CONTENTS—Militia Act, 1792—Simcoe—No faith in the Americans—His
views—Military Roads—Division of Districts—Military purposes—The
officers—Legislation—The expenses—Repeated Legislation—Aggressive
spirit—The Enrolment—Hastings Battalion—“Something brewing”—List
of Officers—Col. Ferguson—Col. Bell—Leeds Militia—Officers’
Clothing—The Midland District—Prince Edward—Training Places.
THE MILITIA.
Any magisterial power that the military commanders of the first settlers
may have possessed was lost by the proclamation of Lord Dorchester, in
1788, forming Upper Canada into districts, and appointing to each a
staff of civil officers. From this period until 1792, after the meeting
of the second session of the First Parliament, the military organization
was a dead matter, although there must have been in force some law
relating to such, inasmuch as the first Act passed at this Session was
“for the _better_ regulation of the Militia in this Province.”
Governor Simcoe was a man of a military turn of mind. He had taken an
active part against the American rebels, and he continued to entertain
strong feelings of hostility to the American cause, believing not in the
integrity of their professed principles. In many respects he was a well
chosen person to take charge of a people who had been under a military
rule, and who shared his antipathy to the republican people. Not only
did Simcoe conceive schemes of settling the forests, and improving it,
but also for securing the country against attack, likewise of drawing
into the country many who he believed remained in the States because
they could not help themselves, and to whom the Republican form of
government was exceedingly distasteful. Simcoe never felt any doubt
about his ability to defend the Province against the Americans, and he
even had vague ideas that he might concentrate a force of sufficient
strength upon Upper Canada soil, to enable him to invade the States,
with a good prospect of success. Imbued with these views, and animated
by such feelings and desires, he lost no time in taking the necessary
steps to organize and train the Militia, and to establish a Naval force
for the Lakes. The regular soldiers under his immediate command were put
at work to cut roads, one from Lake Ontario to the Thames, which was
called the Dundas road, the other from Lake Ontario to the Lake Simcoe,
which has received the name of Yonge Street.
The four districts of Upper Canada were subdivided into counties. This
division was, according to Rochfoucault, who visited Simcoe, and
procured his information from him, “into counties is purely military,
and relates merely to the enlisting, completing and assembling of the
Militia. The counties are about twelve in number. The Militia of each
county are assembled and commanded by a Lieutenant; they must be divided
into regiments and companies. They assemble once a year in each county,
and are inspected by the Captains of the different companies, at least
twice a year. Every male inhabitant is considered a militia man from the
age of sixteen to fifty. He is fined four dollars if he does not enlist
at the proper time; and officers, both commissioned and
non-commissioned, who do not join their regiments at the time the
militia is assembled, pay a fine, the former of eight dollars, and the
latter of two. An officer who, in case of insurrection, or an attack,
who should not repair to his assigned post, would be punished with a
pecuniary penalty of £50, and a petty officer with a fine of £20. A
militia man who sells either the whole, or a part of his arms,
ammunition or accoutrements, is fined £5, and in default of payment,
imprisoned for two months. The Quakers, Baptists, and Tunkers, pay, in
time of peace, twenty shillings a year; and during a war of
insurrection, five pounds sterling for their exemption from military
service. Out of these fines and ransoms the Adjutant-General of the
Militia receives his pay, and the remainder is at the Governor’s
disposal. This is nearly the substance of the first act of the
legislative body of Upper Canada, passed in 1793.”
The following year an additional Act passed, relative to the Militia,
the chief regulations of which tended to improve and define more
accurately the internal form of the regiments, battalions and companies,
and to render the assembling of detachments more easy and expeditious.
This Act determines, that, in time of war, the obligation to carry arms
in defence of the country shall not cease before the age of sixty, and
that, of consequence, Quakers and others who enjoy exemption from
military service, shall pay for their immunity up to that age. It also
obliges the militia to serve on board of ships and vessels, to act as
cavalry, and to extend their service beyond the Province, on condition,
however, that the same men be not bound to serve more than six months
successively. The exemptions from military service are confined to the
officers of justice, and other public functionaries, whose number is
very small. The whole militia is estimated at nine thousand men. All the
expenses of the civil and military administration of Upper and Lower
Canada are defrayed by England. The expense, including money and
presents to the Indians, “amounts for Upper Canada to one hundred
thousand pounds.”
In all the measures introduced by Simcoe and passed into law by
Parliament, can be discovered a military mind actively at work. The
arrangements by which he endeavored to settle the country—to secure it
against invasion—to keep alive a spirit of military ardor—to keep aglow
the flame of patriotism, a love for the mother country, were eminently
judicious and commendable. There is no doubt that the military spirit of
Simcoe was pleasing to the old soldier-farmers, and in them he found
willing and zealous abettors of his military schemes. Had it not been
for the short-sighted policy of Lord Dorchester, who, it is averred,
became envious of his Lieutenant-Governor, and tried to thwart the
designs, and had he not succeeded in having him re-called before time
allowed for carrying out those designs, there can be no doubt that Upper
Canada would have advanced more rapidly than she subsequently did
advance, and would have far surpassed any State in the Union.
In 1797, an act for still further regulation of the militia was passed;
but the nature of it does not appear in the statutes.
There was also passed an “Act for the better securing the province
against the King’s enemies.”
In 1801, there was still further legislation, and again in 1808, when
there was “an act to explain, amend, and reduce to one act of Parliament
the several laws now in being for the raising and training of the
militia.” And a suitable salary was to be allowed to the
Adjutant-General. Legislation at this time was deemed necessary, because
of the aggressive spirit manifested by the United States. The game of
conquest was already begun by the selfish statesmen of America, and even
foul means were being adopted to subvert British power on the continent.
The year prior, Lower Canada had taken steps under Mr. Dunn, to protect
themselves against a wily enemy. General Brock was earnestly engaged in
perfecting the defences of Quebec. In 1809 an act was passed respecting
billeting Her Majesty’s troops, and the Provincial Militia, and
furnishing them on the march, and impressing horses, carriages, oxen,
boats, &c.
Respecting the enrolment of the militia in accordance with the acts
first and subsequently passed, comparatively little can be said by the
writer. The earliest, and indeed the only account of an official nature
to be obtained, refers to the organization of the Hastings’ Militia.
Through the kindness of Mr. Sager, of the front of Thurlow, grandson of
the late Colonel William Bell, we have had placed in our possession, a
portion of the papers left by Colonel Bell, of an official and
semi-official character. In a communication dated at Kingston, 29th
November, 1798, John Ferguson, of that place, writes to Mr. William
Bell, of the Mohawk village as follows: “Having been appointed
Lieutenant of the County of Hastings, and being ordered to enrol the
militia without delay, I must request you will immediately proceed with
the enclosed notices, and cause them to be put up as directed. This is
the beginning of your duty, as I have recommended you to be Adjutant, as
well as captain of a company, and I have the satisfaction of telling you
that the President has assured me he will approve of my appointments.”
In a separate communication, Lieutenant Ferguson authorizes Captain Bell
“to give notice to the inhabitants of the county to attend a meeting of
Lieutenancy on Saturday, the 8th December next, at ten o’clock, at the
house occupied by David Harris, on lot 34, in the first concession of
Sidney, for the purpose of enrolment.”
It would seem that the second in command of the Hastings battalion, was
Major A. Chisholm.
Ferguson, writing 22nd February, 1799, says, “It appears from the
President’s letter, that there is something brewing to the westward.”
On the 25th February, 1799, Ferguson writes to Adjutant Bell, to require
the officers commanding companies “to cause the volunteers and drafts in
their respective companies to assemble, with such arms as they may have,
at the house of Ferguson, on the point of Sidney, lot 23, to be made
acquainted with the purport of a letter received from the Hon. Peter
Russell, President.”
Colonel Ferguson writing again on February 26, to Captain Bell, informs
him that the President has been pleased to approve of the appointments
made, and that he must meet him at Sidney, 5th of March, to receive his
commission. On the 1st March, he further writes thus, “there is some
appearance of the militia being embodied next spring, and that Captain
Bell is appointed to take command of the detachment should such an event
take place.”
In a communication dated, 10th March, 1799, Colonel Ferguson refers
Captain Bell to an inclosure from President Russell, giving directions
as to teaching the volunteers and drafts, “who are to assemble at
Wallbridge’s every other Saturday,” for platoon exercise, &c.
“List of officers of the Hastings Militia, as approved of by His Honor,
the President, with the dates of their commission.”
“John Ferguson, Lieutenant of County; date of commission, 1798. The
following officers were commissioned in December following:—Major
Alexander Chisholm, Captain Wm. Bell, Captain Samuel Sherwood, Captain
George W. Myers, Captain Lieutenant Matthias Marsh, Lieutenant Gilbert
Harris, Lieutenant John Stuart, Lieutenant John Chisholm, Lieutenant
John Fairman, sen., Lieutenant L. W. Myers, Ensigns David Simmons, Jacob
W. Myers, Alexander Chisholm, Robert Fairman, Samuel B. Gilbert,
Adjutant William Bell, Quarter-Master, John McIntosh.”
At the commencement of the war of 1812, John Ferguson, of Kingston, was
Colonel; William Bell, of Thurlow, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Alexander
Chisholm, Simon McNabb, S. B. Gilbert, Jacob W. Myers, L. W. Myers,
David Simmons, Gilbert Harris, John McIntosh, were Captains of 1st
Regiment Hastings Militia. John Thompson who had been a soldier in the
King’s Rangers, was Major.
In May, 1810, a notice was posted in Hastings to “all persons of the
battalion having in their possession arms and accoutrements belonging to
Her Majesty, to bring them in good order on the 4th of June, and they
will be furnished with powder and ball to shoot at a mark.”
We are informed by Mr. Adiel Sherwood, that James Breakenridge, who had
been an officer in Rogers’ corps, was appointed the first Lieutenant of
the County of Leeds under Simcoe, with authority to organize the body
and appoint the officers. Mr. Sherwood received his first commission as
Ensign, from him, to the first regiment of Leeds Militia in 1796. He was
shortly after commissioned a Lieutenant, which he remained until 1808,
when he was made Captain.
OFFICERS’ CLOTHING.—No sooner had the officers received their
commissions than the matter of military clothing came into
consideration, and steps were promptly taken to obtain suitable outfits,
in the way of scarlet coats, swords, and so forth. Reading the letters
which have come under notice, one is struck with the fact of men putting
themselves to trouble to procure costly uniform, when very many of them
could scarcely collect money enough to meet their wants. At that time
money was scarce and bartering was the ordinary mode of proceedings
between the farmer and dealer. The merchants of Kingston did not find it
necessary to keep material for officers’ dress, and consequently it had
to be procured at Montreal. The officers without money and unknown, in
Montreal, could scarcely expect to get credit there. It was under such
circumstances that Colonel Ferguson, the Lieutenant of the County of
Hastings, undertook to assist the officers under him. Concerted action
on their part was necessary, that all the coats might be alike, and
moreover, they might expect to have them supplied at a cheaper rate. The
following will now become intelligible:
“We, the following officers of Militia of the County of Hastings, having
agreed to have uniform clothing, do empower John Ferguson, Samuel
Sherwood, Matthias Marsh, and John McIntosh, to agree with any person to
furnish the materials, and we will pay for it as agreed upon by the
above persons—the uniform to be red coats with blue facings; long yellow
buttons and white lining with shoulder-straps—the Light Infantry to have
short coats with wings. Thurlow, 7th October, 1800.” (Signed)—John
Ferguson, William Bell, John Chisholm, Daniel Rose, John McIntosh, David
Simmons, John Fairman, Junr., Samuel Sherwood, Matthias Marsh.
A few days later Colonel Ferguson supplies a memorandum to Major Bell,
recommending James Dawson, Kingston, as the person to be employed to
make the coats, the material, or at least the cloth, to be bought at Mr.
Cumming’s. Ferguson also suggests that each person give his note of hand
for the sum until paid, from which it seems evident that he wished to be
free from personal responsibility. Three months later, and no steps had
been taken except by Ferguson, who, it appears, applied at Montreal for
his coat. He writes, “I have received my coat pattern from Montreal,”
and the cost of cloth and trimmings amounted to £4 7s. 7d., and “the
common price of making a regimental coat” was £1 3s. 4d., the epaulets
ready-made were £3 each. In another place, Colonel Ferguson says, “if
any of those gentlemen wish to have a coat from Montreal, and will put
into my hands sixteen bushels of wheat, as a part payment, I will send
for them, and they will surely find their profit in it”.
The following were among the first Militia officers connected with the
force in the Midland District.
Thomas Dorland, one of the first settlers of Adolphustown, was the first
captain commissioned in the township. He commanded a company in 1812, at
Kingston. His company partook of the loyal spirit which actuated the
captain, who indignantly said of the Americans, “they drove us from our
homes once and now come after us.” Captain Dorland was much liked, as an
officer, by his men.
Captain Trumpour, who commanded a company of horse, was generally
estimated as a commander.
Christopher Hagerman, a native of Adolphustown, arose by promotion from
an Ensign, to be Aide-de-Camp. The following is from the _Kingston
Gazette_:—“Head Quarters, Upper Canada, York, 15th December, 1813.
District General order. The Lieutenant-General commanding and President,
has been pleased to appoint Christopher Hagerman, Esq., to be Provincial
Aide-de-Camp to his Honor, and to enter the Provincial Rank of
Lieutenant Colonel on Mr. Hagerman.”
Major Spencer, who had been Colonel in Major Rogers’ regiment during the
Revolutionary war, died at the breaking out of the war of 1812, and was
buried in Fredericksburgh on his own place with military honors, he was
succeeded by Captain Thompson. Crawford was Colonel of a regiment of
Militia.
The following were officers in Ernesttown: Lieutenant Colonel James
Parrot, Captain Joshua Booth, C. Fralick, Noris Briscoe, Peter Daly,
Robert Clark, Sheldon Hawley. Lieutenants: Davis Hamby, Henry Day, John
Richards, Daniel Fraser, Robert Worlet. Ensigns: Isaac Fraser, David
Lockwood, Daniel Simmons, Abraham Amey, Solomon Johns, John Thorp, Senr.
Major Young, formerly ensign in Sir John Johnson’s regiment, was an
officer in the Prince Edward Militia for some time. He was at Kingston
in 1812, and died while on duty. Captain McDonnell of Marysburgh, was
also on duty at Kingston at that time. Captain Young, of the Carrying
Place, was likewise there, as well as his Ensign, W. H. Wallbridge, who
became Captain in 1831, Owen Richards being the Colonel. Lieutenant
Richard Howard, of Sophiasburgh, died March 1, 1814. Dengin Conger held
a commission in the first battalion of the Prince Edward Militia during
twenty-four years, fourteen of which he was Captain. William Ketcheson,
of Sidney, was commissioned Ensign in 1804; Lieutenant in 1812: Captain
toward the close of the war, served nine months at Kingston. Coleman, of
Belleville, was Captain of Provincial Light Dragoons.
The Militia of Adolphustown, Fredericksburgh, Ernesttown, and probably
of Kingston, were accustomed to meet on Finkle’s Place, below the wind
mill, before the war, 1812. Strange as it may now seem, the place for
training of the Prince Edward Militia was, for many years, at Grassy
Point, in the Sixth Town. All the way, not only from the extreme point
of Marysburgh, but from Amherst Island, and from the western part of
Ameliasburgh, the sparsely settled inhabitants were wont to come, by
anything but even roads, to this point for their stated training. They
met at this place until the year 1800, after which they all met at
Hallowell, Picton. Those from Ameliasburgh required two days to reach
the training place. Some years later a second place was allowed.