the 12th of October, 1912.]
The many intermarriages in the course of generations between members of
different houses of the Glengarry branch of Clan Donald have created
genealogical intricacies not always threaded by the general reader. The
identity of Colonel John Macdonell, the Queenston hero, however, need
never have been in doubt. He was descended from Angus Macdonell of
Greenfield, a grandson of Ranald, the ninth chief of Glengarry--in
Gaelic, styled "Mac-ic-Alasdair." The Macdonells of Greenfield are
nearer the main line of the Glengarry family than the cadet branches of
Aberchalder, Cullachie and Leek--many of whom settled in Canada, who
left the parent stock at an earlier period. They might reasonably be
regarded as representative of all the Glengarry Macdonells of Canada.
Angus Macdonell of Greenfield had one son, Alexander, who came to Canada
in 1792. He was married in Scotland to a daughter of Alexander Macdonell
of Aberchalder (Captain 1st Battalion, King's Royal Regiment of New
York), and among the issue of that marriage were Duncan, who succeeded
his father, John, who fell with Brock, and Donald, who figured at
Ogdensburg, 1813.
John Macdonell (Queenston) was born in 1785, in Scotland, and with his
family came to Canada when seven years of age. In due course he became
member of the Legislature for Glengarry and Attorney-General for Upper
Canada. He was a Colonel of Militia, and on the outbreak of the war of
1812 acted as Military Secretary and Provincial A.D.C. to General Sir
Isaac Brock. His legal talents were regarded as of high order, and of
his military abilities Brock entertained a very good opinion indeed. As
President of the Council and Administrator of Upper Canada, General
Brock occupied the highest civil position in the Province, and the chief
military position as General of the forces under his command.
Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonell, as Attorney-General, filled the next
highest civil position to Brock in Upper Canada, and, as Military
Secretary and P.A.D.C., was next highest in importance, if not in rank,
to his chief in the field. Testimony was warmly borne by some of the
most capable to judge, of his dominance in the military operations, and
the subsequent negotiations, at Detroit, and the papers in connection
therewith, which he is said to have drafted, bear the mark of his
patriotic and generous mind. The Prince Regent, in expressing his regret
at the loss which the country must experience by the death of the
Attorney-General, declared that "his zealous co-operation with Sir Isaac
Brock would reflect lasting honour on his memory." Like Brock, he died
unmarried; like him, too, he was engaged to be married at the time of
his death. His fiancee was Miss Powell, daughter of the Chief Justice.
The story is told that at the commencement of the war, before making his
will, Colonel Macdonell told Miss Powell that, though he had only a
little estate to dispose of, about L300 in money, his books, papers and
personal effects, together with ten acres of land on Church Street,
Toronto, he wished her to have first choice of either the money and
effects, or the land, for herself; the other part to go to a relative.
She chose the money and the personalty, and the ten acres of land on
Church Street went to his relative and godson, James Macdonell, son of
his host, the Hon. Alexander Macdonell, Toronto, in whose family the
title still remains.
Colonel Macdonell's father, Colonel Alexander Macdonell, commanded the
2nd Battalion, Glengarry Militia, in the war, and two of his brothers
also had commissions, Duncan Macdonell, as a Captain, commanding a
company at Ogdensburg (under Colonel George Macdonell), and Donald
Greenfield Macdonell, who also commanded a company at Ogdensburg.
Duncan, the elder brother, succeeded his father as Lieutenant-Colonel,
commanding the 2nd Battalion, Glengarry Militia, until 1857, when he
received the thanks of the Governor-General "for his long and valuable
services dating from the last war." His son, Lieutenant-Colonel
Archibald J. Macdonell, was also commanding officer of his grandfather's
and father's regiment from 1857 to 1804. He was a barrister, and a
Bencher, and Recorder at Kingston, and for many years a partner with Sir
John A. Macdonald, Prime Minister of Canada. His only son is the
well-known Lieut.-Col. John A. Macdonell, Alexandria, Ontario, now the
head of the Greenfield family, whose patriotic sentiments and
antiquarian tastes have often found eloquent and useful expression. He
is a grandnephew of Colonel Macdonell (Queenston) and fifth of
Greenfield.
Donald Greenfield Macdonell, who commanded a company at Ogdensburg
(brother of Colonel Macdonell, Queenston), became D.A.Q.M.G in the war,
was a Colonel of Militia and Deputy Adjutant-General from 1846 to 1861.
He had the honour of laying the corner-stone of the monument to Sir
Isaac Brock at Queenston in 1853. Among his grandsons are Donald
Greenfield Macdonell, barrister, Vancouver, heir male, after Lieut.-Col.
John A. Macdonell, Alexandria, Ontario, and A. McLean Macdonell, K.C.,
the well-known barrister of Toronto.
The connection of Mr. A. McLean Macdonell, K.C., of Toronto, with the
War of 1812 is perhaps unique. Not only had his paternal
great-grandfather and three sons, the Macdonells of Greenfield,
commissions in the War of 1812, as above stated, but his maternal
great-grandfather and three sons also held commissions in that war,
viz., the Honourable Neil McLean and his three sons: 1st, the Honourable
Archibald McLean, afterwards Chief Justice of Upper Canada. It is said
that when Colonel Macdonell fell, McLean was near him, and he called out
to him: "Help me, Archie." 2nd, John McLean, afterwards Sheriff of
Kingston; and 3rd, Colonel Alexander McLean, who shows an excellent
military record, and whose daughter married John Macdonell of
Greenfield, Mr. McLean Macdonell's father. Thus, Mr. McLean Macdonell
had two great-grandfathers, two grandfathers, and four granduncles, all
holding important commissions in the only war which has vitally
threatened Canada.
The connection between A. Claude Macdonell, M.P., Toronto, and
Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonell (Queenston) is by intermarriage in the
families of Aberchalder and Cullachie. The Aberchalders gave a father,
Captain Alexander, and three sons, John, Hugh, and Chichester, to the
American revolutionary war. John was a Captain in Butler's Rangers and
was the first Speaker of the first House of Assembly of Upper Canada, in
1792. Hugh was an officer in the King's Royal Regiment and in the Royal
Canadian Volunteer Regiment. He was one of the members for Glengarry in
the first Legislature of Upper Canada. He afterwards served at
Gibraltar, and as British Consul-General at Algiers. Chichester served
in Butler's Rangers, and became a colonel in the British army, winning
distinction at Corunna.
Allan Macdonell of Cullachie (closely related to Aberchalder) was a
captain in the 84th Royal Highland Emigrant Regiment, and his son,
Alexander, an officer in Butler's Rangers, was prominent in the
military-political life of Upper Canada, and at the time of the 1812 war
was a colonel of Militia and Deputy Postmaster-General. His son, Angus
Duncan Macdonell, who died in 1894, was the father of Mr. Angus Claude
Macdonell, M.P. for South Toronto.
When Colonel Macdonell (Queenston) came to Toronto as a young man in
connection with his profession, he resided with his relative, the
Honourable Alexander Macdonell, Mr. Claude Macdonell's grandfather, and
it was from his home he went to the front. Needless to say, Colonel
Macdonell's memory is sacredly cherished among these and many others of
his kith and kin in Canada, as it is indeed by all lovers of the heroic
in Canadian history.
APPENDIX II.
TORONTO GARRISON CHURCH PARADE
In commemoration of the Centenary of the Death of Major-General Sir
Isaac Brock at the Battle of Queenston Heights
Massey Hall, Sunday, October 13th, 1912, 3 p.m.
Major-General W. H. Cotton, Commanding
The musical portion of the service was rendered by the massed bands of
the garrison under the direction of Bandmaster G. I. Timpson, Queen's
Own Rifles.
ORDER OF DIVINE SERVICE
OPENING VOLUNTARY
GRAND PROCESSIONAL MARCH
"The Silver Trumpets" _Viviani_
Band of the Queen's Own Rifles
Hymn, "SOLDIERS OF CHRIST, ARISE"
_Put on the whole armour of God_
Soldiers of Christ, arise,
And put your armour on;
Strong in the strength which God supplies,
Through His Eternal Son;
Strong in the Lord of Hosts,
And in His mighty power;
Who in the strength of Jesus trusts
Is more than conqueror.
Stand then in His great might,
With all His strength endued;
And take to arm you for the fight,
The panoply of God.
From strength to strength go on,
Wrestle, and fight, and pray;
Tread all the powers of darkness down,
And win the well-fought day.
That having all things done,
And all your conflicts past,
Ye may obtain, through Christ alone,
A crown of joy at last. Amen.
GENERAL CONFESSION
(To be said by all, standing)
Almighty and most merciful Father; We have erred and strayed from Thy
ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires
of our own hearts. We have offended against Thy Holy Laws. We have left
undone the things which we ought to have done; And we have done those
things which we ought not to have done; And there is no health in us.
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare Thou
them, O God, which confess their faults. Restore Thou them that are
penitent; according to Thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ
Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for His sake, that we
may hereafter live a godly, righteous and sober life, To the glory of
Thy Holy Name. Amen.
PRAYER FOR PARDON
O Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who desireth not
the death of a sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wickedness,
and live, pardon and accept, we beseech Thee, all those who truly
repent and unfeignedly believe Thy Holy Gospel. Grant us true repentance
and Thy Holy Spirit; that those things may please Thee which we do at
this present; and that the rest of our life hereafter may be pure and
holy; so that at the last we may come to Thy eternal joy; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE LORD'S PRAYER
PRAYER FOR THE KING'S MAJESTY
(All standing)
O Lord, our Heavenly Father, high and mighty, King of kings, Lord of
lords, the only Ruler of princes, who dost from Thy throne behold all
the dwellers upon earth; most heartily we beseech Thee with Thy favor to
behold our most gracious Sovereign Lord, King George; and so replenish
him with the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, that he may alway incline to Thy
will, and walk in Thy way; Endue him plenteously with heavenly gifts;
grant him in health and wealth long to live; strengthen him that he may
vanquish and overcome all his enemies; and finally, after this life, he
may attain everlasting joy and felicity; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
PRAYER FOR THE ROYAL FAMILY
Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness, we humbly beseech Thee to
bless our gracious Queen Mary, Alexandra the Queen Mother, Edward Prince
of Wales and all the Royal Family; Endue them with Thy Holy Spirit;
enrich them with Thy heavenly grace; prosper them with all happiness;
and bring them to Thine everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
PRAYER FOR SOLDIERS
Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we who are called to the
service of our Empire, may ever remember the honour which we uphold and
the privilege which is entrusted to us, to defend our Sovereign, our
homes and our country. Enable us at all times to do what is right, and
so to conduct ourselves, that we may bring no disgrace upon the uniform
which we wear, nor upon the flag under which we serve. Make us faithful,
brave and true to our duty, and especially to Thee, our God, as soldiers
of Christ and soldiers of the King. Keep us, defend us and save us at
all times; fill our hearts with courage and love, and may we never be
ashamed to confess Thee before men, as good soldiers and servants of
Thine. And this we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE LESSON
OFFERTORY
VOLUNTARY
"In the Chapel" _R. Eilenberg_
Band of the Queen's Own Rifles
SERMON
By Captain the Rev. Dr. Llwyd, Chaplain to the Queen's Own Rifles.
HYMN, "STAND UP FOR JESUS"
_Quit you like men, be strong_
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
Ye soldiers of the Cross;
Lift high His Royal Banner,
It must not suffer loss;
From victory unto victory
His army He shall lead;
Till every foe is vanquished,
And Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
The trumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict
In this His glorious day;
Ye that are men now serve Him
Against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger,
And strength to strength oppose.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus;
Stand in His Strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you,
Ye dare not trust your own;
Put on the gospel armour,
And watching unto prayer,
Where duty calls, or danger,
Be never wanting there.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus;
The strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle,
The next the victors' song;
To him that overcometh
A crown of life shall be;
He with the King of glory
Shall reign eternally. Amen.
NATIONAL ANTHEM
God save our Gracious King,
Long live our noble King,
God save the King.
Send him victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us;
God save the King.
Thy choicest gifts in store,
On him be pleased to pour;
Long may he reign.
May he defend our laws,
And ever give us cause
To sing with heart and voice,
God save the King.
BENEDICTION
RECESSIONAL
The "Priests' March" from "Athalie" _Mendelssohn_
Band of the Queen's Own Rifles
APPENDIX III.
INDIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE RECONSTRUCTION OF BROCK'S MONUMENT
(Communicated by the Editor.)
The indignation aroused by the destruction of the first monument erected
to General Brock was fully shared by the Indians of Ontario. Meetings of
the Bands were held at which expression was given to the feelings which
stirred their hearts. They asked the Government to allow them to join
with the White Men in contributing to the Fund for the reconstruction of
the monument, and this having been most cordially granted, a sum
amounting to L207 10s. was raised among the Indians in sums varying from
L7 10s. to L15 and paid over to the general fund on behalf of the
following Bands:--
The Chippewas of the Upper Reserve, on the River St. Clair.
The Chippewas of the Lower Reserve and Walpole Island, on the River
St. Clair.
The Hurons and Wyandotts of Amherstburg.
The Chippewas of the River Thames.
The Munsees of the River Thames.
The Oneidas of the River Thames.
The Six Nation Indians of the Grand River.
The Missisagua of the River Credit.
The Chippewas of the Saugeen River, Lake Huron.
The Chippewas of the Township of Rama, Lake Couchiching.
The Chippewas of Snake Island, Lake Simcoe.
The Missisagua of Alnwick, Rice Lake.
The Missisagua of Rice Lake Village, Otonabee; and of Mud and
Balsam Lakes.
The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.
The following petition from the Missisagua of Rice Lake, shows the
spirit in which the Indians acted:
"_To_ SAMUEL P. JARVIS, _Esquire, Chief Superintendent of Indian
Affairs_.
"Father:
"We have heard of the wicked attempt to destroy the Monument of our
old Chief, Sir Isaac Brock; and are also informed of the intention
of the White Man to rebuild it.
"Father:
"We respect the memory of the brave, and are sorry to find that
there are any who do not.
"Some of us fought on the same field on which the gallant general
fell. We then felt the same sorrow in our hearts that our loyal
brothers in arms, the White Men, felt, and we still unite with them
in the deepest regret at our common loss. These feelings urge us
readily to contribute our share to the expense of re-building that
Monument which was designed to perpetuate the fame of such noble
deeds.
"Father:
"We, who are thus ready to assist in the present exigency, will
never be backward in testifying our loyal principles by still more
substantial proofs, whenever our Great Mother, the Queen, shall lay
her commands upon us. We will never refuse to hear her words. Our
Great Fathers, her Royal predecessors, have been very kind to her
people. We are not unthankful. We do not wish to be idle; but
whenever we may be called upon to defend the honour and rights of
the British Crown, we will most heartily strain every nerve, and do
all the service in our power.
"Father:
"We authorize you to subscribe from our monies the sum of Fifteen
Pounds, in aid of the praiseworthy work about to be performed; and
may the blessing of the Great Spirit make it prosper.
"Dated at Rice Lake Mission, Otonabee, January 7, 1841.
"GEORGE PAUDASH, Principal Chief.
"JOHN CROW, Chief.
"JOHN COPOWAY, Chief.
"JOHN TAUNCHEY, Chief.
"Read over to the Chiefs and signed by them
in presence of--
HENRY BALDWIN, Jun."
The generous action of the Indians was much appreciated by the British
Government and the following acknowledgment was made by Lord John
Russell, on its behalf:--
"Downing Street,
"6th May, 1841.
"No. 372.
"My Lord:
"I received by the last mail from Canada a pamphlet, containing the
correspondence, addresses, etc., connected with the subscription of
various Indian Tribes in Upper Canada, in aid of the funds for the
reconstruction of Sir Isaac Brock's Monument on Queenston Heights.
"The feelings evinced by the Indians on this occasion are much to
their credit. I have to request that your Lordship will convey to
them the thanks of the British Government and nation for their
zealous co-operation, and renew to them the assurances of the
Queen's regard for their welfare.
"I have, etc.,
"(Signed) J. RUSSELL.
"The Right Honourable Lord Sydenham."
[Illustration: GROUP OF INDIANS (GRAND RIVER RESERVE) CELEBRATING
BROCK'S CENTENARY AT QUEENSTON HEIGHTS. CHIEF ALEXANDER HILL, IN
COSTUME.]
APPENDIX IV.
MEETINGS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Brock Centenary was held on
the 16th October, 1912, there being present: Col. Ryerson, Dr. James L.
Hughes, Dr. Alexander Fraser, Mr. C. E. Macdonald, Mr. F. D. L. Smith,
and Miss Helen M. Merrill, Secretary.
It was resolved:--
That the thanks of the Committee be conveyed to the Right
Honourable R. L. Borden, Prime Minister of Canada, and his
Government for the military arrangements that had been made in
connection with the celebration of the Centenary; and to the
Honourable Dr. Pyne, Minister of Education of Ontario, for so
cheerfully complying with all the suggestions made by the Committee
with respect to the holding of patriotic exercises in the public
schools.
That the publication of the Account of the Centenary celebration be
proceeded with; and that Dr. Alexander Fraser (Chairman), Col.
Ryerson, Mr. F. D. L. Smith, and Miss Helen M. Merrill be the
Publication Committee in this matter.
That all the correspondence and papers in connection with the
Centenary be deposited in the Ontario Archives, Toronto.
That the proposal to place a bronze tablet, commemorative of the
Centenary, on Brock's monument at Queenston Heights be brought
before the co-operating societies, and that action be taken in
accordance with their opinion.
That the striking of a Centennial medal be left in abeyance in the
meantime.
* * * * *
At a meeting of the Executive Committee held on the 25th of October,
1912, Col. Ryerson presiding, the subject of publication of the
Centenary volume was minutely discussed. It was agreed that Dr.
Alexander Fraser should edit the MS. for the press and that the work be
proceeded with.
[Illustration: CAPTAIN JOSEPH BIRNEY.]
APPENDIX V.
CAPTAIN JOSEPH BIRNEY
Contributed by J. L. Birney, Toronto, Son of Captain Joseph Birney, from
whose Narrative these Statements have been Compiled.
Captain Birney was born in Orange County, in the State of New York, on
the 1st of February, 1777.
In 1779 his father, William Birney, was killed at the battle of
Lackawack, New York, in suppressing an Indian uprising, and upon their
bereavement his mother, with his sister, a child in arms, and himself a
child two years old, made her way through the forest, sixty miles, to
New York City. In the year 1783 or 1784 he was baptized in Trinity
Church, New York City. When the British evacuated New York, Captain
Birney, with his family and friends, went with the British to where now
is situated St. John, New Brunswick, and resided there until 1801, when
he came to Upper Canada, and settled where Hamilton is to-day. While in
New Brunswick he taught the Duke of Kent to skate, both of them often
practising together on St. John's River.
In Upper Canada Captain Birney entered into the military life of the
time. He was over six feet in height, powerfully built, and was well
fitted for the stirring life then before him.
In 1812 he was Ensign in Captain Hatt's company, which accompanied Sir
Isaac Brock to Detroit, and his commission as Ensign, signed by Sir
Isaac Brock, is now in possession of his son, John L. Birney, of
Toronto. Captain Birney was present when General Brock first met
Tecumseh, and he often related how the General was impressed with the
wonderful personality of the great chief.
As Lieutenant he served in Captain Durand's company of 5th Lincoln
Militia at the Battle of Queenston Heights. He was attached to Brock's
staff as a special aide, to supervise the laying of the batteries.
Shortly before the Canadians were driven from the heights, General Brock
found that in firing at the Americans who were coming across the river
the bullets were flying short, and he gave the order to Colonel Williams
to cease firing, but Colonel Williams, mistaking the order to mean
"retire," began to retire by Niagara. Sir Isaac remarked, "That's
effective," but Captain Birney, noticing Colonel Williams' movement,
remarked, "But, General, you did not mean to retire!" "By no means,"
answered Sir Isaac. "Oh, for one to bring them back!" "May I go?"
offered Birney. "By all means go, Birney," ordered the General,
whereupon Captain Birney ran down the steep slope of the heights as fast
as he could. On the way down he noticed the mullein stalks being cut
off, and stepping on a slippery spot he fell violently on the broad of
his back.
At this he heard a great cheer, and looking up saw the cause of it all.
The Americans were in possession of a portion of the heights, and their
sharpshooters, thinking they had succeeded in intercepting him in his
errand, had set up a cheer, but Birney was soon afoot, and came up with
Colonel Williams, who upon seeing Birney, called his men to halt, and
enquired, "What's the matter, Birney? Orders from the General?" Birney,
being entirely out of breath, from his efforts and fall, could not
answer, and Colonel Williams further enquired, "Did the General not
order us to retire?" Birney shook his head. "What, then?" asked Colonel
Williams. "To cease firing," Birney managed to whisper. At this the
Colonel uttered an oath and smote himself a terrific blow on the
forehead with his fist. They had not returned far when they heard a
voice say "Halt!" and looking up they saw the General and his men, they
having been driven from the summit. There was a short conference, when
the General decided to go around by St. David's and there attack the
enemy. But they had not gone far when Birney, who was immediately behind
the General, heard a groan, and looking up saw the General falling from
his horse, and, rushing forward, he assisted him to the ground. With a
few parting orders the General was dead.