of the general command only, as I had
expected. I immediately communicated with Majors Skinner and Cattley
that I had been relieved.

The history of my connection with the campaign, which resulted in
the expulsion of the Fenians from the Niagara District, has now been
detailed, from the moment I received orders until I was relieved from
command. I submit to those to whom the inquiry of my conduct on the
occasion may be entrusted, that the state of affairs which existed at
Port Colborne on my arrival at 11 o'clock p.m. on Friday. 1st of June,
will be better understood if the communications which previously passed
between Colonel Peacocke and the officer commanding at Port Colborne
were obtained. I have reason to believe that they will bear materially
in explaining the plans proposed and under consideration before Captain
Akers' arrival, and the propriety of the modification which, if Colonel
Peacocke's approval were obtained, was to have been pursued.

I further submit the official despatches connected with the affair at
Lime Ridge, published by authority in the _Canada Gazette_ of Saturday,
23rd June, 1866. Upon two points I expect inquiry will be directed,
namely, to the capacity and care shown by me for the command entrusted
to me, and my personal conduct on the field. On this latter point I ask
for the evidence of those who are present.

That every precaution and every consideration for the comfort and
advantage of my battalion which the circumstances did permit, I
confidently assert were taken.

The volunteer force from Hamilton answered to the call for service with
alacrity. The entire force which I had the honor to command was
animated with the highest feelings of patriotism and zeal. All personal
considerations gave way, all hardships were borne cheerfully and without
a murmur. We had but one wish--to meet the enemy; and but one hope, to
aid in his discomfiture; and if under the trying circumstances in which
we were placed the result was not so triumphant as the devotion and
heroism of the volunteers deserved, I trust that as their conduct cannot
be impugned, the Court of Inquiry will, on appreciation of the facts,
exonerate their commanding officer from the complete want of success of
an attack which undoubtedly caused the enemy to abandon their plans of
invasion and commence their retreat.

A. BOOKER,

Lieut.-Colonel.

The Court then proceeded to the examination of witnesses.

The first witness call