One of our best and most genial color-sergeants deserted. It was a great surprise to us to learn of Sergeant Josh. Topham's departure. It was said that he was disappointed in not having to fight the Yankees, for which purpose he was sent out, and thought he would step over and help the Confederates. He left the barracks, went into the city, changed his clothing, wearing a clergyman's suit and carrying a suitcase. He had to exercise great care to hide his identity. If detected, it would have been ten years' penal servitude. He took passage in a schooner which carried him to Boston, and when he wrote and told us all about it, he said his anxiety was relieved when the harbor was cleared. We often heard from our old comrade; he got along splendidly and was soon promoted to the rank of quartermaster.
The battalion at this time was in a state of much anxiety; Captain Robinson was dangerously ill, and suffering from internal troubles. His death, which soon followed, was a great blow to me, as our relations were of the most pleasant character. His remains were interred in Point Pleasant Cemetery with full military honors, and the regiment mourned the loss of a good officer and soldier's friend. I was appointed assistant clerk in the brigade office. Sergeant-Major Forbes, late of the 62nd Regiment, was the senior clerk, but before I entered upon my duties I acted as secretary to a committee of officers who had charge of the late Captain Robinson's effects. Some of these were sent to his friends in England, the balance were sold.
I found my work brought me in touch with the Horse Guards and War Office, which proved to be of much service to me in after years.
CHAPTER V.
A negro rebellion had broken out in Jamaica; many had been killed and much property destroyed. The 6th Regiment was quartered at Newcastle, and one of the West India regiments at Port Royal, but these were unable to restore order. General Doyle received a telegram asking for a regiment to be dispatched at once to assist in quelling the rebellion. The 17th was immediately placed under orders to proceed to Port Royal. It was arranged that we go in two ships, the right to embark on H.M.S. Duncan, under the command of Colonel McKinstry; the left wing in H.M.S. Sphinx, a gun-boat.
The morning for the embarking of the right wing had arrived and the scene on the wharf at the dockyard was painful. The wives and children of the departing troops were present, as was the general and staff. The brigade-major (Captain Stokes, 16th Bedfordshires) read aloud the latest dispatches from Jamaica, which caused much anxiety as to whether all would return again. The embarking of the troops completed and good-byes exchanged, the Duncan left for her destination. The left wing of the regiment, under command of Major Colthurst, embarked on the Sphinx.
A fatal accident occurred as our ship was clearing the harbor. Peter Jackson, "B" Company, venturing too far out on the bulkhead, was washed overboard. There was a heavy sea running at the time, and poor Jackson was soon lost sight of; there was no chance of saving him.
Lieutenant Rolph was appointed adjutant, and the writer orderly room clerk. It was October and the weather was beautiful. We found we were handicapped regarding quarters. The ship was so small we could not find sufficient room in which to swing our hammocks. When we arrived in a warmer climate we took our blankets on deck and slept there, but the men were not allowed on the quarter-deck.
Captain Hamilton was commanding the ship, and I asked his permission for the men to occupy the quarter-deck. He referred me to Major Colthurst. I saw him and promised that for the privilege we would sing glees, part songs, etc., while the officers were at mess each evening. We had the use of the deck during the remainder of the voyage. We had a very pleasant run for three days, when we reached Bermuda.
The steamer went to her dock at Boaz Island for the purpose of coaling, and remained three days. We enjoyed the opportunity of visiting the several islands and places of interest. On resuming our voyage we arrived at Port Royal about midnight—four days later. It was a magnificent night as we steamed in under the lofty Blue Mountains. We anchored, and were soon visited by a lieutenant and boat's crew from the guard ship, who reported that quiet had been restored and in all probability our fighting services would not be required. Our men were quite disappointed in not having an opportunity of chastising the negroes for their insolence.