MILITARY AND CIVIL. 135

and resumed the duties of his office, by which time the excite- ment caused by the “tenant league” had altogether subsided.

The Legislature met on the 9th of April, 1866; the guard of honor was composed of a company of regulars commanded by Captain Boyce. The salutes were fired by the city artillery under Captain Morris.

But now an extraordinary event took place, though wild and ridiculous it nevertheless infused a new life into military move- ments everywhere throughout the British Colonies in North America. During this spring the Canadas were thrown into a state of great excitement and alarm, through the invasion of the country by a large number of the so-called “Fenian brother- hood,” of the United States. This organization had for its ob- ject the entire conquest of the Provinces. The Canadas, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, thereupon flew to arms ; while the Legislature of this colony, placed at the disposal of the Gov- ernment, a considerable portion of the Island’s revenue in order that its mite should be shared in maintaining British rule and independence. But those intruders of the soil were very soon forced to beat a hurried retreat before the valor of British soldiers and Canadian volunteers, and their bold attempt died away most ignominiously. Yet, notwithstanding the fact, that the ambitious career of the Fenians had been brought to a close, the Commander-in-chief of this little Isle, resolved to turn the funds, placed at his disposal, towards the defences and safety of the colony. With this object in view, Captain T. D. Smith, an officer of the detachment at Victoria Barracks, was appointed to superintend all military affairs of the Islandl with the local rank of Colonel of Militia, and an annual salary of £300 currency. Thereupon, military instructors were en- gaged to drill the volunteers; while at the same time it had been determined to re-organize the militia of the colony,— which for many a year past was allowed to remain dormant. All citizens who were eligible to serve as militia men, were enrolled, and ordered to attend drill for a term, not exceeding ten days, then followed a list of promotions, as ensigns, lieut- enants, captains, majors, and lieutenant-colonels.—Sec the Island Almanaa‘ for 1867 to 187 3.

On the application of the Commander-in-chief, the Secretary of war forwarded a further supply of long and short Enfield Rifles, and three long 32 pounder battery guns, with equipments