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Halifax Disaster Record Office
Chronicle Building
Halifax, N.S.

Personal Testimony,
Mrs. F. B. Sexton.

Was at Fredericton, N.B. [New Brunswick] on December 6th, electioneering on behalf of the Union Government. About noon she heard that Halifax was on fire; "whole town in flames". Tried to get into communication with Halifax, but was unable to do do. Cancelled two engagements to speak. Mrs. Richardson, wife of the Bishop of New Brunswick was anxious about her boy, a naval cadet. Mrs. S. was reassured by a telegram from her husband, and Mrs. Richardson also heard from her son. Mrs. Sexton did speak afterwards "never spoke better in my like". She did not know what had happened, but she could imagine. "Prophetic about the conditions at Halifax, i. e., total disorganization." Saw her prophecy fulfilled. She met the Red Cross relief train from Boston at Fredericton Junction. One great family of Canadians. All along the line nurses, doctors, telegraph operators, deaconesses, etc. were picked up. Also people who had chased the train. Great excitement at St. John. Colonel Powell sent brassards and other equipment. Mrs. S. was asked to go into the drawing-room and talk to the Social Workers and Red Cross people about conditions in Halifax, Names and people. Wired her husband that there were medical supplies of gauze and cotton etc in the basement of the Technical College. Telegram did not reach him. She got to the city before it. Train was delayed by snow. Butted the drifts with heavy engine. Did not reach Halifax until about 6.30 a.m. Dec 8, Thought that the Americans were rather chagrined at finding no one to meet them. She had to 'skedoodle' down to town herself. There were no conveyances. Saw General Manager Hayes of the C.G.R. and told him who they were. Proceeded along Pleasant