Question—What proportion of the whole battalion had not been exercised with blank cartridge?
Answer—With the exception of one or two days in May, when the whole battalion were out skirmishing, I am satisfied that half of the men had never fired a shot.
Question—What proportion of the men had never practised with ball cartridge?
Answer—The proportion was about the same, about half.
Question—What proportion of the regiment was composed of lads under twenty years of age?
Answer—I should say more than half of the regiment.
Question—Did you observe any difference in the demeanor of the lads and the other soldiers going into action?
Answer—No. Each were equally cool. I particularly noticed the companies that morning as they marched out to the skirmish, and all were equally cool. I may state here that this was the first occasion on which the whole regiment had an opportunity to skirmish as a battalion. I also wish to state that I saw the right wing of the Thirteenth extend and advance in skirmishing order, and that nothing could exceed the steadiness and regularity with which they advanced.
EVIDENCE OF W. T. URQUHART.
The thirteenth witness called by Lieut.-Col. Booker was Wm. T. Urquhart, assistant editor of the Hamilton Spectator, who was a private in No. 4 Company. Thirteenth Battalion.