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HALIFAX DISASTER RECORD OFFICE
CHRONICLE BUILDING
HALIFAX, N. S.

thought wastage better than not having enough. His duty was to allay the excitement and keep the citizens cool. (Mem. General Benson was in the devastated area, looking after his own. See narrative of McLennan.) The engineers and ordnance became human. The way they got out material and got to work was "very satisfactory". The usual red tape was avoided. He particularly mentioned Van Tuyl. There was a rumor that all vehicles had been commandeered by military orders. What T. said was "Whenever you want a car or team, stop and take it." A. O. Saunderson came in to talk, and suggested to T. that he commandeer the whole stock of Carrite, Patterson tarpaper, in order to prevent merchants buying it up and selling it at a profit.(See Personal Narrative of A. O. Saunderson). T. dispatched mounted orderly to tell the people that the danger was over. Was much impressed by Jack Cahan reporting to him at H. Q. and asking what he could do. Was told to "Chase the people back to their homes." Cahan had got into some old uniform. Three or four men stand out in my mind for their productive activities. One was Colonel Simmonds, who worked well with Flowers. Another was Bob Willis. When I decided on a plan I had to lean on Bob Willis to carry out details. I was very ably assisted by Captain Mooney, assistant provost marshal, of St. John. He was continually with me. Colonel McKelvey Bell was doing his work well. At nine a. m. on the morning of the seventh (?) Bell stated that he wanted Bellevue for a hospital. In ten hours it was completely equipped. Particularly praised the work of Van Tuyl and Panet in getting the stuff in. Tom Tobin drove one of the Ordnance teams and Fraser drove another. Had to equip Bellevue from our Ordnance stores. it was prepared for our American friends. Another thing prominent in my mind was the difficulty of patrolling the streets on the night of the 6th-7th. The whole city was open and our men were exhausted We were combing our brains how to get guards for this duty.

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MGI vol 2124 number 233a
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