Chapter 5 No.5

A negro rebellion had broken out in Jamaica; many had been killed and much property destroyed. The 6th Regiment was quartered at Newcastle, and one of the West India regiments at Port Royal, but these were unable to restore order. General Doyle received a telegram asking for a regiment to be dispatched at once to assist in quelling the rebellion. The 17th was immediately placed under orders to proceed to Port Royal. It was arranged that we go in two ships, the right to embark on H.M.S. Duncan, under the command of Colonel McKinstry; the left wing in H.M.S. Sphinx, a gun-boat.

The morning for the embarking of the right wing had arrived and the scene on the wharf at the dockyard was painful. The wives and children of the departing troops were present, as was the general and staff. The brigade-major (Captain Stokes, 16th Bedfordshires) read aloud the latest dispatches from Jamaica, which caused much anxiety as to whether all would return again. The embarking of the troops completed and good-byes exchanged, the Duncan left for her destination. The left wing of the regiment, under command of Major Colthurst, embarked on the Sphinx.

A fatal accident occurred as our ship was clearing the harbor. Peter Jackson, "B" Company, venturing too far out on the bulkhead, was washed overboard. There was a heavy sea running at the time, and poor Jackson was soon lost sight of; there was no chance of saving him.

Lieutenant Rolph was appointed adjutant, and the writer orderly room clerk. It was October and the weather was beautiful. We found we were handicapped regarding quarters. The ship was so small we could not find sufficient room in which to swing our hammocks. When we arrived in a warmer climate we took our blankets on deck and slept there, but the men were not allowed on the quarter-deck.

Captain Hamilton was commanding the ship, and I asked his permission for the men to occupy the quarter-deck. He referred me to Major Colthurst. I saw him and promised that for the privilege we would sing glees, part songs, etc., while the officers were at mess each evening. We had the use of the deck during the remainder of the voyage. We had a very pleasant run for three days, when we reached Bermuda.

The steamer went to her dock at Boaz Island for the purpose of coaling, and remained three days. We enjoyed the opportunity of visiting the several islands and places of interest. On resuming our voyage we arrived at Port Royal about midnight-four days later. It was a magnificent night as we steamed in under the lofty Blue Mountains. We anchored, and were soon visited by a lieutenant and boat's crew from the guard ship, who reported that quiet had been restored and in all probability our fighting services would not be required. Our men were quite disappointed in not having an opportunity of chastising the negroes for their insolence.

There was no barrack accommodation at Port Royal and we were transferred to the receiving ship Aboukir, and awaited a transport to take us back to Halifax. The weather was very hot, but we had plenty of room under the great awning that covered the upper deck. We were taken to the bathing grounds twice a week at 5 a.m. They supplied us with coffee and light lunch. We enjoyed the gentle breeze that came up generally in the afternoon. When the ripple on the water was observed the men shouted, "The doctor is coming!" and the boatswain's whistle was heard calling the hands to the capstan to swing the ship broadside to get the zephyr as much as possible to enter the port-holes of the monster. Commodore Smyth read the prayers on Sunday. The services were held on the quarter-deck with good singing.

The crew of H.M.S. Bulldog had been added to the already large family of the Aboukir, but there was plenty of accommodation for them.

I must inform the reader of the experience of this crew. It appears that while a mail steamer carrying the British flag was passing a Haytian fort she was fired upon. On arriving at Port Royal the captain reported the circumstance to Commodore Smyth, who immediately ordered the Bulldog to go down and investigate. The captain informed the authorities of his business, but they would not confer with him or any of his officers, and instead fired on the ship. The Bulldog at once opened fire on the forts, but it was soon discovered that the navigating lieutenant had run the ship on a sand bar, at once becoming a target for the Haytians. Captain Wake took in the situation and concluded that his charge was lost, and in order to save his crew summoned them to the quarter-deck, where he proposed that they abandon the ship and blow her up. This was agreed to. Boats were lowered and supplied with provisions, etc., and a train laid and connected with the magazine. When all was ready the train was ignited; the boats moved away and were out of danger when the explosion took place. The men saw their ship sink, and all they had to remind them of the circumstances was a bulldog's head, the same being the figurehead of the ship. The boatswain and several seamen were killed by the Haytian fire. The lost vessel was a gunboat, and her crew would not be more than 150. These were not long in their boats, but were rescued by passing ships and brought to Port Royal and placed on board the Aboukir. The captain, navigating lieutenant and paymaster were placed under arrest.

The frigate Galatea, Captain McGuire, arrived at the port. This was the ship that H.R.H. Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh went around the world in. She was to take us back to Halifax. Previous to that she went to Hayti to see what could be done with these people for insulting the British flag. She soon destroyed the batteries, returning to Port Royal, and after coaling embarked us for Halifax.

After the arrival of the crew of the Bulldog, Major Colthurst permitted me to assist the paymaster in preparing the evidence, statements, and other documents in connection with the loss of the Bulldog for transmission to England.