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Les diagrammes suivants iiiustrent la mAthode. 1 2 3 1 a * 4 5 6 \ e \i ^Ai&Mi^^^i^ ! -<* y* ^»*»— - (..!;•, I V -, i ^^ V ^■>_»1.-,. J^ J -i.. ,.,;, ,5rr«Fj**'. ■*' ■:y ■ .'(/< .^r-" I.-? w«'' f/V i-ifnm-i'-;t^ti' « ■ii » ?.!!.<;•. ;i^ ''41 M .■#' , _ I ^ J ,--i \ 4 ,v f f It.-^ "''''K 'V *"= ^ 4\ * ■ -U ]g K'¥t3-\«-v^,,^ 'Wr- -"— - -n imiumn n^m^mt^f^^-w^m };*"»^ a.Fmianf landeJ '/itne. /^ \r thtians ramped till 4 fi^m. June 2'^ and then, moved towvrdvliidfiwxtu. \>lfbtianlantpwhichOifghwke ufiU ncHifdf pm^flouuf €hwn.naitsrhe\k\Fem^ retiring Voiunteov to this f mint . - .. . « n. ^ ■ ..-i -V_A .„A^i — I — _/>o>.^*z_.- i:.,i A-j_.'^i. — .i._ « mitlnufhtoniheT^'hine, e Inirmalionai HJLFeirjf Wtmrf where n reinfitrement of 20Oteituiii.< /uilp *iipp/iet/, with anur, arrivetijtm aJkr m tuttnrfe itenihiKekbg(l^\>itaannurnierofhif(pi/\filJe)mrri,wv7xlken rscaptng 1o Bidfbiohjf 1J»'MVtte Via d anil tTTPH'. c(^s Cat f-e<. •*^ ** y I i^^pjuii^ I inn^i pi j , :»*'*" ■-\ l.«S» \ ^ ^c-^ m-m^Vmmmm i ^Vim i Kmm m mr"- , 'i f i H| i| trft(ii| i n i (t ' J . ^SflSW'l'SWw*^ Jj^' .* -.4.". ■• i^ THE FENIAN RAID AT FORT ERIE, JUNE THE FIRST AND SECOND, 1Q66 : WITH A MAP OF THE NIAGARA PENINSULA, SHEWING THE ROUTE OF THE TROOPS ; AND A PLAN OF THE LIME RIDGE' BATTLE GROUND. m ^'1 TORONTO: W. C. CHEWETT & CO., KING STREET EAST. 1866. /- izi-i PRINTED AT THE STEAM PRESS ESTAWJSHMENT OP W. C. CBEWKTT A CO., KINO STREET EAS*!, TORONTO. ? " ^m-.: » \ ♦*. / \ CONTENTS. PART I.— INTRODUCTORY. Fenianism in 1864 9 Before the Raid 16 Campo Bello Expedition 17 Stephens' and Roberts' dispute 19 Stephens on Canadian invasion 19 General Sweeney ou the move 20 Exciting rumours 20 The Volunteer Militia called out 20 Number of the Fenian Forces and their Material 21 General Sweeney's impudence , 22 Proclamation of General Sweeney 24 Proclamation of President Roberts 26 Seizure of arms by U. S. Government 27 The Fenians as they passed through Cleveland 27 PART II.— THE RAID AT FORT ERIE. Premonitory symptoms 28 The Raid began 30 ITumbers crossed 31 The Fenians in Canada 32 Preparatio.is in Toronto 33 The Naval Brigade 35 The Volunteer Artillery 35 The Chicago Volunteers 36 Their arrival in Toronto S7 Their services accepted 38 The Governor General's thanks 38 Conversazione in their honour 38 Our men at work 40 The Fenians on Friday • 41 A crisis at >and , 43 VI CONTENTS. PAOS. The Battle of Lime Ridge 43 Incidents of the Fight 61 The adventures of a " Queen's Own" man 64 Further incidents 64 Colonel Dennis's skirmish 64 Notes accompanying sketch of field of action 68 Military c«-iticism ^9 Colonel Peacock's detachment 63 £scape of the Fenians 65 The Fenian prisoners at Buffalo 66 Farther alarm 6*2 The Roll of honour 69 Bringing back the dead VO The Medical Staff '71 The Funeral 71 The moral of the Funeral 73 Feeling in other places 74 Other Funerals 74 More deaths 75 The Volunteer Fund 77 PART III.— APPENDIX. Official Documents : Commander in Chiefs general order 78 Colonel Peacock's report 78 Lieutenant Colonel Booker's report 80 Colonel Lowry's report 81 Colonel Dennis's report 83 Captain Aker's report 86 Captain McCallum's report . . 88 Thanks of the Major Commanding 89 Thanks to the Naval Brigade 89 Col. Dennis's Engagement at Fort Erie 90 The Mttjor-General and the Volunteers 90 Lord Carnarvon to Lord Monck 90 Miscellaneous Notices : Ensif^ii McEachren, by Rev. W. Stephenson 91 Private Tempest 91 A Proclamation by Presiuvut Johnson 9.'? Treatment of the Fenian Dead 93 The Fenians and Catholicism 94 The Fenian Prisoners ; A Letter from T, D''Arcy McGee 95 The Publishers, in issuing this account of the Fenian Invasion, would explain, that their object has been to collect and place in a permanent form the' most valuable portion of the information that appeared in our Newspapers during the raid. While they have arranged the matter chronologically, and have here and there supplied a connecting link, they have not sought to make it a rigidly continuous narrative ; they think that at present the public will prefer to have the materials gathered together, out of which the future history may be constructed. It was the in- tention to give the particulars of the raid into Lower Canada also, and the materials for this were arranged, but the length to which the earlier part extended has excluded it. This would have shewn more clearly the collapse of the project, and with a sketch of the subsequent circumstances, and of the present position and aspects of Fenianism in the United States, would liave formed a complete record of this important era in Canadian History. They have to acknowledge the courtesy of the Editors of the Globe, Leader, and Telegraph, in readily allowinj^ the freest use of the articles which have appeared in their respective papers on the subject ; and also to several officers and privates of the Queen's Own, who were present at Lime Ridge, for information and various suggestions, They would also acknow- ledge their indebtedness to Htjoh Sott, Esq., for procuring them tlie very valuable plan of the Lime Ridge ground, showing the position of the Fenian forces, &c. ; also for accompanying notes. They venture to say that nothing has yet appeared to render that conflict so clear and intelligible. i. Toronto, August 8, 1866. 1 FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. PART I.— INTEODUCTORY. As a fitting introduction to the accouiH of the Fenian Invasion, it may be v?e]l to glance at the imposture two years ago. We therefore extract from the pages of" All the Year Round" the following article on FENIANISM IN 1864. Not long ago a meeting was held in the Rotundo at Dublin to express the indignation of Young Ireland at a vote of the Dublin corporation, which gave a site upon College-green for a statue to the late Prince Con- sort, liut although Young Ireland was left in quiet possession of that meeting, it did not choose to be quiet. There was no proud Saxon to lay low, 80, at the mention of a name welcome to some patriots, but unwelcome to others, uprose a band of Fenians, tore off the legs of chairs and tables, smartly applied them to the heads of brother patriots, carried the platform by storm, and waved triumphantly the green tablecloth of Erin over a mad hullabaloo. This was a grand exhibition of the materials for that peculiar joint-stock society, " the Fenian Brotherhood," promoted by a few sharpers for the profitable cultivation of Irish flats. Appeal is made to the unrea- soning love of a row still common among ihe uneducated Irish. The Irish faction against the English faction ! Whew ! what a grand fight it'll be I It would " electrify the world," says the editor of the Chicago Fenian, and it would be " one of the grandest events in history, because it would necessarily involve the overthrow of an Imperial system greater than any the world has seen since the fall of the Roman, perhaps greater than the Roman itself." If Hungary overthrew Austria, he goes on to show, five years hence, general history would give only five pages to the fact. If Poland overthrew Russia, five pages would be more than enough to tell that talc : but the overthrow of the British Empire, that vrould be grand indeed ! The day Irishmen huml.le the haughty crest of England, they chain the glory of Ireland for ever to the stars. To this eloquent prophecy is added, '* Who can doubt the ultimate success of f. cause, the undoing faith in which is cherished in the hearts of a people from father to son, and eviden;, by acts time and again significant as the following : — " The following fact being, that the brothers John Patrick and Edward Gafi'ney have sent to the Irish National Fair, Chicago, " two pairs of boots, patent leather and morocco tops." Surely these patent leather boots of the Gaffneys, wherewith England is defied, are sublimer than the boots of Bombastes, that were nut chained to the stars, but only hung from a tree : Whoever (lore these boots displncc, Must meet Bomb.\stk8 face to face ! 10 FKNIAN INVASION OF CANADA. l?iit what is the Irish National Fair, Chicago, to which it is so glorious a thins to have sent two pairs of patent leather boots with morocco tops ? Well ; Chicago, on Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Chicago River is the chief city of Illinois, of which the growth during the last thirty years has been so rapid as to be wonderful even in America. Ten years ago it was the largest primary grain depOt in the world, and its population, now of about one hundred and ten thousand, has trebled since that time. It trades with three thousand miles of coast line on the lakes, and has navigable water communication with the Mississippi and the sea : so that it can load a vessel at its wharves either for New Orleans or for Liverpool. Among the Irishmen in this town of Chicago, the " Fenian Brotherhood " professes to have its head-quarters. Here, certain flats and sharpers held in November last what was called the " First General Congress of the Fenian Brotherhood," whereat they resolved that this " Brotherhood " should be a fixed and permanent institution in America, with a head centre, state centres, and centres of circles ; and that the object of its members should be " to gird their loins silently and sternly for the inevitable struggle that is approaching." This organisation in Chicago is opposed by the bishop of the Irish Catholics, as it is opposed in Ireland and America by the main body of the bishops and priests of the Irish Catholic Church, except only a few men like Father Lavelle, who described Prince Albert at the Rotundo meeting as " a German reviler of our creed and country, and the husband of a foreign queen." Oppressed as their Church truly is by a dominant Protestant establishment, which is the genuine cause of more than half the bad blood of the country, its honest efforts to check the " Young Irish " party in its wild course of sedition have been unintermit- ting, and made at some sacrifice of popular influence. Let us give to faith- ful servants of Chrisfrwho are not of our own communion, the honour due to them herein for Christian work. The Chicago Fenians scout the admonitions of their Bishop Duggan. " When the old world harness," says one magnificent spirit, " is attempted to be buckled tightly upon the Americanised Catholic mind, and the gear once fails, as in the case of the Fenians, it may as well be returned to the lumber-room, or used only for doRile females and quiet old men, who from long training will not grow restive in the traces. Wc regard the Fenians as having achieved their first great step in the elevation of Irish nationality, by teaching a lesson to the priesthood which they will never forget, and the first of a series which, once taken, the rest will follow." The Americanised Irish sharper fully developed into a Fenian leader is a most eloquent creature; " rough he is, so air our bars ; wild he is, so air our buffalers ; but his glorious answer to the tyrant and the despot is, that his bright home is in the setting sun." Hoar, for example, one of the two great managers of Fenian finance at Chicago, Messrs. Michael and John Soanlon, proposing at a ** Fenian banquet," on Saint Patrick's Day, " the Day wc Celeberate " (spelling is not one of the strong points of the Chicago Fenian and National Fnir Gazette, wherefrom wo quote), hear him tell how " our glorious pagan ancestry, rising above the things of earth, plucked the very sun from heaven, placed it in their banner, and marched to victory beneath its beams," or hear him praise the United States, and quote the Americanised Shakespeare. " States, where men walk earth in the light of freedom, with nothing twixt their souls and heaven, until the kings and titled nobility of earth appear as pigmies, FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 11 prow nee at Fenian llins is I Fni}' pagan 1 from ath its canised reedom, titled Cutting lip such fantastic tricks before hij^li lieavon, As ruake the angels weep." All hail to Messrs. Michel and John Scanlan ! The«o secra to have been the gentlemen who got up the other day at Chioago a Fenian Irish National Fair, which began on Easter Monday, and was to have a season of a weeii. There were sold for a dollar apiece season tickets of admission. " One dollar," said the announcement, " one dollar will aid the holiest cause that ever engnged the heart and brain of man," besides giving a chance of winning one of a thousand prizes to be drawn for : a rosewood piano, a diamond-cased lady's gold hunting- watch, a fine French clock, a silver plated tea-set, a meerschaum pipe, a sewing-machine, a dozen fiddles, five boxes of Havannas, two dozen sets of heavy plated spoons, or a marble bust of General Corcoran. Gift, of all kinds were to be sent from all parts for sale at the Fenian Fair, and the proceeds — ah, well, they would be invested in U. S. bonds until wanted. These patriotic people call themselves a " Fenian IJmtherhood," because Irish tradition says that the Fenians were an old militia employed to pro- tect the Irish coasts from all foreign invaders. Each of tlie four provinces is said to have had its band or clan, Fionn and Oisin (Fingal and Ossian) being chiefs of one of the clans with which the other clans fought, till the institution came to its end pretty much in the same way as the meeting did the other day at the Rotundo. But there were Fenians in Scotland and North Germany as well as in Ireland, and, in fact, there is good reason to suppose that they were a distinct tribe of those Celts who pre- ceded the Germanic races in occupation of the North Gorman and Scandi- navian shores. No matter for that. Tradition connects them with the best of the early Irish poetry as the home militia and coast-guard, composed of men of miraculous attainments : so nimble that they could walk over rotten sticks without breaking them : so fleet that each of them could outstrip in the race all " the rest" of his comrades : so brave that any one of them counted it equal battle to fight nineof any other nation. So l^^re- we have the Fenians again, though the boldest of them don't hold hy the old traditional rule that prevented her militia from passingout of Ireland; and in America they take one John O'Mahorey to be their Finn McCoul. The professed object of this band of brothers is the national freedom of Ireland. The congress of November last began by proclaiming its deter- mination to uphold the laws and constitution of the United States; it then went on to say that, in consequence of the hostile attitude assumed by the English Oligarchy, merchants, and the press, towards the United States since the beginning of the civil war, hostilities between the two countries is imminent ; and they resolved that the younger members of the Brother- hood be drilled so as to be prepared to offer their services to the United States when these begin their war with England. Ireland at present being the vanguard of America against British aggression, " her organised sons keeping watch and ward for the United States at the thresholds of the despots of Europe, nay in their very citadels," it was resolved that the Brotherhood is open to every man who is loyal to the principles of self- government, and will oppose the emissaries of foreign despotisms who would feign (Fenian spelling again) crush the growth of republican princi- ples, and stop the onward march of freedom. The preamble to another resolution admits the existence of dissension among the lirotherhood, and it is therefore resolved that American politics and religious questions shall I 12 FENI.VX TXVASTO.V OF CANADA. I li(> cxcliulod from their councils. It asHcrts that it is not a secret, nor an (i.ith-bimiul, society ; and, as certain circles have adopted a form of pledge ciipablc of giving colour to a contrary a.«.sertion, the following form ia recoMimendod fur general adoption : " I solemnly pledge my sacied word and honour as a truthful and lidiioHt man, that 1 will labour with earnest zeal for the liberation of Ireland from the yoke of England, and for the establishment of a free and independent government on Irish soil; that I will implicitly obey the commands of my superior officers in the Fenian brotherhood; that I will faithfully discharge the duties of my membership, as laid down in the (.V)nstitutioii and ]?y-L:iW3 thereof; that, I will do my utmost to promote feelinh race abroad and at home, we are told that it is pervaded by a profound love of Ireland, and " by an intense and undying hatred towards the monarchy and (digarchy of Great Britain, which have so long ground their country to the dust, hang- ing her patriots, starving out her peojilc, and sweepi:)g myriads of Irish men, women, and children off their paternal fields, to find a refuge in foreign lands," and that the best way of gratifying the hatred of Great Britain is, for Irishmen to cultivate brotherly feeling, good will, and uiutual forbearance. Fenians who are not aware of the fact, will be glad to learn that the " men of Irish birth and lineage now dwelling on the American continent hold, at present, a more powerful po.-'ilioti among the peoples of the earth, in point id' numbers, political privileges, social influ- ence and military strength, than was ever before held by any exiled portion, not alone of the Irish nation, but of any subjugated p(;rtion what.M)ever ;" while in the very same document they are told th;^t, '' in the hard battle of the exile's life the race is dying out, and the present moment is that in which the Irish element has reached its greatest development." The final FENIAN IXVASION OF CANADA. i;i t, nor nn of plcdj!;e ; form is fhful and !iation of I free an J jitly obey d; that I wn ill ilic I ]iroiii(itc rislinien ; 1 Hruther- id socit'ty, ;an havdly er circle," 3 IJrothor- e methods le avowed (i (.Jhicajio to wait on to bo given >d a most r contribu- id accepted iui, on the op further the leaders re not suf- not know 8 occur in ovcrnment the Church abroad and reland, and lii^arcliy of dust, hanfi- (Is of Irish refuiro in d t)f Great 1 will, and will be glad ling on the among the social influ- led portion, latsuever ;" hard battle nt is that in The final resolution i.s given in the boldest type, and runs thus : " That \vk DKcr.AiiK THK SAID luiHlI I'KUl'LE TO CONSTITtTE ONE UF TDK DliSTINCT NATKiN- ALITIKS OF THE EARTH, AND AS SUCH JUSTriY ENTITLED TO ALL THE UKKITS OF 8ELF-00VERNMENT." V Jjut this absurd society must be more numerous in America than an Englishman, with fair regard for Irish sense would iiiia<;ino, or wo slumld not have Mr. IJlair, the I'ostmaster-lJieneral of the United States, writing to the Secretary in this stylo : " Washington, February Otli, 18G-1. " Cor. Sec. I. N. Fai "Di;aii Sik, — Herewith I send you a cheqn' for twenty-five dollars as a small contril)Ution to the Irish National Fair. I have aUv.uys symiiathised warmly with Ireland, and rejoice in the conviction, which daily gr iws stronger, that the days of her oppressor — the haughty and licartlesh Briti. .iristocracy, arc numbered. To the cold-blooded, calculating policy of this o'lioi.s class wo owe the planting of slavery on this continent, and conserpicntly all the horrors we have witnessed in the war which now shakes the continent. iiCtus triunifih in this struggle, and there will soon be an end put to the sway of the op[iross- ors of Ireland, and both parties so understand it, for whilst the Irish with the gallant Mulligan, ^leagher, and other true sons of Ireland are armed for the cause of free government, the British aristocrsicv, with scarcely an exception, openly sympathise with the rebels, and this, notwithstanding their affected horrror of .slavery, for the perpetuation of which the rebels are iiditing. "Yours truly, " M. Hl.viu." The governor of Illinois writes in a similar strain, and Fernando Wood, the member of the House of llcpresentatives, sends a che(iuo for a hun- dred dollars, and says: "I would give all I am worth, if, by so doing, [ could advance the cause of Irish nationality to a successful completion-." The Hon. Fernando prubablj' means all he possesses. His ex])ression, carried out literally, would not add much to the funds of the.sucifty. The senator from Michigan gives his sympathy to the movement. 1"he gover- nor of Minnesota sends a contribution with a letter, in which he says ho is for the freedom and nationality of Indand." Colonel Mulliiran, writing from the Head Quarters of the Second Division sends a hundrel dollars, and will when the union of the States is solidly settled, give his assistance in establisiiing Irish nationality. Brigadier-General Julius White, writ- ing with exceeding bitterness against those statesmen who rise in their Legislative Halls (meaning the British Houses of Parliament) and eacour- age and defend tiie traitorous villians who are making America flow with blood, prophesies that Irishmen fighting Freedom's battle shall yet hear its thunders on their native shore. The Speaker of the House of Represen- tatives is a contiibutor to the amount of twenty dollars. Major-General ricasanton is another ; so also is Brigadier-General Montgomery, whose donation is accompanied with the charitable hope that, " with the bless- ings of Providence, not only our individual but national efforts may teach England a salntr.r, lesson of retributional justice, resulting in securing to Ireland the inalienablo boon, kc." Sundry soldiers of the United States army d.) not limit the testimony of their sympathy to mere words, but send contributions ranging in amount from one to five dollars. \ • A great meeting of the Brotherhood was held in California, Vi^. which a jNIooney acknowledged that he had always found Englishmen hospitable, just, and generous, but, as regards Ireland, that *' every year the people laibc abundant fu'^d from their soil — but every y^ar tiie ships of her op- I i i. 14 FENIAN INAA8I0N OF CANAD.i. pressor come into her harbours, nnJ, like buccnnneers, cnrry off by force the food which Providence hna planted in her rich soil for her inhalitnntf, and her peopUi arc obliged to put round the hat in helpless niendiwincy to the world. But tlioy have vowed on tho top of Slivenamon, in Ireland, to beg food no longer, to petition the Queen no longer, but to arise, organ- ize, and on (he gory field assert their independence. They may rise or they n)ay fall, but they will never beg again. (Great cheering.) Mr. Mootiey s!iid lie was good for one rifle, and there were twenty thousand Irishmen in (.'alifornia who could and would each of them send a riflo to Ireland, yoa, even their brave hearts." He concluded a stirring address by suggesting "an iinnicdiato commencement of the work, and the send- ing to tho fair at Chicago a goldun brick and a few silver bricks of Cali- fornia metal. (Cheers.) At this meeting it w;is announced that Miles D. Swei.ey was willing to eontiibuto one thuu.-and dollars to the cause. This was the signal for a great outburst of applause, and '' three cheer-, were given for Miles, who was immediately voted the bulliest of the contributors. "»i In return for a contribution of five hundred and seven dollars from the Nineteenth Illinois Ivcginient, the editoj of the Fenian prays that '* when the terrible day of reckoning with England comes, God in his infinite goodness may vouch- safe that thc.<-e noble veterans may have the full measure of their desire granted — to be in at the settleim'iit." The men of another regiment are (nily waiting the torniination of the American war to "flesh their bayonets in corpulent Mr. liuU. *^ Among the articles contributed by Ireland to the fair are three photo- graphic portraits by the venerable Archbishop McIIale; "a Whole Irish- man" sends a moire antique gent's vest ; others send a piece of Lord Edward Fitzgerald's coffin; a pocket-handkerchief; an Irish MS.; a few numbers of Punch; sundry '98 pikes and shillelaghs; a jar of whisky which had nut paid the excise duty ; a bog-oak neglige ; a copy of a letter from France on Iri.sh bravery ; a sword picked up on Bunker's Hill by an Irish-English soldier; a pistol used in '98; a lump of stone, on which the brolaMi treaty was signed by the illustrious Sarsfield; a bird's-eye view of the Protestant Reformation ; a pair of lady's boots worked with a '98 pike; a Scotch claymore taken in Wexford in '98; a large doll, dressed as the '''ipperary man's dark-haired Mary; a sod of Wolfe Tone's grave ; a wateli-pucket, worke.l by lady who hopes that it will be worn next a manly heart, that fondly throbs for Fatherland ; a portrait of St. Patrick ; a horn of a Mangcrton stag; a bit of the Atlantic cable; a photograph of Einmett in one of his pensive moods ; a pair of rose-coloured cork slippers ; a flag, which " has been noticed by some of our alien rulers in both Houses of Parliament as a most rebel flag, with language in an unknown tongue;" a gross of pics "specially manufactured for the fair;" a curious bone, found on the island of Inchidonny ; " the crowbar used by the drummer bailiff when ho headed the crowbar brigade in thi.s district in the years '-t6-'48." This is the gift of one of the brigade, who has repented of his share in the cruel work of desolation, by which so many a cheerful homestead has been left a sightless ruin, and numbers of people have been driven from their homes, and forced to fly to foreign lands, or to the work- house, where at that time certain death awaited them. There has been sent also a grand blackthorn stick cut from over the graves of the ancient Britons buried in Ireland. A largo number of odd volumes of books FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 15 by force lialitniitf, ilicancy to ti Ireland, isc, orgnn- ay rise or np.) Mr. thousand 1 a riflo to )p address the sond- es of Cali- williiig to ipnal i'or a Vlihs, who Btuiu for a ith Illinois ible day of lay vouch- heir desire r roginient flesh their rco photo- hole Irish- ce of Lord IS. ; a few of whisltriko down the banner ot Kriii. No uniform, and surely not the blood-dyed coat of England, can emancipate you from the natural law that binds your allegiance to Jrehind, to liberty, to right, to justice To the friends of Ireland, of freedom, of humanity, of the people, we offer the olive branch of peace and honest giasp of friendship. Take it Irishmen, Frenchmen, Ameri- cans, — take it all, and trust it. To all who marshal to the call of the enemy, and rally under his standard, or aid or abet his cause, we give the sword in as firm and earnest a grip as ever did its work upon a fueman. We wish to meet with friends, we are prepared to meet with enemies. We shall labor to merit the confidence of the former, and the latter can expect from us but the leniency of a determined though generous foe, and the restraints and relations imposed by civilized war- iare. (Signed) "T. W. Sweeny, " Maj. Gen. Com. the Armies of Ireland." '^ Hi PROCLAMATION OF PRESIDENT ROBERTS. ■" To my Countrymen — Brothers ! Arouse. Irishmen ! A glorious eurcer has been opened for you. The green flag has waved once more in triumph over England's hated emblem. Onward! is the order, and let Ireland and Victory be the watchword. Pay no attention to what may seem defeat. Everything is working glorious, and if you but discharge your duty to your native land, our final triumph is certain. God and Justice is on our side. Have iron wills and brave hearts, and Ireland will once more be great, glorious and free. " In love and hope I remain your countryman, **W. R. Roberts, "President of Fenian Brotherhood." hi FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 27 SEIZURE OF APvMS BY U. S. GOVERNMENT. Colonel Roberts, I'resident of the Fenian Brotherhood, called on United States Marshal Murray, in relation to the seizure of arms made by Mar- shal Murray on the 30th May. Mr. Roberts stated that he had come to the Marshal to know if the United States mails could be rifled and their contents given to the public, and further if the letters which had been given to the press and which were addressed to I'resident Roberts, had not been published by authority of Marshal Murray, The Marshal replied that they had not. Mr. Roberts stated that he could prove that one of his officers had notified the press to come to the Marshal's oflSce and get them, and further, that he could name the man. Marshal Murray re- (juestcd him to do so, but Mr. Roberts declined. Mr. Roberts then asked the ]\Iarshal if ho was aware that he had rendered himself liable to a suit at law. Mr. Murray replied, " You are at liberty to take any course you please iu the matter," uud the interview ended. THE FENIANS AS THEY PASSED THROUGH CLEVELAND. A Cleveland paper, of the 29th, mentions the arrival in that city of 350 Fenians from Indianapolis on the 28th. The paper says: — At 12 o'clock last night the Gallion freight train brought in 300 of the party. They were accompanied by a full complement of line officers, all of whom wore swords and military overcoats. In the ranks were borne a a number of banners, which of course were furled The majority of the men were attired in the citizen's garb, alt ough here and there could be seen a blouse, or a blue cap, that had evidently seen service in the " great rebellion." At the foot of the Light House street hill, the entire party alighted, and formed by the side of the track. The utmost silence was maintained by the officers; scarcely a word being spoken, and every move- ment was made as quietly as possible. After the men had all been got together, the "command" broke up into squads of about 50, and then Into the darkness of the night, Scattered the three hundred. At half-past 9 o'clock this morning the Gallion accommodation train brought in 00 more Fenian recruits, likewise from Indianapolis. We only noticed one officer in the company. He was attired in what looked like u uniform of the veteran reserve corps. The ages of the party ranged from 15 to 50, we should judge. No " items" could be gotten out of the party. In response to our reporter, one Fenian said he " didn't know vhere thv'y were afther goin' j" and another guessed the Jamestown railroad might be their destination. (!) The party alighted here, and soon afterwards separated for parts unknown. Where this large body of men has kept itself to-day, nobody knows Everything in connection with them is veiled in mystery. A lew have been seen lounging about town, and occasionally have been questioned by curious persons. They invariably declare that they know nothing regard- ing their destination. The men arc probably quartered, by squads, upon our Irish citizens. [28] PART II.— THE RAID AT FORT* ERIE. iii'' '\ '4' s h f PREMONITORY SYMPTOMS. Sweeny having declared that the last sun of May should not set before a blow should be struck for Irish independence oa Canadian soil, it became very evident, towards the latter end of that month, that eomo movement was in progress, though it was impossible at the time to more than surmise where the attack would be made. On the 30th May, tele- graphic despatches from Buffalo stated that neaily six hundred men had reached that city, coming from Cincinnati and points further south vi(x Cleveland. When the train, on which they travelled, reached Buffalo the police were in attendance, but the travellers evaded them by leaving the cars at an outside stopping-place. The Fenians had some 3,000 stand of arms in Buffalo. The report was that they intended making a raid into Canada for the purpose of destroying the locks of the Welland Canal, and doing any other mischief that lay in their way. A full account is contained in the following despatch of that date : " Buffalo, May 30. »' A great deal of talk has been caused here to-day, and some excite- ment among the worst class of the population, by the arrival of consider- able numbers of Fenians from a distance, and the rumors of their intention to make a raid across the border. ** About 350 of them arrived by the Lake Shore Railroad from Cleve- land this morning, and are now here scattered through the Irish boarding hou.ses of the city. It is stated that on the passage they were very turbu- lent, and fought amongst themselves. A number of them who were in- jured in these rows were left behind, among them one who, it is expected, will not recover. '• On approaching to within a mile of the city, the party left the train and came into town in separate bodies, when they were distributed through Five Points and other disreputable parts of the city along the canal. They have been very riotously disposed during the day, and to-night some of them are in the police stations for assaults upon officers. The whole police force of the city, which is no longer a partizan body, being now i;overned by commissioners, is on duty to prevent any disturbance of the peace. " It is not known what the intentions of the Fenians are, but the general impression is that they contemplate a movement on some exposed part of Canada. The commander of the U. S. steamer Michigan has been notified of their presence here, and will probably hold himself in readiness to pre- vent, if possible, any hostile passage across the river. " At night there was a fresh arrival of about two hundred more Fenians, who came into the city in the same way as the others. These, with the rojident members of the Brotherhood, make a body of perhaps over a thousand men, for whom, it is believed, arms are nuw stored here. The FKNIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 29 frarrison at Furt rortor, it is worth remarking, ia only about fifty strong, and it will take sumo time to rciuf'urco it. "The retiiuns are now assembled in Townsend Ilall, wliich, for some time past, has been the head-quarters of theBrothcrhooJ in this city. It is not possible for them to make any movement to-ni<;ht, as tho weather is unfavorable — raininj^ and pitch dark. 13y some the gathering here is re- garded merely as a feint to cover a more important movement elsowhore. "I think I am ju.stificd in saying that the authorities on the other side have been duly warned, and that measures have been taken to avert any danger." From other points there were also accounts of the gathering of the Fe- nians, not only in the middle States, but in the west, and even in the south. A despatch from Memphis, Tenn., under date 29th May, said : " About 200 Fenians left this city, going north. Others from the south are passing through Main street this afternoon." Precautionary measures were taken on the railways at tho frontier sta- tions, by withdrawing surplus cars and engines, which, no doubt, tho invaders would have been glad to find and seize on anding. The next day the numbers of the Fenians at Buffalo had been increased by large arrivals, so that on the night of Thursday, Slst May, the District Attorney telegraphed to the Mayors of Toronto and Hamilton that about 1500 Fenians were at Buffalo, and that they intended moving off that or the fol- lowing night. A despatch says : " About 800 Fenians belong to Buffalo, and I have heard that up to last night 1,500 more had arrived. It is said that 700 more were ex- pected to-night, but the train did not connect with tho western and southern trains at Cleveland, and only about 15 made their appearance. The Fenians had about a dozen waggons waiting at the station, expect- ing freight, but got none. . " At 10 o'clock to-night I saw crowds of Fenians fitted out and ready to march. They are expected to leave for Sandusky, Ohio, by the midnight train. From that place or Ogdensburg the real attack is expected to be made. It is said they only await the arrival of artillery shipped from Chicago. "The Fenians have in their possession accurate plans of the Canadian defences, and know the full strength opposed to them. " It is rumoured that 20,000 Fenians are scattered in various towns near this city, and ready to embark. The demonstration here is re- garded by many as a feint. " Sweeny and Roberts are both here. The latter arrived to-day. "Tlierc is, it is said, 100,000 stand of arms at P. O'Day's auction rooms, belonging to the Fenians. Their armory and drill room are underno;ith the building. Barney O'Donuhoe (well known in Toronto) is a.-^si.stant auctioneer." ^lost of tho Fenians here are from Cincinnati and Louisville, and arc southern soldiers. Three Colonels are in command. The Buffalo authorities also took precautions according to the fol- lowinsc correspondence between the District Attornc of Customs ley 30 FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 1 1 ! III ; I 1'^ H I > : I Buffalo, Muy 31. CiiAS. D. Norton, Esq., Collector of Customs for District of BufTulo Greek. Sir, — Until further directed you will not clear any vobscI from your port out of uflice hours, and you will not permit any vessel to deport i'ruui the port without inspecting her cargo. Yours truly, Wm. a. Dart. United States Attorney, North District of New York. May 31. I'ursuant to the instructions contained in the foregoing letter of District Attorney Dart, no vessel will be allowed to clear from the port of Duffulo between the hours of 9 a. m. and 4 p. m. without inspection of her cargo by officers of the Custom House, and no vessel will be permitted to clear between the hoars of 4 p. m. of any day and 9 a. m. of the following day, under any circumstances, until instructions are received from the fc5eoie- tary of the Treasury. (Signed) Charles D. Norton, Collector of Customs. It was also stated that " the commandant of Fort Porter is on the alert, and says if the Fenians attempt to take the international steamer to cross, lie has Ills guns so sitrhted as to sink her. The U. S. steamer is also on tho alert in the Erie liasin, with steam up and guns shotted." The last despatches before the actual crossing wore from IJuffalo, Friday morning, 3.20 and 3.30 a.m., and stated : Reporters of Express have just returned from a point one mile and a half below Lower Black Hock. The head of the Fenian column, 600 strong, had reached that point when ihey loft. Nine waggons loaded with arms and ammunition preceded them. They declare they will effect a crossing before daylight. And tho last : Two reporters, who left to reconnoitre the river shore between here and Tonawanda, have just returned, and report that they found the straggling parties whose movements were so skillfully confused at first had proceeded to Black Hock and down tho river toward some point of crossing below. The number in the several columns observed was not less than 600 men moving in perfect oru-r with silence and celerity under capable officers. At a point half a mlU^ below Lower Black Kock a train of nine waggons heavily loaded with arms and ammunition was found waiting in consequence of some delay. The train consisted of five large double waggons and four furniture waggons. Between one and two o'clock the train, which had halted for some time, started forward. Immediately after this THE RAID BEGAX. A body of Fenians, variously estimated at from 650 to 1,C40 strong, crossed the Niaraga River at Black Rock, a small village on the American side two miles below the City of Buffalo, and took possession of tho village of Fort Erie — the Canadian terminus of the Buffalo and Godericb poctiou of the Grand Trunk Railway. The crossing was effected by means of canal boats, towed over by a steam tug. The crossing cnmiiienccd sliortly after three o'clock in the morning, and was effected by fivj. Fort FKNIAN INVASION (»F (CANADA. 81 Erio is a small villii;:;o totally unilofomk'il, awl no oppotiiion vr:\s ifForod to the liindiiii; of tliu laidorH. The roUlnf^-stock of tlio Gninil Trunk lliiilway haJ boon romovod up tlio lino durin}^ tlio previous day, so th;it no fucilities in that way wore found iit tho Fort Kri(! Depot. The rails were, however destroyed, soiiu! way up tiio line towards I'ort Colborno, and tho telegraph wires w(Te also cut so as to close the coiifnmnicution between Fort Erie and the interior. A bridf^e on tho railway, live miles from Fort Frio, was likewise burned. Tho raiders were under ilij command of a Col. O'Neil, and, beyond lielpinj^ themselves to horses and provisions, no outrage on tlie peaceful inhabitants seems to have been committed. A despatch from lJufll'alo at 4.30 a. m •. ivcs the following account of the landinj;: " Jntellii!;ence is received that ],;")00 Fenians effoefed a cros.s- ing of tho river, and landed in Canada about half-past three o'clock this morninjj;. The cros^inj; took place at I'ratt'a Iron Furnace, and the land- \u^ was made at a point about a mile below Fort Erie. The ferriaire was accomplished by means of two tu'j;s with small canal boats, conveying; about 1,000 men. About 200 men whom tho boats could not accotn?no. date were left on this side. They expect to follow shortly. Tlu! invaders met with no intcrforenco or opposition. When they landed on the opposite shore, loud cheers were «:iven which could be plainly heard on this side, tof^ether with tho sound of drum and fife." From the correspomlenee of the 67:'A^' wc select the two folIi)\vinjr ac- counts, representinj; tho action of tho Fenians durinj: the day. ^Jo Ibrce beinjj at hand to molest them, they had ample time to make such dis- position of their forces and arraoLrenients to meet an attack as was >-uir^;csted to them, an opportunity which, as our bravo volunteers found tho next day, had not been nei^lccted. NUMBKKS CROSSED. It may be noted hero that while there was a variety of estimates ol' the number of men who crossed, tlie preponderance of the testimony went to show that there were at least 1,200, most likely l,hOO, and probably more. Some of the Fenians, notoriously their hi^h-falutin I're- sident, tiie ex-dry-'!■;;•. We are sorry to say that the best accommodatiuu the Greufc V»'i'-:er» Railway could aff'ord fir the conveyance of the Volunteers was a tral' ( ; I'reight cars with no sitting room. Officers and men, with their arms, an' forty rounds of ammunition, were all piled in, and off" they went without a murmur as gallant soldiers should do on such an emergency. 1'ho cheering and enthusiasm was inmienso, and cheers arose from the as- isembled multitude as the train went off", which was answered by the boys on the cars. FroTP the same. About 12 o'clock last night it is reported that a man attorapted to sever the 'plegraph wires at Ranee's Corner, in this city. lie was discovered by Covneillor Deaduian before he had committed any damage, and was pur- sued . & far as the Tecumseth House, where he was lost sight of The % •Ifftcl this battery been sent forwnrd with the 13th, a complete success would have been achieved by Uie Volunteers at UiilL^'ewny. — Xote l>i/ CowjuUr. ^wm so FENIAN IXVASION OF CANADA. movements of suspicious characters around our city at this time should be closely watched. From the St. Catharines' Journal, Friday evening, June 1st. The Town Council to-day passed a resolution granting $1 50 per week to each volunteer's wife while the husband remains on duty in town or country, and 40 cents to each child. The consequence of a telegraph received last evening by Mayor Burns, and we suppose by every Executive officer in the Province, Brigade-Major Villiers ordered the Volunteers here to be called out immediately, and before 12 o'clock the companies were nearly full, and ready to march to any point to which they might be called. The Bcamsville and Grimsby companies arrived here at an early hour this morning, and also the necessary arms and ammunition to arm as many of the citizens as possible. From Ilaniilton also we had ''h cratifying intelligence that a large number of the Six Nation Indii. . m Grand Kiver are in the city, endeavouring to procure arms and aui /tion to take the field in defence of their country. About 500 more are expected to arrive during the day. THE CIIICA(iO VOLUNTEERS. In this connection, although out of chronological order, it may be well to notice here the cheering manifestations of feeling and offers of co-operation which came pouring in from Canadians resident in all the principal American cities. A large number of young men, amounting probably to many thousands, have, during the past few years, been drawn by high wages and flattering prospects to the States These men did not, how- ever, furgct tliat thoy were Canadians, and no sooner did actual invasion take place, and the hords of Fenians set foot in the country, than they hastened to assure their friends that they were still one in heart with them, and were willing to abandon their prospects and come over to fight f-liouldor to shoulder with them, and drive the horde of cut-throats from the country. Had a word of encouragement been given, in a very few days thousands of the right sort would have been in Canada, and would, no doubt, have done good service in the field ; as it was, the danger was not considered so great as to render it necessary for them to leave their situations and pursuits to come to Canada; and while thanked for their offer they were informed that the forces at the disposal of the authorities were considered sufficient for the duty of finishing the Fenians. One Company, however, which had been formed in Chicago, was not to be restrained. They sent on their Captain to Windsor to make enquiry, he telegraphed to the Mayor of Toronto on the subject, but recciviug no answer he telegraphed to his comrades to " come on," which they at once did, throwing up their situations and .sacrificing their prospects for their country, for although their employers promised to take them back again when the war was over, yet, it was suspected by some as it afterwards proved, that the Fenian mob of that city would not allow them to return to their respective places ; they threatened to burn down the premises of those who employed them, and no doubt would have done so if they had not yielded and declined again eniploying the Volunteers, so at the mument we write many of them are without employment in consequence : FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 3T of their patriotic devotion to their country. They numbered fifty-six ; all of them intelligent, respectable, well to do looking men, and almost all in the prime fif'life. The following are their names: — C. T. Wright, Johr. (Jinn, IS. IJaskerville, R. Oilbert, T. JJnglish, G. Mackay, 11. M.ison, J, Cornish, J. iMoore, P. Gatrell, T. G. Rice, W. F. Collins, R. S. Shenston, W. E. Ki.-hiirds, W. Cram, Skinner, J. Allen, C J. Mitahell, S. Ltingt'ord, J. Cavers, S. Ridout, J. Ford, S. McKay, G. R. Roberts, llillman, F. ]5iiker, J. Cj. Keighley, J. J. Tnnes, C. Rubigc, L. Werden, W. Orr, J. Frascr, J. Wickens, J. G. Kinnear, G. Fitzsimmons, W. II. Rice, G. Murehoad, J. , W. Reck, L. E. Kingsmill, S. Cordon, ]]. Smith, G. iMottensill, "W. S. Cottingham, H. Ross, G. Kingsmill, J. W. Dunn, S. McCallum, W. Ford, 0. S. llillman, Raines, F. W. Nation. THEIR AIMIIVAL IN TORONTO llealoy, C. C. Took place on Tuesday, June 5th, by the Great Western Railway. They were met at tho railway depot by the Mayor and Aldermen of the city, and by a vast concourse of people, among whom were many prominent citizens. Two splendid companies of volunteers — the Rarrie Infantry, Capt. Rurnett, and the Lloydtown Infantry, Capt. Armstrong — were also in the depot to receive the party, having kindly volunteered to turn out after their hard day's work to do them honour. On the train nearing the new station-house, the troops presented arms, and the assemblage of people gave three times three and one cheer more for the Chicago Canadians. A procession was then furmed, Capt. Rui- nett's Company taking the lead, the Chicago Volunteers, fuurdeep, follow- ing them, and Capt. Armstrong's Company bringing up the rear j and the route was taken for the Drill Shed, amid enthusiastic cheering from the citizens. On arriving at the Drill Shed, the troops formed three sides of a square, and the Chicago Volunteers drew up in military order in the centre. The Mayor then addressed the Volunteers in a stirring speech. On behalf of the citizens of Toronto he gave them a hearty welcome, thanked them for their noble conduct, and assured them that their gallant act would long live in the grateful recollection of the people of Canada. Three rousing cheers were then given for Chicago Canadians, three more for Her Majesty tho Queen, three more for the Canadian Volunteers, and three more for the Rritish troops now engaged in the defence of Canada. They were also addressed by the Hon. George Brown in an eloquent speech, which was loudly applauded. Capt. Ford, *ho leader of the Chicago party, replied on behalf of J.imself and friends. lie declared that they had all come with the single intention of helping the Canadians to drive the Fenians from their shores, and were ready to serve in any manner tho authorities might desire. He declared, amid great cheering, that he had no doubt, were an intimation given that necessity existed for it, not one company only, but an entire regiment of recruits, from tho city of Chicago alone, would speedily bo in Toronto. Mr. Kingsmill, another of tho party, also replied. He repeated Capt. Ford's statement that an entire regiment for the defence of Canada could readily be found in the city of Chicago, and mentioned numerous incidents connected with their movement of the most interesting character. 38 FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. il'i Mr. T. M. Daly having fullowed Mr. Kingsraill very briefly — three cheers were again given for the Chicago Volunteers, three more for the Queen's Own, and three more for Her Majesty the Queen. THEIR SERVICES ACCEPTED. This patriotic band formally offered their services to Government on "Wednesday morning, to be enrolled among our volunteers for the defence of the Province. They did so through the Mayor, who at once called upon Col. Uurie, and both waited upon General Napier, and presented the wishes of our Chicago friends. The General at once, on behalf of the Government most cordially accepted the proffered service. He spoke in most complimentary terms of the spirit evinced by the gallant fellows, and dctfired Col. Durie and the Mayor to convey his views to them. They afterwards elected the following officers : — Captain, John Ford ; Lieutenant, Geo. R. Kingsmill; Ensign, Hector Ross; 1st Sergeant, Samuel Ridout; 2nd do., T. D. Skinner; 3rd do., W. F. Collins ; 4th do., J. H. Cornish ; 1st Corporal, John Allen ; 2nd do , G. J. Fitzsimmons ; Brd do., John Ginn ; Lance do., George McKay. The name of the company is to be — ^^ No. 1 Company Volunteers for Canada," and the uniform to be that of the military cadets. We understand that others in Chicago have expressed their willingness to come forward at once, if required ; but that General Napier does not deem it necessary to exact the sacrifice at present. A few days subsequently an official despatch was received by the Capt, of the Company, in which THE GOVERNOR GENERAL'S THANKS Wore given them for having tendered their services during the Fenian in- vasion. Here is the despatch : — No. 562. Ass't Adg't Gen'l's Office, Toronto, June 12tli, 1800. Sir, — I have received a telegram from Colonel McDougall, Adjutant General of Militia, directing nje to convey to you the cordial thanks of His fJxcellency the Governor General, for the patriotic conduct of the Chicago Volunteers, in tendering their services to the Government during the pre- sent disturbed state of the country. T have the honour to be, Sir, your obed't serv't, Wm. L. Durie, Lt.-Col. A. A. G. M. To Ciipt. Ford, Com. Chicago Vol's, Toronto, C. W. We may complete the account of them by saying that they continued to drill dully and became very proficient, until when, no occasion appL-aring likely ari.se for their servicer, they were disbanded, and with the hearty thanks of all classes of citizens, tendered them both privately and publicly, returned to the occupation.'* of civil life. We append a report of a CONVERSAZIONE IN THEIR HONOUR. Under the auspices of the Mayor and Corporation of this city, a Conver- sazione was hold in the Music Mall, on Thursday evening, in honor of the Chicago volunters, who, being disbanded, are about returning to their homes. The Hall was filled with a very fashionable audience. FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 89 The Mayor took the chair at eight o'clock, when the mcmhers of the City Corporation moved to the side of the plafom), and the Chicago vol- unteers drew up in line in front of it. His ^ .rship, addrossinf^ (he as- sorablage, said that that was no ordinary occiusion. It happened, proba- bly, not once in a long life. It was his duty to present these highly patriotic young raen — who had left valuable situations in the States, and come here to help Canadians — with an address, recognizing their generous devotion to their country. To them the City of Toronto felt under a deep obligation, and he, as Chief Magistrate, had been deputed to present them, on behalf of the city, with the following address, expressive of a high opinion of their patriotism : Province of Canada, City of Torot>fo. To the Volunteers from Chicarjo and other American Okies. To Captain Ford, and the Officers, No n- Commissioned Officers and Men of the Canadian Volunteers. We, the Mayor and Corporation of the City of Toronto, embrace this opportunity to offer to you, on behalf of the citizens generally, their grate- ful acknowledgment for your self-sacrificing patriotism, in spontaneously abandoning your various occupations, and at the first appearanco of danger rushing to the defence of our common country, when attacked by a band of marauders, who, without provocation, landed and endeavoured to in- volve our peaceful land in the horrors of war, We have no doubt that, had it been necessary, thousands of our fellow-countrymen, resident in other portions of the United States, animated by the same luudable spirit, would have imitated your example and assisted us in repelling a cruel and wanton attack upon a free and contented people. We assure 30U that your noble conduct is well appreciated, and will ever be remembered by the city of Toronto; and while we feel satisfied that, should occasiun re- quire, you will again be prepared to come forward and stand shoulder to shoulder with your fellow-countrymen here, we congratulate you thai, all danger being now passed, you are enabled to return to your peaceful voca- tions. And, in conclusion, we pray you to take with you the flag of Bri- tain, your rally around which will always live in our memory. F. H. Medcalf, Mayor. City Council Chamber, Toronto, C. W., June 21, 186G. His Worship went on to state that it became his duty also to present them with that time-honoured old flag, the red-cross flag of Britain. (The Mayor here pointed to the flag — a large and handsome one, the bi)i(lor of which was inscribed with the words, " Presented to the Chicago Volunteers, by the City Council, Toronto.") In the name of the Corporation he pre- sented this flag, and would ask the Chicago Canadians to take it to their homes, and regard it as the gift of the citizens of Toronto to ni;jrk the noble patriotism displayed by these volunteers in proffering their aid, as they have done, in time of war. (Loud cheers.) Captain Ford replied, and returned thanks, on behalf of the volunteers and of the Canadian Society of Chicago. For the volunteers, he would say that the only cause of displeasure they had, resulted from their not getting a chance to leave their mark on the Fenian invaders. As to the handsome presents made them in recognition of their services, ho was sure he would ever look upon it with pride when they returned to that hot-bed of Fenianisra, Chicago; and he begged, on behalf of himself and 1 li , TXTT'\RTOK OF CANADA. FENIAN IN\A8IOiS ur *^ • . -1 fhi« SDlendid public testimo- n f tl^ov fully appreciated this spienaiu i ^ his fellows, to .ay that t ^^y ^""y ^^ ^^,^ o- ],^nday ni.bt was one J^^lf^/",^^ streets up to nndtngjtj;nx ^^ ^^^^ ,a.cr cities. Crowd tlm)^ ., Ru„,onrH ot ,f J^'^f ,„„tradicted catch any .cw. f^^^babk^-werc flying «bout, only *? ^^^^''^^.^-the .vildest and "-- "^f '7ew slept much that ^^^ \^,. of the ^" ^'"^^•Lalan boils to summon tl^^/^^J^^^f-^^ , voluntecTS--com- Three were tlie despatches :- ^^ Catharines, Jane 1, 4.30 f.^ tn.^^^ The Queen's 0«n ^-^ so,n« *. co.pan.^ .;avc ^ ULnd of o 1 1 ..nil T movement arrdu^i-uu Sr 'a mugornts .ith p«u.p..tude. ^j,,,„„^ j„„, ,,, . . „n, ITaniilton, and unto com- The nght .in. oV"Vari'strvrd Lnd°S att to nWch. T^e^- irto^rnrthcpSlnheLtn. LATER. Clifton, June 1. Oaohnnd.aa„d«a,u.„or.;.4«|»^^^^ STM LATER Clifton.Junel, inday, it ^ ^^^ appear- village to a military depot. ^" L , commanded by l.icut. Loi. v u , rsceondJetaeWent ;t^*« j 'l'i;,rUo,ai Volunteers, eo.uu.anded b, FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 41 stimo- ic pro- ig was rrivtive. ito and iiou3 to me the rudictcd ise — the g of the •s — coiu- lovcr to e a place i showed iO p. m. Fort Col-_ murand ot ulars, t:oe8 St. Cutha- ■svill be _dc- Q is making June Ist. under com- They are "f the 47th, It, who were an, June 1. ) of the 10th nthariucs this 'clock nisht. 1 the appear- tof a business ■eady reported, .. Col. Villiers, commanded by 3cke, a detach- loit Clii"ton in Ontario Kad- way, and the artillery taking the river road. As the men left lusty cheers from the crowds congregated at convenient corners greeted their approach. On arrival ot the force at Chippawa, a halt was made and telejiraphic communication opened with Clifton and Toronto, when it was decided to rest for the night, and afford time for the remainder of the force to come up. Accordinglj, the camp equipage of the different corps was made use of, and billets prepared on the inhabitants of the village, who mani- fested the greatest anxiety to minister to the comfort of the troops. Tele- graphs were received and despatched to Port Colborne, learning the state of affairs there, and to the other points where information could be ob- tained. Chippawa, June 1. Col. Peacocke's force reached this point at half-past seven this evening. The Fenians are not nearer hero than eleven miles. They are reported to be at Kidgeway, on the Buffalo and Goderich Kailway line. The Ameri- can war steamer Michigan does not prevent people crossing the river either way. The Fenians are foraging round within seven miles of Fort Erie. THE FENIANS ON FRIDAY. The despatches from Buffiilo showed that the Fenians had not been idle in the meantime. Buffalo, June 1, 11.30 a. m. The Fenians have possession of Taylor's Heights, one mile and a half below Fort Erie, near a place called Waterloo, and its highest land in the vicinity. They have commenced throwing up earthworks there, and some have struck off towards Brantford road. The town here is in a great state of excitement at present, and newspaper oflBces are besieged. The last report from Erie Ferry is to the effect that the steamer is crossing and that everything is quiet. Buffalo, June Ist, 4 p. m. The latest from Express reporters and other sources is as follows : The Fenians were camped at noon at Frenchman's Creek, on the Nia- gara River. The Grand Trunk Railway is partly torn up. The telegraph wires are cut. A demand for food is made on the inhabitants. The Fe- nians are badly off for provisions. Their officers paid all such demands. The unauthorized liquor stores in Erie and Waterloo were closed. The Fenian camp had its rear resting on the Niagara River and Frenchman's Creek, and they are throwing up a breastwork of rails and earth. The left flank of the raiders rests on the creek and the river. Pickets are thrown out on the front across an open country, and the regular dispositions of a battle-field are made. O'Neil is the commander of the forces. About 10 a. m. rumours prevailed in the Fenian camp that the red coats were ad- vancing There was great alarm in consequence. The skirmish line was strengUieued, and men held in readiness. LATER. The Express reporter says : Shots are heard in the distance, and the drums are sounding to arms. The men, some of whom are slumbering on the grass, are arousing themselves and leaping to their muskets. Officers are shouting and hurrying to and fro, and the skirmish line is forming for 42 FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. an expected encounter, its bayonets glistening in the sun. From either flank of the Fenian column, a flanking party was starting at double quick, the light down the Chippawa road, the left along the creek. The road between Frenchman's Creek and Waterloo is thronged with Fenians mov- ing to the front. The Fenians are mounted two deep upon horses. The Fenians in lumber waggons are carrying boxes of ammunition. The Fe- nians on foot are whisking bayonets about their heads, frantically leaping mud puddles, and shouting ** Come on ! " The morning depatches were as follows : Chippawa, June 2, Saturday Morning. Our troops are comfortably quartered in the Railway Depot and at private buildings. The men have lighted camp fires, and having tired themselves in singing songs have gone to rest. Major Villiers has arrived at Suspension Bridge, and will come on in the morning, when the whole force will advance. A junction will be formed (at a point already agreed upon) of the whole force under Col. Peacocke's command. The Fenians are reported to have obtained reinforcements, and to number 1,500 men. Some say they have artillery, others that they have none. Col. Peacocke is showing great promptitude and vigor. Clifton, June 2, Saturday Morning. The entire force here is under orders to reinforce the corps at Chippawa at 4 a. m. They will be despatched by Erie B4iilroad should no unex- pected movement on the part of the Fenians necessitate a redistribution of troops. The men are resting on their arms at the railway station. The Great Western line is all clear. Buffalo, June 2, 2.30 o'clock morning. At this hour no communication is allowed over the ferry, and news- paper reporters for Buffalo papers car-uot get back. A messenger, just arrived from Black Bock, states that great excitement exists in the Fenian camp, owing to the report that Col. Peacocke and 1,500 Canadians had arrived within five miles of them, and they are desirous of getting back here. The steamer International went to Fort Colborne for troops that can be lauded within half a mile of the Fenian encampment. They have great dread of British artillery. It is expected that Col. Peacocke will make the attack, if possible, soon after daylight. Later in the morning intelligence from Port Colborne showed that ihere was A CRISIS AT HAND. June 2, 1 o'clock. — The Queen's Own, 13th Hamilton Battalion Caledonia Company, and York Rifles, all under the command of Lieut. Ool. Dennis, are 18 miles east from here, near Fort Erie, and straggling down towards Chippawa. The troops are now leaving here for the scene of action, and all are eager for a fight tvith the Fenians. The steamer Michigan is plying up and down the Niagara River, opposite Fort Erie, and allows no boats to cross. The bridge burned to-day has since been repaired, and the railway is again in running order. Soon the excitement rose to fever heigdt as it became certain that the Queen's Own had met the Fenians and that a battle was going on ; and as telegram after telegram was published (few of which it was afterwards FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 48 said came over the wires) the heart of every city and town in the I'rovince beat with an intensity which has never been equalled in the present gene- ration, and will not, we trust, for many generations to come. It would, no doubt, be preferable, for some reasons, to construct from the various statements a continuous account of the battle of Lime Ridge; but for the purpose wo have in view — more to su; ly material for the chronicler than to attempt an exhaustive account — we think it better to sup- ply narratives from various sources of this battle, which, if it had no other result, showed the admirable courage and coolness of Canadian volunteers, the proficiency they had attained in the use of their weapons, and made a matter of certainty what had only been before a matter of hope and belief, that we have in our volunteers a force, eijual to any emergency likely to arise from attacks of a character similar to the one at Lime Ridge on the 2nd of June, 1866. The first we give is a private account, from a letter of private A. G. Gilbert, of the Queen's Own, which appeared in the Peterhoro Review. We leave out portions of the letter : As soon as it was known that the Fenians were ahead and in position, we were formed in battle order — the skirmishers still ahead. The Fenians could be distinctly seen by this time running through the woods to warn their companions of our approach. Marching a little further, the compa- nies of rifles were ordered oflF to open the battle. The Company No. 7, I belonged to, was ordered to support No. 5, and we were the second com-, pany engaged. No. 5 advanced in skirmishing order, — we marching aa a, company. On we went, every 15 or 20 yards having to climb over a fence, and marching through ploughed fields, up to our knees in mud, but stiU; not a shot fired. The Fenians had well chosen their battle ground-r-they. were arranged in a half-circle, behind high fences, and in great numbers in a large barn to the right. Their main body was in a thick wood, at the edge of which they had pallisades driven in, and fences, I believe, laid io a slanting direction, so as to direct the bullets off of them. From their position they could see us long before we came up to them, as we had to march up to them over clean fields, and as little protected as the Cricket Field in Peterboro'. Another feature in their position was the fact that they arranged so that we had nothing but fences to go over from the beginning to the end, and well did they pepper us when climbing over. I have been told since that they raised the fencea, in the direction our attack was made from, three rails each. At any rate, every one noticed the extraordinary height of the fences, and you can imagine with sixty rounds of ammunition in our pouches, a bayonet hanging by your side, and a rifle loaded, capped and full cocked to take over those fences, was no little thing, and very tiresome work, but it had to be done, and we knocked down some rails, got through eorae, and climbed over others. This might on other occasions be not much, but exposed to a heavy fire from our active enemy, it is quite ano- ther thing. So much for the Fenian position. Now to return to No. 5, young noble fellows that they are. On they marched, my company fol- lowing, climbing over fences and all, and they did not stop, nor open fire until only a field was between them and the Fenians. Therj they were all crouching down behind the fence, a long black line, and opposed to them • I 44 FKNIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 1 !i 1-- i I I WHS No. 5. Ono look at one nnother, then a shot from No. 5, and poon n continuous roar of musketry }j;reetcd us, and bullets in showers whizzed past our ears. The battle was now opened in earnest, and nothing but the whistle of bullets and the roar of the rifles could be heard. My company was halted only 40 yards from No, 5 ; we were " standing at ease." What a horrid sarcasm 1 IJut we could not open fire yet; and there wo stood, about the most exposed and tlunf:;oroua position in the field, receiving the Fenian tiro, but dare not return it. And it was at this time that we had the sensation fully and keenly experienced, of facing death in its most terrible form — in full health, young, active, very fond of life. There wo stood — bullets whizzing past our ears, not knowing the moment one might go through our heads. It was while standing tjius that the brave, noble McEaohren was shot. Soon after this the Fenians began to retire. They ran like anything from one fence to another. Hut still we advanced and steadily pushed them back. The Queen's Own getting tired, we were called by the bugle to fall in behind the infantry, and then they advanced, and it was a grand sight to see the red coats climbing over the fences, and doing their best, good fellows, to drive the Fenians back, but their lire was awfully wild. The Fenians had fallen back in the woods, and time after time we ad- vanced to drive them out, but our ammunition got quickly done, and numbers were pushing to the rear, crying out " more ammunition," " more ammunition." It was just at this time, while engaged most hotly and heavily with the enemy, and doing well too, for the Highland Company had got on the Fenian right wing, and had they only had assistance would have turned it. As it was they were doing splendidly, and so were all the Queen's Own. The battle was at its height. It was at this time that a cry was raised, raised by the Fenians themselves I believe, " Pre- pare for cavalry," " The cavalry are coming," and we were all called to form square — that awful square — that awful square. No cavalry came, for there was none to come, but the Fenians got us all together, and poured volley after volley into us. Men fell on every side, but we were soon formed into companies, and were going on to the charge again, when the bugle sounded the retreat, and off went the gallant Colonel JJooker at the head of his infantry on the retreat. The Queen's Own had also then to go back, and they retreated, not in companies, nor with any flight, but very, very steadily, at that trying time, and they kept up a furious tire upon the Fenians, who dare not follow us. We gave three rousing cheers before retreating, and the Fenians gave horrid yells, and poured a tire into us, and kept it steadily up for .some time, but at last it dropped back. We walked back to Port Colborne that day, a distance of twenty miles, and we did not get anything to eat from the time we got our red herrings in the morning until 6 o'clock that evening, and during that time we fought three hours and marched twenty-five miles — got up at half-past one, and had nothing to eat all day. The next account is from a non-combfttaut, the Rev. David Inglis, of Hamilton, in a letter to the Globe. This we have also shortened some- what, retaining, however, everything of permanent interest : :.. i< FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 45 " Ilov. Mr. Burwu.sh and nijaelf wore appointed by a number of tlio ministers of this oity to join the 13th Battalion of Iluniilton vuIuiitocrH, and to render theui such assistance aa mi^ht be in our power. The Hhadows of night had just fjivea way to the brijjht lij^ht of that June morninj^ when we reached Port Colborne, and joined the battalion in the cars, a few minutes before the train left for llid};eway. Much has been written on the waQt of preparations and equipments for the men, and I only refer to this with the view of noticing the want of shoulder straps with which to fasten the overcoats on the backs of the soldiers, and the fact that they were obliged to roll them up and sling them over their right shcmlders, under their left arm-pits, an expedient whicli nfterwards greatly impeded them in aiming and firing, and caused thcia to abandon their overcoats when going into battle. '* The train proceeded slowly to Ridgeway, where the men left the cars and were drawn up on the Stevensville road. The Queen's Own were in the front, then came the 13th Battalion, and a company of riflemen from Caledonia forming the rear guard. The men were in good spirits, and I could not look without admiration upon the coolness and intrepidity with which these volunteer soldiers, many of them mere lads, prepared for the advance. The ammunition was distributed to the men, the order given to load with ball cartridge, and then followed an interval of suspense and waiting. The sensation of relief was great when, after some minutes of anxiety and impatience, the order to advance was given, ''he position assigned to the waggon containing the ammunition, &c., in which Mr. Burwash and myself were riding, was immediately behind the main body, and in front of the rear guard. When about a mile and a-half from llidge- way, several companies of the Queen's Own were ordered into the fields and woods to clear them of Fenians, and in a short time the first shot was tired, and then in rapid succession we saw small clouds of blue .smoke issuing from the woods, telling us of a rapid discharge of musketry before the reports reached our ears. The sergeants in charge concluded to halt with their waggon, and Mr. Burwash and myself hurried -on in the rear of our main body. The Fenian skirmishers fell back upon the main body of their force, who were drawn up in an intrenched position along the Fort Erie road. They had converted a stone wall and the ordinary snake-fences into barricades, and held a strong position j but on the advance of our forces, fearing lest our skirmishers should outflank them, they retired in pood order, and amid rapid firing, to a slightly elevated piece of ground covered with thick woods, some distance in their rear. It was in this advance that Ensign iNlcEachren was mortally wounded. " Mr. McEachren was borne to the rear by some men of his company, accompanied by the Captain, a noble fellow, whose name I do not know, to whom I at once introduced myself as a minister, and offered to do all I cDuId for his friend. He thanked me with tears in his eyes, and hastened liack to the post of danger. Dr. May was in attendance, but a glance at tlie wound shewed that it was mortal, and it fell to me to inform him of the fact. He received the intelligence as a Christian soldier, informing me that his faith rested in the Lord Jesus Christ. 46 FENIAN INVA8I0N OF CANADA. li i"-^ ] Ml \ " I then returned to the battle-field, to see if I could be of use there. Our forces had advanced, throwing out their akirmishers right and left. From the extreme left of the skirmishers rQueeu's Own) to the extreme right (loth Battalion) the distance was proDubly a little more than three- quarters of a mile. Not a Fenian was to be seen ; but, as our brave sol- diers advanced nearer and nearer, there came again first a single shot, and then a rapid discharge of fire-arms along the whole line. Whether from their elevated position, or from what other cause I know not, the shots went over the heads of our men, and I could see them striking in the field behind. I hastened to the hospital with feelings of admiration for the brave fellows who, exposed to a terrible fire from an unseen foe, so nobly stood their ground, while the sharp crack of their rifles sured me that the <:allant fellows were doing their duty amidst those showers of bullets, in c who were with him. iii i FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. i " At Ridgeway the confused and scattered mass of mc-.^ were got into order through the exertions of a Toronto officer, whose name I have been told is Captain Arthurs, and who certainly discharged his duty in a way that marked him out as a man able to control and lead others. " I am bound to say, that the officers and men of the Queen's Own and the 13th Battalion behaved throughout the battle with coolness and gal- lantry ; and even the unfortunate retreat only brought out more clearly that, with few exceptions, they were men of unflinching courage. The hospital, no less than the battle-field proved the noble courage of our men, and it would have moved the stoutest heart to tears, to see those boy heroes suffering as they did, without a murmur or a groan. ** Major Gillmor, of the Queen's Own, and Major Skinner, of the 13th, distinguished themselves greatly — their word of command inspiring their men with courage, while they themselves were steady as rocks under the hottest fire. Indeed, but for Major Skinner's coolness, and power over the men under his command, the retreat to Ridgeway must have resulted in fearful consequences. " I am yours, very faithfully, ♦'David Inqlis." We now give some newspaper accounts, taking first that of the Hamil- ton TVwes, which, while bringing out other facts, confirms some of the im- portant particulars in the preceding accounts. " About half-past four o'clock on the morning of the 2nd, the volunteers — consisting of the 13th battalion, the York and Caledonia rifles, and the Queen's Own — left Port Colborne and proceeded to Ridgeway station, where they disembarked in order to form a junction with Col. Peacocke and the regulars, who, we were informed, were marching on Stevensville, about five miles distant. The men formed on the Limestone road, the Queen's Own taking the lead, supported by the 13th battalion, and the Caledonia rifles forming the rear guard, and marched stea lily along until they reached the Garrison road, where the first shot was fired by the Fenians, who were concealed in the woods on the north of the Garrison road. Detective Armstrong and myself, having procured horses, at once galloped to tho front an'' found the Queen's Own, with n portion of the 13th Battalion pressing gallantly forward on the concealed foe, taking advantage of every available position, while the bullets flew around like hail-stones. Almost at the first fire Ensign McEachren, of No. 5 Company, Queen's Own, fell, shot through the body. Captain Edwards at once saw that to send men to carry the bod_> off the field would be attended with extreme danger, and passed the word back to the surgeon, who was close in the rear, rushed forward, and waving his sword, threw it away as a signal to the enemy that he was a non-combatant, and taking the mortally wounded officer in his arras carried him to the rear, thfl blackguards keeping up an incessant fire upon the gallant Doctor ; fortu- nately none of the bulleta taking effect. The sharp cracking of the rifles now became incessant, and the bullets whistled around in all directions. Tho Fenians were now observed throwing back their right and reinforcing their left, as if attempting to outflank us, when Col. Booker ordered two more companies of the 13th forward, and despatched detective Armstrong with a message to Col. Peacocke to advance to our support, a.s we were iu 48 FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. t it] a bad fix. On the Queen's Own observing the red coats cominc; up to support thera they thought it was the regulars who had come up, and cheered most lustily. Everything so far was going on smoothly, and our gallant fellows were pressing the enemy back; indeed, we have since heard from one of the prisoners that at the time the Queen's Own cheered, O'Neil, the Fenian leader, had shouted to his men to run and take care of themselves. At this moment, as a majority of those upon the field agree in asserting, two mounted Fenians emerged from the woods on the right flank, evidently to reconnoitre. An alarm of cavalry charge was raised, and Col. Booker ordered the skirmish line to rally to their supports and form square. The judgment of executing such a movement in front of an opposing line of infantry, can doubtless be better estimated by mili- tary tacticians than by others. Again, if this order was really given, could Col. Booker have supposed that the enemy were provided with cavalry — if believing that they secured all the horses in Welland county, did he imagine that they could be rendered immediately available for a charge in the field ? There is something inexplicable in this version of affairs at the critical moment. After receiving the order to form square, our men . ■»■■ seemed to be stricken with a panic, for they could not be rallied, and an order was given to fall back on the reserve. What had caused the sudden change in the conduct of our boys, from bold unflinching courage and obedience into something very nearly approaching disorder and a stampede, \((i are not prepared at present to say. It could not have been cowardice, for no one, to see the volunteers steadily pressing forward under such a murderous fire, would ever accuse them of that. Perhaps time may reveal the true cause. As it was, however, the whole force fell back on Ridge- way, when Lieut. Arthurs, of No. 4 Company Queen's Own, threw himself in front of the retiring volunteers, and by voice and arm brought them into something like order. In different parts of the force we noticed several of the officers endeavouring to rally the men, con.spicuous amongst whom were Majors Skinner and Cattley, who did all that mortal men could do to restore the confidence of the troops. Orders were issued, however, to fall b.ick to Port Colborne, which was accordingly done, and, tired and weary, the main body arrived at that place in the afternoon. Several narrow oseapes were experienced while the skirmish was going on. Major Cattley had one of his spurs torn off his heel by a bullet which glanced and tore open the leg of hi.s pants without touching him. Private Henry Wright, of the 13th, had a ball put through the sleeve of his coat. One of the Queen's Own had a shot sent completely through his shako. The wounded who were left on the field, or rather with the neighbours, were well taken care of, and especial mention should be made of Mr. Charles M. (iorain, a hospitable farmer, who brought his wife and daughter to take charge of and nurse our poor fellows, and nobly they performed their work of mercy. To thi.s gentleman we are ourselves indebted for several acts of kindness, for which we are deeply grateful. The wounded who was left was Lieut. Routli, of the 13th Battalion. This noble and gallant fellow, who may well be called our young hero, received a ball which passed through the lungs. Immediately before receiving it he was heard to say that ho would sooner be shot than retreat." The Hamilton Spectator supplies the following sketch of the earlier in- cidents of the fight : — FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 49 "Thus placed, the advance was scinded, and the column marched for- ward towards Stevensville, a distance of some six or seven miles, and which they would thus reach at the exact time agreed upon with Col. Peacocke, from nine to half-past nine o'clock. After they had proceeded about three miles, the leading men of the advance guard were fired upon from the edge of the woods, fringing the open ground on each side of the road. The moment the attack was made, supports of the Queen's Own were thrown out on each side of the road, with instructions to clear the wood on either flank. In this force the column steadily advanced some distance, when a rattling file fire from the Fenian skirmishers was opened upon the volun- teers, who replied", gradually forcing the enemy back. This, which may be said to be the first of the actual battle, commenced at about eight o'clock, and'at from three to three and a half miles from Stevensville. The move- ment of throwing out supports and advance tiring was performed by the Queen's Own with all the steadiness of well trained regulars. They pressed forward still, when Major Gillraor, in command of the Queen's Own, re- ported his men were running out of ammunition, and the right wing of the 13th Battalion and York rifles relieved them. The movement of changing front was well executed, and the appearance very fine. The Queen's Own l)cing in green uniform, and the 13th in red, the change of green for a red front for the column had a picturesque eff'ect. Whether the appear- ance of the red coats caused the Fenians to fear that they were regulars, or that the general steadiness of the entire column, evidently impressed them with the idea that the entire column were veteran troops ; certain it is that at this point they made a somewhat rapid movement to the rear, making for the woods, and falling back, as it turned out afterwards, on their reserves. They were closely pressed, and had been driven about a mile, and during their advance the commanding oflBcer of the Fenians, who rode a light bay or cream-coloured horse, was shot, and the Fenians tlntwaway their arms, camp kettles, papers, &c., many of which have been picked up by farmers and others, as trophies of the Fenian invasion " The following is from the Toronto Glohe : — On Saturday morning early the main body broke up their oamp, and, calling in their outposts, marched with activity in the direction of Port Colborne, on the Welland Canal. They had moved up eight or nine mill from Fort Erie, when they encountered the advance guard of a force of volunteers less than 900 strong, under the command of Colonel Booker, of the 13th batalion of Hamilton volunteers, who had that regiment with him, the Queen's Own of Toronto, and the York and Caledonia companies. This force had assembled at Port Colborne, a station at the mouth of the Welland Canal, and also a station of the Welland and Buff'alo and Lake Huron Bailways. It had marched early in the morning for the purpose of joining Colonel Peacocke, who, with Colonel Hoste's battery of artillery and some companies of the 47th and IGth regulars, was then lying at Chippawa, and about to move, in concert with Colonel Booker, upon Fort Firie. ****** jJq jgft Pqj^ Colborne by the Grand Trunk Railway, but disembarked his troops from the cars at llidgeway, about four miles from that place. He then marched three miles on foot, where he encountered the advanced guard of the raiders. The Queen's Own Toronto regiment had the advance, threw out their sharp-shooters, and advanced gallantly to meet the enemy, who had not 50 FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. '.',4 • expected to be attacked with so much vigour, and immediately retired. The Queen's Own continued to follow them up for more than a mile, manoouvering as if on parade, and keeping up a continuous fire, which the raiders admit to have been of the most vigorous and galling kind, and which they could not stand in the open field. The local name of this scene is the Smuggler's Hole, a lone, swampy spot of some extent. Through this our gallant fellows drove the enemy, sometimes up to their knees in mud and water, but steadily pressing forward for a mile. At this moment the Fenians in their retreat reached a rising ground covered with large trees, and here the Fenian leader halted his men, and told them that if they did not stop the advance of the volunteers, they were certain to be hanged, and that they had better take the chance of the bullet. The Fenians then advanced with some vigour, and, extending their wings, endeavoured to outflank our men. And here occurred a mishap incident to all newly raised troops. A cry was raised that cavalry were coming. The commanding oflScer ordered his men to form in square, a proper pro- ceeding had there been any cavalry near, but the very reverse of what was necessary when an attempt was made to outflank. The orders were speedily corrected, but the troops were in some confusion, and some of the detached companies in the rear began to retire. The alarm spread to a portion of the 13th battalion, and they, too, began to fall back. Their officers endeavoured to prevent them vigorously. The Queen's Own, who occupied the advance, held their own firmly, even commencing to extend their wings, to meet the flanking movement of the enemy. The rear troops having retired, however, it became necessary for it also to retrograde, and Major Gillmor, who was in command, and behaved with distinguished bravery, ordered a retrograde movement. The men turned, however, every now and then, and fired upon the enemy, kept well in line, and speedily formed up, when brought into confusion by the rapid pace and the uneven ground. The Fenians showed no desire to pursue them, but followed only to the place where the contest commencti. We do not like to individualize where all did well, but the Highland company is said to have been specially firm in checking the advance of the enemy. Although a portion of thpse volunteers, who had never been under fire before, gave way in confusion, another stood its ground manfully. There were no braver men than the 13th battalion. The Fenians admit that our men advanced with great courage and steadiness, and that their fire was very telling, and notwithstanding the retreat they abandoned forever all hopes of reaching the canal.* * " Gen." .Jolin O'Neil, the Fenian hero, who figured so extensively in Buffalo and vicinity dnriuc; tlie Fenian excitement, in a late speech at his home in Nashville, Tenn., thus alludes to the (Jueen's Own: — " I desire hero tc correct a very common hut false report that the Queen's Own would not tight. This is a great mistake. They did tiglit bravely. I have been in manj' battles during the past four years, but never did 1 witness an advance more beautifully made, or more gallantly, or more formidably. They advanced well, and fought well for a short tiiiiiv But they over-estimated the power of their numbers and their discipline, and the imder-esti- mated the courage and unyielding spirit of their opponents, who were 1 1 led soldiers in many battles, fighting, not for pay, but to avenge the seven hundnd years of wrongs to tlieir country, and all ready to die for Irish Independence. Not a man was there who thought of retreating from these eplendid looking fellows — not one not ready to lay down his life for the cause." FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 51 It may jot bo amiss to insert here the Fenian bulletin, which certainly haa the merit of brevity, and the further merit of some tall lying. Headquarters of the Fenian Brotherhood, No. 706, Broadway, New York, June 2, 1866. The Irish Republican army, under command of Colonel John O'Neil, met tlie British troops at a place called Ridgeway, Upper Canada. The British forces werp composed of volunteers, and a regiment of militia called the *' Queen's Own." The British outnumbered the Irish army two to one. The fighting was desperate, and lasted about three hours, during which time the Fenians were twice driven back, but again regained their position. Finally, the Irish army charged the British at the point of the bayonet, and drove thera from the ground and remained masters of the field, which their Irish valour had so nobly won. The Indianapolis troops led the final charge. The battle-field was covered with the debris of the beaten army. In addition to the statements given above a number of interesting inci- dents occurred during the fight, some of which cannot well be introduced into the narrative, but which are, nevertheless, worthy of preservation. INCIDENTS OF THE FIGHT. When the enemy was first signalled in sight, two miles from Ridgeway, the advance guard, No. 5 Company, Queen's Own, armed with Spencer repeating rifles, immediately extended from the centre, while No. 1 com- pany extended to the left and No. 2 to the right. No. i? supporting centre skirmishers, and No. 4 the left. No. 6 were detailed on the flank. These were afterwards recalled to the main road, fronted and formed support to the centre and rear of No. 5; this position taken up, the skirmishers advanced about a mile before the enemy was discovered. A halt was then sounded, and fire was opened by the enemy along the whole line. Among the first shots was that which carried its deadly message to Ensign McEachren, of No. 5, Queen's Own, in charge of the 4th section of company 5, and who had fou''d cover with his men behind a rail fence. He rose on his knees and looked at the enemy, when he received a ball in the abdomen which passed almost entirely through his body. He fell with the exclamation '* I am shot !" and was carried to the rear. He was quite sensible up to the time of his death, and occupied the last time he had to live in sending through Captain Edwards and others messages of affection to his wife. He was attended in his last moments by the Rev. Mr. Burwash, of Hamilton. He was sick, but would not be invalided pre- viously. Just before death he remarked that he had often dreamt of dying thus, and said it was realized. His death is regretted by the entire force. To resume, the enemy advanced on our right, occupying high ground on the edge of the wood. The University corps, under acting Captain Whitney, being ordered to advance and extend skirmishing line to the right, the Highland company further extending to prevent their being flanked. The fire on this part of the line was very heavy and con- tinued so, but as the enemy fell buck to their right, the fire was directed upon No. G, which had gone to the left front, holding a road, orchards, and farm buildings, on their advance line. The buildings were a strong position for the enemy, and was supplemented by a lane or road, from which they were speedily dislodged by a very heavy fire from No. G Co., 52 FENIAN INVASION OF JANADA. Capt. Adams. This place gave evidence of the severity of the fire which had bcea maintained upon the Fenians, for there were quantities of their accoutreraeuts thrown away — rifles, over-coats, jackets and canteens strew- ing the ground in all directions. As a circumstance which is commendable, and which is of great im- portance, worthy of being repeated in future engagements, as a means of encouraging the men, the oflScers of many companies were seen to use the rifle themselves, discarding their swords. No. G Company — the junior company in the battalion, familiarly called " the babies " — exhibited gallant bravery, and attracted the admiration of the whole. After this position had been retained for some time, ammu- nition was getting low, and while holding the position, the right wing of the 13th battalion of Hamilton was extended and advanced to relieve the skirmishers. Owing to their advance, the main body of the enemy also advanced, their mounted leaders appearing on the road, creating the idea that thoy had cavalry who were about to charge. The Hamilton 13th battalion had by this time advanced and continued, marching to within GO yards of the Fenian line, when in some unaccount- able way they were halted. A few of them, including several officers, nobly came up to the advance line. The position of the skirmishers was still maintained for a short time, but, the enemy advancing in full force, the line was compelled to retire, and the retreat commenced, the men retiring sullenly, and keeping up a sharp fire. No. 9 University and the 10th Highlanders suffered severely from this time, as their position was much exposed, at a distance from the main body, and quite at the rear. No. 1 company, under Captain Brown, was ordered to advance to protect the retreat and cover the main body ; butj finding themselves unsupported and the Fenian fire so heavy, they were ordered to retire, which they did, keeping up a sharp fire on the advancing Fenians. It was at this time that Ensign Fahey, No. 1 company, was shot in the leg, and Lieut. Campbell, of No. 6, received a wound in the arm. Capt. Boustead was knocked down by the retreating men and trampled upon, severe injuries in the breast. He was carried by his com- receiving pany, as were most of the wounded, by other comrades, a considerable distance, and exhibited, as did all the wounded, a disregard for their in- juries. A retreat now became inevitable, the failure to seize either the houses on the flanks or to deploy, making it absolutely necessary in order to save the column from being cut to pieces. At this point Ensign T. A. Mc- Lean, of No. G company, in crossing a fence, accidentally received a vio- lent blow from the butt end of a comrade's musket, which threw him down with considerable violence, stunning him to such an extent thafc it was impossible to keep up with the column. He made for the woods on the right, which having reached, he laid down under cover to watch the advance of the Fenian column. He says that they advanced with skir- mishers well extended; their main body apparently never attempting to come up with the retreating column. The Fenian advance maintained a very steady fire, but were apparently checked by the fire of the retreating column. Mr. McLean then made his way across the country, and was most kindly treated- by the inhabitants, as have been all to whom assist- ance wiis neces-sary belonging to our forces. FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 53 To resume our narrative of the retreat. The column commanded to retrace their steps repeatedly kept up a rattling fire upon the enemy, and made stands on the way to check the advance of the enemy. The exer- tions made by the gallant Major Gillmor to preserve the organization of his regiment and eflFect an orderly retreat, were particularly noticeable. The exertions of Ensign Arthurs, No. 4 Company, in the same direction, were also very noticeable. The gallantry of the University company cost them very severely. They held their post until the last moment, and suifered in killed and wounded more than any other company. We may also mention the coolness of No. 6 Victoria and No. 8 Trinity Col- lege, of the Queen's Own ; and particularly of the Caledonia Rifles, which was very conspicuous. These companies rallied several times and formed on their coverers in an orderly manner, as if on parade. The York com- pany also deserve honourable mention, having specially distinguished themselves in action. I must not omit to call attention to the bravery of a member of the London Scottish Highlanders, who had volunteered to serve with the Highlanders under Capt. Gardiner, who, by the way, also deserves praise for efforts to maintain a bold front before the advance of the Fenians. This gentleman. Colour Sergeant Lockie, his tall figure conspicuous by the gray kilt of the regiment to which he belonged, was continually seen in the rear of the retreating column, firing, loading and halting to deliver his fire as coolly as on parade. His gallant conduct elicited the warmest ad- miration from his comrades of the brigade. While the column was retreating, two members of the University Com- pany No. 9 Queen's Own, Private JD. Junor, and Corporal Ellis, were taken prisoners by the Fenian forces ; the former whilst staying behind to attend to his wounded comrade, the latter being overtaken he knows not how. After being captured they wore marched with the rear guard of the Fenians as far as Ridgeway, where thay met the main body of the Fenians return- ing from the pursuit, and afterwards marched with them to P^ort Erie. The two gentlemen speak in the highest terms of the treatment received at the hands of the Fenians. Ensign Whitney, of Trinity College, who, during the action, was in command of the University company, their oflficer not arriving in time for the action, showed great bravery in leading his company up to within fifty yards of the Fenian Hue, fearlessly exposing himself to the fire of the enemy. A curious incident is related of Corporal McLean, No. 8 Uni\ersity Col- lege, QUeen's Own. Whilst. escaping, previous to taking aim at a Fenian, his rifle was struck on the upper band, cutting the nose cap right away. Capt. Sherwood, of the same company, had the band taken off his collar, and a piece taken out of his sleeve by a bullet, without being even wounded. Private J. B. Robinson, Trinity College rifles, was struck by a Fenian bullet right over the heart, but miraculously edoaped by having a penny in his waistcoat pocket, which shivered the bullet in three pieces, leaving him only very slightly hurt and able to march with the column. Private Biscoe, of Trinity College, was struck by a bullet which took off the button on his shoulder, doing him no injury. About the last man struck was Ensign Fahey, Queen's Own, who was covering the retreat. He was using the rifle of a fallen comrade, and when he fell he was left in a ueighbouiing house and treated kindly by the Fenians. 64 FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. I Uil\) Several members of No. 5 Company Queen's Own had a narrow escape from being captured by the Fenians through their perseverance in remain- ing out among the very last of the skirmishers. Sergt. L. A. Rattray, Corporals Bland and A. T. Elliot only escaped by the thoughtfulness of a farmer's wife, who supplied them with disguises, by means of which they made their way safely to Port Colborne. Sergt. Foster, No. 7 Company, was struck by a bullet opposite the heart, tearing his dress and grazing the skin, bet leaving him otherwise unin- jured. Private Alderson, No. 7 Company, Queen's Own, was shot through the heart, and Private Tempest, No. 9 University Rifles, was shot through the head, while doing their duty as brave soldiers. Private McKenzie, also of University rifles, was found dead in the woods ; and Private Mewburn, of same company, died from exhaustion. These were all honour men of the University, Toronto. THE ADVENTURES OF A QUEEN'S OWN MAN. A private belonging to the 9th company of the Queen's Own" sup- plies us with a few details respecting the battle at Kidgeway, on Saturday last. The " Queen's Own," he says, moved on the enemy from the right. They were bivouacked in the woods, and would not fight long in the open field, but kept retiring in the woods. Our informant was one of the skir- mishers on the extreme right, and towards the end of the fight found himself alone and in the midst of the enemy. They called on him to surrender, but he refused, and avowed himself determined to fight to the last. He had a four-barreled revolver, loaded, in his possession, with which he despatched two Fenians. A shot was fired at him which went through his shako, sending it he knew not where, and scattering some biscuits which the poor fellow had in it. He then made for the nearest fence and escaped to the woods, He at length arrived at Fort Erie, and was so weary and tired that he stretched himself on the ground. He lost his shako and rifle, but certainly behaved very bravely. FURTHER INCIDENTS OF THE RIDGEWAY ENGAGEMENT. It is said one of the Queen's Own, private Hines, was taken prisoner by a squad of Fenians, and his rifle taken from him and handed to the officer by one of the Fenians. The officer took the shooting-iron and eyed it rigorously, and swore emphatically that it would never shoot another Fenian, and at the same moment struck the butt with great vio- lence on a stone, when the Canadian rifle, being full cocked, and not liking Fenian treatment, went ofl^, and the charge entered the throat of the Fenian, and thus brought his existence, as an old veteran expressed it, to a shoot able finale^ as a punning friend has expressed it. Another, whose name we regret we do not know, was in close conflict with two Fenians who pressed him at the point of the bayonet. He retreated across a fence and fell, when one of the Fenians dashed at him with his bayonet and pinned him to the ground, the bayonet passing through his arm. He pulled a revolver with the other hand and shot the Fenians one after another and escaped. Private Graham, of the Queen's Own, in getting over a fence, caught his foot between the top rails and swung over, his head downwards, and waa unable to extricate himself. A shower of Fenian bullets whistled wm^ FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 55 around hira without injury, when a comrade camo to his rescue and re- lievfed him, but was himself seriously wounded. Private Kingsford was wounded and taken prisoner. The Fenians carried him to a farm house, got him breakfast, gave him a number of paper collars, a bottle of cau de cologne^ and took great care of him while he was in their hands. The retreating column arrived at Port Colborne in the afternoon, the Fenians having given up the pursuit at Ridgeway Station. It was ex- pected, however, that during the night an attack would be made upon the town, and all the men were accordingly kept at their posts, to patrol the streets and the neighbouring country. At 4 a. m., on Sunday, the column commanded by Capt. Akers, of the Koyal Engineers, proceeded by train to within two miles of llidgeway station, from whence they marched north into the country until they struck the road leading to Fort Erie, passing the battle-field of the day before. Al- though they expected every moment to come across the enemy, the skir- mishers' march was not interrupted, and the column arrived at Fort Erie late on Sunday afternoon, having had a very fatiguing march with hardly any food, and without sleep for three days. The 13th battalion, under Col. Booker, was left as a guard at Port Colborne. COLONEL DENNIS' SKIRMISH, The fighting was not, however, over for the day. The tug Rohh had been brought from Buffalo by Capt. McCallum, and placed at the disposal of the volunteers. Col. Dennis took on board the Welland Battery, 58 men, 12 officers, and the Dunnville Naval Brij.^ade, 43 men, 13 officers, and thus manned steamed down the river on Frii?ay night to reconnoitre, thinking it likely that he would meet Col. Booker at Fort Erie in the morning. At various points Fenian stragglers were captured, to the num- ber of fifty or sixty, and touching at Fort Erie Col. Dennis landed the Welland Battery, while he went down the river to Cumminsville to Col. Peacocke. After his return, the Fenians heard that there was a small volunteer force at Fort Erie, and (we quote from the Olohe correspondent) marched swiftly to the attack. At 2 o'clock they appeared on the high land near Waterloo. Col. Dennis and his men were on the wharf beside the tug which had brought the troops from Port Colborne in the morning, and had stowed away in the lower part of the tug about 60 Fenian prisoners, when a scout came in and said that 400 Fenians were on the hills coming that way. At once Col. Dennis ordered his men to form and advance. Before going further I may state that the Fenian prisoners were desper- ately frightened. Several were wounded, and they seemed glad to have got off with their lives. When they were put in the hold a guard was placed over them. This took place while Col. Dennis' troops were hur- riedly falling in. At once the men marched off up the hill, and in a few minutes I saw the Fenians on the heights. They were defiling northward in the direction of Chippewa. They dodged along the fences, partly shaded by trees, while the volunteers were about a gunshot below, going in the opposite direction. Pretty soon the order was given to march in another direction. The Fenians followed, and then firing began. The volunteers firod dropping shots at the enemy, and the latter replied briskly. This evoked loud cheers from the thousands of sympathisers who lined the 56 FENIAN INVABION OF CANADA. ■■•f American side of the river, and just then a crowd of some 50 people on Waterloo wharf made a dash down the river road to get out of the reach of the firing. When the Fenians and troops came opposite the wharf there was a momentary halt, and the firing became heavy and promiscuous. About half-past two, the Fenians fired a general volley, and Gen. O'Ncil ordered a charge with fixed bayonets. With a wild cheer, which was rung out again ifrom the opposite shore, the Fenians dashed down with their bayonets fi.veJ. Col. Dennis called on his men to prepare to receive the enemy. Having fired a couple of volleys, the volunteers went under cover of the houses which are thickly clustered round the wharf. But here the troops became scattered, and in a few minutes they attempted to retreat; but the movement ended in a general run. The Fenians followed, firing rapidly, fur about a mile, and the volunteers returned the fire, and then ran along the river road and into the woods. Soldiers' hats and belts and cartouche boxes were found here and there. During the skirmish, some soldiers went into one of the houses and fired on the Fenians, but the latter returned the fire and took some volun- teers prisoners, wounding one. The reverse was caused, in my judgment, by the soldiers in charge of the tug, shoving her off into the river at the commencement of the action, in order to secure their prisoners. This, and the flight of non-combatants seemed to contribute to the subsequent retreat. Soon after the fight the Fenians threw out skirmishers, posted sentries, and having formed and marched a little threw themselves on the grass worn out and hungry, and eagerly snatched a meal. I went to see and talk with them, and a more forlorn, wasted, tired look than most of them had, it is difficult to conceive. For the past three days, some of them told me, that they had hardly any rest or a whole meal, while to day they had to fight twice. They say that when they broke up camp last night they marched till eleven and then slept for four hours, and from that time till three this afternoon, had been incessantly marching or fighting. They were so worn out that when formed into marching order, after the Waterloo fight, they could not keep step, and except the officers and a fow men, looked very shabby and ill-conditioned. Each one had a gun, a revolver, and dirks. Most of them had overcoats. The Fenians admit having three or four killed and some wounded. The steamer Michiyan did not come in sight till the firing was siH over, and another tug load of Fenians had come from the opposite shore to Waterloo. Mo.st of the volunteers left in the direction of the main body at CLip- pawa. There were loud and frequent cheers from the Amuiican shore when the Canadians retreated. The following is a list of the names of the volunteer prisoners captured in the tight, but subsequently abandoned : Lieut. Schofield, Robert Offspring, Gideon Griswold, William Brown, John WuterSj Patrick Koach, Samuel Cook, Thomas Hoyle, Stephen Beattie, Vilroy McKee, Joseph Rearly, Jonathan W. Hager, Charles Nimnis, Isaac Pew, William Black, Robert Armstrong, Jacob Gardner, Edward Armstrong, J. II. Boyle, James Coleman, Charles Campbell, Isaac Dickerson, S. Radcliffe, Morris Weaver, Sergeant-Major Boyle, all of the Welland Canal Field Battery. ' J-ENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. Jnnicfl S. Greenhill, Joseph Simpson, 13th Battalion, Hamiltou. Spencor, Queen's Own. 57 R. W. Hincs, No. 8, Queen's Own, Trinity College. "\Villiam Ellis, D. Junor, No. 9, Queen's Own, University. ("lolin Forsyth, No. 10 company, Queen's Own, Highland. Samuel MoCormack, James Robertson, Abram Thewlis, George B. McGee, Thomas Arderley, William Burgess, Harry Neff, Wm. Nugent, Joseph Gamble, all of Naval Brigade, Dunnville. B. Judge, civilian, Fort Erie. We append another brief account from the same paper. On the approach of the Fenians to that place, about four o'clock, p m., their approach was resisted by the Port Robinson foot artillery and a part of the Dunnvillo company, in all about 58 men. A fight ensued. The volunteers consisted of the Port Colborne artillery and a few of the nii\ul brig.ide. This little force bravely encountered tea times their numbor, and actually took 83 prisoners and a large quantity of ammunition nr.J arm?, and placed them in security on board the steamer Rohh. Capt lin King, regarding this as sufl&cient proof of the gallantry of his command, prepared to draw off into the steamer, but Colonel Dennis nfterwiirds directed the force to land and again engage the enemy, who manifested a disposition to hesitate in approaching the village. It appeared, however, that the hesitation was only to concentrate their forces. Their right made a flunk movement, taking the volunteers, who were on the low land near the river, completely by surprise, as they supposed that the force in their front comprised the whole number of Fenians on the ground. Our gallant fellows, however, did not hesitate to attack the enemy, and, as a conse- quence, the men began to fall fast, (^aptain King himself was among the first wounded, a bullet shattering his ankle joint, besides other two wounds of minor consequence. His leg was amputated at Buffalo. Seeking support, our brave men retired to the house of the post-master, immediately opposite the steamer Rohb, when the Fenians mad'i a heavy charge down the hill, in the direction of the tug, with the object of seizing her and releasing the prisoners; but Capt. McCallum, who saw the object, frustrated their attempt by at once moving into the stream under a heavy Fenian fire. Capt. iVlcCallum acted bravely, for, with only a few men to man his vessel altogether, he sent ashore the greater number of them to as.«ist the gallant band struggling there, and undertook to secure the priso.iers and man the boat with the remainder. While steering his boat, a ball passed within an inch of his head, riddling the wheel-house without moving him from his post. Losing this game, the Fenians attacked the brave little band in the post otBce, who, at last, seeing resistance becoming hopeless, surrendered. Thirty-eight men comprized the whole lorce, and taey only yielded after the house had been completely riddled by bails. Several times the Feniaus chaiged at the door, but the bravery of the Wellaod Battery ivichstood their attack until they were overpowered. Except three, they were all taken prisoners, and, for the time, held in the possession of the Fenians. W^e give herewith a sketch of the Limeridge Battle Ground, shewing the disposition of the Fenian forces at the commencement of the battle, and the position they subsequently took and maintained until the rctre;it of the volunteers. It has been furnished to us by the courtesy of a Staff 08 FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. Officer. All the items indicated have been carefully verified, and it will, vrith the acoompanjiDg notes, form a most valuable aid in undeistanding the action. i. '. NOTES ACCOMPANYING SKETCH OF FIELD OP ACTION AT LIME- STONE BIDQE, 2ifD JUNE, 1866. The Fenians, it would ap- pear, were marching southerly, along the Ridge road, the head of their column, which consist- ed of from 700 to 900 men, having arrived at (jB), when they became aware of the ap- proach of the volunteers from Kidgeway. They advanced to the cross roads at A A, where they oonstruoted a rude protec- tion (extending for about 60 or 70 rods) by removing the fence on the noith side of the road, and placing them points down over the fence opposite (see sketoh) and having thrown some picquets in advance, where shewn, waited attack. The Volunteers, at this time about a quarter of a mile south of the gar- rison road (line L M) being made aware that the enemy was about a mile or so in front of them, immediately extended and advanced in that order to the said road, where they increased the front of their skirmishing line, and continued the advance, coming into action first (at about 400 yards) with the enemy's picquets upon the road in front of their position. These they drove in, and steadily advancing the Fenians abandoned their position at A A, which was taken possession of by our men. The Fenians do not appear to have made anything of a stand hero, but fell back firing from the cover at the points D E F G H, their main body being in a pine scrub or thicket a^ R, from some one of those points undoubtedly came the shots which < illed our two men who were found at 8 and 9. There is no doubt but that some portion of our men crossed this road, following up the enemy. From this advanced position it would appear they killed the Fonians whose bodies were found at 8, 4, 5 and 6 — near the point 3 also the horse was killed, ridden by one of the Fenian officers. This horse they had stolen from Mr. Douglas, of Fort Erie. As they fell back they had hastily constructed a second barrioa/0 . -," r A :auv The FexlxxRxid, from afM ■■»*?9 6 !> 1 a« ,x ■0 l a i -m^. I ' '" t ■• 1 V^ ll( a ,,!ffs*-^ S «^ FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 59 -«*" The foregoing statements of fact connected with the operations of the military, on the late short campaign against the Fenians are from per- sonal observations, corroborated by the published reports of the several officers concerned. To these we had proposed to restrict ourselves. We are led, however, in view of the publication of a book styled — " History of the Fenian Raid on Fort Erie, with an account of the Battle of Ridgeway," which appears to have been written with the view of distorting the facts, and attempting to injure the reputation of estima- ble and efficient officers, to gratify the personal jealousy and childish vanity of the writer, to copy the following unanswerable article on the subject, from the Daily Telegraph of 26th June last : — It may be said that it is much easier to plan campaigns at the writing desk than to carry one's plans into execution in the field ; and that the mere critic revels in a paradise of facilities. Taking it for granted that it is so, wo undertake the comparatively light task of comment, while we allow those whose speciality it is to conduct campaigns to supply our materials. If we cannot manoeuvre an army, we can, at least, judge whether manoeuvres are successful, and that, too, without any very severe mental exertion. A short campaign has been brought to a close, and we have before us a variety of docuuientHry evidence on which to base conclusions. We have the reports of the officers ia command, and also an interesting number of the Glohe newspaper, con-, taining four columns of a brief review of operations. Now, we wish it to be understood fhat we have no personal quarrel with Col. Pea- cockc. The campaign was not so successful as it should have been. There was mismanagement somewhere, and we want to find out who ia responsible for it. An examination of details will, we think, support our assertions. There were two probable points of attack, namely, the Suspension Bridge and the Welland Canal. On Friday morning volunteers were sent to Port Colborne and regulars to Chippawa. Here is tho first mistake. The volunteers should have been accompanied by some regulars, as the danger was equal at both places. The next point to be noticed is that the To-, ronto volunteers got orders to move on Thursday night, and were oflF at five o'clock in the morning of Friday. The first movement of the regulars took place from Toronto, although Col. Peacocke had the 16th regiment at Hamilton, in this case three or four hours nearer St. Catharines, so that the volunteers had reached their destination before the regulars had set out from Hamilton. The volunteers left Toronto at 5 a. m. and the regu- lars at 2 p. m. This is the second mistake. Surely the regulars could have been got away as soon as '' raw" volunteers. Again, about eight hundred volunteers were sent to a point of extreme, danger, wholly unsupported by regulars, where they would have had, as was expected, to withstand the whole Fenian force (General Napier told them that they might look for fighting before twenty-four hours,) and yet without a single piece of artillery. At the time they left there was a bat-, tery in Toronto and another in Hamilton. Why was this ? We under- stand that Col. Mountain wished Gen. Napier to send two guns with them,, but that he declined to permit it. But what excuse has the Globe to offer for this shortsighted act. "Themilitar mthorities have been blamed for dispatching this force, without artillery. It would doubtless have been better had artillery been M n?i 60 FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. sent with thein. Bat it will be observed that it was supposed that the object of the raid was the destruction of the locks on the Wellfind Canal, a presumption confirmed by the after movements of the Fenians, and the jirst object was to place troops on the line of the canal for its defence, and to have waited for artillery would have involved delay." If the "first object" was to place troops along the canal for its protec- tion, why were the Queen's Own hurried along its entire length, picking up en route two volunteer companies at Port Robin.son and VVelland, and leaving all the locks and docks uncovered ? Why were the volunteers thrust into Port Colborne? 80 we see that the "first object" was not the first object. But "to have waited for artillery would have involved delay." says the Globe. We are thankful for the admission thnt dolay was of some moment, as we intend to use the word hereafter. The same reason did not hold good in Hamilton. Col. Peacocke took artil- lery with him when he started at (wo o'clock that day. There is no use beating about the bush. There was an indisposition to trust the volunteers with artillery, and Gen. Napier is the person on whose head the responsibility rests of sending the flower of our youth into the jnws of death, of exposing to almost certain destruction young fellows who had never seen a shot fired in anger ; and all for the sake of preserving one or two guns. But there is more in this retention of cannon than there at first seems. Had a few guns been sent with the volunteers to Port Colborne, one might have been placed on board the tug on whi 'h OjI. Dennis and his little band embarked. With this gun the Feniaiis might have been prevented from escaping, or have been sent to their final doom, as une well directed shot could have sunk the scow and its con- tents beneath the waters of the Niagara river. This nervous care for Armstrong guns and bold trifling with the lives of our volunteers we prouounce to be the third — mistake. The volunteers were sent off both from Toronto and Hamilton wholly unprepared in respect of equipments to stand the hardships of a cam- paign. This might be termed the fourth mistake. Although it was evident that cavalry would be of immense service at the iTont, Major Denison's troop was not ordered away uutil Satur- day. On the day previous, we took upon ourselves to suggest in these columns the propriety of their services being made available. The neglect shown in this respect may be classed &<* the fifth mistake of the series. When an invasion takes place, it is supposed that the ablest men of the enemy head the movement; so it is advisable fv)r the party attacked to confront the foe with their best material. But Col. Peacocke " had never been in the field before" and " the oflicer appointed, to put down the invasion knew nothing of the ground upon which he had to operate, and was not supplied with a map which showed the leading roads.'' If Col Peacocke started without a map of the country in which he was to operate, (Maps easily obtained of any booksellor in Hamilton, and which were in the hands of some of the privates), he must have had a singular idea of whiit was required of him. Taking it for granted, howevor, that fluch was the case, he might have derived some valuable information from Major Dennis, who being a P. L. Surveyor, had familiarized liimself with .fthat region of country in his professional capacity, we are justified, we FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 61 that the I Canal, and the nee, and , protec- picldng and, and olunteers s not the involved lilt delay iT. The )ok aitil- sre is no trust the lose head I the J!iw9 lows who irvinK one han there s to Port vhi'h Col. ii^is might their tinal its con- care for nLeors we on wholly 3f a cam- se fccrvice itil Satur- it in these lie. The id of the It men of attacked like " had put down operate, bads." If kie was to ind which einpular fevor, that ition trom liiself with Ntified, we think, in concluding that by sending Col. Peacocke to the front as a director of operations a mistake was committed. This is the sixth. At the time the volunteers left Toronto for Port Colborne, it was not known where the Fenian attack would be made, yet with the chances in favour of an attack there, no regular officer was sent to lead them, or to give Col. Hooker the benefit of his experience. When we say regular officer, we of course refer to an officer who has had experience in the field. Thus we arrive at the seventh mistake. Having thus shown that mistakes were committed at the outset of this campaign, let us see what the results were. At 2 p. m , on Friday, Col. Peacocke, with 200 men of the 16th regiment, joined a force from Toronto consisting of 200 of the 47th and a battery of li'jrse artillery, and moved on Chippawa by rail. There he bivouacked for the night, and was rein- forced at 4.30 a. m. by 250 regulars and 765 voluuteens. He resolved to effect a junction with the volunteers at Port Colborne, selecting Stevens- ville as the point of junction, Capt. Akers having been despatched to communicate with and advise Col. Booker. We now come to this young officer's movements and instructions. Col. Peacocke says : — " I despatched that officer at 12 o'clock to com- municate with the officer commanding at Port Colborne to make him con- versant with my views, and to meet me at Stevensville between ten and eleven o'clock next (Saturday) morning, ipforming him that I should start at six o'clock." Col. Booker states " In accordance with instructions received from Col. Peacocke, through Capt, Akers, I proceeded by train at 5 a. m. to Ridgeway Station * * in order to form a junction with Cul. Peacocke at Stevensville at 9 to 9 30 a. m." Capt. Akers testifies : — "Col. Peacocke was to move on Stevensville, so as to arrive there about 9.30 a. m., Lt. Cul. Dennis to move along the railway to Ridgeway * * and march from thence to meet Col. Pea- cocke at Stevensville at the above hour ; and from thence the combined forces were to march on the supposed position." There can be no doubt, looking at the evidence of Col. Booker and Capt. Akers, that the orders were positive to be at Stevensville at from 9 to 9.30 a. m. It was Booker's obedience lo these orders that brought him into conflict with the Fenians. Had he delayed and frittered away the time, what would have been said of the volunteers? And had he not marched at the time he did, and met the enemy where he did, the prob- ability is that the Fenian force would have passed between the troops of Col. Peacocke and Col. Booker, and the Welland Canal been cut in two or more places, to the great joy and service of the Buffalo people. Col. Booker having vrot into the fight, the writer in the Globe ventures to enter into his thoughts, which he thus pats on paper: "He had a force which, however brave and ready for action, was utterly inexperienced and unprovided with artillery and cavalry, without which in- fantry are comparatively useless. There can be no doubt that prudential motives, to say nothing of military tactics, would have dictated a halt, and an examination of the enemy's position. Both men and officers were, how- ever, eager for the contest. The advance was at once sounded, and the fight commenced." A halt at such a moment would have robbed inexperienced troops of their nerve and of all faith in their commander. Prudential motives and such V 62 FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. knowledge of military tactics aa volunteers have received imperatively de- manded an advance. When Col. Peacocke's telegram arrived, saying that he had changed his mind and would sleep at Ghippawa for two hours longer, it was too late. The issue had been accepted. But the Globe says, " the origin of the error lay in marching too early." We say the origin of the error lay in Col. Peacocke's marching too late. Reverse the picture. Had Booker's 800 volunteers been too late, and had Col. Pencixjlce with 400 regulars and a battery of artillery been placed under fire and compelled — as amateur soldiers sometimes are — to fall back, would not the public voice, from Sandwich to Gaspe, have thundered a de- nunciation of the volunteers. Here is rather an amusing paragraph: — "Had the volunteer force not moved so early, the Fenians icould pro- bably have continued their march to the canal, and would certainly have been intercepted by Col. Peacocke on his return. Or if the volunteers had merely held their ground when they met the enemy. Col. Peacocke would have come up in the rear, or else the raiders would have beat a hasty re- treat to Fort Erie, followed by both forces," Had Col. Booker delayed an hour the Fenians would have crossed the road he marched by, have cut the canal, and then " would certainly have been intercepted on their retreat," when one of our most valued public works had been well nigh ruined. But let us see what provision (]ol. Peacocke was making for the inter- ception. When three miles from Stevensville at 1 1 o'clock on Saturday morning, he received a telegram from Booker to the effect that a fight had taken place about three miles south of that village. So Col. Peacocke was then within six and-a-half miles of the Fenian position with 160 regu- lars, 764 volunteers, and a battery of flying artillery. Yet he camped at New Germany two and-a-half miles from Stevensville. Let us consider the policy of this. He must have known that the Fenians were not vastly superior to him in numbers, as 800 hungry, weary volunteers, with- out a cannon, had fought with them for an hour and-a-half, had driven them a mile anda-half, and had been able to effect a safe retreat He must have known that the Fenians could not receive reinforcements before he came up with tbem, as he had only five and-a-half miles to march beft)re he would confront them. Whichever way you look at it you are driven to the conclusion that a forced march should have been made. If the Fenians were following up the volunteers. Col. Peacocke should have hurried on to prevent their destruction. If the Fenians were still at Lime- Ridge Col P.'acocke should have pushed ahead to cut off their retreat. At 4 o'clock, when he heard that the raiders were falling back, " he left everything behind which would cumber the men and started to follow them, assisted by a valuable accession to his troops — Major Denison's cavalry."* But this little spurt soon exhausted itself. The next sentence (from his report) is naioe. " We marched until dark, and halted two and-a-half miles from Erie, the men sleeping on their arras, due precau- tion being observed." In the morning he was again seized with an in- sane desire to rush on the foe, but this masterly piece of strategic deter- * Major Denison, in his book just publislied, says: — "It was about Jicdf pant five when he started from New Germany, and the column had only just got m motion when he (Col. I'eacocke) was joined by the " Governor General's Body Guard," under my command." Those who can, are quite welcome to reconcile these statements. FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 68 minatlon, though glorious, was abortive, for intelh'gencc reached hitn that the raiders had escaped during the night. The Clohe is ever anxious in its search for excuses. It says with pathos: " The daj was excessively warm, and the men suffered severely from the heat, so that at Oermansville the force was compelled to halt, many of the men having fallen out by the way, in spite of all the efforts of their officers." Poor fellows! Booker's men went out with empty stomachs, and marched and fought under the same sun and in the same heat, but no men fell out And we venture to say that the regulars and volunteers under Pea- cocke would have cheerfully gone from New Germany to aid Booker, but unfortunately the well-filled hampers provided by the worthy reeve of Ghippawa were very attractive, and an after dinner march might have in- terfered with digestion. Strange to say, Col. Lowry and his force exhibited (as Col. Peacocke must confess) a most improper disregard of the proprieties, and an un- seemly haste. Col. Lowry left Toronto at 2 p. m. on Friday, "believing an early arrival at Fort Erie to be most important," went to Black Creek, where he took command of 752 men rvith two guns, and made a bold push alonst the Niagara River for Frenchman's Creek, when he heard the Fenians were escaping. Rash man ! Was he not aware that there was a chance of having a fight, of losing his two guns. Yet this reckless, this indis- creet regular officer reached Fort Erie at 8.15 on Sunday morning be- fore Col. Peacoke made his appearance at all. Col. Lowry should be court martialled at once. Had he come up with the Fenians and captured or destroyed them, imagine the consequences, taking the Globe as our mentor : " We have already more prisoners on hand than we shall be inclined either to hang or imprison for any lengthened period." A consolation — a great consolation, truly ! To be burdened with pris- oners would have not afflicted us all very seriously. But who would not have been over-joyed at their total destruction ? Had we taught them a bloody lesson, the Fenians would not feel much inclined to repeat their attempt on our territory. It is plain that if raids are to be put a stop to it must be by fighting. If the Fenians get hold of the idea that they can alight on any part of our territory, plunder and devastate, and return home in safety before our troops can be thrown upon them, then we may give up, for we shall be ruined by a succession of attacks. Whenever they come across they should be met at once,' if anything like a sufficient num- ber of troops can be mustered. It is nonsense to talk of overwhelming them by massing troops in great numbers. They will not wait to confront two or three times their number. Our safety is in prompt attack, and the sooner the experience we have gained be taken to heart by regular officers like Col. Peacocke the better for us all. We have hitherto followed the Volunteers under Col. Booker and Col- Dennis J we have now to turn our attention to Col. Peacocke, with his detachment, consisting of a portion of the 16th regiment, the 47th, the G. Battery, and sundry Volunteer corps. The regulars, it will be remembered, left Toronto on Friday afternoon, the 1st June, and arrived at Ghippawa the same night. We let the correspondent of the Globe take up the narrative : msmnm u FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. W i- Cbippawa, June 2. The assembly sounded exactly at seven a. m., when the men, who had beet) under arms all night, and since four o'clock cooking and eating their brrakftist around quartet's, situated on the track of the Erie and Ontario Railway, a little to the north of the creek, began hurriedly to bundle on their accoutrements, and in a quarter of an hour had all prepared and leady for any consequence that a courageous adherence to their country and their honour might demand of them. For a moment all was commotion ; order- lies huriird to and fro, informing divisional commanders of the proposed dis- position of the troops; and to captains and majors regarding the positions they should occupy in the line of march, until at last all was in readiness, and the little army marched on their journey amid the cheers of the people of Chippawa. As eight o'clock approached the last of the force was in its plucc; the baggage, forage and commissariat vans had taken their appropri- ate positions in rear of the column, and the shrill sound of the bugle was beard to order the advance, when the men marched off joyous and happy as at a festival. The 16ih Regiment supplied the advance guard, sent for- ward as a luok-out file, and flanking files were thus despatched. The main body of the advance being under the command of Capt. Home and Lieut. Taylor, Lieut. Reid commanding the support; the 16th, Major Grant; the anillery, Col. Hoste, with six Armstrong guns, fully charged with grap-? ; the 47th, commanded by Lieut. Col.Villiers; Col. Currie's Lincoln battalion ; and the 10th Royals, Major Boxall, who held the honoured distinction of furnishing the rear guard. Thus, the force will represent the following number of men: — 16th, right wing, 3.30 men and 16 officers; a portion of the 47th, 380 men and 18 offi- ce's; Welland volunteers, 350 men and 30 officers; lOih Royals, Toronto, 41 8 men aad 30 officers; Royal Artillery, 90 horses, 200 men and 4 officers; Foot ArtiiLry, 42 men and 3 officers. Total, 1,830 men, 101 officers. The whole force left under command of Col. Peacocks, 16lh, Major Grant cora- raanding the regiment, with the Hon. John H. Cameron, and Capt. Elliott, barcack master. On the staff, Lieut. Villiers, of the 47th, Drs. Armstrong and Kimbal!, and Lieut. Price, adjutant Given in detail, the following is a list of volunteer battalions and their officers: — 10th Royals, Toronto; Major Boxall, commanding: Staff and field officers, Major Sherwood and Captain Varmon; No. 1 company, Capt. McMurrich, Lieut. Patterson, Ensign Cum- berland; No. 2, Capt. Hamilton, Lieut. Richardson, Ensign McDonald; No. 3, Capt. Brown, Lieut. Barrett; No. 4, Capt Stollery, Lieut. Col. Eman, Ensign Rogers; No. 6, Capt G. Musson, Ensign W. Rolph; No. 6, Capt Lawrence, Lieut Winstanley, Ensign Hayward; No. 7, Lieut Hethering- ton. Ensign Reid; No. 8, Capt T. Brunei, Lieut Shaw, Ensign G. Brunei. Staff, Capt. Richey, paymaster; Newcombe, surgeon; Quarter-master Skin- ner. Col. Currie's command — Senior Major Powell, Junior Helliwell; Ad- jutant S. Pellett St Catharines Foot Artillery — Lieut. Wilson, 2nd do., Geo. G(X)dman. St Catharines No. 1 company, 20th Bat. — Capt. McDonald, Lieut Ensign Benson; No. 2 company — Capt. Ca-lisle, Lieut Parnell, En- sign Holmes. Beamsville, No. 3 company of 19ih I3at — Capt Konkle, Lieut. Walker, Ensign Wolverton. Col. Ronald McDonald, of St Catharines, was also attached. The morning was lovely, sufficiently bracing to be agreeable, but denoting, as was alterwards realized, warm weather. Taking the concession road, the troops left the town in high spirits, their intention being to strike the river FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 05 knoting, lad, the lie river road, on rcachiug which the inarch was continued with occasional stoppages to Black Creek, the troops during the march singing snatches uf pntrioiic Boogs, the chorus of which made the air ring. One song contained some happy allusions to Canadian loyalty, very applicable to the occasion, and ending in a pleasing chorus — " For beneath the Union Jack, We will drive the Fenians back," joined in by the volunteers. Thus the monotony of the journey was made agreeable, especially when every moment the earnestly looked for Fenians made dullness an impossibility. The many diiappoiutments experienced by the men not seeing the invaders where promised, was not however agreeable, but notwithstanding all were happy and jolly. The heat from ten o'clock became very great and far from agreeable, making the 60 rounds and knapsacks of the regulara very oppres- sive. On this side of Black Creek, the steamer T^ H. Robb, of Port Col- borne, appeared and came to the wharf, having on board a portion of the Dunnville marines, with Col. Dennis. CoL Dennis has been watching the river about Buffalo to prevent Fenians crossing, and arretted nine, who were given up to the civil power at Black Bock. A kindness, little in itself, but denoting tho general anxiety of the people to help their defenders, took place. Large pails of milk were pro- vided for the use of the men by Mr. Percy Beam, ^. favour they appreciated. H«re very contradictory rumours were afloat respecting the Fenians, and very little authentic information was to be had until Mr. Armstrong, the detec- tive, arrived with a despatch from the Queen's Own and Hamilton 13lh Bat- talion, to the effect that, when endeavouring to make a connection with our column, they were attacked while advancing towards us near Ridgeway, by the full strength of the Fenians. This news had little effect on the spirits of the men, but the heat and the length of the march told heavily on them, and all were glad to hear the order to halt at New Germany, in Wilioughby township. There Col. Peacocke fixed his headquarters for a time. At half pasts he set out again towards Fort Erie, but only reached within three miles of the place when night came on, and he was obliged to wait for the morning. He was at the entrance of a thick wood. Skirmishers had been thrown out, but they could not see one another, and were stum- bling about among the underwood. Before the night came on Fenians had been seen, and as it was not known in what numbers they were, or how disposed, it was resolved to wait for the morning. Aroused in the morning by a report that the Fenians were in retreat to Buffalo, they broke up camp, formed a flying column, and arrived at Fort Erie at 8 o'clock, ESCAPE OF THE FENIANS, to find that the whole horde had escaped across the river. A few stragglers and outlying pickets were secured, and the last load was secured by the U. S. steamer Michigan; but the great bulk escaped to Buffalo, to lie, like Falstaff, of their achievements, and be ready to " fight and run away " at some future day. The following are the particulars of the escape as telegraphed to the pa- pers : — Buffalo, June 3, 9 a. m. Fort Erie was evacuated by the Fenians shortly after two o'clock this morning. The Express reporters state that about two o'clock, signals be- liHHi 66 KENIAN INVASION OP CANADA. m> - :? inpr made from the camp in the rear of Fort Erie to this aide, two powerful tugs steamed out of Buffalo creek, crossed to Fort Erie, and the Fenians commenced the evacuation of Canada. Within half an hour the entire body of troops in the camp proper had returned to the American side. All the sick and wounded mentioned elsewhere as lying at Lewis House, and the Erie and Niagara Railway station, were abandoned. Not only this, but so rapid was the conception and execution of the plan of retreat, that no notice was given to the picket lines extended along the bank of the river. At the lime our reporter left Black Rock (3.80 a.m.) the news had reached the outposts, and a portion of the sentinels were already on the American side. Row-boats were then crossing the river, evidently propelled with a vigour stimulated by fear, and upon tne further shore considerable groups of excited Fenians could be seen waiting their turn for transhipment. At this time, the U. S. steamer Michigan lay quietly at the dock of Pratt & Co.'s furnaces, and no signs were to be seen of the picket boats employed for the patrolling of the river. About 800 men are reported to have reached Buffalo on board the two tugs. Some 40 more, calculating the picket guards along the river, escaped in the smaller boats. Some one hundred and forty Fenians are still straggling in Canada, cut off from all rescue and exposed to the halter. Great indignation was manifested by the Fenians who had been stationed on outpost duty, at being deserted hv their comrades. Had it not been for the approach of a detachment of itish cavalry driving them in, it is probable that none of them would hu, learned of the evacuation in time to escape. When our reporter left, a British column, apparently very strong, was rapidly moving up the river. Rumours of the intended or desired evacuation were rife in this city be- fore midnight last night. It was understood that much dishearten ment prevailed in the camp of the Fenians — that a strong concentration of British forces was known to be going on above and below, and that the enemy would close in upon them at day-break. The Fenians felt themselves unable to contend with the British troops, and were hopeless of receiving reinforcements. The desire was to escape, but at first there was little hope of being able to escape. But the steamers were secured and got out of the creek, and so a bloody rout was avoided. THE FENIAN PRISONERS AT BUFFALO. We may note here that, after being detained by the Michigan for a few hours, the prisoners were discharged, the rank and file on their own recog- nizance, and subsequently the officers on securities of nominal amount. Much indignation has been expressed against the United States Government for its action in this matter; and certainly it was not what might have been expected, at the same time it must be remembered that no demand was made for extradition, and to have kept all the prisoners would have been an elephant of rather unwieldy proportions on their hands. As to ourselves, we dont want them: we could not hang them, for, although during the excitement of the 1st and 2nd June it would have fared ill with any Fenian prisoners who had fallen into the hands of the Canadians, yet with reflection came moderation ; and, while it was felt that they had com- mitted a great crime, it was felt also that we could not put them to death in cold blood; thus there only remained imprisonment for a longer or shorter period — a result satisfactory to no one, and entailing a heavy expense on the m FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. or very Province. We have plenty on our hands for all practical purposes ; and as for those who escaped joining in another raid, the probability is that before it takes place they will have cut one another's throats, or have found a home in some of the States prisons for cutting the throats of the free and enlight- ened citizens who cheered them on from the shores of Buffalo. The following is the press account : Definite action has a length been taken with reference to the Michigan's prisoners, by the District Aliorney at Buffalo, under the authority of the Attorney General of the United States. The rank and file have been discharged upon their own recognizances to tiie amount of $500, bind- ing them to appear if complaint is lodged ngainst them. The officers aie to be held in custody in the meantime, charged with a breach of the neutrality laws of the United States No demand has yet been made by our Government for the extradition of the officers; the rank and file are clearly not worth the trouble of catching, since we have quite enough of these in our hands already to punish as an example. There are good reasons why we should demand the extradition of the odicers. We cannot afford to permit bands of robbers to enter our country and to go scot free, provided they are able to escape to the United States. It was to guard against this evil that the Extradition Treaty was arranged. There can be no legal objection to the surrender of these parties. In the case of the St. Albans raiders, it was urged that the prisoners were the subjects of a belligerent power, and that their acts were those of combatants and not robbers. The courts of Upper Canada set aside this reasoning in the case of Burley, one of the captors of the Philo Parsons. It cannot be for a moment alleged, however, that the Fenians are the subjects of a belligerent power. In the eye of the law, as in fact, they are robbers and murderers of an ordinary type. There is something to be said against the attempt at extradition on the score of its expense, and also of keeping up for a long period an irrita- ting question between us and our American neighbours, to be followed, perhaps, by a failure of justice, arising from American sympathy with the prisoners. The matter will doubtless receive the most careful consid- eration of the authorities, before action is taken. FURTHER ALARMS. It is doubtful if the Fenians really contemplated another incursion, after the ignominious result of the Fort Erie raid. Nevertheless the Upper Province (equally with the Lower) was kept in a state of suspense and alarm for some days by reports of demonstrations at various points. The proximate points to American territory were, of course, especially desig- nated. Thus, Windsor, Sand'vich, Fort Erie again, and Clifton, were kept in excitement; Qoderich and Sarnia were likewise threatened, and the Queen's Own were ordered to Stratford, where they could with ease move on either place. Whatever may have been the intention of the Fe- nians, no further movement took place in the Western Province. In a few days came the President's Proclamation, and then, after a sullen defiance and a short delay, they moved to their homes. Windsor, June 3rd, 1866, 10 p. m. Great excitement has prevailed in town and neighbourhood all this day. Information had been received that some attempt at invasion, by Fenians in 08 FENIAN INVA81 N OF CANADA. force, would be made in this quarter. It was nscertaiaed tbat about mid- night a small tug with a twu-masted scow left the foot of Second Street, Detroit, and sailed down the river, having between 300 and 400 armed men on board. It is yet only a matter of conjecture where these men have gone. The scow returned up the river and came to anchor on this side, at the lower end of the town, about 3 a. m. showing she could not have b«*en far down. She was observed hoisting lights frequently, as if making sig- nals. Six weeks or so since, 225 cases of arms were received at Detroit, in the storehouse of one Mann — two-thirds of them have been taken away. Information has been received that at least two hundred Fenians in De- troit have arms now, prepared to leave. The stipendiary magistrate has sent to have the principal points on the river and lake down to Point au Pelee watched. The Catholic clergy here have received warning from Detroit to prepare for an attack, as one was certain to be mude on this frontier very soon, and might be any hour. The spirit of the people is shown in the alacrity with which the Gosfield and Mersea companies turned out. The former, farmers and their sons, 18 to 25 miles from this place, some of tliem over six miles apart. They received orders about 4 p. m. on Friday, and at two in the morninaf (in 10 hours) arrived here. The Mersea company are scattered, and 35 miles distant. They received orders about eight o'clock, and were here in twelve hours. Chatham, June 3. About eleven o'clock this morning our town was thrown into a state of excitement by the report from Windsor that the Fenians were crossing. Our two volunteer companies were speedily under arms; also a detachment of Canadian RIQes, under Captain Boyd, and marched to the station to await the train for Windsor. A messenger was sent to Blenheim to sum- mon the volunteer company of that place to Chatham. The citizens flew to arms, and in less than an hour hundreds were marching the streets, armed with rifles, revolvers and shot guns. A number of farmers have formed a mounled company to watch the coast and report any landing that may be attempted. The report from Windsor proves untrue, and the volunteers .vere marched back to barracks. The Blenheim company have just arrived. Fort Erie, June 8. The gunboat Fesxenden moved to Tonawanda, 8 miles down the river, last night, and now lies in roid.stream with ports open and guns shotted. The Michigan is lying opposite Black Rock, and the Commodore Perry is in front of the city. This disposition of the naval force here is made in antici- pation of an attempt at landing to be m ule this morning. The headquarters of the 10th Royals was aroused about 1 a.m. by reason of a Fenian alarm, and the whole camp was for some time afterwards a scene of commotion. The Port Colborne naval brigade, with 2 guns, arrived here about 3 a.m., and in half an hour the tug Rohh was manned and proceeded do v n the river to ascertain the cause of the alarm. Nothing was seen, however. 5,000 rounds of ammunition, captured by Captain Lawrence and Ensign McDonald, 10th Royals, opposite Black Creek, were sent to Toronto this afternoon , . . ^ - . • .. FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 09 8. last The in tici- »son Is a .m., the A picket of aix companies is now furoishod daily, and pofaled about three miles outaide the town in every direction. Major nenison's cavalry are doing good service. Stragglers are closely watch«>d, and strict military discipline is observed. Feniiins are leaving Buf- falo in lar^ti numbers. Some say they are going home in di-sgnst. The action of the American authorities has greatly cx'iHperated them. A strong party arrived from Louisville last night to fight, but are gone no one knows where lo-day. Fort Erie, June 8. News from Buffalo conveys the information that the Fenian movements there give premonition of an attack to-night. Similar reports have been received from other quarters, making the neighbourhood of Fort Erie or Port Oolborne the objective point ; but these draw no particular attention. The attack was fully expected last night, and the 1 0th Royals slept on their arms, and were ready to give the enemy a warm reception. lie wisely did not come. There was scarcely any alarm in the Upper Province after this 8ih June. In the course of a few days the volunters were sent home and disbanded, the emergenoy which called them out being considered past. May it never again nrkf\ but if it should, we are persuaded that the same spirit which animated them at Lime Ridge and Fort Erie will not have died out; nay, that the experience of this short campaign will have made them yet more courageous, more self-reliant and determined, and that, with leaders like the men and worthy of them, they will inscribe imperishable names on the roll of Canadian history. THE ROLL OF HONOUR. We have now to chronicle the melancholy circumstance of the death and burial of those who so bravely fell in defence of their country. The follow- ing is the list of killed and wounded at Lime Ridge and Fort Erie: — QUEEN'S OWN. Killed. — Ensign McEachren, No. 5; Private Mewburn, No. 9 ; Pri- vate McKenzie, No 9; Private Tempe3t,'No. 9 ; Private Defries, No. 3 ; Private Alderson, No. 7 ; Private Smith, No. 2. Died afterwards. — Serj. Matheson, No. 2; Corporal Lackie, No. 2. WouNDKD — Capt. Boustead, No. 3, internal contusion ; Lieut. Beaven, No. 3, fiun flesh wound ; Lieut Campbell, No 6, shot in arm ; Ensign Fahey, No 1, shot in knee; Color-Sorgeant McHardy, No. 10, shot in arm; Serpt. Forster, No. 7, shot ir side; Corporal Paul Uobbins, No. 6 ; Private Winters, No. 3, wound in thigh; Private Lugsdin, No. 4, shot throujih lungs and shoulder; Private Chas. Bell, No. 5, knee-joint wound; Private Capp, No. 5, shot in arm ; Private Rutherford, No. 6, shot in foot; Private Paul, No. 9, shot in leg; Private Vandersmissen, No. 9, shot through groin ; Private Patterson, No. 9, wounded in knee ; Private White, No. 10, shot in arm and lungs ; Private J. B. Robinson, Jr., No. 8, gun flesh wound; Private Osier, No. 1, shot in thigh; Private Thomp.son, No. 2, shot in neck; Private Muir, No. 10, arm dislocated; Private Kingsford, No. 9, shot in leg. 18th battalion, HAMILTON. Died. — Private Morrison, No. 3. Wounded. — Lieut. Routh, left side ; Private McKenzie, wound in foot ; Private Geo. Mackenzie, left arm ; Private Helder, wound in neck ; Private 70 FENIAN INVASION OP CANADA. it, ■> r Stuart, flesh wound in neck ; Private Powell, wound in thigh ; Privates Young, Simmons and Sutherlao-l. WELLAND BATTEHY. Wounded. — Captain King and several Privates, UNIVERSITY RIFLES. The following is a separate list of the members of the Toronto Univer- sity Rifles, who have suffered in the recent conflict : — Killed — Privates Tempest, McKenzie r.nd Mewburn. Captured — Cor. poral Ellis and Private Junor. Wounded — Privates Paul, Kingsford, Vandersmissen, and Patterson. The company left Toronto about 80 strong, yet their casualties are- three killed, four wounded, and two were captured. The intelligence of the first man killed, Ensign McFichren, created a profound sensation in Toronto. Mr. McEachren was known and esteemed by a large circle.* He was a man of quiet, unobtrusive manners, a mem- ber of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, an active worker in the good cause, and a real Christian. The reality of the conflict and its dangers was thus brought home at once to the citizens ; and mingled with a bitter desire for revenge was a deep sympathy with the bereaved widow and fatherless children. As the names came in, some as it happily proved erroneously, a feeling of sadness spread over the city, which for a time overshadowed the rejoicing at the defeat and rout of the miscreant in- vaders. Oo Sunday, 3rd June, the City of Toronto was ordered to bring home the wounded from Port Dalhousie, where they were to be sent to meet her from Port Colborne. She was to have sailed at 11 o'clock, but a telegram from Dr. Tempest, to the eaect that the " Queen's Own " were suffering from want of provisions, roused the spirit of some prominent citizens of Toronto; a committee was formed, and the members prcceeded to get stores of all kinds, such as could be secured at the moment. All the bakers' shops in the cily were ransacked, and as cart after cart rolled down to the wharf it appeared as though our brave men were going to live on dry bread. Such, however, was by no means the case; hams, sides of bacon, cheese, as much fresh meat as could be got, soon made their ap- pearance, and whe these were flanked by sundry barrels of ale, suspicious looking barrels of whiskey, boxes of tobacco, and sundry other necessaries and luxuries, it W3S felt that oar b/ave men might bid defiance to one enemy at least — an empty stom.ach. Piecisely at 2 o'clock the boat left the wharf, and after a short time arrived at Port Dalhousie. To unload the cargo of eatables and carry them across the wharf to the Railway track, w?is no small undertaking; but all the passenrrers set about it with a will, and in half-an-hour it was accomplish- ed. None were idle; barristers, doctors, rmd merchants vied with the sailors and porters in the work ; some cleaily proving tbat the will was stronger in them than the ability; but v^ith a few mishaps it was d' ne, and all awaited the arrival of the train from Port Colborne with itt. melancholy load. They did not wait long; and fis it drew up into the station great was the anxiety '^f those who expected brothers or sons among the wounded to see them. Very aft'ecting were some of the meetings. Parted only for two or three days, and yet what a world of danger, trial, suspense * See 8k(>'u:h in Appendix by Rev. W. Stephenaon. FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. n had been crowded into those few hours. One brave fellow on being lifted out said, "Oh, I can walk!" but a single step showed him that he had over- rated his strength, and he sank back into willing arms to be conveyed to the steamer. Cue, severely wounded, smiled, and held out his hand, too weak to speak, as he saw his father. Another, quite a boy, pain- fully, if not dangerously, wounded, said to his mother, in reply to her ex- pressions of sorrow, "That's nothing, mother!" Brave fellows! all patient and unmurmuring! The nation that has such sons as you need fear no foreign foe. After the wounded, the dead were borne silently across in the plain wooden coffins provided for them at Port Colborne; and soon the steamer was on her homeward track. Arrived near the city of Toronto, it became evident that the coming of the boat with her sorrowful load was being waited for ood anticipated. The sound of all the bells in the city tolling at slow intervals, had a solemn effect. Then when nearing the wharf, the eye could make out, in the partial darkness, vast masses of heads extending far away. Lante'« held here and there at intervals gave a weird vastness to the crowd; and, ,i''.hough they did not reveal all its proportions, gave some idea of its wonderful extent. The least severely wounded wtfire carried off first, put into cabs, and taken to iheir homes ; then the more severely wounded came on litters ; and last of all, the dead. As they passed the vast crowd, which had all the appearance of a solid mass of \ iman beings, with an avenue cut through, reverently uncovered. Tb ' eral was an imposing spectacle; but this night's reception of the deai ^d in it some elements of solemnity and grandeur which could not be it jduced into the funeral. THE MEDICAL STAFF. The Globe, June 4th, says : — A few words regarding the dealing with the dead and wounded. At the meeting held in the Exchange yesterday afternoon, Mr. Manning stated that four medical gentlemen were sent forward to attend to the wounded of the Queen's Own. It appears that eight went, viz. ; — Drs. Agnew, Rowell, Tempest, Howson, Stevenson, Pollock, DeGrassi, andDack. They left Toronto, on Saturday, at 1 o'clock, a.m., by the Great Western Railway, and reached iVrt Colbor.ie about half-pnst 9 o'clock in the evening. The .scene of the fight was 14 miles from there, and it was impossible to get oouveynnces — the alarmed inhabitants having removed their horses. Imprt-ssmimt was called into requisition, and a farmer who was passing was made to give up his waggon to Drs. Howson and Stevenson, who started for Eidgeway, arriving at two o'clock yesterday morning. The seven dead bodies were at once .sent forward to Port Colborne, and the wounded were sought out and attended to. Tlic Doctors were assisted by Drs. Brewster, of Port Colborne, Clark, St. Catharines, and Dr. Allen. The wounded all reached Port (.'olbovnc about 3.30 whea a start was made for Poit Dalhousie, reaching »,hat about six and at once moving on board. Drs. Tempest, Howson and Stephenson came through with the dead and wounded. They report two Toronto men, badly wounded, left behind, viz. : — Charles Lugsden, clerk in Lyman, Elliott & Co's, and Hugh Matheson. THE FUNERAL. On Tuesday afternoon, June 5th, the bodies of five of the brave men who recently fell in defence of their country, were deposited in their last n FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. resting-place, with imposing civic and military honours. During the forenoon, the bodies of Corporal Defries and Private Alderson, were carried in procession from their late residences to the drill-shed. The flight of steps at the east of the shed and the wall behind were draped in black, and the platform was constructed in front for the reception of the coffins. These were exposed for several hours to allow the citizens to view the remains of the gallant men. The coflSn of Ensign McEachren occupied the middle and front position, covered with the Union Jack; that of Corporal Defries was placed on the right, and, and that of Private Smith on the left, each draped with the banners of the respective Orange Lodges to which they had belonged. The coffins of Private Alderson and Tempest were placed behind and above, covered with flags. At 3.20 the catafalque which was to carry the corpses to their place of burial arrived, and they were placed upon it by the escort of the Queen's Own who had accompanied their fallen comrades to the city. The prO" cession started from the Drill Shed at 3.50, in the following order : — Band of the 47th Regiment. Firing Party. OflSciating Clergymen. Remains of Ensign McEachren, Corporal Defries, Private Smith, Private Alderson, Private Tempest. Mourners : Fureral Committee. Third BattJtlion of the Fifth Military District. Privates and Non-commissioned Officers of the Army. Officers of Volunteers, according to rank. Officers of the Army, acct)rding to rank, Major-General Napier, and Staff". Mayor and Corp;»ration. Citizens on foot. Carriages. The procession moved up Simcoe Street to King, along King Street to Parliament Street, and up Parliament to St. James' Cemetery, the biwid of the 47th Regiment playing the Dead March, and the bells of the city tolling. An immense concourse of people thronged tbe streets, and every window along the line of march was crowded by mournful countenances. The .shops were all closed, and a majority of the citizens wort budges of mourning. The proces-sion was abtiut half a mile in length. On arriving at the Ceintfory, the coffins were taken from the catafalque and placed upon the steps leading to the chinch, and the Lloydtown Rifle Company ranged themselves on each side as a firing party. Tlie Durial Servirc of the Church of Englr-nd was reiid by the Rev. Mr. Grasett, Rector of St. James* Cathedral, Rev. Mr. Roddy, Curate of the Cemetery Chapel, and Rev Mr. Williams, Garrison Chaplain. The musical service was conducted by Mr. Carter and the Choir of St. James' Cathedral, and consi.sted of the introductory hentence, " I am the Resurrection and the Life," chanted while thf corpses were being removed from the catafahjuc, FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 73 the anthem, "I heard a voice from Heaven," and the hymn, '' Nearer, my God, to Thee." The service over, six volleys were fired over the remains of the dead, and they were removed to the vault of the chapel. The immense con- course then slowly moved away and dispersed over the city. Never, per- haps, has such an imposing funeral procession been seen in this city. It will not be out of place to give here a short article from the Toronto Globe on what may be termed THE MORAL OF THE FUNERAL. Not alone Toronto, but the whole Upper Province paid reverence on Tuesday to the brave men who died on Lime llidy;e. VVe have reports from several towns that bells tolled and busines-i closed during the hours employed in burying the honoured dead. Hut Toronto, their home, the place of birth of most of them, where all were educated ; the place where they left a short five days ago in health and strength, amidst the plaudits of the people ; the place to which, doubtless, their thuur.< " ..:. tier. Bowmanv 'e June l>. The most universal and earnest regret is manifested in bo., iv-n villi and viyinity fur the lamented dead of the Queen's Own, and the stores and other places of business were closed at 3 o'clock p.m., and rem.iined -so during the rest of the day, ns a token of sympathy with bereaved friends. All feel deeply the loss of the noble ones, and are ready to a luaii to avenge their death. OTHER FUNERALS. Two of the dead belonging to other places were not interred with the five, the accnuut of whose funeral is given above. The description of those we take from the T<*ronlo Leaury- ibuted 'u offi- ;es>ion ;nvey- All n la^t ■ inaiid- and of I more immediate friends belonging; to the Clifton volunteers in thi2 rank and file, under Captain Chisholm. On arrival at Hamilton, I, requiring information, telegraphed to the officer commanding at Port Colborne, asking to know the state of affairs there, and requesting answer to St. Catharinep. At the Hamilton station, I learned that the detachment of the 60th Royal Rifles and 16th Regiment, which had been at first ordered to join me there, hud already proceeded by railway to reinforce Col. Peacock* who, tho Superintendent of the GrcAt Western Railway said, had twice telegraphed for reinforcements. Under these circum- stances, and finding at St. Catharines no answer from Port Colborne, and that difficulty and delay would be occasioned in getting the train from the Great Western Railway to the line of the Welland Railroad, I determined to proceed to Clifton and thence to the support of Col. Peacooke, en route to Fort Erie. I arrived at Clifton about 8 p.m., and was there, a few hours after, joined by Colonel Stephens, with a volunteer force to the number of 350, which had been despatched by steamer from Toronto to Port Dalhousie, to meet me at St. Catharines. — At Clifton I received pressing telegrams urging me to proceed to assume command at Port Colborne, whence I also received an urgent request for rations and ammunition, reported exhau ted. Believing an early arrival at Fort Erie to be most important, I despatched all the rations and ammunition I could spare to Port Colborne. I telegraphed to Col. Peacocke to send Lieut. Colonel Villiera, if possible, across the country to Port Colborne to command the volunteers at that place ; but soon finding that impossible, telegraphed to Ciipt. Akers, R.E., to assume that duty, adding that I did not anticipate pressure at that point. Having waited for the Erie Rail- way line to be cleared of other trains, I proceeded at 340 a.m., on the 3rd instant, to Black Creek, at which place I bad telegraphed to the officers com- manding detachments of the 60tb Rifles and 16th Regiment, if not in com- munication with Col. Peacocke, to meet me at daybreak. After some delay, I was joined by 200 rank and file of the 60th, under Captain Travers, and by 140 rank and file of the 16th, under Captain Ilogge. As the railway lire had not ■JiiI IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V 1.0 I.I It .25 1^128 12.3 ■^ 1^ Il!'i22 1^ US ill 2.0 M U ill 1.6 ^> ^' y Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WSS7 MAIN STREET WEBSlSR.N.Y. 14S80 (716) 873-4503 l'* ■ '-■"■ 11 n •» 98 FENIAN INVASION OF CAi!(ADA. been previoasly open fur transport, I awaited ita examination bv Lieut-Col., tbe Hon. J. H. Cameron, who had joined me at midnight, at Clifton, from ■on*e point in advance, and who proceeded «fith b locomotive engine for that purpose. On Lieut.-Col. Cameron's report that the road was passable, I f»r >ceeded to a point about three miles north of Fort Erie, called Frenchman's !teek, said to be the nearest point to where the Fenians were reported skir* m shing, and fast escaping across thb river. Here, unloading the force from the railway cars, I advanced with some volunteer companies, the detachments of the loth Regiment and the 60th R. R. towards the Niagara rivar, throwing out an advance guard and a few skirmishers in the woods on either flank. As soon as two field-guns could be got out, they were pressed to the front ; but on reaching the river. Col. Wolseley, found we were too late, and that Fenian prisoners, to the number, apparently, of some five or sevec hundred, were in a large bar^e made fast astern of the United States war steamer, Michigan, lying in the centre of the stream. I reached Fort Erie at about 8.15, a.m., found that the whole ^'illage had been abandoned. Soon afterwards, J was joined by the force under Col. Peaoocke, who had come up through the woods to the right, bringing in some prisoners. The whole force was now hurriedly placed in position on the rising ground at the rear of the village of Erie. Shortly afterwards, a small steamer having been sent from the United States «hip Michigan with the proposf.! that I should communicate with its Com- roander and Her Britannic Majesty's Consul, then with him, accompanied by Col. Wolseley, Captain Crowe, R.A., and Lieut. Turner,. R. E., I proceeded on board and had an interview with Capt. Bryson, U. S. N. ; M. Dnrt, U. S. District Attorney, Mr. H. W. Hemans, II. M. Consul at Buffalo, and subse- quently with General Barry, commanding the United States troops in the Erie and Ontario districts of the State of New York. These officers, in expre»()vith a voluQte<^r force of about 1,000 men, arrived from Port Colborne, making the number under nay command about 3,000 of all arms. In compliance with telegraphic orders, I despatched to Kingston, at 7 p.m., the troops as per margin — Capt. Crowe's field battery, four guns, and 200 men of the 47fch Regiment, under Major Lodder — sending 22 Fenian prisoners by the same train under es'jort of the 47th Regiment. Further telegraphic orders directed me to sead forward to London witliout delay the detachment of the 60th Royal Rifles, the London companies of the 16th Regiment, and the London Volunteers. In consequence of the difficulty of procuring the necessary railway transport, that order could not be carrie^ out till 10 30 to-day, when about 800 were forwarded by the Great Western Railroad, via Clifton to Hamilton. Any delays in the transport of troops, •o far as relates to the service of the Great Western Railway have arisen chiefly from the fact that, on the Erie and Ontario R. R., there being but a single line of track and with sidings still incomplete, there were no means of shunting or of passing trains, whilst that part of the line approaching Fort Erie is still in a very unfinished and unserviceable state. It was impossible, therefore, even with the most prompt assistance afforded by Mr. Swinyard the manager, and all the subordinate officials, of the G. Vr. R., to secure the desired rapidity of movement. The weather during the last few days has been ucinterruptodly flue. The force at present encamped here is a little over two thousand men, and considering the nature of the emergency and of the nature of the place itself, the troops are pretty well supplied. I telegraphed to Lieut.-Col. Denison, with 450 men, to halt at Suspension Bridge. One cora- oonipany of volunteers is at Chippawa, and more than 250 men are at Port Colborne, under Major Skinner. In coiicluuing my report of the last 48 hours — a report which should, but for the nature of the duties and the pres- sure uf telegraphic uommunioation, have been submitted before — I hiive the mmmmmmmm FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 83 honoar to state the following; : — That I have received greater benefit than I can well ez)>re8e, from Col. Wolselev'e indefatiicable energy, judf^ment and promp- titud#M|f^re«)uroe ; that Lieut. Turner, R. E., has proved of the greatest assis- tanoe :#-ine, night and day working with a thorough spirit and most wisa fore-thought; that Lieut.-Ool. Cumberland, A.D.C., has spared no trouble or exertions to give me information and to render valuable assietanoe in every way — in matters connected with railway transit, his knowledge has proved specially useful ; the unt>ring nature of the exertions made by the Hon. J. Hillyard Cameron, M. P. P., also deserves cordial acknowledgment ; Officers and men, whether of the regular or volunteer service, did all in their power to reach and re-occupy Fort Erie at the earliest moment, and to arrest the flight which had been almost completed before our arrival. All appears quiet at present on this frontier. I End I have forgotten to state that General Barry, U. S. A., offered to furuish me with the earliest notice of any intended move- ments of importance which might come to his knowledge among the Fenians in the States. Capt. Bryaon, commander of the United States war steamer Michigan, apprised me that he had telegraphed to Washington for instructions as to the disposal of his 700 prisoners. I replied that this was a matter for settlement by our respective Governments. The Brigade Major. (Signed) R. W. Lowrt, Col. Commanding Field Force on Niagara Fi-ontier. COL. DENNIS* UEPORT. Fort Erie, 4th June, 18C6 Col, Lovory, Commanding the Niagara Fivntier: Sir, — Availing myself of the earliest momeot, I have the honor to report, for the information of His Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief, the following narrative of event"! connected with tho late Fenian invasion at this place, in which I was direotlv concerned. Subsequently to my leaving Toronto on the morning of Friday last, my orders were on that occasion to proceed with the 2nd or Queen's Own, 400 strong, to Port Colborne, occupy it, and if necessary entrench a position there, and wait for reinforcemo^nts and further orders before any attack was made on the enemy, who, it was represented, numbered 1,500 men, and was advancing on that point. Although finding great excite- ment at the different stations along the Welland Railway on the way up, at Port Colborne, where I arrived about noon, things were quiet — no definite news having reached there, in consequence of the Fenians havicg cut the wires at F(»rt Erie, of which place they had driven away the officials at 5 a. m. that morning. Report, however, said that they had, some two hours subse- quently; sent a party up the track and burned a bridge crossing a small stream known as Sauerwine's Creek, six miles from Fort Erie on the railway to Port Colborne. No news of any other approach having been brought in by any of the numerous scouts sent out by the villagers during the forenoon, I proceeded to billet the men in order to get thura dinner ; and then before determining to commence the construction of any defences, I despatched a messenger across to Buck's Tavern at Stevensville, between Erie and the town of Welland, to ascertain and report any movement of the enemy in that direction, which I thought probable, as sufficient time had elapsed to enable him to reach Port Colborne, had that been his intention- Having, through the kindness of Mr. Larmour, the Superintendent of the line, obtained % locomo- tive, I started down the railway upon a reconnoissance, getting down to with- in sis miles of Fort Erie — the burning of ihe bridge mentioned preventing my closer approach. I then learned that the bridge had been destroyed by a party of some seven men. who had come up about 7 a. m., who, in addition, stole a number of horses from the farmeri in the vicinity, and then went back towards the main body, which, from testimony I received, it appeared had gone down the river about a mile below the lower ferry and camped close to the river H u FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. M:J n M 1 oad, on one Newbigging'c farm. Their Dumber waa Tarioasly eatimated at from 450 to 1,200 men. This testimocy was corroborated by the statement of the mounted soouts from Back's Tavern, and StevenBTille, who returned in the evening, and went to show that with the exception of the parties out horse-stealing, there had been no Fenians seen in that direction, and was rendered certain by the arrival from Fort Erie of one who had been in their camp at six o'clock that evenine. Shortly before this time, however, Lt.-Co]. Booker, of Hamilton, bad ari*ivel with the 13th battalion of volunteers, and, beine senior o£Bcer, took command, and continued the communication by tele- graph which had been going on between Ool. Peacocke and myuelf respecting the position and the strength of the enemy, and the best method of attacking him. Col. Peacocke, then at Clifton, having, about 5 p. m., telegraphed to me that he had ordered the International steamer up to Port Colbome, for me to put upon her a gun, or detachment, in order to patrol the river from Fort Erio to Chippewa. She not having arrived at 10.30 n. m., I ordered the Sobb, a powerful tug-boat, owned by Captain McCallum, O'^wn from Dunnville, for that purpose, intending to place upon her the Welland Battery, without guns — the men armed with Enfield rifles — and received a reply that she would be down at 3 a. m. the following morning. This was the position of affairs when Capt. Akers, R. £., arrived from Chippawa, sent over by Col. Peacocke to con- sult and to explain Col. Peaoocke's views as to the best mode of attack. After due consideration between Captain Akers, Lieut. Col. Booker, and myself, a certain course was decided, arranging for an attack in conoert on that morn- ing, and Col. Peacocke was telegraphed accordingly. In accordance with this flan, Capt. Akers and myself embarked in the tug, which did not arrive, Memorandum — Our object in this was to ascertain a^'finitely the position of the enemy's camp, -as preliminary to the attack), however, till about 4 a. m., having been delayed in consequence of Mr. McCallum \riHhing to bring with him his naval company from Dunnville, and proceeded down to reconnoitre the river and the Fenian camp, arranging to meet the Port Colbome force back at the railway depot, three miles above the enemy's camp, ac seven or at the latest half-past seven o'clock. On our way past the village of Fort Erie, vre were brought to by the armed patrol tug boat from tho United States steamer Michigan, who, on finding out who we were, informed us that the Fenian camp on the Newbigging farm had been broken up at 3 a. m. that morning, the enemy having marched down the river road. We proceeded duwu the river to the mouth of the Black Creek, eight miles above Chippawa, vrhen we learned that they had turned off the river to the west, directly in rear of a place called New Germany. A messenger was at once sent off to Col. Peacocke, we presumed then under previously concerted arrangement to be there moving up, and we returned with the tug in accordance with that arrangement to meet Col. Booker and the upper force at the R. R. depot at Fort Erie. On our arrival there we could see or hear nothing of them. This was accounted for subsequently by the fact that Lieut. Col. Booker had received, after we left, an order from Col. Peacocke directing him off the R. R. at Ridge- wny, some eight miles above Fort Erie, and cross the country in order to meet and attack in concert. This being the case, presuming a combined attack would be made in the course of the day, of the result of which we could have no doubt, I considered, as I could not then join mj proper force, that import- ant service could be rendered by patrolling the ri?er to intercept and capture fugitives, and to prevent by every possible means the v^scape across the river of any large body of the enemy. This having been determined on, Capt. Akers and myself were engaged all day in patrolling the shore and scouring the wood along the river as far down as Black Creek, arresting in all, including; six prisuners made about nine o'clock in the morning r.t Fort Erie, some 23 men. During the course of the afternoon, we learned through some of thj prisoners that an engagement had taken place at some point in the interior in which the Feniana had been utterly dispersed. This I was c|uite prepared to believe, as I had from the steamer observed Col. Peacocke with a strong ^jroe > FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 85 on his way up from Chippawa tu?nine in from the river road towards New Germany, and I knew that Liout. Col. Booker's force was coming down upon him from the south. Concluding that the action which was known to have come off had resulted in the capture of the enemy, I returned to Fort Erie about half past five o'clock p. m., proposing to get what information I could about the position of our troops, and to telegraph for instructions as to what should be done with the prisoners who had amounted now, including those taken in the village and neighbourhood during the day, to some CO or 65 men. The number I can't give precisely, as I had only got as far as those names given in the margin, making out a memorandum of each case. Having, in the meantime, made up my mind to send the prisoners by tug to WelTand gaol, I had them brought down and embarked there in charge of the reeve, when the alarm was given that the Fenians were entering the town in force. In fact, the first messenger had hardly delivered the news when a second came in to say that they were within a quarter of a mile coming down the street along the river. I went over from the pier to satisfy rayselCaixl saw them in pumpers as I judged about 150, advancing upon the st eet indicated. Suppos- ing them to be of the material and of the same miserable character, physically, as^ the prisoners we had been taking all day, I thought the detachment I had with the boat, even if we uad to resort to the bayonet, sufficient for them, and concluded that my duty lay in making a stand against them. This detachment consisted, as before mentioned, of the Welland field battery, 54 men and three officers, and of a portion, some eighteen men and one officer. Exclusive of the guard over the prisoners on the TOat of the Dunnville Naval Company. I first took the precaution to put the prisoners under batohef , and then advancing to meet the enemy about 150 yards, drew up my little command across the street. As tbev came within about 200 yards they opened fire on us, when my detach- ment, by order, fired a volley from each of the companies, upon which a severe flank fire was opened on us from the west, and on looking in that direction, I observed for the first time two considerable bodies of the enemy running in a northerly parallel with the river, evidectly with the intention of cutting us off, and {getting possession both of us and of the steamer at the same time. Under the circumstances, as I considered if we tried to escape by the tug, the enemy might be there as soon as we, and so achieve his double object, 1 therefore con- cluded that my duty lay in saving the prisoners we had on board, and prevent- ing the enemy from getting possession of the vessel which I knew, and he probably knew also, was his only means of escape, and I therefore ordered the captain to cast off and get out in the stream, and ordered my men to retreat and do the best they could to getaway, each man for himself. Daring this time a heavy fire was kept up on us both in front and in flank, and I had the grief of seeing several of my men fall. We retreated down the front street under a very heavy though comparatively ineffective fire. Several of the men, contrary to my advice, took shelter in a bouse, the door of which stood open as they passed— there being little or no cessation of the fire upon us. I directed them not to remain under it longer than was necessary, and I turned into the premises of a friend in the lower part of the village where I lay concealed. Although the premises were searched twice, the ruffians stated their intention to come a third time, thrf^^tened if I were not given up, as they had seen me enter the gate, that they would destroy the property. Two of my men, one of them wounded, had previously taken shelter in the house. They were cap- tured. Fearing another search, I dressed in disguise furnished by my friends, and then came out and remained in the village till night-fall, when I got through the lioes, and struck across the country in search of Coi. Peacocke — finding his camp about five miles back of Fort Erie, arriving there at 3 o'clock a. m. I then accompanied his force back to this place during itf! operations later in the day ; all of which, as also of the escape of the enemy during the night, that officer's report will doubtless inform you. On my return, I was able to learu, ior the first time, something of the casualities in the affair of the vrevious evening. I feel rejoiced not to have to report any loss of life in my ' It ' w 80 FBNIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 1 detaohment, although I was given to understand that there were some five wounded in the Welland Battery, two of them so severely as to result, in each case, in the loss of a lef(. These cases, I regret to say, were Capt. King, of the Welland B.ittery, and one man of the Dunnville Naval Company. None of the officers, excepting Oapt. King, were wounded. A return of the casual- tieH is appended hereto. The enemy suffered more severely. Three of bis number were killed outright, and four were mortally wounded, two of whom died yesterday morning. The other two bad been allowed, under the oiroum- Btances, by the leeve, Dr. Kempson, with the permission, as I understood, of Col. Lowry, to be taken to the Buffalo Hospital. Mr. Scholfield, the Lieute- nant of the Welland Battery, had gone to Welland to get his men together again, some of them having escaped across the country to their homes, during the night, is ordered without delay, when in a position to do so, to prepare an accurate list of casualties in the battery. I have detained this report some- what in order to get his return. Should there prove to have been any casual- ties not as yet reported, I will lose no time in sending forward a list of the same. I append the report of Capt. MoCallum, commanding the Dunnville Naval Company, and owner of the steam tug referred to — to whom particu- larly, as also to bis lieutenant, Mr. Robb, the sailing-master of the steamer, I have to express my obligations for their sealous and efficient assistance during the operations of Saturday. I have also the gratification of saying that the other officers and the men forming my little command, behaved most nobly in the affiiir 'iuring the afternoon at Fort Erie. I firmly believe that had I not ordered them to retreat they would have remained steady and fought until shot down in the ranks. (Sij-ned.) 't ,« I < ! > t J. S. DiNNIS, Lieut. Col. commanding detaohment on Saturday, June 2nd. CAPTAIN AKER'S REPORT. ' • " ' X Montreal, 7th June, 1866. " SiR, — In accordance with the orders of Major General Napier, C.B., I re- ported mjself to Col. Peaoocke at Hamilton, on Friday, 1st June, and pro- ceeded with him to Chippewa. The same night about midnight, I was directed by Lieot.-Col. Peaoocke to proceed to Port Colborne, to arrange with Lieut. Col. Dennis for making a combined attack on the enemy supposed to be entrenched on Black Creek, about three miles down the river from Erie, seven miles from Chippewa, and two from Stevensville. Col. Peaoocke was to move on Stevensville, so as to arrive there about 9.30 a.m. ; Lieut.-Col. Dennis to move along the railway to Ridgeway, as far as the state of the rail- way would permit, and march from thence to meet Col. Peaoocke at Stevens- ville, at the above hour ; and from thence the combined forces were to march on the supposed position. Arriving at Port Colborne at about 2 a.m., I found the whole f >rce under arms and ic the cars. Lieut.-Col. Booker being senior to Lieut.-Col. Dennis, bad taken the command. They had obtained from a custom-house officer, arrived from Erie, exacn information as to the position of the Fenian camp. This was on Frenchman's Creek about half-way be- tween Black Creek and Fort Brie. The officer who had been in the camp at six o'clock, considered there were not more than 700 men. They had been drinking whiskey hard during the day, and might fall an easy prey to a sud- den attack. Lieutenant-Colonel Dennis was anxious to move off at once to the attack, and Lieut.-Col. Booker was prepared to carry out the proposal, if properly authoriied. Knowing Col. Peaoocke's anxiety to combine his force with the volunteers in attacking the enemy, I could not in his name authorize the movement, nor did I think it prudent; as, from the accounts we had received, it appeared that the enemy's force would be doubled during the night. Having ascertained, however, that the railway bridge at Ridgeway, partially burnt in the morning, had been repaired, and that the line to Erie FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 87 was open, I arran^^dd a aomewhat different plan of attack, subject of course* to Col. Peaoocke's approTal. The plan was as follows :— Lieut. Gol. Bookeri to proceed by rail to Erie, with the greater part of his force, to arrive at Fort Erie at 8 a.ni., Lieut. Col. Dennis and myself to go round the coast in a Bteam tuft, taking a company of volunteer artillery to reconnoitre the shore between Fort Erie and Black Creek, and to return to Fort Erie in time to meet Lieut. Gol. Booker at 8— should Gol. Peaoocke approve of this he would march by the river road from Chippawa and make a combined attack with Lieut. Col. Booker at some point between Fort Erie and Black Creek, cutting off the enemy's retreat by the river ; the tug employed cruising up and down the^ river, cutting off any boats that might attempt to escape and cummuni> eating between the forces advancing from Chippewa and from Erie, i com- municated this proposed change to Col. Peacouke ; both by letter and tele- graph, omitting however, I think, to mention the use proposed to be made of the tug. The plan was merely a modifioRtion of that proposed by Lieut. Col. Dennis, who wished to move at once with the volunteers without arranging a junction with Colonel Peaoocke. Before receiving any answer from Col. Peaoocke, I went off in the tug with Lieut. Col. Dennis and the company of ar- tillery, leaving word with Lieut. Gol. Booker to take care and obtain Col. Peaoocke's approval to the proposed change before acting on it, and explain- ing the plan previously determined on in case Col. Pencocke should desire him to adhere to it. We arrived at Fort Erie about 5 a.m., steamed along there, and past Frenchman's Creek, where we saw the enemy's camp appa- rently deserted. After carefully examining the shore from Erie to Black Creek, and seeing no signs of any armed furoe, we went ashore at Black Creek, and were informed that the enemy had broken up their camp during the night. A party was seen by the inhabitants moving along the river in the direction of Chippewa, and the remainder to have turned inland at Black Creek. As far as I conld make out trum the sice and appearance of their camp, and from the reports of the people, their combined foroA could not have exceeded 700 or 800 men. I then returned with Lieut. Col. Dennis, by water, to Fort Erie, as appointed with Lieut. Col. Booker. That officer not having arrived, I became aware thut Col. Peaoocke had acted on his original plan ; but from the information I had gained was of opinion that he would nut have more than 400 or 500 men to contend with. Lieut. Gul. Dennis then landed the company of artillery, and I proceeded with it patrolling the road and oeights between Fort Erie and Black Greek. Between 30 and 40 prisoners were taken by the company or handed over by civilians and put on board the tug at Black Creek. Seeing nothing more to be done at Fort Erie, I drove up to the railway station, on the line to Colborne, to ascertain whether tele- graphic communication had been opened, and obtained what information I could. 'This station is about half a mile from Fort Erie and to the westward of the high road from Colborne. I had hardly entered the station when I beard a cry that troops were coming down the hill between myself and the town. I jumped into my conveyance and turned towards Erie to give the alarm to the company nf volunteers left there. Finding the approach to Erie cut off and the enemy's skirmishers stealing round to surround me, i turned round and drove to the shore in the direction of Colborne. Near Kidgeway, I turned up towards the high road, and passing the railway bridge found it on fire. I stopped and got some buckets from a neighbouring farm, and, with the assistanca of the driver, managed to put out the fire. I then went on to the garrison road, when I heard an account of the engagement with Col. Book- er's force and of its retreat to Colborne. I found two wounded men at a road- side house ; one of them I took into Colborne : the other was too badly hurt to move. I arrived at Colborne between 6 and 7 in the evening. The force bad been increased since the previous day, and now consisted of the 7 compa- nies P. A.O., with 4 Companies of the 22nd Oxford and the Drumho Company attached, 2 Companies of Home Guard, the Caledonia and the Queen's Onn and 13th— in all about 1,400 men. The garrison was in the greatest state ' I li> t" u FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. Id *■!• i' of confusion, and the troops that had been engaged in the morning ooneider- ably exhausted from want of rest and food. I oraered what assistance I coald to CoL Booker who appeared quite overcome by fatigue and anxiety. He begged me to undertake all necessary arrangements, and later '.n the evening requested me to take the command out of bis hands. Finding this was the wish of other volunteer officers of superior rank to myself, I telegraphed for instructions, and was desired by Col. Lowry to take the command. 1 posted a line of out-lying pickets, at a radius of one mile from the town, extending from the shore to the Welland Canal, with strong supports in rear, and or- dered the remainder of the troops to lie down and get what rest they could. I telegraphed in various directions for food and ammunition, and by 2 a.m. on Sunday 3rd had ao ample supply of both. About 1 o'clock, the alarm was sounded, and officers and civilians rushed up informing me that the enemy was marching on us in force and within 500 yards west of the town, where I had placed no pickets. The alarm was entirely without foandation, but had the effect of depriving the troops of the few hours rest they mi^ht have had. All through the night, reports were coming in of large forces being landed on the shore between Colborne and Erie, also without foundation. I sent the tog boat, however, still kept at our service by its owner, Mr. McCoUum, to watch the shore between Colborne and Erie, and called on some of the civi- lians to act as scouts, and keep me informed of any movements in the neigh- bourhood. Reveille was sounaed at three, and I immediately made what ar- rangements I could for serving out rations and ammunition. At five o'clock, sending a pilot engine in front, I moved by rail towards Brie, taking the whole of the troops except the 13th, whom I left to guard Port Colborne. Hearing the enemy were posted near Ridgeway, and finding a favourable fosition for forming up the troops on a rond known as " Skirx's Crossing," disembarked the men, threw out a line of skirmishers, with four sup- ports from the 7th P. A. 0., with orders for the flank supports to wheel outwards and extend at once in case of any sign of a flank attack. In this order, and with a strong rear-gaard, I advanced from to the garrison road, and from thence towards Fort Erie. On coming to the scene of the pre- vious day's engazement, I ascertained that the enemy had attempted to orops the river during the night, and that Erie was in possession of our troops. Afler halting the men for about an hour at this spbt, I marched them quietly in to Erie, where I reportef". myself to Col. Lowry. On the fol- lowing morning I was relieved from my command. I have, &o.. (Signed,) Chas. S. Akibs, Capt. R. E. CAPT. MoCALLUM'S REPORT. 7b Limt. CoL Dennis, Fort Erie: Sir, — At your request, I have the honour to make the following report: — On Saturday last, 2nd June, between the hours of 3 and 4 p. m., after your departure, I r'^treated down the river under a galling fire, a distance of about three miles, with two men of the Navil Bragade and 13 men of the Welland Canal Field Battery — the rest having been cut off, and consequently taken prisoners, including the follows;; officers, vix : 2nd Lieutenant Macdonald, of the Naval Brigade ; Lieutenant Scholfield and Ensign Nimmo, of the Field Battery, wounded, and one roan of the Naval Brigade. Lieut. Robb, with the steamer Eobb, came in boats and took us on board. I then held a consultation with Lieut. Robb as to future proceedings. We then determined, on account of being encumbered with so many prisoners on board, 57 in number, and so very few men left to guaid them, to run to Port Colborne, and send the pris- oners to a place of safety. In. passing Fort Erie up the river, we, for a dis- tance of a mile's run, were under a heavy fire of musketry from the Canadian shore. We passed without any casualties worth mentioning, and arrived I FENIAN INVASION OF CANADA. 80 consider- loe I coald lety. He e evening was the aphed for I posted extending it, and or- ley could, by 2 a.m. [alarm was be enemy , wbere I but had have had. landed on I sent the Collum, to Df the civi- the neigh- what ar- ▼e o'clock, Aking the Coll^rne. favourable Crossing," four sup- 8 to wheel ttack. In le garrison of the pre- attempted ion of our [ marched 3n the fol- »8, report : — after your 9 of about ) Welland Dtly taken donald, of the Field , with the Qsultation n account er, and so the pris- for a dis- Cana<:ian i arrived safely nt Port Colborne at half-past 6 p. m. of the same day, and delivered the prisoners over to Lieut. Col. McGiverin, with committmont and names inserted, all of which is respectfully submitted. (Signed) L. McCai-lum, Capt. N. B., DunuviUe, THANKS OF THE MAJOR-GENERAL COMMANDING. The following communication has been addressed by Lieutenont-Colonel Durie, A. A. G., to Major Gillmor: — Assistant Adjutant General's Office, Toronto, June 8th, 1866. Sir, — I am directed by Miyor General Napier, C. B., commanding the la* mihtary division, C.W., to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of your despatchj dated Stratford, June 4, 1866, addressed to Lieut.-Col. Lowry, 47th Regiment, detailing the operation of the volunteer force of the 2nd, in which the Queen's Own were engaged with the enemy. It is now my gratifying duty to convey to you, not only the approbation but the very great pleasure the Major-General experienced in hearing from you the good conduct of the oflScers, non-commiasioned oflScers and men of the regiment under your command oii that occasion. That they fully confirmed and justified the good opinion that the Major-Gen- eral always entertained of them by their gallant conduct in meeting, for the first time, the enemies of their Queen and country. The Major-General feels quite sure that the regiment will always cherish and sustain the character now so nobly won by the Queen's Own. I have also to express to you, by the Major-General's desire, his entire ap- probation of the very able and gallant manner in which you commanded the Queen's Own, under very trying circumstances, and it will give him much pleasure in bringing before His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief the gallant service rendered by the Queen's Own on the occasion, which you will be good enough to convey to the oflScers, non-commissioned officers and men of the re- giment under your command. I have the honor to bo, Sir, your most obedient servant, W. S. DuRiE, Lt.-Col., A. A. G. M. THANKS TO THE NAVAL BRIGADE. The following regimental order has been received by Captain McMaster, ac- knowledging the services of the Toronto Naval Brigade, when recently called out for i ctive duty : — Assistant Adjutant General's Office, Toronto, June 10, 1866. Sir, — I am directed by Major-General Napier, C.B., commanding H. M. forces and volunteers, Canada West, to express to you his thanks for the efficient ser- vices rendered by the Naval Brigade under your command, particularly recently, when required to take charge of and convert the steamer Rescue into a gun- boat, in discharging her cargo and getting the necessary armament on board in a very short time and in a highly creditable manner ; and when relieved from the charge of the Rescue^ in performing similar good services when placed in command of the steamer Magnet. And the Major-General will not fail to avail himself of the services of the Naval Brigade afloat should an opportunity occur, and will have great pleasure in bringing before the notice of His Excell^incy the Governor General, the important and valuable services which they have ren- dered. I have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient servant, Wm. S. Durie, a. a. G. M. Capt. McMaster, Couimanding Naval Brigade, Toronto. k 90 FENIjN invasion of CANADA. COL. DENIS' ENGAGEMENT AT FOllT ERIE. ■-' ' Toronto, 11th June, ISCB. Srn, — T liave the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of tho 7th inst., I'orwarding, for the information of tho Major-Oeneral Commanding, a re- Eort made to you, of an expedition made by him on the 2nd inst, in tho neigh- ourhood of Fort Eric, and which resulted in an engagement with a band of lawlesH invaders. I urn directed by Major-General Napier, C. B., to request that you will con- vey to Liout-Colunel Dennis his high sense of the gallantry and courage dis- played on that occasion by the oflBcers, non-commissioned oflScers and men of his detatchment. It if, however, a subject of regret to the Major-General tha' so many brave m'^n should have been wounded in this encounter, but ho trusts that in a short time they will recover from their injuries, and be in a position again to take the field, if required. " I have the honor to be, Sir, your moat obedient servant, ' '■ (Signed) H. Nanolb, Capt, Major of Brigade. Col. Lowry, Commanding Field Force, Fort Erie. THE MAJOR-GENERAL AND THE VOLUNTEERS. ' ,: Brigade Order, Toronto, June I8th, 1866. Major-General Napier, C.B., commanding first military district, Canada West, cannot allow the volunteers under his command to return home without ten- dering them his best thanks for the patriotic way they responded to the Gov- ernor General's call for further services, as well as for their general good con- duct, whilst in the field, although only a few were fortunate enough to bo en- gaged with the enemy. The whole force were equally ready and anxious to meet hiia. Tho Major-General feels sure that should their services bo again required they will show the same fine spirit, and turn out to a man in the de- fence of the- country. The Major-General in bidding them farewell for the present, trust that they will keep up their present efficient state, which can only be done by constantly attending to their drill whenever they have an op- portunity of doing so. ■i^fiu-' J By order, signed, n. Nanole, Captain and Brigade Major. Ottawa, August, 4tli. The following despatch from the Colonial Secretary to Lord Monck is pub- lished in today's official Gatetk: — Downing Street, 11th July, 1806. My LoKn,— I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's despatch, No. 5.5, of the 14th June, in which you brought to my predecessor's notice the patriotism and devotion exhibited during the late Fenian distnrbanocs by Canadians resident in Chicago, who, on hearing of the seizure of Fort Erie, gave up their various employments in order to return to Canada to offer their services for the defence of their country, You also report that a lirge number of Canadians, resident in New York, expressed to you, through Her Majesty's Consul, their willingness to abandon their several occupations in that city, to assist in the defence of Canada against Fenian attacks, I cannot express to your Lordship the high sense entertained by Her Majesty's government of the spirit and loyalty thus evinced ; and I trust that such patriotic conduct will go far to prevent the repetition of such criminal attempts as have recently been made at Fort Erie and St. Albans. I have, &c., (Signed) Carnarvon. To His Excc'Ilencv Lord Monck. . .»/ i \ [01] MISCELLANEOUS NOTICES. ENSIGN McEAClIREN— Bt Rkv. \V. Stkihesson. This Rallant officer was a native of Tslay, Scotland, and was born Janiinry 28th, IB.'Jl. In early life he had duly impressed on his consideration the worth of those principles which tend so strongly to the formation of a true and manly character. His education might bo pronounced liberal ; and at cne time it was understood to be his purpose to enter the christian ministry. Circunustanccs, however, overruled this purpose, and he turned his attention to secular pur- suit. Being studious, circumspect, and industrious in his habits, and more- over possessing an unobtrusive and amiable disposition, he won, while yet very young, the notice and consideration of many amongst whom he moved. h\n- a number of years he resided with his family in Lower Canada, where, through vigorous exercise, the bracing influence of climate, and a prudential deport- ment, his frame, perhaps not naturally the most robust, was knitted into a firm strength and power of endurance. He was known to us as one capable of varied and prolonged activities, and as eminently qualified, in this particular, for the part he essayed in the defence of his country. He had disciplined him- self to integrity and a high sense of honour, and was one to whom the honour of his country had long been a sort of passion. Not thirsting for strife, he was prepared to meet it; not seeking occasion, he must do or die if it otter. The occasion did offer ; and on the memorable 2nd of June, he rushed into the gap of his country, faced her enemies in the gate, and, bravely fighting, bravely fell. Ensign McEachren was not " alone in his glory," but it is hazarding nothing to say that a nobler, a more chivalrous hero did not grace the battle- field at Limestone Ri-^ge. He had the confidence of his comrades in arms, and when he was borne "fresh anrt gory " from the arena of combat, many a heart sighed and many a manly eye awarded its tear. The Ensign was recog- nised as a good man and a christian. In early youth ho had united with the church of his fathers (the Congregational), in connection with which Churcii he continued some seven years. He afterward joined the Wesleyan com- munity, of which Church he remained a consi-stent member to the day of his death. The Christian Guardian, speaking of him says : " He sought as a chiistian to be useful, and in this he was not disappointed. His zeal lor the Lord's House was fervent and abiding. The fire was ever burning on the altar. When not in his place he had a reason, net an excuse, for his noii- appoiirance. He delighted in prayer. He knew its worth. It was his vital breath, his native air. In the Sabbath-school he found a congenial sphere. His interest in it was felt, his activities were appreciated, and his work.s follow him." The same article goes on to say that, " As a child he was filial, rever- ential, obedient ; as a husband, he was sympathetic, active, persevering ; as a father, he was tender, affectionate, assiduous — yea, he yearned with intensest alfection for every member of his household. In his commercial relations lie was regarded as a man of strictest integrity ; he was industrious and painstak- ing, and hence he had the confidence of all who knew him in th's department of life." The loss of such a citizen, friend, hero, is a loss not easily repaired. It is, however, a matter of greatest satisfaction that he died when he did, and where he did : when, in view of his preparedness ; where, in vicv of the cause for which he yielded up his life. He left a widow and five smn'l children to mourn their loss ; but it must ever be to them a source of gratification that the husband and the father thus so nobly died at his post. Ho died in th ;< 35th year or his age. PRIVATE TEMPEST. "William Fairbanks Tempest, who was killed in the skirmish at Ridgeway, was connected with the Gould Street Presbyterian Church. A di.scour.'