Historical records of the New Brunswick Regiment, Canadian Artillery

122 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF THEunder Captain E. W. Chestnut, was enrolled.In the previousmonth the company at St. John under Lieutenant Deaconwas accepted, Samuel R. Thomson having become captain.This gentleman was one of the most celebrated members ofthe New Brunswick bar, and was induced to command thecompany for his social prestige and influence. LieutenantDeacon remained in the service.Owing to the recent death, 1861, of the Prince Consort,Her Majesty directed that there should be no public observationof her birthday, so by proclamation the 20th June wassubstituted as a public holiday.Six batteries, under Lieutenant-Colonel Foster, were inspectedon 24th October by the Lieutenant-Governor, ColonelCole, 15th Regiment, and Captain Smyth, R. A. They werethose of Captains Pick, Hurd Peters, McLauchlan, B. LesterPeters, M. H. Peters, and Thomson (then commandedby Lieutenant Deacon). Those of Captain Pick and B. L.Peters were very highly commended in the report which statesthat the gun drill of the regiment was good, though companymovements were deficient. Some members of almost everybattery were not in uniform. By general order the pattern ofartillery uniform previously in use was retained. Dress regulations,in detail, were issued in the following year.During 1862 Governor Gordon visited many parts of theprovince and received numerous addresses. Volunteers of thepresent day may take warning from the experience of the companiesat Richibucto, who followed the prevailing custom andtendered the governor a parchment scroll of eulogistic character.He told them that as this was their first offence he wouldoverlook it and accept the address, but warned them and allother militia men not to pursue the custom. The right to