3-028-240 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Defence of Canada: inspection of volunteers at Quebec, 1870. 'The display of patriotic ardour and of military promptness which has just been made by the people of Canada in their instant preparations for the repulse of the Fenian invaders along their frontier gives fresh interest to any Illustration we can present of the organisation and discipline of the Colonial defensive forces...[They] were inspected by Colonel Bagot, 69th Regiment...The volunteers appeared in splendid order, and, having been formed into brigade, executed the different movements, some of which were unusually difficult, with quickness and precision...[They] had readily obeyed the call of their Queen and country; and, setting aside personal convenience and their ordinary avocations, had again rallied, in all sections of the country, and shown to this great continent that they were ready to defend the soil of Canada from invasion. They had given the best proof of their loyalty and bravery; and if those traitors who disgrace the country they profess to represent dare to make their appearance, they will learn what it is to meet the volunteer soldiers of a free country. At the close of his remarks the Colonel received three hearty cheers, such as our volunteers can give'. From "Illustrated London News", 1870.