March 19th. 1900:
Extract from letter from the Minister of Militia to Lord Strathcona:-
" I have just returned from Halifax where I have had the great pleasure of taking part in the embarkation ceremonies of Strathcona Horse.
I think you have every reason to be satisfied with the work that has been done. I examined the steamship most carefully on two different occasions, and of all the five transports despatched by Canada the "Monterey" is the facile princeps. The Steamship Company deserves the greatest credit for their work.
In this connection I should like to mention the name of Mr. Paul Weatherbe, the Chief Engineer of the Department of Militia, who has remained at Halifax practically in charge of the fitting up of the "Monterey". Mr. Weatherbe is a most efficient officer, and has been engaged in and out of season with the work of fitting up all our transports including the "Monterey".
In beginning to mention names of officers who have distinguished themselves in this work, I scarcely know where to stop. I may, however, add the name of Lieut. Colonel D. A. Macdonald, our Chief Superintendent of Stores, who has done such splendid work in connection with the out-fitting of all the contingents, and who has worked no less faithfully for your force than for those for which we were more directly responsible. I should also mention our worthy Deputy Minister, Lieut. Col. L. F. Pinault, who has given his time and energy to the work. In my own office I take the liberty of mentioning my own Private Secretary, Mr. W. Brown, who has given his time to the work without regard to hours, holidays or Sundays. In the Military branch, Colonels Aylmer and Foster, and Lieut. Col. Cotton have all assisted most assiduously. Lieut. Col. Cotton being in command of this district has had much to do with the work of housing and feeding the force here, and has done it admirably. I should also like to mention the name of Mr. E. F. Jarvis, a First Class Clerk in the Military Branch, who has done his work most efficiently and zealously, and has not spared himself. I have already referred to the work done by Mr. F. W. Taylor, of the Bank of Montreal. I have seen a good deal of Mr. Taylor, and can assure you that he has done his work thoroughly.
I am sure you would be greatly pleased to have witnessed the enthusiastic send off your force received in Halifax. I have had the honor and pleasure of making you aware of it through the cablegram I sent to you. The whole city seemed to have turned out and the enthusiasm was wonderful for Halifax, which is rather a sedate old town ordinarily! The Province was largely represented, and, in fact, all the Provinces. I had the pleasure of taking down with me in my official car representatives of the West, so that the demonstration was of a national character.
There is but one feeling throughout Canada, and that is of admiration of your noble generosity and pride in being citizens of a country which has the honor to claim your Lordship as its adopted son."
