DANGERS WHICH EXISTED PREVIOUS TO CONFEDERATION OF THE
PROVINCES--PROPOSALS OF ANNEXATION TO THE UNITED STATES--LESSONS LEARNED
BY THE FENIAN RAID.
Forty-four years have elapsed since the perilous events recorded in
the preceding pages occurred. A new generation has come and grown into
middle life, while the second generation is now budding forth into
manhood and womanhood. How many of these are conversant with the history
of their own country? Beyond a very vague knowledge of what has been
taught to them in a superficial manner in our schools and colleges, and
the fragmentary reminiscences that may have been recounted to them by
their sires and grandsires who passed through these troublous times, it
is doubtful whether even one-tenth of our present population have any
idea of just how near Canada came to being absorbed by the United States
in that critical period.
At that time Canada was in a peculiar position, which may be described
as "a house divided within itself," as there was no cohesion among the
scattered Provinces, each regulating its own affairs, with the exception
of Canada East and Canada West (now Quebec and Ontario) who were
governed by the same Parliament. The situation was certainly a dark and
serious one. We had subtle traitors at home and scheming enemies abroad
who labored assiduously to bring about annexation, but the stern spirit
of loyalty to the British Crown which pervaded the hearts of the people
as a whole, and the wise statesmanship of that noble group of patriots
whose names will go ringing down through the corridors of time in the
existence of our nation as "The Fathers of Confederation," saved the
situation, and made Canada what it is to-day, a heritage of which our
sons and daughters may well feel proud.
It was during the year 1866 that the apostles of Confederation were busy
educating the people of the different Provinces in the creed of that
very desirable proposition. While they met serious opposition in some
portions of what is now our grand Dominion, yet in others the proposal
was received favorably, while one or two of the Provinces expressed an
antipathy to the movement. But just at this time two important events
occurred which had a material bearing on the question, and had an effect
in bringing about the Union. The first was the sudden abrogation by the
United States of the Reciprocity Treaty which for some years had existed
between the Canadian Provinces and that country, and the second the
Fenian Raid. Each of these events sent a thrill through the
Canadian people which fired their hearts and settled the project
of Confederation. The necessity of united action in defence, and
co-operation in other matters for the benefit of the whole, was heartily
admitted, and forthwith the Provinces joined hands and hearts in
bringing about its early consummation. The full meaning of the motto,
"United we Stand--Divided we Fall," was realized by the majority, and
the necessary legislation was carried through the several Provincial
Parliaments that year, which received Imperial sanction, and resulted in
the birth of the Dominion of Canada on July 1st, 1867.
While the campaign for Confederation was in progress, and its stalwart
advocates were using their best endeavors throughout the country to
bring the project to fruition, considerable opposition was manifested by
a certain section who favored annexation to the United States. These men
were backed up by American influences, and went so far as to secure the
assistance of several prominent United States Congressmen to draft a
proposal whereby the Provinces of Canada might become annexed and made
certain States of the Union. The subject was discussed seriously by a
large section of the American press, while statesmen and others who
were eager to acquire our territory lost no opportunity to present their
views in that respect.
While the annexation pot was boiling, and the Fenians were still
threatening another raid, the question was brought before the American
people in a tangible form. On the 2nd of July, 1866, the following bill
was reported to the United States Congress by Representative Banks, and
recommitted to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. As viewed in the light
of the present day, its provisions contain very interesting reading:--
_A Bill for the admission of the States of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick,
Canada East and Canada West, and for the organization of the Territories
of Selkirk, Saskatchewan and Columbia._
SEC. 1. _Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States, of America in Congress assembled,_ That the President
of the United States is hereby authorized and directed, whenever notice
shall be deposited in the Department of State, that the Governments of
Great Britain and the Provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince
Edward Island, Newfoundland, Canada, British Columbia, and Vancouver's
Island, have accepted the proposition hereinafter made by the United
States, to publish by proclamation that, from the date thereof, the
States of Nova-Scotia, New Brunswick, Canada East and Canada West, and
the Territories of Selkirk, Saskatchewan, and Columbia, with limits and
rights as by this Act defined, are constituted and admitted as States
and Territories of the United States of America.
SEC. 2. _Be it further enacted, etc.,_ That the following articles are
hereby proposed, and from the date of the proclamation of the President
of the United States shall take effect, as irrevocable conditions of the
admission of the States of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Canada East
and Canada West, and the future States of Selkirk, Saskatchewan and
Columbia, to wit:
Article I. All public lands not sold or granted; canals, public
harbours, lighthouses and piers; river and lake improvements; railways,
mortgages and other debts due by railway companies to the Provinces;
custom houses and post offices shall vest in the United States; but all
other public works and property shall belong to the State Governments
respectively, hereby constituted, together with all sums due from
purchasers or lessees of lands, mines, or minerals at the time of the
union.
Article II. In consideration of public lands, works, and property vested
as aforesaid in the United States, the United States will assume
and discharge the funded debt and contingent liabilities of the late
Provinces at rates of interest not exceeding five per centum, to
the amount of $85,700,000, apportioned as follows: To Canada West,
$36,500,000; to Canada East, $29,000,000; to Nova Scotia, $8,000,000;
to New Brunswick, $7,000,000; to Newfoundland, $3,200,000; and to Prince
Edward Island, $2,000,000; and in further consideration of the transfer
by said Provinces to the United States of the power to levy import and
export duties, the United States will make an annual grant of $1,646,000
in aid of local expenditures, to be apportioned as follows: To Canada
West, $700,000; to Canada East, $550,000; to Nova Scotia. $165,000; to
Newfoundland, $65,000; to Prince Edward Island, $40,000.
Article III. For all purposes of State organization and representation
in the Congress of the United States. Newfoundland shall be a part of
Canada East, and Prince Edward Island shall be a part of Nova Scotia,
except that each shall always be a separate representative district, and
entitled to elect at least one member of the House of Representatives,
and except also that the municipal authorities of Newfoundland and
Prince Edward Island shall receive the indemnities agreed to be paid by
the United States in Article II.
Article IV. Territorial divisions are established as follows: (1) New
Brunswick, with its present limits; (2) Nova Scotia, with the addition
of Prince Edward Island; (3) Canada East, with the addition of
Newfoundland and all territory east of longitude 80 deg, and south of
Hudson Straits; (4) Canada West, with the addition of territory south
of Hudson's Bay, and between longitude 80 and 90 deg.; (5) Selkirk
Territory, bounded east by longitude 90 deg., south by the late boundary
of the United States, west by longitude 105 deg., and north by the
Arctic Circle; (6) Saskatchewan Territory, bounded east by longitude 105
deg., south by latitude 49 deg., west by the Rocky Mountains, and north
by latitude 70 deg.; (7) Columbia Territory, including Vancouver's
Island and Queen Charlotte's Island, and bounded east and north by the
Rocky Mountains, south by latitude 40 deg., and west by the Pacific
Ocean and Russian America. But Congress reserves the right of changing
the limits and subdividing the areas of the western territories at
discretion.
Article V. Until the next decennial revision, representation in the
House of Representatives shall be as follows: Canada West, 12 members;
Canada East, including Newfoundland, 11 members; New Brunswick, 2
members; Nova Scotia, including Prince Edward Island, 4 members.
Article VI. The Congress of the United States shall enact, in favour of
the proposed Territories of Selkirk, Saskatchewan and Columbia, all the
provisions of the Act organizing the Territory of Montana, so far as
they can be made applicable.
Article VII. The United States, by the construction of new canals, of
the enlargement of existing canals, and by the improvement of shoals,
will so aid the navigation of the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes
that vessels of fifteen hundred tons burden shall pass from the Gulf
of St. Lawrence to Lakes Superior and Michigan; _Provided_ that the
expenditure under this Article shall not exceed $50,000,000.
Article VIII. The United States will appropriate and pay to "The
European and North American Railway Company of Maine" the sum of
$2,000,000 upon the construction of a continuous line of railroad from
Bangor, in Maine, to St. John, in New Brunswick; _Provided_ said "The
European and North American Railway Company of Maine" shall release the
Government of the United States from all claims held by its assignees of
the States of Maine and Massachusetts.
Article IX. To aid the construction of a railway from Truro, in Nova
Scotia, to Riviere du Loup, in Canada East, and a railway from the
city of Ottawa, by way of Sault Ste. Marie, Bayfield and Superior, in
Wisconsin. Pembina and Fort Garry, on the Red River of the North, and
the Valley of North Saskatchewan River, to some point on the Pacific
Ocean north of latitude 49 degrees, the United States will grant lands
along the lines of said roads to the amount of twenty sections, or
12,800 acres, per mile, to be selected and sold in the manner prescribed
in the Act, to aid the construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad,
approved July 2, 1862 and Acts amendatory thereof; and, in addition to
said grants of land, the United States will further guarantee dividends
of five per cent, upon the stock of the company or companies which
may be authorized by Congress to undertake the construction of said
railways; _Provided_ that such guarantee of stock shall not exceed the
sum of $30,000 per mile, and Congress shall regulate the securities for
advances on account thereof.
Article X. The public lands in the late Provinces, as far as
practicable, shall be surveyed according to the rectangular system of
the General Land Office of the United States; and in the territories
west of longitude 90 degrees, or western boundary of Canada West,
Sections sixteen and thirty-six shall be granted for the encouragement
of schools, and after the organization of the territories into the
States, 5 per centum of the net proceeds of sales of public lands shall
be paid into their treasurers as a fund for the improvement of roads and
rivers.
Article XI. The United States will pay $10,000,000 to the Hudson Bay
Company in full discharge of all claims to territory or jurisdiction
in North America, whether founded on the charter of the company or any
treaty, law or usage.
Article XII. It shall be devolved upon the Legislatures of New
Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Canada East and Canada West, to conjoin the
tenure of office and the local institutions of said States to the
Constitution and laws of the United States, subject to revision by
Congress.
SEC. 3. _Be it further enacted, etc.,_ If Prince Edward Island or
Newfoundland, or either of those Provinces, shall decline union with the
United States, and the remaining Provinces, with the consent of
Great Britain, shall accept the proposition of the United States,
the foregoing stipulations in favor of Prince Edward Island and
Newfoundland, or either of them, will be omitted; but in all other
respects the United States will give full effect to the plan of union.
If Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick
shall decline the proposition, but Canada, British Columbia and
Vancouver Island shall, with the consent of Great Britain, accept the
same, the construction of a railway from Truro to Riviere du Loup, with
all stipulations relating to the Maritime Provinces, will form no part
of the proposed plan of union, but the same will be consummated in
all other respects. If Canada shall decline the proposition, then the
stipulations in regard to the St. Lawrence canals and a railway from
Ottawa to Sault Ste. Marie, with the Canadian clause of debt and revenue
indemnity, will be relinquished. If the plan of union shall only be
accepted in regard to the north-western territory and the Pacific
Provinces, the United States will aid the construction, on the terms
named, of a railway from the western extremity of Lake Superior, in the
State of Minnesota, by way of Pembina, Fort Garry and the Valley of the
Saskatchewan, to the Pacific Coast, north of latitude 49 deg., besides
securing all the rights and privileges of an American territory to the
proposed Territories of Selkirk. Saskatchewan and Columbia.
The "generosity" of the above proposal was very kind of our neighbors,
but it had no avail. The abrogation of the Reciprocity Treaty and
encouragement of the Fenian Raids by the American people had put the
Canadians on their mettle and stiffened their backbone, so that neither
retaliatory threats or honeyed allurements had any effect in changing
their minds from carving out their own destiny under the broad folds of
the Union Jack. How well this has been done by the earnest efforts and
honest toil of our people, guided by the wisdom and sagacity of those
statesmen who laid the foundation of our Dominion as it exists at
present, is for other nations and other people to judge. Canada enjoys a
prominent position in the estimation of the world to-day, and under the
blessings of the Most High we will continue on in the march of progress
and development of our bountiful resources.
The Fenian Raid, although it cost Canada sacrifices in precious lives
and the expenditure of millions of money, proved of benefit to our young
country in several ways. In the first place, it demonstrated the fact
that the Canadians were loyal and patriotic to their heart's last drop
in preserving British connection, and were true to their Flag and the
freedom it symbolized. Again, the invasion enlightened the Fenian foemen
and all other schemers who cast covetous eyes in our direction, that the
Canadians were capable of protecting themselves, and were ready at all
times to do their duty on the field of battle in defence of their native
land and its institutions. Finally, it taught our people a lasting
lesson in self-reliance, which should be instilled into the hearts and
minds of our future generations, so that they too may always be found
prepared to accept their share of responsibility in defending their
country in times of peril and danger.
The Fenian Raid of 1870
CHAPTER I.
GEN. O'NEIL PREPARES FOR ANOTHER RAID ON CANADA--SECRET SHIPMENT OF ARMS
TO THE FRONTIER.
In the early spring of 1870, the irrepressible General O'Neil (who was
then President of the Fenian Brotherhood) decided that another diversion
should be made on the Canadian frontier, and actively began making
preparations to mass his forces for the invasion.
During the fall and winter of 1869 and 1870 all of the "circles" and
existing military organizations were busy raising the necessary funds
and gathering together the war equipment. The utmost secrecy was
observed on this occasion, as the Fenian leaders were very careful to
avoid a repetition of the intervention of the United States authorities
in thwarting their plans, to cross the border, as was the case in 1866.
So they worked unceasingly and enthusiastically in maturing their plans,
while they maintained absolute silence as to their intentions. The
boasting bombast which had been so largely indulged in previous to the
Raid of 1866 was not manifested on this occasion, consequently little
interest was taken by the general public in Fenian affairs.
During the month of December, 1869, the Ninth Annual Convention of the
Fenian Brotherhood was held in New York City. At this convocation there
was a large gathering of delegates, every State in the Union being
represented. All wore an air of confidence and suppressed emotion. While
enthusiastic and determined at heart, they were careful to conceal their
feelings, so as to avoid betrayal, by the least sign or word, of the
result of their deliberations or the designs of their leaders.
At this meeting the Fenian Senate announced that complete arrangements
had been secretly made for the second invasion of Canada, and asked that
the delegates should ratify the programme. The announcement was hailed
with great satisfaction by all present, and for some moments a regular
pandemonium of cheers and yells of approval prevailed.
After order had been restored, Gen. O'Neil and others vehemently
addressed the delegates, and worked up their patriotic feelings to such
a hot pitch that each and every man present pledged himself to assist in
the enterprise to the fullest extent of his power, even unto death.
A Council of War was then held, when it was resolved to begin active
operations as early in the spring of 1870 as the roads would permit of
the movement of troops. Brigadier-General M. Kerwin was then the Fenian
Secretary of War, and during the next few months was very busy with his
staff, getting everything in readiness. His orders and addresses to the
Irish Republican Army were of such a patriotic and inspiring character
that the officers and men of the various commands were constantly kept
in a state of warlike excitement, which they controlled with marvellous
secrecy. The months of January and February were spent in quiet
preparation, and in March Gen. Kerwin issued a mandate that all military
organizations of the Fenian Brotherhood should hold themselves in
readiness to move forward to the Canadian frontier as soon as the final
orders were issued. Meanwhile cases of arms, ammunition and other war
material were being secretly shipped to different points along the
border under various guises, and trusted officers were at the designated
points to receive them and store them away in secluded hiding places
until they were required. Everything was going along very satisfactory
to the Fenian leaders, and it seemed to them as if Uncle Sam and the
Canadian Government would both be caught napping.
During the first week in April Gen. O'Neil and some of his staff arrived
at a point on the Vermont border to inspect the munitions of war and see
that his directions were being properly carried out. Fifteen thousand
stands of arms, and almost three million rounds of ammunition, had
been actually received and carefully stored at various places along the
frontier between Ogdensburg and St. Albans. Several thousands of these
arms were breech-loading rifles of heavy calibre, for which there was an
unlimited amount of cartridges.
Malone, N.Y., and St. Albans, Vermont, were again selected as bases
of operations by Gen. O'Neil, and these towns were to be his principal
places of muster. When he had concluded his examination of "affairs at
the front," the valiant General was in high spirits, occasioned by the
belief that he would steal a march on the Canadian Government and again
be over the border before his intention was observed. He had taken great
pains to have every preliminary preparation minutely made, and the fact
that he had already smuggled an armament for fully 15,000 men to
the frontier without exciting the suspicion of the usually vigilant
officials of the United States, gave him considerable satisfaction and
confidence. His plan of campaign was to rush the Fenian troops across
the border without delay, and to entrench themselves at points where
reinforcements could rally around them as supports when they had
obtained a foot-hold. Malone and Franklin were chosen as the points from
which the raiders were to make their forays, his chief object being,
as before, to destroy the canal systems, and by cutting the railroad
communication between Montreal and the West, hamper the movement of
Canadian troops and cause consternation among the people.
CHAPTER II.
ANOTHER CALL TO ARMS--FENIANS AGAIN THREATEN AN INVASION--GALLANT
RESPONSE BY THE CANADIAN VOLUNTEERS.
Early in the month of April the Government was apprised by its secret
service agents that Fenian trouble was again brewing on the frontier,
and from details of the plot given, the Vermont border was specially
designated as the quarter from which an invasion was extremely probable.
Prompt measures were at once taken by Sir George E. Cartier, the
Minister of Militia and Defence, to prepare for such an emergency, and
complete arrangements were made to guard our entire frontier whenever
necessary.
Notwithstanding their great secrecy, and the surreptitious methods the
Fenians employed to smuggle their arms, ammunition and war supplies
to the border during the winter months, the Government was kept fully
informed of every movement by reliable officials, who had special means
of getting inside information.
As matters became more threatening, and acting on additional information
received, the Government considered it advisable to call out a force of
5,000 men for active service on the frontier of the Province of Quebec,
the whole to be under the chief command of the Lieutenant-General
commanding Her Majesty's regular troops in Canada, with Col. W. Osborne
Smith, D.A.G. of Military District, No. 5, in command of the troops
operating on the south-eastern frontier.
On April 11th the call to arms was made, and the different battalions
and companies responded with their usual promptitude and alacrity, so
that within 48 hours all were assembled at their posts on the frontier
to which they had been assigned, ready for action.
The Cookshire Troop of Cavalry, under command of Lieut. Taylor, was
stationed at Frelighsburg, with pickets at Pigeon Hill and Abbott's
Corners. The 52nd Battalion, under command of Lieut.-Col. P. Miller,
was posted at Frelighsburg, with detachments stationed as pickets at
Mansonville, Abercorn and Cook's Corners.
The 60th Battalion, under Lieut.-Col. B. Chamberlin, had its
headquarters at Pigeon Hill, with detachments at St. Armand and
Philipsburg.
On the Huntingdon frontier the troops were posted as follows:
At Huntingdon--No. 1 Troop, Montreal Cavalry, in command of Capt. Muir,
with videttes at Franklin and Hemmingford; the 50th Battalion, commanded
by Lieut.-Col. McEachren; and the 51st Battalion, under command of
Lieut.-Col. Rogers, with detachments at Franklin and Havelock.
At Beauharnois--The Beauharnois Battalion, under Lieut.-Col. Rodin, with
a detachment at Valleyfield, guarded the canals.
While the above forces thoroughly covered the exposed points on the
frontier, the following troops were held in reserve at Montreal, ready
to go at a moment's notice to any point where their services might
be urgently required: Montreal Garrison Artillery, two companies
of Engineers, 1st Battalion (Prince of Wales Rifles). 3rd Battalion
(Victoria Rifles), 5th Battalion (Royal Light Infantry). 6th Battalion
(Hochelaga Light Infantry), First Provisional Battalion, Second
Provisional Battalion, 65th Battalion (Mount Royal Rifles), 4th
Battalion (Chasseurs Canadiens)--a total of all ranks of 1,940.
At Quebec a force of 1,617 officers and men of the Sixth Military
District were concentrated, ready for duty anywhere.
On the 12th of April a further call was made for troops to guard the
St. Clair River frontier, in Western Ontario, which was completed as
follows:
At Sarnia--The London Field Battery, with two field guns (manned
and horsed by 35 gunners and drivers), and two companies of the 7th
Battalion of London, under command of Lieut.-Col. Shanly.
At Windsor--The Windsor and Leamington Companies of Infantry (each 55
strong), with Major Walker, of the 7th Battalion, in command.
In addition to the above troops, companies of the Grand Trunk Railway
Brigade were judiciously posted at certain vulnerable points along the
line of that railway by its commander. Lieut.-Col. C. J. Brydges, so
that in all a force of fully 6,000 men were stationed on duty where
required within a very short period.
These troops remained on active service until the 21st of April, when it
was considered advisable to release all from duty with the exception
of the 50th, 51st, 52nd, 60th and Beanharnois Battalions, and the two
troops of cavalry originally placed on the south-eastern frontier, who
remained on duty until the 29th of April, when they were also withdrawn.
The Government was confident of the fact that the services of the
volunteers would be cheerfully and promptly given whenever they would
again be called upon, and in relieving them from duty, thanked them
warmly for their service, and reminded them that it might be necessary
to rally again to the colors almost any day, and to be ready to respond
to the call.
CHAPTER III.
GEN. O'NEIL AGAIN INVADES CANADA--A RAID MADE FROM VERMONT PROMPTLY
REPULSED BY A HANDFUL OF CANADIANS.
About the middle of May orders went forth from Gen. O'Neil for the
Fenian forces to again take the field, and a week later they began to
assemble in the border cities, towns and villages of the United States,
ready for another campaign against Canada. The rallying points were the
same as those designated in Gen. Sweeny's plan of campaign in 1866. Gen.
O'Neil seems to have considered that his chances of success would be
better on the eastern frontier than by again attempting the invasion of
the Niagara District, although his plan was to muster a strong force in
Buffalo, as before, and, if opportunity offered, and he was successful
in the east, to again attempt the passage of the Niagara. Consequently
he gave his personal attention to the troops that were gathering on the
Northern New York and Vermont frontiers, and directed the mobilization
of the divisions at Malone and St. Albans, with the intention of
following out Sweeny's old programme of conquest, while several officers
of experience would lead in the attacks on other points.
The 24th of May (Queen's Birthday) was the date selected for the
invasion, and the night previous every train bound north from New
York, Boston, and the New England States, carried contingents of Fenian
soldiers on their way to the appointed rendezvous on the border. Gen.
O'Neil established his headquarters at Franklin, Vermont, where his
staff were energetically at work equipping the troops as they arrived.
O'Neil fully expected that from 2,000 to 3,000 Fenians would
have assembled at Franklin on the 24th, but through some delay in
transportation the bulk of the forces failed to appear. Only about 800
had reported themselves, and the tardiness of movement of the remainder
of the army threatened a fatal ending to the enterprise. O'Neil chafed
under his disappointment, and sent urgent telegrams and messengers to
hurry up the laggards, but the morning of the 25th dawned without the
arrival of the expected soldiers. Gen. O'Neil then became so impatient
that he could bear the suspense no longer. He was fearful of the
interposition of the United States authorities, and resolved to
immediately advance into Canada with the force present under his
command, and leave his reinforcements to follow.
The Fenian camp was located at Hubbard's Farm (about half a mile
from Franklin), and the officers were busy there distributing arms,
ammunition and equipment. They had collected armament for about
3,000 men, and the cases were opened and scattered along the road
to facilitate the quick issue of rifles and cartridges to the
reinforcements as soon as they arrived.
On the 24th of May President U. S. Grant had issued his proclamation
forbidding a breach of the Neutrality Act. and the United States
officials were prompt in their endeavors to stop the raid. Gen. George
P. Foster (United States Marshal) called on Gen. O'Neil at Franklin,
and after reading to him President Grant's proclamation, endeavored
to dissuade him from advancing over the line. But the Fenian General
refused to comply with his advice, and expressed his contempt for the
President in language more forcible and profane than polite. As Gen.
Foster had no troops at his command to compel obedience by the Fenian
leaders, he crossed over the line and informed the Canadian commander
(Col. Chamberlain) of O'Neil's designs and his inability to stop the
raiders.
About 11 o'clock on May 25th Gen. O'Neil mounted his horse and rode down
from Franklin to the Fenian camp. He realized that if he did not move
quickly there was a probability of the arrival of United States troops
to stop the expedition; therefore he gave immediate orders to his men to
"fall in" for the advance across the border. When the troops were formed
up, he addressed them as follows:--
"Soldiers! This is the advance guard of the Irish-American army for
the liberation of Ireland from the yoke of the oppressor. For your own
country you enter that of the enemy. The eyes of your countrymen are
upon you. Forward--March!"
At the word of command the column moved promptly, with Gen. O'Neil and
Gen. Donnelly (his Chief-of-Staff) at the head, and the green flag of
the Irish Republic flapping in the wind. The Fenian column was formed in
three divisions, consisting of an advance guard of skirmishers, a strong
support of about 200 men, and the balance of their troops in reserve.
They had only a short distance to go before they reached the boundary
line. Some eight rods north of the line (on the Canadian side) is a
gully through which runs a small brook known locally as "Chickabiddy
Creek," over which the road is bridged, and beyond which are the rocky
heights of Eccles' Hill, where a small Canadian force was entrenched
among the rocks and trees awaiting the approach of the invaders.
The house of Alva Richards, about ten rods south of the border line, on
the road from Franklin to Cook's Corners, was chosen by Gen. O'Neil as
his headquarters. From the Richards house to the Canadian position was a
distance of only about a quarter of a mile.
Immediately after crossing the boundary, the Burlington (Vermont)
Company of Fenians (about fifty men), under command of Capt. Cronan,
dashed down the hill to form a skirmish line across the brook. Just as
they did so the Canadians opened fire. At the first volley Private John
Rowe was instantly killed, and Lieut. John Hallinan received a flesh
wound in the arm. The company wavered, and receiving no support, fell
back to the shelter of the Richards house and outbuildings. The next
company (under Capt. Carey) joined Capt. Cronan in the rear of the
house, and commenced firing. Soon afterwards Private James Keenan
ventured out too far and received a ball in the leg, near the ankle.
This hot reception, and the sharp fire of the Canadians, caused
a stampede, and Gen. O'Neil endeavored to rally his troops by the
following address:--
"Men of Ireland! I am ashamed of you. You have acted disgracefully, but
you will have another chance of showing whether you are cravens or not.
Comrades, we must not, _we dare not_, go back now, with the stain of
cowardice upon us. Comrades. I will lead you again, and if you will not
follow me, I will go on with my officers and die in your front. I leave
you now under command of Gen. Boyle O'Reilly."
After this brave utterance, Gen. O'Neil (who had been across the border
on an eminence opposite the Canadian position, watching events) retired
to an attic window in the Richards house, from which point he intended
to observe the fortunes of the day. But the Canadian riflemen having
discovered his presence there, directed their fire upon him, and Mr.
Richards ordered O'Neil to leave his residence, which was getting
seriously damaged by bullets. Just as he went out of the house, General
Foster (United States Marshal), with a couple of his officers, stepped
forward and arrested O'Neil for breach of the Neutrality Act. At first
the Fenian General was very wrathy, and threatened to use force if he
was not released, but on Gen. Foster placing a revolver at his head and
intimating that he would shoot if he did not submit. O'Neil's courage
quailed, and he surrendered. He was shoved into a covered carriage and
driven off to St. Albans under guard of two men, very much dejected.
By this time a contingent of about 500 Fenians had arrived from St.
Albans, and were being armed and equipped at the Fenian camp for the
purpose of making another dash. As O'Neil had been so unceremoniously
whisked away by Gen. Foster, the Fenian army was now without a leader.
So a Council of War was held, all of the leading Fenian officers in the
field being present. Reinforcements were now arriving hourly, and strong
efforts were made to induce Gen. John Boyle O'Reilly (a noted Irish
patriot) to take command and again lead them on to glory. The Council
convened in an open glade near the Fenian camp, where, surrounded by
their troops, the leaders pleaded with Gen. O'Reilly to assume command,
but he could not be prevailed upon to accept the risk, and the spirits
of the raiders sank as they began to realize the hopelessness of their
position.
Early next morning Gen. Spier arrived at St. Albans and endeavored to
bring order out of chaos, and continue O'Neil's plan of invasion. But
by this time the golden opportunity had slipped by, and all chances of
success had vanished. A strong force of Canadians had arrived at the
frontier, determined to resist every foot of advance into Canadian
territory, while a body of United States troops appeared in the rear
of the Fenian army for the purpose of making arrests for breach of the
neutrality laws. Being caught between two fires, they thought discretion
was the better part of valor, and fled in dismay. And thus the grand
"Army of the Irish Republic" melted away in disorganized mobs.
At Malone similar conditions existed, and the large number of Fenians
assembled there were quickly dissolved by the United States troops and
all their war material seized by the United States authorities.
A description of the fight at Eccles' Hill, as viewed from the Canadian
side, is given in the succeeding chapter.
CHAPTER IV.
OPERATIONS ON THE MISSISQUOI FRONTIER--THE BATTLE OF ECCLES'
HILL--COMPLETE DEFEAT OF THE FENIAN ARMY.
On the morning of the 24th of May Lieut.-Col. W. Osborne Smith, Deputy
Adjutant-General of the Fifth Military District, at Montreal, received
advices from trustworthy sources that the Fenians were again assembling
on the Vermont border, and that telegraph wires had been cut in several
places by them. He at once notified the authorities at Ottawa by wire
of these events, and asked for instructions in regard to calling out the
forces under his command for active service.
As was customary, the whole of the Montreal Garrison had been assembled
that day for the usual parade and review in honor of Her Majesty's
birthday. As the hours wore on and no reply had been received from
Ottawa by Col. Smith in answer to his telegrams, he promptly took the
extreme responsibility permitted by the 60th Section of the Militia
Act, and called out for service a large portion of the troops of his
district, including all the frontier and Montreal corps. He reported his
action to the Lieutenant-General Commanding, who approved of his action
and his suggestions as to the disposal of the troops instantly required
on the frontier, and further ordered that he should personally assume
command at the threatened point of attack in the neighborhood of
Frelighsburg.
He then addressed the men on parade, informing them that the Fenians
were on the frontier with warlike intentions, and that from that moment
they were on active service; moreover, that he required five companies
at once to proceed to the frontier under his command. The entire brigade
responded with great enthusiasm, and was ready there and then to
move off to the border to meet the enemy. As the whole force was not
required. Col. Smith made his selections and left for the front within a
few hours, taking with him the Montreal Troop of Cavalry, and companies
from the 1st Prince of Wales Rifles. 3rd Victoria Rifles, 5th Royals,
6th Battalion Hochelaga Light Infantry, together with one officer and
20 men of the Montreal Garrison Artillery. The latter contingent was
detailed to reinforce Isle aux Noix, while the remainder of the force
proceeded on to St. John's. On arrival there the Montreal troops (with
the exception of the cavalry and the company of Victoria Rifles) were
left to garrison St. John's, together with the 21st Battalion and the
St. John's Garrison Battery of Artillery. Lieut.-Col. Fletcher was left
in command at St. John's, with instructions to secure the safety of
that place from a sudden dash by the enemy, and on the following morning
proceed to the Huntingdon frontier and assume command of the troops
assembled there. A party of the 21st Battalion (Richelieu Light
Infantry) was detached at Malmaison to guard the bridge over the Pike
River at that place.
About midnight Col. Smith arrived at Stanbridge Station with the
Montreal Cavalry Troop and the one company of the Victoria Rifles. After
detraining the troops he at once started on his march to Stanbridge
(about eight miles distant). The roads were deep and miry from heavy
rain, and the night intensely dark, but the men, who had been under arms
and with little refreshment since early morning, performed the march
uncomplainingly, and were eager to press on to the front.
At Stanbridge the 60th Missisquoi Battalion, under command of
Lieut.-Col. Brown Chamberlin, were assembling, and on arrival there Col.
Smith learned that a Fenian force had gathered near Franklin, Vermont,
and were preparing to make a dash across the border in the vicinity of
Eccles' Hill.
During the previous night about thirty farmers of the neighborhood (who
had armed and enrolled themselves as a Home Guard, under the leadership
of Mr. Asa Westover, of Dunham) occupied Eccles' Hill, a strong position
on the frontier, with the determined intention to keep the Fenians in
check until the arrival of the regular volunteer force. On Lieut.-Col.
Chamberlin's arrival at Stanbridge on the night of the 24th he found
No. 3 Company of the 60th Battalion assembled, and was informed by Capt.
Kemp, his Adjutant, of the state of affairs at the front. He was quick
to act, and sent forward a picket to Cook's Corners, in support of
the party occupying Eccles' Hill, with instructions to move forward at
daylight and reinforce it. Another detachment of 24 men, under Capt.
Bockus of No. 5 Company of the 60th, were ordered to move up as
supports to Cook's Corners at daylight, and later to reinforce the men
in their position at the Hill. In the early hours of the morning two
prisoners were captured by the farmers near their position, one of whom
was a Fenian captain named Murphy, and the other one of his men. They
were sent under guard of a corporal and two men to Stanbridge. This left
Lieut.-Col. Chamberlin's total force at the front three officers and 46
men of the 60th Battalion, and 35 farmers.
Lieut.-Col. Chamberlin made his dispositions by placing a picket, of
one officer and ten men on his right rear, and the remainder of the
volunteers (two officers and 36 men) were posted among the rocks and
trees, and behind the fences stretching from the road to the crest of
the hill, while the right flank was protected by the 35 farmers, most of
whom were sharp-shooters. Thus Lieut.-Col. Chamberlin's combined force
to resist an attack was two officers and 71 men.
On a hill about 300 yards distant, across the American border, the
sentries of the advanced guard of the enemy were visible, while a short
distance beyond their main body were preparing for an advance on to
Canadian soil.
Shortly before 12 o'clock (noon). General Foster, the United States
Marshal for the Northern District of Vermont, drove over to the Canadian
lines and had an interview with Lieut.-Col. Chamberlin. He said that he
desired to offer assurances that his Government and himself personally
were doing all that was possible to prevent a raid, and that the United
States troops were being moved up to assist him in the discharge of his
duty and enforcement of the neutrality laws as fast as they could be
transported. He also stated that he was charged with a message from
Gen. O'Neil, to say that those under his command would not make war upon
women or children, nor be permitted to plunder peaceable inhabitants,
but would conduct their war in the manner approved among civilized
nations.
Col. Chamberlin replied that he would receive no message from men who
were mere pirates and marauders, and it was scarcely satisfactory to
those whom they intended to murder, because they were in arms for the
defence of their Government and country, that their piracy would not be
attended with unusual barbarities.
While they were still in conversation, the head of the Fenian column
began to advance. Lieut.-Col. Chamberlin called Gen. Foster's attention
to the fact, who replied, "I thought they intended to attack you soon,
but not so soon as this." He then drove away in the direction of and
past the advancing Fenian column.
Lieut.-Col. Chamberlin then hastily made such disposition of his small
force as seemed most advantageous, with Capt. Bockus on the left of the
skirmish line, which rested on the main road.
The enemy advanced in close column, about 200 strong, with an advance
guard about 100 yards ahead of the main body. On its approach to the
boundary line it was ordered to move at the double, and the advance
guard rushed across. As soon as it was on Canadian soil, Lieut.-Col.
Chamberlin's men opened fire on the advance guard. The fire was returned
from the main column of attack, which was still within United States
territory. The conflict then became general. Upon the first volley from
the Canadians one man in the leading section of the Fenian advance guard
was shot dead and others wounded. The remaining men comprising it then
sought refuge behind the neighboring barns and under a bridge near at
hand. The main body halted, wavered, partially rallied again, and then,
being galled by the well-directed fire of the Canadians, broke and ran
for cover behind the houses and stone fences along the road, or made
their way to a wood which crowned the summit of the hill opposite to our
position on the western side of the road, another man being killed
and several more wounded while seeking this shelter. From this time a
desultory fire was kept up from behind trees and fences.
Col. Smith was on the way to Stanbridge for the purpose of ordering up
reinforcements to strengthen the position at Eccles' Hill, when he was
overtaken by a mounted messenger sent by Lieut.-Col. Chamberlin, stating
that the Fenians were on the point of attack. He therefore ordered his
aide (Capt. Gascoigne) to hasten on to Stanbridge and bring up every
available man, and at once rode back to Eccles' Hill. On arrival there
he found that the first attack had been bravely repulsed by Lieut.-Col.
Chamberlin's men, and assumed command of the future operations. The
total force of the Fenians had not yet been brought into action, their
reserve of 350 or 400 men being still on the American side of the border
line. A possible attack being feared from this force, Col. Smith took
every precaution to hold his own until reinforcements arrived. About
2.30 p.m. the Montreal Troop of Cavalry, a company of the Victoria
Rifles, and another detachment of 20 men of the 60th Battalion, reached
the Canadian position from Stanbridge. With this additional force Col.
Smith was enabled to strengthen his skirmish line, and better secure the
right flank of his position. Firing was kept up until about 5 o'clock,
when the Fenian fire began to slacken, with the exception of a few
dropping shots from the enemy, who had taken shelter in the houses
along the road. These riflemen were carefully marked by the Canadian
skirmishers, and searched for by a shower of bullets whenever a shot was
fired.
About 6 o'clock the Fenians were busy getting a field gun in position,
and had it placed about 1,200 yards in front of the Canadian line. But
before it was fired Col. Smith ordered an advance of his force, the
detachment of the 60th Battalion and the Home Guards advancing in
skirmishing order, and the company of Victoria Rifles covering their
advance from the slope of the hill. This movement was well executed,
and had the effect of driving the Fenians from their cover in all
directions, in full flight. Not over a dozen shots were fired by them
against the Canadians in their retreat. They threw away their arms,
accoutrements and clothing as they ran, and did not stop until they were
far over the American border.
At nightfall three shots were fired by the Fenians from their field gun,
but their aim was faulty, and the shots did no damage to our men. During
the whole engagement not one of the Canadians was even wounded.
The Fenian loss was four or five killed and 15 or 18 wounded. Three
of their dead were at one time plainly in view from our lines, while
another was reported as lying dead in a brook at the foot of the hill.
Among the wounded was the Fenian General Donnelly. During the night
lights were seen moving over the fields in search of the Fenian dead and
wounded, who were removed to the United States by civilians. After his
defeat the repulsed General O'Neil took refuge in a brick house, from
which he was turned out by the owner. He then hastened to the rear, and
on arrival on American territory was arrested by Gen. Foster, the United
States Marshal, for breach of the neutrality laws.
The Canadian troops held their position and laid on their arms all
night, expecting another attack, but the enemy had seen enough of
Canadian valor, and did not make the attempt again to renew the combat.
On the following morning the Fenians abandoned their camp at Hubbard's
Farm, leaving large quantities of arms, ammunition and clothing, which
were seized by the United States Government. Their rifles were the best
obtainable at that time, being breech-loading Springfields and Spencers
of the latest pattern. Their field-piece (which was a breech-loading
rifled steel gun) was captured on Canadian soil, and is one of the
trophies held by the Missisquoi Home Guard in memory of O'Neil's dismal
failure to capture Canada in 1870.
CHAPTER V.
THE ONTARIO FRONTIER VIGILANTLY GUARDED--VOLUNTEERS ON SERVICE AT DANGER
POINTS ALL ALONG THE LINE.
On the frontier of the Province of Ontario the danger of invasion was
just as imminent as in the East, as Fenians were assembling at all
points with definite objects in view. The invasion was well planned, but
its execution was very poorly managed. It was not the intention of the
Fenian leaders to bring on battles at either Eccles' Hill or Trout River
unless success was well assured. These were only intended to be feints
to draw the attention of the Canadians, while the main attacks were
to be made at Cornwall and Prescott, with another heavy attack on the
Niagara frontier if opportunity offered. Their object (as in 1866)
was to destroy the St. Lawrence and Welland Canals and cut railway
communication wherever practicable, thus preventing rapid concentration
of Canadian troops while they proceeded to occupy the country. In
conformity with their plans the Fenian troops gathered at convenient
places to make their raids on the objective points in Ontario they had
in view.
Owing to the extreme probability of an attack being made on Cornwall by
the Fenians who had gathered at Malone, N.Y., it was deemed advisable by
the Government to assemble a large force for the defence of that place
as speedily as possible. Therefore orders were wired at 2 p.m. on May
24th to Lieut.-Col. F. T. Atcherly, Deputy Adjutant-General of the
4th Military District, to call out the militia force at Brockville and
Prescott forthwith for active service. This was immediately accomplished
and guards posted for the protection of these towns. On the following
day he received instructions to proceed at once to Cornwall and assume
command of the force there. He arrived at Cornwall that night with
the Iroquois Battery of Garrison Artillery, and in conjunction with
Lieut.-Col. Bergin, commanding the 59th Battalion, made all the
necessary dispositions of guards for the protection of the town and the
locks and bridges on the Cornwall Canal. In the meantime the entire
59th Battalion had been mustered, and on the following day his force
was strengthened by the arrival of a demi-battery of the Ottawa Field
Artillery, with two guns and 23 horses, under command of Capt. Forsyth,
and also the Ottawa Brigade of Garrison Artillery, under Lieut.-Col.
Forrest. About the same time the 18th Battalion began to arrive from
L'Orignal, having been conveyed the whole distance in waggons. During
the afternoon the 41st Battalion, under command of Lieut.-Col. Crawford,
arrived by steamer from Brockville. In addition to this force, a corps
of mounted scouts of about 60 men had been organized by Lieut.-Col.
Bergin, and placed under command of Capt. Mattice. This company did most
excellent service at night, patrolling along the banks of the canal from
the guard lock at Dickinson's Landing to the village of Summerstown, a
distance of about 21 miles. Strong pickets were posted every night to
guard the culverts in the canal at various places. At the guard lock
at the head of the canal, No. 5 Company of the 59th Battalion, under
command of Capt. Bredin, was stationed, and did very excellent
service. The town of Cornwall and the lower locks of the canal were so
efficiently guarded and the surrounding country so thoroughly patrolled,
that had an attack been made the invaders would certainly have met with
a decidedly hot reception by Col. Atcherley's force.
While the land forces were so arduously performing their duties, the
steamer "Prince Alfred" was employed in patrolling the river. She was
manned by a detachment of artillerymen and sharp-shooters, who
were unceasing in their vigilance to overhaul any craft that looked
suspicious.
Lieut.-Col. W. H. Jackson, Brigade Major of the 8th Brigade Division,
was in command of the force which assembled at Prescott, and performed
the arduous duties required of him most efficiently. On the departure
of Lieut.-Col. F. T. Atcherly to take command of the force at Cornwall,
Lieut.-Col. Jackson was instructed to assume command of the forces which
were concentrating at Preseott. A large body of Fenians had gathered
at Ogdensburg, just across the river, and rumors were rife that they
intended making a crossing. He accordingly took prompt precautions to
place that important point in a state of defence. The troops at his
command were one division of the Ottawa Field Battery, with two guns;
the Ottawa Rifle Company (Capt. Mowat), the 43rd Carleton Battalion
(Lieut.-Col. Bearman), and the 56th Battalion Lisgar Rifles (Lieut.-Col.
Jessup). In addition he had two companies of Railway Guards, making his
total force about 750 officers and men. With this command he thoroughly
guarded, picketed and patrolled every important point east, west and
north, and so keen was his vigilance that the enemy across the river
could find no loop-hole for an attack and abandoned their intention.
This force was kept on duty until the 3rd of June, when the danger
having passed, they were relieved from further service.
The situation at Brockville was as grave as at other points along the
frontier, owing to its close contiguity to the American shore. It was
the headquarters of the 42nd Battalion, which was speedily mustered
under command of Lieut.-Col. J. D. Buell. Several of the companies of
this corps were located many miles from headquarters, but on receiving
the call for active service they moved with remarkable activity, and
arrived at the frontier within 24 hours after the summons had been sent
forth. No. 4 Company (Capt. Allan Fraser), from Fitzroy, had about
80 miles to travel, partly by waggon and partly by rail. They quickly
mustered at Kinburn and moved with such celerity that they reported at
Brockville early the next morning. Such, indeed, was the spirit that
prevailed among the volunteers everywhere, and to their promptness is
due the defeat of the enemy's plans. The Forty-second did very great
service in protecting the railway docks and other points of landing at
Brockville, besides patrolling the river banks as far east as Maitland,
thus keeping up a chain of communication with the garrison at Prescott.
Several "scares" occurred during the time they were on service, which
caused sleepless nights, but by their vigilance the Fenians were
deterred from making an attack. All were prompt, willing and eager to
obey every command, and were warmly commended for the soldierly manner
in which they performed their duty.
For the protection of the Niagara frontier, all available troops in the
immediate vicinity were called out for active service on the 24th of
May. The Nineteenth Lincoln Battalion, under command of Lieut.-Col. J.
G. Currie, the St. Catharines Troop of Cavalry under Capt. Gregory, and
the St. Catharines Battery of Garrison Artillery, were quickly assembled
and placed on active service. One company of the 19th was detached
to guard the Suspension Bridge at Clifton, in conjunction with three
companies of the 44th Welland Battalion. The remainder of the 19th
Battalion were posted as follows:--Two companies (with regimental
staff) consisting of 12 officers and 87 men, at St. Catharines and Port
Dalhousie; one company (Capt. Upper) with three officers and 42 men at
Niagara; three officers and 42 men at Port Robinson, three officers and
42 men at Welland, and three officers and 42 men at Allanburg.
The St. Catharines Troop of Cavalry (Capt. Gregory) was despatched to
Chippawa to patrol the River Road between that point and Fort Erie--one
officer and 13 troopers being stationed at Chippawa; one officer and
13 men at Black Creek, and one officer and 14 men at Fort Erie. This
command maintained a complete system of patrols along the upper Niagara
River. Two companies of the 44th Battalion were also stationed at
Chippawa to guard the bridges and approaches to that place.
The St. Catharines Battery of Garrison Artillery (Capt. Thomas Oswald)
was attached to the 19th Battalion, a portion of the Battery, under
Lieut. J. G. Holmes, doing duty in guarding the locks on the Welland
Canal at Allanburg, and the remainder being placed on board the tug
"Clara Carter" with two field guns, which boat was employed to cruise
Lake Erie and the Niagara River.
The Queenston Mounted Infantry, under command of Capt. Robert Currie,
maintained an efficient patrol of the lower Niagara frontier, with two
officers and 18 men at Niagara, and one officer and 18 men at Queenston.
The 37th Haldimand Battalion was ordered to Port Colborne, and also the
Welland Canal, Field Battery, where they maintained a vigilant, guard
on the entrance to the Welland Canal, which was threatened by an Fenian
attack.
The United States gunboat "Michigan" was at Port Colborne on the 24th,
and left on a cruise along the shores of Lake Erie with positive orders
from the American Government to sink any piratical craft that might
attempt to make a crossing. The Fenians assembled at Buffalo were
anxious to get over into Canada, but could not get any ship owners
willing to take the risk in face of such orders.
With the Niagara frontier thus protected and the remainder of the Active
Militia in Toronto, Hamilton, Brantford and all other points in the
Second Military District under orders to be prepared to move whenever
their services might be required, the danger was averted, and the alarm
of the people of that section soon subsided. The total strength of the
force on active service on the Niagara frontier at that time (under
command of Lieut-Col. Durie, D.A.G.) amounted to 1,159, consisting of 93
officers and 966 men, with 147 horses and four guns.
To guard the St. Clair River frontier, a sufficient force was placed
on active service to keep in check any raiders that might attempt a
crossing from the State of Michigan, while all of the troops in the
First Military District were warned to be ready to move to the front
when summoned. The troops called out were posted as follows:--
_At Sarnia_--London Field Battery, with two guns, three officers, 30
men and 25 horses, Lieut.-Col. Shanly commanding; Mooretown Mounted
Infantry, three officers, 39 men and 42 horses, Capt. Stewart
commanding; 27th Battalion of Infantry, 24 officers and 224 men,
Lieut.-Col. Davis commanding.
_At Windsor_--St. Thomas Cavalry Troop (Capt. Borbridge), six officers,
42 men and 45 horses; Leamington Infantry Company (Capt. Wilkinson),
three officers and 45 men; Windsor Infantry Company (Capt. Richards),
three officers and 42 men; Bothwell Infantry Company (Capt. Chambers),
three officers and 40 men; Lobo Infantry Company (Capt. Stevenson),
three officers and 47 men.
Ceaseless vigilance was in evidence everywhere among the volunteers who
guarded the points above mentioned, and the troops on duty were fully
prepared for any invading force that might set foot on our soil. But
fortunately the Province of Ontario was spared a repetition of the
events of 1866, although it was not the fault of the enemy, who made
strenuous efforts to get over the border. In 1870 President Grant took
prompt measures to prevent unlawful expeditions from leaving the United
States, and through the watchfulness of the American Government the
designs of the Fenian leaders were defeated. Generals O'Neil, Starr,
Gleason, O'Reilly, Donnelly and others had been promptly arrested by the
United States authorities, and the rank and file soon abandoned their
campaigns and returned to their homes.
PERSONAL REMINISCENCES.
While perusing the fyles of the Toronto _Globe_ in the Public Reference
Library recently, my eye caught the following item in the issue of that
journal dated June 1st, 1870, which brought back to memory personal
reminiscences which may be of interest:
"The St. Catharines Journal says that three young Canadians in Corry,
Pa., named respectively John A. and George Macdonald, of St. Catharines,
and Thomas Kennedy, of Niagara, hearing that the Fenians were on
Canadian soil, determined to be on hand in the hour of danger, and at
once took train for home, arriving at St. Catharines last Wednesday
night (May 25th). It is no small thing for a working man to throw up a
situation and sacrifice all for their love of country, and Canada should
be proud of such sons."
At the time the Fenians were getting ready to make their second invasion
of Canada in 1870, the writer of this book was employed as a newspaper
reporter in a town in Pennsylvania where Fenianism was rampant, and
in the course of my daily duties had rare opportunities for gleaning
information as to the intentions of "the Brotherhood." I noticed that
preparations were being made with the utmost secrecy possible, and that
those who were engaged in organizing the movement were men of the most
determined and desperate character. I chanced to know some of them
personally, and by a careful process of reportorial "interviewing,"
learned that a sudden dash on Canadian territory was to be made within
a few days. The chief desire of the leaders was to keep their intentions
from the knowledge of the United States authorities, and they were very
averse to giving the least publicity as to their movements.
However, in a casual way I received information from a reliable source
that large numbers of men were on their way from the southern part
of Pennsylvania. Ohio. Indiana. Kentucky, Tennessee and other places,
travelling as ordinary passengers, and that they would rendezvous at
Erie. Dunkirk. Buffalo, Niagara Falls and other places along the
border, where they were to receive their equipment. This news I duly
communicated to my friends at home (St. Catharines) and gave them notice
that trouble was impending.
The next day (25th of May) things were looking more serious. About 9
o'clock in the morning I went down to the railway depot on my quest
for "news items." and found that two trains had just arrived--one from
Pittsburgh and the other from Central Ohio, on which were an unusually
large number of men, who were bound for Buffalo. They were swarming on
the station platforms and patronizing nearby saloons and restaurants
freely while waiting for train connections. I wanted more information,
and mingled with them with the intention of getting it. Most of them
were very reticent, but I finally found out, by judicious pumping of
a burly fellow from Pittsburgh, that they were Fenians on their way to
Canada. I instantly made up my mind that it was time for me to go home.
I had previously written to the Captain of my old corps (in which I
had served at Fort Erie in 1866) giving him "pointers" as to what the
Fenians were doing, and notifying him that I would be home to fill my
place in the ranks when occasion required. I considered that the time
had now arrived for prompt action on my part, and as the train was due
to leave within an hour, I hurried over to my employer and explained
matters, resigned my situation, got my salary, secured my valise (which
I had already packed), and was ready to leave in less than half an hour.
My brother (George M. Macdonald), who was also employed on the same
paper as myself, did likewise, and when we were leaving the office our
employer very cordially commended our action and bade us "God speed" on
our journey, at the same time handing us a roll of money "for present
use," as he expressed it, and adding that when the trouble was over
and we were ready to return, our situations would be open for us. Such
generous kindness, and the warm words of appreciation of our services
which accompanied the genial "good-by" of our employer, touched us both
deeply, and have remained in my memory ever since as one of the bright
spots in my life. On our way to the station we met another Canadian
(Thomas Kennedy), whose old home was at Niagara, where he belonged to
No. 1 Company of the 19th Battalion. He was greatly "worked up" when he
saw the Fenian contingent getting ready to start, and when we informed
him of our intentions, he resolutely remarked. "Boys, I'm going home,
too; and as I haven't got time to go down to my boarding-house for my
clothes, I'll go just as I am. We'll be in uniform in Canada to-morrow."
So he came with us. By this time the train was ready to leave, and we
managed to get a double seat in one end of the car. The coach we were in
was soon filled with Fenians, and the vacant seat beside me was taken
by a sturdy-looking fellow who confidentially told us that he was a
Sergeant in a company from Cincinnati, and that a large force of
"the byes" were proceeding to the frontier. From this soldier we got
considerable valuable information as to the strength and composition of
the troops on the train, and also those following, which was carefully
stored in our memories and afterwards duly reported to the Canadian
authorities. Two or three times this Sergeant inquired what company of
Fenians we belonged to, but we artfully managed to evade a direct answer
to his questions, and switched the conversation in another direction.
Had he realized or became aware of the fact that we were Canadians on
our way home to take up arms against him and his comrades, there is no
doubt but that we would have had a very unpleasant experience on that
car. Quite a number of the Fenians on board were under the influence of
liquor, and as they pushed around their bottles of whiskey several of
them forgot the lessons of caution that had been impressed upon them by
their officers, and became very talkative as to their organization
and intentions. Our ears were strained to catch every syllable, and we
gathered considerable desired information that otherwise would not have
leaked out. On arrival at Dunkirk our travelling companion (the Fenian
Sergeant) left the train with about twenty men, bidding us a friendly
farewell and saying that perhaps we might soon meet again, "in the camp
or in the field." We hoped the latter, but did not consider it necessary
to explain our thoughts. We were much pleased to lose this gentleman's
company, as he had again began to persistently ask us awkward questions
as to what Irish Republican Regiment we were in, and who were our
officers; also what Fenian "circle" we belonged to, and who was the
"Centre" of it. Such queries were so very pointed and direct that we
were obliged to use all sorts of evasions and diplomacy to throw our
interlocutor off his guard. Before we reached Buffalo another chap
approached us, and began asking a series of vexing questions, but
fortunately the conductor just then happened to come through the car,
and we disposed of the inquisitive Fenian by halting the train official
and asking him a lot of questions about railway connections for points
east, and other matters, of which we knew as much as he did. The Fenian
stood by for a while listening, until a comrade in the centre of the car
called him to partake of some liquid refreshments. He promptly responded
to the summons, and after a liberal libation from the neck of a bottle
he seemed to forget all about us, for which we were duly thankful. A few
moments afterward our Fenian friend broke forth into song in stentorian
tones, in which the rest of his comrades joined in the rendition of
"The Wearin' o' the Green." This diversion drew their attention from our
direction until the train finally rolled into the Exchange Street Depot
at Buffalo. We quietly slipped off the rear platform of the car, and
were obliged to elbow our way through a throng of Fenians who had
gathered to meet the new arrivals. On reaching the street we quickly
proceeded across to the Erie Street Station, where we caught the evening
train for Suspension Bridge. This train also was pretty well tilled with
Fenians, but we were not bothered by any of them on the way. Soon after
we crossed the Niagara River and were on Canadian soil. To express our
gratification and pleasure to be once more at home in our native land,
cannot be fully expressed in words, so I will leave the feeling to be
imagined by the reader.
That night at 9 o'clock my brother and myself reported to Capt. Thomas
Oswald in the Drill Shed at St. Catharines. The old St. Catharines
Battery of Garrison Artillery was on parade, and when we made our
appearance we received such a hearty reception and ovation that the
ringing cheers of my old comrades and their spontaneous greetings still
haunt my memory. We were immediately ushered into the Armory by the
Quartermaster-Sergeant, who issued to us our uniforms and equipments,
and in half an hour we were again in the ranks, ready for service in
defence of Canada.
Both my brother George and Comrade Tom Kennedy have long since passed
away to eternal rest, and as an affectionate tribute to their memory and
worth, and in remembrance of their loyal devotion to Queen and country.
I deem it fitting to here put on record this evidence of the high spirit
of patriotism which inspired these noble boys to respond to the call of
duty when dancer threatened their native land.
CHAPTER VI.
FENIANS GATHER ON THE HUNTINGDON BORDER--SKIRMISH AT TROUT RIVER--THE
ENEMY ROUTED BY THE CANADIAN TROOPS.
Simultaneous with Gen. O'Neil's raid into Canada at Eccles' Hill on May
25th, an invasion took place on the Huntingdon border, when a strong
force of Fenians under command of Generals Starr and Gleason advanced
about a mile and a half into the Province of Quebec, on the line of
the Trout River. On arrival at a chosen position which possessed
great advantages for a successful defence, they began throwing up
entrenchments, and prepared to make a determined stand. A whole day was
spent in the work of constructing rifle pits and breastworks, but being
no doubt discouraged by the news of O'Neil's defeat at Eccles' Hill,
they abandoned their position on the 26th and returned to their camp on
the American side of the line. While there they evidently received
some encouragement and reinforcements, as they returned to their
entrenchments in Canada early on the morning of Friday, the 27th of
May, and re-occupied their works, which they busily began to strengthen.
Their rifle pits were dug in front of some hop-fields, defended
by stockades, with a stout barricade across the road. The line of
entrenchments rested on the river on one side and a dense wood on
the other, while their centre was strongly protected by a forest of
hop-poles, through which their retreat, in case of necessity, would
be comparatively safe. The whole position was chosen with considerable
skill, and was so strong that 500 men could easily have held off several
thousands for a considerable length of time, had they been properly
directed.
The Canadian force chosen to operate against this column of the enemy
was composed of H. M. 69th Regiment, the 50th Battalion (Huntingdon
Borderers), and the Montreal Garrison Artillery, the whole under command
of Col. Bagot. At 3 o'clock in the morning of the 27th, the Montreal
Garrison Artillery and the Huntingdon Borderers were ordered on the
march from Huntingdon Village, where they had arrived the previous
night. In less than two hours the whole force was on the move along the
road leading to Holbrook's Corners. At 8 o'clock the entire column had
reached Hendersonville, which is two miles from Holbrook's, and there
one company of the Montreal Garrison Artillery (under Capt. Rose) was
ordered to proceed along the concession road to the west in order to
flank the enemy, whose glittering bayonets were plainly visible in
the sunlight as they were drilling in a field about a mile and a half
distant.
The advance guard of the Fenians were posted behind a very strong
entrenchment, with their right flank resting on the river and their left
covered by the woods. Their skirmishers were about 150 in number, and
their supports and reserves (amounting to about 300 or 400 more) were
stationed a short distance in the rear.
The Huntingdon Borderers formed the Canadian advance guard, and as soon
as they had approached within about 300 yards of the Fenian position,
were deployed in skirmishing order, and advanced with great gallantry.
The centre support was composed of one company of the 69th Regiment,
under Capt. Mansfield and Lieut. Atcheson. The remainder of the 69th,
under Major Smythe, was drawn up in quarter distance column as a
reserve. One company of the Montreal Garrison Artillery (under Capt.
Doucet) marched across the bridge and along the road on the left, and
afterwards took part in the engagement with those who had been sent in
the opposite direction further back, to prevent a flanking movement from
either side. The remainder of the Artillery and Engineers, under Capt.
Hall, marched to the front as a reserve, but afterwards returned to
Holbrook Bridge, which it was feared the Fenians might attempt to
capture, and advance along the south side of the river. The skirmish
line advanced with great steadiness against the enemy behind the
entrenchments. The Fenians fired three volleys as they advanced, the
fire being promptly returned by our men as they gallantly moved forward.
When the Canadians came within 100 yards of the entrenchments, the
Fenians fell back through the hop-field, firing as they retreated, and
when they got beyond its protection, ran for the buildings further back,
where it was thought they would make a stand. Col. Bagot then ordered
Capt. Mansfield's company of the 69th to fix bayonets and charge,
which was done in grand style, amid loud cheering, and resulted in
the complete rout of the Fenians. Capt. Hall's Battery of the Montreal
Garrison Artillery, directed by Lieut. Fitzgeorge, cleared the wood on
the left in a very thorough manner, and soon the whole Fenian army were
in a helter-skelter race out of Canada and back to American territory.
When the Canadian troops reached the boundary Col. Bagot had great
difficulty in restraining them from crossing into the United States
after the fugitives, so eager were they to effect the capture of the
marauders. The Fenians were so swift in their retreat that only one
was captured, but three men were killed and several wounded during the
fight. No losses occurred among the Canadians.
The Fenians were utterly dispirited and completely demoralized, and
when their commanders (Gen. Starr and Gen. Gleason) were arrested at
St. Albans by the United States authorities on the following day, they
abandoned all further thoughts of invading Canada, and left for their
homes thoroughly sick of their experience on their excursion to Trout
River.
At Buffalo, Detroit, Ogdensburg, and other points where Fenians had
gathered for the purpose of invading Canada, the news of the fizzles at
Eccles' Hill and Trout River caused consternation and depression among
their ranks, and the fact that Gen. O'Neil and several others of their
military leaders were in jail on serious charges, served to put an end
to all thoughts of continuing the movement, and they hastily dispersed
and returned to their homes.
Gen. O'Neil was brought to trial some time after by the United States
Government, on a charge of violation of the Neutrality Laws, and was
sentenced to six months' imprisonment. This was a hard blow to the
Fenian organization, and it gradually went to pieces.
But the warlike spirit had not died out in O'Neil, and he began to plan
new ideas. His hatred of British institutions appears to have been so
deep-seated that he was willing to sacrifice not only his liberty,
but life itself, to undertake any scheme that had for its object their
overthrow, and it was not long before he was again implicated in a plot
against the Dominion of Canada.
Shortly after his release from prison in 1870, he entered into a
conspiracy with emissaries of the rebel Louis Riel to assist in a great
uprising in the Canadian Northwest, in which the Indians and half-breeds
were to be utilized. O'Neil was ready for anything, and consented
to invoke Fenian aid in conjunction with Riel's rebellious plans, by
participating in an invasion of Manitoba. He managed to obtain a few
hundred stands of breech-loading rifles and a quantity of ammunition
that had escaped seizure by the United States authorities at the time of
the Fenian Raid of 1870, and with the assistance of Gen. J. J. Donnelly,
he fitted out an expedition on the Minnesota frontier. He started from
Port Pembina, Minn., on October 5th, 1871, to invade Manitoba and raise
his standard, but had barely crossed over the boundary line when he was
arrested, with his troops. All of their armament was seized and they
were marched back as prisoners to Pembina and handed over to the United
States authorities. They were indicted on charges of breach of the
Neutrality Laws, but at the trial were acquitted on some slight
technicality.
This ended Gen. O'Neil's career as a filibuster, and becoming
disheartened and discouraged by his failures, he began drinking heavily,
and soon became a wreck, subsequently dying alone and miserable as the
result of his excesses, "unwept, unhonored and unsung."
CHAPTER VII.
THE DAWN OF PEACE--THE VOLUNTEERS RELIEVED FROM FURTHER SERVICE--THANKED
BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE LIEUTENANT-GENERAL COMMANDING.
The active militia of the Dominion which was called out for active
service remained on duty wherever posted until all signs of danger had
disappeared, and were then withdrawn by degrees, until on the 3rd of
June all were released from duty and directed to return to their homes.
The Honorable Minister of Militia, in his report of the military
operations, paid the following tribute to the gallantry of the volunteer
militia force on this occasion:--
"Although the honor and satisfaction of repelling these lawless invaders
had fallen to the lot of a few gallant men of the active militia, the
desire evinced by the whole force called out to be afforded a similar
opportunity of inflicting well-merited punishment on those daring to
invade Canadian soil, was universally and ardently longed for; and,
doubtless, had any attempt been made in force by the enemy to penetrate
into the country, they would have met with heavier punishment than they
experienced in this futile attempt--all classes in the Dominion (both
French as well as English-speaking Canadians) having turned out manfully
in so good a cause; and when it is considered that a great majority of
the militia men called out are farmers, that the call made upon them was
in the midst of their sowing season, that at the first sound of danger
they gave up their work, abandoning their fields and their families,
risking, perhaps, the loss of a whole year's crop, and the manifest
distress which such would have entailed, it is not too much to say that
they have well-earned the gratitude and admiration of their Queen and
country for the self-sacrifice they exhibited, and the courage and
loyalty they displayed.
"As an interesting proof of the loyalty and patriotism displayed by
Canadians who at this period (as in 1866) were resident in the United
States, many of them came home at the first note of alarm to take their
places in the ranks of the active militia force to assist in defence
of their country, for which they received the special thanks of the
Government."
The Lieutenant-General in command of Her Majesty's troops in Canada,
who was in supreme control of the active militia force of Canada, also
recognized their faithful service by issuing the following order:--
HEADQUARTERS, MONTREAL, 4th June, 1870.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 1.
Canada has once more been invaded by a body of Fenians, who are
citizens of the United States, and who have again taken advantage of the
institutions of that country to move without disguise large numbers of
men and warlike stores to the Missisquoi and Huntingdon frontiers, for
the purpose of levying war upon a peaceful community.
From both these points the invading forces have been instantly driven
with loss and in confusion, throwing away their arms, ammunition and
clothing, and seeking shelter within the United States. Acting with a
scrupulous regard for the inviolability of a neighboring territory,
the troops were ordered to the halt, even though in pursuit, upon the
border.
The result of the whole affair is mainly due to the promptitude with
which the militia responded to the call to arms, and to the rapidity
with which their movements to the front were carried out, and the
self-reliance and steadiness shown by this force, as well as by the
armed inhabitants on the frontier. The regular troops were kept in
support, except on the Huntingdon frontier, where one company took part
in the skirmish.
The proclamation of the President, and the arrival of the Federal troops
at St. Albans and Malone, were too late to prevent the collection and
transport of warlike stores, or an inroad into Canada.
The reproach of invaded British territory, and the dread of insult
and robbery, have thus been removed by a handful of Canadians, and the
Lieutenant-General does not doubt that such services will receive the
recognition of the Imperial Government.
The Lieutenant-General congratulates the militia upon this exhibition of
their promptness, discipline and training, and in dismissing the men to
their homes, he bids them carry with them the assurance that their manly
spirit is a guarantee for the defence of Canada.
By order,
J. E. THACKWELL, D.A.G.
In consideration of their services at Eccles' Hill and on the Huntingdon
frontier. Her Majesty the Queen was graciously pleased to bestow the
Order of St. Michael and St. George (third class) upon the following
officers: Lieut.-Col. Osborne Smith, Commandant Military District No. 5;
Lieut.-Col. Fletcher. Brigade Major. Second Brigade. Military District
No. 5; Lieut.-Col. Brown Chamberlin, commanding 60th (Missisquoi)
Battalion, and Lieut.-Col. McEachern, commanding the 50th (Huntingdon)
Battalion.
MEDALS GRANTED BY THE QUEEN.
In 1899 the services of the survivors of the Fenian Raids of 1866 and
1870, and the Red River Rebellion, were recognized by Her Majesty Queen
Victoria in the bestowal upon each of them of a General Service Medal,
for the loyalty and patriotism they displayed in assisting to defend
their country and flag in those times of danger. The medals are of the
standard pattern adopted by the British Government for military service.
Each medal bears the name and rank of the recipient stamped upon the
edge. A clasp bearing the words "Fenian Raid, 1866" (crossing a scarlet
and white ribbon) surmounts the medallion bearing the vignette of Queen
Victoria on one side, and on the obverse a design emblematic of the
Dominion of Canada. For those who served in 1870 the same medal was
granted, with lettering to correspond, while to the volunteers who were
on duty on both occasions, an extra clasp was issued, to denote service
in both 1866 and 1870. These medals are highly prized by the veterans of
the Fenian Raids, as they are commemorative of a time in the history of
Canada which they will never forget.
It is possible that a large proportion of the recipients of the medals
are not aware of how and where the idea originated which finally
resulted in their obtaining these special marks of the Queen's favor.
Therefore it may be as well to present the facts here. On the occasion
of the celebration of the Queen's Jubilee in 1897, a large committee of
loyal citizens of Toronto was organized for the purpose of arranging
for a proper observance of the event, and among the members of that
committee were quite a number of military men. At one of the meetings,
held in the City Hall, Toronto, the following resolution was presented
and unanimously adopted:--
"Moved by Capt. S. Bruce Harman, seconded by Lieut. R. E. Kingsford,
That the following Committee be appointed to report the necessary steps
to obtain a Medal, or other suitable Decoration, to be awarded to the
Canadian Militia who took part in the campaigns of 1837, 1866 and 1870,
viz.: Lieut.-Col. G. D. Dawson, Lieut.-Col. Vance Graveley, Lieut.-Col.
Orlando Dunn, Major Frederick E. Dixon, Major R. Y. Ellis, Major
Fredrick Manley, Capt. S. Bruce Harman, Capt. Wm. Fahey and Lieut. R. E.
Kingsford."
This committee went earnestly to work, and after deciding on the mode of
procedure, issued a large number of blank petitions, which were sent
out through the country. It is needless to say that these were very
numerously signed and returned to the committee, who forwarded their
petition in a handsomely bound volume to Her Majesty Queen Victoria
through the proper channels. The Dominion Government acquiesced in the
request, and the result was that the petition was granted, and the issue
of the medals authorized, the veterans of the Red River Rebellion also
being honored with the decoration.
GRANTS OF CROWN LANDS FROM THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO.
The Province of Ontario also generously recognized the service of those
who defended the Provincial domain by giving a grant of 160 acres of
Crown lands to each of the veterans of the Fenian Raids who were on
active service in Ontario during those periods.
RECOGNITION BY THE DOMINION OF CANADA.
Up to the present date the Dominion Government has not moved in the
matter of recognizing the services of the Veterans of the Fenian
Raids. Deputations have waited upon the Premier and the Government,
and petitions have been presented asking for grants of land, but beyond
specious promises of "consideration of their requests" no progress has
been made in this respect. This is hardly fair or just to the men who
stood on the ramparts of the country with their rifles in hand in times
of peril and danger, and made it possible that the Dominion Government
should now have any land to bestow. Had it not been for the patriotism
of the "Men of '66" it is just a question whether the Dominion of
Canada as now constituted would be in existence to-day. Therefore these
surviving veterans deserve all the recognition that a grateful country
can give. We have millions of acres of vacant lands in our Northwest
which need development, and who is better fitted for settlers than the
resourceful Canadians themselves? We have sons and grandsons who have
the will, the knowledge, the mettle and the courage to break the prairie
sod and bring the virgin soil to successful fruition, and assist in
developing our country's resources. They will lie glad to do this, and
take particular pride in the patrimony of their military ancestors. Then
why not do justice to the Veterans of 1866 and 1870 by putting them on
the same footing as the Dominion Government accorded to the soldiers of
other campaigns? The volunteers who went to Manitoba on the Red River
expedition in 1870 received land grants of 160 acres each. Those who
served in the Northwest Rebellion in 1885 were given scrip to the same
value, while those who went out of Canada to serve in the South African
War were granted 320 acres of Crown lands each. That was quite proper,
but why should our paternal Government make any invidious distinctions?
Surely those who helped to make the Dominion, and bravely guarded her
shores in times of danger, are at least entitled to justice in the
matter of receiving due recognition for their services. Emigrants have
been assisted into Canada from all parts of Europe and given slices of
our public domain, while the bone and sinew of our own people have been
"passed by on the other side." This is not right--it is not patriotic,
neither is it good public policy. Let justice prevail in all things, and
our country will prosper and flourish. One by one the old Veterans of
1866 and 1870 are being finally "mustered out," and in a few years the
last of them will have "crossed the bar." While they are still living
the Government should bestow upon them that tardy recognition which they
have a right to expect, and it is to be hoped that in its wisdom and
sense of justice this act will not be long delayed. Let it never be said
of Canada that--
When war clouds break, and danger is nigh.
"God and the soldiers" is the people's cry.
But when war is o'er and all things righted.
God is forgot and the soldiers slighted.
Not a single volunteer ever thought for one moment of a monetary or
other reward for his services when he shouldered his rifle and went
forth in defence of his country when the bugles sounded. All were moved
by a common patriotic impulse, and unselfishly and faithfully did their
duty. At that time the Government appreciated their service, and was
profuse in thanks, and there the national gratitude seems to have ended
so far as the Fenian Raid Veterans are concerned. But, perhaps, they may
yet be accorded fair play. Let us hope so, for the honor of our country.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE RED RIVER REBELLION--BRUTAL MURDER OF THOMAS SCOTT--ORGANIZATION OF
A MILITARY EXPEDITION TO QUELL RIEL'S REVOLT.
Almost at the same moment that we had Fenian troubles at home, and
threatened invasions of our Quebec and Ontario frontiers, the standard
of revolt had been raised in Manitoba by the turbulent rebel Louis Riel
and his band of half-breeds.
Arrangements had been completed between the Dominion Government and the
Imperial Government with the Hudson's Bay Company, whereby the rights of
the latter to lands in the Northwest Territories were to be transferred
to the Dominion, subject to certain reservations. It was made an express
agreement that the rights of the Indians and half-breeds in certain
territory were to be respected by the Dominion Government. The
arrangement was sanctioned by Parliament, and the sum of 300,000 pounds
sterling was appropriated for the purchase of the Hudson's Bay Company's
titles as specified. In the preceding year Lieut.-Colonel Dennis (of
Fort Erie fame) was sent to the Red River country by the Dominion
Government to institute a system of public surveys. When he appeared
among the half-breeds, and they learned his intention, they strenuously
objected, as they believed by the inauguration of a new system of
survey their titles to the lands which they held might be jeopardized.
Moreover, they thought that they should have been consulted when the
purchase and transfer of the territory was made. The French half-breeds
were especially fearful that the Dominion Government might dispute their
titles to the lands, and gave Colonel Dennis to understand that trouble
might result if he attempted to carry out his plans of survey. In the
meantime Hon. Wm. Macdougall had been appointed Lieutenant-Governor of
the Northwest Territory, and started west for the purpose of assuming
office. He had been warned by Col. Dennis of the unfriendly feeling
which prevailed among the half-breeds in respect to himself and the
Dominion Government, and on arriving at Pembina (Minnesota), he was
more forcibly notified of the disaffection which existed when he
was forbidden by them to cross the border into the territory. He was
determined to go ahead, however, and advanced about two miles over
the line with his party, when he received news from Col. Dennis that
rebellion was rife, and that the insurgents, under the leadership of
Louis Riel, were determined to prevent his further progress. Riel had
posted armed guards at various points along the trails leading from
Pembina to Fort Garry for the purpose of resisting the advance of
Lieutenant-Governor Macdougall, and as there was not a sufficient force
available to overcome the rebels, he was obliged to remain where he was.
Then Riel became emboldened, and seized Fort Garry, where he set up a
"Provisional Government," and organized a force to hold the territory.
During the fall and winter of 1869 and 1870 he held high revels at
Fort Garry, and amused himself by arresting and imprisoning all loyal
Canadians he could lay hands on. Several prominent citizens were
confined in the fort by Riel's order and subjected to insults and
indignities, while their worldly possessions were pillaged and
destroyed. Among those who especially fell under Riel's displeasure was
a loyal Canadian named Thomas Scott. He was a bold and fearless young
man, and his sturdy patriotism to his country and his determined manner
of expressing his views, angered Riel, who ordered him under arrest. He
was taken to Fort Garry and confined in a cell, but made his escape.
He was soon recaptured, and Riel at once convened a court-martial
and sentenced Scott to be shot at 10 o'clock the next morning. The
unfortunate prisoner was not allowed to make any defence. Riel's word
was law, and to gratify his angry passions he ordered the execution to
take place the following morning. Therefore on the 4th of March, 1870,
poor Scott was led outside of the walls of the fort by a party of six
rebels under command of Ambrose Lepine and brutally murdered. When the
news of this inhuman butchery reached Ontario the people of the Province
were filled with feelings of intense indignation, and the public and
press demanded the Government to take immediate action in organizing a
force to stamp out the rebellion and effect the arrest and punishment of
the perpetrators of the crime.
The Government promptly heeded the appeals of the people, and on the
16th of April, 1870, an Order-in-Council was passed by the Cabinet
authorising the organization of a military contingent for service in the
new Province of Manitoba, the principal object being to quell the Riel
Rebellion, arrest the leaders, and establish law and order in that
territory. In accordance with this resolution two battalions of riflemen
were organized, which were designated as the First (Ontario) Battalion,
and the Second (Quebec) Battalion of Rifles. Each battalion consisted
of seven companies, with an establishment of three officers and 50
non-commissioned officers and men to each company. The staff of each
battalion consisted of one Lieutenant-Colonel, one Major, one
Adjutant (with rank of Captain), one Paymaster, one Surgeon, one
Quartermaster-sergeant, one Hospital Sergeant, one Sergeant-Major, one
Armorer-Sergeant, and one Paymaster's Clerk, making the total strength
of each battalion 375 of all ranks. These battalions were composed
of volunteers from existing corps of the Active Militia in the seven
Military Districts of the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec, and the
terms of enlistment were for one year, or longer if their services were
required. The enrolling of the men to form these organizations commenced
on the 1st of May, and the ranks were quickly filled. The various
companies were concentrated at Toronto, where they were clothed and
equipped, and placed under the orders of Colonel Fielden, of Her
Majesty's 60th Royal Rifles. All of the field and line officers were
duly appointed, gazetted, and joined their respective corps in due time,
and in a few weeks the expeditionary force was in excellent condition
for active service.
The following is a roster of the officers who were on active service, in
command of the volunteer corps named, on the Red River Expedition:--
FIRST (ONTARIO) RIFLES.
Lieut.-Col. Samuel P. Jarvis, commanding officer; Major
Griffiths Wainwright.
Captains--Thomas Scott, Thomas Macklem, William M.
Herchmer, William Smith. Alex. R. Macdonald. Daniel H.
McMillan and Henry Cook.
Lieutenants--Donald A. Macdonald, David M. Walker,
William N. Kennedy, Andrew McBride, William J. McMurty,
Samuel B. Harman and James Benson.
Ensigns--A. J. Z. Peebles, Stewart Mulvey, Josiah J.
Bell, Samuel Hamilton, John Biggar, William H. Nash and
Hugh John Macdonald.
Paymaster--Capt. J. F. B. Morrice.
Adjutant--Capt. Win. J. B. Parsons.
Quartermaster--Edward Armstrong.
Surgeon--Alfred Codd, M.D.
SECOND (QUEBEC) RIFLES.
Lieut.-Col. Louis Adolphe Casault, commanding officer;
Major Acheson G. Irvine.
Captains--Z. C. A. L. de Bellefeuille, Allan Macdonald,
Jacques Labranche, Samuel Macdonald, Jean Baptiste Amyot,
John Fraser, Wm. J. Barrett.
Lieutenants--J. W. Vaughan, John P. Fletcher, Edward T.
H. F. Patterson. Oscar Prevost. Maurice E. B. Duchesnay,
Henri Bouthillier, Leonidas de Salaberry.
Ensigns--Ed. S. Bernard, John Allan, George Simard,
Gabriel L. Des Georges, Alphonse de M. H. D'Eschambault,
William W. Ross, Alphonse Tetu.
Paymaster--Lieut. Thos. Howard.
Adjutant--Capt. F. D. Gagnier.
Quartermaster--F. Villiers.
The following officers were appointed to positions on
the Brigade Staff in connection with the expedition:--
Assistant Brigade Major--Major James F. McLeod.
Assistant Control Officer--Capt. A. Peebles.
Orderly Officer on Staff of Commanding Officer--Lieut.
Frederick C. Denison.
The total strength of the expeditionary force amounted to about 1,200,
which was composed of about 350 officers and men of H. M. 60th Royal
Rifles, detachments of Royal Artillery and Engineers, the First and
Second Rifles above mentioned, and a contingent of Canadian voyageurs.
The whole expedition was in command of that gallant soldier Colonel
Garnet S. Wolseley (who afterwards won honor and fame in foreign
campaigns, and became a Field Marshal of the British Army). The troops
left Toronto in May on their long trip to Fort Carry, going by steamboat
to Prince Arthur's Landing (now Port Arthur), from which point they took
the old "Dawson route" to their destination. It was a most difficult
undertaking, but the undaunted courage of the officers and men and their
determination to overcome all obstacles triumphed, as they forced their
way through rivers, lakes, swamps, muskegs and forest until they reached
the prairie land of Manitoba. They were about three months on the way,
arriving at Port Garry on the 24th of August. During this time it became
necessary for the men to cut trails through brake and bramble, construct
corduroy roads, build boats, ascend dangerous rapids, portage stores
and supplies over almost insurmountable places, meanwhile fighting
mosquitoes and black flies, and encountering countless dangers, all of
which they cheerfully performed with their characteristic bravery until
the whole expedition was successfully landed on Manitoba soil without
serious mishap.
Their approach to Fort Garry was made so quietly and quickly that Riel
and his followers had barely time to get out of the fort and scatter
in all directions before the troops arrived, and therefore they did not
have an opportunity of using force to quell the rebellion. Unfortunately
Riel and his lieutenants succeeded in making their escape. Fort Garry
was at once occupied by the column and the Union Jack hoisted on the
flag-staff, amid ringing cheers for the Queen, while the artillery fired
a royal salute.
The arrival of Col. Wolseley's troops was hailed with delight by the
loyal residents of what is now the flourishing city of Winnipeg, as they
had suffered severe persecutions by the rebels during the period that
Riel and his lieutenant Ambrose Lepine held sway in their career of
rebellion. Lawful authority was quickly established, and all fragments
of the revolt being stamped out by Col. Wolseley, the loyal citizens
took up the work of temporary organization of the necessary civil
institutions for the proper government of the Province, pending
the arrival of Hon. Mr. Archibald, who had been appointed
Lieutenant-Governor of the new domain. In this work Mr. Donald A.
Smith (now Lord Strathcona) proved a tower of strength, and with
the assistance of Dr. John Schultz and other loyal residents of the
Province, matters were soon shaped into a state of peace, progress and
prosperity.
Lieutenant-Governor Archibald arrived at Fort Garry on Sept. 2nd, and
a few days later assumed the duties of his office. When it became
absolutely certain that all of the embers of the rebellion had been
extinguished, Colonel Wolseley returned to the east with the regular
troops, leaving the Canadian volunteers still on duty in Manitoba. They
remained at Fort Garry until the following spring, when their services
being no longer required they were ordered home for "muster out."
That the Canadian volunteers and voyageurs acquitted themselves
creditably on the occasion of the Red River Rebellion is a matter of
history, and that their services were highly appreciated by Colonel
Wolseley is evidenced by the fact that when he was put in command of the
British troops operating in the Egyptian campaign, and desired a method
of transporting his troops and stores up the River Nile, he remembered
his Red River experience, and promptly asked for a contingent of
Canadian voyageurs to handle his system of transport by the great
water route, and got them. That they did their duty in the Land of the
Pharoahs as thoroughly as they did on previous occasions at home, will
always stand to their credit in the annals of the British Army.
APPENDIX
CHAPTER I.
THE BOOKER INVESTIGATION--RESULT OF THE FINDING OF THE COURT OF INQUIRY
REGARDING THE CAUSE OP THE RETREAT AT RIDGEWAY.
The following is a report of the proceedings of the Court of Inquiry
held at Hamilton on Tuesday, July 3rd, 1866, by order of His Excellency
the Commander-in-Chief, on the application of Lieut.-Col. Booker, to
examine and report on the circumstances connected with the engagement at
Lime Ridge (or Ridgeway) on June 2nd:
The following officers composed the Court: President, Col. George T.
Denison, Commandant Volunteer Militia, Toronto; members--Lieut.-Col.
James Shanly, London; Lieut.-Col. G. K. Chisholm, Commanding Oakville
Rifle Company, Oakville.
The letter of instructions from Col. P. L. Macdougall, the
Adjutant-General of Militia, for the guidance of the Court, addressed
to Col. Denison (the President), and also the letter from Lieut.-Col.
Durie, by the authority of the Adjutant-General, on the same subject
(also addressed to the President) were both read and duly considered by
the Court previous to their entering upon the subject of inquiry.
Lieut.-Col. Booker having previously received due notice of the sitting
of the Court and of the object of the inquiry, was permitted to be
present, and he desired liberty of the Court to put in a written
narrative of events as they occurred from the time he left Hamilton
until he returned from Lime Ridge to Port Colborne.
The orders for the assembling of the Court were then produced and read,
as follows:--
GOVERNMENT ORDERS.
On application of Lieut.-Col. Booker, the Commander-in-Chief directs the
assembly of a Court of Inquiry at Hamilton, on Tuesday, the 3rd of July,
1866, to examine witnesses and report on the circumstances connected
with the late engagement at Lime Ridge. President, Col. G. T. Denison;
members, Lieut.-Col. James Shanly, and Lieut.-Col. G. K. Chisholm.
(Signed) P. L. MACDOUGALL,
Colonel, A.G.M.
WM. L. DURIE,
Lieut.-Col., A.A.G.M.
OTTAWA, 24th June, 1866.
[A true copy].
TORONTO, 2nd July, 1866.
Sir,--In reply to your inquiries on Saturday last, I am directed to
inform you that "the Court of Inquiry is to be closed," and that Col.
Booker can produce any evidence he thinks proper. If the Court requires
further evidence it may produce witnesses.
I beg to remain,
Yours truly,
WM. L. DURIE,
Lieut.-Col., D.A.G.M.
COL. DENISON, President Court of Inquiry.
OTTAWA, June 23rd, 1866.
Sir,--I have the honor to instruct you that the Court of Inquiry
of which you are named President, is ordered on the application of
Lieut.-Col. Booker, in order to give that officer the opportunity of
disproving the unfavorable imputations which have been cast upon him in
the public prints. You will therefore be pleased to take all evidence
which may be produced before the Court by Lieut.-Col. Booker, and you
will also endeavor to procure all other evidence which may tend to
elucidate the truth.
The opinion of the Court of Inquiry must, of course, be based on
and sustained by such evidence only as is embodied in the written
proceedings. I have the honor to be, sir,
Your very obedient servant,
P. L. MACDOUGALL,
Colonel, A.G.M.
COL. G. T. DENISON, President Court of Inquiry, Toronto.
The Court then considered the application of Lieut.-Col. Booker to put
in his narrative, and after due deliberation came to the conclusion that
they should comply with his request, and accordingly gave him permission
to put in his written statement.
Lieut.-Col. Booker then read and afterwards handed in to the Court the
following statement of his connection with the operations of the troops
under his command in the engagement at Lime Ridge:
NARRATIVE.
On the morning of the 1st of June, 1866, at the hour of 5.30, I received
the following telegraphic message from Lieut.-Col. Durie, A.A.G.M.:
TORONTO, June 1st, 1866.
_To Lieut.-Col. Booker, Commandant:_
Call out your regiment for active service at once, and proceed by
special train to Dunnville via Paris immediately. Complete your men to
sixty rounds per man. Take spare ammunition with you. Ascertain enemy's
position as you progress, who are reported to have landed at Fort Erie.
In proceeding to Dunnville stop at Caledonia Station and take command of
two volunteer companies (Caledonia and York) in readiness there. Better
take cars with you for their transport.
If Port Colborne is occupied by the enemy, secure yourself at Dunnville
and report to me.
By Order,
(Signed) Wm. L. DURIE,
Lieut.-Col., A.A.G.M.
And I proceeded to warn the Thirteenth Battalion, under my command,
for immediate active service. The members mustered rapidly at the
rendezvous, but as many came without overcoats or breakfasts, I caused
them to return home for breakfast and report again within the hour,
instructing them to bring their overcoats, and those who had them, their
haversacks with food. I cautioned them that I could not tell when nor
where they would have the next opportunity for a meal.
At about 7 a.m. the Commandant (Col. Peacocke) informed me that he also
was under orders to leave. Shortly afterwards the manager of the Great
Western Railway notified me that the cars were ready for transport.
The 13th Battalion, say 265 of all ranks, embarked at 9.30 a.m., and
proceeded by way of Paris to Dunnville, taking up the York and Caledonia
Companies (Captains Davis and Jackson), who reported 95 of all ranks.
On arrival at Dunnville, where we expected to remain during the night,
we were met by the Reeve of the town, who provided the men with billets,
and I reported our arrival to Col. Peacocke by telegraph. We were at
dinner when I received the following telegram:
BY TELEGRAPH FROM CLIFTON, June 1st.
_To Commander Hamilton Volunteers, Dunnville:_
Go on to Port Colborne at once.
(Signed) G. PEACOCKE.
A few minutes sufficed to see all on the cars (which had been retained
at Dunnville for orders) en route for our destination, which we reached
at about 11 o'clock p.m. We found the Queen's Own of Toronto had
preceded us during the afternoon (say 480 of all ranks). The Queen's
Own had secured all the billets, and the command with me endeavored to
settle themselves as best they could in the cars for the night.
During the night, at my request, Major Skinner endeavored to secure a
bread ration for the men: Some biscuits and bread were obtained, and
that officer reported to me that the baker would prepare a batch of
bread to be ready at 3 a.m. of the 2nd June.
I may now mention that, being the senior officer present, the entire
command of the force at Port Colborne devolved on me. About midnight I
received the following despatch by telegraph:
By TELEGRAPH PROM CHIPPAWA, 2nd June, 1866.
_To Officer Commanding at Port Colborne:_
I have sent Captain Akers to communicate with you. He will be with you
at about half-past one. Send back the Great Western cars, if, after
seeing Captain Akers, you think they are not wanted. If you get the
ferry boat, send a detachment to patrol the river.
(Signed) G. PEACOCKE, Colonel.
Capt. Akers arrived punctually. On his arrival it appeared that
Lieut.-Col. Dennis and myself were in possession of later and more
reliable information of the position of the enemy than Colonel Peacocke
seemed to have had when Captain Akers had left him at midnight. It then
seemed necessary to inquire whether the original plan for a junction at
Stevensville, to attack the enemy, supposed to be encamped near Black
Creek, should be adhered to, when it appeared they were encamped much
higher up the river, and nearer to Fort Erie.
It was therefore proposed that the tug boat "W. T. Robb," whose Captain
had expressed a desire to be of service, should patrol the shore of
the lake as far as Fort Erie, and endeavor to communicate with Col.
Peacocke's command. It was at the same time suggested that I should
take my command down by rail to the railroad buildings at Fort Erie,
and occupy and hold them until 7 a.m. If not communicated with before
7 a.m., to proceed to Frenchman's Creek, on the north side of which, it
had been reported to me by an officer of Her Majesty's Customs at Fort
Erie, that the Fenians were encamped not more than 450 strong; that they
had during the day stolen 45 or 50 horses, and were drinking freely.
It was also suggested that in the event of my not being communicated
with before 7 a.m. (and then being at Fort Erie), I should proceed to
Frenchman's Creek and attack the enemy, if still there. This command,
however, was to depend upon the approval of Colonel Peacocke.
In the meantime, and before I had received the telegram (No. 4)
Lieut.-Col. Dennis and Captain Akers had left in the tug (in company
with the Welland Field Battery, armed with short Enfields, under the
command of Captain King) for Fort Erie, Captain Akers, at the last
moment, leaving the final arrangement with me, which I took down as
follows:
"_Memo_.--Move at not later than 5.30; 5 o'clock if bread be ready. Move
to depot at Fort Erie and wait till 7. If not communicated with before
7, move to Frenchman's Creek. If 'No' by telegraph, disembark at
Ridgeway and move to Stevensville at 9 to 9.30 a.m. Send pilot engine to
communicate with Lieut.-Col. Dennis at Erie and with telegrams."
Soon after their departure I received Col. Peacocke's telegraph, as
follows:
BY TELEGRAPH FROM CHIPPAWA, June 2nd, 3.50 a.m.
_To Commanding Officer, Port Colborne:_
Have received your message of 3 a.m. I do not approve of it. Follow
original plan. Acknowledge receipt of this.
(Signed) G. PEACOCKE.
This negatived our proposed change of plan, and left me to follow the
instructions which I had received from Colonel Peacocke through Captain
Akers, namely:
"Move at not later than 5.30; 5 o'clock if bread be ready. * * *
Disembark at Ridgeway and march to Stevensville at 9 to 9.30 a.m."
The bread ration having been secured, the train left Port Colborne
soon after 5 a.m. en route for Stevensville. The only horse on the cars
belonged to Major Skinner, 13th Battalion, who had kindly offered him
for my service. I expressed a desire that the field officers of the
Queen's Own would take their horses, but was met by the reply that they
would be of no use in the woods where we should likely be, and that it
was thought best not to take them.
I sent a pilot engine in advance of the train some ten or fifteen
minutes, and instructed its driver, if possible, to communicate with
Fort Erie. The train with the volunteers proceeded very slowly and
cautiously, and arrived at Ridgeway without a sign of obstruction, after
more than an hour from its departure from Port Colborne. At Ridgeway we
formed battalions in column of companies, right in front.
Means of conveyance for my stores not being at hand. I thought best to
distribute as much spare ammunition amongst the men as possible, and
requested those who could do so to carry an extra ten rounds in their
pockets. At this time it was reported to me that the Caledonia Rifle
Company had no percussion caps, and but few rounds of cartridge.
I supplied them from the spare ammunition of the 13th Battalion. I
endeavored to procure a horse or team for my medical officers' stores,
but without success, and failing means of transport, I returned tents
and blankets to Port Colborne, relieving the cars from further waiting
at Ridgeway.
After a little delay I requested Major Gillmor (as the Queen's Own was
the senior battalion) to take the lead of the column, and as one of his
companies was armed with the Spencer repeating rifle, that it should
form the advance guard.
When the battalions were proved, and before forming the advance guard.
I gave the order to the column, "With ball cartridge--load." I made
inquiries from the inhabitants as to their knowledge of the whereabouts
of the enemy. The reports were contradictory and evidently unreliable.
To take proper precaution and keep my appointment at Stevensville was my
obvious duty.