124 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

immediately the guns, wheels, trails and axle-trees, were thrown flat upon the ground, while for a time the gunners rested their wearied bodies upon the different parts as though nothing strange had occurred. But orders were shortly given to re— mount the Battery and they were soon again in the heat of action, filling the atmosphere with noise, dust, and curling wreaths of smoke, when through the mist at that moment, a long line as straight as the ranks of a grenadier regiment was observed posted a little distance in front ; being determined that no foe should obtain a footing within the ramparts of the fort, the bugles sounded the charge, and with levelled bayonets, the whole line pressed forward with terrific speed, when the sturdy fence surrounding the Barrack grounds, brought it suddenly to a halt. With this grand charge the fighting was brought to a close, and the brave little army being deeply impressed with the old proverb, viz: “all is well that ends well," retired from the hard fought field, leaving the wounded and burial of the dead for the care of the morrow.

The second Rifle Competition was held this year on the 11th of August, in a field situated a little to the east of the city, extending from the river’s side to the lower road, it was fitted up with two targets, the firing being directed towards the river. Here an Intercolonial Match was also to be contested. Dur— ing the late session of the Legislature, the sum of £60 was granted for the purpose of purchasing an Intercolonial prize— whereby the volunteers should be encouraged—and having decided upon offering a handsome Silver Cup as a prize, they at once sent to London, and in due time the trophy arrived. Rifle teams of twenty each were then invited from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to compete with the same number of our own marksmen for the possession of this valuable article. The morning was fair and promising with scarce a breath of wind. Tents for the accommodation of visitors were erected on various parts of the field, as the hour of IO o’clock arrived, the strains of music which had been.heard afar off, now entered the field gate, followed by the Island competitors, numbering 86, and a great number of spectators, happy and rejoicing.

The ranges, targets and number of rounds to be fired, were similar to that of the previous year. Major Hunter Duvar was range officer, and Colonels Lourie and Crowdie, umpires.