capture of Detroit, and which was published in a Gazette Extraordinary
in London on the 6th October, with characteristic generosity bore
testimony to the services of his friend in the following terms: "In the
attainment of this important point gentlemen of the first character and
influence showed an example highly creditable to them, and I cannot on
this occasion avoid mentioning the essential assistance I derived from
John Macdonell, Esquire, His Majesty's Attorney-General, who from the
beginning of the war has honoured me with his services as my Provincial
Aide-de-Camp."
Brock's biographer and nephew, Mr. Ferdinand Brock Tupper, graphically
tells the end of them both, almost upon the spot upon which we now
stand. After mention of the hasty gallop from Fort George, at dawn on
the 13th October, when it was found that the Americans had during the
night passed over the Niagara River and succeeded in gaining the crest
of the heights in rear of the battery, and Brock's desperate effort to
dislodge them, he goes on to say: "The Americans now opened a heavy fire
of musketry, and, conspicuous from his dress, his height, and the
enthusiasm with which he animated his little band, the British commander
was soon singled out, and he fell about an hour after his arrival, the
fatal bullet entering his right breast and passing through his left
side. He lived only long enough to request that his fall might not be
noticed, or prevent the advance of his brave troops. The lifeless body
was immediately conveyed into a house at Queenston, where it remained
until the afternoon, unperceived of the enemy. His aide-de-camp,
Lieutenant-Colonel Macdonell, Attorney-General of Upper Canada--a fine,
promising young man--was mortally wounded soon after his chief, and died
the next day, at the early age of twenty-seven years. Although one
bullet had passed through his body, and he was wounded in four places,
yet he survived twenty hours, and during a period of excruciating agony
his thoughts and words were constantly occupied in lamentations for his
deceased commander and friend. He fell while gallantly charging, with
the hereditary courage of his race, up the hill with 190 men, chiefly of
the York Volunteers, by which charge the enemy was compelled to spike
the eighteen-pounders in the battery there; and his memory will be
cherished as long as courage and devotion are reverenced in the
Province."
General Sheaffe, who succeeded General Brock upon the death of the
latter, in his despatch announcing the victory which eventually crowned
our arms, thus couples their names: ". . . No officer was killed besides
Major-General Brock, one of the most gallant and zealous officers in His
Majesty's service, whose loss cannot be too much deplored, and
Lieutenant-Colonel Macdonell, Provincial Aide-de-Camp, whose gallantry
and merit rendered him worthy of his chief."
The Prince Regent thus acknowledged the communication through the
Governor-General, by whom it had been forwarded: "His Royal Highness,
the Prince Regent, is fully aware of the severe loss which His Majesty's
service has experienced in the death of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock.
This would have been sufficient to have clouded a victory of much
greater importance. His Majesty has lost in him not only an able and
meritorious officer, but one who, in the exercise of his functions of
Provisional Lieutenant-Governor of the Province, displayed qualities
admirably adapted to awe the disloyal, to reconcile the wavering, and to
animate the great mass of the inhabitants against successive attempts of
the enemy to invade the Province, in the last of which he unhappily
fell, too prodigal of that life of which his eminent services had taught
us to understand the value. His Royal Highness has also been pleased to
express his regret at the loss which the Province must experience in the
death of the Attorney-General, Mr. Macdonell, whose zealous co-operation
with Sir Isaac Brock will reflect lasting honour on his memory." In
communicating the above to the father of the Attorney-General,
Lieutenant-Colonel Coffin, P.A.D.C., under date York, March 20th, 1813,
stated by command of His Honour the President that "it would doubtless
afford some satisfaction to all the members of the family to which the
late Attorney-General was so great an ornament to learn that his merit
has been recognized even by the Royal Personage who wields the sceptre
of the British Empire, and on which His Honour commands me to declare
his personal gratification."
No medal was struck for Queenston Heights, but when some time afterwards
the rewards for the capture of Detroit were distributed, gold medals
were deposited by the Sovereign with the families of Major-General Brock
and Colonel Macdonell, and the King stated in each instance that it was
done "in token of the respect which His Majesty entertains for the
memory of that officer."
The graciously worded despatch of the Prince Regent mentioned the only
fault of Sir Isaac Brock. Like Nelson he was too prodigal of his life;
but as, alike by his services and his glorious death, Nelson became the
hero and the idol of the British people, so by his services and his
death Brock became for all time the hero of the people of this
Province, and his memory will never die. Although he had served ten
years in Canada, he had held his position as Administrator of Upper
Canada but a few days over a year; yet that short time was sufficient to
obtain for his name immortality, so long as the English language can
narrate what in that brief period he accomplished, and hold forth for
succeeding generations of British subjects in Canada and throughout the
Empire the bright example of his genius and his gallantry, and the
indomitable spirit with which he contended and overcame difficulties,
apparently insurmountable, and which were sufficient to appal a heart
even as stout and to tax to the uttermost a mind as versatile and
resourceful as his.
Under this stately column he found a fitting tomb, and the ardent young
friend, Glengarry's representative, who fell with him, lies beside him.
DR. JAMES L. HUGHES
Chief Inspector of Schools, Toronto
I had the honour of requesting the Hon. Dr. Pyne, Minister of Education,
to call the attention of the School Boards of Ontario to the importance
of celebrating the hundredth anniversary of the victory so gallantly won
on these heights, and of paying due tribute to the brave men and women
who so nobly and heroically struggled to preserve for us the blessings
of British liberty, and of unity with our motherland. To these men and
women of firm faith and strong heart we give gratitude and reverence
to-day, and especially to the statesman and hero who at the foot of
these heights died a hundred years ago while leading Canadian volunteers
to drive back invaders who without just cause had dared to come to
Canada with the avowed purpose of forcibly taking possession of our
country.
In the judgment of the committee that arranged for the celebration of
the glorious deeds of our early history, it is most important that
Canadian children should be trained to revere the memories of the great
and true men and women of one hundred years ago, and to rejoice because
of the victories won by them for freedom and for imperial unity.
There are men who have written to the newspapers objecting to the course
we adopted. They seem to think it improper to let our children know that
our country was ever in danger, and that it was saved by the unselfish
devotion and the brave deeds of our ancestors. However, in spite of
their protests, based on weak and unpatriotic sentiment, we intend to
teach young Canadians to remember the patriotism and valour of the
founders and defenders of Canada, and to train them to become worthy
successors to the men and women who made such sacrifices for them.
We have no wish to fill the hearts of the pupils in our schools with
animosity towards the great nation whose fertile fields and happy homes
we see beyond the great river that separates it from our own fair land.
We wish to develop in our children a spirit that will lead them to say
to the people across our borderland not "Hands off Canada," but "Hands
together to achieve for God and for humanity the highest and broadest
and truest ideals that have been revealed to the Anglo-Saxon race."
We do not wish to make our children quarrelsome or offensive, but we do
wish them to be patriotic Canadians, full of loyalty to their flag,
their Empire, and their King. We wish them to understand what their
predecessors did in order that they may have faith in themselves and in
their country; and we intend that they shall learn the achievements of
the past in order that they may have a true basis for their own manhood
and womanhood. True reverence for courage and self-sacrifice, fidelity
to principle, and devotion to home and country in time of need, is a
fundamental element of strong, true character. The facts of history may
have little influence in developing character, but the noble deeds of
our ancestors performed for high purposes are the surest sources for the
development of the strong and true emotions that make human character
vital instead of inert. Emotions form the battery power of character,
and among the emotions that give strength and virility and beauty to
character, reverence for the dead who wisely struggled and nobly
achieved, is surely one of the most productive of dignified and
transforming character.
The history of the past is valuable chiefly for the opportunities it
gives to be stirred to deep, true enthusiasm for heroism, for honour,
for patriotism, for love of freedom, for devotion to duty, and for
sublime self-sacrifice for high ideals. Whatever else we may neglect in
the training of the young, I trust we shall never fail to fill their
hearts with profound reverence for the men and women of the past to whom
they owe so much.
We should teach other lessons from the War of 1812. We should fill each
child's life with a splendid courage that can never be dismayed, by
telling how a few determined settlers scattered widely over a new
country successfully repelled invading armies coming from a country with
a population twenty-fold larger. We should teach reverence not only for
manhood but for womanhood by recounting the terrible hardships endured
willingly by Canadian women generally, as well as by proudly relating
the noble work done by individual women, of whom Laura Secord was so
conspicuous an example.
A certain class of thoughtless people call us "flag-wavers" if we strive
to give our young people a true conception of the value of national
life, and of their duty to have a true love for their country and for
their Empire. If a flag-waver means one who is proud of a noble
ancestry, and determined to prove worthy of the race from which he
sprung; one who knows that his forefathers gave a wider meaning to
freedom, and who intends to perpetuate liberty and aid in giving it a
still broader and higher value; one who is grateful because his Empire
represents the grandest revelation of unity yet made known to humanity
and who accepts this revelation as a sacred trust, then I am a
flag-waver, and I shall make every boy and girl whom I can ever
influence a flag-waver who loves his flag and waves it because it
represents freedom, and honour, and justice, and truth, and unity, and a
glorious history, the most triumphantly progressive that has been
achieved by any nation in the development of the world.
We do well to celebrate the great deeds of the men and women of a
hundred years ago, and teach our children to give them reverence, but it
is far more important for us to consider what the people a hundred years
hence will think of us than to glorify the triumphs of a hundred years
ago. The work of the world is not done. Evolution to higher ideals goes
ever on. Each succeeding generation has greater responsibilities and
higher duties than the one that preceded it. The greatest lesson we can
learn from the past is that we should prove true to the opportunities of
our time; that we should with unselfish motive and undaunted hearts
accept the responsibilities that come to us as partners in our
magnificent Empire, and share in the achievement of greater triumphs for
freedom and justice than have ever been recorded in the past.
Inspired by the records of such men as Brock, at the foot of whose
monument we stand to-day and look with reminiscent glance over the
marvellous progress of a hundred glorious years, let us determine that
we shall do our part to make the coming century more fruitful than the
past.
[Illustration:
Chief A. G. Smith, Six Nation Indians,
Grand River Reserve.
Captain Charles R. McCullough,
Hamilton, Ont.
Warrior F. Onondeyoh Loft, Six Nation
Indians, Toronto.
SPEAKERS OF THE DAY.]
CHIEF A. G. SMITH
Six Nation Indians, Grand River Reserve
If a Mohawk Chief had in his make-up a particle of timidity I fear that
your cheering would have frightened or disconcerted me.
Now, contrary to the usual preface to speeches on occasions of this
nature, let me instead say that my pleasure in addressing you this
afternoon is not altogether unalloyed, as I look back to the remote
past, when my ancestors could make or unmake nations on this continent;
their favour was then courted by the different European nations, until
finally they entered into an alliance or treaty with the military
authorities of the British nation, and which the Six Nations has ever
held inviolate.
They, however, in my humble opinion, made a serious mistake in taking
sides in the War of American Independence, as their treaty obligations
only required them to assist the British when attacked by a foreign
power and not in a case of family quarrel, so they could have
consistently taken a neutral ground. It is not, however, so surprising
that they took the step they did when we consider the influences that
were brought to bear on them and the inducements that were held out to
them. Consider the influence of Tha-yen-da-ne-gea--Brant, their war
chief--and their own love of war. War with them was as religion. Add to
these the influence of Sir William Johnson and others.
And there was the very strong inducement that they would be guaranteed a
perpetual independence and self-government, and also that they would be
amply indemnified for any and all losses that they might sustain by
their services. Now we know that these pledges were not adequately
fulfilled, yet, notwithstanding this fact, the Six Nations remained
faithful in their adherence to the British Crown.
And now allow me to come down to the eventful times which more
immediately concern us this afternoon. Let me at the outset briefly but
most emphatically assert that in those troublous times no followers of
the illustrious Brock, whose fall and victory we are this afternoon
commemorating, fought more bravely than the Six Nations; their very
admiration of that great and brave general was as a spur to their
bravery.
I think I may truthfully say that had it not been for the bravery of the
Six Nations the Union Jack would not to-day be waving over these
historic heights.
The Six Nations have never had an historian of their own to record the
brave deeds of valour of their warriors, and therefore get but scant
justice in the historical records of this country; naturally the
historians magnify the achievements of their own peoples, while I claim
that more credit should be given my own people.
Let me instance one or two samples of justice doled out to my people in
various lines. You know that in Ontario manhood suffrage prevails in
political elections, so that any foreigner after six months' residence
can have every privilege of a full citizen, although he may have no
higher interest in the country than as a place in which to earn his
bread and butter, and whose ancestors have never shed a drop of blood
for its retention by Britain, and who himself may never fight in its
defence, but who may go back to fight his own country's battles, perhaps
even against Britain.
But the original owners of this country, proved to be men on many a
battlefield, who fought and won Britain's battles, ceased to be men and
became minors after the battles were won and British predominance
secured, and therefore are not allowed men's privileges.
I contend that if Canada is to do justice (and I believe it will) to the
Six Nations, it will have to give them representation on the floor of
the House of Commons and also respect the treaty concessions made to
them, instead of gradually curtailing their tribal rights and
privileges. These blood-bought rights and privileges are just as dear to
the Six Nations as similar ones are to any other nation.
I fear, Mr. Chairman, that I have already taken up my allotted time, so
will refrain from giving all the examples of our loyalty I would have
liked to present to this vast assemblage. Allow me, however, to say that
as this is an influential gathering, so I hope that each individual of
influence will go back to his or her sphere of usefulness and listen to
the cry for justice on behalf of the Six Nations, fully appreciating the
fact that it is "up to you" to see to it that justice is done this
people who have rendered such inestimable service to this country and to
Britain.
My remarks may not suit everyone, but I cannot help that. I am not
courting popularity, for I am getting too old for that, and I am
descended from too long a line of brave warriors to be afraid to speak
the truth, whether it be pleasant or otherwise.
Thanking you, Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, for the privilege and
honour of addressing this influential assemblage and for the kind
hearing and attention accorded to me.
* * * * *
[At the conclusion of Chief Smith's speech three rousing warwhoops were
given, led by Chiefs Johnson and Elliott, and joined in by all present.]
WARRIOR F. ONONDEYOH LOFT
Six Nation Indians
We are assembled to-day on this historic spot to commemorate the memory
of a great soldier, a patriot and renowned son of the Empire of which we
are a part.
I am pleased to note the presence of so many chiefs and warriors of the
Six Nations who are here assembled on the basis of one common
citizenship with you, to join with our white brethren to pay respect and
homage to the late hero, General Sir Isaac Brock, who offered his life
as a sacrifice in the cause he so gallantly defended. He was the brave
leader who led the white man and Indian in the defence of our country,
our flag, and all that pertained to the maintenance of British
institutions.
Our act to-day is a noble one. It is of a kind that touches deep down
into the heart that throbs with affection's glow. It is one worthy of
emulation by our posterity. We as a people should never lose sight of
the great importance that must attach to this occasion, and of the duty
we owe to our children to do all we can to impress their minds with the
precepts of loyalty to the king and crown, that should be ever steadfast
and immovable.
As a member of the Six Nations it is not altogether my wish that I
should be looked upon on this occasion as a mere representative of my
nation, but rather as a representative of the noble native Indian race
which has so conspicuously identified itself with British arms at
critical periods in the history of our fair Dominion.
One hundred years ago our country and people were befogged by conditions
that were grey and ominous. It was very uncertain as to the part, if
any, the Indians would take in the impending conflict.
From this spot, almost, General Brock set out for Amherstburg to arrange
plans of campaign, and there met and shook hands with Tecumseh, this
patriot Indian giving the assurance to his chief in command of the
forces that he and his united Indian tribes composed of the Shawanoes,
Wyandottes, Chippewas, Ottawas, Foxes and others, were ready to go into
the field of action in defence of the British cause.
Like General Brock, this noble red man, as a leader of his kinsmen, also
sacrificed his life in the cause of his king and country. And sad is it
to say that not even a heave of the turf marks his last resting-place.
It is not for me to laud or unduly magnify the important part the
Indians have played in wars that have marked our country's
history-making: but should such an emergency again present itself, I
feel confident that the Indians will never be found wanting.
MR. CHARLES R. McCULLOUGH
Honorary President of the Association of Canadian Clubs
I tender my thanks to the Committee for honouring the hundred clubs of
the Dominion by inviting their honorary president to take part in the
proceedings of this great day.
The real celebration of the centenary of the battle and the fitting
remembrance of the hero who gave up his life for Canada one hundred
years ago, has already taken place in the six thousand schools by six
hundred thousand scholars of this premier Province of Ontario. By this
vast army of patriots in the making there has been celebrated within the
past few days in song and story the splendid heroism of the immortal
Brock, and the work done by him for our common country a century ago.
In that great work he was nobly seconded by the brilliant young
Glengarrian Macdonell, who, like his illustrious leader, fell on the
slope of this sacred hill.
In this dread contest there fought side by side regular soldier and
militiaman; the noble red man and the freed black man contended against
a common enemy to that freedom and that constitution that every Briton
loves so well.
It was indeed a proud thing for Canadians to remember that whilst there
was a great Imperial officer to lead the little band, close beside him
in the great struggle there ever stood a valorous Canadian aide-de-camp.
Yes, for every regular that contended for the maintenance of British law
and authority in this Canada of ours there were fighting by his side the
farmer and the tradesman of those heroic days.
Was not this prophetic of that future co-operation between mother and
daughter states? Was it not full of the deepest meaning for us of the
twentieth century? Could we not say "Thy people are my people and my
people thy people"? As in the days of yore, so in these days of Canada's
abounding prosperity and increasing national greatness, there would be
found men and means for any national or Imperial emergency that the
future might have in store for us.
Our magnificently proportioned Canada must have a magnificently
proportioned soul if she would fulfil her high destiny of eventual
leadership in the band of sister nations within an Empire indissolubly
bound by ties of love and sacrifice. In enlarging the soul of our people
such celebrations as these have their sure and certain part, and the
thrill of Brock's great name will stir this people's soul so long as
Canada shall endure.
* * * * *
A brief and eloquent speech was also made by Mr. W. M. German, M.P.,
Welland, Ont.
[Illustration: MEMBERS OF COMMITTEE AT QUEENSTON HEIGHTS
Alexander Fraser, LL.D., Dr. Alexander Dame, Col. Geo. S. Ryerson, Miss
Helen M. Merrill, John Stewart Carstairs, B.A., Allen W. Johnston.]
APPENDIX I.
HIGHLAND HEROES IN THE WAR OF 1812-14[1]
By Dr. Alexander Fraser, Toronto
While with a fine sense of fitness the part taken by the men of
Glengarry, Ontario, in the 1812-14 war is rarely referred to by the
descendants of those who fought so well and fell for their country, it
is but meet on a centennial occasion as is now being celebrated that the
distinguished services of the clansmen should not be forgotten. Much,
indeed, could be said of the Macdonells, Macdonalds, Macleans,
MacMillans, Chisholms, Camerons and Grants, as well as of other kindred
families, who displayed all the ardour of the Highland mountaineer in
defence of home and country, and who occupied second place then nor
subsequently when the war-note sounded. These brief lines, however, must
deal only with Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonell, who fell mortally
wounded at Queenston Heights, and whose name cannot be disassociated in
history from that of Brock, the chief hero of the war.