mer positions. Then came a fourth bugle
call. The effect of this was that the whole line of skirmishers and
those in support of them, as well as those in the road near me, made a
motion to turn around. At this moment a small number of men (about 25
or 30) broke from the ranks and ran down the road, leaving the remainder
standing mostly faced to the rear. These men were all dressed in green.
Immediately behind those that were running away came from six to eight
in red coats, who ran after the others down the road. The skirmishers
and supporters were all retiring. I then ran over to the hospital and
told Dr. May that our men were retiring. He said he would take all the
wounded men with him. Just afterwards I noticed a great rush of men to
the rear. I had left the hospital to see how matters were, and to see if
our men were still retiring, and had started to return, but the rush
of men was so great that I could not get across to the hospital. This
retreat continued, with the red and green mixed together. I passed down
and got up on the ammunition waggon, and found that Dr. May was ahead of
me with his patients. While on the waggon I noticed in the rear of the
retiring column a number of men (between 100 and 200, I think), composed
of red and green, seeming to be drawn up across the road in pretty good
order. Down the road a short distance an attempt was made to rally or
re-form the men, which was to a good extent successful. Before we came
to Ridgeway there was a halt. A man in uniform came and took the horse
which Col. Booker had been using. Shortly after this I saw Col. Booker
on the horse coming towards Ridgeway. From all I saw and heard of the
men. I can bear testimony that with very few exceptions there was no
evidence of cowardice. They displayed good spirit, and were all eager to
meet the Fenians on the following morning.

This concluded the evidence taken by the Court of Inquiry in regard to
the matter under consideration. After due deliberation, and a careful
sifting of all the testimony given, the following was given as the
result of the investigation, which received the approval of the Militia
authorities:--

OPINION.

The Court having duly considered the evidence brought forward by
Lieut.-Col. Booker, as well as such evidence as the Court have
considered necessary, with a view of the further elucidation of the
truth, are of opinion:--

First--That so far as the courage and character of Lieut.-Col. Booke