1837. Rebellion in Upper Canada. Britain garrisons Toronto, Brockville, Kingston, Hamilton, Amhurstberg, St. Thomas, and London. The 32nd Regiment is posted to London. Their commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel John Maitland, dies. He is buried in London in a solemn funeral. The soldiers were first billeted on residents, then in O’Brien’s block, a commercial building located where Museum London now stands.
1839. Arrival of the 73rd Regiment, who took over from the 32nd in June 1839, with Lieutenant Colonel James F. Love commanding. Julius Airey writes to Ameila Harris, June 13, 1839: “I am very sorry for the removal of the 32nd and that I could not see them [as?] they left our Western Wilds, but it was not in my power. I hope…that you may find some agreeable men in the 73rd.”
Two months later, in August 1839, the 73rd were joined by the 85th. These two regiments made for an apparently agreeable combination. Airey writes on September 11th, 1839: “London must be very gay now and I trust you are all happy…and I hear you are to have balls—Private Theatricals—and all sorts of things. May you enjoy them!”
To be continued…
Garrison Theatricals 