2-982-205 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Torchlight Demonstration of Firemen at Fredericton, New Brunswick, [Canada], 1858. '...a demonstration...in honour of Queen Victoria's birthday...[one of] the many proofs of the loyalty of our colonies which are continually being received in the mother country...Passing through the gate, and sweeping round the lawn, the band halted on the plot of ground in front of Government House, where, surrounded by his suite and ready to give a most gracious reception, the Governor (the Hon. Mr. Manners Sutton) stood by the staircase at the door of entrance...the scene was really thrilling when in a flaming semicircle the whole brigade fronted the Governor...Mr. Edward John Russell has obligingly forwarded to us a Sketch of...a fire-balloon, which hovers over the Government House, having just been released. The four figures near the porch are the Governor, Secretary, Aide-de-Camp, and son; the Mayor standing opposite to them, near the flagstaff...[The Governor said:] "gentlemen of the Fire Department, I need not tell you that I reciprocate your feelings on the occasion of her Majesty's natal day...".' From "Illustrated London News", 1858.