onto Naval
Brigade, it may be mentioned that when they received orders to go on
board the "Rescue" on Sunday morning, June 3rd, and fit her up for
service, they responded so promptly that before evening they had put 67
tons of coal on board, besides transforming the boat from a peaceful tug
to a veritable gunboat by making such alterations as were necessary for
that purpose. All were workers, and "handy men" either ashore or afloat,
and that night everything was so snug and secure that they took up their
quarters on board, fully provisioned for a cruise. Early next morning
the "Rescue" steamed up to the Queen's Wharf and took on board her
armament and ammunition. A large 32-pound gun was mounted on the main
deck, in a position available for service in any direction required,
while the projectiles were placed in pyramidal piles near-by, so as to
be convenient for quick action.

On the afternoon of the 5th of June, while proceeding up Lake Erie, a
suspicious-looking steamer was seen approaching from the west. Heavy
clouds of black smoke belched forth from her funnels, and she appeared
to be heading for the "Rescue" under full speed. As rumors of a Fenian
flotilla on the Upper Lakes had prevailed, it was conjectured that this
strange craft might be one of the enemy's gunboats, and consequently its
appearance caused some excitement on board the "Rescue." The men were
called to quarters, the 32-pounder loaded and charged with chain-shot,
and every preparation made to give battle in case the approaching
steamer should happen to be a foe. As it came nearer it was seen that
she was a side-wheeler, and was evidently crowding on all steam. Jack
Fields (an experienced gunner) took charge of the 32-pounder, which
he carefully trained on the stranger, and remarked: "We will take that
walking-beam out of her." All were now expectant, and ready for action,
awaiting orders to fire. But as the steamer approached closer it was
learned that she was the United States revenue cutter "Fessenden," which
was on patrol duty on Lake Erie, on the look-out for Fenians also, and
her commander had intended to overhaul the "Rescue," as he likewise
thought her suspicious-looking. After a friendly "hail" and mutual
explanations, both steamers proceeded on their way.

At about 12 o'clock that night, when about off Port Stanley, a heavy
storm of wind and rain arose, and the crew of the "Rescue" experienced a
very rough time. The boat pitched and rolled