[CUMBERLAND] THE FENIAN RAID OF 1866 103 
by the subsequent event that the western force having been without 
meals (for biscuits and red herring served out in the cars cannot be 
considered a meal), were after their action, obliged to return to Port 
Colborne for supplies. 
The long delay (6 hours) at New Germany of Col. Peacock’s column 
was considered to have been most unfortunate. It was admitted that 
it was absolutely nceessary to find out, before moving, whether the 
Fenians were still advancing towards the canal. Here the absence of 
cavalry with the force was again felt. Had there been any, the fact 
that the Fenians were retiring towards Fort Erie could have been 
ascertained much earlier than was done by local scouts. The advance 
could have been made more promptly, and the force instead of bivouack- 
ing over night outside the woods could have been brought into contact 
with the Fenians at Fort Erie that same afternoon and before the tugs 
came over for them. Col. Peacock supposed, however, that this would 
have been prevented by the “ Robb” patrolling the river. 
THE INADEQUATE EQUIPMENT OF THE VOLUNTEER MILITIA. 
Another subject which received much comment was the inadequate 
equipment of the volunteers for active service in the field. 
In physique, drill and ardour they were all that could be desired, 
the months of preliminary training having brought good results, and 
in equipment for parade drill at headquarters they were excellently 
supplied, but were entirely without proper provision for service in the 
open. 
The 13th had overcoats but no straps with which to carry them, 
no knapsacks, haversacks or water bottles. The Queen’s Own had 
straps, some companies had a few haversacks but nothing else, and 
their ammunition was not served out until they arrived at Port 
Colborne. There was also, only one horse between these two regiments 
for all their officers of mounted rank. The 10th and 19th had over- 
coats and haversacks and nothing more. 
There was no commissariat, few cooking utensils, no supply of 
provisions except what the men themselves had provided, no camp 
tools and no tents. The wonder is that, unfed and unequipped, all did 
so well but had it not been for the assistance of the regulars and the 
generous supplies sent forward by the citizens of their respective cities 
the volunteers would have fared ill while the militia authorities were 
coming to their senses. 
An acute lesson was learned and all this has since been remedied, 
so that when sudden calls for active service came again in 1885 for the 
North West and in 1890 for South Africa, both men and full equipments 
were immediately ready. Improvements have still continued, until in 
