Halifax Volunteer Battalion

The battalion served ceremonial functions, raised money for charities as well as defended the city against possible military threat during the Fenian Raids.

As part of this movement, in Nova Scotia, thirty-two Volunteer companies were raised in the province, with a total strength of two thousand three hundred and forty-one.

One prominent member of the Chebucto Grays in attendance was the man who carved the lion and built the monument George Lang.

[15] The companies were ordered to parade in full marching order with great coats, blankets and canteen: The Greys and Halifax Rifles (2nd Company) to proceed to McNab's Island, under command of Major Mackinlay; the Scottish Rifles, under Captain McLean, to George's Island; the remainder of the battalion to remain under arms at headquarters, ready to proceed to whatever post they were required at.

The Commander-in-Chief, through Colonel Chearnley, expressed his entire confidence in the company and his disapprobation of the action of a minister of the gospel fomenting sectarian ill-will in the ranks of the volunteer forces.

Hutchinson subsequently withdrew his offensive remarks, paid all the expenses of the suit, and published a full retraction of his charges against the company.

On 2 August, under Captain Bulger, the Halifax Rifles and the Irish Volunteer Company traveled by train to Windsor at 3:00 a.m. in advance of the Prince of Wales.

The royal party left Government House on Hollis Street, and rode in carriages to Richmond, where at 7:00 am the special train departed for Windsor.

[19] Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn visited Nova Scotia in August 1869 and the Battalion were an integral part of the proceedings.

In 1878, Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll and her husband, the Marquis of Lorne, arrived at Halifax where he was sworn in at Province House as the 4th Governor General of Canada before heading to Ottawa to assume his duties.

In November, Princess Louise and the Marquis of Lome, landed in Halifax, and the battalion paraded at their reception and also furnished a guard of honor at the railway station on their departure for Ottawa.

In February, on the arrival of Princess Louise, the 63rd furnished a guard of honor, and also at the opening and closing of the House of Assembly.