's Foot Guards to take charge of supplementary draft.

April 21st. 1900:

Following letter from General Sir Evelyn Wood:-

"We have sent following telegram to the General Officer commanding lines of communication, Cape Town:-

"Understood that Strathcona corps had serious loss of horses on "Monterey". These may be replaced from army remounts as soon as you are in a position to provide them."

Lord Lansdowne quite appreciates your consistent generosity in offering to make good loss which arose from want of experience in the amount of air necessary for horses on board ship. It is one of the most difficult questions on board all horse and cattle ships. I am glad that we are not accepting your generous offer and that the horses will be made good from army funds."

April 25th. 1900:

Following letter from Lord Strathcona to Sir Evelyn Wood:-

"I am much obliged for your letter of the 21st. inst., in which you make me acquainted with the terms of the telegram sent to the General Officer commanding lines of communication, Cape Town, authorising him to replace from army remounts the horses lost in the "Monterey" on her passage to Cape Town.

Kindly convey my acknowledgments to the Marquis of Lansdowne for the consideration he has extended to the matter, and my appreciation of the generous action which his lordship has sanctioned. At the same time, however, I was quite prepared to pay the value of the horses, if my proposal had been approved. My difficulty, having no direct communication with Cape Town, was to know how to purchase additional horses in South Africa in time to be of any use.

I do not like to think the loss occurred through the cause you apprehend, but you may have more information that is in my possession. We shall, however, know more shortly, when I receive a report from the Veterinary Surgeon on the ship. As a matter of fact, however, there are few countries in which more experience has been obtained of the shipment of cattle and horses than in Canada."

April 26th. 1900:

Extract from proceedings of a Board of Officers on board S.S. "Monterey" to report upon the loss of horses dated April 7th. 1900:-

"Veterinary Surgeon, George T. Stevenson:- I am Lieutenant and Veterinary Surgeon in Strathcona"s Horse. The horses shown on the attached schedule marked "A" died on the dates and from the diseases shown against their respective numbers.

Ninety percent of the horses mentioned in the schedule were purchased by Dr. McEachran and myself in the North West Territories, and a few in Montreal. They were all sound and in a healthy condition when purchased.
While in Ottawa ten percent developed colds, but recovered from the colds after treatment.

On Monday, 12th March, they were shipped from Ottawa, arriving at Halifax 16th March and immediately shipped on board S.S. "Monterey".

A number of horses were sent to the Veterinary Hospital by order of Dr. McEachran to be steamed. After having done this they were taken and put on board, and practically isolated from other horses.

After careful examination by Dr, McEachran and myself we found hardly anything wrong with them.

During the 18th and 19th. March a considerable number were attacked by seasickness on account of the rolling of the vessel.

Several died, as per numbers in attached schedule.

On the 19th. March pneumonia developed in a transport horse purchased in Montreal, Reg. No. 566, and on 20th. March it died. No doubt death was hastened by the rolling of the vessel.

My opinion was, and is, that the sudden change from a very dry climate to a damp moist atmosphere was the cause of the disease.

The ventilation was as good as could be had on board ship, and every possible care and attention was bestowed on the animals during the trip.

I has associated with me in care of the horses Quartermaster Farrier Sergeant McMillan, a certified Veterinary Surgeon as my assistant, and with him several practical horsemen who thoroughly understood the care and handling of horses.

These troopers, with their officers, were in constant attendance in the stable, feeding and caring for the horses during the voyage.

In addition to above, ten men and one non-commissioned officer were detailed daily to assist me."

Quartermaster Farrier Sergeant McMullin in his evidence stated that:-

"There was sufficient draught to cause pneumonia on the ship, but it was impossible to close this draught and secure sufficient air for the horses. Another cause, no doubt, was the horses having undergone the sudden change from a cold and dry climate to a warmer and moist climate. We have had all the assistance necessary for the proper feeding and care of the horses since they were put on board. I do not think it was possible to do more for the horses than was done. The conditions on board ship render it very difficult to treat horses from pneumonia properly. About eighty-five or ninety per cent of the horses were in my opinion affected with pneumonia. The stables were properly cleaned and disinfected daily."

W. W. Gunn, a Trooper in the force in his evidence stated that:-

"The hay and oats supplied to those horses was of good quality and a sufficient number of men were on duty to see that they were properly fed and watered".

April 26th. 1900:

Telegram from Montreal, stating that draft would sail from Montreal by S.S. 'Vancouver" on the first of May.