Border Volunteers_.

The disturbance at Red River in the North-Western Territory, by the
revolt of Riel and his accomplices was also at this time attracting the
attention of the Canadian government. A force, consisting of regulars
and volunteers, had already been organized; and was to be despatched
immediately to Red River for the purpose of suppressing the
Riel-Rebellion.

The glory of warfare had aroused within the mind of Frederick Charlston
a love for adventure and a spirit of Canadian patriotism: and feeling a
desire to enlist as a roving soldier, he immediately, after his return
to Montreal, departed for Toronto, head-quarters for the Battalions
designed for Red River. A few healthy and well-disciplined volunteers
were still wanted; and Fred, having passed an examination, was initiated
into the ranks as a volunteer for Red River.

On the evening previous to his departure he retired to his room; and
having emptied a tumbler full of hot brandy punch, he sat down
gloriously happy, and penned the following letter to his parents.

"Toronto, June 7th, 1870.

"Dear Father and Mother,--As you may feel somewhat disposed by this
time to relish a bit of my history in Canada, I now, for the first
time, since I left home, lift my pen to address you. I shipped in
the S. S. Moravian from Liverpool, to Portland, U.S., and during
the voyage had to undergo the terrible ordeal of sea-sickness.
However, I arrived at Montreal on the evening of Christmas last, as
sound as a church bell. I found immediate employment in the city at
six shillings per day. I am partially fond of this country and the
inhabitants in general, with the exception of a sort of people
named French Kanucks; but they are as harmless as a flock of sheep;
and stand as mere cyphers in the ranks of society. Last winter I
joined a company of city volunteers; and was present at an
engagement with the Fenians at a place known as Eccles Hill, on the
25th ultimo, of which affair you will have heard by the London
papers. I went up boldly to the Front, and fought the Fenians like
a tiger. I don't know how many I killed; but I feel certain that I
must have annihilated quite a large number, as I fired away every
cartridge I had. I brought back with me to Montreal a Fenian-coat,
knapsack and rifle, &c. Since my return I have been lionized by my
officers and comrades for