Embarkation At Woolwich

Embarkation at Woolwich of the E Battery Fourth Brigade of Royal Field Artillery on board the Melbourne for Canada, 1861. 'In consequence of the possibility of a rupture between this country and the Federal States of North America the war authorities have exerted themselves with extraordinary vigour to send reinforcements promptly to Canada...Captain Vesey's E battery of the 4th brigade Royal Field Artillery...[embarked on] the screw steam-vessel Melbourne...[together with] war stores: two complete batteries of Armstrong guns, several howitzers, 30,000 stand of arms and accoutrements, 2,500,000 rounds of Minié rifle balls and smallarms ammunition, 1500 rounds of Armstrong-gun ammunition, cartridges, &c. She also takes out military clothing and a quantity of stores peculiarly adapted for Canada, including a number of snow-sleighs...each man will be provided with the following articles: A fur (sealskin) cap, two flannel waistcoats, a pair of fur gloves, six pair of Canada boots, two pair of woollen stockings, a comforter, and a chamois leather jacket. Some 3000 moccasins and snow-shoes will also be sent as soon as they can be procured. The 30,000 Enfield rifles conveyed by the Melbourne are intended for the Canadian militia'. From "Illustrated London News", 1861. Creator: Unknown. (Photo by The Print Collector/Heritage Images via Getty Images)