Brotherhood--Hatching the Plot--The Movement of '65--A Split in the
Fenian Camp.
CHAPTER II.--The Fenian Convention at Cincinnati--The Birth of the Irish
Republic--"On to Canada"--Gen. Sweeny's Programme.
CHAPTER III.--The First Alarm--Canadian Volunteers Promptly Respond
to the Call of Duty--The Campo Bello Fizzle--Fenians Gather on the
Border--Operations on the Niagara Frontier.
CHAPTER IV.--The Landing in Canada--Preliminary Operations of the Fenian
Forces Near Fort Erie--Advance into the Interior.
CHAPTER V.--The Second Alarm--Grand Uprising of the Canadian
People--Departure of Troops for the Front--Gen. Napier's Plan of
Campaign--List of the Various Corps Called out for Active Service.
CHAPTER VI.--The Battle of Ridgeway--A Baptism of Fire and Blood for the
Canadian Troops--Splendid Coolness and Heroic Courage of the
Volunteers at the Beginning of the Fight Ends in Disaster--The Honor
Roll--Incidents of the Fight--Public Funerals for the Dead.
CHAPTER VII.--The Expedition on the Steamer "W. T. Robb"--Fierce Fight
at Fort Erie--Stiff Resistance of a Gallant Band of Canadians Against a
Fenian Force Ten Times Their Number--List of the Wounded and Captured.
CHAPTER VIII.--The Governor-General's Body Guard--Denison's Rapid
Ride--Col. Peacocke's Movements from Chippawa to Fort Erie--The Bivouac
at Bowen's Farm--Arrival of Col. Lowry's Force at Fort Erie.
CHAPTER IX.--Hurried Evacuation of Canada by Gen. O'Neil--Capture of the
Escaping Fenians by the United States Gunboat "Michigan."
CHAPTER X.--The Chicago Volunteers--A Noble Band of Patriots Return Home
to Defend Their Native Land--A Striking Example of Canadian Patriotism.
CHAPTER XI.--"Johnny Canuck" Afloat--The Toronto Naval Brigade--Splendid
Service on Board the Gunboats--The Beginning of the Canadian
Navy--Arrival of British Tars.
CHAPTER XII.--On the St. Lawrence and Eastern Frontiers--Muster of
Troops at Kingston, Brockville, Prescott, Cornwall and Other Points.
CHAPTER XIII.--On the Vermont Border--Fenians Gather in Large
Numbers--The Fizzle at Pigeon Hill--Arrest of the Fenian General Spier.
CHAPTER XIV.--Fenian Mobilization at Malone, N.Y., and Elsewhere--Gen.
Meade's Prompt Action Stops the Invasion--Arrest of Gen. Sweeny and
Staff.
CHAPTER XV.--The Fenian Prisoners--Correspondence Between the British
and United States Governments Regarding Them.
CHAPTER XVI.--The Canadian Volunteers Receive the Thanks of the
Government, and Warm Praise from the General Commanding and Other
Officers for Their Patriotic Service in Defending the Country.
CHAPTER XVII.--A Retrospect of Events--A Combination of Unfortunate
Circumstances Involve Leading Officers.
CHAPTER XVIII.--Dangers which Existed Previous to Confederation of the
Provinces--Proposals of Annexation to the United States--Lessons Learned
by the Fenian Raid.
Fenian Raid of 1870
CHAPTER I.--Gen. O'Neil Prepares for Another Raid on Canada--Secret
Shipment of Arms to the Frontier.
CHAPTER II.--Another Call to Arms--The Canadian Volunteers Promptly
Respond to the Summons.
CHAPTER III.--Fenians Again Invade Canada--A Raid from Vermont Promptly
Repulsed by a Handful of Canadians.
CHAPTER IV.--Operations on the Missisquoi Frontier--The Battle of
Eccles' Hill--Complete Defeat of the Fenian Army--Arrest of Gen. O'Neil.
CHAPTER. V.--The Canadian Frontier Vigilantly Guarded--Volunteers on
Service at Danger Points all Along the Line.
CHAPTER VI.--Fenians Gather en the Huntingdon Border--Skirmish at Trout
River--The Enemy Routed by the Canadian Troops.
CHAPTER VII.--The Dawn of Peace--The Volunteers Relieved from Further
Service--Thanked by the Dominion Government, Lieutenant-General
Commanding, and the Imperial Government--Medals Bestowed and Crown Lands
Granted to the Veterans in Recognition of Their Services.
Appendix
CHAPTER I.--Full Report of the Investigation by the Court of Inquiry in
Regard to the Conduct of Lieut.-Col. Booker at the Battle of Lime Ridge,
Together with the Evidence Submitted and the Finding of the Court.
CHAPTER II.--Report of the Charges Made Against Lieut.-Col. Dennis,
Regarding his Conduct During the Fight at Fort Erie, with the Opinion
Delivered by the Court of Inquiry who Investigated His Case.
PREFACE.
One of the most dangerous and critical periods in the history of Canada
was that which closely followed the termination of the Civil War between
the Northern and Southern States of America in the year 1865. It is a
strange fact that Canadian authors and historians do not seem to have
fully realized the gravity of the situation that then existed, as the
event has been passed over by them with the barest possible mention.
Thus the people of the present generation know very little of the Fenian
troubles of 1866 and 1870, and the great mass of the young Canadian boys
and girls who are being educated in our Public Schools and Colleges are
in total ignorance of the grave danger which cast dark shadows over this
fair and prosperous Dominion in those stormy days. It was a period
of great peril to this rising young Nation of the North, which might
possibly have ended in the severance of Canada from British dominion.
But happily this was prevented by the prompt measures that were taken
to defend our soil, and the quick response that was made by the resolute
Canadian Volunteers when the bugles sounded the call to assemble for
active service on our frontiers.
The fierce conflict which had been waged in the United States of America
for four long years between the North and the South was terminated by
the subjugation of the latter in the spring of 1865, and the tattered
battle flags of the Confederate forces were furled forever. Over a
million of men, veteran soldiers of both armies, were still in the field
when the Civil War ended, and when these mighty forces were disbanded,
hundreds of thousands of trained warriors were thrown upon their own
resources, without occupation or employment. While the majority of these
soldiers quickly resumed their old business or farming pursuits, yet
there remained idle a vast number of turbulent and restless spirits who
were ready and willing to embark in any fillibustering expedition that
might present itself. These men were all trained and seasoned veterans
of both the Union and Confederate armies--soldiers who were inured
to the hardships and rigors of many campaigns and fierce battles, and
thousands of them readily enrolled themselves under the Fenian banners
in anticipation of a war being inaugurated against the British nation,
with the invasion of Canada as the first step.
The defence of our extensive Canadian frontier depended mainly upon
the volunteer militia force of the scattered Provinces, and to their
patriotism and gallantry in springing to arms when their services
were needed to defend their native land, may be ascribed the glory of
frustrating the attempts of the Fenian invaders to establish themselves
on Canadian soil. True, there were some British regular troops on duty
in Canada in 1866 around which to rally, and they did their duty nobly,
but in the operations on the Niagara frontier especially, it was the
Canadian volunteers who bore the brunt of battle, and by their devotion
to duty, courage and bravery under hostile fire, succeeded in causing
the hasty retirement of the Fenian invaders from our shores, and again,
as in days of yore, preserved Canada to the Empire, as one of the
brightest jewels in the British Crown.
Having personally seen active service on the Niagara frontier during
both of the Fenian Raids of 1866 and 1870, and retaining vivid
recollections of the situation of affairs at the front during these two
campaigns, I will endeavor in the succeeding chapters of this book to
give the reader a faithful account of what occurred on these stirring
occasions. I have not relied on memory alone to present these facts,
but have corroborated my personal knowledge by reference to official
records, and reports of officers, which may be found in the archives of
the Militia Department at Ottawa, and the Ontario Bureau of Archives at
Toronto.
I have endeavored to fully cover the subject, and put on record the
splendid service which our gallant volunteers rendered to their
country in 1866 and 1870. Hoping that the reader will find these pages
interesting, and at all times be ready to emulate their example,
I am yours faithfully.
JOHN A. MACDONALD.
41 Macdonell Ave., Toronto, May, 1910.
CHAPTER I.
UNHAPPY IRELAND SEETHING IN SEDITION--THE FENIAN BROTHERHOOD--HATCHING
THE PLOT--THE MOVEMENT OF '65--A SPLIT IN THE FENIAN CAMP.
Every student of history is aware that for centuries the condition of
affairs in Ireland has not been altogether happy, owing largely to
the revolutionary schemes which have from time to time been hatched by
so-called "patriots" to "free Ireland from the yoke of the oppressor,"
as they termed it in their appeals to the people to incite rebellion,
but more properly speaking to bring about a repeal of the union between
Great Britain and Ireland and establish an Irish nation on Irish soil.
Many brave but misguided men have been led to their death by joining in
such rebellious conspiracies against constitutional government in years
gone by, and still the spirit of discontent and hatred of British rule
is kept smouldering, with occasional outbursts of revolt as succeeding
leaders appear on the scene to inflame the passions of the people.
Of the Irish troubles of earlier years it is not the purpose of
the writer to speak, but rather to deal with events which occurred
immediately prior to and during the period involving the Fenian
invasions of Canada.
For some time previous to the year 1865 the leader of the revolutionary
movement in Ireland was James Stephens. He was a man of considerable
influence among his compatriots, possessed of good executive ability,
and had great capacity for organization along revolutionary lines. Being
an energetic worker and a forcible speaker, he quickly enlisted the
cooperation of other "patriots" in promoting the establishment of
the Fenian Brotherhood, of which he was chosen the "Head Centre" for
Ireland. This organization spread with such rapidity throughout Ireland
and America that it soon became one of the most dangerous and formidable
revolutionary forces ever known in the history of any country.
Its members were oath-bound to use every means to bring about the
emancipation of Ireland from the rule of Great Britain, and to encompass
the downfall of "the bloody Sassenachs" on every hand. After thoroughly
planting the seeds of sedition in Ireland, Head Centre Stephens and
his coadjutor General John O'Mahony visited America for the purpose
of invoking the aid of their compatriots on this side of the Atlantic.
Their idea was to make an attempt to emancipate Ireland by striking
a blow for freedom on the soil of the Emerald Isle itself, and if
successful to establish their cherished Republic firmly, become
recognized as a nation by the different nations of the earth, and
thereafter govern their own affairs. On their arrival in the United
States the Irish envoys received a most enthusiastic welcome from their
countrymen, and receptions were arranged in their honor on their visits
to all of the principal cities in the Union. The speeches delivered at
these gatherings were of the most fervid and enthusiastic nature, and
the hopes of the Irish people rose high in the belief that an Irish
Parliament would soon hold a session in Dublin. Money and men were asked
for from America by Head Centre Stephens, both of which were freely
promised "for the sake of the cause." In due course of time the
Irish-Americans contributed over $200,000 in cash, besides an immense
quantity of war material, towards making the proposed insurrection a
success. Volunteers for active service on Irish soil were numerous, and
everything looked rosy for Head Centre Stephens when he left America for
Ireland to direct "The Movement of '65." But, alas, his high hopes were
doomed to be shattered. The initial steps in the campaign had barely
been taken when "dark clouds in the horizon" began to loom up. A small
vessel, called the "Erin's Hope." had been despatched from America with
a cargo of rifles, ammunition and other war supplies for the use of the
Fenians in Ireland. A company of adventurous patriots were on board to
assist their brethren in "the rising," and all were brave and confident
of success. They had hoped to run into a secluded bay on the coast of
Ireland during the favored hours of night, and land their expedition and
supplies. But on arrival at the chosen point the ship was hailed by a
British man-of-war and captured without resistance. The officers
and crew were consigned to a British dungeon, and the ship and cargo
confiscated. A British spy had kept the authorities informed, and the
war vessel was at the designated point of landing to gather in
the "forlorn hope" of the invaders. Other Irish-Americans who were
constantly arriving as passengers by the ocean steamships to take part
in the conflict were promptly arrested as they landed on the quays,
and the rebellion of 1865 was nipped in the bud. Much dissension and
dissatisfaction then arose within the Fenian Councils. A great deal of
money had been spent and the attempt had proved a failure. The vigilance
of the British authorities was so keen, and arrests so numerous, that
the available prisons were soon filled, and the hopeful warriors who so
valiantly boasted that they would quickly unfurl the "Sunburst of
Erin" on the walls of Dublin Castle were obliged to retire into strict
seclusion until an opportunity occurred to be smuggled out of Ireland by
their friends and stowed away on ships bound back for America.
The failure of the rising in 1865 caused a serious division among the
adherents of the cause in both America and Ireland, and the Fenian
Brotherhood was split into two hostile camps thereby. It was considered
that Stephens' policy of carrying on the rebellious operations in
Ireland was an impossible and suicidal one to the success of the
cause. Many Irish-Americans were languishing behind the bars of British
prisons, with an uncertain fate awaiting them when they were arraigned
for trial, and their comrades in the United States bitterly blamed
Stephens and O'Mahony for the fiasco. Consequently the majority in
America revolted, and seceded from the Stephens faction, claiming that
he had woefully misrepresented the state of affairs that existed in
Ireland, both as regarded preparations for a successful issue, and also
the enthusiasm that was said to sufficiently dominate the people there
to induce them to take up arms when the American contingent arrived.
Col. Wm. R. Roberts, of New York, was the leader of the American
secessionists, who declared their belief that "No direct invasion or
armed insurrection in Ireland would ever be successful in establishing
an Irish Republic upon Irish soil, and placing her once more in her
proper place as a nation among the nations of the earth." The forces of
Col. Roberts gathered strength daily, and soon usurped control of
the Fenian forces in America, much to the chagrin of Stephens and his
followers.
Gen. O'Mahony, who Head Centre Stephens had placed in supreme charge of
the affairs of the Fenian Brotherhood in America, was charged by Colonel
Roberts and his colleagues with having dipped too deep into the treasury
and by extravagance and other questionable methods dissipated the funds
of the Brotherhood. This widened the breach, and Roberts became the
popular idol with the majority of the American Fenians. Yet O'Mahony
held on to office with a ragged remnant of his old retainers to support
him, until finally Roberts triumphed and became the star around which
all of the other Fenian "planets" revolved.