The 4th Battalion remained at Gibraltar during the whole of the year.
In September Whitworth rifles were issued to the men of this Battalion, forty short Enfields being retained for the use of the sergeants.
The 1st Battalion continued in quarters at Montreal, where on March 9, 1865, a letter was received, of which the following is an extract:—
‘Horse Guards, February 15, 1865.
‘The resistance of the men of the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade to the great temptations held out to them to desert has elicited the expression of His Royal Highness’s highest commendation.’[319]
On May 2 the Battalion embarked at Montreal in the steamboat ‘Europa,’ and proceeded to Quebec; and arriving there the following day, occupied the citadel.
The Battalion having been inspected by Major-General the Hon. James Lindsay, a letter was received, which contained the following approval:—
‘Horse Guards, August 11, 1865.
‘The Duke of Cambridge has received with much pleasure Major-General the Honourable James Lindsay’s very favourable account of the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade, which His Royal Highness desires may be highly commended, more particularly for the shooting.’