my daring exploits. The sun of fortune
has already begun to shine upon me; and I have determined that my
progress shall be in the ascendancy, until I arise to the very
zenith of my glory. I have just enlisted myself as a volunteer to
go over 2000 miles into the dense forests of Canada to fight the
savages of the North-West at Red River. I leave to-morrow. The
undertaking is gigantic, but the glory that shall arise therefrom
shall be immeasurably greater. Be not surprised should you hear of
me ere long being gazetted as commander of a battalion in the
North-Western Territory. On my return, to England, if ever, I shall
take my Fenian trophies along with me, and perhaps a few hundred of
Indian scalps, &c., as curiosities for my friends and old
acquaintances.

"Give my respects to none but those who inquire kindly about me. My
love to the little '_chick_.' He may live to be yet proud of his
father. I shall write again as soon as I get the savages disposed
of."

"Father, mother, sisters and brother, accept the expression of my
love. Farewell, farewell."

"Fred. Charlston."

The volunteers for Red River were forwarded from Toronto to Collingwood;
where they embarked on the steamers Algoma and Chigora; and proceeded
300 miles to Thunder Bay, on Lake Superior; thence by land and water
through a dense wilderness, several hundred miles, to Fort Garry, at Red
River. A prodigious undertaking, indeed, involving a vast amount of
labor and privation; nevertheless the majority of the troops endured it
tolerably well. During the first two or three weeks Fred Charlston stood
the hardships and inconveniences with a brave spirit, and enjoyed with
good relish the rough life of the military pioneer; so much so that he
gave expression to his patriotic feelings in the following song, which
he and his associates frequently sung with great gusto:--

Come now, my lads, we'll march along,
And wave our banners high,
The savage herds in forest wilds
Shall hear our battle-cry.
The distant realm before us lies,
The road is rough and drear,
O'er lake and stream thro' mountain wild
Our martial course we'll steer.

_Chorus._--Then march along, my hearty lads,
And cheer your hearts with song,
The nation cheers the Volunteers
Who bravely march along.