IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) Y /,o /- A < ^° J^i IL I/.. 1.0 I.I lis ■10 |28 |2^ y£ II 2.2 2.0 m 1.25 1 1.4 1 1.6 ^ 6" ► m /^A ^ J^ % 1*> ^ v /A 'm o / Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 4^ 4^^ '^\^' ^ \^. ^ ^ CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibiiographiques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. D D D D D D •J Coloured covers/ Couverture de couleur I I Covers damaged/ Couverture endommag6e Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restaurde et/ou peliiculde I I Cover title missing/ Le titre de couverture manque I I Coloured maps/ Cartes g^ographiques en couleur Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) I I Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur Bound with other material/ Relid avec d'autres documents Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin/ Lareliure serr6e peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distortion le long de la marge intdrieure Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajout6es lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, mais, lorsque cela dtait possible, ces pages n'ont pas 6t6 filmdes. L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a 6t6 possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-dtre uniques du point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la m6thode normale de filmage sont indiquds ci-dessous. □ Coloured pages/ Pages de couleur □ Pages damaged/ Pages endommagdes I I Pages restored and/or laminated/ The( to th Pages restaurdes et/ou pelliculdes Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ Pages ddcolordes, tachet^es ou piqudes □ Pages detached/ Pages ddtach^es HShowthrough/ Transparence Transpar Quality c Quality indgale de I'impression Includes supplementary materii Comprend du materiel supplementaire The! possi of th filmii Origi begii the li sion. othei first sion, or ill I I Quality of print varies/ I I Includes supplementary material/ D D Only edition available/ Seule Edition disponible Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to ensure the best possible image/ Les pages totalement ou partiellement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure, etc., ont h\h film6es d nouveau de fa^on d obtenir la meilleure image possible. The I shall TINL whic Map diffe entir begii right requ mett Additional comments:/ Commentaires suppl6mentaires: Irregular pagination: [1 ] - 144, 149 - 292 p. This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est film6 au taux de reduction indiqu^ ci-dessous. 10X 14X 18X 22X 26X 30X y i 1 12X 1«X 20X 24X 28X 32X The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks to the generosity of: Library of the Public Archives of Canada L'exemplaire film6 fut reproduit grAce A la g6nArosit6 de: La bibliothdque des Archives pubiiques du Canada The images appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. Las images suivantes ont 6t6 reproduites avec le plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et de la nettet6 de l'exemplaire film6, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de filmage. Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impression. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol ^^- (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol y (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en papier est imprimie sont filmis en commen^ant par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la derniire page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second plat, selbn ie cas. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont film6s en commenpant par la premiere page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernidre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboles suivants apparaftra sur la dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: ie symbols — ► signifie "A SUIVRE ', ie symbols V signifie "FIN". Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre filmds d des taux de reduction diff^rents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6, il est film6 d partir de I'angle supirieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images n6cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m6thode. 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 4 S 6 U. I COMPl c. With an n^r ■ A BRIEF REVIEW OF THE SETTLEMENT OF UPPER CANADA BY THE U. E. LOYALISTS AND SCOTCH HIGHLANDERS, IN 1783; And of the grievamces which COMPELLED THE CANADAS TO HAVE RECOURSE TO ARMS IN DEFENCE OF THEIR RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES, In the years 1837 and 1838: TOGETHER WITH A BRIEF SKETCH OF THE CAMPAIGNS OF 1812, '13, 14: With an account of the Mihtary Executions, Burnings, and Sack- ings of Towns and Villages, by the British, in the LTpper and Lower Provinces, during the COMMOTION OF 1837 AND '38. BY D. M'LEOD, Major General, Patriot Army, Upper Canada. '^^' CLEVELAND ; PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, BY F. B. PENNIMAN. 1841. RaR£ 3611 M3 THIS WORK, M M' IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TO THE FRIENDS OF CANADIAN LIBERTY, THROUGHOUT THE U, S., BY THE AUTHOR, This generoi manfnll contend liberty : in tlie I cember Canadi Revolu peal to sinjT th( ever oj bianco 1837. litical i satisfy on theii ami en ved poi : but let ' pende(^ Bucceei « I !il PREFACE. This work in designed for the information of those numerous generous hearted citizens of the United State.s, who so nohly and manfully avowed their sympathy for the oppressed Canadians, when contending against the mighty power of Great Britian, for their liberty and independence ; but who from the httle interest they took jn the pohtical affairs of Canada, previous to the out-break in De- cember, 1837, are necessarily ignorant of the proportion that the Canadian grievances bear to those which urged on the American Revolution, and whetlier they were of the nature to warrant an ap- peal to arms. We feel convinced that the reader will find in peru- sing the following pages, that the Colonial grievances of 1776i how- ever oppressive they might have been considered, bear no resem- blance in magnitude or degree to those borne by the Canadians in 1837. Although this work does not embrace all the grievances, po- litical and religious, which they endured, yet it exhibits enough to satisfy every candid and rational mind, that any further endurance on their part, would be impiety towards God — treason to themselves and entailing on their mouldering dust the maledictions of an ensla- ved posterity. They have proved unsuccessful in their first effort • but let not the friends of freedom despair; the contest only is sus- pended, not given up. The people arc getting prepared ; they wiU succeed as sure as the revolution of 76 succeeded. They h?ve suf^ !? ^ PREFACE. ti;ro(l,an(l know the valiio of lihorly ;— tlicy will cndnrn but a littln hmgcr. The propitious day is last a]>proacliing when they wil' arise in their niiirht, and with a iniiled cllort substitute the Twin Star Spann^led Caiiiier of Independence for tin; Royal Tyrant Standard of Enirland— then America iVoni the Gulf of Mexico to Mic Artie ocean,wilI form one irreat, whole, and happy repuldic. The British government, without desiiTnint? it, is hasteningon the great era of their birth as an independiMit people. Canada must be free ! With a fertility of soil and expanse of terri- tory sudicicnt to maintain millions — with a people constantly gazing upon these prosperous and independent States-and oppressed as they have been, by Jjritish tyranny, they cannot long remain enslaved. — The broad ocean se])ai'ates them from their oppressor,and and if once tree, the impregnable walls of their Quebec, the Gibralter of America j will bid defiance to cvcvy attempt at future sul)jugation We fer- vently cherish the hope, that the day is not far distant when the Ea- L''ic of Liberty sliall soar triumphant over this vast continent, — when a vestige of tyranny vrill not remain, and that the first step lo wards this glorious consummation, will be the liberation of Ca- nada. From the first discovery of tjjis continent in 1492, down to the L'lorious era 177G, the flags oi" the dithrent Enropeon poAvers, -who claimed diil'erent portions of it, either by right of discovery or con. <{ucsi, floated undisturbed over their vast possessions, from Capo Horn to the Artie Ocean. The only wars thatarose were in the ad justmentof their rival claims to territory ; and in tiiese wars, the colonists ranged themselves ac- cording to their allegiance, with a feeling of loyalty of which that ^\•hich is called the '-French war" ending in 1763, with the treaty of (Quebec, is a memorable example. In this war. they freely spilled their blood and treasure in the cpiarrel of the mother country, with- out any advantage to themselves, other than what they derived from Hieir being to some extent trained to arms — an advantage they were soon destined to turn to a great account. At the period of this treaty. Great Britain and Spain possessed, or claimed to possess, almost the entire northern continent, and, witli the Portuguese, the French, and the Dutch, they divided tlie south- ern portioi by lieuten erty in va societ) am From tli; now living, ry, either it results. to the pre Portugur ny thousai revolt ; am treat throu yet the gla for in no in she.vtiied ti The gre yet lingers that too. ai sprung fi'oi ever, the P unfurled — 1 holy aspirf enlh rial o eedonia in and cried. main in boi more num entire cont them must their allegi; the great 11 has been r cause the c deprived ol m I rllEFACE, ti crn portion and tlic islands. These vast posseF?fiionf5 were ruled over by lieulontuits, cliicfly n)ili(,ary men, and the colonists enjoyed lib- erty in varioiirj de52:rccs, each bearing some analogy to the state of society uinongst the people Irom whicli they sprung. Fi-oinlliat ])('riod to this, a ])eriod within ihc recollection of many now living, a change hastaken place which has no parallel in histo- ry, either in the ninLniitnde oC its conception, or in the grandeur of it results. From t!ie time the first blood was shed at Concord, down to the present, the liislory of all tlie colonies— English, Spanish^ Portuguese, French and Dutch-slretcliing along a continent of ma- ny thoiiFjands of miles, has been one continued scene of successful revoll ; and. ullhongh, as in the case of Washington's disastrous re- treat through t!ic .Terscys, the ])rospect was often dark and gloomy, yet the glorious result has taught the world, that " Frf.odom's halllc once l)!-;;i!n, Bt'()U(jat!ie;l tVnin Itieivliiij,' :?iro to ^;l)n ; Thoiigli InifHed oft, b- always wo^i " for ill no instance have the colonists oCany European power, ever she.ithed the sword alU'r having drawn it. but as independent states, The great work, however, is not yet done. One solitary power yet lingers; one link in the great chain remains to be broken, and that too, iunong a people who speak the same language, and are sprunu' fron\ the same stock as the Americans. Among them, how- evei", tlu? Piitriot drum lias been beaten, and the Patriot standard iiniurled — but th(^. measin-e of their suilcrings is not yet full. Their holy as])iratioi^,s after liberty have brought upon them the very f;ni'' enth vial oi' the wrath of their oppressors; and like the man of Ma- cedonia in the Apostles's vision they have stretched out tlieir hand.-s and cried, ''•conic over and help I'.s.'- As yet, however, they re- main in bondage — a bondage more cruel, and enforced by an armj' more numerous than has been borne by any single colony on th* entire continent; — although the existence of such an army amonff them must show beyond all question, even to the power that claim.^ their allegiance that nothing but that can prevent them from joining the great family of Republics. Their history Ibr the last three years* has been a history of deadly wrongs and outrages, borne only be- cause the oppressed were weak. Taxed without being represented; deprived of the right of habeas corpus — and of power over the sup- 1 Mil I 'I I J T G PREPACK. plies ; — deprive J of armf< ; prevented I'rom a.sHemhlinj^ in their town- ships — (heir best and bravest men executed or banished — a Ibreitrn soldiery quartered in then; villages and handets ; — and arms in the hands of brutal and bloody orange men only, while martial law su- percedes the regular administration ol" justice. Thus, and thus on- ly, does the last European power support itself in its last foothold on 1 his continent, and by such unworthy means, the red cross of Si Cn;orge is still kept floating on the turrets of Gluebe, and waves over Jhe Canadas. The United States cannot expect peace whilst Great Britian holds possessions on her borders ; they must drive her from this land of promise. The Canadians from one extreme of ihe pro- vinces to die other, hunger and thirst after liberty. They desire to he partakers of the free institutions of the U. S. Let it then be their part to dispen>;e to them the heavenly gil't, — tor why shovdd they lie»^itate ? in son twcen tent, solute forms the sh paves gives cial places ,to the with mercd 1 eir town- a foreign iiH ill tin; il kiw sii- l thus 011- otliold on OSri of Si uvei^ over ilnt Great 3 her Iron I f ilie pro- ,' dertire to it then be 'hy .should H h ii^TuoKrciiorv. f & The innnonsc natural advaiitagos which Upper Canada pos - sessc3, for agriculun-al and conifncrcial purposes, arc unriva- led, perhaps, in North America. A lino of water Cfjmtnun'i- cation exlondinf^ a thousand miles, and upwards, upon its fron- tier, and embracing a territory of a richly varied and product- ive soil, with a salubrious climatu, oiler rave facilities for suc- cessful and rapid improvement. The interior every where presents the appearance of a coimtry peculiarly adapted to sup- ply the wants created by civilization; and where enterprise and industry would be sure to meet an abuinJant reward, in addi- tion to ail these, it will, no doubt, one day, appear, that Up- per Canada is rich in all the useful, if not in the most precious . minerals, which now lie buried beneath the surface for want of enterprise to stimulate the search. Tho lull development of their internal resources, and their active adaptation to the wants of a growing empire, need hardly be looked for, so long as they remain a dependent colony of manufacturing England. It being a part of the colonial policy of that country to make her foreign possessions the consumers of the surplus products of lier overgrown manufactories. Such a course of proceed- ing is, no doubt, absolutely, necessary to support the excessive trading and manufacturing interests of P)ritain, and to preserve in some degree, the proper relation which ought to subsist be- tween the parent state and the colony; and which, to some ex- tent, might be rendered mutually beneficial. But it is so ab- solutely destructive of that Rj)irit of enterprise which trans- forms the wilderness into fertile fields ; that speeds the plough; the shuttle and the hanniier; plants cities, towns and villages^ paves the streets, rears the college dome and academy hall; gives life and energy to trade and commerce, by cutting artifi- cial channels from hikes to rivers, and approximates distant places by levelling hills and raisin : valleys; that gives impetus .to the axle, and expansive force to steam; peoples the waters with wALKiNc; THINGS OF LIFE; and spreads the sail of com- inerce lo every breeze, and wafts the treasures of the far \ It! 8 1 iNTnoDFcrnoN'. f west JinJ north to a populous and thriving t3ni|)orium and de- pository of tlie nation's wealth. Do \vc want proof of this ? — Look at Upper C'anada with all its transcendent nalnrai advan- tages, as it is, and by comparing witlj th ; ndj'ie Mit parts of llic United States. See wh;it it ougjjt to be, and might have been but for the fatal counti'iacting cause wliie'.i sit>i like a moun- tain incubus upon Canadian enterprise, and paraliz'js every ef- fort, made to advanc(! its int(,'rnal prosperity. Sixty years and U))wards has elapsed sincie the settlement of tipper Canada comuiencfMl under ihr. auspices and |)iolection of the llritisb government; during l*orty-nine years (vl' which, they have had a Parliament of their own, and what has been tlic result ? — with a territory containinnr millions of acres of as fertile! a soil, as any on the face of the Gllet the government diffuse, by its own. examples and measures, a high minded national spirit into the people — let every public institution be based upon the broad principle of. democracy, and all preference to any favored sect withdrawn — let it frown upon every association whose object is to disturb the peace and (juiet of others, and deprive them of the iVoe exercise of their constitutional rights; — let this be done, for done it will be, and Canada will, then become a nation, "great, glorious and free.'' It is sickening to review the nar- row and iiliboral course, pursued by the imperial government, towards hor Canada possessions, for nearly fifty years. From the instant the machinery of her government was put in opera- tion, ''corruption took the load of every manly virtue," and the affairs of the government daily progressed from bad to to worse. The causes of this was, the irresponsible form of the government, in whicii, the people had no share; and a firm determination on the part of those in power to resist those salutary reforms in their institutions, which the increasing wants and intelligence of the country rendered necessary. A system of espionage and corruption, exercised on the elections, particularly at the election of Sir F. B. Head's mock Assem- bly, rendered the franchise of no avail to the majority of elect- ors. Trade ruined; public confidence destroyed; constitution- al rights denied; a sham representation of the people; a mock House of Lords; a deaf and dumb executive council; an untir- 12 INTRODUCTION'. I ing efibrt of thf\l bane of colonial prosperity, t!i3 legislative council to crush every measure intended to redress abuses; all of which, considered, rendered their condition mean and mis- erable. What country under heaven not debased by total ig- norance of right, liberty and justice eould submit so quietly, and so long, under oppressions so grievous and intolerable? — Their petitions were frequently answered by adding occasional links to their long chain of grievances; at other times soothing them with promises, which were made, only to be broken, and when deception, treachery and injustice had roused them lo desperation, in vindication of their constitutional rights, they were hunted as beasts of prey, arraigned by sanguinary courts- martial; hung, banished, their properties burnt; women and children turned out houseless, in the dead of the winter, to beg or perish in the snow. Such are the outlines of Canadian grievances and miseries, in the year 1837. But we are much deceived in the signs of the times there, if the Canadas arc not on the eve of taking an onward and a glorious march towards liberty and independence. The sordid baseness of the sanguinary compact; the grovelling in- solence of the Orangemen, the injustice of half a century, the determination to maintain an irresponsible government, and the atrocious climax of the wholesale burnings and banish- ments, must awaken a storm, that will desolate the last fortress of despotism in North America. ' Seltk Previou timid sett I erii proviii table storn wrar, cmi<.( is now ciii oated resis wished w( On wrii Caiiadii to land tliev property ;' tlie revolii dreds nio l!iroui;li 1 day, tlie ^ species of ] II the \vil( the heat a class of 1 serve in tl cause i\\Q\ plundertu Tliese, as asylum ii! of an itisi of these v the Fami bitterness and IVee In 178 cial corf contest, t Ltive I; all lis- Jetly, le?— onal Ihing and im 10 thev beg CHAPTER 1. Settlement of Upper Canada, by the U. E. Loyalists. Previous to the American revolution, numbers of the timid settlers, residing' in the middle, northern, and east- ern provinces, ibrseeini!: the rapid a[)proaches of an inevi- table storm, and in order to avoid tlie horrors of a civil war, cmi<:rrated with their liunili<>sto dJU'erent parts of what iU IS now called, Upper Canad;?. These, tliongn iney depre- cated resistance to the constituted authorities, yet secretly wished well to the cause of freedom and the rights of man. On wrilin[jf back to their friends, they represented Upper Canada to be superior in soil, and as o^enial in cUmate as tlie land they had left, and induced hundreds to dispose of their property and seek refuge in the wilds of the north. When the revolution ])roke out in all the fury of civil war, hun- dreds more followed their example, wending their way tin'ougli forests and swamps, in dread of the Indians by day, the wolves and panthers by night ; enduring every 'species of hardship and privation. Many of them perished in the v/ilderness, from extreme suiFering and want. Ouriiig the heat and pro !-r I;; f 'il i • ! i;. : i ■14 ■^A 14 SETTLEMENT OF UPPER CANADA, f 1| 1 a general order, marched to be disbanded, some at St. John's in the Lower, and some at Niagara, in the Upper Province. }iy a royal proclamation, issued some time previous to their disbandment, it was stipulated that each individual composing these corps, as well as those who otherwise as- sisted the royal cause, and all those remamingin the Uni- ted States, who still adhered to their allegiance, and were desirous of accepting his majesty's gracious proti'er, should receive grants of land — the former according to the rank each respectively held in the service, and the latter the same as the privates. To each of these, by the proclamation, was alloted two hundred acres, as a royal bounty, and another two hundred as a consideration ior his services — his wife was to receive two hundred acres more, and their issue, also, as they became of age, two hundred each, wheth- er male or female, free of all fees and charges whatsoever. How far this was adhered to by the Canadian government, will hereafter appear. These two classes formed the first permanent settlers of Upper (Canada, and were distinguished from other British oiingrants, by the term of United Empire Men. or, as they are now generally known, U. E. Loyalists. From \7S?f to 1812, the province was rapidly settling by emigrants from Europe and the United States. In 1789, the popu- lation, although very scattering, amounted to nearly sixty thousand souls. At this period, a convention of delegates from the different sections met, to take the aflairs of the province into consideration. In the course of their delibe- rations, it was unanimously resolved to petition the Impe- rial Parliament to set them apart from the Lower province, and grant them a goverimient, based on the British Consti- UUion. Here it may not be amiss to show the folly of those igno- rant delegates, as it respects the British Gonstimtion. — Correctly speaking, there is no such thing in existence. There is, doubtless, and has been, for ages, plenty of gov- erning power in England; but, as to "a Constitution, or supreme law, regulative of that power, there is no such ihiug. Tlie British government is made up of old usages, old charters, old fictions, and old prejudices; it may also be together, scheme o its parts, missing- trick cons the state Common working dies of n ers of U holders ( cither di posed, it Liccumul charters whose f( irrespon or susp the acci ed, to fl the Brit had ev British pinche( its of tl er det( They ( disting popals How c to thai the ri^ latter, rights enjoy all iti In in., ( Low( BY THE U. E. LOYALISTS. 15 also be added, old and new corruptions— the whole, toi^ether, presenting a standing and wonderfully lasting, scheme of mystification. Examine it in the whole, or in its parts, the sign may be found, but the substance will be missing — the name, but never the thing. The key to the trick consists in lodging the whole controlling power of the state in the hands of a body of mdividuals, called the Commons, or representatives ot the common people or working classes ; but who, in fact, represent the three bo- dies of men living at the expense of the people, viz. hold- ers of land: holders of real, and of false capital; and holders of office, place or pension, in the gift of the crown, cither directly or indirectly. With the assembly thus com- posed, is lodged the power of statute-making ; and the accumulation of statutes, superadded to the two old royal charters, called Magna Ghana, and the Bill ot Rights, whose few popular and not quite obsolete provisions, the irresponsible and omnipotent statute-power can abrogate or suspend, whenever they threaten to be troublesome — the accumulation of its statutes, as made, altered, and revis- ed, to fit every exigence of the hour, is ingeniously styled the British Constitution. America's first political fathers had evidently, deeply studied the complex machinery of British government, and distinguished where the shoe pinched. The Puritans of New-England, the choice spir- its of the commonwealth of the mother country, came high- er determined to establish popular power in its realit^r. They did so ; and their descendants are now enjoying the distinguished privileges of the most liberal institutions, and popular govf^rnment, the ingenuity of man ever devised. How different was their opinion of the British Constitution to that of the Canadian aelegates ! The former prefered the rights of man in general, and acted accordingly; the latter, the corruption of the past and present ages — the rights of the privileged ihw to govern the mass. The one enjoy liberty, in its widest sense ; the other are curtailed of all its essentials. But to return: In 1791, the Imperial Parliament enacted the 31st Geo. III., dividing the province of Cciuebec, into the Upper and Lower Provinces. The same year. Gen. Simcoe was ac- !, "",1: I .1 B>l ' I "lii ( '.■ n 1 ■;> 16 SETTLEMENT OF UPPER CANADA, f credited the first Governor of the Upper Province, with in- structions to explain to the people the nature ot the new constitution, which was irrauted aji^reeably to their lequest In his openinij; speech iVotn the throne, to tlieir lirst assem- hly, he .said : " He was tlie bearer ot a l)Oon, which had es- tabhsliedthe British Constitatioii, and all the lorms wiiich secure and maintain it, in tliat country ;'' and in closino- the same session, he said. " At this juncture, 1 ])articulo .y recommend to you to explain to your constituents that this province is singularly ulcssed, not with a mutilated const" tutio'i, lait with one whicli has stood the test of experiencL. and is the very ima'j;e and transcript of that of Great Briiainir KeposiiiG: all coniidence in these j^lowiuir assurances irom tiie Crown, tlie settlers vainly exulted in the posses- sion of the British Constitution, instead ot an independeni republic, and under it they dreamt ot" all the blessings ol civil and relipfious liberty under good and responsible go- vernment. This Constitution, so highly spoken oij as tlie grand result ol'tiie wisdom of successive enlightened gene- rations, Vvith all its supposed attractive beauties, turned out, III reality, a mere delusion, witliout tangibility, iorm, ur comeliness ; a jack-'o-the-lantern, receding and clianging its posilioii as often as it is approached ; a k'ind of Proteus or cliameleon, assuming any sliape or any color required. The colonists in vain attempted to coraDrehend its princi- ples and define its limits; lor like ti::e nortli-eastern boun- dary of the United States, it VvMs neither here, nor there, and yet presumed to be somewhere. Had these simple settlers reilccted, for one moment, they v/ould never liave peti- tioned for the " ima^'c and Iranscripr of a constitution NO extremely complex and intan^^ible as that under which the government of Great Britain is administered. This '• inia^^e a/nd transcrint'' oi the British Constitution iiTant- ed to theCanadas, and which Gov. Siincoe lauded so high- ly, has Ireland's bane, and Canada's first and last curse, written on it in bold relief, viz. one seventli of the province, or 15,01;';), 000 of acres, appropriated forever to an estab- lished clergy, whose members never did, nor do, and per- liaps never will, number over one to ninety and nine of the * other chur edly contri asmuch IS tliem that, cleray" wo The En church of c^ snionie possession ingers in ,;ie no smn is, that pel multiplyin whole hist tinues to b strife. Tl tilence. breadth o lot speed the sequel sons. As obstacle tc product iv< The sei shed and tailed on 1 by obtaini constitutii laid deep After tl derly an( for fight ii people, w .^.ontrary the forsal America! vernmen to secure Uiicerem seemed 1 feV THE U. E. LOYALISTS. 17 Other churches, taken together. It certainly was a wick- edly contrived act on the part of those who fn^med it, in- asmuch us their own experience must have convinced them that, in the very wordini^ of the {>ct, " a protestant clergy" would always create serious clerical contentions. The English Episcopal Church, being the established church of England, and the Q,ueen its delender, has sa7is y ;? C' emonie, claimed, and without asking the people, taken ])OSsession of the whole, from the first : snapping her pious iiigers in defiance of all the other christian churches, to iicno small annoyance of the province. Tlie consequence is, that pensioned hypocrites and hireling priests are daily multiplying by its means, for base political purposes. The whole history of these " reserves'^ has been, and still con- tinues to be, one of ceaseless discord, bitterness, and angry " strife. Their very title bears tlie imprint of a moral pes- tilence. There is but one voice, through the length and breadth of the province rejrardin": them: and, if thev are ^ lot speedily disposed of, to the satisfaction of the people, the sequel will yet be written in the blood of her choicest sons. As these " reserves'* are situated, they form a great ot3stacle to the improvement of the province, without being productive of any corresponding advantage. The scries of political disabilities, persecutions, blood- shed and corruption which those heedless delegates en- tailed on themselves, their descendants, and the province, by obtaining the "image and ^/•«?i.s'cn/>^" of the British constitution, will cease, only when the boundary line is laid deep in the Atlantic. After the peace of '83, a large proportion of those so ten- derly and affectionately denominated the U. E. Loyalists, for fightinfr for a vanquished crov/n against a triumphant people, were, for want of means to remove, constrained. v'.ontrary to their inclination, to remaui in the United States, the forsaken of both parties. It is remarkable, that the ' American Independence was recognised by the British go- vernment without a solitary sentence in the treaty of peace to secure their safety or protect their interests. They were ' unceremoniously left to the mercy of the conquerors. It seemed like an ungenerous abondonment : but the issue a '^ ■■■i M r V ■ hi i ! -I .1 1 > 11 %- l:^ 18 SKTTLEMKNT OF UPPER CANADA, f i proved that the new republics could not only achieve Iheir liberty, but justly value and nobly use it. Tlie U. E.'s were left to the mortifying and huniiliatiuir view of a revolution unparalleled in the history of the world, the sueeess of which they labored to deieat, and the glory of which their conduct tarnished. They were thus left as the enemies ot liberty, among a free people ; as surviving warriors of loyalty, who had aimed wounds and death ngiiinst their olfspring, kindred, and friends; and they lived under those circuinstances, a life of compunction, remorse, and shame, wiili the tinger of scorn pointed, by their own children, against them, as the friends of despotism and as traitors to the cause of their country. ImmediaLely on Gov. Simcoe's assuming the reins of govermnent, which was eiirht years after the peace, these mifortimate advocates of Uritish supremacy wrote to Sim- coe, showing bin? their unpleasant situation, and request- ing to know what encouragement the governmeut would givetluMu on coming to Canada, and reiRnviiiir their alle- iriance. A proclamation was forthwith issued, to all such, to conic to the province. Grants of the tinest and most fertile waste lands of the Crown, were secured to tiiem and their eluldron. and they were assured they should have nothiuL"" to envy m the country they wei>^ ai) )ut to leave. Keiyiiii:. with the most imjuieit eoniidence. on the laith and sincerity of the proclamation, they irladly accepted the overture; and abandoned theliappy and prosperous country they attempt- ed to rnsiave, with its free insiitutions, went to repose tor second tmiel)eneath the con:reinal shade o( the -• ima^-£ a}:d transcrrpt*' of the British Constituiiou. In Hnu'land, they have a Kine. with his executive coun- cil, conniionly called his Cabinet, selected trom his Privv (."'oiinctl.a House of Lords, and a House ot Connuons. In Canada they have corresponduiir institutions, viz. a repre- sentative of the KiuiT. with an executive council, a leoisla- tive coiineii, and House of Assembly. In operation, it wa^ supposed tiiat these institutions would in a manner corres- ]Hvad Willi Great Britain : and tliai tfie executive counci.. under uatti. wouid as fully and iree(y advise the Lieu- Governor on their ariairs, as tiie cabinet ministers m En^:- land advi trans' ri/i aijemeiit ( coe amioi for want Under Francis I their meli istration ( one of hi this pro I be adini King ha cious con And he 1 tion, as " in reveni honesty, to aid hi: perty, IL brandies as a bom row; as and feai and as a seen in ^ famine.''^ theadmii diate red est pitch lo ! a fe\ that they '■ imaire ( them i n was a hi their gri pled dc> nouncen ignoranc to compl \i BY THE U. E. LOYALISTS. 19 land advised the Kin^. This is what the *' image and transi rl/)t'^ was supposed to confer for the internal man- agement of their purely domestic affairs, it is what Sim- coe anii<»nnc(d ; it was what their liberties demanded, and for want ol' which their liberties have dwindled away. Under this dfhision they continued till the arrival of Sir Francis Hond Head, who, even upon a snporlicial view of their melancholy condition, engendered by the mal-admin- istration of successive Governors, before him, exclaimed, in one of his addresses to the people : " The ^rietmnces of this prorince tinist be redressed ; impai tial justice must he adnfinistf.rcd ; the people have demainled it; the King has decreed it ; and I am here to exeaUc his gra- cious com.mand. Delay ivill duly increase impatience! P"* And he has with melancholy truth portrayed their condi- tion, as " 171 population like the ' parish of Mary-le-honef in revenue inferior to many an English commoner; in honesty, so deficient as not to have impartial men enough to aid him in carrying on his government; and in pros- perty, like a girdled tree, standing with its drooping branches, in the flour is! dng continent of North- America; as a bone which has been picked and sucked of its mar- row; as a tree of abuse, in tvhirh wicked men have built and feathered their nests at the expense of the people; and as a be^rgared country, from which mechanics were seen in groups flying as from a land of pestilence and famine.''^ This was his laniijuage shortly after assuming the administration. The hopes of the people, for an imme- diate redress of their grievances, were raised to the high- est pitch. All were looking forward for better times ; when, lo ! a few months afterwards, he publicly announced that that they had not the British Constitution, nor its express '• imaire and transcript ;" that " if they had it, it would ruin them in three months;" that all that Gov. Simcoc had said was a hoax, a mere high sounding flourish of words; that their griev;utces were ideal, the mere chimeras of unprinci- pled deiMMTOirnes ! ! At this sudden and unexpected an- nouncemeiif, the gratuitous reflections on their poverty and ignorance ; his declaring that they had no real grievance to complain of, after acknowledging them in so public and • !' M '''1 m\ i I i I % i:, "ll il I m ■M < 'Y M 20 SETTLEMENT OP UPPER CANADA, f solemn a manner, and declarinjr his detonni nation to re- dress them, astonished all classes of tlie comnmnity. It was soon seen that that deadly upas ol lippcr ('{inndn, the curse of the American revohition, which he liimscll called the "bread and butter compact," had discover«'d his weak side, blinded his eyes, and perverted his jtidirmiMit, by their de- ceptive admiration of his superior talints and abilities, in iroverning the poor, ignorantCanadiaiis, a In wodc Anglais. The confusion that succeeded baffles description. iVleet- mgs were held; petitions and remonstrances, from every township in the province, were jorwarded, with dispatch, to the imperial government, representing the true state of their humiliating atfairs, adjuring them, as they valued the connection between them and the mother country, to inter- pose their authority, recall Sir Francis, and redress the grievances, which liad become so intolerable that the peo- ple could no lonoer endure them. These were answered by promoting the Knight to a Baronetcy. Mis vanity, af- ter this mark of her majesty's approbation, became insuf- ferable ; all hope of an amelioration of their atlairs by the British government, were scattered to the winds. Despair succeeded to hope ; and there was nothing left th^m but to look about for another state of political existenec. For they saw themselves without a responsible government — poor, wretched, girdled, pestilenced, !\Iary-le-boiiod, and bankrupt, and overrun by locusts, who were ieeding on the fairest fields of the province ; while, on the otlier hand, they beheld the Americans peacefully governed by a pow- er delegated by the people, and periodically^ revertins: to them for a fresh emanation ; with pure and unbrihed chris- tian churches, abounding in wealth and commerce, and all that can render people happy at home, and respected abroad. The U. E. Loyalists themselves, were disappoint- ed, and found much to envy in the country they had left. Let those who rove in the realms of fancy, and think patriotism is merely the handmaid of loyalty ; who deem that devotion to the latter, even at the sacrifice of country, will surely reward them with happiness and glory, listen to the fate of the U. E. Loyalists who survived the Ameri- can revolution. M. Burvvi merican Coi extract from ment of the " Let no \ gle, you sho jorce, that The cudcaVi ralae of its io ]W^SOSS C ; '.riie lirst U. E. J iOya tlie King aga ollice, again,'= live re pronns their troatme thfur " ciiden clo^-ged Avitli ilenient dutic tent, and wit %i{\\ The J \flous service J(ioii-con)]iliar lad not tiie radall felt tl t|ie land, it w S^x adequate i catalogue of lerfornKuice ( iressive and ioyalists. B jnding their peculators fo: nds had, uii most iiomim ^responsible < fom these set ose of this ial reguhitic e repeal of 'or BY THE U« E, LOYALISTS* 21 M. Biirwoll, in a letter to C. Cushiniif, Esq. of the A- mericau Coni,n'ess, iifives, with exultation, the Ibllowini^ extraet iVoni Gen. Brock's proclamation, at the conimence- nient of the late war : ; "Let no man suppose that, if in this unexpected striig- irle, you should be compelled to yield to an overwlielmin^ iorce, that the province will he eventually nbandoned. The endeared relations of }ls J}n>t settlers ; the intrinsic tahic of its commerce^ and, the pretentions of its rival to ])OSsess Canada, are ■j)fcdv,cs,'" c^c. '.riie lirst settlers, so alFectionately mentioned, were the I'. E. JiOyalists ; men who iought in the revolution for tlio KiiiL,^ against the ])eople; lor the despotism of a colonial ollicc, against the liberties of their country. For this they v;cre promised a reward in lands. And wliat has been their treatment ? After their services had been rendered, their "endeared relation" was forfrotten, and the gift was cloirged Avilh conditions which took away all its value. Set- Vieiiient duties were required to be done, to a certain ex tent, and within a fixed time, or the gift was to he forfeit fd! ! The gift was first made, as earned by \)!xsi merit o- floiis services^ and then taken away, under pretence of (ioii-com]^liance with . 1 '.i «2 SETTLEMENT OF t TPKU CANADA. f |l I value, without rncumbrancc, in tlio hands of purchasers Thus, a lew havo a<:,irraridizGd iniinonso estates, at the ex pcnse of the just claims o( the l. K.'s— claims whicii Iiav, been impoverisiied by the vacillating policy of a venal, . corrupt, and irresponsible irovernmentj foru:ctful of tho.^o,; ''endeared relations'' in their hour of need. Some, it J; true, less driven than others to dispose of their claims fo;' what they would yield, awaited the icsult of time. Wli;i[,i is tlieir condition? They must accept inferior lands, oi none ! ! If they desire to locate in favorable and ferti!'; townships, they are told, " Tliese arc reserved for acliia settlers only;^' and, if unable to leave the homesteads o their earlier days, they plead ior exemption, on the s^rouiij of these '• endeared relations," they are coldly repulsed, an left in mortification and chas^rin, to abandon the '• gift," <> take it in remote parts of the wilderness — unreserved, I* cause of little or no value. Their fate was no better after the late war. When tliei services were wanted, they were talked to, as were the h dians. They were called '■ children of their great fatlicj across the great waters." Well, — they fought ; and, at tli close of the war, the Prince Regent thanked them for thq valuable and highly appreciated services. They fought i that war to maintain the "right of search," and oppos "iree trade and sailors' rights" — that is, the right claime by Great Britain to board American vessels at sea, exaniim their papers, passengers, and crew, and then seize, take an carry away any of their fellow subjects, who, tired of life on the ocean, were joining ihe tide of emigration tothi western world. Right or wrong, they fought for it ; nii sustained, in the contest, great loss of property. The were promised that they should be paid all the losses the] had sustained. And how has that pledge been fulfilled ? The war closed in 1815 ; and in 1836, after the laps of upwards of twenty years, the losses were paid, alti great deductions from the assessed value — and paid, toi out of their own pockets ! ! They, the sufferers, we obliged to tax themselves to pay a part ; and the gover ment professed to pay the rest — but not without the aid their casua jsaid, '-we but h war, agam forge' ^ I cliasors the ex li hav, [I vciinl, of tlioje lie, it ii linis for What ands, oij 1 iertilel • iictiia :teads ( ) Qfrouii Ised, an 2:1 ft," I rvedj hen theij e the In] at fatlicj tid, at till for thcil fought d oppo? t clainiel examiiil take aiij ired of on to till r it : (111 r. The tsses thel filled ? the lapsl aid, altj >aid, toj Ts, weJ J goved he aid BY THE U. E. LOyALISTS. Zi tlicir casual and territorial revenue. How truly they have said, *'we were promised all our losses, during the late war, but had, in the end, to pay ourselves." This \\ .>» agaui forgetting those of an " endeared relation.'* M ii I. \ m h J 1' : '■% f jfl 'J % CHAPTER II. Alien Bill and Cleriry Reserves. the last \vf am, and ci f I' Hut tbo most cruel cut of all. was the detesiahle Altcn BUI Alter twice fifrlitmii; lor Criiisli suprcniacv, tiiey lii- tlethoucrlit Uicy should survive to f)e called aliens ! Bui fhey were coolly told, that when the iiidcpendeiice of th'. Uuited States was rccoirnized, all, without distiiiCtioi]. domiciled m that country, becarue citizens of it. and alien^^ to Great i3rit;iin. The treaty of peace made no provision m their hohalf; and the very nation for vv'liich they had rou:{ht, and Vvdiosc cause they had espoused, at tlie hazard ol life and lortun;- (or eiglit miserable years, made them aliens with the same dash of the pen, Vvdnch made the revolution ists free. Their hearts were wrun^' witii ;ui agony of feel- m^'. But it was the just retribution of 'leaven, to punish them, for aidin:^ the cruel oppressor in cnslavins; the oppress- ed. Heaven smiled on tiie righteous efforts of the oppress- ed sons of h'eedom, and said, " be FRin<:!'' be hap|)y and multiply; but to the oppressors, the enemies oi" liberty, and the rights of man, ^- Be thou in thy turn op[")ressed and , humbled, and learn the difference between slavery and | freedom,." [ The U. i^.'.s had lono; cfloried in the name of British sub- jects ; and wcr^' often betrayed into insulting expressions against the rep(ii)licans as aUcns. But if it Vv'as on their part a delusion, it was not without excuse. The govern- , ment professed to reixard them as of an "endeared relatioji:"' the first governor, by proclamation, invited them as suf- iccts; and m tb.e 3ist. Geo. IH, a British act was passed int its tone, provisions and objects, beu-uilinix them into the! same credulity. Upon the faith of these allurements, thev, as well as odier American born similarly situated, set- tlea ni Canada; and performed all the duties and oxer-: ciscd all the rights of subjects, both in peace and in war.— They fought against the Americans as British subjects in them for ti act to dech to invest t "many per ^ca, claimii I their alleo' tracts of 1 ( ' by inherit this act th( ted States, allegiance , cise the r der strucl? that, as su obtained L absolutely notcxercis sembly, al ted for thi] the provih their enen saved ther in. Thiss using thei discovery dispute th dence of t to envy in for rising the more li personal e tain Britis lations" to in makin felt it in th "look upo through tl family of CLERGY RESKRVES. 25 la Alicii liiey lii- y / Bill :c of Ih'. tiiiCtioii. d cilienj^ ro vis ion ley had azarcl ot 11 aliens ohuioii ^ of feel - ) punish oppress- oppress- ppy and rly, and >sed and . ery and i Ush sub- )rossion:5 on their o'overn- elatioii:"' as sill;-, massed ins into tlic' Its, thev, ted, set- id oxer- 1 war. — jjects in the last war, never dreaniini^, that, as aliens to Great Brit- ain, and citizens of America, tlie Americans niiixht hang them for treason. An act was passed in 1814, entitled '-an acttodeckire certain persons therein described, aliens, and to invest their estates in liis lunjesty" and it recited that "many persons, inhabitants of the United ^States of Aineri- ca, chiiming to be subjects o( his iMajesty, and renewing their allpo^iance as such by oath, hadsohcited and received tracts of land from his niajesiy, or become seized of lands by inheritance, or otherwise, in the province, i!v:c." i'rom this act they could not doubt their ri^^ht to leave the Uni- ted States, claim to be subjects of Mis iVlajesty, renew their allegiance, if it had been suspended, jjoid lands and exer- cise the rights of subjects. They were, therefore, thun- der struck, when, in 1S25, they were pronounced aliens; that, as such they could not It old lands, and that all tides obtained b^^ sales through them v. ere so tainted as to be absolutely null and void; and also that, as aliens tliey could not exercise the elective francliiscjor sit in ihe House oi' As- sembly, although they had exercised those rights undispu- ted for thirty years. They were thrown into consic motion; the province was up in arms, and nothing* but tlie tear of their enemies and the patriotism of some of their public men, saved them from disfrancliisenient, and the country from ru- in. This straniro treatment.of invitinn- them theic as sul.'i'Cts using them as such in war, and in peac ; making the great discovery that they were alien=^, and callin;^ into wanton dispute their political and civil riohis, v/as rather ci^ld evi- dence of tiieir -'endeared relations." Had they not much to envy in the country they left? Who can hiamii them for rising in arms ? What rendered tlieir circumstances the more keenly lelt, was the reflection, that after iil! i lieir personal efforts and sacrifices, durinbtain a at most essions er wit- 3igotry lately, earned 3 upon I An- s, that irs per jhools, ch are dmin- ermit- y ever jlative L con- s ndction with it was the only passport to offices of trust, honor or emolument. Their clergymen were, besides their respective portions of emoUiments arising from the 15,000,- 000 clergy reserves, paid by the home government eight hundred dollars eacli, yearly, for officiating once a week, if the weather would permit his reverence to ride in a cush- ioned buggy to church, while the ministers of the Scotch established Kirk, Piesbyterian dissenters, Methodists, Bap- tists, (fcc, were allowed nothing. Yet, although these dis- senting ministers, in their knovvledge, morality, and use- fulness, were admitted to be as far superior to the state paid clergy, as the light of reason is to the darkness of ignorance, they were nevertheless compelled to undergo the degrading ordeal of a mock theological examination, before a court of Quarter Sessions, of half pay officers 1 and others, as ignorant as they are illiterate. This is a part of the blessed effect of an established church — a sore and crying evil. During the succeeding administrations of Gov's. Russcl, Hunter and Gore, the affairs of the province, as each suc- ceeded the other, assumed a still more serious and decisive character. Restrictive and oppressive measures abounded. Taxes were levied on square logged and framed houses, brick and stone houses, and chimneys; on cultivated and uncultivated lands of resident holders, while non-residents were exempt ; on horned cattle, and horses two years old, pleasure wagons of every description, grist and saw mills, (fcc, besides county and district taxes. In fact every thing of any importance was taxed, that would bear being so. The choice of the public lands were frittered away in thousands of acres to executive and legislative councillors, and to hungry, worthless minions in and out of office. — Even Gov. Russel granted to hmiself "Peter Russel, Esq." ten thousand acres of the waste lands of the cro wn. Pub- lic functionaries sought only the means of their own ag- grandizement in the oppression of the poor settlers. A principle of sordid grasping was manifested in every de- partment. The policy pursued by the executive in the ex- ercise of their patronage in the disposal of offices and crown a nds, exercised a corrupting downward influence. The 3* i ' ' » t i4 11 l! til m 1! 1? I i '!( 30 ALIEN BILL AND f Stream was poisoned at the fount. From the governor, to the lowest functionary, all was unmitigated selfishness. The more respectable class of emigrants crossed the line soon I after their arrival in the provmce, and the expectations of ' those who hoped to see their adopted country filled with a hardy, enterprising and industrious population, backed by men of capital and skill, whereby the resources of the province might be developed, were cruelly disappointed. The scandalous abuses which existed in the Land granting department, arrived to such a pitch of monstrous magnitude that the home government felt itself imperiously called upon to interpose with the Land council. In fact, the cor- ruptions, and system of patronage and favoritism pursued in Gov. Gore's administration, arrived to such a degree of profligacy, that no part of the British empire, however cor- rupt, ever witnessed the like. The poor Scotch Hir afterwari riolence of ranced age, lo the royal to Scotlanc less. She t;iie called md in the kiiain neutr jither side, broad swor i ven will, ul energies fai country's ri I armed with \ and with h( j ed sons of I deeds of Vt I in the pagei Ithesons, M; j in many a I not quite ex • descendant: I jamong the ] But thei] York, were Howe, the in North Ai joined the ( I I the oppose] Johnstone James Craij Lieut. Don induce the convince tt their doins They pe rebels had r possible tht SETTLEMENT OP GLENGARRY, 33 ^ive the irry, by Charles he 16th he first uperior \ns was t neces- vith or- s might Is, rath- f which iminate ty miles Ufferent olonies. of their lere set- thers in y ceased, bor; the mt hus- j nainder i r exiled merica. nexam- e, thro' hrough nd per- , thirty h hero- several okensof the royal favor, for which she proved grateful ev- r afterwards. When the revolution broke out, in all the iolence of civil war, her husband, in consequence of ad- anced aire, and the personal obligation they were under o the royal House of Hanover, urged her return with him Scotland, to enjoy the sere ot life in peace and quiet- less. She complied. But a little prior to their departure, he called upon her exiled coinilrymen for the last time, ud in the most atfectionate manner, enjoined them to re- mill neutral, if possible ; but if compelled to bear arms on ither side, by all means, to throw the weight of their good Dread swords in the scales of freedom; for, said she, i'hea- vcn will, ultimately, crown with success, if their hearts and energies fail not, the heroic efforts of the assertors of their country's rights; especially, as in the present instance, when armed with justice and truth." They understood her well, and with heart and soul, embraced the cause of the oppres- ed sons of liberty ; of whom the chivalric M'Donald's deeds of valor and daring exploits, are uidelibly recorded in the pages of the revolution. The gallant Monroes, Ma- |thesons, Mac Kays, and Gunns, also convinced the British in many a hard fought battle, that their martial ardor was not quite extinguished in the bloody field of Culloden. The I descend ants of these hardy exiles, are at this day classed among the most reputable citizens of Virginia. But their copatriots, who settled in the colony of New York, were not so fortunate in their determination. Gen. Howe, the then commander in chief of the British forces in North America,on hearing that the Scots in Virginia had joined the continentals, and were among the most active of the opposers of British domination, despatched Sir John Johnstone to the Scots settlement on the Mohawk — Capt. James Craig, afterwards Governor of Lower Canada, and Lieut. Donald Cameron of the Regulars, to other parts, to induce the Highlanders to join the Royal standard, and to convince them, that their interest and safety depended on their doing so. I They persuaded the uninstructed Highlanders, that the j rebels had neither money, means, nor allies; that it was im- I possible they could for any length of time, withstand the ; I ■' • « '.M I i f »' 'i If . : -i 1*: ■1:: ■1^ 'iii: '<■ I? IH !■,' ;5 ;;; ^(I^! 34 BY THE niGIILANDIiRS. f ii mi^rhty power and means of Great Britain; that their prop erty would be confiscated, and apportioned to the loyahsts who should vohniteer to reduce them to subjection. 'Ilic Hiidilanders havinij: duly weii,died these circumstances,, came to the conclusion, tliat the xlmericans would, like the Scots, in 1740, he ultimately overpowered ;— that it was, iherelbre, to their interest, as they would not be permitted to remain neutral, to join the Britisli standard. The i^Tcater part of them volunteered under the com- mand of Sir J. Johnstone, and served faithfully with him until the peace of 1783. On the exchan^^e of the ratifica- tion of peace, these unfortunate iliohUinders, saw them. lans and ini is countryi tates. The govei ry assistanc reasonably 1 nunicating i rymen; and lim to their er, propose( or his servic )f the chief ( selves once more bereft of house and liome. The |^j ^^ y^g ^, reward of their loyalty, and attachment to British suprema- ^jj^^,g jjj.^|. ^j. cy, after fighting the battles of England for seven long and \^^^^q prosci doubtful years/and sacrifiicng their all, was finally, an mi- descendants ^ generous abandonment by the British government of their' ^j^^^g of Glei nitercsts. in not securing then- projierty and personal safety,! ince to ^he in the treaty of peace. The object for which their services ^^ of Blood\ were rcijuired, not being accomplished, they were ^i^^cere- |j|^J.jgjjj^j!j ^^j., moniously left to shift for themselves in the lower Pi"oviiicc,|t^jj.JQjg ^^^j among a race of people, whose language they did not "»• |j^gj^j^,j pj,jjj derstand, and whose manners and habits of life were qniteli^j goucrht dissimlar to their own. Col. McDonald, a near kinsmaiii reons and bl of the chief of that name, and who had, also, taken an ac';*^ t. «rnc. vlr^f ive part m the royal army, during the revolution, commis orating their unfortunate condition, collected them together, and in a friendly manner, in their own native language, in formed them, that if it were agreeable to their wishes, he? would forthwith apply to the governor for a tract of land in the upper Province, where they might settle down in a body ; and wliere, as they spoke a language different to thati of the natives, they might enjoy their own society, and be[ better able to assist each other. lor their lov ake up arm he insurrect iberty, as tl )een to themi anks of thi lealt with in jhagrin was heir former This, above all things, was what they w^ished for, and ^qj.|j ^^^^^ they thereto re received the proposal with gratitude. With- r^^^ 'when out much farther delay, the Colonel proceeded to the uppei hemselves t Province, pitched upon the eastern part of the eastern Dm ^^ promises trict; and after choosing a location for himself, directed hisi ner exoerier course to head (quarters— informed the Governor of hm^ ^^^ ^^^^^ SETTLEMENT OP GLENGARRY, 35 jir prop loyalists 1. 'llic istances,, like the )laris and intentions, praying hip to confirm the request of lis countrymen, and prevent tlieir return to the United tates. The governor approved of his design, and promised ev- fery assistance. Satisfied that all was done, that could It was, I ^gQj^jjIjjy lyQ expected, the Colonel lost no time, in com- 3rmitte(l |^m^i(,.^tijjg the result of liis mission to his expectant coun- Irymen; and they, in a short time afterwards, removed with he com- 1 jj^.^ j^ ^^jgj^. j^^^ location. The Highlanders, not long af- ith him er, proposed to the Colonel as a mark of their approbation ^^^j^^^' fbr his services, to call the settlement Glengarry^ in honor 3 rf,"^H)f the chief of his clan, by which name it is distinguish- ^* ^^ 3d to this day. It may be proper, to remember, in this upitxiua- )iace, that many of these were the itrnnediate descendants ong and jf ^^q proscribed Highlanders of 1715, and not a few the /■, an uii-^ lescendants of the relatives of the treacherously murdered 01 their jjj^j^g of Glencoe (for their faithful and incorruptible adher- il salety,[5 ^^^^^ ^^ t;^g royal family of Stuart,) by King William the services gd^ of Bloody memory, the Dutch defender of the English ^uncere- j^iiristian tory laith. But by far the major part, were the ^^^"^^'"^^ kitriots of 1746, — the gallant supporters of the deeply la- not '^in|tjented Prince Charles Edward, and who, as before stated, u:^,?™'!^^^^ sought refuge in the colonies, from the British dun- geons and bloody scaffolds. It was not, therefore,their attachment to the Britsh crown, ior their love of British institutions, that induced them to ake up arms against the Americans ; but their fears that he insurrection, would prove as disastrous to the sons of liberty, as the Rebellion and the fatal field of Culloden had 01 lami jggj^ jQ themselves; and that if any of them were found in the )wn ma ,,^j^j^g ^^ ^1^^ discontented, they would be more severely iL lu \Am^ |g^l|. ^^i^j^ -j^ consequence of their former rebellion. Their J, ana Dei, jhagrin was great indeed, especially, when they compared J heir former comfortable circumstances, in the state of P^ew W"?! ^^^^^' ^'\\}i\ their present miserable condition; and particu- • \ arly, when they reflected how foolishly they had permitted he uppci| hemselves to be duped, out of their once happy homes by tern Ljisi |^g promises of a government, which they knew from lor- L : ^^r experience, to be as false and treacherous, as it was cru- ^ il and overbearing. They settled down, but with no very kinsman; 1 an aC commis-i tooetheri uage, in{ hel tr of N 'I |i I'i f::| \l 1. U ., ai - ;i! ff I' \\Y THE HIcaiL ANDERS. 36 f< friendly feelings towards a frovcrument which had allured thorn to iluMT riiiii, resources, a md which at last, leit them to their own Iter nuhtiiiii: tlieir hattlcs lor eight sanguinary years. Nor are their descendants, at this day, remarkable! for either their loyaltv, or attachment, to the reigning fami- ly. 'I'hese were the lirst settlers of Glengariy. It is a sin- gular circumstance, that, nearly all the Highlanders, who i-iinght for liberty and independence, and who remained in the I). S., alterwards became rich and independent, while on the other hand, with a very few exceptions, every indi- vidual, whether American or European, who took up arms against the revolution, became blighted in his prospeects. Witness the U. E. Loyalists ol Upper Canada; the refu- gees of New lirunswiek and Nova iScotia. It seems, as if, a curse had been entailed npon them and their children. The second class of Highland emigrants that settled in Glengarry, although oi another description, were as much liarrassed and as much the dupes ot the British govern- ment, as the former. Immediately at'ler the battle of Ciil- loden, the feudal system, which in the highlands of Scot- land, was based on the inutu;d interest of the chieftain and vassal, being then entirely dissolved, the highland chief saw no reason why he should any longer keep up his pride by retaining a numerous clan. He, therefore, determined, to rid himself of his poor dependants and let his premises to a more productive class of tenantry. It was not, therefore, uncommon to see from one to two hundred families turned adrift, and the farms which they had occupied, converted in- to one sheep walk, for the accomodation of a southern shep- herd; or, as it was termed in the country, a hundred and fifty or two hundred flighland smokes going through oney English chimney. The poor people were thus disposses- sed of their small farms, and compelled to dispose of their stock for little or nothing, because there were no persons to purchase, but those who supplanted them. In this dis- tressed situation they were cist on the world. Ignorant of any other lanirnao^e, but their own native Gaelic, and never having travelled beyond the limits of their native vallies; they were perfect strangers to the ways and manners oi the World. The few that could muster means to pay their passage to . were ufraic The Hri from the A from the hi ed men as t orders wen who were pressed, ha separated f son, the sol ternal arnu no longer i the low^lanc quence of In this dep Alexander ihem as she native cou! he conceive ble corps McDonell vice was a( no sooner out. The vide and composed countrv. to blood, and erty. The il's bloodb of climbin advantage in a few i from a thoi numbers s( court, and er Irish ch led or take of his renij SETTLEMENT OP GLEN(.ARIIV. 37 passage to America, whither they were desirous to emigrate were u('r»\i(l to venture on the sea. The British cruisers and ships of vv.ir had positive orders from tfie Admiralty to prevent the (u parture of emigrants Irom the highmds oi'ScoUand, and to press such able bodi- ed men as they found on board the eiuigrant ships. These orders were carried into execution, and luindreds of them, who were foolhardy enough to venture on the ocean, were pressed, lialf seas across, — th(5 father and husband, forcibly separated forever from the wife and ( hildren ; the widow's son, tlie solace and stay of his mother, dragged from her ma- ternal arms. On the arrival of tliis news, the Ilighlandert; no longer attempted to emigrate ; they wandered throiiijh the lowlands for employment, but could find little in conse- quence of their not understanding the English language. In this deplorable situation, the reverend and philanthropic Alexander McDonell of the Roman Catholic church, found ihem as sheep without a shepherd, and as strangers in their native country. Affected by their distressed circumstances, he conceived the idea of getting them embodied as Fenci- ble corps in his majesty's service, with the young chief McDonell of'Gleno:arry, for their Colonel. A letter of ser- vice was accordingly issued to raise the regiment. It was no sooner embodied, than the rebellion in Ireland broke out. The English government, true to their motto ; "di- vide and conquer," knowing this regiment to be entirely composed of catholics, ordered them to that unfortunate countrv. to imbrue their hands, in their brother catholic/s blood, and assist in annihilating the last vesliofc of Irish lib- erty. These Highlanders, whom the Irish called the dev- il's bloodhounds, both on account of their dress, and habit o( climbing and traversing the mountains, liad greatly the advantage in every renconter; so much so, that they reduced in a few months, the brave Holt's independent Irishmen, from a thousand strong, to a few scores. Holt, seein^i: his numbers so fast diminishing, surrendered to Lord Powers court, and was transported to Botany Bay. Dwyer, anoth- er Irish chieftan, after almost his whole party had been kil- led or taken, was at length surprised in a house, with a few of his remaining followers, by a party of the Glengarries ; — • • .M i \. I ri 38 BY THE HIGHLANDERS. •J^ I J'" Here, he defended himself, and killed some of his pursuers, till the house being set on fire, he was shot while endeavor ins^ to escape, naked ihrough the flames. The Marquis Cornwallis, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and commander of the forces, was so well pleased with the services of the Glengarry Fencibles, that he recommended them to the particular notice of the British Government.— But mark, when the object of their enlistment was accom- plished, and government had no farther need of their ser- vices, these brave men were disbanded, with a bare thank ye ! ''What," said one of these gallant sons of the moun- tains, '-is, 'thank ye,' all the reward we are to receive for as- sisting to reduce the patriot Irish catholics to English sub- jection? it may do very well for an Englishman, but it is not bread for a Highlander." Thus they were again thrown on the world, but with their English a little improved, as poor and destitute as ev- er. Struck, a second time, with their forlorn condition, the Reverend and humane Priest, McDonell proceeded at his own expense to London, to represent their destitute situation to the government, and to endeavor to induce the mmisters to lend them assistance to emigrate to Upper Canada, where many of their j'riends were (dready settled. Mr. Adding ton, the then Premier, expressed his deep regret, that so brave and faithful a portion of his majesty's subjects, who had so distinguished themselves in their country's service, and from whom no murmurs or discontent were ever heard: should be compelled to quit their native soil by the harsh treatment of tlie irovernmcnt, and transfer their allegiance to the United States; — and promised that assistance would be irranted them to proceed to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick or Cape Breton: but assured tlie Rev. McDonell that his majesty's government considered the hold they had of Up- per Canada, ".90 slender and so precarious, that he did not feel himself at liheriy to assist British subjects to, emigrate to that colonyP The priest replied, that if as- sistance were tendered upon a liberal scale, it would allay the irritated feeiinas entertained by the Highlanders against then- landlords, whose cruel conduct was'identified with the system and operation of the government. More- Jo ver, the state, and publican ; ish goveri tion into t creased, a parental ( Addingtor sign mam 200 acress in the pro^ land Chie alluremen act of Par the Highl represente I tain by p( state, that and deadh ately, how Mr.'McD( On their i their frien httle of fri tiers had, descenden SETTLEMENT OF GLENGARRY 39 pursuers,! jndeavor f Ireland, i with the nmended nment.— is accom- their ser- re thank ne n70un- ve for as- jlish sub- but it is but with ute as ev- htion, the ed at his situation ministers ia, where . Addins: t, that so ects, who 's service, or heord: lie harsh llegiance ce would runs wick that his d ofUp-i it he did hjects to Kit if OS- [lid allay ^ hlanders identified . ]More- over, the Scots quitting their country in this exasperate( readilv imbibed re state, and settling in the United States publican principles, and a detei mined a ish government ; ntipatiiy'to the Brit- whereas, by diverting the tide of emigra tion into the British colonies, their population would be in- creased, and their affections mijjht be reconciled, by the Iparental conduct of the government towards them. Mr. fAddington at length procured for him an order, with the sis^n manual, to the Lieut. Gov. of U])per Canada, to grant 200 acress of land to every one of them who should arrive in the province. This was no sooner known, than the High- land Chiefs took the alarm, and considered this offer as an |allurement to entice their vassals away. They procured an act of Parliament against emigration, partially compelling ithe Hiirhlanders to enlist in the reo;ular service. Thev represented in strong terms the loss his majesty's would sus- tain by permitting them to emigrate in their exasperated state, that they would become citizens of the United States, and deadly enemies to the British .p^overnment. Fortun- ately, however, before the bill went into operation, the Rev. Mr. McDonell procured shipping for a number of them. — I On their arrival at (Quebec they proceeded immediately to I their friends in Glengarry, where they settled down with as little of friendly feelinir to words the British, as the first set- tiers had, and with the exception of a few in office, their descendents are not remarkable for their loyalty to this day. • il M '■M .- i- ■ 1« i ::' ^^S I III ;v ' A •4 1 I t . il CHAPTER IV. War of 1812. We will now return to the w;ir of 1812, and show its pro remarkable for stern loyalty or confidence in British pro- finises. Yet the reader will find the scene changed before I the war was over; owing altogether to the indifference of I the American general officers in not pursuing with energy I the many advantasfes they had acquired in the Upper Pro- vince. 4* 11 \ • • .M ♦ !L' ' ''if ^il k :.t 1 : , »t; ^'.:', 1 ■"■ i- , ':: i 'I !5 ' *. I|i-; llii 42 WAR OF 1812. if. Ill the upper districts of the Province hundreds of young able-bodied rnen secretly, and many openly^ formed them selves into companies to join the American army. So san- guine were they in the faith of their immediate deliverance iliat they Mbsohitely declined doins: any kind ot duty, civil or nulitary, under the colonial authorities. But in conse- quence of Gen. Hull's disoraccful surrender, they were doouKKUopay severely for tlieir contumacy. When he entered the i*rovince at the head of 2,500 men. the expecfations ol" the republican party were raised to tlie hiirliBst pitch. Hundreds joined him. At Sandwich he issued a proclamation to the inhabitants in the followin*;^ Vv'ords : -'Separated by an immense ocean and an extensive vv'ilderness from (ireat Britain, you have no participation iu }ts councils — no interest in her conduct. You have felt her tyranny ; you have seen her injustice. Many of your fathers fought for the freedom and independence we now enjoy. Beins: children, therelore, of the same family with us, and heirs to the same heritage, the arrival of an army of friends must be hailed by you with a cordial welcome. You will be emancipated from tyranny and oppression, and restored to the diiiiiiiied station of freemen. Had 1 any doubt of eventual success, I mii^'ht ask your assistance; but I do not. I come prepared for every contingency. I have a force which will bretdv down all opposition ; and that force is but the vanguard of one much greater." This pro clamation equals any of the bulletins of Bounaparte , and had it been followed up with spirit and determination, Hull's meiunry would have been cherished by the Canadi juis and their posterity to the end of time, as the Washing- ton and deliverer of Upper Canada. But. m place of ad- vancing into the interior, and availing himself of the friend ly disposition ol the people, after blustering: and paradinir for a lew days about Sandwich, to the sad disappointment of the Canadians, and the astonishment of his troops, he ordered, for some reason never explained, a retreat to De- troit, and not long afterwards surrendered disgrac(^fully,as l-irisoners ot" war, to an inferior force under Gen. Brock, as fine and brave an army as was ever raised in America.— Afti>r tlic prisoners had stacked their arms, and were pass- I r % in^ m rev aids, " Wl plied a liei by G--d Some oft! with aliki Brock, the never brea When 1 vince, the raised as [ stitulions ' ingduty t afterwards filled till t bodied the ing th« u tliom were tlieir esc a] Such w Canada at On the bove ingle of a thous! sharp but lant style, niand of ( day was v. ary confiic displayed i their disci] fifty surrei: led. The Gen. Broc the action, descend am The res to contend ihat disci p ing in the 1812. n A' f young I d them So san-l verancel ty, civil fi conse ;y were ! 00 men.' id to tile vich he' llowini^: ctensive! atiou ill lave felt of your we now ily with ,11 army elcomc. session. id 1 any ice; but I have nd that his pro [e , nnd inatioii, Canadi ashin£- e of ad- } friend aradinir intment )ops, he t to De- full y as rock, as ^rica.— - re pass- WAR IN 1812. 43 i1 I jns^ in review before Gen. Brock, he remarked to one of his aids, " What a noble k)okiiig set of prisoners." " Yes," re- plied a lieutenant or captain Hull, one of the prisoners, "and by G--d we are ignobly disj;raced by a d— d old fool.'' Some of the men, sweariniif with raoe, and others weeping with alike passion, their niortifyina- situation .'tflected Gen. Brock, than whom a more tender or noble hearted officer never breathed. When this unexpected news spread throni^di the Pro- vince, the droopin^j: spirits of the iioveriiment party were raised as hii^h as the spirits of the friends of repulilican in- stitutions were lowered. Those who formerly rehised do- ing duty under the coloninl authorities, were immediately afterwards iniprisoned. The jruard-houses and jails were lilled till they could hold no more. Those, also, who em- bodied themselves to join the American standard, on hear- ing thtj nil fortunate news dispersed instantly. Seven of thorn were hung at Burlington heights, and many made their escape. Such was the result of Gen. Hull's invasion of Upper Canada at the comnu^ncement ol the war. On the mornino- of the l3lh of October following the a- bove inglorious affair. Gen. Van Rensselaer, witli a column of a thousand strono-, crossed from Lewiston, and after a sharp but short contest carried Qucenston heights in gal- lant style. But a British reinforcement, under the com- mand of Gen. Sheaffe havinof arrived, the fortune of the day was chamT:ed, and the heights retaken after a sanguin- ary conflict of some duration, in which the American army displayed great bravery, and much personal courage ; but their discipline was rather deficient. Seven hundred and fifty surrendered as prisoners, besides the killed and wound- ed. Tlie British loss m killed and wounded was great. Gon. Brock, the idol of tlie Canadian army, fell early in the action. Col. M'Donald, his provincial aid, one of the descendants of Prince Charles Edward's adherents fell also. The result of this affair convinced the British they had to contend for the future with no ordinary marksmen — that discipline, and not courage, was the only thing lack- nig in the American armv. This ended the campaign of 1812. \N» '!• ' ■':-*>. Its i h: fi ^::l 'M 'if ■ .1:! Id-, I .U ■i M ■ ! \ i,\ r, h I ,; 44 WAR OP 1812. I I u !i! After the successful termination oi this engngemcnt the loyalists of both Provinces becumc ahnost frantic with joy, while despair took hold of the friends of republican institu- tions. In proportion as the British army proved victorious, the .government officers became insolent, cruel, and oppres- sive! Every person suspected wws disarmed. Hundreds left their famihes and properties and escaped to the United States, to avoid beiiiir dralted to serve in the militia. Dur- inij the winter months great preparations were being made for an early campaign. Recruiting parties were got up in every section of the'Province. Volunteers were called for. Scarcely any would turn out. With great exertions one regiment of militia was incorporated. 'On the morning of the 24th of February, 1813, the gar- rison at Ogdensburgh, commanded by Maj. Forsyth of the United States army, was suddenly attacked, and after a short but desperate resistance was carried by the Glengar- ries and several other detachments under the command oi Lieut. Col. M'Donell. The Glenirarries and militia sufier- •ed severely from the well pointed guns of the enemy. 'Pho capture of this fort secured to t'le British the safe naviga- tion of the St. Lawrence to Kingston. But a little after this affair, the most treacherously cruel and coldblooded wholesale murder was perpetrated by tlie Indians under the control of the sava2:e Gen. Proctor, at Frenchtown, River Raisin, that ever disgraced the arms ot any nation, civilized or savage. It was thus. A British force, consistinii" of four hundred reiijulars and six hundred Indian warriors from Detroit and Maiden, under the imuv'- diate direction of Gen. Proctor, surprised, on the mornin: of the 22d of January, the advance ol Gen. Harrison's army amounting to about five hundred Kentuckians, command- ed by Gen. Winchester. Yet notwithstanding^ the advan- tas^es the British had. bv choosinsf their own mode of at tack, the keen-eyed Kentuckians fought with a determina- tion which scattered death and destruction with an unspar- ing hand in the ranks of the British ; but their want of dis- cipline proved their ruin. ISeoflectins", from the suddenness of the aUack, to secure their flanks from enfilade, they were surrounded. Still, they fought, each one intent only on tilling a r( [ians was c litle. The ras truly 1 leeing his c »o-es, the n ieft, front a fender on i [he privates [etain their id by Gen. lire] of lold out in' ras dread h jd roused ludiiment. Ihan Procti >n pretence itely £,iven, )flicers. 1 f'ds re-ech [laughter c 111 vain in ( British ofTic One of the the hellish ters as Briti Ihe Indian iry and see having glut Und went ii tPhe few pr ter, to the ihem ever i fortured to iomahawke rarrison w< traveling th j A few da^ h surgeon tl WAR OP 1812. 45 ncnt the ith joy, I iiistitu- 2torious, [ oppres- Lindreds ) United . Dm 12: made :ot up in died for. ions one I the gar- ;h of the I after a jllen2:ar- mand ol a suffer- ly. Tby naviga- bly erne! i by the i octor, at[ arms oh British ■ Kindred le imvne- Tiornini:! 's army, mnfiand- e advan- [ ie of at I termina- unspar! it of dis-^ denness ley were- only on [iUino^ a redcoat or a painted lace. The yell of the In- liiuis was answered by the deadly crack of the Kentucky jiflo. The work of death for a few minutes on both sides ' Ivas truly terrifying-. The gallant Gen. Winchester, on feeing his devoted band completely surrounded by the sav- lo-es, the men dropping at a fearful rate on his right and ift, front and roar, and no way to escape, proposed to sur- jeiider on condition of securing tlie lives and property of [he privates from the savages, and permitting the officers to etain their side-arms. This was readily and gladly grant- id by Gen. Proctor, who was himself reduced by the dead- y lire] of the Kentuckians to that state that he could not old out muchlonii:er. The havoc committed on his ranks as dreadlul ; and tlie sense of liis loss in killed and wound- d roused his savajre temper till it got the better ot his udgment. Gen. Winchester had no sooner surrendered ban Proctor retired in sullen silence to his head -quarters, n pretence of writing despatches. Orders were immedi- tely £,iven, contrary to express stipulations, to disarm the flicers. The Indians took the liint, and the war-whoop as re-echoed ; the bloody tomahawk raised ; a general laughter commenced ; the unarmed Kentuckians flying 11 vain in every direction lor protection. The suboidinate ritish officers attempted to stop the inhuman proceedings* ne of them flew to Gen. Proctor to request him to stop he hellish carnasre — that it was dissfracinsf their charac- ers as British officers. The hihuman fiend replied, it was he Indian custom to revenge their dead; but he would ry and see what could be done. The Indians, however, aving glutted their revenge, ceased of their own accord, nd went immediately to scalp and rob the dead and dying. ^he few prisoners remaining were delivered, by this mon- ter, to the Indians, to be conducted to Maiden. Few of hem ever reached that garrison. Some were inhumanly ortured to death ; some burned at the stake, and many omahawked in cold blood. The few who reached the arrison were naked, their skins torn and larcerated with raveling throuofh the bush, and the goading of the savages. Afewdaysaffer the above massacre. Gen. Harrison sent surgeon to the British camp, for the purpose of attending ' I 1 .^: * % I'- ^* •fc t 'i i » f !f f' } ;i^ li : i 46 WAR OP 1812. the wounded. He had no sooner arrived than he was wounded and robbed ; then dragged as a prisoner to Mai- den, from thence to Quebec, and the author is not aware what became of him afterwards. These continued unfortunate occurrences, during the first year of the war, made a deep impression on many of the malcontents in Upper Canada. They lost all hopes, therefore, and felt themselves constrained, from dire neces. sity and self-preservation, to assume at least the appearance of loyal subjects, until matters took a different turn, ♦ ♦ w 1 Cap i Gen. De Itheadminis I that the co i provender, jthe British , fdispose of i Imandsof thi Uration, mar |ed men wei |ses — to brea ' ever the ne owner muri ithe supply c Iter how loyi to jail for h to confusioi a stretch of The malcor suffered the Crete their p ^were the gr ^secure fi-om i Loyalists a damninof th threats to tb -the govern tyrant to ca ^niore severi Gen. Drun '^tantly on a law, and sa his vomit, • ■ iM f • »: he was! ' to Mai. )t awarel CHAPTER V. in^ the nany of I hopes, e neces. earance Capture of Little York, and Battle of Lake Erie. Gen. De Rottenburgh, being at this time appointed to 16 administration of the government, finding on his arrival I that the country was well provided with provisions and provender, but that the agriculturalists were so averse to |the British government, that they would not for any price dispose of their surplus produce, to supply the daily de- mands of the troops, entorced, as the first act of his adminis- tration, martial law in the Province. Detachments of arm- led men were sent in every direction, to search private hou-^ ses — to break into barns; press teams, and carry away what- ever the necessities of the commissariat required. If the owner murmured, or begged of them to leave enough for the supply of his family, he was instantly accused, no mat- ter how loyal he miijht be, of being a yankee rebel, and sent jto jail for his impertinence. The Province was thrown in- to confusion. All classes united in remonstrating against a stretch of power so indiscriminate and unconstitutional. The malcontents did not fail to add fuel to the flame. They ^suffered the least, as they took the precautionary steps to se- crete their property in the woods and swamps ; the loyalists were the greatest sufiers by this act, for they took no steps to .secure from these military robbers their hay or grain. — ^Loyalists and malcontents, for once, were unanimous in Idamninof the government ; rebellion appeared inevitable ; Ithreats to this effect, were publicly and boldly thrown out; the government became alarmed, and advised the Dutch tyrant to cancel the obnoxious law, — he persisted with the more severity, but unfortunately, at this critical moment, Gen. Drummond was appointed to succeed him, and in- •"^tantly on assuming the reins of sfovernment, suspended the law, and saved the Province. The loyalists, like a dog to his vomit, returned to their loyality, and the republican >i i ' II Kti r:, I . - . t •' f : --'•'I. J '! -'3 i ! I i 'f 48 CAPTURE OF LITTLE YORK, yfi-% i !'l' party to their despondency. But the h\tter were not design ed to remain long in that state. Gen. Pike embarked with 1700 men, on board a flotilla, commanded by Com, Chauncey, at Sackets Harbor, on the morning oi the25tho; April, and on the al'tcrnoon of the 27ih, disembarked, in ex ceilent military order, about two miles west of Little York the capital of Upper Canada. At a little less than a mile and a half from the town, he was opposed by a British forct under the command of Gen. Sheaffe, who attempted todis pute the landing, but the heavy rolling fire, steady and firm advance of the American troops, threw the British, who dis puted every inch of the ground, as long as they possibly could, into mevitable disorder. After sustaining a severe loss, they fled to their fortifications. Gen. Pike advanced inorderofbattle,witli a determined and firm pace,until with in two hundred yards of the breastworks, when an expio sion of a magazine took place, which destroyed upwards of a hundred of the Americans, among whom was the brave but unfortunate Commander. When the confusion crea ted by the explosion, had ceased, the American troops tool; possession of the city and fort. Gen. Sheaffe and his routec forces retreated in disorder towards the River Humber.- This was the first instance, since the commencement of the war, where the Americans paid the least respect to military order and discipline. The result was alike honorable tc themselves, and glorious to the arms of their country. I; also proved what coura2:e in the officers, and firmness in the men, with proper discipline, can effect ; considering the numbersengacred, the loss on either side was very consider able. This dear bought victory taught the British tlia: American disciplined troops were no less formidable in tin open fields, than the undisciplined militia were unmatched in the art of bush fightin^:. rorisequently, th<^y were eve: afterwards, as careful of attacking the one, as they were r avoiding the other. The boldness of the design and its snc cessful result raised the drooping spirits of the despondin^ Canadian Republicans, from somethin;i.sure ; iiiting at t I did, saved rebellion. the oppos inous, thrc e (forts oft I and tatal t( I the govern I iy and d*; 1 who carri^ ' credit to i would ha )satfi.cieiitl ^ by land, a ^ ting army have redu per Can a BATTLE OF LAKE EUjE, 49 f I ! i HI i design! ibarked y Com i25lho d, ill c.\ e York a miki sh forct to dis md firm who dis possiblv a severe; ivanced til with 11 explo ip wards lie brave oil crea ops tool is routec imber.-j iitof llr military irable t( [itry. I; !ss in the ring the consider fish tlia; lie in th( matched ere evo: were i' d its sue pondiiij r, to thi of eithei posses itrol; th . majority ofthe inhabitants disaflbcted; the regular troops ia yllie Upper Province, materially cut up, and the whole army Inot cxc«'ediur drifting, than sailing, towards each other. The instant the hostile commanders singled out their respective flag ships, every eser^ lion was made by the heroes, to place themselves in juxtapo- sition. But Capt. Barclay, on account of his long eighl( ens, had the advantage, of pouring for nearly ten minutes, a most destructive fire on the St. Lawrence, befoie she could brirg her carronades to tell on the enemy; at length a flaw of wind brought her up to the desired point* making signals to the rest to engage, The wind, however, was too low to admit of an immediate connlianci;, ho was, therefore, compelled to sustain, for an hour and a half,the (ire c»f two ships of ec ual force. At hist the brig became unmanagoiible; her crew, e,\ce| t four or five. were either killed or wounded. Victory, so far, declared in favor of the British. The brig being now a perfect wreck, and death and destruction still pouring in npon him, Com. Perry, with r, presence of mind, and a heroism, hardly ever surpassed, he wen' in RP open boat, exposed to the enemy's fire, to the Niaga- ra, of twenty guns. Tlic wind now arose; he bore down upon the Lady Provost, -pouring into her so tremendous a fire that her crew were compelled to seek shelter below. Following the ex- ample of tiieir intrepid leader, the remainder of the Americnn squadron engaged, one after the other, until the battle became general. Which now raged with fury ; — splinters flying ;— yards falling, masts tumbling, mcndroi>j)ing in every directi(jii; the ciieers of the surviving drowp.ing the piercing agonies ci the dying and wounded; — still victory, as if delighting in lli-: carnage, stood aloof, undetermined, to declare for either sick. Finally, the British fleet being reduced to floating wrecks, vic- tory decided in favor of the American flag, and the commaiio of the lake and the British fleet fell to Perry. This we!! contested and obstiiuUe ergngement was liighly honorable to the conqueror, and also to the conquered. Every thing that vnlor, naval science and experience could devise, was broucht to nlav. The ^take at issue was ereat. iherefoi the British h out the prize, to bear. ] querors, t of the conl the Americ given. \ niorn- le saiLs, siiiTacc for the ivc tlic ht com- During Iriiting, liostile y exe'^ Lixlapo- , a most Id biiis: of wiii'.l the res! il of an iiustaiii. At lust or five. in favc!' nd death ', with n he went Niagu- ,vn upon that her ; the ex- .mericiiii became ying ;- lircclioii; onies ci ig in I lie her fciidc. cks, vie- lommaiiu ^his well bleto the lat vnlor, t to play. Id out ^ef BATTLE OP LAKE ERIE. 53 the prize, while a vessel could be managed, or a gun brought to bear. But the friendly and humane deportment, of the con- querors, towards their fallen enemy, after the din and bustle of the conflict was over, gave a character for real bravery, to the American navy, that the bare victory could never have given. 6* N . 1, , I i I. * ; II ¥ ''% CHAPTER VI. Battle of the Thames. On receivino- the ofFicial account of Cnpt. Barclay's de- feat, General Proctor prepared to evacuate the Mieliigai) teiritory, and shortly allerwards retreated with his army, after des!royin2[ the fortress and government stores at Mai- den and Detroit, to the London District. Gen. Harrison, with upwards of 3,000 rnen, pursued the retreatinj^ Proc tor with all possible haste, and on the niorninir of the 5tli of October, the advance, consisting of 1,000 mounted diagoons under Col. Johnson, reached the place of his en- campment, at the Moravian village on the River Thames. SO miles from Maiden. The British troops were drawn out in an extended line of battle, with intervals of two and three paces between the files, coveimg a large extent of ground, and consequently presenting a very iniposing ap- pearance, but certainly the weakest military front or posi tion that could be offered to an enemy. Whether Proctoi adopted this plan from necessity or as a matter of choice, is immaterial; it fully evinced his incaj)acity as a General, as well as a total ignorance of the science of war. Col. Johnson veported the circumstance immediately to Gen, Harrison, who rode up to satisfy himself. He tlien reques- ted permission to attack them before they changed their po- sition. It was granted. Gen. Harrison, jn.st as he was returning to bring up the luain body to his assistance, in the event of any disaster, remarked to Johnson, after giv- ing some necessary directions, ^'Colonel, charge them m yoii thhik best J iJtcy arc yours T Col. Johnson like a skilful leader, availed himself, immediately, of the advan- tage, which such an unprecedented weak position afforded: divided his regiment into two equal divisions: the ]e\\k tgave in charge to his brother, I.ieut. Col. James Johnson, the other he commanded in person. Ho then directed lib brother to charge the British regulars the moment he ni acked the Indians under Tecumsx'h. When son ad van actually b tlieir rank the cursec of this we part of the troops as t discretion ; tucky vol stant Gen, : tucky voh ] his horse i I ghosts of I at his heel the Indian ,;• nature. ' I ted. unde ^ learfnl si a 'I margin of I it impossi I (lered his i I III the Ilea iebrated Ir I deadly, fie ! ted; a larg J Tecurnsel I the same t I the warrio I Johnson | I iieart. T I horse droj- loss of bio extricate 1 , such that I war steed, I this time ( I completed I I fie m I Kenluckifi » action, ha '^ BATTLE OF T-HE THAMES. 55 ay's do- le higaii s army, at Ma'l- iirrison. ^ Proc the 5lli nounled his (!ii- riiames. ) drawn two and extent of ising ap- or posi- Proctor r choice, -»eneral, r. CoL to Gen, I reqiies- their po- he was mice, in I'tpr giv- ihcm OS Uke a cidvaii- alibrded; e left he roliiisoii. cled iii^ nt he at- When the order to charge was given, Lieut. Col. John- son advanced with such rapidity, that the British Hue was actually broken up and routed before they had time to close their ranks and Conn a square to repel the attack. Througli tlie cursed imbecihly ot a miserable poltroon, the trophies ^ of this well planned and gallantly execut'-d charij^e, on the part of the Americaus, was 7.50 as brave and disciplined troops as the British army could l)onst, who surrendered at discretion as prisoners ot war, to less than 500 raw Ken- tucky volunteers, besides six brass iield pieces. The in- stant Gen. Proctor saw his line penetrnted by the Ken- tucky volunteers, without any further effort, he mounted ; his horse and fled with as much precipitation, as if all the ^ ghosts of the murdered Kentuckians at Freiichtown were ] at his heels. The attack in;tde by ('ol. R. M. Johnson, on the Indians, was necessarily of a more obstinate and l)loody ^. nature. They were 1,300 strong and advantngeously pos- ] ted, under cov(;r of the woods, .uid consequently made ; fearful slaughter in Johnf-on's ranks, as he approached the i margin of the swail where they lay ambushed. Finding fit impossible to dislodge them on horseback, Johnson or- Jdered his men to dismou'- and attack them sword in hand. I hi the heat of the enirai t t, he and Tecumseh, the cel- Jcbrated Indian Chief, sii.^.cd out eacU other and met in I deadly, fierce conflict; '^recumseh on foot, Johnson moun- I ted; a large log between. As he essayed to round the log, ^ Tecuinseh fired and wounded him severely; his horse, at f the same time, was perforated by a number of balls. As I the warrior raised his battle axe, to give the finishing blow, I Johnson presented his pistol and shot him through the I heart. The instant Tecumseh fell, the gallant Johnson's I horse dropped dead under him. He was so weak with the I loss of blood, that it was with the utmost exertion he could I extricate himself from the dead animal; liis weakness was f such that he afterwards lutd to lay iAowj: side of iiis dying I war steed, until carried away in an Indian blanket. At I this time Gen. Harrison came up with the main body and I completed the rout already commenced. The m itchless bravery and heroic devotion of these Kentuckians, during and subsequent to this sanguinary i'\ction, have acquired for them an imperishable fame. In- H • ■ ! \ i\' r J :'l i ^i' ' 1 ^ii^ 'I'M m RATTLE OF THE THAMES. f ^f . ,"" 'I'- stcnd oi' n of the hostile armies, at the commencement of the s(^paraU; actions. The Americans engai^ed were barely one thousand stroma; divided into two divisions of five hun- (h'cd each; the one commanded by Col. Richard M. John son, the other by his brother, Lieut. Col. James Johnson, The Ihifisli w(!re full two thousand one hundred stron^, divided, also, into two unequal divisions; the first, consis- limi; of SOO veterans and six brass field pieces, under the innnodiate eye and command of Gen. Proctor; the second consist(^d of L301) Indian warriors, under the control of the celebrated chief, Tecumseh, who were securely formed on the inner vcr^j^e of a swamp. Now mark — Lieut. Col. James Jiihnson with his command of 500, changed, svvord \n hand SOO lUitisli rci^ulars, and six held pieces, and compelled them to surrender at discretion. Col. Richard \r. .lohnseiu at the same time, with his division of 500, at- tacks Tecumseh and his l.'SOO warriors, and defeated them. 'I'hc whole atlair, then, stands thus : 1.000 raw Kentucky volunteers, cajituro and defeat 2.100 disciplined British rcijuiars and Iiuhans, toiiether with six field pieces. Tile author has not been led, bvany means, to dwell on these pariieulars, to detract tVom the iienerally established! mihtarv tdiaraeter of British troops, but merelv to show what raw. undisciplined troops ccm etfect. when commnn- ded and leil by such brave and elficient leaders as Gen i Harrison and the (^ols, Johnson, proved to be. on this occa- sion. For what siirnities the braverv or discipline of aiiv troops, when led or commanded by such a milksop as Gen. Proctor? Gen, Hariison had now the complete control of Upper Canada as tar as Kino^^ton. The whole of the Britisli troops, with their out posts, were ordered to fall back on that point, to defend it against a daily expected iitlack, hi 1'' rot I J i\)(i iiig could (it tiiis pa I rclui'Ming siitulioiis iroiij culo of a doub ihc Lakes Kingston. Gl' aural, fc Ion, to tilt iUJtlior alhi advantuge.^ have place — thoru is concent rat txcopt Poi 'sand five h A forlni received c |)iace Guv. the remain J]uflalo. ] ('f this sue simultaneo iHurrison, •tion wixri w ■lunply suO an energy cations at the British only stron; .so far, buc ton was \v( and doserri fleet undei conimandei army appo Jackets Hi sary rnatei when uuiti t'hauncey' I L BATTLE OF THE TlIAMliS. 5/ lom the uel and alien, at Jiiess in ire wan- The ex- Dst deci- igth and It of the 3 barelv ive hun- /I. John Johnson, 1 strong, I, consis- Qcler the e second ►ntrol of y^ formed eut. Col. d, sword pes, and Richard 500, at- ed them, entueky British • clvvell on ablished to show tommnii- as Gen. his occa- e of any as Gen. control e of the to fall' expected attack, by Gen. Wilkeiisoti's nimy, from Sackcts Harbor. I'Voin tlui goneral panic that prevailed among all classt's, noth- ing could bo more easily cllcctid ihan ibo taking of Kingstcjii at ti»i.s parlicuhir junctujc. 'i'he militia wcr^ji iVigiilonod, and icturaing to ihcir liomos by companies; t!)c fricnob of free in- siilulions vvero in ccslacius; lliey believed ibeir deliverance Iroin colonial misrule now placed beyond the po.'^sibility of a dt.'ubt. They saw their American triends in conimand of llio Lakes, and in possession ol" all the lorlilications, west of Kingston. They heard the desponding language; of the Gov. General, Sir George Provost, wlio remarked at Fuit Welling- lon, to the late lUshop McDonell, and in the iiearing of the nullior also, "If Gen. Harrison and Wiikenson follow up the advantages, wiiich the victories on Lake I'llrie and the Thames, have placed in liieir power, Up'per Canachi must be abandoned, — there is no alternative.'' 'Lhe whole of the liritish forces, concentrated at Kingston, their oidy iiold in Upper Canada, except Fort Wellington, at this time, did not exceed one thou- sand five bundled men. A fortnight after the battle of tlie Thames, Gen. Harrison received orders to fall back, with his division, to Maiden; |)icice Gov. Cass in the command of Detroit, and proceed with the remainder of iiis forces to join the army of the centre at Jjuffalo. Expectation was now raised on tiptoe. Tiic object (if this sudden manoeuvre was generally understood to be a simultaneous attack on Kingston, by Genls. VVilkenson and ^Harrison, prior to a descent on Montreal. The plan of opera- ■tioii was well concerted, and the force and means provided, ;iunj)ly suOicient for the purpose. Had it been acted "on with tin energy and ability similar to that which carried the fortifi- cations at Little York, or obtained the victory at the Thames, the British would have been driven to Quebec, their last and only strong hold in Canada. To all appearance, every thing, so far, bade fair to the accomplishment of this object. Kings ton was weak and short of provisions; the militia disaffected and deserting by companies, could not be trusted; the British ileet under Commodore Yeo, blockaded by the American fleet, commanded by Commodore Chauncey; on the other hand, tho army appointed to attack Kingston, under Gen. W^ilkenson, at i5ackets Harbor, was 7,000 strong, ^upplied with every neces- sary material; Gen. ILirrison's not far short of 4,000; these when united, would amount at least to 10,000 etfeciive men; i'haunccy's fleet far superior in number, metal and quality, to • •• ii; .N< m. h k- "i jt^ ■■fl ; ■ n ' H 'i:i i ■ ■ I ! J i. if V 5 :„i* 'W'l 58 nATTLi: OF TIIK THAMES. the British navy; wlio, at this time, dare not show a sail outsidt Kingston hurboi-. Was ther(; evf^r an op])ortunily moro fair or luvorablc? lint uulortunatclv lor Canada, Gun. Armstrong, about this time, was appointed Secretary oi" VVar. A new ai- raugemcnt took |)Iace. The attack on Kingston was abandon- ed. Gen. VVilkenson ord(^red to proceed down tlie St. Law- rence, to torin a junelion with G^n. Hampton, and then advance on a wihJ goose's chase to attack Montro;il. Gencwal Harrison seeing his favoritf? j)Ian of securing L'pj)er Canada relinquished; an inferior oilicer phaced over him, and seeing in prospect the faihir(; of the campaign, by the total ab indonmt'ii! of the Upper Province, r.nd realizing that he could be of no further service to his C(jnntrv, resigned with disgust. Go McClure, aft(;r burning Newark, retreated with his commatu! to Buffalo. And iho republican Canadians hid the extrem mortification of seeing themselves in the same vexatious situa- tion in which tlu^y v/eie bL^fore the victories of Lake Erie am the Thames. Tiie ujodclefts of victorv, who had hitherto favor ed the American flag of Liberty, as if ashamed of their wan of military judgment, in not embracing the opportunity of ;; victory so feasible, and to all human appearance, so certain deserted their cause on the frontier for that season, and again once more favored the British. Had the command devolved on Gen. Harrison, it was tlif universal belief of the high(^st military ciiaracters in Canada that Kingston would have fallen with little loss; and that lie would have swept the Canadian f'ronlicr, and securely lodgou his army in winter quarters at Montreal, or Three River? If we may be allowed to judge from his former victorious career, there can be no doubt but the campaign of 1813, woulii have ended diflorentlv to what it did. \ On the 3 ill roe hundr N the St. . jhousand f-;| Dt. Regis, i jiiain part ( i'eal. ■ On the i; listing of V. (pol. Morris, (livision of JViiiiamabui alioii took ans cli'irgc irown into It was on! v inf! in thci.- •nrty now ''rom this u :c'[)t up by t;lt again c iddng posse ian lencibk 1^' treat. Tl to retrrat, ediately rn liie Bi issayed to e f«dy of hidi I'^d the lutte oned for ti ^ their tm-n, jeing retake i^iinanders 10 (ate of tl il outside ro fair or mstrong, new ill- Mbaiidoii- St. Lnw. mcl then r Canaflii seeing ill II don mem be o r 110 St. Gen, commaiK! ? extrom/ oLis situa' Erie an; jrto favor heir wan; unity of ;i io certain and agair, it was tlii] n Canada, nd that he ely lodgea 3 River? victorious 13, would CHAPTER VII. Battle of Chrysler's Farm. On the 30th of Octobrr, Gen. Wilkonson, witli a flotilla of lliroe hundron Durham boats, and seven thousand men, descend- jpd the St. Lawrence to join Gen. flampton'a division of four |liousand r^trong, who was expected to bn w.iiting tor him at pt. Regis, and from thence to j)roceed immediatc^iy to put t!te limin part of his orders into execution — the tailing of 3,' ont- icmI. On the 11th of November, an army of obpervation, con- listing of eighteen hundred British regulars, c^'inmanded by pol. Morris, of the 89th regiment of foot, overlook his rear ilivision of seventeen hundred strong, at Chrysler's farm, in |Villiamsburg:i. A desparale engag( mcnt ol" three hours du- i' aiion took place in the open lleld. At the onset, the Ameri- aiis cii'irged witii such fury that the British advance was hmwn into di-^order and compellcHJ to give groniid. However, I uas only tiu! panic of a moment, 'i'lu-y insinntly rallied; iiid in th(Mi- turn ilrove tlie Ameiicans acioss a ravine. J'^ach inrly now oecuj)ied the ground on which they commenced. *'roni this time, a regular succession of rolliLg volleys were :ept up by bolh sides I'or nearly two hours. The American elt again charged the rigiit of the British, and were in act of tdung possession of their artillery, when a paity of the Cana- |ian iencibles made a feint on iheir rear as if to cut olT their ctreat. The Americans, on perceiving tliis, made a precipi- to retrrat, and assumed their former position in the line. Im- ediately afterwards, a s(juadron of dragoons attempted to rn the British left; while anoiluM' detachment of infantry ssaved to enfilade their ricrht. The former was rtnuilsed bv a ody of Indians who lay in ambush in the edge of the woods; |ad tiie latter by a party of Canadian fencibles who were sta- Boned for that purpose on the road. The British now charged §J their turn, and captured a field piece, which narrowly escaped Icing retaken. Every means which bravo and determined fomnianders could devise to turn each others IJankL? and decide m fate of the day having failed, all at once the British threw '•*i ' •■■! J" y 60 BATLE OF CHRYSLKR S FARM. ing the |j ion as tho off the ir great coats, the Americans their canteens and haver, vnark* t sacks. Tho action was carried on with redoubled exertionJ <)f disci for some time on both sides. Tho Americans at last made an-j virid in other desjtarato effort to retaitc': ||,;it t!ie i actions that took |>!r»ce during the war. The British loss wo: | !,j. j>,,| two hundred and liiree in killed and wounded, besides soin ^|o w ir!d prisoners. The loss of the Am.^ricans in killed and woundct fj, ns- ,'» i) by their own official account was four hundred and forty-onr,' besides prisoners. Were it not for the favorable and maste the British occupied, and the stern tenaci maintained it through the different vicissi fought action. It would otherwise have be them to have withstood, for a moment, the tacks of the American troops. The author having taken an active part i ns well as in some others, has thought pro nute, to show the folly of those who assert, that no troops in the world can compete wi to man, m a fair fight in the open field. talk — sheer nons ise 'he American so present, as well as on former and subs3qu(; ed themselves a full match for the British whether at charging uith the bayonet; nu 8hot,'particu!arly whr-n led by resolute office ral opportunities of witnessing and even this assertion. But, it may be objected, that this engagement were more than two to one V, md haver, i exerlioni t made an- Id-piece— i(;r this af. enter, who At this cri- BATTLE OP CHRYSLKIVS FARM. 61 vr.ark; tlic British were ail regular .soldiers, in the highest state of disciplini;. Tiicy had also the choice of position, and the wind Iv. iheir favor; which must he admitted ns equal to half Hho brittle. Tiie Americans, on the other hand, were undisci- i»linof!; the most of them not over six wreksi in the service; more rav.' ri-cruits. l>ut as an olFset to this, at the battle of the *!fhr\mes the British were nearly three to one; yet tiicv were brave com- iod off tll«! s nppearoc ; battle. 1 )k them io; lienving ii er — retireii i possessioF; vas unquts- st conte.-tci ;sh loss NVH' -sides soin id woundei d fortv-ono.( as about to, coinpL-llod to surrond(?r, in a fair lip,ht in the open field, to a iinndl'iil of raw Kentucky volunteers. Nevertheless, it must 1)0 conceded tiiat generally they are as brave and as well dis- ciplined as any in the v/orKl; but thij docs not prove them su^ tcrior to all others. Before closinfi; these remarks, wo v/onid observe that, dur- ing the battle just mcntiotied, Iho Americans charged as of- ten ns the British, and with a like success; which provc:^ that Hie Amoricin soldiers are at least a match for iho Btilibh Iroops in tlieir ov.'n vaunted and l^avorito mode of ilghting and ijiid deciding btittlcs. Away, then, with the foolish, s-iliy idea ^lat the British can beat the world on a charge in a'l open j id. B'.ii, granting, f)r a momi.'nt, tiMt the British can beat ^le \v 'idd in a e!)arge in ;in open llcdd, it must then bo tidmit- ::1, ns a ])l'»in matter of f;ict, t!;at as the Iv.'nlueky voUuiteers ill boat t!ie British (v,'ho c in b.;at th3 worl I) (m a charge in tti.'epiMi (l>ld at the river Thnnvs, lliat \\;c Kciiuckiaiis can sition whic !;■ '/ //^^ E:i:-lish and (he worhL We ItMtve lie reader "o his which tht;- .u(\ confirm the military character and prowess of for- ga troops at the expense and ruin ol' the American soldier's, liase established valor and military reputation stands at toast unl to at>y in t'ne world. Gon. Drummond, a British ofliecr of liio hin^hest military ac- lirenKMits, and who liad fought in Europe and Asia, immedi- cly after the battle of Lundy's Lane, declared that the Amc- ("■'m troops were more stubborn aiul unyielding in the field of tion than any others he had ever encounlered. Col, Morris, who commanded at Ciirysler's farm, remarked ;i conversation with one of his otTicers, shortly after the ac- 11, that the Americans were equal, if not 5;uporior to the ronch oti a charge, and very tough customers at long sliotc ry true. »J^ ^ If this is the character given them by their enemies, surely I furious a'.- [ai gage men: be thu-s ni. en maintain. British, rria- is mere iJ^^ have, ill ^^■ .isions, pv^''; G open fif'-^ ring, or Ion: has had ?=i'';. tlie truth- American? ' ,^^;|. .-t t I ^ M'; ^• V !? .f! u ,i„ ■ ♦ «! ■!-' > 62 BATTLE OF CIIRYSLI:R's FARM. ihoy ouglit to expect something similar from tlieir friends an;J countrymen whoso bailies ihey fought with so mucli credit, But we must return lo our subject. Immediately nfter tlie action at Chrysler's, Gen. VVilkonson received a despatch from Gen. Hampton, stating his inability, for want of provisions and the lateness of the season, to moci him at St. Regis. On the receipt of this intelligence, u coun- cil of war was summoned by Gen. Wilkenson, by which it \v;is decided not to aUaek Montreal, but go into winter quarters ai French Mills, on Salmon river. And so ended the carnpaigi! of 1813 — a campaign which, after the victories of Lake Krie! and the Thames, gave the Americans the entire control n! Upper Canada. But for want of military judgment and decisioH in the cornmander-in chif;f, a proper and cordial understandiiii: between the general officers, and the unfortunate misundoi- standing between Gens. Harrison and Armstrong, (Jpj)er ('a- nada was lost and Montreal not even approached. The Canadian republicans saw the lailure with regret, ni deei)ly deplored it. They saw, also, their sanguinely cherislic iiopes of an imn-.ediale deliverance from tl^e British governmci;: irretrievaijiy blask-d. The newt; from Kurope convinced iheii that the wars in that quarter were about terminating in favor O! the allies; that Great Britain would be able to send out eari; in the spring an army sufi'iciontly formidable, not only to gun I the frontier, but to cairy the war into tho United States; lli; j it was, therefore, their interest as well as duty, as maltLTs tur: -' ed out so unpropitiously, to make a virtue of necessity, an i reconcile themselves lo their lot — make a show of loyali | where none exisled. Their confidence in the ability of the .\ mericans to conquer the Oanadas, -ofter neglecting so favorj ble an opporluniiy, was entirely lorowii, at tijo liond vi' 40()() cllc'Ctive mon, crossud tlie Niagani rivrr, and f«u)k pMSi-tit^Hiou of I'ort Eri-, I which surreiidi-'ied without nriy rcsislaMC\ Th^^ next day, lie murched with his army to attack tho' Jlriiish foicos at Chippr- wa, caiiimundud by Gcu. iiiali. l]89th.'' The word ' vancing to^ a strong d- cident, wei ensued. I ihoulder t( N- n,. n.\TTLr. OF LUNDY S hXifE. 65 do 3(.l (,! ve nicii, )rt Eri', (lav, he Clii ;)[)('. ilio OpCl! lis, us in I consid. tcnniiiii. ami ('(.r . final I V, •kc ihcir e loss of rliiigton vv'c sec, I cliargT OLIS, IjUI ilago of y gloon, zing fht with a ssuincd Amcri- ^ met at i of tlic I re, fol- Ji'icaii.r, he face 'mnes:>, ng was Britisii part of bstino • cy nrul pcrsnvcranco, wliinli astonished his rncmlcs; but for- tiirinttly, Gcii. Ripley coining down to liis nssistance, restored the hatlle. 'J'lif! firing of the cxter)de(l lines, Torn low niornent^j reprt'seiiti'd conflicting sheets o{ lurid llan)(% sporting benenlh idlliiig voliMDos of smoke. It was a grand and terrillc sight; lor a moment, tlin British gave gronnd, to take u posilion on nn Liiiinenco in rear of their riglit. Gl'M. Brown, at this time, came on with the reserve; the AmerioatiH had now, lor a while, (;ically the advantage i:i nnmljers, l)Ut aa the niglit b(^gun to I'aij. the lOlth Kcgiment and si»me flank companies joiiuMJ the Drilish, and placed the coml)atting arnii'\s nearly on ti footing. These were ord(M-ed on tlie ri^iit of the Royaiisis, who were posted in a plongl)(!d fi(d(J. The str(;ngtli of both sides was now fairly engaged, except the militia, wlioiu Cien. Driimmond WMiild not trnst, and wlio were ordered to the rear. Their am- u:iitioii was tak(M) from tliem and given to llio regulars. The night being pitcliy dark, the etnit Miding armies conid only distin- •Tiiish each other by the flashes of t'ueir firiiifj. A lieavy col- iimii of the Americans advanced unperceivcMl, to the right of !'i" Hritish, who *vere obliged to wh(!ol back on their left to pro- l';ct their flank, Gen. DriimnK^nd crying out to his men, ^^stick /' thcm^ my fine fell ou's,^^ at the same time, an American ofll- i\'\\ supposed t ) be Gi-n. Scott, in animating his men, directed I'loin \vit.h a stentorian voice, ^^Icvcl low, mi/ hrave boj/s, fire at llicirJlasJies.'^ The conmianding oflicer of the 89th Regt. was ord'M'cd to charge tins column of Americans, which was promptly executed, by driving them down the slope of the bill. Hut thoy instantly rallicid at the I)aKe, and left of the bill, niid in their turn, charged- tiie Royals and drove them some distance to the rear. The 89th coming up at tbistimcN in their r ar. mistook them for the Iioyals, and were; letting them pass on as such, but while tlu^v were inclining to the lei't, they had to ndvaiicc in front of the Grenadiers of the lOlth and lOHd Hf'g'inents. who wore in ihe act of firing at them when a Brit- ish Held oiTicer rode up and ordcn'od them not to fire, as "it was tlif'89th," The Americans took the liiiit, and called out, the 89tli 'i lie word *'rccover arms,*' was given, and, as they were ad- vancing towards tlieir own lines, ihoy came in contact with ti strong detachment of the 49tli and Royals, who, by some ac- cident, were far in advance of their own line; a dreadful scene ensued. It was, for some moments, the reign of carnage; — shoulder to shoulder, foot to foot, the combatants fought witli 4 ^•' ■ • i' :,!• |-i; 65 BATTLE OE LUNDY S LANI?. r, if ) more than mortal energy; — for a few mirjnt(!s, nothing wasj lieard in that section of the field, but the rattling of bayoncl?; the clashing of swords, — the deep grotuia of the dying, and tlnj siirieking cries of the wounded. 'I'ne Glengarries marched to tiio assistance oflheir friends, but, from the darkness of the night, they mistook the 49ih and lloyais, for the Amen. i;an troops, which enabled the lattor to retire unmolested.— "I'lie firiiig from tiis iiiitish and American lines, resembled ;: (jniok succession ofs!ioit rolling (lashes of iiglUning. It wa;s a t '.and but toriific siorisl. A heavy column of the American charg''d the British liglit, seized their cannon, and drove then; b-yond the hill. Thoy attemj)te(l to reiaUe them, but were re- pulsed with a heavy loss. I'he AmOiicans, for want of means, to bring them aw.iy, spil:ed a few, and left thein on the grounij where the British took tliem in possession. About 11 o'clcck, P M., the firing bet^an to slaclcen on both sides; at half pn>; eleven, it ceascnl with a few occasional random shots. Tlui ended one of the most di'sporato, bloody, and obstinate engage- ments tiiat overtook place on the continent of America. 1; was a drawn bi'tle, ntjiihor party having gained ihe least nd vantage. The lield, the ne.xt morning present', d an awful sigh: The Briton andtiie American, lay stretched at musket's Iciitli each with his bayonet plunged deep in the others brea.-t,- Some time after ti)o action, the dead of both armies were coi lected by the Biitiih 'dud piled in tiers alternately v»'ith tiers o; rails, and burned. Both armies remained on the ground until a little before da} light, when the ^Vmericans retired about a quarter of a mile.— Both parties were so clU up, that neitiier was in a state to re new the action. The American-; shortly aftiM'wards fell baci; to Fort Erie, the British following at a respectful distance. After this sanguinary engagrMiient. the reader can judgi whether the Americans are a match for the British, on a charg. in an open field, eitiuM- by night or day. The British lost it killed and wounded, B77, American, do. 8G0. On the 4th of August, (i^tui. Drummond invested Fort Biii with 3000 men, and on the 15th, attempted to carry it by :r' sault, but was repulsed with a loss of GOO men. On the 17tL the Americans made a sortie, and compelled Gon- Drumnioii'. to raise the siege and retire with great loss. Gen. Izzard hav- ing arrived to the relief of the besieged, with 5000 men, afle; leaving a respectable garrison in the Fort, advanced towani; Chippewa, where Gen, Drummond had taken post. On the 20thofOcl or party hn rived at Qi ill Franco. Canadas,hr ince, was I the scat of' ig wa.'j iikI till] chcd tp. of the Amcri- stcd.- nblodi; t WIIS u oricaii ^e thciv, ;crc re- grounii o'clock, lalf p;b'. , Tliii. engage- "ica. 1. east n'!' ul sigl,:. 's leiitli: ii'ca.-t,- OIG COi tiers oi ore da} mile.— c to ve- il bad; lince. a charg.j lost iii or t Krii It by '■'" ho i7tL •Limnioii! en, afte;!! towarii; '^ On tlie I BATTLE OP LUNDY's LANE. 67 20th of October, anothercngngement took place in which neith- er party had the advantage. Largo reinforcements having ar- rived at Quebec during the summer, from Wellington's army ill France. Sir George Provost, the Governor General of the Camdas, having sent strong reinforcements to the Upper Prov- ince, was busily employed in makin;* preparations, to remove the soat of war from the Canadian frontier to the United StfUc;?. • » ■Mi I. '.'Ill F i l|( h J ^ ,,:: ' il m iC't I > t;t i CEl AFTER IX. Battles of Plattsbiir2:h and Nevv-Orloans. An army oftiurtecn thousand innn, and a numerous train of artilK^ry, wore concentrating at Montreal, Cli;\nib!y and St. Johns;'|)r(^paralory to a (l(>sccnt on Phittsbiirgli. Gen. M'Comb, tlio American comnifindcr, havin<^ early inlflligonco of Sir George's design, made every preparation which time and means aliowcid, to give the invaders a warm reception Ahout the 1st efSeptemher, this large army marched in three divisions, which arrived in r(\gnlar succession at Pluttsburgh,b'j- jbre the ev(ming of liie lOili. At this time, the American fleet, commanded by Com. M'- Donoiigb, was Iving to the southwest of the month of tiie Sar- anac, |)r<^p:ired to receive the enemy. On the 11th, the T>ri- tish flotilla, under Ca[)t. Downie, was seen rounding Cumber- land I1(\ad, ami be;irin2: towards the American flc^d. On a pre- concerted signal, the IJrilish land forces were tf attack tlie foit the instant tlu; fl.-ets becfime engageil. The moi^ient the fir.-t broadsiile was heard, Sir George opened his batteries, pouring tremendous showers of rockets, balls and sh;dls at the Ameri- can works, which were not slow in answering by a steady and well directed fire. The British troops m;u!(i sevrral desperaio eflbrts to cross the Saranac and carry the works; but were as often repulsed with serious loss. In ono of the^e attempts t!io 70th regiment was nearly literally cut to pieces. After tw) iiours hard lighting, the Hags of the American fl'ct waved tri- umphantly over the waters of r^ake C'larnplain. A short lime aftcM-wards, the gallant Gm. M'Comb, with his fiffecn hundred Vermont and New-York volunteers, silen- ced the IJritish batti^'it^s, and compelled Sir George Provost, with his immense train of artillery, and thirteen thou«=:and \\'c!- lington veterans, to retreat, miims twcnty-fivo liundred men. and two-thirds of his military stores. Such was the chagrin of these hitherto victorious troops ;)? the disgracetul result of this action, that five hundred and u[i- wards threw dcnvn their arms and deserted, (tgu^. Power and nijother s The re I sertiiig by the wound (dl IbniiLM' jiKuitaii ill Sir Geo to stcUid tr, before it c; Victory cans full a lii'^t year o Oil the the coniina Packenlhar the 8th of. morican w( advancing iipsulestru Vviliislandii v;ert^ openi canio witiiii kets and rif of death upi Jhindred.s ft Packenham second tiuK But this att( tiiey broke v ni'^et n nion biiiio- so vert Thojiold The IJritish HJcn. The On t!ie le P'lg-,, satisfie toiiofher matt With this ^■^urat Plat «mericaa ar Brisbane declared to Sir George tliat "they would never draw | liATTLE OF PLATTSBUllGH. 60 ram oi nd St. Coirb, of Sir monns n three •gh,b'j- in. M'- iie Snr- 10 r>i'i- iumbev- 1 a pro- tliG iV'Vl he lif.^t louriiig Amori- |i(]y ami pcrai: I' ere ns ipt3 t!ic r tw" ivcd tri- [b, wit'i sileii- 'rovost. Id We- 'd men. 1*00 p 3 nt Liid 111*' •cr aii'l ■v draw niiotlier sword under his command in North-America." Tlie reirciit finally turned into a flight ; the soldiers de- serting hy coujpanies. The dead were lelt unburied, and the wounded to the humanity of their enemies, who, as on all (ormer occasions during the war, proved rather the Sa- jiuu'itan than tlio foe. Sir Geor^-o was called lionic immediately after the war. to stand trial ; hut died, it was snp[ioscd oi a broken heart, boibre it came on. Victory appear(!d now determined to make the Aiperi- caiis full and complete amends lor the misibrtuncs of the iirst year of the wiw. Oil th(^ 2:id December, 15,000 l^ritish veterans, under tiie command of tlio hitherto victorious Gen. Sir Edward Packenham, landed below the city oi New-Orleans. On the 8tli of .lanuary, he led ihem in person to attack the A- lucrican works, connnanded l)y Gen. Jackson. On their advancing within range, the American batteries poured a upsldestructive lire on their cohmms. The British not- Vvillislandiug advanced — closed their ranks as fast as they v;cro opened by the lire of tlicir enemy. At length they caiiia within reach of the small arms. Six thousand mus- kets and rifles instantaneously poured an incessant torrent ofdcatliupou the assailants. The shock was terrible. — iluudreds fell. Being imablc to proceed, they lied. Geit. Pdckeiiham. in attempting to rally them was killed. A second time tliey advanced under Gens. Gibbs and Kean. But this attempt proved more deadly than the fust. Again tiioy broke and lj(d. Again they rally and advance, but to ni'ct a more certain destruction. Gens. Gibbs a. id Kean bLiiii^- severely wounded, they lied in every direction. The lield of action preseiUed a dreadful scene of carnage. The British loss in killed and wounded amounted to 4000 fficii. The Americans had only 13 killed and wounded. (hi tlie IStli the British embarked on board their ship- ping" satisfied tfiat American soldiers were made of rather tou:rher materials than the Frencli. With this engagement the war closed, which, with t[ie I affair at Plattsbiirgh, cast as brilliant a halo of glory on the (American arms, as the battle of Waterloo did on the Bri- Mv't 1^ iM' '0 BaI'TLI-: of NEW-OllLEANS. 1 Tr tish ill 1815— lor the British beat the French, and the A mericans beat the British. Let it be remembered, that ever since the capture oC Lit- tle York, in April, 1813, the American troops longht witli| a gallantry and determination that destroyed the conceit, mortified the j)ride, and cooled the vaunting military ardor ot their haughty enemy; and compelled them to acknow- ledge that they were the most ohsthiate and unyielding ca eniy they had ever iner. And as an act of justice it must be admitted, if they did not exceed, they at least rivaled the heroes ot'the revolution. The English having beat the French out of" Spain and Portugal ; and carried by assault ibrtifications deemed im pregnable — sLxh as Badagos, naturally enough imbibed tin idea that they were more than a match for any other troops in the world. They looked upon the Americans, there fore, vviien compared with the accomplished French sol diers, as mere feather-bed recruits, and hardly deserving the name of soldiers. But the battles of the Thames, Chip pewa, Lundy's J.iane, race, their proir-is- es were considered no loui'-er hindinir. '»'hc militia were dismissed with a bare '-^Tlumk yc' — tlie i^rants oi land pro- mised for their services were withheld, on the plea thnt they were entered tor actual seltiers. Gov. Gore, on assumiui>' t!ie administration, after his ro- turn from Knii-land, (indmi'- himsell so warnjly received bv liis old companions in corruption, ilie executive and \q'^- islativ^e councillors : and lindln<2:, by their representations, that the people were more loyal than when he left thom, and that his arrival spread itniversal joy throusfhout the Province, conchided that this arose from the \\v^\\ opinioii entertained of his former adininistrntion. Instead, there- 'tore, of inquiring; into the real state of affairs, and sliapiiii; his administration to the exia'ency of tlie times, he adoj)tcd his old system — squanderinir tlie waste lands of the Crown by thousands, to worthless minions, h^aviiiL'" the public bu- siness of the Province to be manaired by the Executive Council, as best suited their own interests. Tlie House of Assembly l)einir crcnerally composed of plain, j)oor, unedu- cated farmers, were, in consequence of the vast patronage at the disposal of the Executive, easily brought over to their Viioasures, i iuiuistratioi' Tlu; farn dilai)idateii ,^ll;r the W!U piiiruig and cceduigs of (k^bales wei newspapers what was t wore but tv \\\ 181G about to be obsequious lor his imp of the choi sterhng of rival in Ki >,L a time v ;e exjiend 'Jinn John :loa was ;\j •-•i the Up :'ii''St, or \- :;ipiion. At the c ■.^;';nal sup} rheb'iller irol, that I'ley took \ic\\'s, (Ui r:Mice. A rujMt lowed, wl The low heaislativ mend a si approval, niaintainc U) the ] [o I !• COXftlXiUEN'CES OF TUF. *WAR. 73 om the classes, havin:^ riiinent iliatory d with- Q VJIW. pl'OU'lS- :ia were ' and improvinu" theni,to j)ay any attention to the pro- ccednigs ot their rej)resentatives in the Legislature. 'I'he dobaics were not published through the usual medium of newspapers ; and the farmers were altoi^^ether ignorant of what was doing in their Parliaminir. At this period there wore but two nows])apers in the Province. Jn 1810 it was ollicially announced that Gov. Gore was about to be recalled. By a liint iVom the Executive, the obsequious Assembly, as a token of their high consideration for his imparting to them individually, by patent, tiiousands of the choice hmds of the Province, granted liini £3000 sterling of the p(M">ple's money, to jinrchase plate on liis ar- rival in EniJ^land. This niiinorilod sun:i was granted, too, >,t a time v/hen the people could not obtain one farthing to ;e cxpen(l(?d on their roads, Vvdiich were in a worse state :iian John Hunyan's sioui^h of (lesjiond. This appropiia- tion was afterv.'ards called the fS'pooit IViU. Nv^ Governor ^^i the l'pp<-i i-^rovince (M'cr (iesei-v;.;(l loss from tlie j'.ubiiv', •i.'st, or received more than t'lis f:lL;)ice sp:?('i;nen of cor- iiniion. At the close of the same sossh)-). tlje Assend)!y passed tlie .^:;nal supply bill ; sent it to the upper houses lor adoption, The latter thought the lower house so |)er(ectly at their con- trol, that instead of aeceptinL: or rejecting the bill in toto. ;'un- took tlie liberty to alter aii:i amend it to suit their views, and retiirned it to the /issembly for their concnv r;^nce. A rujMure between t!ie:^e branehesof the Legislature fo! lowed, which nearly involved the Province in a civil v/.tr. 'i'he lower I lousij constitutionally maintained that tlic heaislativo Council liad no riidit w'latever to alter or a- mend a single item of any money l)ill sent them for their approval. On the other hand the Council as stubbornly maintained the contrary, 'i'he subjrct was finally refe^-r^d '0 the Home Government, v/ho decided in favor of the low '^ •■"f.. . 1 ■i*-i<. ■Wi'' J. '■p-'i 111 (/-. i CONSKCIUEXCES OF TIIK WAK. r er !iouse. Had they tamely yielded this privileoe, then pittance of liberty would have forever been amiihihitod, From this time forward the Legislative Council took;: decided stand against the House of Assembly — asseitid their hii]:h authority, by strangling every bill which it pasv ed, however benelicial to the welfare of the Province, noi in strict accoidancc with their aristocratical views and principles. In 1817, IMr. Robert F. Gourlay, a gentleman of family and distinction from Fifeshire, in Scotland, bemg somewlia; reduced ni his circmnstances, preceded his family, to pre pare a location and settle with them in the Province.- Shortly after his arrival, an invitation was given him to visit Little York, the seat of government, to make liiniscli acquainted with the affairs of the Province. This invitation was accepted. On visiting the several govern- ment departments and inquiring into the public affairs o; the administration, the glaring mass of corruption and ex- tortion which met his eye at every glance, and in every quarter, astonished iiim to that degree, that lie hardly be- lieved it possible. But the more he inquired, the more he was convinced. 'I'lie liljertiesof the people he found little superior to Russian serfs — the House of Assembly, a mockery ol representation — the bench of justice as corrnpi as can be imagined, and prostituted to party purposes — the magistrates chosen for their ignorance and sycophancy- the adherants of an established church dominant in everv * office — the revenues of the Province unaccounted for; squandered in pensions and sinecures, on old lawyers and worn-out judges and flatterers — tlie people high ly taxed, without receiving any benefit — the land offi- ces inaccessible to the poor emigrant, from exorbitant fees — the waste lands of the Oown frittered away in surpris- ingly large blocks, for a trifle, to favorites, while the poor man could hardly obtain a lot — the improvement of their roads left to statute labor — the natural resources of the Province lying dormant for want of encouragement to men of capital and enterprise. This was what Mr. Gour- lay called ^'' the reign of corruption, run mad.'^ He immediately communicated the result of his inqui- ries to the ] own and t! iiias, draw and respect home 1:0 ver his Majesty and extent bv the pro' L'ppor Can novorniiien to its utmo matters we And in ord fully, he ui address ti)« tion. The leec llieiremissi the public counteract could. Bi be misled, < malice cou entrap the "At the r difficulty i one to call pretence v MrGoi ino ths in prived of ruined, hij his in telle demned, r Mr. Fe lions, waj ly cruel u The Br viuce, at cal schoo r^', thoii fliilated. jl took;! iisscjtcd it pasv- incGj 1101 Iws Ullli f lamily me Willi , to pri). Ivince.- liini to liiiiK^eli This iroverii- Itairs o; and ex- in every irdly be- more he ind little mbly, a 1 corrnjii ses — the hancy- in every ted for; lawyers ie high md otfi- tant fees suVpris- the poor of their s of the ment to '. Gour- s inqui- rONSKUUENCKS OF THE WAR. rics to the public; caiUid upon tluirii, ns they valued their own and llioir country's welfare, to call township meet- iiias, draw up resolutions expressive of their tirievaiices, ciiid respectfully embody them in petitions for redress to the home <,rovernrnent— that they niiuht be assured that neither his Majesty nor his ministers knew any thingof the nature and extent of the malversation and corruptions practised by' the provincial (government on his faithful sul)jects in I'ppor Canada. That it was the intention of the imperial n-overnment that they should enjoy the British constitution to its utmost extent ; instead of which, they had not, as iuatters were conduct(Mj, even the sliade of its shadow. And in order to convince them of this tact more fairly and j(]!iy, he undertook to travel through every tovvnship, and address tiieni on every particular — challenging contradic- tion. The leeclies of corruption took the alarm; despatched their emissaries in every direction, to ])rejudice and i'orestall the public mind, calumniate his character and motives, counteract his efforts, and brow-beat him wherever they could. But finding the people too firm and enlightened to be misled, and seeing their craft in danger, ever artifice that malice could suo'gest or cunning devise was resorted to, to entrap the patriot in the meshes of the law. At the next sessions of the Assembly, they foimd little difiiculty in bribing the members to make it felony lor any one to call or attend political meetins^s of any kind on any pretence whatever. They succeeded. Mr.Gourlay was indicted and imprisoned for nine long mo ths in a dark dismal dunsfeon, fed on felon's fare, de- prived of pen, ink and paper. At length, with his health ruined, his constitution broken, his strength prostrated, and his intellect impaired, he wasbrouirht to a mock trial, con- demned, and banished to the United States. Mr. Ferguson, the editor who published his communica- tions, was also apprehended, and died in jail from extreme- ly cruel usage. The British and Irish immigrants that settled in the Pro- vince, at this time, were generally of the old country radi- cal school, and consequently united themselves with the H ,1* ; I ; '(■ f i •|;i -r ''■'■*•» •■ I Hi -I I i:t\^ \i ; !' ! ! ;.; ■ m T6 CONSliatTKNCKS" Of TffK «'A«. provincial reformers in [lolitics, which so annoyed ll/c tnry compact, and cormorants inollicc, ihai to prevent their tii. ture increase, they prevailed on the House of Assemhlyti petition the Imperial Parliament to put a stop to any !iir ther emi^^ration to the l*rovince from the Diilish Isles, on the ground that the Province was overrun with |)au|)(M'so: the worst description, wfio were too ignorant and idle t earn an honest livelihood, a nuisance to the country, aiidd heavy burden on the more industrious classes of sutilers- than which nothing could he more false. hi 1820, the electors ol the l^ovinee, aroused Iroi:; their former political apathy, as it" iVoni a \on ed with promises never intended to be fuKilled. Tlie To ries raised their old cries, "Down willi the Yankees: "Hurrah for Church and State." The reformers, equally vociferous, cried, '• l^lqual Rights and Yankee privilcii-es;" " No Cliurch and State Corporation.'' Conlusion bceaiik confounded. The Orange band struck up, " Croppies W Down," and " Tlie P)oync Water ;" while the Catholic p;;! ty cried, "O'Connell and ould Ireland.-' The .>liello!;i!; and the brick-bats soon made their appearance, llurrnli' tlie drunk and sober are all at it. The magistrates lookiu on and encouraged the melee. The Oranaemen at last ran the Radicals siioutimr "Victory." The Scotch, English ILE. Loyalists, and Irish songs and war cries were heard above the confusion. The hustings were destroyed. D;iii gerous wounds were given and received ; till at last soni (Iniukcii ni; and sfUt an Sueii rea Notwilb^ iiiin, V. bisk j.tnty of !iii (lis[)o--;il oi t (li-raiice in tvrr CiMivii means ol c would aval ihe iiitciili' iiuils held iiiuni, a;id personal in Again in this crvm:r i! to tlicir h'o to ilie wolii lion-, was ^!r. Wil as CI lief J ! llio diocha iiiid thelip li'iv.pting t tioii, he w iVoin odici oreitly i''\! About 1 his carcvH' he was til Hiilist wl The hidd lie ferret' thing wli wore offe poise. P* his diligt Like the iun[)liant - i- 'fi consi:(iui:ncj:.s of 'iiik war. 77 /O t()t\ itMr 111. nbly |ny iiir l<-'s, oil idle (i, (1 1 iiiiii roi' )L'r :vor U iiuciKi lui.'aiis li is iiiii ilectioi,. respe( [ adli'ii I Tony. iiarcho.: C(jil;i;;; hccaiiic •pics Ik' 'lie |>;:i- lellela! ■urrnli lookiti »st rail nijiis!/. ) I loan! . Dan it sonr. diuiik<'ii iniinisiratc^ just ni.-ina^'cd to liicciip " 'rro;\soii.'' ai;d scut an ortkT lor llu; iicirci^L rc^nlais. Snc\i rcn'.d'.T, i^a laiiit itictiirc ofti L'aiiadian (d(.'(!lioii." .\ut\vitK- laiidiiiii' t!i(! cxirljoiis of ilii^ 'l.\)ii('s, with Ihcir iiiiH, V. lii>iv>'\', and sli(:l!aiali.s, liuj itdoniicrs (skclcd a nia- |,iri(y oi" liihorals. IJiit tlu' vast means ol" piitronairo at llui (lispo.si! (li'lli*; MN-(!cntiVL', soon o!)tuinnd lortliiMn a prcpon- (Knauco in liio House. The people were now morotliaii ever conviiieiil that while the (.Juvernor had such Viist means 1 corrni)tion at his dispos;d, the eioctive h'a.nchise would avad them nothinii'; (hat however honest and pure I'le jiiteiilions of newly elected menihers niiii-ht he, the bails held li.rlh weie i^t-nerully too templing- lor many ot" iliuni, and that Ihcy sacriliced the i)uhhc wellare (or their personal interest. Auain they ])etitioned the Home Government to remedy this eryiiJ!r evil, and elleciuallv stop a practice so ruinous to tlicir liherties, and so demoralising^ iu its consequenc(?s to I'le w (iliare of the L^rovince. Tins, like all Ibrmer poti- iioii--. v/a.^ laid aside. '.'r. V/iliis, an eminent and learned lawyer, was sent out as (.'hiet' Justice of the L'pjoer Province. On enterin'.i on the discharge of his duties, he ibund the hench orjustice and tile hiw practice corru])t to the last deii;ree : ami on at- lemptiuij: l(^ reform them, in accordance with the constitu- tion, he was, without the sihadow of any crime, suspended koin oOice, ruined in his estate, und sent back in dis.^i^race, aroitly re^rreted hy the people. About this litne, William iiVon jMcKenzi(^ eonimenccd his career as editor of the Coloni(d Advocate. 01 all men. he was the most honest, industrious, and persevering; jour- nalist who ever wielded a pen in the British Provinces. The hidden sinks of ofllcial pollution and corruption v/hich ho ferreted out and exposed to public view, exceed any tliino- which liad till then been supposed to exist. Pribes were oflered him ; ofllces were promised ; but to no ])ur- pose. Persecutions he despised. They only redoubled his dilio^euce, and ij:avc a keener cdoe point to his pen. Like the bu'd of the storm, the llercei it raixed the more tri- mnphantiy lie struggled. He lathed the enemies of liberty i. t, ' 'I !«} II •• I 78 CONSKHUENCES OF THE WAR. I •■:[■' and oqiuil riirhts witli a whip oI't^corpioiKs. Ho rognrdi.ii the Tori(3s as the raukcst oneinios o( ^^ood o of ai iii'iioranuis. It w^as at three niilllo jiroiiiises, b services dii aero, to a industry ol which iiad cue and tw session of tl empt h'om The cle when leasei di'd, andsh tioii, surrei tor, to be 1 bv resident m^ CHAPTER Xf. Sir P. MaitljiiKTs Adiiiiiii-lnition. When Sir Poriirriiio surccc'dud (jJov. (jJoto, (^n'oid hopes were (MiU'rl;iiii(!d iVoiiilhc coiicilidtory nature ol'liis iiislruc- tioiis, tliiit every .u;rieviiiice would he iuljusttid and a heUer policy pursued : hut the issue of his adiuinislration proved more reslriclivc and iutolerahle thau any loriner one. — haws were passed to prevent AmerieiUi l)(»()l:s l,eini( used in llio roninion schools, as well as nirainst American cili- ziiiis heinsi; employed as leacii(;rs. 4'his was very reniark- nblo, wlu'ii it is considered that the majority oftlu; members who supported these laws, were themselves American citi- zens, 1 y hirlh and education. Another one was passed hy the same assemhiyj lo prcivent fi^entlenion of the lei(al and medical })rolessions, from Great iJrilain ;md Ireland, prac- .ticiiii( in the Province, until they underwent a second course of an other live years' study, under some Canadian ii^noramus. it was at the commencement of this adniinistration, that three millions of the public lands, which, hy ripjlit of royal promises, Ijclonged to the militia of tlie Province, for their services during tiio late war, were sold at 4.0 cents per acre, to a company of London speculators; to wliich the industry of the settled population Jiad given value, but wliich had hecn constantly relused thejn, as purcliascrs, at one and two dollars per acre. These lands, while in pos- session of the com! ipan; V empt Irom taxes, to the great injury of the Proviiice. The cleriify reserves arc also exempt from taxes; but when leased to a poor pool ied, and should the h man ssec. taxes are immediately demaa- dter two or tliree years occupa< tion, surrender it np to its clerical owners, it ceases, instaii- tor, to he liable until re-sold. While all wild lands, owned i V resident or noii -resident holders, arc taxed, not cveiiex- V f ' * •f IV ^•i ■H 80 MAITLAND S ADMINISTIIATIOM. K^ I' ?•' \^... , l! jih ,' 0'-. ccptins: the U. M Loyalists, who were o-raniod their lands free of all taxes and eiicunibraiices, lor their emloaial relationship to the Ihitish cr(Avn, and if not paid within a stated period, tiie taxes ari' doubled and the land liable to sale by the sheritl". In ic)32 and 1S;)3, many thousand of acres ol' these) lands were sold at nominal prices, ih. whole of \vhi<'h were j::]reiiased by the monied aristocracv, to the i^real inj'iry oi' the poor owners. ill coiis("([Ut'ne!' ol' the ri^niissiu'ss of (he Am:M'ie;m su- tlers in takiiiii' "P arms a'^ainst their countrymen, diu'i!!;; the late war, and liinr unilbrm adherenee to (he pi'ineipl ot demoi-raey, ^nd llieir unwearied onp():>iiion t<) tli pressors oi their adopted country — it was deenu , P'.'isscd thronuh tiieir ha.nds. 'Tliis \\ms dono, and anoliii: bill immediati'lv mtrodueial to cnawlc iliem. in the eveiitr: tlieir abjuriiw- tii; ir n;iiive counlr^/ and Us democracv i'^:- (iver, to h.)ld lii-sr ia.rms, but n.;)i to vut.? at ebeetions.- These bilis pi. sscd an asseiubiy wb.ich it wa.s not didiair: to bribe or intne.idaie, and wa.s sent lo i'in.^;and for I'r royal assent. 'I'lic Dcnioerai- too'c the alarm. 'i\hi;v ^t:: ¥ _ - in this the dowiilaii ol'fiieir j)arty anci paaneij^Ies, and wi': diem the remaiiuii : liherticvs oi' t'a-, country. A eeiitr; committee was api^Minted, ol which },]\'. Ajcivonzio w- conHdeniial leer. t.ary. Mr. Kandall, M. [\ P. who 'i;'. snliercd nmeh i'U* 'lis American biriii and principles, \v;o chosen to [)roee<'d to 'ehiiiiand wilii the documcnls cntrii- ted to his chai-'.n'. \nr the coloniid ollice, \\'\\(\ with tli acute management of Mr. r^Iclven/'/io and the assisianco. Mr. Ihime, cai'ri;d ids p'oint with Lord Goodrich, and re- ceived a lull j.ledoe that llic Americans who had 10:1 subjects in (amada, iVom (our to Ibity years, miiiht so mam witnont al ain;;:: «^pi riie late (Jaj»t. J\lathews r nativi^ couniry or p'rmcii III' on iia.l r pay ro\a! arti 1 1-. i i.tii. and member of ihe . s^em1)ly. a staunch reformer and lul servant of tiie |)uhlic, for calling- on a conij^a: strolling American ])layers, out of jest, to play V;ui Doodle, was called homo to account ibr ids conduct,- IV prived of I native nial: Mr. Rob the opj)icss ill ji count rending pe Tills cui due their ( to higher h iiioted ill d During 110 b(!tter ; oetrage, pc Forsythe, 1; "ral and sai was shortly This ilagra Ol iiiijuiry lives, and I Gov. Ahutl evidence b( v.'rilten do^ tiii^: them pel rated, b] a'.itlioriiy, invest! '..uii cahuninat ialse cliar liiy tliat ■ ■nd \iv\)\i 1 Sir Geo for tiio C( Ukiil of ti ; itiei des lieges, {'ollow his The p( call this ]) llieir depl exiuencv f V MAITLANI) S ADMINISTRATION. 61 privedofhis iialfpay, and became another victim to- the native malignity of tlie detestable family com;Kict. Mr. Robert Kandall, for liis constitutional opposition to the opi)icssors of his adopted country, now lies entombed ill a country in whose service he suffered the most lieart rending persecution and accelerated death. 'riiis cursed faction, instead of meelitii^ the punishment due their crimes, liavc been raised, at every iiniiiolation, 10 higiier honors, and in every cas(3 they have been i)ro- iiiotod m direct opposition to the complaints of the people. During this Robespierre administration, for it deserves 110 betti.T name, occurred the arbitrary and scandalous outrage, perpetrated up(Ui the rights and projierty of Mr. Forsytlie, by a military force, advis(^d by the Attorney Gen- ■ral and sanctioned by the Governor. Tiic Attorney Gen. was shortly afterwards promoted to the Chief Justiceship. This ilugrant and higii handed outrage became the subject Oi impury before a cen^miltee of the House of l{ei)rescnta" lives, and Messrs. Givens auvl Colhn were sustained by Gov. Ahiitland, in their refusal to obey a summons to give evidence before the committee; — in fact, they produced a wiiiton document, subscribed by Gov. Maitland, prohibi- ting^ tliem to attend, Thus it appears an outrage was per- petrated, by orders of Sir Perigrine Maillaiid, and then his anthoriiy, mfluence and power were exerted to prevent investitNiiion. Nor is this all; for oil l\niL!:rine wrote a calunniiating despatch to the Colonial oilice, giving a i.ilsc cliar.'ieter to Mr. Forsytli;^, and traducing the Assem- hly tliat ir.ferposed in his belialf, as {actions, disaflected ■ nd h"( !Hd)!ican. ISir George Murray, tl;:'n principal Secretary of State for (Lie Colonics, on receiving a corre':;t and impartial state;- UK ill of the affeh, rebuked Sir 1'. Maitland for his long anri ;.lii:t despatch against the Asseml;ly's parliamentary priv- Heoes. Yet ho was pern^'tted, without further censure, to follow his old course. The })eople ])etitioned his ^Majesty's Government, to re- call this ])ious Nero, and stronijiy urired them to consider their deplorable condition, and alTord that relief which the exiiiencv of their sufferings, and the peculiar situation 111 %.|i;!: !.| • :, *< 82 MAITLAMJ'S ADMIMSTRATIOX. I "\ W'i of their atlhirsi (I'.^nandeil. Thov also represented tlit* uissntij. laclioM anil anxiiity of the |)0()|)le; the delermiiiatioii of iIk. Provincial Guvenunent to defend and enloice arbilrary piiiici. pies, and to oppose the aj)[)lication and operation in the Prov inco, ofthe acknowledged principles of the liritish Conslilutitjii, and drew a comparison between their condition, on (lie oik hand, and the |>rosperity of all classes, and the irnj)roveni(;iih of all kinds, ip tiie neighboring slates, on ihii other. Thov stated iheii country as hles^^ed with a fine and h.eailhy climaic, a productive s^il, unequalled natural facilities for inleiiin, communications, and an industrious and enterprising popuhi- tion; that in consequence thereiji", ihey ought to see the couunv flourish and improve, at least as much, and the people as hiiji. py and prosperous, as their adjoining iieighl>ors. liut iiisltan thereof, the withering and oppressive system pursued by iho Administration, had nuidered unavailing the natural resources and advantages of iIk.' country, and jiaralized all its enterprise. Mr. Barnabas Bidwell, an eminent lawyer and a man of great natural and acquired abilities, and of exemplary morais, was, a little prior to this, duly elected member of Parlianicn!, In consec^uence of his uncomj)romising integrity in the cause of constitutional reform, and his unwearied ex>?rtions agaiiis! arbitrary encroachments — it was deemed advisable, by the lory members, to prevent, if possible, so formidable an opponeii occu|)ying a seat among them. It was reported as a pretext lhj.U Mr. Hidwell, while Treasurer of the state of Massachu- setts, had embezzled some of the public monies of that stat This was enough. His seat was disputed. A committee was appointed to proceed thither to inquire into the merits of the charge. After a strict inquiry, the co '^littee retuined--re- ported the charge untrue, and his chara, -hove suspicion; but he must bo got rid of at any sacrifice. Having in vain sorght for aught against his character, it was at last suggested that he had not conformed with the particulars ofthe naturali- zation laws, and consequently could not be considered a sub- ject, and therefore ineligible to a seat. The reader will un- derstand, that to become naturalized at that lime, the following particulars were required: 1st, a residence of seven years i.i the Province :— 2d, to partake the sacrament on the" bend' I knees, at the altar ofthe established church, and immediately afterwards take the oath of allegiance, before a commissioner appointed for that purpose. Mr. Bidwelj, as well as two tliirJs or more of t or conscienti( tnblished chu (loom it any \ point, as the cial one; con: considered oh goat in tho 1 tonth>! of tho desperately w slate of despe ment of Mess sequence vvoi This mad . compel Britis or elsewhere Province, anc br; e a titled to length recall a;KJ punished have Decn, he '4 e of t!i(j IH'illCi. i'(JV. ilutioii, liu OIK: veirif:iii> Thoy L'limaic, iiUiriia, popul;;- couiiiiy ns Ikij). i iiiSleaii U by tho terpriso, mail of morals, lianicii!, ;ic cause against ' the tory opponent pretext, assachii- lat stale. iltce was ts of till' 10 (J — re- jspicion; in vain uggesteJ nutura'i- :d a sub- will Lil> bl lowing years u\ ) beii(i'''i riediatcly nissior.or A'O thir^.'s MAITLAND S ADM INISTil ATIOX. 8:^ or more of the naturalized subjects, declined, from religious or conscientious principles, pa 'taking the sacrament in the es- tablished ciiurch; nor in fact, until then, did the government (leGin it any way necessary or essential to exact this particular point, as the act requiring it was an Imperial and not a Provin- cial one; consequently, from non-usage for forty years, it wrs considered ohsol<3to; but Mr. Bidwell must be dispossessed of a gcit in the Legislature, even at the hazird of making nine- tonlh>! of the subjects aliens, which was accordingTy done This dosperafely wicked act roused all classes in the Province, to a slate of desperation, and were it not for t!ie superior manage menl of Messrs. McKenzie, Bi(Jwell and some others, the con- seqiHMice would have been most serious. ' This mad Assembly went even so far as to propose a bill to compel British emigrants, arriving by the way of New York, • or elsewhere in the LFnited States, to remain s(,'ven yoar« in the Province, and take the oath of allegience, beiore they could, hr; entitled to the rig'nts of suhjijcts. Gov. Maitland was at length recalled; but instead of being brouglit to an account, a:id punished for his arbitrary government, as he ought to dmve been, ho was promolcJ to higher honors. SIl UllAPrER XII. Sir Joiiii Culbcnic'ci aJiiuiiir^trulion. Sir Jolm Colborii':: snccejocd: who, like all former gov- in*nors, on assuming the administration, promised aspcedv redress oi' all grievances, juid encouraged tlie pco[)le wiili promises orii.q'picjr and better times, but these, lik • ah lor mer ones, were only made to answer tln^ purposes oi'the day, Ahiitland's administration was v^ery justly denominated, the Cteign of "(.'orru})lion run mad."' 'These were the palm v days of church nnd state, ot'shr,111in'- tive Council, 'i'his branch, of tlie Canadian lieo'islatuio i- ejioscn by the (^ivernor. for life independeiit of the ]); o;!. and consequently, is at ihe nod ol the Executive. Ain;)i:;: the bills ))assed bv the AsseD)b!\-. and l)lack I'alled bv ti <^oiuicd. are tbe I'dlowini;- : A fiii lo protect the agricn't'.: ral interests o( the Province fi-om a reinous for(3i;.ui com!;- tition : to provide ior the just ;md vijiia! distribution of t!i" properly of persons dyin^- intestai. . !)y taking away tii^ riuht of primogeniture, as tbe law now stands/ Ijills'wci also lasso d, to secure an nni^aiU i! tr from the sherills, w!)o hold their oil 'V jurv : and to rices dnrniLT executive pleasure, the power wbicli they possess of packins: juries vclicve the C dt'US and pi and whicli i to ill) prove < lor their suj in coiiformi wishes ol" tl atiou on jus of clergy rei therehom tc mote the pe in(3mbcrs of ballot. All jt'Cted by tli lost. It is ri; uiateiials w .sistcd of S( Uucbec ; o' Iciiislatived tiix were of under theg d-.iios lor of :id;i. luiional re and as ofte The ele( and Sir Jo ous liberty Hig to the the ijreat S( ekirgy rcs( have been future, by 30tli clau.^ all rights i ly and an terms ari( and the •jctorv in cr g-ov- fill lor. tlio (Jnv, ited, ihe 3 pill illy CC8; Oh' [>!>' irn- er vices' -)i)rO!!:.f': Ndllds 0: sd'Mti-. . ood ahi sc of:,:; riOn;is;,:. aturo r ! p-OJii.-. Aiiio!!:: SIR J. colboune's administration. 85 relieve the C-liiakers, an excellent class of subjects from bur- dens and penalties whicli are imposed by the militia laws, and wlncli are, in time of peace, altogether unnecessary; to iujprove common scliools, {ind increase tiie public funds ior then' support ; 'J'o amend the charter of King's College, in coidbrniity with Ijis majesty's recommendation, and the wishes of the people, so as to put the Institution info oper- ation on just and liberal principles ; To provide for the sale of clergy reserves, and the application of the monies arising therefrom to objects ofconmion benefit and utility ; To pro- mote the peace, freedom, and independence of electors of members of Parliament, by adopting tlie mode of voting by ballot. x\ll these measures, and many others, were re- jected by the legislative council, and the labors of the House lost. It is right, that the reader should fully understand the materials wliich compOvsed the Legislative Council. It con- sisted of seventeen meuihers, exclusive of the Bishop of Uucbec ; of these not more than fifteen ever attend to their legislative duties, and out of the members g(Mierally present, t;ix were of the governor's council, and eight office liolders under the government ; jmd the remainder generally candi- d'.iics for odiee. This was the L/Cgislalive t'onncil of Can- la. M''. Mclvcnzie, a bold and nersm^^rin:.'; assertor of consti- luiional reform, was six ti. ncs ousted from the Assembly, and as often returned by the people. The elective b'anchise became reduced to a mere cypher; and Sir John Colborno iiave the finishing stroke to religi- ous lib(Mly, l)y cr^^ating 57 rectories or parsonages, aceord- 1112: to the establishment of the church of England, under the great seal of the Province, and endowed them out of the cleriry reserves. To these rectors, or parsonages, ministers have been, or are to be preseiUed, as are t.ieir successors in inlnre, by the u;overmnent, and they are, according to the 39th clnnse of the act -To hold and enjoy the same, and all rights and profits thereimto, belonudng or crranted, as ful- ly and amply, and in the ^ame maimer, and on the same terms aiid conditions, and liable to the same performance and the san\e duties as the mcumbent of a parsonage or '■^ctory in Entdand," and the next clause ot the act provides 8 -' J , ..-IMU T ^ ■ . 1 ./H- 8G SIR J. COIJ:t)ilMs'^! AIJMlNIb'TiiATlON. for the exercise of -'spiritual and ecclesiastical jurisdiction and authority," accordiiii,^ to the laws and caijous of the church of hiUirlaiid. Under \vlii;:h clause, of course, eccle- siastical courts will be establis!ied, as no other church ur court can fully <-'x<-i'*'i-''^ such spiritual and ticclesiasticiilju. risdiction. According- to the act, the government ni;iy en. dow the parsonaires, from tune to time, and erect and con- stitute as many more, as tlie irovernor may deem needful; so that these parsonages may be multiplied beyond all cal culation. The dilferent clergy of the church of England, liave received from the govcnnrient in exchaiige lor llicir own private j)roperty, lar^e quantities ot the cleru:y roservii: for instance, the Kev. James Coo Ian, surrcinders 36 acri^ of land in the townhsip of Hope, lor 1()2U acres in dilfLTont townships: the llev. Benjamin Croynon surrenders 4 ncro^ of land, and receives in exc^hange lS;):iic cessors i[i the sarcedotal ollice. All connnent upon siic'i transactions is unnecessary. These endowments, and all these irrants in exchange for messussfcs, and lots ot land, are in addition to the large rea- idar allowance that is aimually paid to them by the Gov- ernment, out of the oublic monies of the Province, witiioiit the knowledge or consent of the people. Thus, in one year, in contempt ot all their humble re monstrances, and earnest protestations against cljurch es- tablishments and government patronage of a single sect,y//- ty-sevrn gooernment ])arsons have been established in the Province, under its Great Seal, to make it irrevocable. In this way, the govermiient opened a new source ol political influence, and not only established a State church among them, with spiritual and ecclesiastical jurisdiction, but a state church, of which, government is the sole patron by Iiavnig iiicnt. Tl clinrnation tioiis to t and tlieir nerve, to p to some US' lially and c have tlie\ Iho eslabli from one and agnin iiionts on t ironi t!ie pt ics. The jccl of the address to produced ji cau^^ed mu The obscr applying ]| and of til u onislied li delegated holders, e: and all d( and have that is sui Equall; the Assenj cdly addrl ercised th| to repeal the clergj ardently rejected i| have bee I mciit, thfl on this minister. '"■'"lijtp??^ I^ciictioii IS of the K^ cccic- urclioi ticiiljii. limy ('11- uid coil- ic'edliii; all c;il. England, or lljcir iroservi'^:; ou acrch diii'LTLMii s 4 ncrcN , and rc- aiisiuaui , Ibr tho ige jbr a valuabh) becoii.ies heir i>iic )oti sucli lange Cor nr^je rea'- lie Gov- without mbic re urcii ee- st^cijif- ?d in tf)(3 le. onrcc o{ ! church ;diction, e patron SIR J. COLnOKNl, S ADMINISTRATION. 87 by havin:; the cxchisiv^e right of presofitation, or appoint- iijout. Tiio people expressed tho strongest teeliiigvS of iii- ditriiatioii and astonishmcritj at this proceeding, by peti- ir, til ev tioiis to the home government. Year after yt and their representatives have been straining every iiorve, to |)rocnre the appropriation of the clergy reserves to some nseliil public purposes, in wb.ich all might, impar- linlly and equally, participate. For upwards of thirty years liav(3 they solemnly and indignantly protested against Iho establishment of any state church. The people, jroin one end of the Province to the other, again, and agiiin. petitioned the provincial and imperial parlia- ibiect. Til ;in leded, \\ !aents on the si _, iiouithe people, indiscriminately, biU also from public bod- ies. The explicit and distinct representation on this sub- ject of the iAlethodist L^piscopal (Conference in 1831, in their address to Iris majesty, cannot be forgotten; inasmuch as it produced a mostoilensivo reply from Jolm Col borne, wiiich rau^i'd nuich excitemGUt and dissatislaction at the the time. 'j'iie observations contained in the address on the subject of ajiplying ])ublic funds to the support of religious bodies, and of til us oppropriating the clergy rsservos, were distin- onished for wisdom and truth. In 1S32, McKcnzie was delegated to England, with jietitions signed by 21,000 free holders, exjiressing similar sentiments, hi fact, all parties and all denominations on this matti^r, have been asfreed, and have so remained, with a unanimity and perseverance that is surprising. E(|ually decided and uniform liave been the exertions of tlie Assembly, to effect tlie same object. They had repeat- edly addressed his majesty; they had also as frecpiejitly ex- ercised the powers jri vcn to them by the constitutional act. tore]")eal those parts it. which riilafti to the appropriatiou of the clergy reserves ; althoui,di these bills like many others ardently desired by the country, have been contemptuously rejected in the legislative council. So numerous and urgent have been those representations to his majesty's govern- ment, that the ap[)earance, at least, of a favorable disposition on this subject, was at length obtained from the cabinet Vfiinister. '>if ■{ii ^ft I it;j- r: I. ^ 88 SIR J. COLBORNK^S ADMINISTRATION 111 1S32. tlig Ifoiiso of Assembly wure infornicd by Sir John Culbome, in a message, dated 25(h of January, 1832, that lie had liis majesty's commands to make to them tlio followiiio: comimmication. '•The representations which have at dillerent times boei; made to his majesty, and royal predecessors, of the prejudice sustained by his laitiiCul subjects in this Province, Irointlic appropriation of the clergy reserves, have engaged his in;i jesty's most attentive consideration. He lias with no less anxiety considered how far such an appropriation of terri- tory is conducive either to the temporal welfare of the min- isters of reliixion m this Province, or to their si)iritual iiiflu- once. Bound no less by his personal feelings, than l)y tlu' sacred obligations of that station to which providence has called him to watch over the interests of all the protestaiit churches within his dominions ; his mnjcsty could never conr>entto abandon those interests, with a view to any oh- jects of temporary and apparent expediency. It has, tlierc fore, been with ])eculiar satisfaction, that in the result of his inquiries into tliis subject, his mnjesty has found, that the changes sought for, by so largo a proportion of the mhnbil- ants of the Province, may be carried into effect without sa- crificing the just claims of the established churches of Eiig land and Scotland. The waste lands which have been set apart as provisions for the clergy of those venerable jjod- ies, have hitherto, yielded no disposable revenue. The pc riod at whicli they might be reasonably expected to become mr-' j-r ■•'Ir.ctive, is still renwto. His majesty has solid rea son for entertaining the hope, that before the arrival of tlin: period, it may be found practicable, to afford these churches such a reasonable and moderate provision, as may be ne- cessary, for enabling them properly to dischartre their sacred functions. His majesty, therefore, invites the House of As- sembly of Upper Canada, to consider how the powers giv- en to the Provincial Legislature by the constitutional act. to vary or repeal this part of its provisions, can be called in- to exercise most advantas^eously for the spiritual and tenv poral interests of his majesty's subjects in the Trovince." This was a pledgeof no ordiinary solemnity, on the part of his majesty's government, not to proceed in opposition lorci)rcsent; his ni:ijesty, lish and f'li iiioiist ranee: aiid :c reconciled, lothe ill to re i)(WA\ declni Tlie relli ful and UK) iMousuro; i;2i>l)lc, tliei wil'-ioiU the and oilon d isoeinetl no' Lord Gil <*()lborne, euisivcly ii a tegishiti tioital^ aiK jtcrial log is would be colonial gc •mens, exc< 3ity." These bill what .Shortly perial Par without tl lepresentn ders^Tj res Imperial I of these A »^ f R .1 . CO L r^o 1 1 N j<; s a d .m i n i s v n a t to n, 89 ;) loroprnseiit.'itioiis which h;id.at difliTi^iit tiin(.vs,h('oii inndo to !iis iii:«j'-.'stv, hy so lai'sj^o a |)()rtii>:i ol'thn ix'ople, o cs lal). lisli and <'iidi)U' {Iwsv. rcciorics. in o)>p(\sitinii to llu'so re- tnoiistraiico ;, was ;is 1)u'j.rant a viDlatioii (trro\';il |)r(>inis;nia(han (Jonsiiinhon. riN^.(yvnisi^d and :idinilted t)y thein, tlie ininistrv carried i: oiii, i)()i oniy n sehnjii' the reserves, ami thainini;' the coim try ol' i(s capital, l)Ut also in inak-inir tliose iiMW^u"raiital)lr and proilio-;iio eKchtuiii^cs. What a i~)ractica' connn(;nt i this, on ilridsli Colo/iinl (iovcrnmciit. liOrd (Tleiiel::, must h.ave supposed, when writiiiir (ho ahove instructioll'^. that the ])(M)pIe of Upper Canada were destiluio oi"comin(i; souse and discernment. 'V\\v. wiiole of the transaction to which wo have advert ed iV(Uu the l)ei;-inniui>-, j)rove the necessitv, Juid illustra! the importance of the i>*re.-it oliject lor which the people liai heen tor a loui^- tiuKi contendtnir, vJz: an '•uulcpcudcni yi. sj)o]isih!c iiU)vcninicnl'' 111 the pi' re , nioi ^t! I)ec'l; liilitdi-" CllAPriiRXIIf. TO 111, IliC ))rn. I, '-xiro ol U'it.'i- a J)li(iii tiitioii. ITilJti 1: J COllll U!t;i!)ii liclll i iK'lK'lii', ictioiis omnio; advert ustrai lent yi. SirJolin CollturiK.*.- Atliiiiiii.->tratioii — rIofHat oI(H'ti(»n.s. Sii'J')!iii (.'olhnrtic-'s ndmiiiislrnlioii was also ro!ii;irk;i!)l( :or tii(Mi;'>jH'rat'j icifl hioo.ly ()iilr.!;.f.'s at tlio oloctioiis, sat).-?- tioiied or coiiniv' d a(^ as ilu'y wvvc l)y tlio antlinritics. 'Vlw oruiiuiMii.'ii A. tni i('s \vi,'i'i; cncoiira^'i'd audcvi^n iirL|<'d \yy ma- iristralfs and shcriiis, to assault wKli missiles, and oI'cmi with (ii'iuliy \vo;ij):nis, every person who iiiiid't vole Tor a Iii!)eral ■,!''iii!u>r. At r'arni(M'svi!!e, in the conntvot' iie(>ds, thov ;iitoni])ttd liie nmrder ol a Mr. I'hilhps, lor votinir a- ;;-aiiist til' '.i;i)verniut'iit candidate ; hut Ibrtiuialelv lor i»iui, III the plM'enz\' ol' tli(Mr rn-uhiess, thev K'ille-d a hrother or- nniroiiiin i;i mistake. And to escape the p'.'uahy of the hiw, they apiiearcd hofore a Ciraiid Jury, and swore the niur- (I'lr a'j:ain^^( Alr.PhilfSps, a hill ofindictnicut was iound,aiid '.'iiilhps \v;is tried for his hie. by a tory judireaiid Juryuietj, !iU wa'-! honoral)Iy acquittt,"!! ot any participation in the i.ioody ad'air, except what was necessary in his own (.lelencc, lo save his h(''\ In the examination ol" the wilnesses ho- lore the ''onrt, the murder was pointedly l)ror!Li-ht home to lac parties who swore out the indictment froui the Grand Jiu'v; I)nt tliev W(M'(; oraiiu'emen, ;md ot" the li'ovcrument Party, and there t!io matter resteth Pliilhjs h('inii:a true and staunch reformer, and a o-entlo- vnan of riiue property; his destruction, at all hazards, was deteruuned hv tliese hell liounds. They destroyed his property and he wiis afterwards obliu'od to escape in the niLiht, and seek refu':re in the state ot' New A^ork. In 1S38 at the VViudtiHll, h(;low Prescott, this md'ortumUe, hut hrave •ind ixenerous patriot was killed on tfie last day of the battle. Mr. Armstrong-, a »Scottis!i o-entlemau of projjerty and infln- once, was embowelied in the streets of 'Toronto, the seat of government, by a gano* of ruthless, drunken orangcmen. m' \. •v.'iMlij I • 1 ■• J ^>. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) k // // ^.<.^ A 1.0 I.I tea 12.8 |50 "^B t us, IL25 III 1.4 III ■25 2.0 1.6 Hiotographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) a72-4S03 :<\^ ;\ \ V ^^ -o" ^ '<^f^ O^ V*..:.,; i. !ir I 92 SIR J. colboukk's administration. for his mcinly eirorls in behalf of liberal iiistituiioiis. An inquest of oraiioeoien was held over the body, who biu: in a verdict of accidental deatli. I5y all accounts, they linvi; been tlie bane of Ireland, but most certainly, a, bii^hliiif curse in Canada. Until their settlement in the i'ruvince, there never were l)otter. more friendly or obliiiin;^' neii;nboii, than the Irivsh (Jaiholics. But the ijistant llie oraiiirerneii i^ettled among them, di.scord, bloodshed, and murder were the result. The first murder perpetrated in U. C was by one llicio desperadoes, of the nameof lM"S\vceny. By the contriv;uice of the governmeiU aulliorties, they so far ii:ot the ascinuleu' cy in the Johnstown District by virtue oi" tiie cudac^l iuia bludgeon as to carry the elections for the governnjent.wlioii- ever thev jjlcased. To hrin?r them to justice was impo 1) tl iss; icm. The writer of this work', and the Kev. of the \h\ irclin (rt; Their leader, iiare. a notorious villian seized n the carriao:e with one hand, while lie atlempted, with the other, to dray- the writer down. A sudden blow of the biilt end of a lar<4-e horse whip, laid tiic intended assassin sprawling on tlie ground. Before his gang came up, with tlie aid of a good horse and a free use of the whip, they were soon distanced. The poor timid priest WPS so frightened, as to loose all power ol action, durimif t!ie scuffle ; but alter recovering, and seeing himself out of dan- ger, he was the most vc\lliant man the writer ever saw; he foamed at the uiouth, kicked with his feet, shook his (ists over the hinder part oi the carriage, inviting tije Isinnael- itcs to come, if they dared. The fact is, the suddeness of the surprise, had so friLduened him, that when fairly recov- ered, it had the effect of throwing him into a kind of hyslc- whicli llio caucus C ihoir Uiir, it not for thev would iliP wounds This Ihi uv;nt'!i'i ci 1,(; was a|)| Thus tlitl ;i Yuiike( fo vine lU. (if charactf II re form c died of th( le, the authorities were on liicir .side, ju.stice cou'id not reach I „ hoi-ncj m tist denomination, on reiurning home, in a one liorse car- riage, from tlie election held at xvlerrickvilie in 183(3, were | ] suddenly surprised in the woods l>y a band of these sava: Ijuok.s frorr Mr. San 111 lioine, was is horso a i^ailed to or in finding Governor's means to t testimonies Ilorna E To \\ 1^-quirc, C U(Airt of ¥ in of Yo sli posuth ci Monday, 1 iiig up the inoiit llou six or seVi his gate ncnt distil rical frenzy. For, naturally, he was of a very quiet, meek I tor he tur and pacific disposition. Sometime previous to this aflair, ■ li'U'c been one of these incarnate demons, a Mr. ilenry Hamilton, and ■ ^^^t'dio hii two others, lay concealed at the edge of a swamp through RIOTS AT The eleetioxs. 93 whinli liiG writrr had to pass on his w.'iy liomo from n political cniicus On ontering tlio swamp, lhe!s(« rurtiians sprang from llu.ir lair, dismounted Iiim in rather a rough manner, and were it not for the timely appearance of three strange gentlemen, they would iwive accomplished their designs. The auliior, from ilip vvDunds received, was confined lo his bed fur three months. This Hamilton shortly aft(M'wards killed Mr. Tarbox, an A- incriean citizen, with a saddler's knife, in Prescolt, for which l,(i was appreherded, tried, and condemned, but not exeeuted, •'J5K( ALSi: HK ONLY KILLKD A DAlMNED YANKKE." Thus they go it in Canada. Killing a Canadian reformer or a Yaidiee is tlie same thing, and the sure way to altain pre- Hiniont. At the same election David Ballintvnc, a crenlleman (if cliaracter, influence and prof)crty, after giving his vote for 11 reform candidate, was immediately attacked by about a hun- dred of these ruflains, who beat, cut and mangled his body in r^ horrid manner; broke down the hustings, snatched the poll hooks from the returning officer, and tore them to pieces. — Mr. tSuniuel Bass, a peacesble farmer, on returning quietly liomc, was overtaken by a ^^\'\^^ of these furies, dragged t'rom lii*^ horso and left for dead on the Queens highway. Maving failed to entangle Mr. McKenzic in the meshes of the law, or in finding aught against his public or private character, the Governor's privy council met, on a particular day, to devise means to take his life, as will now be proved by the following testimonies: — [lorncj District, 1 To \s\\\ ^ Came before mo, James ITervy Price, Inquire, Commissioner for taking affidavit-^, in [Icr Majesty's Court of King's Bench, this day, William ITowe, of the Town- sliij) of York, coach maker, who being duly sworn, voluntarily (loposeth and saith, that about four o'clock in the afternoon, .^lotiday, 13th of November, in:-t. as this deponent was walk- ing up the street, leading from the public offices to the Govern - inoiit House, in company with Mr. John Mantach, of this city, ^.'x or seven persons came out of the Governor's door and out •^r his gate; they were talking about McKenzie, and this depo- nent distinctly heard the Hon. John Elmsly say to Mr. Allan, ior he turned to him whilst he spoke, — *'lMcKenzie ought to li'U'c been shot ai that time, and the only thing to be done is ^iHnke him out and shoot him." Signed, W. HOWE. i.V' 1 ■^ !.-.-. El- I' ;* .i;> i^l- 'I":. 94 sill J. COLnORXK*S ADMINISTRATION. *•.,:,;■ It : ' j; ■ 1. il''i. i fvjv Home District, ? To Wit: ) Came before me, James [lervey Price. ]''isquire, a Commissioner for taking aflulavita, in the Cuiiii,!i' King's Bench, John Mantnch, ol" the City of Toronto, bovM- binder, who being duly sworn, freely and voluntarily deposeth and saitli, tliat about t!ie hour of lour in the afternofin ot Mon- day, tlie 13lh of Nov. inst. as this deponent w.is walking near His TTxcellency's gate, in company of Mr. William Howe, the Hons. William Allan, Robert JJ. S illivan and Jolin FJmslcy. members of the Executive Council of Upper Cmada, with sev- eral other g; iillemen, came out of llie r-^aid gate of the Govern- ment House, — BImsley said to Allan, "McKenzie should (dr ought to) have been shot at that time, and the only thing to U done, is to take him out and shoot him now." Sworn beibre me, at Toronto, tifis 14lh Nov. 1837. J. H. Price, a Commissioner for taking aflidavit-; &c. Signed, JOHN MANTACH When the fountain of a governmerit is so foul and despe- rately wicked as this, what purity can be expected from the streams which How from it? While Mr. McKenzie was in England, advocating the cane of the people, and demanding a constitutional redress of lluir grievances, the harpies of misrule were secretly employod in circulating counter petitions througli the Province and calling on the teachers of common schools, to sign them and mako all their pupils who could write do tlie same. The teachers dur?t not refuse for fear of losing the government appropriation fir schools, and the pupils signed them for fear of punishmeni from their teacher. In this manner, they obtained fifty-onfi thousand signatures to their petitions for church and state gov- ernment; which they forwarded to the Colonial ofllce. The odds was greatly against Mr. McKenzie; yet, notwithstandini,' this vast difference, on refeting to the petitions, he had little or no difficulty in convincing Lord Goodrich of their despe- rately wicked tendency, by imposing on His Majesty's govern- ment, such a mass of puerile signatures. Lord Goderich was convinced, and drew up instructions for Sir John' Colborne, with directions to take the necessary "n'lhwith, to redress the evils and abuses comnlainedol sps, ipl; in the People's Petition. Sir John lost no time in refering these instructions to the Assen)bly at their first sitting. But the loaders of the tory faction, Mr. Atty. Gen. Boulton ai;'i Solicitor Gen. Hagerman, instead of acting upon them wiih thnt courtesy with the mo.s chnracter an which would They rep re: "nobody car cile may ne.\ the institutioi The fools an J;.ird Goodri 01 the Canad knaves, who listening to ng^ai'ist the iho administi readied the were remove liiMMLi; shortly CuiDiiial o(Hc k^y, who pr Cliief Justice to hi.s lonner for the good w.is tlie uii coinj)l;un!;d ftmrdii)rated. Laws were and irrespon H'.'W means thorizing dir vate rights; Mors. The enacted in tl ually changf although the fected by thi Their tra< tage of capi exclusive ni( Canadicins r m the Engli Itothe same e RIOTS AT THE fJLECTIONS. 95 •V Price. Cull I 01 to (ioposetli J ot Moil. t)g near iowt', the Filinsl(;v. with scv- Govern- )oiil(| ((,: ng to be 7. avit>; &c, tach 11(1 despo. from l!ie tlie cau-6 s of ihoii' ployed ill calling on make nli hers dum 'iation lor iiiishmen; fifty -one state gov- ice. The hstaiKiiii!;' had little eir dcspc- s govern- ctions lor necessary ^hiined of re fe ring ng. But niton aii'i liem wiili ih'it courtesy which was due them, treated the instructions with the most sovereign contempt, and abused Lord Gode rich's ciinracter and benign intentions, with a violence and brutality, which would disgrace the least civilized government in Europe. They represented him us a political mountebank, adding, 'Miobody can lell what political caper this political imbe- cile miy next order. This foolish minister is trying to reduce the ifistitutions of the country to rank Yankee democracy. — The fools and knaves of the Yankee Republican faction, whom Jjdfd Goodrich delightelh to honor — and the fools and knaves of the Canadian Republican press, — and they are all fools and knaves, who do not disapprove; of Lord Goderich's conduct, in listening (o the silly comj)laints of the swinish multitude, nejainst the honorable and learned gentlemen connected with Iho administration of the government." This language having readied the King's ear, tiirough hlr. McKcMizie, thcfse worthies v^ore removed from office in disgrace. But Lord Goodrich, licirii.^ shortly afterwards ci-eated l^arl Ripon, retired from the Colonial office, and was immediately succeeded by tory Stan- l.'V, who promoted the disgraced Attorney General to the Cliief Justiceshii) of Newfo:mdlaad, and restorcid [lagerman to his lormer office; — so that what one Colonial Minister does for the g )od of the Province, the ne.xt is sure to undo; such WIS the uncertainty of the Colonial office. The grievances coinj)lained of by the people, instead of being redn^ssed or nmdiorated, were left to accumulate, like a rolling snow-bail. Laws were enacted during this administration, creating new and irresponsible legal tribunals; clothing existing courts with ii'-'W means of oppression, and increasing their expenses; au- thorizing direct taxes on the people, and interfering with pri- vate rights; taking away the rights and privileges of the elec- tors. The laws regulating their trade and commerce, were enacted in the Parliament of the United Kingdom, and conti n ually changed and varied without the Province being consulted, nlthoiigh the value of their labor and property are deeply af- fected by this ever varying system of legislation. Their ti'ade by sea is carried on exclusively for the advan- tage of capitalists, residing in England. England claims an exclusive monopoly of the Canadian markets, but allows the Canadians none in hers. Their beef and pork are prohibited Jn the Finglish markets, and their pot and pearl ashes subject to the same rates of duty, at London or Liverpool, as the pot I' 1' •t-.i ' 'r^ :JI I'l; ii H. M i' i n ' -ri'i'' I I I! » "\i !l '/ ■ ii.,!. S ' ! - 06 SIR J. COLEOUNK*S ADiMlMSTHATlON. and pearl ashes of the United States. By an act of t!ie Imp,;. rinl Pailiainent, it is enacted thai United States' wheal, wlieai Hour, beef and poik, nuiy be imported into the Canadas, eitlitr by sea or inland navigation, free of duty, and may be shippcj at Quebec, to any part of the British West Indies, on the same terms as the like produce of Up[)er Canada. By an act ot Congress, passed in July, 1832, wheat, wheat flour, beef iinij pork, nsJK'S and ail other articles, the staple produce of tiio Canadas, are subject to a lax of fifteen jjor cent, if importci into any part of the United States; so you s(!e the monopoly is nil in favour of England* and the United States. This is a s[)ecirnen of ihe mnnner in which ihey manage Catiadiun ;ii- fairs, in the English Parliam'-.'nt. The Canadians are contiiici to the markets of the home country, entirely. Were they tj attempt to extend their trade with other countries, the protec- ting duties iin[)osed by England, in favor of her own merchiui- di.se, would prevent the importati(jn of foreign goc^ds in ex- change. SL'Kisiiness alone, is ti»e principle which has guided En;:liiul in her intercourse with Canada, and that .se-lfish policy will, uiidDubtcdly, hasten the independence of the Colony; dr with all her encouragement of emigration, v/ith all her expen- ses of armies, (I'.iefs, governors and viceroys, she is but lias:- ening t!io fni;.l consummation. One afttjr another, as tiny ga'n power, her Cdorsios will grasp by force, the politico jiglits denied to poaeeable petitions; until, in tinn^ she hecoiu s the "girdled tit'c?" spf)kpn of in t'le days of the prophet Sii Fiancis B. Head. Oi" ali the measures that ever came bofuK' tne Assembly, the bill providing for a court of Chancery, win the most wicked and dangerous. It passed; and the people found that, instead of a court of equity, it proved a court oi spoliation and confiscation. Its supporters [)resented it as;i golden pi|dn, but upon trial it turned out a bitter crab. "Goi' my boys." said a respectable Englishman. "1 recovered m Chanc(;ry, an estate of two thousand four hundred dollars a year, and the whole esf^te, ave, and four thousand dollars iiiw the bargain, were swallowed by the costs of court." In nine- teen cas(;s out of twenty, the suitors are stripj)ed and beggiuxd Sir John Colborne, determining to give the Canadians, be fore his r;.'ca!l, a surf-it of torv gover nment, commissionc J:i large bUc!) of magistrates, consisting of Irish Orar;gemen an Yankee rem^gadti lories. Not n solitary Scotch, English, of| Canadian reformer was appointed, because at tho previous c- lections they voted contrary to his wishes. RIOTS AT TIIR ELECTIONS. o: GUI Countrymen uv\y (WiVcr ns to forms of government; but I Voiikec tory is a Gib(}onito. {Strango as pomo may think it, ;lio bitterest enemies of the reformers, exceeding (^viMi the Or- nnoonien in virulence and deadiv emrdtv, were these Yankee ;iiri(,'H. Not cordially liked, even by tlie Ornngemen tbcm- sl1v(;s, they were hated with a perfect hatred by tlie reformers. They were the rrproach of their O'tuntry; the (lisp^r;ice of tl)e Ainciican continent, and one of the curses of Canada. The world did not, and nevcM' will, .md never can exhibit so grovcl- iii2 a class of freemen as the lories of Canada. It might almost be said, from the course pnrsned by Sir John Colborne, thnt the flomc Government !!j)])oinled him to the ad- miiiistration for no otlier purpose tbnn to oppre?-^, the people: squander their resources, and •■ntail on tiieir posterity the of)- prcssions of a church establishi^d !>y l;iw; w bich eliurcb, Cob- h.-tt, in bis History of tluj Rcformali(.in, puge fourth, says, "Was engendered in beastly lust; brought forth in liyp(jcrisy ;'.iid [jcrfidy, and cherished and fed on plunder, devastation and livnrs of ]M}gIish and Irish blood,*' On pnge 8lh, be adds, that it was established in England "by the gibbets, the racks, and i'le ripping krdves.*' This church, contrary to the repeatedly cxjjressed declar;(tions of nine-tenths of the population, is nov/ 'iio law established church of Canada, with an endowment of (:!)(j-soventh of the Province, or 15,000,000 of acres, which the ; i\-imMte> of Enizltu nas iOCOSOO f c V V anterburv, Mad the Canadians no other grievan- ce:; to complain of tbnn merely thia, it was of itself sufficient to warrant an a])peal to arms. H iM y 1 I il m e!:i h \ \i imM-^ CHAPTER XIV. Corruption money — High prices. In 1835, Sir Jolm Colborne ordored $'19G,G07 to bo paid !j pcnsioiiors and sinocu lists out of tlu; people's money, iisii.'iHv called tlic casual and territorial revenue, without ihcir, or [hi''; representatives consent — one item of which runs tiius: '• \\\'\<\ A. 15. llawlii'ns, a yankee tory, and P. Robinson, a son ofoii'; of the Wyoming murderers in the Am. revolution, -^^14^500 I'l;! e.\p>UKse of starvinc: noor settlors and en)i|^rant pensioner?.— Tho 17th item reads thus: *4^aid Joseph Spraggs $l,viO() f:,r keeping a small lory school in Toronto, item lijth: l';i',i ^3,r)00 to hireling priests of the PresbyUMian ordor. Iilmh 3Gth: Paid ?§12.87o'to binding priests of tho ICstablislK;;! Church. Item 1st: P;iid lloman Catholic f>i.Siiop M'Douiii •S3, 000 f)cnsion. Item 2(1: Pai.l Romm Catholic priests', Sj- 000; and l'o on to the (Mid of th*.^ c!iaj)tor. The Methodis! '$1,900. Tiio Baptist (Jliurc'i wa;^ the o:dy one which rfi'i!:- cd the wages of iniquity. Ve free born sons of America! wliit would you think of i President who should, without your consent, undertake P squander your resources in like manner? We will hero give a list of the Executive and Judiciary oin- cers, of Canada, wiih their salaries. It will alFord an op[)or;u- nity of comparing a domestic wiiii a foreign govornmtMit ; a government by farmers, with a government by strangers from bt?yond tlie ocean. Canada. Salary. Gov. of U.Canada, f5;24,000 Sec. of State, 4.000 Auditor, 1.400 Chief Justice, 7,000 Attorney General, 4,S00 Associate Judge, 4,441 MicniGAN. Gov. of Michigan, Sec. of State, Auditor, Chief Justice, Attorn 'V General, Associate Judge, Salary,] Canadian gov. {§4."), 704 y\mcrican gov. $iB.55'.l Michigan Judges gft no retiring pensions; Canadian Jiilgf^ geleach -^3000 per annum from the pockets of the people, witlioiH liic decenc It may I salaries of arcpltiin: IS governci Province i six confcdt lure; alter {rood govei jiiilges of I ro^julalion when disci liiroiigh \b. I)V the ba> ciioice of neither alt( ill the regu of war or | militia olFic reaues, no roads, rottf. p.rul despfjt, The Rri rogues and it uf its m( — for whei family cor their tribe count rv; only rule, all contro bounds; a Govern me with scor to them fr Mr. Ro and a gen tho Englis of this pe sider the neer. T the re pub accustooK lor. Iii.'ifi iSt;ih!i.sll(;:i iM'Doili'i; icsts, So- Mc-lhudis! licli roi'ih- lliiak ol" :i dcrlakc ! iciarv o^S\- n opporiii- igers [f'}''.'- V. $J(K550 .!e,w[tlioiil HIGH SALAKfKS, &C. 99 bo paid to ;y, usiinllv r, or thcif is: " Pai^l ?on of on.' l-ijm !'.;! siuiior.?.— »^l,20()f;:r nth: l>ii;,i tlic decency of asking thriir h.-Jive. 'I'hus they go it in Canada. It niav ho asked, \\ hut is ihci cause,' of IJjis (iiirritish Ilonse of Commons, and agent for the people in the Lower Province, remarked, in tho English Parliament: ''While such is the nature and conduct hv. I beseech the House to con- petty igj 'gf sider the peculiar position of the people over whom they domi- neer. Tin's people are in daily, nay, hourly intercourse, with the republicans of the United Stales of America. They are accustomed to behold, across the frontier, a great people, no*. '^- ^■i- ■I •li , "f, ;l fflll ■I { --^ i ' tl !'■.. ; V ■ Vv r « ' *• -.'.'J " >.'.' ■. i- ; 1^ Jill (\ M*, 100 COHHll'TION MONEY more instructed, nor more dosorving of good government iii;;i flicnisclvcs, s(!ir-g(iV(;rn(Ml — gdvcrncd Ijv tlioruuglily (ienioci;i tic institutions; i\m\ wlial is tin; result? A staio of uncxarnplei! prop;j)(?rify — equal, r.'ip.d, and unt.'casing improvement; liiw^ and institutions that continue in their acuon as regular as fi piece of [ihysieal tnncliincry. 'I'iiey see the cheap govornii);; body, having interests idruitit'al with the people, and po.ssesst'ii of their ever advancing spirit ol' improvement, niriing all eiilcr- prise — in fact, performing tlu' tiu(; I'unctiorjs of a, g(jvernniuiil; nol contenli;d with protecling to the utmost, the properly, 1)L'i'- 3on, and reputation of all the citizens, but aysi-sting .n all tlios.: groat, underlikings which are best pron)olcd by iho conibiiuu ellbria of a whole people. With such a sight before thorn,]' is not wondirful that the Canadian people have imbibed tli' free sjiirit of America, and that they bear with impatience the insol(>nce, the ignorance, the incapacity, and tho vice of a nc-; ofodlcial cormorants, who, under the loitering domination c England, liavc; constituted th.emsolvt)9 an aristocrisy, with al the vices of such a body, without one of the redeeming ((Uali- ities which arc supposed to lessen the miscliiefi which are the natural attendants of all aristocracies. It is of a people Ihii- high-spirited, pestered and stung to rviadnes3 by tliis pcstilcn: brood, tl.'at I demand your attention, '^ >Scc. *'\t' you do no; redress their grievances, and permit them the free and full ex- orcise of the rights and privileges granted them by tiie Consii- luiion, ihey will take for their example the conduct of the!.' neighbors in the year 177G, and throw you olfvvilh the sanio bitter animosity, and gov(jrn themselves.'^ Immediately after tliis, Sir .John Colbnrne was promoted fc • tlje Cuelphic order of Hanoverian Knighthood, by letters p;f IlmU from the Crown, as a rew-ard for his exert ions m keepin down tho Yankee faction, and preventing reform, and for up- hoding a church and state government for so many years 111 Upper Canada, contrary to the declared intentions of the peo- ple. But Sir John was determined not to rest short of the peerage. In order tostiengthon his church and state tory go- vernment, and to render his measures popular, by giving them the appearance of impartiality, by the advice of his secret councillors, it was determined to attach the dissentient preach- ers, in consequence of their great influence, to the car of the a4ministration. lie, therefore, condescendingly meted out ol the people's money, without their consent, a certain sum an- nuully, to tlie Methodists, Presbyterians, Catholics, and Bap- tidta. The bait was ofTered, and readily gulped by nil but the iliiptist.s, wl Ijoivtl, lli:«l ll,,.s(; sects t'ona; and ;i cliuich es the lib(M'ty 1') spiritual pi'ivih'ges (1 t;iat re Ik- Hi (iod. r>u: (■,[ iKdaam, It w.iri now i!0 power b (iod,"' o cler- ay, Liberty, tlironghout the worI(J, has suilercd more through liicir iustruin^'utality, linn from any otiu;r class of people what- ever. Camilla is a living exemplification of this truth. Their crouching to Sir jnim Colborne, for I-.jss than a mesa of pot- i;\go, destroyed the hope of frec(ion) in that unhap[)y country, id full c\- B Tor some time at lefist. Had tho oth(!r sects, like the honest ConstI- ■ l''i|'ti>"ts, s:tood true and firm to their former integrity, Canada uoidd now have been free. From this time forward, thcsf,' priests foutiil no more fault with the administration, nor could tliey see any abomination in a church united with the slate, un- moled io I ^'' rt-'tiontly, wheri the Methodist preachers discovered it a sec- otters pa- 1 keeping id for up- voars in ouie 011(1 time, after the llcgis donurii was withdrawn. Then like r penitent sinners they exclaimed rEccAvi. But the iron sway of the church, incorporated with the stale, was now con- lii'iiicd. It was left for Sir F. D Head to drive home the key stone in the despotic arch, which his pred(*cessors had so nearly fin- ished. In the commencement of the year 1836, Sir Francis assuuied the reins of government, with ample instructions frona the Home Government, as usual, to settle all the diffi- u:i.Tir:s. He found, on his arrival, a reform House of Assembly, the choice of the people. The Colonial Secretary handed him Mr. M'Konzie's book of grievances, as his guide; and, on address- g the members of the Assembly, the first time, said: "You in 9^ ^■■* ^ I in S! > Iff! I.' ■■...I'll :^ 'H I i| '^"iill w I 'i> I i I ■r i: 1 '( '^'i'\ )' ■'i KVi CORRUPTION MONKY, hnvo great niul oppressive grievances, that require iinporlnnt remedial measures, without delay. Impartial juslieo must bo Mdmit^i^lered; the pcuiple have asked for it; their sovercM^n has ordained it; and I am here to execuite his gracious coumi'uids, D{duy will only increase impatience." Ilo stated rurlliic; "that ho was sent out to a(Jmini*fer the atlairs of the I'rovince ill such ;i way that tin; p«M)plo should have occasion to bo at- ta(rhed to the parent state;, iVom sentiments o! nfUMUion ami ;',ratifu<1e, as we-il as from prineip!(;s of duty." He portr.iyoii the I'rovinco as ^standing lil<(; a hcallity youiif!: tree;, tliiil hail \>L'cn girdled; its drooping hraiiehns mournfully bet rfiyitjcr that i's natural nourishnienl had hccn dclihoratcly cut (dl." 'I'iie country hailed his arrival us the dawn of happier days. jjoyal addresses were poured in to him daily, from all parts of ihi.' c(juntry lv\pectation was now on tiptoe. Oommercia! and ag ricultual dej)Utations proc(?('( led r 'om every quaitcMlo the governirient Ikhjsc, to welcome and pay their loyal re.spcci.-, ■ I I ) the ORFAT RKFoHMKR, Sir F. V>. Head. Mut as he was a «trang(;r to the Province; and its aifairs, and knew but liillcol the wants, sentimenis, and habits of its iidmbitants; and as the measures complained of under Sir .lohn Colborne's admiiiistn- lion had been attributed, in a great degree, if not altog*'lliPr, f.) evil advisers, much anxiety was felt that the new Li(;ut, (fovernor should cail to his Council persons in whose soumi constitutional principles the co»intry could put confidence. Ills PiXcellency ap|)eared to have anticipate d their wishes, by call- ing to iiis Council M(;ssrs. Dunn, IJaldwin, and John liolpii, ;;entiemen of liberal principles, and well qualified for the oflico iVom tlieir extensive knowledge ol' tho aflairs of the Piovince. ■ nl These appointments aflbrded general satisfaction, not unmixiiJ however with apprehensions tiiat the influence and preseii c'ot' the old Councillors, who were suppos(;d to have advised Sir John Colborne, would embarrass his Excellency and the new cillors. wh the pi'ople (Wprcsst'd ill tilt! nifur tlio countr; iiad Ix'en r or liimsedf, and rcconi advisers; i the new CV Sir Franci the p'ople where non Messrs. ('ounnillor which wer (iricv : Is'f. Thn lh(j (»ov(!ri ihut they s vincial go^ iheir ad vie of his adc counsel, \ lire, and with view On these t rust in jj; to i)f Fed) counsel o direct opp uid made He als( II ( !ouncilIors, in the pursuit of a more impartial mode of gov- B the Legis (■rnment. The Heju^se of Assembly and the Council were not then aware that the Executive Council had hitherto l)een used ^•5 a screen for the acts of the Lieut. Governor; for it was gen- erally understood that they had been consulted on all tho alV'urs of the Province. That the principles of the Pirilisli Constitution were not put in practice as it regarded this Coun- cil, in one respect, was well known, for it had been the subjecf of earnest complaint for many years by the Mouse of Com- mons; that persons had been appointed or continued as Coun- , werd Province. It was ficting un llndt;r the 'he nature act, and li sonally, tiaanimoL mm}^ i IlIdH SALARIES, t.C. 103 npo riant must bo 't'i^Mi li;js inni-wids riirtlir *i'<)vi net- to bo ;)[■ :tioM ami (ortrayoii liint iind ■iiig thai (;r (lays, j>!»rl.s()f niiiiercia! ]ll.'Ul(M' to re sped.-, he was a Jt lillleol' 111(1 ns the iniiiistra- togctlier, bw Lieut. ose souik; lice. U'ti , by call- Mi jvolpli, tbe oflico Piovince. unmixett e.seiico of viseti yir tlie new of gov- vvero no! )een used was gen- all I he R British lis Conn- e suhjccf of Corn- as C.'oun- CI llors. whoso political oj)inions wero in opposition to tliose of tho pi'opl'^ and l*Mjir ropicsfMitauvcfl, nnrl in njany camm to tho X|)n'sst'(l wisli(?s of his Mnjesty's govcrninMnt; as was shown Is, I ill til" nif'morabli! insfnijco of Lord (Jodijricli's despatch. But the Cd'itilry was ignorant how much tiu; allairs of iIkj l^ovinco liad b''(!n fondijcttni hy tho arbitrary will of the fjiout. Govern- or liimsisif, wiih no f)tlujr counsel than li;e s(»cret suggestions nnd reeonirntMidation of uiiHWorn, irreH|)onsible and unknown ndvisers; and as it ulliniatciy appeared, this appointment of the new Coinicillors was nothing but a deceitful mano'iivrc of »Sir Francic, to eontinuo the old system and to gain credit witli the people at the same tinie, for liberal f(!clings and intentions, wlicro none actuallv existed. Messrs. Dunii, l)aldwin, and Uolph, accepted the oflice of ('ouncillors on the fdlowing previously arranged conditions, which were fully understood and subscribed to by his I'ixccl- Icricy : 1st. That they should be considered in the same relation to ihii Governor as tlie Knglish mini^try were to his Ma jesty; that they should be consulted on all matters relating to the Pro- vincial government; and his I'i.xcellency left at liberty to act on iheir advice, or not, as he thtjught proper. Hut in the event of his adopting or acting on measures independently of their ]| counsel, previously taken, that they should ()0 at liberty to re- tire, and his l.Cxcellency at liberty to appoint other Councillorsj Willi vunvscongenin I to h is own. On these constitutional principles they accepted office; and trusting to Sir Francis' sincerity, they were sworn in on the 20th i»f Feb. 1837; after which day ho never calleil uj)on them for counsel or advice, but carried on the allairs of the Province in direct opposition tohisown voluntary and solemn engagements; Hid made appointments highly obnoxious to the people. Ilo also withhi'ld the royal assent from 114 bills passed by the Legislature; many of which, including tho felon's counsel bill, were of the utmost ct^nsequencc to the welfare of the Province. It was evident that he had given his confidence, and was acting under the influence of secret and unsworn advisers. — ^V Undi.T these circumstances the Council were led to examine 'he nature and extent of their duties under the constitutional act, and having discussed the subject with his Exccllcmcy per- sonullv, at the Council Board, they united afterwards in an ! W uiian m \ imous and respectful representation, in writing, to tho j; v! j * t i:.i 'I'i -M fl '^ n h\ '•I ■I i. ¥': I 1. ,f ■ .*■•..*■ li/', 104 CORRUPTION MONEY Governor, in which, afler ndvcrtiiig to the critical state of the Province, and the geufiral discontent created by th:> p ist ndinin- istr.ition, whicli no one could di)ul)r, they stated thc'ir views ot the Constitutional Act 31st. George III, ('hap, ;31st, as it respec- ted the Executive Council, ainj dievv up the? following addross: *' Mat it pkkask your Excellkncy — The i^Mcutivi Council, impressed with the oath they have taken lo dischargo the duties necessarily resullihg froui iludr a|)poirilmenL 'Mo lul- vise thu King and his reprfseniativc, in the goviMtiuient oT the Province'' in the ttM'nis of thii Constitutiouul Act "upon the af. fairs of the Provinces" df^eni it ineuinbeiif on them, most lo- spectfully to submit the following represcMilalion: ''The Executive Council rccogtiise the truth of the oj)ii)ioii expn^ssed by Lord Gloneig, thai *Mlje pr(^sent is an era ot" more difficulty and importauce tiuui any which has hiihcrU) occurred in the l)islory of this part of his iM;ijesJy's domijiions." This unlnppy condition they ascribe, m a very great degree, to the hitherto unconstitutional abridgment of the duties of tin; Execu- tive Counci!. It appears, from the proceedings of the House of Assembly, and from the reiteration of established opinion in ^- I unless speedily arrested, by atlbrding the unrestricted opera- tion of the 31st. Geo. Ill, chap, 31, will not only become more fixed, hut rapidly increase to a greater and irretrievable ex- tent. The policy and measures which hiive led the Province to the present unpleasant condition, seldom passed under tii*' review of the Ex(^cutive Counci , or were ^ubmilted for their advice. Nevertheless, its members have been undeservedly subjected to the heaviest reproach throughout the country from a prevalent belief that they have been called upo.i to fulfil the the duties imposed upon them by the constitution, as advisers upon public aflliirs. But amidst the obloquy thus thrown upon them, they have studiously avoided any attempt at exculpation, by disavowing in their defence any participation in the conduct of afTairs which they were erroneously supposed to have appro- ved. The consequence ol' this silent endurance of political odium has been the perpetuation of the misbelief that the Exe- s', ranger t( the country^ that neither will public expectation be satisu nor contentment ha restored, until the syst(;m of local govern- ment is altered, an;! condncted according to the true spirit anu meaning of the constitutional act. The d(day of this just and ^ a source o indispensable course has already excited in the great mass oi the people a lamentable jealousy ai:d distrust, and has induced the discussion of constitutional chang'es, the desire of wbicli. ;i:iurs Ol IIIGW SALARIES, &,C. 105 lie of the «l ndmin- viow's of It re spec • !uI(iross: 'Apcutivc clisciiai'ge nl 'Mofui- -nt oftho )n tho af. most re. 10 o])ii)ioii ii of mo IX' occurred >." This :;(.', (o the (! Exccii- he H(^-usi ipinion SiltisflLif', 1 1 govern- spirit am i> just and t mass oi s induced if whicli. ed opera- >ino n)oi'o vable e.x- Province under tiu" for their iiservedly I try from fulfil the advisers jvvn upon ulj),ilion, I conduct 'e appro- politica the Exe- cutive Council were oonvercjatit with the alfairs of the Province, upon which they are appoitilod to advise; and although un op- posite practice hus generally prevailed between Governors! and liiuir councillors, yet it ims ever been notoriously contrary to iho state ol'thiugs presumed by tlu; community to exist. Public opinion respecting the Executive (Joiincil and their duties, has bij'jn founded upon the tenn^ of the 31st Geo. [11., to which statuto the people used to express a firm att.ichmcMit; an attach- Mit which the Couiieii bt-lieve never would have he CM impair- ed, liatl the ct)nstilution btieii administered, either accorditii' to lis letter or spirit. * ''' _ *•;-** y"^^^^^ ilio language of t!io statute it appears plainly: First, that {'ifToisan Executive council; secondly, that tiiey are appoint- ed by the King; that tlu'v ar7 No [inticuiar atlairs are so; i\o limitation to aiiv parti- MJu" or suojecl. As the coiisliiutioual act prescriii.'s to the coiiueil, the *Miiairs (jf the Province," it requires equal author- itv of huv to narrow those limits, or relieve llie council from a i!i ■ C')-extonsive duty. I'jvory representative of the King, upon arriving from Eng- :in(l to assume tho government of this country, is necessarily a sirancfcr to ii; and the law has provided for a local council, as a source of advice, which, when given, is followed or not, az- cordiuiif to his discretion. * rt' Hut while the consti- tiitioa has assigned to the council this duty, it is only to a v^ery sjbordiaate and limited extent that they have hitherto had op- j))rt'jni!y affonled them to perl'orm it. It is admitted that the I xigoncy of the statute can only be answered by allov/ing the ruFurs of tiie Province to pass under thulr review for such ad- vico lis their consciences may suggest, preparatory to the final i\\\d discretionary action of tho Governor upon those aiiairs. — The council meeting once a week upon land matters, while the allliirs of the country are wittheld from their consideration and advice, is os imperfect a fullfdment of the constitutional act as it" tho Provincial Parliament were summoned once a year to meet, agreeable to the letter of tlie law, and immediately pro- rougiid ui)on answering tho speech from the throne. In both oases the true meaning and spirit of the constitutional net re- quire that the Parliament should have a general and prnctica- hlc opportunity to legislate, and the executive council to advise liticai I upon the aiiairs of tiio country. In the former case, the rep- lescntivc of the King can withhold the royal assent from bills; i '!.'fei| ^■-< ' t '. 1 m.i \}j 106 COIIIIUPTION MONEY, If •' '•«. : ('- I, P':^^: r m i ' 111 : K^f <. 1 p, Hi' '^^ tell i - 1 ii unci in thelattcM-. reject the advice oflercd; but tlieir respec- tive proceedings cannot be constuntionully circnnjbcrihcd or denied, beciuise tliey need the exj)resision of the iloviil pleasnre tiicreon (or their consuiUination. * * The people litive loniJ: and anxiously souiiht lor the ad- ministration oC their government, under the repr«?^rtitalioii of the iving ; and the council most resju'ctluliy, but at the same time earncsUy, lepresent that public opmion upon the subject IS so llxed, and be,comin'r so imp itient, as to pre elude the possibility o( denying- or delayinof the measure. without increasing public dissalisiaction, and leading to the final adoption of oth(;r views, as already universally mani- fested, uncongenial to the genius of the constitution, and most dangerous to the connection witii the parent state— Tlie remedy, it is feared, is now proposed too late fornl! the advantages desired : but the longer it is withheld, the more alienated and irreconcilable Vv'ill the public become, The Council would be hr.ppy in establishing a system oi government, according to the principles recognized by the charter of the liberties of the cotmtry — an cxpcctatioii which the Council are most anxious to realize. Should such a course not be deeiued wise or admissible by the gov- ernor, the Council most rcspectiully pray, that may be al- lowed to disabuse the public, from a misapprehension of the nature and extent of duties confided to them. Sirrjied, PRTEK ROBINSON. GEORGE 0. MARKLAND. JOSEPH WKLLS, .TO UN R. DUNN. ROBERT B LDWIN. JOHN ROLPH. To this representation. Sir F. B. Head sent a reply, con- cluding With the following paragraph : "The Lieutenant Governor, assures the Council, that his estimation of their talents and integrity, as well as his personal regard for them, remains unshaken ; that he is not insensible of the difficulties, to which he will be exposed, should they deem it necessary to leave him. At the same time, should they be of opmion, that the oath they have ta ken, reqiii than Uom that on his do so." . When tl pies were ' would act coptod the retention < taieed :mc read t!i>' ci tain ''bis (. :ibauden tj tion so olfi or ol'the k deiiioraliz they relir< less of ll'i: [lis Hxce' vice ujton hisres'itn! cil ab')nt his paho advice oi so, to nial His extra that he w it was th'. ity of the theexten constitiU cil on all h'rancis er, to red my to all terms, b( arrival f the FtJ'te It secme fore mal HIGH SALARIES, &C. 107 'ir rcspec- Ihc liovd ■^r the ad- -"f^iitatioii but at the u\m] the IS to pre. measure, iiJg to the lily tuani- Jtioii, and It state.-^ iJield, the jccorne, system oi 'ccl by the qioctatioii I kSIiould y lliegov- iKiy be al- iioa of the N. :land, c IN. iplV; con- ricil, that II as Iiis he is not exposed; he same have ta- ken, requires them to retire from liis confidence, rather than Worn the prmnphs they have avowed, he begs, that on his account, they will not for a moment hesitate to do so." When the Council accepted office, their political princi- ples were made known, and the conditions on wliich they would act were fully explained to Sir F. 13. Head. He ac- cepted their services, on those conditions, with the avowed retention of the opinions they had hitherto publicly enter- tained tuid acted on. It was, therefore, with pain, that they read tln' coiicludino; part of Sir Francis' reply. That to re- tain "!iis coiilidence, and a seat in the Council, they must (bandou their principles." Thoy considered this proposi- tion so olfensivoly ohjectionahle — so deroiratory to the hon- or ol'tli!^ K'ini,^ — their own character as ircntUnnen ; and so deinora'izins: to the comuiunity, that, without hesitation, they retired from the councils of a man, so pal|)ably reck- less of honor atid character, as Sir Fra!icis avowed himself. Flis liixcelicucy contended that he would not take their ad- vice nnoii i!io aii^airs of the Province, because it took away his resifOMsihiiity, and that he wonld not consult the Coun- cil ab )nt \\\c e.ppointtncnts to ohlce, because it took aw*ay his yahnnao-f!. If it was vvronii^ to ask the Council tiieir advice on the affairs of the province, was it not palfjably, so, to nialce them bear the blame of his misi>-overninent ? — His extraordinary conduct amounted to this, in the issue, that he would carry on an arbitrary frovernment, not Ix'cause it was the best calculated to advance the peace and prosper- ity of the country, but for the selfish purpose of displaying the extent of his power. For it was not contended that the constitution prevented him from consultin'.r with the (^'oun- cil on all matters, if he was only desirous of doiui^ t^o. Sir I'Vancis now, threw off' ail (Jisoaiise, and fr )in the Reform- er, to redress all their ofi'ievances, becavne the avowed one- mvtoall reform; abused the late Council in unmeasured terms, because, "they represent(;d that all o^overnorson their arrival from Fnirland, were necessarily wholly inrnorant of the state of the Province,and the character of its inhabitants; It seemed, therefore, rational, and prudent to tliein, that be- Ibre m.iking appointments to office, he should receive the ill) i advice of the Couneilj in ccujunction with wlioin, he coiilij make belter inquiries, mid arrive at safer conchisions, than by his own nnaided judgment." In his reply to ihe Coun- cil, he declared ihut " ihe Province had nut the l\\-\[. Isk constitution^ nor its resi ntblancc, nor itiry tiling lik areseinbianci:. 'IMiis bold assertion, snii)rised all cliKs^cs; lor they were accnstonieci to believe that the governor rep- resented his ttKiji'Sty; the council his ministers; the lejiislu- tive 0(.)nucil the Mouse oi Lords, and the Ass^Miibly the House of ('ommoiis, with their resjiectivesplieres of opera. lion. [Jut (Sir l*'r(uicis, in his reply to the jiddrc ;>s (siiii Common Council oi the city ol Toronto, njainiiiincd lliai •' no rroclncial (u/ni i/risf ration vxiaUd in ( jim.chi, or oiiy other of his m;ijesty's coionies;" "that its ojx-ration would bo productive ol tho. most vicious eilccts." 1 laving ( ( c rccd tlie new mcmLerSjto resign and to render his adniinislraiion !^n- premeiy (H.!ious, in the i'ace and teeth oi the Ai-s;:( inMy, he called to liis council men of tlie most nltra iorv charjictcr tiiat could I e found in the Province, 'i'lir House ot 7\s- sembly regretted, in their remonstrance to him. that v.-licn he was emihled through the late lil, end Conncil. tocc^ndiict liis administration in a monner ellicient and satisfucioiv; calcniiiied to aliny aJ.l existing discontent, aiid j;reserve the peace, v»'olf;n\\ and ^ood governmtmt of the I'lovinrc, ho should so hustily, rashly and disingennousiy dis;ij j oiiil public exjXM.'tatioinand till the Province with greater disfrcss and apprehension, dian ever prevailed upon ther///c// ^ws- tion. ^riie Ihuise, respectfully hnt earnestly, urged the J.ient. C»overnor, to enforce the principles oi tlie Uritifh constitution, rfispectiuLr the conlidential advisers of tlie gov- ernment, and intimated '»n intention on their [)art, tli:'l if these just and reasonable wishes were any loncror disre^jard- ed, they should withhold the supplies from the govern- ment. They declared their regret at the removal of tho late Executive Conncil, and their entire want ol confidence in the newly appointed members of it, and to prevent .'U! open rnpturi', they humbly, hut firmly requested him to take immedinte steps for their removal. Sir Francis, nev- ertheless retained them, disresfarding the wishes of ihepeo yle, thus constitutionally expressed; and answered them MEMORIALS, &C. 109 Very laconically, that "Ac was responsible to 7ione hit ths K'ui^^'^ ^^ alternative was now left the House, but to abuiidoii their principles, privileges and honor, and to be- tray their duties, and the rights of the people ; or to withhold the supplies ; which was accordingly done. But previous fothis, the citizens ot Toronto addressed the governor as follows : ''We, His Majesty's dutiiul and loyal subjects, the inhab- itants of the city of Toronto, assembled under the authori- ty o( the Mayor of the city, beg respectfully to submit to Vour Excellency, this, our address, containing the expres- sion of our sentiments and feelings in reference to the late changes in the Execvtive Council, and of the opinions which have been expressed by Your Excellency as to the nature of the constitution of this Province. That Col. Simcoe, the first as well as the ablest and most ealigliteno^d liieut. Governor of this Province, who was a- meinber of the Parliament of Great Britain, when the sta lut^* 31st Geo. Ill, chap. 31, commonly called the Constitu- liiunil Act, was passed, was the bearer of that Act to this colouy, and was authorized undoubtedly, by his Majestys ^ovennnent, to declare to his faithful subjects in this Prov- ince, tlie nature of the constitution, then about to be put into operation for their benefil, and who assured the people of this Province from the throiie, on the opening of the first ::0.s>ion of the Provinci il Parliament, that the said act had ■established the British Constitutioii^ and all the forms which secure and maintain it in this distant country," and '•that the wisdom and beneficence of our Most Gracious Sovereign, and the British Parliament has been eminently proved, not only; imparting to us the same form of govern- iaent, but also in securing the benefits of it by the many I'lovisions that guard that memorable act, so that the bles- iin^^s of an invaluable constitution thus protected and arn- piified, they misjht hope would be extended to the remotest posterity ;" and that the same governor upon closinor that session, specially enjoined upon the members of the Legis- lature f^rom the throne to explain to the people of the coun- try, '-that this Province was singularly blest, not with a mutillated constitution, but a constitution which has stood 10 ' i* ":r'.. 1 \ ■' S^ i iil' : ml f i^^ 1*^,.:^' II'' I- K .r 1: 110 MEMORIALS, &C. the test of experience, and was the very image and^lranscript of that of Great Britain." That it is an essential and inalienable feature of the Brit- ish constitution thus to assure us, that the Kins^ shall be assisted in all the affairs of government by the advice ot known and responsible councillors and offic<'rs who possess the confidence of the people, and of the majority of their JRepresentatives ; and that our fellow subjects in the United Kinjjdom would indicrnantly resent any attempt to deprive them of this part ot their constitution, as an infringcmfnt upon their most sacred rights and liberties, and a step taken to deofrade them to the condition of slaves. That the recent appointment hy Your Excellency, of the. Hon. JohnEolph. Robert Baldwin and John Ilenr Dniiii, Executive Councillors gave universal gladness aiid siitiis faction throughout the Province, those gentlemen havinir been lonsj known, beloved and respected for the talents ac- quirements, and virtues which adorn their characters: tlio liberal and patriotic principles that they entertain; and the important services which they have respectively rendered tn the people of this Province; and that the selection of them by your Excellency, as your advisers, disposed his majesty's subjects to hope that a new and happy era had at length arri- ved in the history of this Province. That we have learned with surprise and sorrow that those gentlemen, together with the former members of your Excellency's Council, have found themselves under the nc cessity of resignmg their seats, and that your Excellency appears to us, to have taken offence for no other reason, than the respectful expressions of an opinion in favor of the government being conducted on the acknowledged princi pies of the British Constitution ; an opinion, supported by unanswerable arguments, and which they were bound by every obligation of honor and duty, as faithful councillors, to express to your Excellency. That our most sincere respect and gratitude are due to those gentlemen, and their late colleagues in your Excellen- cy's Council, for the noble efforts which they made in the honorable and upright discharge of their duties, to secure to ihe people of this Province the practical benefit and faith- ful appliCi' portance ' solemnly and unaltt lilate and principles, ration of never, in ( is only a That w collency, called to ] Council, < people of Wc fui n-ret at tl luid unkii the circu your late equally o of our IVj this pain nest hope been gu (lence, m hi con that as si and priv of aBrii ment, gi that the our affai of the pc ernment the Pare regard c hope res present ( P •ranscript the Brit- shall be advice of o possess ;' of their le United o deprive ngemf-nt tep taken icy, of the, u Dniiii, aiid salLs' n haviii(r alents ac- jcters: the and the enderecl tn •n of tliem 3 mnjesty's cngth nrri- rrow that n*sof your ler the nc Ixcelleiicy 31' reason, vor of thj :ed princi iported by bouiKl by )uncillors, ire due to Excel I en- ade in the ) secure to and faith- MKMO RIALS, &C. Ill fill application of constitutional principles of the highest im- portance to their liberty and prosperity ; and that we are solemnly called upon at such a crisis to declare our firm and unalterable determination to resist every attempt to mu- tilate and deform our Constitution, by the denial of those principles, or the refusal of a full benefit and practical ope- ration of them, and that the people of this Province, will never, in our humble opinion, be content with a system that is only a mockery of a free and responsible government. That we feel it our bounden duty, to declare to your Ex- cellency, that the gentlemen whom your Excellency has called to your Council, since the resignation of your late Conncil, do not in any degree possess tlie confidence of the people of Upper Canada. We further humbly express our disappointment and re- n-ret at the remarks which Your Excellency has, by evil and unknown advisers, been induced to animadvert upon the circumstanci s under which your Excellency caused your late Council to resign ; and that respect which it is equally our duty and inclination to pay the Representative of our Most Gracious Sovereign, forbids our declaring on this painful occasion, any other feeling, than that of an ear- nest hope that the persons, whoever they may be, who have been guilty of such an abuse of your Excellency's confi- dence, may be forever discarded by your Excellency. hi conclusion, we beg leave to state to your Excellency, that as subjects of the British empire, we claim all the rights and privileges of the British Constitution, and as subjects of a British colony, possessing the powers of self govern- ment, given to it by the Parent State, we claim our right that the Representative of the Crown shall be advised in all our affairs by men known to, and possessing the confidence of the people ; and as the true friends of his majesty's gov- ernment, and to the permanency of our connexion with the Parent State we earnestly entreat your Excellency to regard our opinions and remonstrances (firmly, though we hope respectfully expressed) and adopt measures to calm the present extraordinary state of public excitement, aggravated i mil • ii I -4 'fVi H;i; M .. f I < I *i.f' i: «;- r" ' !■ m i <^|.; ! i'i. ill..'.- ili 1 ■ , fi 1 '■ 1 * ' 112 MEMORIALS, &C. by the high hopes created in the pubhc mind by the rcrrio val of Sir John Colborne, and the appointment of your Ex- cellency to the head ofthe Administiation. By order of the meeting. Signed, T. D. MORRISON, Mayor. Chairfnan. JAMES LESLIE, Seai/. HIS EXCELLENCY'S REPLY. Gentlemen : — Having reason to believe that the meet- ing from which you are a deputation, was composed [)rin. cipaliy of the industrious classes and being persuaded iliai the liberal principle of the ijritish government, in whatever climate it may exist, is the welfare and happiness ofthe pen pie, I shall make it my duty to reply to your address wiili as much attention as if it had proceeded from either of ihe blanches of the Legislature, althougli I shall express my- self in plainer and more homely language. 1st. 1 have no wish to deny "that Col. Simcoc was the first as well as the ablest and most enlightened governor c( this Province — that he was a member of Parliament when the Statute 31st Geo. Ill, chap 31, commonly called the Constitutional act was passed ; and that he was the bearer of that act to this colony ;" but I ask 3^ou, can this possibly alter the solemn act itself? For surely your own plain good sense will tell you, that Col.Simcoo had no niojc power, either during his first voyage or on his arrival here, to alter the charter committed to his charge, than 1 had power to alter the Instruction which I lately delivered from his majesty to both Houses of your Legislature; and so if Col. Simcoe, instead of saying that the constitution of this Province " was the very image and transcript of that ot Great Britain,'^ had thought proper to compare it to the ar- bitrary governments of Russia or Constantinople, it would in no way have injured your liberties, or altered one single letter of the written charter of your land. 2d. I have no wish to deny "that in the British constidi- tion, the King is assisted in all the affairs of government, v:!.: MEMORIALS, &C. ii5 by the advice of known and responsible councillors and of- ticers, who possess the conlidence of the pcaj)le," and who turin ills majesty's cabinet; but (Jol. Simcoe, who you your- selves state "was autliorised undoubtedly by his majesty's oovernmeiit to declare to his laithl'ul subjects in this Prov- ince the nature of the constitution/' created no such cabinet 1101 any cabinet at all, and from iiis diy, down to the pres- ent lioui', there never has existed any ministry in the colo- ny, except the governor, who is himself the responsible minister of the crown. Supposing it were to be argued that four-fifths of the members ol your house of Assembly ought immediately to he dismissed, l)ecause, in proportion to the population of dreat Britain and Ireland there exist five tunes as many members liere as in the English House of Commons would you not think it very irrational that this noble but thinly peopled colony should be made "the exact image and trans- cript of the British constitution," merely because Col. Sim- coe happened to use these words ? Would you not imme- diately appeal to your constitutional act on the subject? Would you deem it just that a young rising Province like this, should be afflicted with the same expensive machinery requisite for the government of the mother country, 4000 miles off. Would you not fairly argue, that as the whole population of this immense country exceeds only by one third that of the single parish of St. Mary le-bone in London — and as the whole of its revenue does not equal the private fortune of many an Kngiish commoner, it would be unreasonable to expect that the people of this Province should be ruined HI vainly attempting to be the "exact image and transcript'^ o( the British constitution. But the constitution which His Britannic Majesty George the Third granted to this Province ordained no such absur- dities ; and you Lave only to read that constitution, to see quite clearly to the truth of this assertion. The yeomen and industrious classes of Upper Canada should never allow a single letter to be subtracted from, or added to, this great charter of their liberties ; for if once they permit it to be mutilated, or what may be termed improved 10* -4 ("-1 !m4 ?' ■t} ) i 1 i^ll h I- '\ ii: / • ') ■ i 114 MEMORIALS, frC. they nnd their children become instnntly liable to find them- selves suddenly deprived of their properly, and what is bet ter thnn all property, of their fieedoni and independence. By this net, you are of course aware that a House of As sembly, a Legfislative Council, and a Lieutenant Governor are appointed ; but it creates no Kxecutive Council : and if people tell you that it does, read lln^ act, and you will see the contrary. Now, as regards the House of Assembly, you must know that beinir your Uepresentatives, they are of course answer- able to you lor their conduct ; and as reijards the Licuten. ant Governor, I publicly declare to you, that I am liable to dismissal in case I should neolect your interests. But, contrary to the practice which has existed in this or any other British colony, — contrary to Col. Si!ncoe's prac- tice or to the practice of any other Lieutenant Governor who has ever been stationed in this Province, — it has sud- denly been demanded of me that the Executive Council are to be reponsible for my acts; and, because I have refused, at a moment's Vv'arninij,to surrender that responsiblity which lowe to tlie people, — whose real interests I will never aban- don, — I find that every possible political effort is now ma- king to blind tlie public mind, and to irritate its most violent passions. Bui I calmly ask, what can be tho secret meaning of nil this? Is it usual for one person to insist on bearing anothor person's blame? or for a body of men to insist on receiving the punishnirnt incurred by an individual superior to them in station? Why, therefore, should my Council, whose valuable advice, if it were not to he forced upon mo, I should be most anxious to receive, be required to demand from me my re- spoi^ibilily? What reason can exist for attempting to deprive me of the only consolation which supports any honest man in an arduous dutv, namelv: the reflection that he is ready t" atone for every error he commits, and that be is subject to ar- raignment if he offends? Why should it bo declared that ro- sponsibility would be more perfect with my Council than with me? Are they purer from party feelings, or less entanglft^! with their family connections, than I am? How can gentle- men who have sworn to be dumb, be responsible to the yeo- manry and people of this rising Province? How could they MEMORIALS, icC, 115 possibly underlako tondministerthis Government, with mouthi sealed by an onlh which forbids them to disclose, to any one, the valuable advice they may conscientiously impart to me? The answer to these questions is very short. The political party which demand responsibility from my council, know per- fectly well that the power and patronage of th(3 crown are at- tached to it; and it is too evident, that if they could but obtain this marrow, the empty bone of contention — namely: responsi- bility to the people, — they would soon be too happy to throw away; and from that fatal moment would all those who nobly appreciate liberty, wi)o iiave property to lose, and who have children to think of, deeply lament, that they had listened to sophistry, had been frightened by clamor, and had deserted the Representative of our gracious Sovereign, to seek British jus- tice from his mute but cofidential advisers. Tliis supposition, however, I will not permit to be realized; for never will I sur- render the serious responsibility 1 owe to the people of (his Province; and I have that reliance in their honostj — I have lived so intimately with the yeomanry and industrious classes of our revered mother country, that I well know, the more I am assailed by faction, the stronger will be their loyal support, —and that if intimidation be continued, it will soon be made to recoil upon those who shall presume to have recourse to it. The grievances of this Province must be corrected — im- ]iarfial justice must be administered: the people have asked for il — their Sovereign has ordained it — I am here to execute his gracious commands — delay will only increase impatience. — Those, however, who have long lived upon agitation, already, too clearly see their danger; and with surprising alacrity, they are now taking every possible measure to prevent mo from rooting up the tree of abuse, because they have built and fea- thered their nests in its branches. They asked, however, for i!ic operation, and to amputation thoy must very shortly^ sub- mit; for *'what's worth doing should always be done wel'l.^' I have come here for the avowed purpose of reform, but I am not an agitator; and, by command of our gracious Sover- eign, I will maintain the constitutional liberties of his sujects in this Province, and at the same lime encourage, to the ut- most of my power, internal wealth, agriculture, commerce, peace and tranquility. With respect to my late Council, 1 regret, quite as much as you can do, their resignation; but, before they took the oath •4 1 ■ I , 1 , 1 : I i* J. m m i 1 m : 1 A hi' I ik; MEMOItlALH, liC. of secrecy, (which appears lo my judgineiif, to ho un onth of non-rcspoiisihilily to ihu people,) 1 addressed to them u note which clearly rorewuriied them, as follows: — **1 shall ly on your giving mo your unhiused opiuiou on all subjects respect- ing which I may foel it advi:sahle to require it." Three weeks after they had joined iIk (>ouncil, they alto* gethor, in a body, disputed this arrangement; and accordingly wo parted on a matter oi' dry law. No on(! can deny that my view of ihf^^ subject agree.-, with the practice of Col. Simcoe, and of all tiiL succeeding Gover- nors of this Province, dijwn to the day of Sir John Colbor/io's departure; but that is no proof whatever that the practice has l)ecn right, — and, if you would prefer to form your (jwn opin- ion of the law, read the Constitutional act. With respeirt lo my new Council, whose liigh mora! charac- ter I cannot but respect, I shall consult them as unreservedly as I had proinised to consult ihosc who have just resigned; and if any coinpele'nt tribunal shall pronoiuice that they are n- sponsible for my conduct, no one will be a greater gainer ihaii myself by the decision. In the irieanwhile I shall deal openly and mildly with all parties; and 1 tiust that 1 can give )ou no better [iroof of my own intention to be governed by reason, than the e.\plaiiatiyu 1 have just oflered lo yourselves, ihe citizens and industrious classes who attended the Toionto meeting. True Copy. J. JOSEPH, Scc'y. REJOINDER. May it please youu Exoeli.kncy — We thank your Excellency for replying to our Address "principally from ihc industrious classes of the City,'^ wilii as niuch attenlion as if it had proceeded from eillier branches of the Legislature, and we are deeply sensible, in receiving yuur Excellency's re[)ly, of your Excellency's great condescension, in endeavoring lo express yourself in plainer and more honiely language, presumed by your Excellency to be thereby lo be brought down to the lower level of our plainer and more home- ly understandings. But we beg leave, in justification of those classes, to assure your .Excellency that any comparison which may have jjassed in your Excellency's mind between thciii, and the more unfortunate and less favored, in the perishes ot the parent state, is by no means founded in truth. T!ie indus- trious classes of this city have, for many years, been serious- L'.)verutneni A oath of u note •ly oil t-y alto- I'dingly c'n with Govei- :tiCL' has 'n opiii with nil of of iiiy [daiiati'ju dustrioiis I, Scc'y. Address '' with as inches oi' /ingyuLir jcensiun, 3 homely ihy to bu ru lionie- 1 of those Dn \vliich in the 111, rishes of 'le indus- , serious* MEMOHIALS, &C. 117 ly impressed with tijo duty und im[)ortancc of ncqiiiring know" lodg'N lor iho general ditliision ot* whicij, they Ijavo hy llioir own ellorts, and at thdr own expen.MO, (witli the aid o!" gcnu- roiis and |)a*riotic friendw.) so far succi'ssfally hihorod, us to bu able to appreciate g(x)d writing and fair reasoning. We di-'sire rcspcelfully to inform your ICxcelltincy, in the plain and homely languago of industrious in(Mi, tliat any sup- j)Osed necessity fur this great condoscensif)n of your I'iXcellen- cy, comM not liavo existed, in any degree, had not past ad- _ miiiirjtrations sadly neglected our claims to iho hlcssings of bonH's ■ j.piicral education. Lest vour Tlxcellency should doubt our [ifficient apprcluMision of iho inatter (though we have practi- o.iHy full and sulK.-rod from the evil,) wo l:umbly rofer your 1'A'celleney to Iho language of our Ijonest anii honotod rej)re- Milativcs, at the op(;ning of the present session of our I'arlia- t — ''W'ci have also been anxious, in past years, to make men charac- scrvedly iumI; and | ,;,,. njcans of education general and easily a,'ai!abl(.'; but it has are re ner than )iily lately become luiown to the Legislature, that a bountiful provision in lands was made by the Crown about 40 years ago, though sincu deteriorated, by a recent secret unlavorablo ex- cliaiiue ibr inferior lands. Tijf University of Kind's C'olle S^ was grounded on Royal Charter, sought for and granted in ISiU, upon principles, so exclusive and sectarian, as to render itdoservedly unacceptable to the great body of the peo[)le, for whose benelit it was, professedly, intended ; and altiiough the most reasonabhj modiHcations were suggested by a series of rosokitious in 16'21), yet it is now, for the tirst tifne, that youi* Excellency has been enabled to announce, iVom hid Majesty's avt rntnent, any spcciHc proposition respectini It. N or ought wo fail lo notice, that large appropriations have been made out (n[\\(i University Fund, not to the district and tov.-nshii) schooh, un deservedly neg'ectcd, but to sustain Upper Canada (^jllege i:i this City, in which the sons of all the wealthiest families arc educated, and which ought, therefore, to be supported, without soquustionable an encroachment on public fund. To this statement we can add, the untiring etforts of our re- presentatives for the sale of the Clergy ileserves and the ap- pi'opritition of their proceeds to the purj)Oses ol' general educu- have hitherto proved unavailing — and, although a philo- phical npparjitus purchased out of the taxes gathered from die people, in the year 1800, has ever since, been unused, mouldering and decaying in the garret of the Hospital; yet tlOll, 80 •4 ■ Ji IB 118 MEMORIALS, &C. wlien ihe industrious classes, after cleaning and repairing it, humbly solicited his late Excellency, Sir John Colborne, for the use of it, in their institute, it was peremptorily refused. AVe, therefore, humbly pray your E.xcelleney, under those mortifying and humiliating circumstances to accept the above painful facts, and extracts from the records of our Parliament, as an apology for any alledged necessity for your Excellency's gracious condescension, in using plainer and n:ore homely lan- guage, for the level of our undeistnndings. But it is because we have been thus mal-treated, neglected, and despised in our education and interests under the svstiiiii of government which has, heretofore, prevailed, thnt \vc are now driven to insist upon a change which cannot be for the worse. In the further language of our Commors' House of Assembly, we can aver that '* the uniform experience of nearly half a century has forced the conviction, contirmed by the his- tory of nations, that no richness of soil, or salubrity of climate, no wealth in public lands, or industry and economy among a deserving people, can insure their peace, welfare, and prosper- ity without the posjjcssion ol' those suitable institutions whicli will yield cheap, honest, and responsible goveriiment." Now, your Excellency is pleased to answer us, on this oc- casion, by declaring, that the system of government which has prevailed from the time of Simcoe, is the best for us, although it has, by its vices, reduced us to so deplorable a condition of grievances, that even your Excellency recognises il, this day. in the following just and sententious language to us — "The grievances of this Province must be corrected; impar- tial justice must be adnnnistered; the people have asked for il; their Sovereign has ordained it; and I am here to execute his gracious commands; delay will only increase impatience." Thus is the exigency of our alTairs frankly admitted by your Excellency^ in both the Civil and Judicial Departments; and surely it is the province of wisdom, not merely to relieve the present exigency but to remove the causes which have produc- ed it, in the past, and will, if suiFered to continue, re-producc it in the future; for the like causes will ever produce the like effects. However much, therefore, we might command tlie at- tention of your Excellency to see that "the grievances of this Provinc;.i" are redressed, and "impartial justice administered, ' we are determined, by means of institutions better organised and directed, to prevent the recurrence of such wrongs; be* cause it is of it, after Your E; ^^c. Bnt lory of th however, r admin istra been equa forth expe but each, I redressed, very fact, cessors, u would be were loss er succeed cessivc G obliges us period of deploral)Ie iiHtitution? While c successio 1 respoasibl and ho in responsihi with all y< sent govei degree; it to the sac by such a age, as to of which sibility. Dalhou hnd, and verned th impenche their ver' them to I verally n lairs, un they had pairing it, I borne, for e fusee], nder those tlie above arliamont, ccellency's umely Ian- neglected, tlie svstciiii itit \vc are be for the House o\ e of nearly by the iiis- of cljmutc, ly among w k1 pros por- tions which It.'' on this oc- l wiiich has IS, although condition of 1, this day, tod; impar- .sked for it; execute his tience." ted by your :nncnts; and relieve tlie ive produc- re-producc ice the hlvC nand tlie ut- nces of this ninistered,"' r organised vrongs; be» MEMORIALS, &C. 119 cause It is wiser to prevent evil, than to hazard the correction of it, after it has arisen, or has perhaps, become inveterate. Your Excellency is pleased to say, "1 am here to execute," S^c. But your Excellency's predecessors throughout the his- tory of this country have made similar professions yielding however, nothing but bitter disappointment. The issue of the lulniinistration of a Gore, a Maitland, and a Colborne, has been equally disastrous; each, in its commencement, holding forth expectations as flattering as those from your Excellency; but each, finally, aggravating our need for "grievances to ho redressed, and impartial justice to bo administered." But the very ff^ct, that your Excellency has begun, like your prede- cessors, is a reason for apprehending the same result; for it would be olFensive to your Excellency to assume that they were less wise, impartial, and honorable than any vvho may ev- er succeed them. The hopes of amelioration from each suc- cessive Governor have been uniformlv delusive; and candor obliges us to assure your Excollencp, that even in this early ])fi!'iod of you:' g(jvernment, our condition has become more (JL'plorable than ever, and the very nature andstabtlity of our institutions involved in alarming uncertainty. While our condition has been thus growing worse, under a succession of new Governors t'rom England, they having been responsible to the Minister in Downing Street. With our plain and houK^ly understandings, we cannot comprehend how mnly and jiuhliclylo declare, that being dwtermined to hold an irresponsible, or more strictly speaking, air acceptable Executive Council, you holJ yourself responsible for their acts, as well as your own; and considering the sort of Council you have about you, W(> cannot foresee the mngnilude to which your Excel!cnc\ "s responsibil- ity may extend. On your Excellency's account, therefore, ps well as our own, we do humbly and heartily desire to see yon surrounded by confidential servants, not likcdy to involve yo'j:' Excellcmcy or dissatisfy t!ie country. We do not, however, understand how tlie Council can be called "non-respectable,"' when your Excellency voluntarily places yourself as a substi- tute, answerable for their misdeeds to the Minister in Downing Street. But who can avail himself of this responsibility, in or- der to seek any redress? Can .. be reasonably required, that one of a community "whose whole revenue does not equal th'^ private fortune of many an English connnoner,/' shall carry ids complaint 4,000 miles of}* transmit the evidence, rebut nny unjust defence, fee lawyers and agents; in a long, tedious, pro- tracted litigation in Downing Street, worse than a suit in chan- cery, where, before the m!)tt(!r can be investigated, one min- ister succeeds another so rapidly as to defy continuous inqui- Thia responsibility to Downing Street has never yet saved a single martyr to Executive displeasure. Robert Gourloy '(.: _?■'■■■? MEMOUIALS, &C. 121 still lives in public sympathy, ruined in his fortune, and over- whelmed in his mind, by ofticial injustice and persecution; and the late Cupt. Matthews, a raithlul servant of the public, bro- ken down in spirit, narrowly escaped being another victim. — The learned Mr. Justice Willis, struggled in vain to vindicate himseir and the wounded justice of the country; and the ashes of Francis Collins and Robert Ra.idaH lie entombed in a coun- try in whose service they suffered heart-rending persecution ;ind accelerated death. And even your Excellency has disclos- ed a secret despatch to the Minister in Downing Street, (the verv alleged tribunal for justice,) containing a most libellous matter ngainst U^rn. Lyon M'Kenzio, Esq. M. P. P.; a gen- tleman known chiefly for his untiring services to his adopted and grateful country. We will not wait for Ihe immolation of any others of our public men, sacrificed to a nominal respon- sibility, which we blush to have so long endured fertile ruin of so many of his Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects. Itiseasy to say when wrong is done by the Executive Counc. I of the Province, to any individual or infiividuals, the Governr'r is responsible for lh<3m to the Minister at Downina: Street; but for all practi<;al ends, it might as well he said, at our antipodo.-. Your Excolleiicv asks us, with reference to your h\te Counci!, •vis it usual I'or one person to insist on bearing another person's biain(3l"' It seeins, may it picnsu your Excellency, to have hcen usual to do so, for you insist upon being answerable for ihe acts of your Council, against their will. But inasmuch as it appears to your Excellency, as well as to our plain and simple minds, unreasonable for one man to insist on bearing another pi.'i'Sijn's blame," we the more earnestly insist that the Execu- live Council should bear their own blame, and not saddle it up- on your Excellency, however graciously disposed your Excel- lency may be to assume it. Your Excellency is pleasod to say, that, the political party which demands responsibility for my Council, know perfectly well, that the power and patronage? of the Crown are attached lo it, and it is too evident that if they coulrl but obtain this mar- I'ow, the empty bone of contention, namely, responsibility If* l!io people they would soon he too happy to throw away." Re- If^pecting these strictures of your Excellency on the purity of ilieir njotives (which we deem most patriotic and honorable.) we forbear to offer any remark. "Charity thinking no evil." ^'^U confining our views to what can be gathered from the ro- ll 4 '■'. 'i. '^'Jm i I'il M !'■ i :i •;i; hi 1. 122 MEMORIALS, &C. presentations of your late Council, we had ratiier that the pow- er and patronage of the Crcwn were exercised by your Excel- lencyt after receiving the conscientious advice of your swom advisers, known and acceptable to the people, than your E\, cellency's unadvised and arbitrary pleasure; and we think ilij case rendered even worse, by the interference of a ministor 4000 miles olF, too distant from the scene of government, an] too unacquainted with our complicated localities lo form a judg- ment u[jon which he ought to decree, or with which the pc pie interested ought to be satisfied. What your^lvxcellency is pious. ed to call tlie '-marrow of flie bone,'Ms coiistitutionaily iMteiii. ed to nourish, enrich and benefit the "industrious classes" and the whole community; and your Excellency's candor, will nn doubt pardon our reluctance wliolly to confide (without tluj uj. vice of your Council) to your Excellency as 'm stranger laie- ly arrived among us, ignorant even of the j)'^ditical ditlorcnces of ihe parent state, and avowedly unacquainted with the waiil. and condition of this Province.'' We b-'g leave to assure your Excellency, that the "bono" to which your Excellency alludes, has been in the kec[)ing(i' successive Governors responsible to the Minister in Downiii:^ Street; and at one time it abounded with ♦Mnarrow,'"' and wiu even the nucleus for much solid and valuable nutriment, all in- tended to form a source of national wealth to be improvu!, husbanded and applied for our peace, welf;ireand good govein- ment. It is with profound, and we greatly fear with unavaiiini;' regret, we inform your Excellency that while subject tu V.x above custody and responsibility, the "bono" had been peeked so bare as to leave little of the "marrow'' behind. Under these circumstances we hone your Excellency will commend the *industrious classes,' and others for so fir learn- ing wisdom from woful experience, as no longer to confide their best present and future interests, their civil and religicjs lilier- ties, and all that endears a man to his country or to the woiM, to a succession of Governors, nominally responsible at Down- ing Street, to a succession of ever changing iMinisters. It i-; unreasonable to expect it; we should betray our c )untry i') consent to it. We cannot altogetlier agree with your Excellency that "liio only consolation which should support an honest man in an ar- duous duty is the reflection that lie is ready to alo-se for every error he commits, and that he is subject to arraignment if lie offends." The highwayman and the pirate might and often MEMORIALS, &C. 123 have pleaded the same; have even been ready to make atone- ment i)y restitution, and after * arraignment' expiated their crimes according to law. But a St.'ilesin.'in, a Governor, or a King, is j)re.sunicd to bo influenced by higber molives and moro exulted principles The discliargn of cv(3n an arduous dufy, cannot, and ought not, to be satisfactory to us, if performed in nnunconstitutional way. in some countries the end gained, howi.'ver valuable, might bo so laintcd by the means, as to make it treason. We desire, not only to bo governed well, but to !;o governed constitutionally; at the very least, according to tliu present charter of our liberties. The fear of personal lia- bility to 'atonement' or 'arraignment' is a very subordinate pro- tection against the abuse of power, when the complaint Is made mrainst a ])erson entrenched in autliority, and armed with pat- luii.igc; vvhoKo very breath confers infUiJiice and office, or takes tiiein away; whose liability is to the very Minister who is his pitron, and is naturally disposed to vi.-.iw even his aberrations with a favorable and excusing eye. On that account, among others, we desire, in our governmcnf, some higher security \ than a disposition to atone, or a liability to arraignment, in its nature and circimist mces, almost impracticable and almost iihvays unsuccessful. it is on this account, may it please your Excellency, we de- fIi'c to see every Governor surrounded by confidential advisers; who, from their locaf knowledge, can suj)ply with sworn advice as the Hurest means of preventing error or the humiliating ne- cessity of 'atonement' or 'arraignment' for it. According to Holy Writ "in a multitude of councillors there is safety;" it is, therefore, natural for us, rather to wish to sec the manage- ment of our affairs, by your Excellency, with the aid of an ac- ceptable Council, than by your Excellency alone. Your Ex- cellency must take advice, upon assuming a new government, in a country in which you are a stranger; and it has been, to us, a source of painful mortification and disappointment to find that your Excellency wms consulting irresponsible individuals, neither possessing, nor entitled to political confidence, even to the humiliating exclusion of your sworn advisers, provided by law and selected by yourself. Hence it is that there has been scarcely a single act of your administration satisfactory to the community your Excellency perhaps intended to serve. It is against ourselves and our friends engaged in the com- mon cause of constitutional government, that your Excellency seirns to direct the charge of preventing your "tooting up the 4 " it'i V- m, r. $^' m I., i i i 1 H M IV * I N i ! I' i- ■ 1, ■ \ U^ i ; !■>■ li: '^ 124 MEMORIALS, &C, troo of abuse because they Iiave built and feathered their nc8(«] in its branches." In tius ♦tree' many indeed have *built nnj feathered their nests;' but heietotore Ueformora have never been allowed even to porch upon its branches, repose in its shade, or partake of its t'ruit. The ultra-tories, who have uii. happily held your Excellency's ear and confidence, have en- joyed a complete monopoly; and it is an historical fact, tha: our Governors, among the rest, have *built and feathered their nests,' and then carried their accumulated wealth, with ihum. selves, out of the country. Wo trust your Excellency will feel on this subject how unjust it is that a community (as your Ex. ob serves) whose public revenues do not exceed the incoine of many a commoner in England, should be calied upon to pav for the administration of even an irresponsible govermneiir, w sum almost equal to that received by the President of the Uni- [fc'd Stales, with a trjinseendaiit wealth and power that put our comparative condition to shame. We are surprised at the information your Excellency givcv) us, that the Executive Council of the Provii.cc is " sworn to bo dumb;" for wo aUvays thouglii they were sworn to advise the '\ing and his Representative upon our aflairs. Supposing; yoiii' Excellency were so far to unseal their mouths as freely to re- ceive! their, advice, v>o see no diflicultv in its heinfj eivon se- erctly, yet responsibly. In England, [Ministers give their ad- vice, under an oath of secrecy, and are still responsible.— There can be, therefore, no greater inconsistency in such a relation subsisting between your Excellency and your Council. Actions often indicate more strikiii{)iii!cd by his JMiijcsty, his heirs and successors, within such i'rovnc e, for the alFairs thereof,'' that wo must b(diovfi some evil and irresponsible advisers have put into your I^xcellency's JKUids a mutilated copy of our Constitution. We cannot rec- (,;icile your present declaration with your reply to your laic JlxeciUivo Council, in which your Excellency distinctly admits, iliiit tlic most liberal construction, which can pot-sibiy be put upon ihat act amounts to this; "that as an Executive Council was evidently intended to exist, the remnant of the old one oii^ht not to be deemed tot;illy extinct, until its successor was nj)|)oiiited. However this latent intention of Ids Majesty to create a Council for each of the Provinces of his Canadian liomiiiions, was soon cif;arly divulged in a most in^portant doc- iitncnt, commonly called the 'King's Instructions,' in which liio Executive Council was regularly constituted and declared !is follows: *'\Vhcreas we have thought fit, that there should be an Executive Council for assisting you, or the Lieut. Gov- ernor or person admiiM'stering the government of the said Province of Upper Canada," * * * "and to the end that our said Executive Council may bo assisting you in all aflairs lolnling to our service, you are to communicate to ihem, so rnanv of our instructions, wherein iheir advice* is mentioned to bo requisite, and likewise all such others, from time to time, ns you siiall find convenient for our service to be imparted to them." It is therefore as plain as law can be written, that the Con- stitutional act provided for the appointment, by his Majesty, of an Executive Council, and that the King has, accordingly, created sucli a Council *'to the end that they might be assisting to your Excellency in all aflairs relrting to iiis Majesty's ser- vice." This council so organized, is now as much a part of our constitution, as the great council of Parliament. The law f>llo\vs the people to elect the House of Assennbly, and gives the King the power of summoning whom he pleases to the Le- gislative and Executive Councils; all are alike created or pro- vided for by this act, though it does not specify by nantie, the particular individuals to constitute either of them. ir 4 M ^';^ /"';■. J !■ mi '4 126 Memorials, IC. i, •i^ i; \'.' n I. ' fe:M < . i ■* ¥^ IK f ■ ; S'> i|; '/'■■'■ ii Mil •! -; i-i ,' : ; ' ■' Wo welcome the concession of your Excellency, to liic merit of the nhic and enlightened SIMCOE, to whose memory we would cheerfully erect a monument. We never said ilm- that justly revered representative of the King either did < could alter tiie law. lUit wo still think, that an ablu and ( ;, lightened man, who assisted in passing the law, amidst all ti,. debritc'ii upon it, and who was first commissiom^d to put it ii,;i. operation, was, of all men, best quid i lied to explain that Inv. and its intended seoj)e and applicaiion. SiM(X)i;, with <'dl 1,: pcrsonul knowledg(! about the law and law givers, declared llir- it wfTs intended to give ns, not a mutilated (J(-n>li'ution, 1 one "Tm: vi:uy iimaok A.\n 'j'j'AN!':cinrT of tuat of (ir.KA; }3ritain;'' your Excellency, on the eijnlrary, alter the lap- of nearly half a century, asserts, that neither the law nor tii; law givers, of whom Simcoe v>as one, ever gave or intoudiNi to give what Simeoe, in the name of the King, solemnly ii;- nounecfj frons the Throne. In England, our folhjw-subjccts have a King, with bis jy,:\- GCutive (,'ouncil, (conmionly called his Privy Council,) a IIoum; of Lords and a iioiise of Commons: in this country we IjiUl corresponding institutions, viz: a representative of the Kiiir. with an Executive Council, a Legislative Council and a Ilouhc of Assembly. We only ask that these institutions should lie j)Ut into f>peration in a manner corresponding to what is prac- ticed in England, and conseq^jently that the Executive Coui- cif, under oath, should as full}' and freely advise your Excil- lency on alFairs here, as the Privy Council, under oath, advi.^c his most gracious Majesty. This is what the Constitution;.! act implies, — it is what Simcoe announced, — it is what our ii!.' crties require, and what nothing, without our own consent, can lawl'ully abridge or take away. If your Excellency will not govern us upon these principle^, vou will exercise arbitrary sway, — vou will violate our chai ter, — virtually abrogate our law and justly forfeit our suboLS- sion to your authority. We have the honor to be, Sir, your Excellency's Most obedient, humble servants, JESSE KETCFIUM, JAMES H. PRICE, JAMES LESSLIE, AND'W. McGLASHAN, JAMES SHANNON, ROBERT McKAV, xM. McLELLAN, TIMOTHY PARSONS, WILLIAM LESSLIE, JOHN MILLS. E. T. HENDERSON, JOHN DOEL, JOHN E. TIMS, Wm. J. O'GRADY. Memorials, &c. 127 f I! 'I Gro.'it as was llic coiistilutional qn(3stion, for which the country coiilt'ncli'c), yet it was simple hi its nature. They Jind imder lh(! 31si(ien. Ill, ;iu KxeciUive Council coiistitu- ted l>y the royal instiiiction ; this IsxeciUive (.'ouiicil they desired to see dischar'^iiiL'" tlic duties heloiiyin(r to it; as it is the duty of Parlian.cnt to k'^jishite, sotliey considered it the duty orthe l^lxicuiive Council to advise. Tlicy simply proposed that all pnhlic a(];iirs, a[)perlainin^ to the admin- istration, should j-ass under their review, pr(^paralory to the tinnl and discietionary aeiion of the jiovernor upon tliem; and, (issuredly. tin jjt.'oplc, upon wliose aflaiis and hioliest interests, the advice is t^ivcn, should he allowed to see the ropresentalive ot ltU5 KIult surrounded hymen, alike pos- sess in ii' his confidence, and that ol' the country. The oreat (jueslion, theii. heiore the country, vvas not whether they should have the censiitution and lorrn ol 'government of the United .States, introduced and eslahiished amouir them, but simply whether tliey, his majesty's subjects in I'pper Cana- (ku should enjoy tlie acknowledued principles of the IJritish Conslilution — whether they should have the same ri^^hls and privileges, that their fellow subjects in the United King- dom enjoyed, and which had always, heretol'ore, been ad- mitted in theory, allbouoh denied in practice; whether the advisers of tbiO Lieur. Governor were men of sound hberal principles,and possession; the confidence of the peojiie wliom tliey were sworn to serve, or persons imknown and irre- sponsible, and consequently, under no restraint or account- ouncil, he declared that the constitutional act considered him only in the capacity of a iiiinister, liable lor his own acts and those of his council, iliat it was, thereiore, optional with him whether he should consult his constitutional advisers or not ; hut when it was proposed in the House to impeach him, he shifted horn the character of a mere minister, into a representative of the iving, who '^coidd do no wrong^' and is above all law; one day he was a minister, in order to assume power and act wrongfully, another day he was the representative of the King, to oust the courts of justice of their jurisdiction. The 4 :ll i. % Si ' i i n 1 ■ i 4i. h > 1 'I ] l\% Jit I 128 MKMOltlALS, &C. %l Is I ('• .' ' ii: i/^' ■ I m . despotic and uiiconstitiitioual principles aniionnced and dc fended Uy l.ini, and Ins avowed deteiminatioii lo adhere Id them; the i\ r'nniieal and nnjnsl conrse jMiiMied hy him, towards thi; lale eonncil, ihe hillerness ol "H'ehni^" whieli hu was known m iMilerlain townrd all who thon^hl it their dai- ly dnly to ()])j)ose liini; the inientit)n which his pid)henct!5 evinced to pei'pelnatc and aa'uravale, and h) eiicrish tiie sys- tem, and i;.v(.)r the ])ail^ so nineh losleri'd iuid complainnl of under ins j)redeeessor, destroyed all Inlnre lioi)e oi"a jiiivi and cquitahde administration of the muvtrnment, Tlie llonNeoT Assemhiy remonstrated, wnrmly, airniiist the iinconsiitntional ninnner in which he disehargcd his lulu council, in llie lollowin:;" address: "Wc, His JMajeJty's dntlCul and loyal suhjects, tlic (Com- mons ol" L'pjier C'anada, in Provincial Parliament assembled lmml)lv beir leave to iniormyonr i^ixcellencv, that we have with deep I'cirret learned that your ["IxeellencVj has hctn induced to can;e the late Executive Council to tendiM' tlicir resjo-muions to ssiats in the ('ouneil, under circunistniircs wliifih still ennl)led your Kxceilency to declare, that your estimation of their talents and inteiiiity, as v^ell as your per- sonal regard for them, remained unchanged ; and that un- der tfie present excited stale of public feeling ni this colony occasioned hy the recent proceedings between your Excel- lency and the late Executive Council, and the appointment of a new Council, (;is appears by the Gazette Extraordina- ry of Monday the 14th March inst.,) composed of Robert B. Sullivan, John Ehr.sly, Augustus Baldwin, and William Allan, Esquires, this House feel it to be a duty they owr. alike to His Most Gracious Majesty, and to the people of this colony, whose representatives they are, to avail them- selves of the (irst opportunity to declare at oiice to ^'ovir Excellency the entire want of confidence oi this House in tiie last ni<^ntioned appointments, and deep regret that yonr Excellency consented to accept tlie tender of resignation of the late council, and humbly request your Excellency to take immediate steps to remove the present council from such their situation. MARSHAEL S. B[DWELL, Speaker, Commons House of Assembly^ ) 24th March, 1836. ( Mi:ri. t^ALWf At, 120 M , Miis Qnixolo, however, j)l'infz( d li'ow one extreme lo iljcr. lie loilhwitli dij>so^ d ll.e Ifoiiseof Assembly. li, >rcs .iuiii" to ndviMj him er? iIk hoicc ol hiy councillors. Til iiliair.'- I the Province vve' ihrown into conlusion, iiiK, thcjec le into a state ol . ♦ s^'tration, by tliis unexpect- ed tveiit: and to {. ,' to tli- 'f aire dy enoririous gricviinces, |;c ordered as an .u; hiioii , ihe |>ul)iic lands of the estab- lished church, I oT .1 12 ac > s to he set Jipnrt injieu orthe cler- ny reserves not appf«»priiit(jd in the Huron tract! And :c^2,051 iicrrs were granted as an additional endowment to the church onMiiiiand clerjiy, for which patents v;ere completed, and i.riH acres ;is an endouuient to tlie church ol" Kngland, lor which |)atents are not eonipleted. 51.057 acres were ;(t iipart as olehes lor the elnircli of J'lnoland, and 85,000 [\c\cs rc(:()?/imcii(/(:d lo he ^iveii as pjehes ; 235,20(3 acres were iij)plied for as irlebes, by the IJishop of Quebec, to bo sclecied tliereafter ; 1,202,250 acres of (deri;iy resc^rves, to he disposed of for the benefit ofthe churcli. The above in- formation was o-iv'en to the Assembly by Mr. Sullivan in JSo<). The following' summer. Sir Francis as he was trav- (Jin^'tlirouirh theliOndon district, called at the tavern of Mr. Jcysc Pauldin^•, (now a citizen of Cleveland,) for a fresh !j(ltof liorses, who very coolly told him, "that ho would not disgrace his horses by hirinf»* them to such an liUlrafrcous cursed fool as he jjroved f.o he.'"' Sir l-'rancis licaved a sich, scratched his head and proceeded with his latigued span some ten miles, when ho was apprehended lor a h >rsG thief, but was accjuitted for want of proof. The jvison who caused him to be apprehended was one of the down east, ereen horned yankees, who, on fmdinix his mis- take, n marked very sol criy, to the magistrate, before whom Sir Francis was examined, that the crcfur miijht be a ffov- ernur, for au^jht he knew, but he looked so tarnation irriilty, that ho took him for 0. liorse thief, particularly, as the ofi horse looked exactly like the one he had lost. < •K! } m 'vt-' ' I I ',-tt' ms h h I" if ;i The Loiii^ rii'-lianical. On his ri>tuni to Toronto, after tliis ndveiitiirc, lie ]v\{\ Jiis Ji'.'irs, iVoiii tlio cold liciar lit lio nccived in the J.oi). don Distnct. that he hiid Jd.vi riithor inii iiidcntly in dr. soivintj* so suddenly iho ih^wsc oi' Ai^scnihly. I'o was snt. isHed ii'oin liis recent tonr ihroniiii tho Province, thaltli" Kci'orniers were iho most nnnierous; loo lioncst to ho l)oii:;lif luid too resolnte to be inliniiihited. IIo therelorc. adopted the doidde plan — first, o( a|ip(>aliii'^- to tlicir passions and tlicir inlei"est:j; and then, as hi;> forlorn. Iinpc^ iio stimula- ted tlie Orano'enien willi the sliilhdahs, to drive them I'roiii the ^x)lls. JSir I'^rancis was a whole souled, thorouuh ^o- ingnian ; no half measnrcs for h.rn; the whole or neiluiiii- was always hisrnotto. The radicals he mnst pnt down Ly all means, ri^dit or wronii'. To attain his object, the most innanmiablo njaterials in theconntry were excited. All he said, and all he pnblislied, was calcnlalcd to arouse the worst passions of the hnnian heart, and to nrge on his em- issancs and parlizans to deeds of blood-shed. In the fir^t place, he attempted to persuade the people, that tfic late Assembly contemplated, in conjunction with one or two leading o;entlenicn in the Lower l^rovince, to invito an in- vasion from the State of New-Yorlc. In his reply to an address of certain electors in the Home District, he stated that " he was well aware that one or two individuals of the Lower Province, and the '.ate House of Assembly in Upper Canada, inculcated the idea that this Province is about to be disturbed by the interference of foreiofners, whose power and whose numbers will prove invincible. In the name of every resfiment of mil ilia in the Province, I publicly pro- mul^rate — Let them come if they darn IV^ But his address to the; electors of the New-Castle District, if possible, transcends all that he had said or done before; Tilt: LONG iVVJlLtAMr.iNT. 131 i !!>: (I ,1 en and would of itself bugroiiiifl for his iiiipcMicliiuont. ''As voiu" J)istrict," said he, '' has now tlm iinporlaiit duty to jiertorm ; of electiiii,' represetitatives for a new I'arhauient, I think it may priicticiilly assist, if I clearly lay heri)re yon, what is the coiidiiet I nitend inlkxihly to piirMie, in orihT iJHithy the ehoiee of your in)\v ineinh'Ts, you uiay rt'solvc ('ith(!r to support or oppose nu^, as you may tliiuk pro|»er. 1 consider that uiy ehiu-a(!ter and vonr intiM'ests areenihark- (ti III one and the same boat. 11 i)V my admini.-^tration I increase your wealth, I shall claim lor myself credit which It will l)e totally out of your power [o withhold fiom me; il I diminish your wetdth, 1 lijel it would be hopeless lor any one to shield me tVom l)|aine. ''As we have, therefore, oiu; common obj(.*ct in vi(nv, the |,laiii cpieslion lor ns to consider is, wlncli of us has \\u] i:ro;iIer [jower to do j)er ('anada? or in oilu^r •.'/aids, (.'an yon do as nuich li'ood to vour^-elycs as 1 can lo lor yoM ? ll IS my opinion, you ciimot' it i> my opin- ;i that if yofi choose to dispute with me, and live on bad iriiis with t'le mother coimuy, yon will, ti> use a homc^ly lihrase,oidy quarrel with your own hrcad and htUttr. If yon like to try the experiment, by ehjctino: members who will aLTain stop tlie supj)lies, do so ; for I can have no objoc- fioii whatever. On the other hand, if yon choose fcarless- i\'to embark' your interests witli my character, depetid up- on it, I will take paternal care of them both. "If I am allowed, 1 will, by reason and mild conchict, bcijin first of all by tranqinlisinir tlic country; and as soon ;!S that object slndl be gained, I will use all my inllucnce with his Majesty's irovernment to make such alterations in ilip land iirantinir departments, as shall attract into Upper Canada the redundant wealth and population of the mother ountry. Men, women, and money, are what you want and if you will send to Pariiament mrmlx^rs of moderafo politics, who will cordially and devoid of all self-interest, assist me, depend upon it, you will i^ain more than you possibly can do, by hof;e!e^sly tryinir to msnlt me; for kt vonr conduct be what it may. I am quite determined so lonsf as I occupy the station I now do, neither to aive of- fence, nor take it » His next appeal was to the clergy, implorini? them as they f • ii ( N i 1 lif'i ■'•I' ■ > 1 i . ! -^ ! 132 THE LONG PARLIAMENT. valued the King's favor, or their own personal interests, to exert their pastoral iutiiiencc witfi their respective concre. gatioiis, to induce tfiem to vote for the tory candidates.— liegardless of their sacred character, the peace and prosper- ity of the Province, these l)irelin(Jf sycopliants, or rather wolves in shtjcp's clothing-, obeyed the unholy mandate to the very letter. In public and in [)rivate, and even iVoni the sacred desk on the Sabbath, they C(}ased not (o scaiidii!- isethe^ure and patriotic intentions of the lleCorniers, and denounce ,tiieni as enemies to the church and iha ^^failh once delivered to the sauifs,'^ for virtuously opposiijo- ih,; unconstitutional measures of a cruel, vindictive and tyraii- ical Governor. While these holy men were thus at work, Sir Francis, on his part, was not idle, lie brouuht iniu play all the means of corruption which his hij^h otlice pla- ced within his reach. Reissued out new commissions to militia oliicers throughout the Province; appointed in ev- ery coiuity larii-e balclies of mao-jstrales of the most iiriio- rant juid sycophantic characters; and to secure more |)er- manently the interest and influence of the Oraiiire fnclioii. the Gov^n'ument liouse was painted inside and out with oran<^e colors. Hut to secure the elections the more eilVc- tually, he adopted the most hartj-faced and corrupt means of creating voters. He gave deeds for sand-banks whereon aspire ^f irrass nev^er i^rew, nor ever will, to thieves and murderers, conQned for trial in the Toronto jail, to enahio them to vote for his favorite candidate, and, afterwards pardoned tliem, Ijcsidos this, upwards of five thousand deeds were distributed through the Province to effect the elections. These deeds were promis d to be delivered to the now vet r , free of all charges, at the polls, on their giv- ing their sullVages to the Tory candidates. They did so: each one demanding: his patent as he voted ; but the gov- ernment undents had instructions of a different knid. Tliey politely informed the unsuspejtini,^ voters tliat it was incon- venient to give them just then ; but as soon ;is the election^ were over they should be delivered ; a:ul they took then' names alphabetically, to have them recorded i?i the Heiri:^ trar's ofhce at Toronto. Tlie poor dupes believed all this, and remained at their own expense until the polls closed, ' 5 cougre- idutes.— or ratlicr anclate to veil jroni > sc.Mi id (li- ners, and ^mij^ iIk; id tyraii- at work, iiiiht iiiiu )dice pla- issioiKs to ted in ev- ost iiriio- 110 re |)(jr- e faction. out with ore elt'jf'- ipt iiieaiis wlierooii ieves and to enahii; [ter wards tliodsand eiibct tln! iverod to their ^iv- y diJ so; the iT'tv- 1. Tliey as iiicoii- eh^.ction^' )ok tliou' le Heoiti;d to; whicli turned the scale for the Tory candi- date, b'illeen iiundred were hawked about in the third ridiiJU" of York, to op'j;oso tiie undaunted M'Kcnzie. As another instance of the dishonorable nieans resorl-r; to, by these craven ollicials to coerce the electors, Suihvtm and Khnsley, honorable legislative councillors, went through the city of Toronto before tin; city election, riin! tlireatened tlie nic^'chanis and tradesmen with loss of cns- toiii and stoppage of bank' credit. Among others they cill- cdiij)on Mr. William Ware, a, liii^ddy respectable mcrclian;: and when he candidly inforni'xl tliem th:;t he sliould ur.[ vote for the Governor's nomii!'H\ t'ley aspired him that li' liL' did not, they would not only witiidrauMheir cnsto;]i lio.n bis store, Ijiit would also stop bis cr(jdit at the bunk, itiid prevent his obtaining any iuitlier accommodation there!! It was aenerally supposed that upwards of 25{j,()0t) acres were granted Irom the first of A()rii to tiie tliirty-flrst of .biiy — exclusive of as much more to the (Janada Company, to secure the return of a majority of Tory members. Wdiat these means fell short of accomplishing, the Orange sliilla- lalis sii))plied. (Such were the instruments, ai^l such the means, by which Sir Francis o!)tained one e,f the most bloody and audaciousiv corrupt Parliaments that over disgraced any country, cursed even with sucli a mock representative gov- ernment as is (^an;ula. Heavl became literally detested, not on account of his mean appearance, for that he could not fielp — but for his eoiiduct. lie ruined trade; destroyed confidence between laan and man; denied them their cniistitutional riglits; co- erced the }ieople according to the most a[)proved rules ot 13 I' -i I '1; i - 1 ■ :• ' i ■ 1 -■- i ' 1 134 THE LONG PARLIAMENT. !».:::>♦ if' m 'h 1 >' L ) Hii' i 1 , 1 ! 1 1:1^ ? ■ I i^i' i: li ^•^-'f^i the most tyranical governments in Europe; interfered cor- ruptly in the elections , until he obtained his desire of a mock Legislative Council ; a dumb Executive Council and a sham representation of the people. As a maii, ho scrupled not at base falsehood ; as a Gov- ernor, he involved the country in trouble ; as an EuirHsh. men, he destroyed British interests ; as the King's repre- sentative, he disgraced the dignity of the Crown, and alien- ated the alToctions of the people from the Imperial govern- ment ; as the chief magistrate, he Ibstered discord, and brooded over anarchy until he produced bloodshed and re- bellion. Many a worthy English nobleman snliered the penalty of death for lesser crimes than the author of the "13ubbels of the Brunners" perpetrated in Canada. Immediately after the elections, the people delegiited Dr. Charles Duncombe, M. P. P. for Oxford, to proceed forlh- with to London, to represent the melanclioly state of their afiixirs to the British government, as well as to urge the im- mediate recall of Sir Francis B. Head, and thereby Sc\vo the country from anarchy and bloodshed. But Sir Francis having obtained, through a well arranged system of espion- age, the nature of Dr. buncombe's mission to the Colonial Office, despatched a Mr. Carey, to precede the Doctor with the following cunningly devised letter: ''Toronto, July 16M, 1836. "The republican minority o^ course feel their cause is desperate, and as a last dying struggle, they have, I under stand, been assembling at Toronto niirht after night for the purpose of appealing for assistance to his Majesty's govern- ment! Their convocations are so secret that it is impossi- ble for me to know what passes there; but I have been in fortHed,that they have actually despatched Dr. Duncombe, an American, and a rank republican, with complaints of some sort respecting the elections. "I feel confident that your Lordship will discounten- ance this dark, unconstitutional practice of despatching agents from this Province to his Majesty's government, to make secret complaints against the Lieutenant Governor, which, of course, it is impossible for me to repel.'* THE LONG PARLIAMP:NT. 135 On the above despatch, Dr. Rolph, late member of the Executive Coimcil, remarked in his place in the House ol Assembly, *' If it is a dark and unconstitutional practice to send agents to his Majesty's government to complain of such official conduct, as preceded and attended the late elections. If such conduct is to be approved by the very government from which the people ought to expect and to receive pro- tection ; if this co-operation of the Colonial mmister, is to perpetuate a system abhorrent to every well regulated mind; repugnant to the constitution; subversive of liberty, and based in immorality; the future civil and religious rights of the country are doomed to extinction. Salvation can, in such case, only be expected, from the subversion of such a system from its foundation. Unless the evil is now eflectu- ally corrected, it will equally infect the future, as it has the postelections. The country must, therefore, remember that this execrable policy is not to be viewed in a specu- lative, but in a practical point of view. Shall we ever ao;ain have a free election? This fearful inquiry must be met by another. Will this execrable policy ever again be put in operation? I answer — it will! The same govern- ment, under the same system, will not hesitate to resort to the, same means to gain the same ends. They will not blush to call these means '•energy," "moral courage," and '•forsight;" "services" worthy of " high and honorable tes- limony!" By these virtues we are hereafter to be govern- ed! Canada must now make her choice between the man- ful redress of her inucvances, or a lasting: submission. It is the preservation or extinction of liberty. Repetition will be held corroboration ; and renewed success will harden the workers of iniquity. It is a solemn, but unavoidable altornativ^e. If you recognise these as virtues^ and desire their transmission to your posterity, you have nothing to do; you have only to suffer. But if your nobler feelings rise in arms asfainst such virtues, and the dire inheritance they will yield to your children and your children's child- ren; if you value that purity of civil government which is Heaven's second best gift to man ; if this rude blow has not severed ^our bonds of sympathy from your institutions, civil and religious, and all that endears a people to their country; if liberty shall not by this deadly outrage become ((i tni)ers, and witii ])r. Dunconibe, they wiihslood the shock of the onset and maintained their ground — hid dciilance, and dart.'d them to a fair combat. ]>ut thcv weri; truiltv and {.\WiH\vjl the exposure; Ihey turned and shifted — snw no hope; no way for escape. Fight ihey nuist, or sulli'r a disgraceful defeat. To evade the contest, at one time, they repicsentc(j the Governor as standing in the King's si;oes, who could do no wrong, and therefore above all law and be yo'-ul nnpeach- inent; at another timt^ ihey represented him only ;* ? a Minis- ter, executing the orders of Downingstrect, a)id acecMintabIc to the King only. Hut all was to no |)urj)ose. Thry must stand trial, or be disgraced. There were no possible means of eva- ding it, and they knew it. After much sparring and confusion, they consonred to tlic appointment of a commillee to investigate the cliarge and bring in a bill accordingly. With the excep- tion of two members, this connnittce consisted of the Gover- nor's creatures and h:ingers on; notwithstanding which,' the reform party were so conlident of establishing their point, that t!icy even agreed to tliis one-sided measure. JiUt the\v counted without their host. Sir Francis knew his men. lie propitia- ted each of them, previously, with a slice from liis own hand, and 10 show their gratitude, they perseverin^ly declined exami- ning a single witness on oath; and after sitting day after day, and week after week, they at length, by a pp'conccrtcd strat- agem, in the absence of the reform mcm'jers, signed a leport in behalf of the whole, presented it t(j tiie IIous(i and white- washed Sir Francis all over, on the old |)rinciple, *'ask my brother thief if I am a thief.'' The two rel'orm menibers, find- ing themselves outwitted, by a trick as mean as it was con- temptible, protested against the report as corrupt, insulting to the committee and unworthy the notice of the House. But tho die was cast and the impeachment lost. But another of a more formidable and pointed nature, was shortly to be brought be- fore them, in a difleront shape. McKenzie being now recover- ed, sent to the House the usual notice, that he would contest M ,f^' ;i \ M I J ^^■•i 8" "t ' ft '/ * ' ' I ■ iJ il-:,.^! ■ I- , til i t I 140 THE l^ONG PARLIAMENT. the election of Mr. Thompson, for the 2(J Riding of York, on tlie following grounds, viz: '•Thai at the hist clccliou for a member to represent the second Uidinii: of tlie County of York, in the 1 egishitnre, WiUiani Hepburn, Esquire^ acting Trustee to the Six- INations Indians, was the Returning Ollieer; and the can- didates proposed, and for whom a poll was dc;niandcd and opened, were Hdward William Tiiomson, Ksq. the sitting member, and your petitioner. That His Kxcellcncy, the Lieut. Governor, Sir F. D. Head, unduly iiiteriered with the election and tampered witli the riiihts of the Freeholders. 1st. 13^ putting lorth a variety of threatening, inllani- matory harangues, in violent language, under the form of replies to certain addresses, which were circnU'ited in the shape of handbills, evidjutly with the intention of biasnisj the minds of the yeomanry, previous to the tiien approach [no; election. 2d. By issuing new deeds after the prorogation and dis- solution, and even after polling had commenced, with a view to prev^ent the election of your petitioner, who had been six times successively returned for tfie County and once for ilie Riding, for which lie was, for the eighth time, a candidate. 3d. By allowing magistrates, persons dependent on his will, and others, who were to receive Crown deeds, on con- dition of performing settlement duties, to obtain their deeds, such duties nor having been performed, and this to inllu- ence the election. 4th. By inducing persons, with expectation of offices of honor and emolument, to violate the law, in order to pre- vent your petitioner's election — as, for instance, in the matter of Andrew Shore and wife, committed to jail, on a charge of grand larceny, by Alderman Denison; and hy him and Alderman Gurnett, (the latter a most indefatigable agent in spreading the Lieut. Governor's political repHes. through the Riding,) admitted Shore to bail, insufficient bail, contrary to the statute, which requires all such cases to be brought before one of the Judges of the Court of King's Bench, and allowed Mrs. Shore to go free. Shore THE L()Ny issuing Crown deeds, without a description of boundaries, imder im{)roper advice, in order to eiioct the L'li'Ction. (jth. ]>v deeliijinn^, or refusino* to discountenance Oranore lodges and party j'roceeJings, although in possession of the Koyal pleasure and the decision oi" the l.i'gislature re- s^pcctuiu' them. 7th. iJy issuino- Crown deeds for lands at Pert Credit, although the conditions of sale liad not lieen fuUilU-d, anti by issumg sucli deeds, in some cases, to other jiersons than the original nominees or purchasers, although the practice has been not to sanction transfers by those v/ho had no ti- tles, except under tlie Heir and Devisee act. Sill. And, as your petitioner is advised, by contributing, with his ollicers, to funds, intended to affect the election; by issuing Crown deeds to individuals, upon the condition, expressed or implied, that they would vole for Mr. Thom- son, and this, in some cases, without payment of the pur- chase money, or u]K)n unusual terms. That tlie returning ofiicer, Willitmi Hepburn, Esquire, 111 the performance of the duties of his office at llie said el(jCiion, acted, in many respects, partially, iHega.lly and ignorantly. Amongst others — He administered the oath required to bo taken by free- holders, under the statute 4th William IV., chap. 14, for several days after the commencement of the polling, inva- riably omitttng the description of the estate, on which the elector voted, and substituting only the words '-a freehold," notwithstanding the remonstrances of your petitioner a- gaiiist his doing so, — and your petitioner often endeavored to convince him that any person who had a freehold any f f- II- ^ i ' 1 1 i i '. 1 J n #• ( 'i ;1 142 Tni: LONG PARLIAMENT. i'l' i J ii U where, even if it were in Englund, could take such an onih as he had substituted. After several days, he began to swear the voters to the freehold they voted on, as by law required. He rejected the votes of many electors who offered their votes for your petitioner, and refused to record their names or votes, and discouraged others from coming to the hus- tings, by deciding, on an objection to a vote raised by Mr. Thomson, that i'reeliolders, born in the United Stales, or in any foreign country, should not vote, although they might have been resident in Canada half a century, auil duly taken the oath of allegiance, ajid although they pub- licly offered to take the oaths prescribed by the Statutis. unless each voter, on presenting himself, could produce u paper, purporting to be a Commissioner's certificate, that he had taken the oath of allegiance, such paper not being evidence even when shewn. Early in the election lie permitted this class to go homo. fetch the paper, and return and vote; but afterwards he laid down a rule, that if they had it not with them when asked, they could not return and vote. There are many cases to be cited — your petitioner will refer only to two at this time, by way of illustration : Andrew Cook, father ot Jacob Cook, of Cooksville, one of the oldest freeholders in the Province, and who had vo ted at many elections, was turned from the hustings, be- cause he had not a certificate with him. although he offered to take the oaths required by the statute. Wait Sweet, an old frcehoklor, who lias been half a century in Upper Canada, and voted five titnes for your nelitioiier, who took the oath of allegiance, hcfore Col. Joel Stone, in 1801, and served in the last war, ollbred to vote, and asked to have the oaths required or prescribed by statute, to be athnin- istered to him. He was turned from the hustings, because his certificate was not in his pocket, his right to vole denied, and he was further told not to come back. Uut he soon returned with the Colonel's certificate of 1801, and a certificnte ol' his war services, and he was turned from the hustings, and liis vote rejected by the returning officer, who even re!'used to en- ter your petitioner's objections on the poll book. THE LONfi PARLIAMENT. 143 These and simihr illegal decisions, discourngod many vo- ter;), wIjo considered lliiil to be turned away from the poll in presence of their neighbors, as aliens, was an insult they could not well brook. The returning oflicer did not net uniformly on any rule — ho turned away many who ofH-red to take ihe oaths — he admit- ted others. Your pctiiioncr^had reason to believe that several brothers — Messrs. M'Grath — sons to the Church of Kngland Clergyman ill 'J'oronto, one of them a l\)stina$t('r, another a Court of Re- quests Commissioner, Caplnin of a troop of horse, had no title to tlic property they voted on, the title t)eing in the Crown, of which the returning ollicer had previously been apprized by ihotn, and a raorfgage intervening. Two of them would nut answer any question put to them, either by candidates or re- Hiriiing oflicer, arul the latter decided that they might vote on t;iking the oaihs. which they did, and voted for Mr. Thomson; while those of iMessrs. Sweet, Cook, and many more, were refused, although tendered by old and undoubted freeholders, who were also ready to be sw )rn. After tiie returning officer had acted, for days, on his rule, that no person born in a foreign country, should vote without a nertificate, a violent parlizan of the Executive, Jacob I). Mn- gcrman, came forward, admitted he was born in Germany, produced no certificate, and although it is understood that he and his brother, who voted out of the same lot, came in after 1827, and have not been naturalized, his vote for Mr. Thom- son was recorded. One Henry Miller, a drunken, disorderly character, who had been disturbing the poll for some time, and who has been often in the House of CorrecMion here, was persuaded to tender his vote for Mr. Thomson — but although it was very doubtful whether ho was aware of the nature of the oaths lie took, and there was little reason to believe him a freeholder, his vote was at once recorded. Postmasters and other dependent persons, excluded by the laws of England (adopted here) from interfering at elections, openly busied themselves, electioneered and voted, although your petitioner objected to these proceedings. Other officers of the Government subscribed money, and ac lively busied themselves at the election. Funds were collected from persons connected with the Executive and others, and m^ ■■> i. t, . ; t n i 144 TllK LONG PAULIAMKNT 1*1 employed in collecting, bringing up, treating and intoxiealing voters agninsl your jjciitioncr — in keeping taverns uirj .„j(. Iiousfs, lliu resort ot' worthless and tlisunNjrly pt'rson.s, ope;], frcG ofco.st, to tlioui — and in colN-efiiig bullies and men (jf li;ul repute ab.mt the busliugs, to llic terror of peaceable laiiricr?, Priests, pensioned and iiired by ui(»n<'y |)aid liiein, by his Excelio!:cy and biy government, l)U.s:<:d lliemselv.s tt) pn.'vctit the freedom of election, and to bias tiie m lais of (bo elect. )|:s. VVilJKim r>. Jarvis, I'lStnuro, Siioriti' of ibis District, in cr, rod openly at tb',- (dcetion — stood al (be bu^lings witb a wliii in bis bi.nd, and baiangued tbo:>e present, rt uiiniliiig tbeiii ii,n[ l:'C[ tbo rei'irnicrs vveio tliidr enemies, and mu.st be put down, i!- tbcii cuiiie f'jrward as a voter, an.l m idu use of niosi viil.:'.: and intt-mperafe language, calculated to pruniote diciiirbuucc, This coiiduct the returniu/T odieer did not cbovdv. And our pLtitioiior IS auvis(jn, l:ial tjio sauj hdw-irM \\ \\"\ iiam Tb'Mnson was ;i parts, i:i S(.:veral iu'-tanees, (•) t!i(! tr;:i; »ng, b ri'jcrv, tbroiat; wbicli c 'iiiulaiiit is b jrouuscs, ml otlie llleir |!.M).- re 1 n made; a::d be contend ; thai jlic; n. turn of tiie said iMward W'illia: tb •t I n Tbo.nson, as a m./iub-r 1, serve m iuvs presort farliauK.-nt, is illegal, V'.»ia, aii'i uiie ,:i-i tutional, because !io wus not (dected by ibe <^r(\ite ;: n.iinb.ir i quaii; ■i| voN'S ol tl s;uu liKimi ;i8 there is ;v mij »iil_,- oi ilio said .otes in favor (ii' your priitioncr — because the (.''(M.'tinii was ivii lawi'ully condueteil, but int(.'rfc!rod witb by the Li.m!. Govcrij r and liis (jfiiecrs, by tlie Oraufije io;|u;^;s, by th c; iri;;i* ing, fiM;-;< tiiul \ ii)!eiice, and bv tlu* i)artia!ify and injustice ui ibo returning oiliecr. Bribery, intin^ddation and violence, .".:• we" as liie unjonsi tutional exorcise of the Royal [)rorogativo and the Kxeciiiiv iniluenco, were means made uso of to induce -doctors to vo; against your petitioner, or to prevent their voting fir iii i; means utterly sul)ver'.dve of the freedom ami purity of el, Your oetiorier further rei)rese)its. tlint t'le freeijom a.n (.Liu; li election and t!)':> rig!)! s of t':»( M'S V vore M'), rity oi by combinations r and usually beaded and aidt'd by mas'istrat '•s .),,>! cr oirice-noiuers, and exeiCiStn; v means ol the i:i.'i^i nsseciritions, an unconstitutional iiower and iiiiluenco in the said eb.etio n. Your pi •ho said K void, by r \\ow elect i jnd fairly nor, his ol I'ijrred to, known, an secure to t representa An( Torori This vva *,hc dead ol sing or ev;: Thoy knev prove the ( ho was car and other i 2i'iice them lliroughout| therefore alls of Co I ever, aftei ol* Jan- y, zicfind th corrupt h( like a c;ian declared li givG secur bers remit Si.'lectod fr the most c against fl( or no ex[ said: ''thr but old, w ernor's ch 'hirst not The true lormers. THE LONO rARLIAMFNT. 149 Your petit ionor humbly prnys, that tljo election and rclurn of •ho said Edward William Thomson, mny bo doclarod null and void, by reason ol' ibe matters liercin bel'eio contained; that a iio\v election may lake place, j;o that the people may be truly ind fairly n presented; thut the conduct ot' the Lieut. Gover- nor, his otTicers, the returning onicer and others, as above rfi- forrcd to, may l)e carefidly inquired into, tlie result made known, and such proceedings had, if found necessary, as shall Isc'cuio to tlio electors, in all time to come, a freo and faithful representation in the Legislature. And your petitioner will ever ])rav, W.m.'L. MACKENZIE. Toronto, 2{)lh Dec, 1836." This was like a voice from the dead, or as a tliunder-bolt in *.hc dead of winter. There was no plausible groimd for refu- sing or evadinsj this petition of their uncompromsing enemy. They knew the man and dreaded his ability to expose and provu tho Governor's guilt, as well as th^ir own. Tlii-y knew iiG was capable of proving facts, respecting thf; lalc^ elections andotlier government corruptions, wliich would eternally dis- ?race them, in the eyes of every honest and impartial man, throughout the world, were he permitted a bearing. It was thereibro sickening, tov/itness tlu; tniuerable shifts, these iack- :i!ls of corruption adopftul to prevent an invc-liri^ation. How- ever, after mueh wranorhnsf and manfeuvrin'ij, Fi'\l,iv the 27tlj ol'Jan'y, was fixed for the linal (Migagement, bj^twccn McKen- zicand the fri(;nds of justice on the one side, and Gov. Head's corrupt household troops on the other. iMcKenzie appeared like a giant refreshed with new wine, impatient for the contest; .Jeclared himself ready to produce evidence on oath, and to give security to abide by the conse(juence. The reform mem- bers remiiuled the House that the 2d Riding of York had been dected from a hundred olhnr places in tiie Province, as being the most convenient to the City, and from whence witnesses against Head and his corrupt agents, could be brought ai little or no expense to the public. They pointed to the FJar and said: "there stantls McKenzie's securities; no men of straw, but old, wealthy and res[)cctable freeiiolders." But the Gov- ernor's champions, Draper and Hagerman, sat confounded and 'hirst not look that way. The scene was highly interesting. The true rej)rescntatives of the people, the little band of re- iormers, looked with contempt, at the slavish and craven 13 'l> : .. i Hi !l 4 nf 150 THE LONG PARLIAMENT. 1,^;; .J^- t.»»' 4 • : '1: spirits opposite to them. With pride and exultation they loo! edat Mr. McKenzie, defying the whole host of official corru tionists, with a **dare ye go to trial." Old Judge Jonas Jones, with his six Judgships, hung his head and ate his own words; Ogle R. Gowan and W. Chisholm became invisible;— poor Baby Sherwood, with his upper lip double reefed, and ♦♦dumrne Draper licked the kitchen soup plates, obeyed orders and were tremblingly mute! While in this slate of despai Speaker McLean, after much study, discovered a loop-hola through which to escape. It was this: The law requires the person contesting an election, or his attorney, to appear at the bar of the Elouse and give security for costs, within fourteen days after the first reading of his petition. The Speaker is bound, at the same time, by the same law, to give the con- plainant, or his attorney, due notice, in writing, that his petition was received and read. He is also to notify the peti tioner, or his attorney, the day and hour on which the case should come before the House; and if the complainant or his agent, neglected to appear at the time appointed, he should be debarred of any future remedy. McKenzie presented his peti tion in proper form, but it was not read until the second day after its presentation; consequently Mr. McKenzie counted the time from its reading, and did not appear with his securities until the last day. The Speaker, on his part, either design- edly or unwittingly, neglected to give the usual notice required by law. Notwithstanding this, backed by a majority of tlie tory members, he insisted that the act meant fourteen days from the time the petition was introduced to the House, and not fourteen days from its first reading, and that, therefore, Mr. McKenzie was two days too late. In vain the reform members pleaded that McKenzie was, to all intents and purpo- ses, within the limits prescribed by the Provincial act of the 4th of Geo. 4th, chap. 4th, especially as the Speaker neglected, on his pan, to give the notice required by law. It availed nothing to remind the well drilled majority, that Speaker Mc- Lean's fourteen days were only twelve of the days allowed in all time past; that their proceedings carried extreme partiality and injustice on their very face; that their vote to crush inqui- ry would be, with the public, their sentence of condemnation; but they were alike deaf to reason and justice. When the yeas and nays were taken, fifteen were for inquiry, thirty-two The peo that had n that McKc to disgrac allowed h contest wl of this, th defeated this scene ven up. complaint insulted a moted to 1 hv a cliqi svho, sett their own welfare. agamst It. n they look iciul corrup "fJge Jonai ate his own invisible;— reefed, and >eyed orders of despair, a loop-hol'i requires the ppear at the I* in fourteen Speaker is ve the cori- ng, that his tify the peti- ich the case linant or his le should be ited his peli- second day I counted the bis securities ither design- tice required jority of the ourtoen days House, and t, therefore, I the reform s and purpo- il act of the 3r neglected, It availed Speaker Mc- s allowed in fne partialiiy crush inqiii- ndemnation; When the y, thirty-two THE LONG PARLIAMENT. 151 The people of the Province were now thoroughly convinced, that had not the Governor and his party known, to a certainty, that McKenzie, instead of failing, would bring evidence enough to disgrace them in the eyes of all America, they would have allowed him to go on, and ruin himself with the expense of a contest which would have exceeded 2,000 dollars. But instead of this, they ignobly crept out of the small end of the horn, defeated the ends of justice and disgraced themselves. After this scene, all hopes of redress, from either government, were (riven up. The people saw with regret, their petitions and complaints, to the Imperial Parliament, spurned, their agents insulted and their oppressors, instead of being punished, pro moled to higher honors. They saw themselves, also, governed hy a clique of ruthless tyrants, over whom they had no control; who, setting all justice at defiance, appeared as reckless of their own character as they were regardless of their country's welfare. : f « ill !.l "1 (.■Sir h "^1^ *-.| 'i il ; iil 1l-. m ■ i; i* \W^., .-^T pi!;: ■, I il' I •rl \:' 1'^ i 1 )^- CHAPTER XVII. Great excitement t.'iroughout the Province. Every moral and constitutional means beini,^ now ex hausted, the people began to prepare for tlie \vor>t. Uuinii meetings were iortliwith held in every township, and tlii; ibllov/ing resolutions adopted: "That the shulUing meanness and duplicity of the coloiiifii ofiice, evidenced in the contemptuous treatment of our ac- credited a:xents and petitions and the cordial ruceptioii oi the hireling enemies of the people, have precluded all hope of redress from that quarter ; and thrown reformers on their own resources lor the means of freeing themselves from the grasp of a vile tory faction, and securing themselves and posterity the blessings of peace and freedom. "Tliat the corr- nt and imbecile majority of the present •'bread and butt. ^isembly being elected in direct opposi- tion to the wishi: uf the main body of the people, by the most villianous and dis2:raceful means, and haviniif, on tho demise of the late king unconstitutionally lengthened out their existence, in contradiction to all precedents on simi- lar occasions, we will not consider any laws they may pass as valid or binding on the inhabitants of this Province. "That our present Lieutenant Governor, by his wicked- ly" and^ corruptly interfei iuL'' with the election ; — liis hy- pocracy, ]irevarication and numerous perversions of fucts. as in the case of the Bond andoranije societies; his peurile vacillatiniT policy towards the best interests of the country, has forfeited all pretensions to the distinguished characteris- tics of a gentlemen, and to all political sagacity as a states- man. "That the thanks of this meetinsf are eminently due to Dr. Charles Duncomlie, one of our worthy representatives. for his able and hifdilv talented defence of the risrhts of the M J. 1 '■. m BOTH PROVINCES. 153 people,his promptitude in repairing to England,at the request of the reformers of Upper Canada to lay before the British authorities the disgraceful and corrupt means employed by Sir F. B. Head at the late general elections to secure the re- turn of the present "bread and butter" parliament whose base libel on his character we repel with the contempt it deserves. "That the original intention of institutions for the pur- poses of government, being found on reciprocal support and benefit ; when the government party become destroyeis in- stead of supporters^ an injury in place of a benefit, the com- pact is virtually dissolved, and the oppressed have an un- doubted right to adopt any and every means for the main- tenance of their lights and privileges. That in accordance with the example of the wise men and heroes of 1776, we iiold as self evident truths : — that they are endowed by their Creator, with certain inalienable mhis', that amons* the number of these rights are life, liber- imd the pursuit of happiness ; that it is for the protection and security of these rights,that governments were instituted among men; deriving their just authority only from the con- sent of the governed ; that whenever any form of govern- ment becomes destructivie of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, or to institute a new govern- ment, laying its foundation on such principles, and organ- ising its powers after such form, as to them, shall seem best adapted to secure their safety and happiness. "That instead of honestly redressing our grievances and abuses, as in duty bound, the British government and the two houses of Imperial parliament, have destroyed the fun- damental rights of the colony, in order to reduce and force the people into a base subjection to the oppressions which are preparing for them: that having exhausted the cu'p of re- conciliation to the very dregs,wedo now,henceforth,and for- ever, renounce all intercourse with the British government —that we will arm ourselves with rifes or muskets, and maintain our political and religious rights inviolate, at all hazards, let the consequence be what they may." Such, at this lime, was the state of public feeling in both provinces. In the .Midland, New Castle, Home, Niagara :^;i',i ,lf n I..:'' 4 '■ 4 I 1 ' I 13 '.■>* :\IV r: ; n^ 11 , '. 154 GREAT EXCITEMENT. Gore, London and Western dislricty, the people were armin-T l^hemseives, and drillniir in sniall companies, in the t'aceol the iiuthonlies. On the I3th Nov. 1S37, a large convention ol the free- holders i'annc'rs, nicchanifs and other iniiahitants oi' Toron- to, met at the Koyal Oak Hotel, to consider of, and take uieasrires fjr eiibctnally niaintaininu^ in the colony a frw constitution and rieinocratic fo rni of i^^overnnient. Previous to the adoption of the constitution, tlie iamoiis aiid spirited address of the confederation of tlio sixcouutiej^ to iiie people of Canada was read as Ibllows : Fkllow OiTizKNs : — When a systematic course of op- pression has heen invariably harrrassino; a people, despite of their wishes, expressed in every manner, recos^nised by constitutional usao;e, by popular assemblies, and by then representatives in parliament, after grave deliberatio:i wiien their rulers, instead of redressing their various evils, produced by their ow^n miso;overnmeiit, have solemnly en- registered and proclaimed thou* guilty determination to sap and subvert the very foundations of civil liberty, it becomes the imperative duty of the people to betake themselves to the serious consideration of their unfortunate position; of the danglers by which they are surrounded — and by well con- certed organizations, to make such arrangements, as may be necessary to protect, unimpaired their rights ns citizens and their dignity as freemen. The wise and immortal framers ofthe American decla- ration ol independence, embodied in that document the prin- ciples on which alone are based the rights of man, and suc- cessfully vindicated and established the only institutions and form of government, which can permanently secure the prosperity and social happiness of the inhabitants of this continent, whose education and habits, derived from the circumstance of their colonization, demand a system of government entirely dependent upon, and directly respon- sible to, the people. In common with the various nations of North and South America who have adopted the principles contained in that declaration, we hold the same holy and self evident doc- trines, that God created no artificial distinctions between ^'^! II J ii ( IN BOTH PKOVINCKS. 155 sre arminor (iinti and man ; that government is but a mere liuman in- siitutioii formed by those who are to l)e subject to its good or evil action ; intended for the bt-neht oC ail who may con- sent to come, or remain nnder, its protection and control; unci therelore, that its Ibrm may l)e cfiauiicd whenever it ceases to accomphsh the ends ior w hieli sncli iiovernment u'us estabhslied; that pnbiic anihonties iind men in ollice, arc but the executors of the expri-ssed will ol' the commu- nity, honored, because they possiss public cc^ntidence, respected only so loner as they commiiiid pul)lic esteem, and 10 be removed from ollice the n)onienl they cease to crive ^atislaciion to tlie people, the soiu li'Liiiniatc source of all power. In conformity with ti.csc | linciplcs, and on the (aitli of treaties and capitulations (Ut* red into with our an- (cstors, and guarrantied by the imperial Pariiament, the jieople of this Province have lor a loiio' series of years com- plained b,y respectful petitions of the intolerable abuses which poison tb.eir existence and [)aralyse their industry. Far from considerini: our hun.l^ie prayers, a,Litanding, the universally .-idmitted justice of our demands, and the wisdom and prudence of remedying our complaints, we still endure the misery ol an irresponsible ex- ecutive, directed by an ignorant and hypocritical chief ; — our judges dependent for the tenure of their office on the mere will and pleasure of the crown; for the most part the violent partisans of a corrupt administration, have become more completely the tools and mercenaries of the executive hy adopting the wages of their servility, in gross violation of every principle of judicial independence, from foreign authority, without the intervention of the people to whom, Vjij' |l m II. 1 ' t i M .- !: ill .-s'^ ill-' X |^....hM 'ill i il'i l!'i ^^ (i i i' re lii- '1 ■: 1»i ff 1. 1^ , 156 ADDaESS TO THE PEOPLE through their representatives, belongs the sole right of vo- ting tlie salaries of their pubHc servants; the office holders of the province devour our revenues in salaries so extrava- gant as to deprive us of the funds requisite for the general improvement of the country, whereby our puhhc works are arrested, and the navigation of our rivers continue obstruct- ed ; a iegisliitive council appointed by men resident three thousancf miles from this country, and syslematicnlly com- posed so us to thwart and oppose the efforts of our freely chosen representatives in all measures for the promotion of the public good, after continuing unchanged during the present administration, thereby depriving the country of the advantages of domestic legislation has at length been modified in a manner insulting to all classes of society, dis- graceful to morality, and to the annihilation ofthe respect and confidence of all parties in that branch of the legisla- ture, by the introduction of men for the most part notorious only for their incapacity, and remarkable alone for their political insignificance, thus making evident even to demon- stration, to all, whatever may be their preconceived opin- ions the propriety and urgent necessity of introducing the principle of election into that body, as the only method of enabling the Provincial Legislature to proceed beneficially to the despatch of public business. Our municipalities are utterly destroyed ; the country parts of this province,as a disgraceful exception to the other parts of this continent, are totally deprived of all power of regulating, in a corporate capacity, their local aifairs. thro' freely elected parish and township officers; the rising gene ration are deprived of the blessings of education, the prima- ry schools which provided for the instruction of fifty thou- sand children bavins: been shut up by the Len^islative Council, a body hostile to the progress of useful knowledgCj and instigated in this act by an Executive inimical to the spread of general information among the people. The Je- suit's College, founded and endowed by the provident gov- ernment which colonized this Province for the eiiconrage- ment and dissemination of learning and the sciences there- in, has, with a barbarism unworthy the rulers of a civilized state— disgraceful to the age in which we live, and unpar- ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE. 157 alleled even among the Goths and Vandals, been converted iatOj and is still retained, as a barrack lor soldiery, whilst the lands and property devoted to the support of this and Mmilar institutions huvc been, and conliiuie to-be, squan- dered and mal administered ibr the iidvanlage oi.' tlie favor- ites, creatures and tools oi the governmont. Our citizens are deprived of the benefits of imjjartjoily chosen juries, uiid are arbitrarily persecuted by tlie (Jrown oJiicers, who, to suit the purposes of the vnidiciive govcrnrnear ofwhicli ilieyarc the creatures, have revived proceedings of an ob- solete character, precedents for which are to 1)0 iound only ill the darkest pao-es of British history. Thus, our judicia- ry being sullied by combined conspiiacies oi* a wicked Ex- ecutive, slavish judges, partizan law oiiJcers, and political sheriifs, the innocent and patriotic are exposed to be sacrifi- ced, whilst the enemies of the country, and the violators of all law, are protected and patronised accordinij as it may plense the administration to crush and destroy, to save and jHOtect. Our commerce and domestic industry are para- lysed ; our public lands alienated, at a nominal ])rice, to a company of speculators, strangers to the country; or be- stowed upon insolent favorites as a reward for tiieir syco- ))haiicy : our money extorted from us without our consent, by taxes unconstitutionally imposed by a foreign Parlia- ment, to be afterwards converted into an instrument of our decrradation by being distributed among a howling herd of oflicials, against our will, without our participation, and in violation of all the principles of constitutional lav/. In the midst of their honest and unwearied efforts to I'rocure a redress o^ the foregoing grievances, our fellow citizens, liave been insolently called upon, to give an ac- count of their conduct for attending public meetings, for which they were responsible to no individual, least of all to the person whom chance or ministerial patronage may place for a season at the head of our Provincial govern- ment. Our citizens have been harr;>ssed and annoyed by dismissals, because they vindicated tb; ri^-hts of this coun- try, like American freemen. And as an index of further intended njjgression, armed troops are being scattered in time of profound peace througliout the country, \yit;h the 1 » H J;i II- I • t< '■ I W I I'H 158 ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE. presumpluous and wicked design of restricting by physical force tlje expression of public opinion, and of completing by violence and bloodshed our slavery and ruin, already determined beyond the seas. Such an aggression as this might justify the recourse, on the part of an outraged people, to all and every means to preserve the last of their insulted privileges — the right to complain. But thanks to the blindness of the agtrressors, the wickedness of the measure will be providentially neu- tralised by its folly. The regiments about to be quartered among us are composed of men sprung from and educated with the democracy of their country. They lor tlie most part entered on their present profession, not from choice, but because they could not find any other employment iu their native land. Instead of being stimulated to good con- duct by the hope of promotion ; too poorly paid; they are exposed to every sort of petty tyranny, and if a murmur escape their lips, they are subjected like the bonded slave, to the io^noble punishment of the lash. Contrasting this ihard fate with the freedom, content, employment and high 'wages to be obtained in the United States, and certain that the. inhabitants of these counties lying near and bordering ■upon the lines will not impede the efforts which these sol- diers may make to emigrate to the neighboring republic, it will become morally impossible to keep in her majesty's Province, whilst scattered in detachments, the men who are now about to be the vile instruments of our slavery and their own dishonor. The long and heavy chain of abuses and oppressions, under wliich we suffer, and to which every year has only added a more galling link, prove that our history is more *han a recapitulation of what other colonies have endured before us. Our grievances are a second, but a far more bulky edition of their suffering. Our petitions for relief are the same. Like theirs, they have been treated with scorn and contempt,and have brous^ht down on the petitioners but additional outrage and persecution. Thus the experience of the past demonstrates the folly of expecting justice from European authorities. Dark and unpromising as may be the present prospect of this our 1: virtues c regenerai has denit us as sei when th« the shad( union an foreign b but a tan assertion wliatever i|ual lawi withindi to which been just rity prep Province ;ind of t you, wf5 tion in \ which c{ fill domi of Vigil a your res deuce fn will be s ble in yt the exnn two raoi useless a of their ( try, shoi of their order th and effe rnilitian this coi ciate too security y physical completing in, aireaiiy ^course, on y means to le right to aggressors, itially neu- e quartered cl educated r I lie most 'oni choice, loyment iu ) good con- d, they are a murmur nded slave, rasting this It and high certain that d bordering h these sol- republic, it r majesty's le men who slavery and appressions, ar has only ory is more ive endured a far more for relief are with scorn titioners but 5 experience justice from t prospect of ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE. 15a this our beloved country, we are encouraged by the public virtues of our fellow citizens, to hope that the day of our regeneration is not far distant. The liriperial Parliament has denied us redress, and the Canadian authorities treat us as serfs; they laugh at our calamity — we will mock when their fear cometh. The example of 76 is before us; the shades of the political martyrs of that day invoke us to union and action. The means of our regeneration from foreign bondage are in our hands. There is no alternative hut a tame, unmanly submission, or a bold and vigorous assertion of our rights as freemen. Brothers in affliction ! whatever be your origin, language or religion, to whom e- ijual laws and rights are dear, whose hearts have throbbed with indignation whilst witnessing the innumerable insults to which your country has been exposed, and who have been justly alarmed while pondering over the sombre futu- rity preparinij by mismanai>:ement and corruption for this Province and our posterity — in the name of that country iind of the rising generation, now having no hope but in yoii, we call upon you to assume, by systematic oro:anisa- tion in your several townships and parishes, that position which can alone procure your deliverance '-from the bane- ful domination of the mother country.'* Let Committees of Vigilance be at once put in active operation throughout your respective neighborhoods. Withdrawing all confi- dence from the present administration, and from such as will be so base as to accept office under it, forthwith assem- ble in your parishes and elect pacificator magistrates, after the example of your brother reformers in the county of the two mountains, in order to |)rotect the people at once from useless and improvident expense, and from the vengeance oi their enemies. Our young men, the hope of our coun- try, should every where orijanise themselves, after the plan of their brothers, "The Sons of Liberty" in Montreal, in order that they may be prepared to act with promptitude and effect, as circumstances may require; and the brave militiamen, who by their blood and valor twice preserved this country for ungrateful rulers, should at once asso- ciate toofether, under officers of their own choice, for the security of good order, and the protection of life and pro- i?l!.i : 1 f i ! 'i 1 1 I 160 A DDK ESS TO THB PEOPLE. 31. : 1 ' It '- i:'- . -!:/ }^i" ij: t '■> ..'■ '' I !>' ■ '*. _^'jfi perty in their respective localities. Thus prepared, colo- nial liberty may haply yet be preserved. In this liope, 6c depending for disenthralmentfrom the mis. rule under which we now<]^roan. on ^hc providence of God whose blessing' on our disinterested labors we humbly im- plore ; re lyin;i^ on tlie love of liberty which the free air and impregn.ihlo iastnesses of America should inspire in the hearts of ihe pt^ople at lar<>;e, and upon t!ie sympathy of our democratic neiii-hbors, who will never consent that tin; principles lor which they successfnlly struii^irled in the eiorhteenth, shall, in our persons, be trai.npl(3d in the dust in the nineteenth ceii^iiry. We, tho deloo-ates of the confederated counties, here pub. licly re-jfistor tiie solenn and determined resolution of tho people whom W(i represent, to carry into effect, with (lie least delay possil||o, the precediniij disiderata, and never to cease tliJir patriotic ex(^rtions, until a cheap responsible system of i-^ovornmont is procured. We, therefore, invite our fellow citi/^iii-is of b.)th Provinces, to unite their efforts with our-, ill tlio oreatand irlorious cause of g'ivinij freedom to our common country. [Si-nod.] WOLFRED NKLSON, PresL A Vi lA * ' ' ' > V. Presidents. r . C DiJVERT, ^ A. Girod. ) ,^ _, . T D o^./^i. „ n II -n > Secretaries. J. r. liouclKT, Kelleville, ^ On the adoption of the above, sixty-seven magistrates re- signed tiieir commissions for the peace, and one hundred and twenty-si>: ofFicors of the militia returned their com- missions to t!io Civil Secretary of the Lower Province— the militia became disori^unised in these confederated coun- ties. Immediately succeeduisf these events, a great reform meeting was held in Oakland, U. O. on Thnrsday Nov. 2, wherein the. following resoUuion was adopted: ^^ Resoloert, That we sympathise with the snfferings of our Lower (^anada brethren, and view with abhorrence and dis2:ust the knavish resolutions of Lord John Russell. which would rob a whole people to pamper a horde of ruthless oQicials; we applaud and admire the exertions of Hon. L. J. Papineau and the reformers of the Lower Pro- ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE. 161 vince, to rescue themselves from the ranks of a ruthless, blood-thirsty party, who, under the assumed name of "Bri- tish," would perpetrate oppression, and rejoice in the degra- dation of the human race ; that we approve of the Declara- tion of the reformers of Toronto, and do adopt the senti- ments therein contained as our sentiments, and will con- tend for the sacred principles of liberty and justice, at what- over hazard or sacrifice." U -ii| ■:, N ' t # : I li I J I'* V u ? . ;, i:i '1 ' , it . 'I ' 'I f I I CHAP'nUlXVllI. A Roview of/lhe caiHOs wliicli led to the Insurrection in Lower Canada, hy tlie IJon. L. J. rapintau n Sixteen years airo I corri[)laiiied to Lord Batlmrst, then Colonial Secretary, in accents oC keenly Celt jLcrief, how iieavy was (he yoke, how hnniiliating the condition ol'dur (Jolomal servitnde. lie aij:reed with nic m opinion, in .soim.'. what the ibllowiii;^ terniis, 1 iiive this conv(;rsation becaust! It tlirows great lialit on the political views, on the .secret apprehensions and hopes of Eni!;land. •'{agree," said Lord Hathnrstto ine, "that for continen- tal ])Ossessions the popnlation of which donhlcs in a few yenrs the system of government of which you complaiti can for those subject to it, be only a period of stormy trans- ition, of sickly cUange to be followed by bright days, an early organization of ])olitical existence and national inde- pendence. I even believe tliat tlie period of suffering will be sliort for you. French Catholics ruled by English Pro- testants, yours, it must be acknowledged, is a forced, iin- UJitural position. You are too far from England properly to appreciate her, and too near the United States of Ameri- ca not to be dazzled with their deceitful prosperity. 1 ask you then for five and tw^enty years of patient resignation. Before the end of that time, however, I as a statesmen for- see and foretell a violent separation ot the different ])art.s of the American Confederation. England will then be pre- pared to grant to those Colonies which will have remained fidthful to her, both independence and institutions superior to those at present based on the Federal compact. Demo- cracy, disengaged from all counterpoise, would finally be- como impetuous and bring about a state of anarchy, whilst it wovdd be the best government possible tempered with a ^, hereditary magistracy, the perpetual existence of which would be guarantied in all its splendor and force by means ot hereditary peerages and entails. It is well understood that the British government would invest such honors in inllucnlial iheinselvc " Jn gi\ yuur com lor your c Mnglisli 1 rich fa mi (•onsec[uei if Democ I'ou won :is well V which to contract ' ui that wl iiiive noil Tliey arc of the re: their owi Now if e :ate pow< uistilutio recognize every op; .Tovernm projects. '• A o;i'' points of ])lcs. O come int piircd to crowMied ised in a en a. N called 01 despotisi tionary deofrade the Rest amrantc throne h PAriNKAU'rf RKVIKVV 1G3 vet Canada, nrsl, then zriff, how loll of diir 1, in soiin.'. ni because the secret C01ltilU!tl- s iu a few complain nny trans- t days, ;iii ional iiidd- fennrilish suj-'reniacy on the ocean. Now if ever Eninhmd should descend to the rank of a tliiid- :ate power, it would be a niislortune to humanity ; for with institutions so peri'ect as hcr's, and a supreinacy generally recognized, England is, on the continent, the mainstay of every oppressed people, on whoso rei)resentati()n ahsoiut^. iTOverniJients have ofien been arrested in their tyrannical projects. '•A!:,^reat strugulo is on the eve of commencing on all points ol Continental Europe between two inimical princi- ])les. On the one hand, the love, of liberty winch may bc- eome intractable and tur])ulGnt among a people yet unpie- pared to receive it; on the other hand, a settled repugnance in crowned heads to concede reformi which tliey prom- ised in a moment of terror caused by the pri^soner of St.Hel- ena. Now, England w^ould 1 o the powerful moderator, called on to prevent the repetition of these scenes of blood, despotism and impiety already enacted by that revolu- tionary France whom it would iiave been necessary to degrade below the rank of nations, had slie not accepted the Restoration, the only bond of reconciliation, the only aiarantee for repose, alter the usurpation of the Frencli throne by the ambitious soldier who lately occupied it. '>■' i'l t i \w*., .hM. U ^ ' . 1: , i ! 1' : . " 1 ' .«■ 'i ' » *>-■. r h ! i 1' ri 1 1 ]■< '?' ; \i 1 . 1:' 1' 1 i ^ 1 ■ 1 i'- ; ! i,i'' Ill 1; ■ : 'i ' "- i ' . li' ' ill ';* a 164 PAPINEAU'S REVIEW. "The example of the United States is an obstacle to the reaUzation of these plans. 1 know well that those are en thusiasts, unacquainted with the management of business, who are excited in favor of that American demagogueism, which like a rope of sand, is destined to fall to pieces on an early day. But, notwithstanding, their writings nmke dis ciples — they foment bad passions, and enlist men of noth- ing for the destruction of the superior classes m rank and fortune. And I confess to you, that all those cries of 'cheap government,' of 'exclusive sovereignty of the people,' after the American model, would give us a great deal of uneasiness did we not clearly see that, war being one of the instinct? unfortunately natural to man, there are causes which will soon excite it in the United States — bring into collision the difl'erent parties to the confederation, and oblige them for their own protection to have larger armies and stronger in- stitutions." I told Lord Bathurst that my Utopia differed from his, and that it appeared to me both more desirable and easier to be realized — that the American Confederation would be for the future one and indivisible — that it seemed to me pro- ceeding rather towards strength and augmentation than to- wards mutilation and impuissance — that on the day of our Independence the right of citizenship and freedom of trade between Q,uebec and INew Orleans, between Florida and Hudson's Bay would secure for the Canadas an indefinite but long period of peace, of triumphs over nature, of pro- gress in moral and political science and in arts, with sov- reignity for each state under the protection of Congress who could not be a tyrant, having neither subjects nor col- onies, and possesino- no authority except in questions oi peace and war and trade with other nations. 1 added that such advantages were too vast, and too manifest to permit Canada to suffer herself to be inveigled into offensive and defensive alliances with England aofainst America. As to the delay of twenty-five years fixed by his Lordship, that it would certainly be shortened by the partiality of the me- tropolis, the unskilfulness of its selections, and the provo- cations of its agfents. ■'■■! PAPINEAU'S REVIEW. 165 Lord Bathurst promised reformis. !Noiie have been ef- fected though the time is passed by. The intimate friend of a great many of my brother Rep- resentatives, honored by the esteem and confidence of all, insomuch as they have for twenty years, often unanimous- ly, always by large majorities elevated me to the Speaker- ship of the House of Assembly, I am intimately acquainted with all that occured in Canada up to the moment when the troubles broke out. I am acquainted with all the actions Hiid opinionsof twenty-five of my colleagues and of many prominent citizens, some of whom have suffered death, oth- ers of whom, have, like me, had, as it were, a price set on iheir heads, and been, like me, driven into exile, without trial, or closely confined, often unaccused, always without bein !i.:ilienabic [liriiiright of British subjects" as the Juris con; iiUs of GrcM Britain say — exj-rei'Sions which aie mockciy i.s far as re gards the colonies, and invented to procure ihr i'liiish arl^. tocrats S];artan |)le;;vMres — that, ibr exaiiipu , c hnntiii;- the Ihjlots (-[■ Ireiaiai. (u* Canada, of Jaiiiaica ; i ' all tin;; foreign po^sessioiis,overy time tltc scil's inl:;ilMf,i liieiiH)!- ject to being tytlicd, ground i^ud taxed wiibi u' , c\r. I clearly understand the S'^cred functions o;' ;' Well understood tlKn- exclude all that is no! u ■ impious is British tyrranny tliat even ui,(i( i ■* Its poisoiHiUs iniiuence, and of its stifling vn} \ . toriau ef the Canadas cannot tell e\ery thing (io-. inilitrny occnpation of those pillaged, burnt < provinces. For power has abandoned it^ 'i > • ororjes that it is drunk. Tell it of its crimes-, ai doning them, it plunges deeper and deepci. a; < ly to ])ass quckly from torpor to the fury oi' 'li- to redouble its hlows on the country where ii IS univLr:-;:lly hated. Tell it the names oi ■". their country — you are an informer who \n'<< — a ferocious spectator wbio closes his hano christians may be thrown to wild beasts. Under these circumstances facts and puM well known in America, unknown, or what i kited in Europe, can only be cited, 'i'la ernment has, in fact, taken care to put in j)! If y or ini;- 'listoriu!;, . But sv ■■licidc (•! . the iii:- :iringth( ecJUiiitiu a. to suci. •nn abiui- ; ;oscs Ou ■ 'nnes.s- •; ail. aii' litlifni !■ :ni)geoii> idcr tha: MMuneias :o, raiiti- Isli gov- A-itlftlic PAPINEAU'S REVIEW, 167 editors and printers, all the types and printing presses whicli were not for sale. All that it did not cranrinto dungeons It bought np — and doubtless to guide the Imperial Parlia- ment as to tlie plans jor the Inlure government of Canada — io enlighten public opinion in Englond, and through it, to edify the world on the virtues of tlie gov^erning and the in- i-ratitudo of the govern(.'d. it moulded these raw materials, purchased men and types, into pages ol contemp.oraneons history. The niOans being known, the object is revealed. Through the English press, you have learned only o/licial lies. It is no longer my business to be the accuser of the Brit- ish government, that has been niy duty for thirty years of my public life. 'J'hat government itself hns copressed its own guilt in the hundred (Uid twenty folio piij.(s which Lord Durhnmhns just pul;lis}ied. Systematic corruption. ^,iiameless peculations, antipathies against the jHxiple, re- volting cxam.ples of irresponsil,;ility in the public agents, plunder of the public domain; nothing is wanting- in the picture of Canadian misery — a picture so hideous that its duplicate ciumot be furnished except in the historv of an- other British possession — Irt^land. Yet the author lins uniformly softened down his accusations against the jiower of which he is the orgrm, whose leaden sceptre over th(^ colonies he would still preserve hy nieans so piti(d)!e that they destroy his n-putation as a statesman. Lord Durham, anxious to ])rovo that his favorite Saxon rnce is aloi"ie worthy of commandins', has falsely ])(iinted it in flattering colors, and s'ladedin the blackest irronnd the mock portrait winch he drew of the French Canadians- — But despite of this vile partiality, 1 refer with confidence impartial readers to his singular report, well convir.ced that they will come to tlie conclusion that the Candians have no justice to expect from England — that submission must he for them disorace and death — Independence on the con- trary a principle of resurrection and life. Tt would be more — it would be the restoration of the French reputation terribly compromised in America by the shameful treaty of Paris of 17G3 — by the proscription ew masse of more than 20,(100 Acadians hunted from their homesteads—finally hy "1 ' -;j! iJ I M :r ! % B ■I. i u 168 PAPINEAU'S REVIEW. the fate of 600,000 Canadians ruled during: eighty years with unceasing injustice — to-day decimated ;to morrow con- demned to political inferiority out of hatrea to their French origin. Correct when it accuses those in power, false when it ac- cuses the people, Lord Durham's report will serve also to prove that Canadian Independence is an event in the in- terest alike of old as of new France, and of importance to the whole human race. With this view I shall here give on analyses of that work which it is moreover essential to be acquainted with in order to appreciate the morality of the facts which I intend to relate. "During a long time," says the report, "the Canadians have been excluded from all participation of power ; all the offices of trust and emolument have been vested exclusively in strangers of English origin. '•'Till within a very few years this exclusion was accom- panied by an inscrlence which was the more rovoltinor to a sensitive people than the monopoly of power and profit. "The races had become enemies ere a tardy justice was extorted (^by the Canadians); and even then the government discovered a mode of distributing its patronage amon^r the Canadians which was quite as offensive to that people as their previous exclusion. "Never again will the present generation of French Ca- nadians yield a loyal submisson to a British government : never again will the English population tolerate the author- ity of a House of Assembly in which the French shall pos- sess or even approximate to a majority. "The militia, on which depends the main defence of the province against external enemies, is completely disorgan- ised. The attempting to arm oremploy it would be merely arming the enemies of the government. "In 1833 the number of immigrants who landed atQ.ue- bec amounted to 52,000. In 1838 it did not amount to .5000. Insecurity begins to be felt by the loyal inhabitants in the seigniories so that many of them are obliged to quit their occupations and seek refuge in the cities. "No consideration can any longer overpower among the Canadians a feeling which absorbs all others — that of ha- tred against the English. To assuaye their vensfeance and |!3 PAPINEAU'S REVIEW. 169 ^0 amoncr enjoy a momentary triumph they are ready to submit to any yoke — to aid any enemy. The ancient antipathy against the Americans has terminated. An A»nerir\n in- vading army may rely on the co-operation of ahnost the entire French population of Lower Canada. On the other hand, *'every measure of clemency or even justice towards their opponents they [the Britisii] regard with jealousy, for they feel that being a minority any return to the due course of constitutional government vvoLild again subject them to a French majority; and to this I am persuaded they would never peaceably submit. But "the hostility of races [is] palpably sufficient to account for all the evils which have eflected Lower Canada, inasmuch as nearly the same results have been exhibited among the ho- mogenous population of the other Provinces. Lower Canada, or the iwoCanadas, have not alone exhibited repeated conflicts between the executive and popular branches of the Legislature. The representative body of Upper Canada was before ihe late election hostile to the policy of the government; the most seri- ous discontents have only recently been calmed in Prince Ed- ward's Island and New-Brunswick; the government is still in u minority in Nova Scotia; and the dissensions of Newfound- Innd are hardly less violent than those of the Canadas. It may fairly be said that the natural state of government in all these Colonies is that of collision between the Executive and the Representative body. A state of things so different from the working of any suc- cessful experiment of representative government appears to indicate a deviation from sound constitutional principles .... When we examine into the system of government in these Colonies it would seem as if the object of those by whom it was established had been the combining of apparently popu- lar institutions with an utter absence of all efficient control of the people over their rulers. Representative assemblies were established on the basis of a very wide, and in some cases, al- most universal suffrage; the annual meetings of the bodies was secured by positive enactment, and their attributes were local- ly nearly as extensive as those of the English House of Com- mons. At the same lime the Crown almost entirely relied on its territorial resources .... for carrrying on the government without securing the assent of the representative body eith^ er to its policy, or to the persons by wlionj, that policy was t<>. be administered, ;l \\l hi -^ ,. ti;^ i. '|i! :i i' I 11^::' ;; m ' 1 'i '5! I I ' . / 'i . ir iTO PAPlNEAL'rf IIEVILW. *' In Lou or Canada fioiri the niomont iho Assi mb • y (.'VincLd any incliiiali(iii lo make use of its powiM's it fouiid itst^lf in col- lision with iho I'ixocutivL', and llio |)riicli<-{:l working of ilu Assembly coruiuenced by its principfil leaders being thr row 11 into ju'isen. In the course of time, h(AV(jver, the governmi m! was induced, by its necessities, lo uccej)l the Assembly's ol]!' to raise an addilionul revenue hy fresli taxes and thus the i;«t Icr acquired a certain control over the levying and .'ipuroiiri.i tion of tlie piddic revenue in lSti2. The Asiseniblv after it had obtained the leco^nition ol D' Its liffhts svas nt;t n.orc rcsnected than before. "It cculd reic alls. "rant or k.' iLLse si;i)|ilies, but ,M II cculd (xeieiyu no nil ill ■ til- cnco in the Humiliation of a single S( rv;!nt of the (.'i(;\vn. uei:(}, in:^!LHices are not wantin^q in v/i.ieii a mere hestiliiy io| the niujorily of the; Assembly elevatetl the liio;-! incoinj^ctei: I'.crsons to posts of honor and trust. Laws jiassed a("ler rej}oat <:d coiiriicts, had to be carried mto effect by those v.ho Jiad nioi.tl stren'KMisly opjxjsed them. *'A Governor arrivinii; in a country in which ho almost ii 'O iro". variably lias lio previous acquaintance, is compelled to t himself almost entirely upon those whom he finds in place—! •:-j is geneially brought thereby into immediate collision wiili tho other parties in the country, and thereby thrown into nioiv ■r^ompleto dependence upon the official party and its friends. . . Fortified by family connections and the common interest felt bv all who field, and all who desired subotdinato offices, tliat [offi iCial I parly was thus erected info a solid and permane:; [)0wei', controlled by no responsibility, subject to no serloi; change, exercising over the whole government of the Provinc an authority utterly independent of tho people and its loprc-l se ntativcs, and possessing the only means of indueneing c the government at home, or the colonial re[)resentativcs of ll Crown. The opposition of tho Assembly to the government was ti unavoidable rcisult of this system W icn net Inner else coin attain its end of altering the policy or tho composition oft!".' Colonial government it bad recourse to that ultima ratio of re- cM presentativo power to which the more prudent forbearance the Crown has never driven tlie Flouso of Commons in Eng- land, and endeavored to disable the whole machine of govern-] ment by a general refusal of supplies *'The Legislative Council [the second branch of the Icgisl.vl ture Is thus named] must certainly be admitted lo have been so composed as to give it no weight with the people or with the] PAPINEAU'S REVIEW. 171 1!^ jilnT'st ir." talivca of lli' representative body, on wliich it wns meant lo bo a check. The nmjority was always composed of members of the party wliicli conducted the executive government, and was practically hard- ly any thing but a veto in tlie hands of the public function- iiries. "There is in it [llie Province] literally no power which ori- ginates and conducts the executive government. The Gov- ,rnor, it is said, represent tlio sovereign, but lu; is in fact a i;iore subordinate oflicer receiving his orders from the Secre- ;iry of State, and responsible to him for his con local government to settle (Very thing by reference to tluj Colonial Department in Down- ing street, where it is next to impossible to have anysuflicient inlorination; and the colony has, in every crisis of danger, imd almost every d(;tail of h)cal gov(^rnment felt the mischief of having its executive autl)oritv exercised on ihe other side of iho Atlantic. . . . The reiieated changes [of mini;-trv] caused i)y political events at hoeie, having no connection with colonial iitFiirs, have left to mcrst of the various representatives of the 'ulonial D'epartment in I'arliainent too little time to acquire ?ven an tdementary knowledge of the cond tion of those numc- rii'js and heterogtinoous cf>mu)unities for which they have both lo administer and to legislate. . . . Since IS27 there have been not less than eight Colonial ministers, and the policy of each s;iccossive statesman has been more or less marked by a difFer- "I'nce from that of his predecessor. . .. The more important bu- Mness of the government was carried on, not in open discus [sions or public acts, but in a secret correspondence between liie Governor and the S(!cretary of State. Wiienever this mystery was dispelled it was long after the worst effects had been produced by doubts and misaj)prehension. "The first want of a people is an elHcient administration of [j-istice. * * * Now it is a lamentable fact which must not ho concealpd that there does not exist, in the minds of the people of this Province, the slightest confidence in the admin- listration of criminal justice. ^.3 for Justices of the Peace, *'the institution has become liinpopular among the Canadians, owing to their general belief put the appointments had been made with a party or national liJias "I am grieved to be obliged to remark timt the British gov- |'-!'nment has, since its possession of this Province, done, or hveti attempted nothing for the promotion of general education. y H' '' !*l ' : ') r \ Iv ,1 lit, V ii«. ^ ^i 172 PAPINKAU'S REVIEW. * • * It has applied the Jesuits' estntes, part of the prop- erty deslinctl for purposes of education, to supply a spaciesof fund for secret service, and for a number of years it has main- tained an obstinate struggle with the Assembly, in order to continue this misappropriation." Speaking of the Colonies in which the population is unmixed and altogether English, Novu Scotia and New Brunswick, which formerly constituted French Acadia, and Prince Ed- ward's Island, originally the Island of Saint John, the Report continues: — "Their varied and ample resources are turned to litth ac- count. Their scanty population exhibits, in most porf/ons of them, an aspect of poverty, backwardness and stagnation; and wherever a better state of things fs visible, the improvement is generally to be ascribed to the influx of American settlors or capitalists. Nova Scotia exhibits the melancholy spectacle of half the tenements abandoned and land every where fa/ling in- to decay. Lands that were purchased thirty or forty years ago at five shillings an acre, are now offered for sale at three shillings. The people of Prince Edward's are permitting Americans to take out of their hands all their valuable fishe- ries from sheer want of capital. * * # These Provinces, among the longest settled on the North American continent, contain nearly 80,000,000 of acres, and a population, estima* ted at the highest, at no more than 86,5,000 souls." [This population amounts only to 27,000.] What u contrast is afforded along the whole line of conter- minous frontier! On the American side all is activity and bustle, increasing wealth and progressive civilization. Numerous harbors con- taining numerous fleets, good houses, warehouses, mills, inns, villages, towns, and even great cities, are almost seen to spring out of the desert. On the British side of the line ... all seems waste and desolate! That painful hut undeniable truth is most manifest in the country districts through which the whole line of national sep- aration passes for 4,000 miles. The diderence in the price oi land, amounts, in not a Cvav parts of this frontier, to as much as a thousand per cent, and in some cases even more. Tho average difference between Upper Canada and the States of New York and Michigan is notoriously several hundred per cent. The price of wild land in Vermont and New Ilamp- ill 111 g IS >(jcial sj teliigenc ■mJ. Mi ij'jen th and to remote! after ! (urbed than hi: scriptio he was this wis much d, his po; iiirii, le !■• The f be in Two I;-:' PAPINEAU'S REVIEW. 173 i i [le of conter- jhire, close to the line, is five dollars per acre, and in the ad- joining Hrilisii Townships [of Lower Ciumda] only one dollar. Emigrants from CJreat Britain, instead of remaining in the Colonies, fly in numbers to llie States, and "the entire popula- iii)U of Upper Canada, which should now have hoen .500,000," is in consequence *'nor. over 400,000 soids." The emigrants to Nova tScotia and New IJranswiclc act in tlie same wav. — They g(Miorally proceed to the United States, as there is not sudicient encouragement for them in these Provinces. Many of the old Colonists follow their exam|)le. Such are the; lameiitahhj results of the political and social ovils which have so jotig harrassed the Canadas; and at this moment we are obliged to adopt immediate measures againsi dangers so !\lar(niug as arc rebellion, foreign invasion and de- population, in consequence of the desertion en masse of a peo- pie reduced to despair. '' Here we have British government portrayed by itself. Such is the flattering sketch of the condition to vviiich those Colonies have been reduced, by an arroc^ant aristocracy, which sets itself up as a mo'-U'l of wisdom and knowjodji^e for nations to ijludv ;u)d imitate in order to learn how to govern thoms(dves. This Lord Durham who has si^^nen the report containing the oiittincf, thouofh modified, accusations wiiich we have iiist r<;ad, is one of the most eminent heads of that aristocracy; and no- ihiiiar is bettor ada[)ted to siiow how artificial and haliuw is the vjcial system of England, than the reputation for capacity, in- lc:lligence, and liberality which this ignorant despot has usurp- i;d. Mis pretended rare talents, his pretended high virtues have heen the [)lea for all parlies in Parliament to unite in his fa/or, and to invest him with a Dictatorship, as if there was not the remotest chance of his abusing it. Yet iti less than one month after he had eagerly seized this omnipotence which had dis- turbed much strongel' minds, and corrupled much purer virtues than his, he dishonored himself by pronouncing infamous pro- scriptions without inquiry against innocent men. In two months hi3 was disowned and censured bv Parliament. In three months, this wise envoy for rulaying revolt, relxdled himself, and with a.s tiiuch discretion as petuience, threw up his commission, deserted his post without leave fi--'»'M Uie authority v/hieh had appointeal iiim, leavifig liiat Diciatorship vvhicii wj^v!- created t'or hiin alono, !'» the first soldier of fortune who by his rank should chance to be in command in Can;ula. Two instances will suffice to prove how weak was the bead, L5 n \ H \ . •I' 11 I' ■ » Km i i li ■( i 'i ■ i ii i I; 174 PAPINEAUS BEVUiW. and wickud Iho henrl of a man so unjustifiibly nattered. He who signed the above (juoted Report had tlic harilihood public- ly to tell delegations from Canada, "It will not ho a hniuircil years, nor three hundred years — nay, n(>r a ihousand years that sh.dl witness tho se()aration of these I'rovinces froin tiu, Metropolis. They aro one oftho rio'hest j';\vols in the (Jrowii, to which Ihey niiisl be an eternal dependcntt?, mkI it is onlv \i) iiccoHiplish that olijcet tliat 1 Iwive conveiiffMJ lo eonu.' hillicr clotheil with ain[)lij power'^ lo sc'cure it.'' It' Lr;id Durluiin Lc lieved nol what he snid, W!)s there ever ninic >;iinn;{ less cli;;r. latanismJ irh(.' were sincere,! ask him wastlier..'.;ve! :u;tre stin.si; less verhiufic, or more complete ignorance oi'the Ci'oart!;.l pii:;,j , })les of poiiticul economy, and of the conse(inences whicli naist flow tVoin tiie separafioii of tlie o:d IJritisii North-Ain'-ri.-au Col onies ? i t IS .said that this idol of the hi^h anrl low in Enghtnd is ■; 8tate.s:nan of no mean calibre, liis hir(3d !le witii wliiclj siie is t'lrealiMied. '}\) believe them, he wants but the poner lo ncconiplish that min Vflious pieco ot' hocu.s pocus of firmly establisimg in !iii,;l:uul — ;:vrii with itio consent of tiie mo PAPINKAU'S REVIEW. 177 |)n.soiis wcfc .von bnforn his dcparturo from Knglanrl, through tho in^orvcn- tionof his no|)lii;w, Mr. Hdward Kllici', who Jtrt- il on the occu- '^ioii as go-hotwocn, with [\\o. ohJ nnti-nunadinn faction in Jjon- ,lo[i, that immediately on his hindirig ho put hiniscll' in conunu- iiiciition with their afronfs, thoso LOnghsh merchants at (Quebec ;in(l Montreal, who had always prochiinicd undying hatred to iho poophi of Cannda and their reproscntalives. It was they who, since 1808, had concocted the tyrannical phm of govern- ment [a union of the I'rovinces] of which Lord l)urhaoj alone iissumes tho fhsgraceful paternity, in 182'i they were; on tht; point of surprising Parliatnent out of a vote of approhmion in i'uvor of it, which was prevented only by tlic unforoi>uc!n oppo- sition of the virtuous Sir James Maclcinlosh. On this hast inenlioned occasion the systcniMticdemorahza- lion of the IJritisli government developed itself more stLi[)idly and njore unhlushiiigly than ever. One of its agents, th(! [Jnder Secretary of the (Colonies, cx- clainKMl in the IJouse of Commons, ''iviake haste, I 'neg of you, ;ind adopt this hill before those interested become acquainted with it; for if you do not, 1 predict that yuu will be importuned by their complaints and opposition. Wo are informed that the groat majority of the people repudiate it.'' This was what occurred the following year. T''r> Union Piill was disapproved of, and successfully oppos. J ;>y a majori- iv of the peopio of the Canadan. Selected as hearer of tho protests of my fellmv citizens, I found, I must confess, on the part of a tory ministry, conservative and absolutist as it pro t'essed to be, a kind reception and honorabh; def(;rence. The Union of the Canadas of which I spealc is now moro odious, more universally reprobated than it was then. Yet Lord Dur- ham — '■nhe People's Peer" — imposed upon bv tlu'^ intriguers who deceived Lord l»athurst, supports it cordially, and will, ac- cording to all app(^aranccs, palrniton the whig ministry. This he will not find difficult, for this ministry whilst professing lib- erality and reform, has in all its conduct towrfrus the British Colonies, audaciously violated the nrvost sacred laws of hu- manitv. A young woman of twenty years of age reigns in England; and it is under such auspicies that hundreds of persons have been condemned to death in tho two Canadas by exceptionable tribunals — by Courts Martial! To obtain th(5 approbation of their Sovereign, I must believe that ministers have done vio- lence to those feelings of pity natural to her sex and her age — 14* ** •|; 1i' ■H fi i *•' I li: C 1 1 , V i t 1 1 li! 1^ 1 fftifi '■A 178 PAPINEAU'S REVIEW. all must remember that monarchy in England is only an instru. tiientiu the hands of the nobles; a bn!li!\nt bauble vvitii which jugglers dazzle, on stated Hays, the eyes of the crowd. The illegality of Courls Martial in Lower Caciada was made manifest ai)d proclaimed by the Judges of tiie Civil Tiibuiials. Hut what care oppressors for right, law, or justice.'? Magis- trates guihy of having perf(jrmed their duty with courage ;uul honesty have been suspended from ollico; and althougl) liuu quasi dismissal has been censured hy ministers in Eni'laml, i: is maintained by them in Canada, where ll»e authorities liavr gone so far as to execute these who have been condemned. In Lower Canada sixteen uril'ortune men have suflered the las' sentence.' of the laws. So many judicial murders. In Uppu: Canada the number of victims amounts to tJiore than thirtv. These barbarities, far from consolidating the domination of the jiavMge power which authorized them, have, on the contrar\, rendered its <;ontinuance forever impossible. It has excited tliL iiorror of the civilized world. In the United States especially has the indignation been pro- ibund, as may easily be seen by the following extract from the Democratic Review, a monthly periodical published at VVas!;- ington, under liie direction and with the concurrence of ilio MHJSt inHuenlial public men of the Union. The sentence of proscription fulminated last March within sight and ken of Con- gress in the first days of its session, against British dominatiijn in America; has, in the opinion of those who are acquainted v»'itli its source, the greatest weight. **It is in vain that the British government seeks to juslih the recent executions which hav(5 deluged Cantida in blood by the plea that the law authorized them. The Kings of Etiglaml have polluted those laws by the atrocious penalty thereby (i.- creed against every sort of ollence. Like the code of Draco they are written in blood. They apply the penalty of death tc such a larre number of oiiences, and so unjustly, that the judgt ii\ order to act correctly, is obliged to torture the sense of llie law, to silence it, or even to violate it. **The law of Treason, the pretext for so many judicial mm- de:s, and which dfites from the reign of Edward the 3d, ap- plies the penalty of death to attempts against the King's life; and it is hy virtue of that law, .several centuries old, that a a crime, purely imaginary, inasmuch as it cannot be commitled in America, has been punished. Ves, the spirit of assassina- tion is engrafted in the spirit of British Monarchy. PAPINEAt's REVIEW. 179 '"But it is not the English people that we reproach with these monstrous crimes. ^I'heir influence, when it could be mfule to bear on British legislation, hns been like ihntof the people of all countries, humane, enlightened and kind. The inlluence nrnionurchvi on the conuary, has been invariably Ijanerul. — Who can count the innumerable holocausts ot' the most illus- iiious anti b(*st of Great liritain's sons, destroyed to honor and iind appease that MoUjch — Monarchy. ''V\ hat a nohle army of martyrs will not that long list of heroes compose who have thus died for the faith of which ihev were so worthy! From the Cobhams and Balls of ancient limes, to the Uussels and Sydneys of n'.odern annals, or the Emmetts and Lounts of the deplorable days of contetnporane- uus history. Noble men! whose illustrious reputations will soon blaze with purest s|)lendor, since anger and diSgust are ilnally Ibrming that free and powerful public opinion wliich is about to sweej) from the earth the system that immolated them. Those cruellies have excited an inetfable feeling of horror and indignation throughout the whole length and breadth of this 'and ol' liberty, wlierc public opinion is free and h,ealthy, to >.ucli a degree that it seems to speak tlio language of posterity, and aire ady to reveal the pious eulogies which shall render eternal the glory of those mighty victims and the infamy of iiieir butchers. Let them gorge, then, for a few days longer. N'ever, no, never shall ihey be able to etlace from the breasts uf enlightened men the hate and disgust which their judicial murders of unfortunate Canadians h.ave created against the British government — never shall cease the aversion which it inspires to that hateful power, stranger alike to the manners, !lie i[)teresls, the sympathies, as it is to the land of freemen, 'iiilii it is driven from the whole extent, immense as it is, of Xorlh America, which its detestable and ferocious policy has polluted.'"' To the disorders of wliich Lord Durham has unfolded the 'tidless picture — to tUe disorders, more numerous and serious which he has not even mentio'ied, what claim does he pretend to oppose'? [Je has pointed out the benefits which lilxirty has produced amon^ Independent Americans — the evils which des- potism has produced among English Americans. He has dem- onstrated tile impossibility of the continuance of British sway in Canada, and he concludes — to maintain the same state of liiings. What inconsistency! In another article 1 shall show how unjust are Lord Dur- f'ti r : ■ i »;. • ) I '/ rr'i ' i 1. I ' ': 1 ^ ■ 11 1- .•■ L <' » ,<;! !■ I J * I. If !■ 180 l^APINEAU's REVIKW. ham's complaints against Canfirln. It is on fhesft pretended complaints, notv\M'lhstanding, Ihat is founried the great., the sole means of Legislative reform, wliicii Lord Durham rc^commends — the absorpfion of the French by ihe Kngiish popuhuion, bv means of a Union of the two Canadas. This was tiie treasure which was devis(;d in 1808, bv the monopolists of the fur trade at the moment when they lo-^t the majority of which they had disposed until then. From thai time, and ffr tiiirty years since, a government professing to be constitLitional, leaning on minorities, has ranged itself in perpetual hostility to the ma- jority of the Representatives, which, after the two last general elections, was in on(> of the sessions of the Assenibly 78 against 8, and in another 80 against 10 supporters of the government. Of the members composing these minorities only one was born in the Prl M ? t 1". *• Wi A CHAPTER XIX. Cou'.rnenceinent ol the Outbreak. ii i,i ' h' 11^ i P The Ciuuidinn governviieiit now became seriously nlarivi idistane,e of 30 miles, with iron letters on ther hands and iL^et, and ropes round their necks. Tlie t);n->j)le of l.iOii_i'uc- ;el cissoinl)led iuid rescued the prisoners, lininediateiy a lu'ce of tour liundred regulars v/ith two pieces of ordnance iiiid a howitzer under the command of (Jol. (xore, was des- jiaiclied to att:i.ck St. Dennis. So little expectation was tliorethat such ;m armed force would 1)0 sent to arrest half adozen civiiiaiis, that no preparation had been made to op- |)ose (Ikmu. 'Tile iirst notice Dr. Wool lied Nelson received heir appr^/ch, was a cannon ball sent through the ljr^T;se, p'here he and his friends and neighbors were assembled, fchlcli killed three men ; then followed a second which kil- Wtwo others, dasiiiug out the brains of one and scattering ilifliTi on the Doctor, who tlien told his friends that it was not their persons biit their lives that was soua-ht, and il they Nuld not be butciiered where they stoodthey must I'lu^hi. it va? not till all this had happened that they resorted to "I'lis. Tiuire wi>re not more than thirty men at St. Dennis i'i'(;vious to the arrival of the troops, and these were collect- (lionrevent the sudden seizure of Dr. Nelsoif. The roar :!ho camion brought toi^etber about 300 men. some armed '•'■Hh (owlimi' pieces and others witli pitchforks, Dr. Nelson ked bimselt immediately at their head, and after an en- ajMneiit of six hours and a half, repulsed the royal sof- s, with a loss of ilfty men and one field piece. The Pa- -^'i losi }.l'': w^ hi K'i! ss was trilhng. I '' *.:;>( iil !li !'i! 1 184 AFFAIR OP ST. CHARLES. This was the first resfiilar enirnirement for (Canadian In- depeiideuce, so honorable to Dr. JNeison and his brave band of undisciplined patriots. Imniedicitelv alter this affair, Sir John Colborno wrote to Sir h\ B. Head, to send him all the troops he could spare,— Sir Francis sent all. Saturday, November 25, Col. Wcthorell with 700rr(rii. lars, infantry and eavahy. aiui ibur liold pieces, was des- patched to St. Charlos, wnore several oflhe leadin;4-relora!- ers from xMontreal, and other t)laces, had retired as a p'hirr of saiety. Here, as at St l)t;iniis, no preparations were made, either detensive or offensive, because no enemy was expected or danger ;mticipated. l>ut when it v/as ascer- tained that tlie royal troops were approachinii: them iiij liostile array, the tocsin was sounded and about 1500 I'ar | mers, badly armed, and iiJ:nor;mt of tlie art ot war, asseni- bled, and made the best defences tliey could for so short.ii notice. Coi. Wetlierel stated in liis despatches lo Sir Jo!i:i Colborne, th;it he accomplished his march witliout oppo^i- tion or hindrance, eKCC[)t (rom the breakin;j; of bridL^ey, iiii til within a mile oCthe filace where tlio patriots wcw {)o.>UHi. A scouting- party fired at him from the left bank of the Ki- cheiieu, wiiicli lie dispersed, and on advanci;j^- was lircJl at from a barn, whicii lie burned ; havinjr arrived witiiiii about two hundred yards of their works, he took a posifinul on their front. 'Tlie patriots at tiiis time, was stronii nate, and determined to maintain their 5j,-round to the i.b' the charofe was ordered, which the patriots withstood wiil^ a firmness that astonished thrir l)etter disciplined eiiomy- they fought bravely, naintaincd their ground niitil il'^ AFFAIR OF ST. CIIARLTIS. 185 nadian In- )rave band e wrote to Id snare,— 7(H) ri'mi- 3S, wasdcs- iii^' relorih- i as a p'.jiC' it ions wine was ascer- icr them ill it'^loUO lar- war, asseni- or so short ii ^ io»Sir John hoiU oppoii- bridL^es. un were ported Iv of the ill !j'^- was iii'L"! ivcd withiji V a position^ tron'j brave .iidisciplined nieii give j^roniid. I led ihcy been im armed ,,ikI supplied with artillery, Ool. VVithercll would i\ave had (liflereiit report to make to ids Commander m e.hj;;!'. lUll idiese bravo men took shelter iri a barn (iiled with hay ,,!iJ straw ; the royal butciiors set iire to i(, and burncid iiein alive, 1.00 were drowned in crossing; the Kiciielieti.— The village of St. Ciiarles was entirely binnc^l by the soi- iliers during the attack; those of tiie ndiabitants who escaped iic tlames perished in tlie woods Ironi tiio eileec o; iright iiiid cold. The Patriots lost in killed I'V simt, fire, ami water aboiiC mi M'iie Ikitish troops i?, killed ■< I '. ( Ito' CHAPTER XX, Cause of the Juilure at Toronto. 4 On Saturday, the 3d. of December, a certain official char- acter went to Dr. Rolph the patriot leader, and told him that arms had been given out by Gov. Mead that night, to arm four companies, to be instantly sent to arrest the iead- iior men through the country, as had be-^n previously at- tempted with partial success in Lower Canada,a month be- iore ; that Sir Francis had ascertained their plans. These stories, although utterly false, were believed by the Doctor, ;md without investigating the report, he despatched a mes- seiiijer to a friend nine miles north with alike intimation, notifying Col. Lount and friends, to come in on Monday, instead of Thursday. When the messenger arrived he iound the Col. was not at home, and without waiting for iiiiii, told tlie unpleasant news to all the country, as al- so, of the failures in Lower Canada. At lengtli Col. Lount returned, and was informed of the circumstances, and in- stantly enquired if Mr. McKenzie knew it. No one had in - formed him. Saturday evening, on approaching the city, .\lr. McKenzie was first informed of what had been done — He immediately sent Col. Gibson's man to Mr. Lount tore- call the order, and to await till Thursday, the day appoint- ed, but it was too late. The former messenger had told ev- ery body to the north, and Mr. Lount's reply, which Mr. McKenzie received on Monday evening, was th;\t he and his men were on their way. Uncertain as to Lount's move- ments, Mr. McKenzie sent messengers to various plabes, but these were delayed, and instead of 4000 bold farmers, on Thursday, with military leaders, there were 80 or 90 men oil Monday, wearied with traveling 40 miles on bad roads and dispirited by the news of the reverses in Lower Canada. Of the condition of the city after ten on the morning of I 1 I w .Ivi 'M '• If' 1 i I I \t 16' |j ■ T: 188 CAUSK OF THE FAILURE / Thursday, iiothin;^: was known. None of the gentlemen ; in Toronto, who iiud called out this party, cither jonied it. ! or sent any word. Mr. iMcKeiizie tooic every necessurv precaution to prevent mttjlliii^encureaclnnfjthe Ciov. posted ji^uards on the roads lea(iin<,^ to the city, and with three of Ins comrades securt^d a number ot prisoners, lie ur^^ed thciii witli *,freat earnestness to advance and take immodiat!; possession oCtfie city, and oflered to head them. lUit Col. Loinit, Mr. I.iOyd and -Mr. Gil^son, stronirly objected, iiutii intelliirenee could be obtained of the state ot" tlie to vij. o; until their immbers were auj^'uniented. When Mr. Mr. Kenzie's entreaties failed, he proposed to risk his life li" ridini^ into the city with only three friends, althouu'ha war rant for h!i>'h treason standi hini in the face, — there to n)U.so liieir comrades, o-ain tidin^-s, imd briiii^ Drs. Rolph uik' Morrison back with him. Tiie nia-ht was quite dark, and ihey had not ridden tar whoii they mr;t Powell, then Mayor of Toronto, and Major MeDonell. both of whom he arrested and scjui back in charge of (/apt. Anderson and aiiothoi man, strictly er.j;»inini;- tboin to keep the prisoners m front. McKenzie iln'.n coiUMiued his course tor the city wiilionc companion, a daring- but necessary act, in the slate of fee I - ini; ot the men. Before t'ley irnt to the city, Powell wId liad shot Anderson witli a concealed pistol, rode furioiislv past to alarn.i the (j^overnor, Mcivenzie gave chase and caiijt; up with him, n[)on which Powell advanced and preseutot' a loaded pistol to his breast which ilasiied. McKenzie (ir- ed but missed. Powell escaped, and after concealmcr jinri- self sometime beiiind a log, reached Sir Francis and awa- kened him from his sleep. McKenzie recaptured Maj!)! McDoneil and a person whom tlu; justices had sent to warn the government of its danirer, and returned to Montgomery where he found Col. xMoo.lie of tlie reirulars dyiiKT;, au Capt. Stewart of the Navy, in custody. These had sliot.ii. the guards, but had failed to pass them. Other messengers wliom trie patriots sent to town, wore arrested. No one came from thence. On l^uesday, 'it noon, they were on their march to the city, gr -atly increio- ed in strength, when they met Dr. [lolph and the Hon. Ko- bert Baldwin, with a flajrot truce from Sir Francis, as'an^ '.'':• AT TOIIONTO. 180 ivhat ihoy wanfcd. TMiu reply was — "A free Convention ol ilie IV(ij)lo." 'I'lin inessrM^^crsiTtnru'Jtl ! l)Ut Dr. Hoiph advised tlii'in lo lollow liim. in li.-ill' on hour; which they did in two divisions. When a nnl(! tVnm town, the sanric iii(3sscnf.:('rs met tlieni airuin, and eonmuniicated Sir l^'ran- iMs' relus.'il — iind then Dr. Kolph privately advised that ihcy should not enter tlio city until dark, wli;' iie, nieantirne, would prej ar(3 the town's people. Th - itaj^^ *etnrned. At dark, the patriots acrnin marclied for town, about seven hun- dred and liliy stroiiir. On their way they took (^apt. Du^- oraii and others of JSir Francis' ofticors prisoners. About half" a mile Ironi tho market scpiare, a party of the royalists tired some random shots and ran. Col. Lount's riflemen, 111 front returned thi; fire : and Mr. M'Kenzie, who was be- tween them and the er eniy, narrowly escaped being shot. lie linstened hack and h^'do them cease firing; hut a panic had seized the rear, and in a short time nearly the whole lorce was on the retreat. M'Kenzie ordered them to halt, iiccused them of cowardice, and declared that there was nothing to ho afraid of. and even threatened to shoot at ihcni if they did not return and advance. When they came 10 a stand, he told them that the steamers were sent off for the Oranaemen of the other districts ; that he had no (\ou\it the tories were as frightened, and more so, than they were; that what was mere child's play that ni^ht might be im- prncticahlo tomorrow ; asked them iviw ihey could think i;l looking- wi ft; or sweet-heart in the face, if, after all their pretended bravery, they acted the part of poltroons, and let slip the nobh st opportunity of deliverino- Canada ever of- fered to man? All lie said was of no avail. Ho called out for twenty volunteers to accompany him into the cit y — join their friends there, and drive the tories before them, or nobly perish in the attempt. There were three Scotch- men tm'iH'd out, but no more. Next morning, out of 750, but 300 con id he mustered. M'Kenzie called them togeth- er; apoiooiscd for his strong censures the previous even- ing; reniindcd them that he had set an example, vvhich if hey h; d iollowed, Toronto miijht have been theirs; told ihem that, the enemy had been reinforced, biit that they would vet succeed if thev hud confidence in themselves. 16* \H 0] i ■ -1. ;i| '! 4 'i ,.^.n. ^ X^ ^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) (/ /A^^. 1.0 I.I 1^121 ■so |25 m m 12.2 ! M 12.0 n; IE 1 1.25 1 1.4 U^ < 6" - ► p^> yi / > i*^ ^ /A '■^ '/ Photographic Sciences Corporation V ^ l^'^qj^ \\ ^^ ^\ ^f\\ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 k'.'. A 'l ' Lli: I ■{■'■:,'■ fy "■■^s'l i^:^;; i9a CAUSE OF THE FAILURE M'Kenzie, Lount, and Capt. Alves. went forthwith to collect arms, the want of which was very perplexin^iif, and of which they stood greatly in need — as well to take prisoners, and bring in the mails i'rom and to the United ^^tates and Eng land — all of which they did. On Thursday, the tories, two thousand strong-, with a couple of field jjieccs, managed by ariilleryniL'n irom thi. regular army, marched out to nieoi tiie ])atriots — wlio haci a number ot bravo and darini^; men, although not excecdin^ four hundred in all. M'Kenzie, as soon as he saw theun oniy, gallojjed towards tliom, to reconoitre and ascertai;; then' strength ; returned, and entreated his men to staml and fight them, which they resolved to do ; bi:t some oi' their captains and about one hundred and liity men, v/itii arms in their hands, stood opposite Blontgomery's hotel as idle spectators. Tliose who stood their ground did do; exceed two hundred, of whom, not more tha,i one half had serviceable otuis ; but these bravely withstood twn thousand for upwards of iifty minutes ; threw tlie lines cm their enemies several times into confusion ; a scouting par- ty advanced, and posting themselves behind tlic stamps. sent unerring death for some time into the tory ranks. Oc the part of the patriots, the {\nvv^ was kept up m fine style. and so well directed that Gov. Head, with his two thousand tories, were about c-iving ground, wlien Col. Fitzixibbon. with a stronsf party, advanced and flanked them, unper- ceived, and tims saved Sir Francis from the diso^race of an ignoble defeat, by a handful of farmers. Had those wiio stood aloof during the action had the same confidence in themselves that M'Kenzie and his brave compatriots had, they would have driven Gov. Head and his slavisli liordi of tories into Lake Ontario. Previous to the engagement, M'Kenzie ordered a detach mcnt of sixty men, under the command of the gallant, but iil-fated Capt. Matthews, to take a circuitous route, enter the city, and set fire to the Don bridge, and advance to the Market square, which he effected — but too late to gain the object intended, which was to divert the enemy from the patriot camp till evening hadstrenirthened their numbers. AT TORONTO. 191 3Ls — who ha Col. Van Esmond, their commander-in-chief, arrived jiist before llieir deleat ; but too iale to be of any service, ilad M'Kenzie had men enongh to have seemed histianks, and l)nt one field-|)itce, the late of l'|i);er Cnnnda would have l)een diU'erent. Lie nsed every means aiid stralagem winch an able otiicer and determined leader could devise he shunned no danger; hesitiited al no dillicnUy, .'md nev erlejt the held nntil lie was nenrly alone, ih^ ;ind Col. Si- ins I'letclier were the last to leave it. Fletcher nctnaliy dragged him off; gave him his great coat to disanise him ; lulling him at the same time that his (M'ivenzie's'^ lile was 01 more consequence to the cause and iheconntry than his own. Mis escape to Col. Lount and his iriends was next to a miracle. immediately after this affair, the cowardly Governor, mid his equally cowardly followers, burnt Monlgomery's splendid hotel, outhouses and ollices — a mnn ulio liad no- thing to do with the revolt, and wliose only crime wns that he was a reformer. T!e was taken prisoner, tried and con- demned to the gallows, merely because the patriots rendez- voused at his house in his absence. Mr. Gibson's house and well filled barns were next des- iroyed . We have been thus minute in detailintr the circumstan- ces which led to the uniortimate failure at Toronto, to show that it was in no way attributable to Mr. M'Kenzie. it hns been iudnstriously circulated to his prejudice, that it was entirely owing to his bnd management and coward- ice. This is far from being the fact, It is well known to all who witnessed his conduct, that it was not owing to any w;mt of management, energy, or decision, on his part, ihatthe day wms lost. The martyrs^ l.iOunt and Matthews, often declared, when in ])rison, and under sentence of deatli,that " if M'Kenzie's plans had been acted upon, and his counsel followed, tlieir success would have been inevi- Uible." It was his daring contempt of danger that his friends most blamed him for. '""^The principal causes of the failure were, the want of arms, the altering of the original day of the general out- break from Thursday to Monday, and the circulating of h 1 lit \w„ .^, If W (V . I m 192 CAUSE OF THE FAILURE the false report that Sir Francis had discovered their plans. and had issued arms to four companies of the militiu to ap- prehend the rino;|eaders. which report was believed, and consequently cast a damp on the ardor of many. Had x\rKonzie not been thwarted, by counter orders as to the time of rendezvousing, one hundred men could have taken Toronto on Tluirsday. But the alarm once criven. it required resolution and courage, which plainly appear to hav^e been wantinsf- As there were few troops, the coun- try people, had they acted in the spirit of their previous re- solutions, could liave cleared Upper Canada, it but armed with broom-sticks. Until the oranc:emen arrived, out of thirty-hve tfiousand persons \n and within sixteen miles of Toronto, only one liundredand fifty joined Sir Francis after he had 'beat to arrns"ior two whole days. The most oi these were tory colle<2:e boys, lawyers and judi^es. Such was the popular feeling against him. But when the people fail, all fails — as they surely did in the affair of the Toron- to revolt. After many hair-breadth escapes Mr. M'Kenzie arrived at Buffalo, on the ilth December, nearly worn out and destitute. Late on the evening of the 8th Deceii'iber, Dr. Dan- combe was informed by a friend immediately from Toron- to, that warrants for high treason, against fiim and some others in the London district, were issued at Toronto, for his and their immediate arrest; and he was advised to con- sult his personal safety. The Doctor, conscious of havino done no overt act to justify the governmefit in pursniiiij such a course towards him, wavS at a loss, for some time, what to do, or how Ko act ; but havmg consulted some of his friends, they advised him to face the storm, and s^ind his ground A meeting of the reformers was forthwith ' di- ed, to deliberate what measures were best calculated to'Vi/iet the exigency of the times. Anions: the resolutions passed, it was resolved to protect the Doctor, and to prevent nr- rests for treason in the London district, arid to arm them- selves, and proceed, under his command, to liberate J. J. Parker, who was then incarcerated for hi- their plans, iilitiu to ap- ilievedj and er orders as could have ^nce niven. ly appear to , the conn- previous rc- : but armed ived, out oi' ;en miles of '^rancis after rhe most ol lijfes. Such 11 the people [the Toron- mzie arrived orn out and AT TORONTO. 193 \v days pr.jvio.is, to Toronto. This was ths first at- •)i ill the London district, of a forcible resistance to the eninieiit. . the eveiiiii;j^ of the 10th, E. M. received despatches 1 Yoiiiif^ street, stutiULi' that M'tvenzie was in po3>session Toronto ; ur^nng hiin to uuister the Irieuds, and rnarcJi mtly to that capital. This was the first intimation * had of the outbreak. Tiiey expected it ; but not just 1. Dr. Duncoinbe received another, ininiediately after- ds, to the same eifect. Heralds were instantly despatch- summons the friends of liberty to arms, and to ren- vods at Oakland, wliere the Doctor should join them. 16 roads were very bad, and in some places almost in> .sible,conse(|uently the nio3senH"ers were some lime execu- ir their orders. The sturdy yeomanry, however,turnedout they were warned, without one waitiniJ^ for the other. ose who were unfit for field service harnessed their .lis, collected provisions, and drove to tho cinnp. A[)- U'ances v/ere favorable ; the country w;is in motion; tfio ids to the rendezvous crowded v/itli volunteers. Government, havln^^ received early intiination of tin? Idjn npp-'al to arms in t'le London district, despatched '. McNab witli (ive hundred of those torics who assisi- a defealini!; M'Kenzie, with orders to disperse the rebels, '^Wkncombe and other leaders, and send them prison- fi) Toronto. 11 the IBth, the patriots amounted to about six hundred 'ving men, exchksive of those unarmed. Intelligence this day received that McNab was at Brantford, on vay to attack them. The men were very anxious, and uiouslyjjinsisted on meeting him. To allay their impa- it was reported they were to attack Col. Simmons, id collected a body of Orangemen at Simcoe, to join ab; and after defeating him, to fall in McNub's rear. lie preparations were bemof made, the unfortunate tid- of M'Kenzie's defeat arrived, with the news of the sad /'ses in the Lower Province. A consultation was had aediatelv, in which one party urged the iiecessity ot pking McNab forthwith : that the news of his defeat ltd strike a panic among the tories, who, notwithstand- f 1 'ii '\-\ r . f' .",1 !^.i, .. hi i ;! t :i:' 1 If If ( ; S.'i it''! 'S'' % ' IT' 194 ^' .^- CAUSE OP THK FAILURE ing havinsftho orovernmenton their side, were conscious of their weakness. It would also establish the wavering, and induce th ^ more resolute to rally to their standard, and per- haps sliinulate their friends throuii^hout the Province to co- operate with them. Anotlier party, was of the opinion, that as the friends at Toronto were defeated, the report of it would cast a j^h^om on the ardor of many of their best friends; g'ive coiiraoe to their enemies, and induce tliewa- verintr and timid to join lliem. Besides, they were igno- rant wiietlier their friends in other parts of the Province had risen in arms ; and they had no ])rospect of receivini: reinforcements fioni any quarter, and were also deficient in arms, ammunition, and other military stores : and not knowinir how or where to procure them; and beinii:then nearly surrounded by their implacable enemies — Col. 31c- Nab on one ll.uik, ^-'immons on the other, and Askiris in their front — all tiiin2:s considered, they deemed it most ad- visable to break up and disperse, and await a moi'e favora- ble opportunity. But the party for attacking McNab. in- sisted on ilieir opini(^n ; and. after some warm debates, it | was resolved to march to Norwich, obtain recruits, and there n^aintnin themselves, until they were informed wheth- er any ot'ner part of the Province were under arms; and,, if obliijed to al)andon that post, to fall back on Maiden, and there fortify and defend themselves to the very last.' Late in the the evenim>-, orders were accordingly given to retire oil Norwich. On the march, the men became dishearten- ed, they saw their back turned to the enemy, when they expected to be led against him. They considered their efforts for freedom hopeless; and during the nii^ht they' dropt off one after another, until, before morninof, theva!l| disappeared except a (ew who remained with Doctor Dun- combe ; and these were directed to provide for their safety.! Handbills were immediately circulated by Sir Francis! Bond Head, offering a reward of four thousand dollars fori Diincombe's apprehension. After six weeks' hiding iiicel-l lars, dodging in woods and swainps, and suffering everyl hardship and privation a person could endure and hve,| through the interposition of a kind Providence, and the as- sistance of friends, he arrived at Detroit, a mere skeleton. AT TORONTO. 195 Two other leaders, Jesse Pauldino; and Mr. Fisher were sixty-four days in the woods, the snow knee deep, before they effected their escnpe ; during five of which thoy sub- sisted on one smull cracker each." It is generally supposed that many perished with hunger and cold, of whom (here IS no account. The citizens of Buffalo, some days previous to Mr. M'- Kenzie's escape, held meetings to consult in what way they could best assist the Canadian patriots to obtain their Inde- pendence. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed there, and oil the frontier generally m behalf of the Canadians. On the evening of the 11th December, it was wrouffht up to the highest point of intensity by the immense meeting gath- ered at the theatre at Buffalo, with the expectation of hear- ing Dr. Rolph, one of the proscribed. He did not appear : but the news was communicated that one of the leaders of the insurgent movement in Upper Canada, was actually in the house of Dr. Chapin, a distinguished revolutionary pa- triot. The Doctor attended the meeting ; was called to the chair, and then commenced a scene of thrilling inter- est. The Doctor said that he held a priceless friend and patriot under his protection ; that the blood-hounds of Ca- nada were on his trail, thirsting for his life's blood. Who is he? cried a voice. William Lyon J^fKenzie was the answer. The vast assembly burst into a deafening thun- der of applause. Such a scene was never before seen in Buffalo, nor such a shout of exultation heard ! " Fellow- citizens !" continued the old war-worn veteran of '76, " his life is in our power ; he has thrown himself on our protec- tion — will you protect him?" We will ! we will ! Bring him here ! "Gentlemen ! he is too sick ; too much fatigued and worn-out, to come here to-night ; but to-morrow night he shall address you. I am an old man ; but at the hazard of my life, will I protect those who throw themselves upon my hospitality. If any mean scoundrel, for the sake of a reward of four thousand dollars which is offered for him, should undertake to kidnap him, they must first walk over my dead body ! I am rather old to fight ; but I have a good bowie knife, (here he showed one of very respectable dimensions, which was greeted with three cheers.) Now, f '< ( >. Wk \ I i II •!.! I; , *' " . !i iii 196 CAUSES, AC. said the old veteran, we must act with prudence. The Amalekites arc among us ; they thirst for the blood of this patriot. I want six strong, brave young men, as good sons as the Ahnighty has among us, to watch at my house to- night, for fear ot any attempt on the part of the blood- Jio'unds of despotism to get at him.'' You may have a hui^ dred ! was echoed through tlic house. '-No!" said thr old hero, '-l want six sturdy, fear-nothing boys. Who'll i^o?" I — I — 1 — exclaimed a thousand voices. A dozen sprang at once on the stage. It is a well known lact, that a young man, of McKenziti's si'/o and appearance, was afterwards assassinated, undoi circumstances which gave rise to the opmion, which his brother, then secretary to Gen. Scott, still entertains, that the Canadian tories stabbed him by mistake for McKenzie. {*'' i; t 'i CHAPTbiR XXI. Navy Island. Prior let McKenzle's nppearance in Buffalo, tiie celebrated Thomas Jotlerson Sutherland, a lawyer of no mean abilities, who, whatever may have been his faults, has unquestionably suffered much in the cause of Canadian freedom, and one who, most certainly, felt sincerely interested for the emancipation of the oppressed and trodden-dovvn people of Canada, had, the author believes, from pure patriotic motives, been actively en- gaged in procuring volunteers and other means, to aid the Canadians in achieving their independence. Having on the 13lh obtained some volunteers, a quantity of arms and ammu- nition, he removed them to Black Roclv, where they were sei- zed by the authorities, and the enterprise broken up. How- ever, Mr. Sutherland was not to be diverted from his object. — On the 14th ho conceived the bold plan of organizing the Cu- (iiiin exiles and other volunteers, as a military force on Navy Island, which, by the Treaty of Ghent, belongs to Upper Can* ada. This Island is situated in the rapids of the Niagara riv- or, just above the Falls, and is not more than a mile and i\ half distant from Chippewa, on the Canada shore. It is a mile and a half long and a mile broad, well wooded and sheltered, and about twenty feet higher than the main shore on the Can- ada side, which, with the dangerou force of the current, ren- ders it almost impregnable on that si ie; ond a more advanta- geous point for a hostile demonstration against Canada could not have been fixed upon. On the 15th Dec. twenty-eight brave and fine looking young men, with R. Van Rensselaer and Sutherland at their head, embarked at Schlosser in two boats and took possession of the Island in the very face and teeth of a British battery and 500 troops. The selection of this bold position by the Sons of Liberty, produced strong sensations in Canada and the adjoining por- tions of the State of New York, and greatly increased the feeling of enthusiasm prevalent for the liberties of Canada. — 17 I 'im [f %•''% ¥'A \ I ' I I < I 198 NAVY ISLAND. f» <•••' if (! ! '"I* ,H.;>: J ^ Every day brouglit largo accessions to tlieir nninborH, Tlio tri-c()lorc(J, twin star bintier of liberty being unfurled and [)lan» ted, Van Rensselaer, wilb the title of G-sneral, was invested wit!i the supremo coniniand, and Sutherland next to hitn. Thf; General immediately commenced fortifying the Island. His llrst care was to mount an old scow with a double fortifu^d Ioiil: nine pounder, to seiV(j as a clianixd guard battery and proveut surprise while the works were progressing. VoiuntetM's, sup- plies of clothing and 'provisions, inmost bountiful profusion, i'rom all parts in the neighborhood, jioured in upon them. — Their armament soon amounted to six iield pieces and several liundred muskets, besides those in ust; by the men. A provis- ional government was got up, of which AicKenzie was Chair- man, pro tern. From this u proclamation was issued, seltin<:; tbrth the object of the IVitriot army — [)romising a bouiity oi' three hundred acres of wild li\nd to all volunteers who shouj,! serve durino; the struf'tTfle, and a reward of oC500 was olFert'l for the apprehension of Sir Francis IJuad. McKenzie also is- sued various denomiuntions of money in the form of Treasury notes, payable from th(» resources of the new government, whenever it shoidd bo estab islied, which were readily taken in payment by all who had any connection with the voluntei^rs. This demonstration of hostility, after all internal danger v/itliin the Province had ceased, naturally excited the alarm of the British authorities of Uj)per Canadn. Col. McNab, who had marched against Dr. Duncombe into the London District, meeting with no resistance there, asser:)- bled a body of nearly 2.000 Orange men. With these he was ordered by the Governor to march to Chippewa to watch tlv; movements on Navy Island. On arriving on the Niagara iVontier, he assumed the command of all the British forces i;i that quarter, and immediately commenced canonading the In- land. The heroic sons of freedom were not slow in returnin,:,' tlie compliment; they silenced his battery and dispersed his red coats in every direction. Sir Francis B. [lead issued fresh orders to McNab, urging him to drive the Republican brigands off the Island, at the expense of the last drop of blood in Up- per Canada. McNab exerted every means, by land and wa- ter, to dispossess them. Six and nines, eighleens and twenty- four pounders' shells and rockets were incessantly showered on the devoted Islanders without efTect. The stubborn Renub- licans returned shot for shot, dismantling the Queen's batte- ries as often as they were prepared. Several attempts wero iTibors, The It3(i und [)liin» invested witli ) liitn. Tii(! Islaiiil. His lortiliod Ioiil'; ^ and proveijt iurJleors, siip- "ul proruaiou, ij)Oii ihutii. — •js 'CiVi'\ scvcrnl \\. A provis« ie was Chair- ssuud, seUi.'if,' \ \\ bounty di' s who shoLii,! [) was oirerfrl Lcnzic also is- 1 of Treasury governtnont, readily tiikcn 10 V()luiltf.'i^f<. danger witliin ahum of tlio uncombe inio there, asseni- 1 these lio \va:s \ to watch tho the Niasfara [lish forces in lading liie I-- I in returning' persed liis red issued tVesh ican bri/rands blood in Lip- land and wa- s and twenty- tly showered bborn Reoub- • ueen's batte- .tlempts wero NAVY ISLAND. lyn made by water, on strongly fortified flotillas, to approach the Island; but the vigilance of McKenzie and Van Rensselaer, and the unerring eye of AlcCiregor, us often drove them back. I'brly ill \\\^ morning of the "iUth Dec. McNub was informed by citizens from Hutfalo, that the Steam Uoat Caroline would |)G down that night — that slie had taken out a licence as a fer- ry boat for passenger.^, to ply between Bullalo, Schlosser and Navy Island. McNab fancied ho saw, in this atlair, a fine oi^portunity to disjilay his gallantry in the service of (iueeii Victoria, lie, in conjunction with one Drew, a retired navy otlicer, formed a plan lo devote this unarmed and unofiendini( bout to destruction. On Friday the 29th, the Caroline left Bulfalo for Navy Is- land with passengers, and continued through the day to ply as ;i lerry boat between tin; Island and the shore, on the private account of thu owner. In the evening she was securely moor- ed at Fort Schlosser, a landing place on the American shore. A small tavern was the only accommodation this place nirorded. The tavern being very full, a number of gentlemen whom the novelty of the circumstance had brought to the spot, took lodg- ings in the boat. At 8 o'clock an unarmed watch was placed on the deck, there being only one pistol aboard and no powder. At 10 o'clock, P. M. Drew put off from the Canada shore, with forty-five volunteers in five boats. At midnight they hotirded iho Caroline and instantly commenced a furious and deadly attack upon the unsuspecting and unarmed inmates, who of course were easily overpowered. A number were sl- verelv wounded, and one Mr. Duriee killed as he was leavincr the boat. Many, from the suddenness of the surprise, jumped into the river. The war crv of the assailants was *'G-d d — n THEM, GIVE NO QUARTER TO THE YaNKEE DOGS FIRE, FJRE, LET NONE ESCAPE." The boat was quickly loosened from the wharf, towed into the stream and set on fire. In a few min- utes, the strong blaze which shot from the burning timbers, made the force on Navy Island and the shore, a^-'are of the deed. The thrilling cry ran round that there were living souls aboard, and as the vessel, wrapt in vivid flame, which lighten- ed the gloom as it shone brightly on the water, was hurrying down the resistless rapids to the tremendous cataract, the con- tinued thunder of whose roaring, more awfully distinct in tho midnight stillness, horrified every mind with the idea of their inevitable fiUe. Numbers caught in fancy, the wails of des • 1 ■;( . .M 1 I 9 A f ■I -■ 1* t ! ; i '■ ! ,■ j |; -4 .1 '!i 'i t ■ ** ' ■ '■ i» ■ f ; ■ %\h ^:S 1' 200 NAVY ISLAND. pairing, living wrctcljcs, hopelessly perishing by (Ik? (lout)i(- horrors of a late wiiich nothing could avert, iii»(J watched with agonizing attention the flaming mass, till it wus hurriedly awepl over the fulls to ho crushed into cvcjrlnsting ruin, ir. the unfathorned tomb of darkness below. Several Canadians wlm left the Island in the Caroline that evening, to return the next day, liavo not since been seen or heard of, and doubtlessly were hid on board and perished with the ill-fated vessel. The monsters who could plarj, and the savages who couM perpetrate a deed so dreadfulK" horrible, and so terribly appal- in^, ought, in all ccniscience, to be served in the same maimer. Whv did the cowardly, murderous gang pass Navy Island, where the l^atriois haiJ boldly and fea-rless!y hoisted their (Ing, and waited for them, to attack innocent and, unarmed mou in an unarmed boat, in the dead of night, in a critieili govenmient threaten war with the United States for daring to seek redress for their murdered citizens and outrageously in- suited fiagi If this atrociously wicked ali'air is permitted to pass unredressed, citizenship in the United States is no prolec tion at home or abroad. In the British dominions it is a signrJ for insult, or a passport to death. The whole of this circumstance lent a character of aggrava- tion to the transaction, that deeply exasperated the public mind in every portion of the Lfnited States. Hitherto the citizens on the borders of New York took little more interest in the Pat- riot cause, than merely to sympathise with, and wi!^h them success; but the perpetration of this execrable deed, aroused the citizens to vengeance. Hundreds volunteered to aid the Patriots, who never dreamt of it before; and had it not been for the uncea?ing perseverance of llie United States' authori- ties to maintain their neutral relations with Great Britain, the despotic government of Upper Canada would have been over- thrown from Navy Island, long since. January 4lh, 1838, formidable preparations were being made in the British camp, to attack and carry the Island, at all haz ards. McNab convened a council, where it was unanimously resolved, by the officers, to put every living creature on the iHit. NAVY ISLAND. 201 Islfirul (0 death, whon th(!y took it. Tljo wnlch word given, was, "no itrisonurs," 'Mio (jU!;rtors;'' |)ut the unslurn'ocring vigihim^o of t!i(' Navy Kslundurs frusli-Mfcd their designs iind coinpeHod the British to seeic shidfcr Miid(;r their hiitlerioM. — ll was generally sni)})osf;d, on tiio Island, that one of their scows Went over thn falls. Ahout this tinK; McNah's forc(? iiunihorcMi full .^),0()() — lhos(.' on the Island not over 000 ! ! On the 10th Gov. Marcy and Gen. Snolt arrived Mt lUjIFalo, and on tho lltli visitt.'d Fort Schlossurund compelled Gen. Van I'ensselacr, with his forces, to ovacnnto tho Island on tlx; 14tli, under tho penally, il" ihey occupied the Island any longer, of ijeip.d tho Island at tho time :;ppointo(l, leaving nothing but an old hor.sc, which the royalists carried in triumph to Sir Francis l'. lloiul at Toronto. 0.1 tho very day that Navy Island was evacuated, the beau- lil'ul village of St. iMistache, vil inil(.\s north of Montreal, was ;il{ficked by Sir John (../olhorne with HOO cavalry, a largo train .)•' [\rli'!lerv, several re!7;ini!'nts of repjulars and Canadian loyal- v>t^", and a. portable {^allows to bans: the ieaderK who iniLdit be i»k(!!i alive nnd in arms. Sir John's aririy was 2,500 strong. ;)t. l.'iUslaclia was singled,, out ft)r vengeance, because its citi- /.■;ns had |)rotecled from arrest, some of the honest niembers' of Assembly, whom the govc^Vnment' sought to destroy. Th(.^ Canadians, as at St. Dennis, were some 300 persons, badh/ armed and so scarce of balls that son>e of them firiid off mar- bles. 'I'bey took possession of several buildings and barrica;;, I'ed themselves. Dr. Clienier and sixty njore, threw them- >elvcs into the churcli, a very massive building in a comman- 'ling situation, and llunked by two stone buildings. The enemy surrounded the village and cut oIT all retreat. The Clergy (nan's house was first burnt, having been fired witii congreve rockets, and the people who retreated to the cellars of the con- vent were either burnt or suffocated. The soldiers next su)- rounded the church, under cover of the smoke, and two officers of the royalists set fire to it, leaving the wounded to perish in the fiames. Some leaped from the windows and were met with volleys of musketry. Dr. Chenier and a few brave men, 17* ^iM A' I. ^ ' ' ' i 00 volunteers, took possession of Bois Blanc Island in theriv. cr Detroit, and ordered the schooner Ann, Capt. Bordineau, to ihe north-western end of the Island to watch the motions of the enemy on the Canada side, while he should prepare for a demonstration on Maiden. At the urgent request of some one on board, Capt. B. against his own inclination, weighed an- chor in order to pass Maiden; but unfortunately, the wind blowing hard, she grounded, and after some resistance, was captured by the militia and negroes. In this affair the Patriots had several killed, and the whole crew of twenty-six, including Cols. Dodge, Brophy, Capt. Da- vis and Dr. Theller, were sent prisoners to the London jail, on charge of high treason. This vessel was a valuable prize tor the captors. It contained three cannon — one nine and two six pounders, three hundred and sixty stand of small arms, ■[■¥ 6k :;)i r I, V- ^'W' ■'< it ■'I TM „|, (I . !•: 1 1 i ' ii ■.(■ •I ;' ! I 1 i 1^04 SACKING OP ST. fiUSTACHE. witli bayonets and accoutrements complete, a large quantity of ammunition, and six hundred and thirty dollars in specie, be- sides clothing and other materials. Col. Bradly, a galhint Pat- riot ofiicer, who was present, in his report says: *'There is no doubt that if Gen. Sutherland had attempted to relieve the schooner Ann, her capture would have been prevented; for he had, at thai time, between sixty and a hundred men under his immedinte command, who expressed their willingness to make the attempt to save her from falling into the hands of the ene- my. Capt. Sanford earnestly requested Sutherland to order the men into the boats, to prevent her being taken — ho appear- ed to compiy with the request; but instead of performing what every man there supposed was his intention, as soon as tlio men were on board, he ordered them to pull for the American shore, saying, "tlie enemy are attacking us, and we must flee for our lives."' lie further adds, "if Sut'nerland had eflected a landing, he could have maintained it; ho had a suiricient nutn- her of men, directly under his conmiand, to have made good his position, without the aid or assistance of a single Canadian. However, he had the promise of assistances from three or lour hundred Canadians; but in consequence of his want of military experience, they were driven to the necessity of uniting witli the royalists.'" Thus ended Gen. Sutherland's military career, although not his misfortunes. On tjie evacuation of Navy Island, Jan. the 14th, the Steam Boat Barcelona was employed to carry the Patriot ordnance and stores to a place of safe-keeping in the vicinity of Bulialo. On arriving at Black Rock, she was intercepted and blockaduJ by two armed British schooners, who, to all appearance, in- tended to make her a prize. Gen. Scott, of the American ar- my, boincf then at iJulralo enforcinfir the neutral law of 181S, on being officially apprised of the intentioris of the British schooners, ordered two companies of the Artillery and two field pieces to the spot, and accompanied them in person, with the avowed determination to protect the boat, and m.aintain tbo honor and dignity of the National flag, in the event of the Bri- tish offering the boat or crew the least violence on the Ameri- can waters. The excitement created by the menacing attitude of the British navy, towards an American boat,. within the wa- ters of the United States, exceeded any thing heretofore wit- nessed on the frontier. Young men and old — all turned out, determined to cross into Canada, should a gun be fired, or any ',* •■• SACKING OP ST. EUSTACHE. 205 attempt made to board her. The British were rnpidiy concen- irating their forces on the Cunada shore, and the schoonersv ,ipparently, manoeuvring to attack her the instant she weighed' iinchor. Every motion of the British indicated an immediate recourse to hostilities. Gen. Scott took jjis position, prepared for the emergency; but to prevent the ^jnnecessary eilusion of blood, he despatched one of his aids to warn the British com- mander that any violence offered to thy boat, would bo consid- ered as an act of open hostility against the United States, and ihat, in such a case, he should feel himself bound, wilii all the means at his disposal, to maintain the dignity of the Common- v/eullh and the lienor of the National flag, adding that he, the Biilish commander, must consider himself responsible for the consequences. During this interval, the saucy B;;rcelona weighed anchor, steered towards the British schooners, evi- ijentlv daring them to molest her, and then proceeded on her course. The British commander remembered Lundy's Lane;. knew Gen. Scott to be a man of his word, and, like an entrap- ped v;olf, the English commander hung his head and sneaked oifto his lair. Thus, through the determined firmriessof Gen,. ISoott, ended an alTair which, in all probability, would have otherwis3 proved fatal to the peace of both nations. M-i •m irl 'f-i ;i J CHAPTER XXII. Northwestern Frontier Expedition. • ■ih ii' '^1 ii %■ 1 On the 18th January-j the Navy Island boys took up their line of march for the northwestern frontier, under the command of Gen. D. McLeod, to join the volunteers in that quarter. Tlie ostensible object of this movement was mere- ly to draw the attention ot the British troops towards the western district, while M'Kenzie and the celebrated Bill Johnston were to make a demonstration on Kingston from Hickory Island with the northeastern volunteers. The brave Navy Islanders voluntarily undertook this march ot nearly five hundred miles, upon their own re- sources, in the dead of winter, sometimes paddling through mud and mire, at other times through snow ancle deep: enduring the alternate changes of weather, sleet and snow, rain and frost, with as much cheerfulness and determina- tion of purpose as \i they were going to take peaceable pos- session of a land flowing with milk and honey. On the second day ot their march, through the officious- ness of the U. S. officers, Col. Worth, with a detachment of regular troops, seized, at Fredonia, their arms, ordnance and stores, leaving them entirely destitute. This was e- iiough to dishearten common men ; but not these gallant men, instead of desponding or brooding over their loss. pushed forward, determined not to be diverted from their object by every trifling accident. Their conduct during the march was exemplary, and convinced the citizens that they were more than ordinary men. VVherev^er they quartered for the night, the inhabit- ants declared that they never saw a more peaceable or bet- ter behaved set of men. The citizens, every where, on the line of their march encouraged them ; supplied them with food and lodginofs ; frequently clothing the needful and ministerinor to the comfort of the sick and worn out. The enthusiasm of the people for Canadian freedom ran high. ■ h N. W. FRONTIER EXPEDITION. 207 Had the patriots been permitted to proceed unmolested by iimrshals, sheriils, constables, 6cc. they would have entered Canada lull ten thousand strong, armed and equiped. It was the United States government, and not British troops, that saved Canada in 1838. At Conneaut, in consequence of the overbearing conduct of Col. J. 8. Vreeland, and his usurping and exercising au- thority not connected with his duty or office, it was deemed advisable, by the officers in council, cither to de^rrade or dismiss iiirn altoa-ether ; but as lie was in possession ot* mie important secrets relative to the expedition, and be- iiii«- also of an implacable and vindictive disposition, and iiaving it in his power to do much harm, should either of the above alternatives be adopted, it was resolved to re- coinmend Gen. McLeod to appoint him Brio-ade Inspector, US the duties of that office would place him more immedi- ately under his eye. and remove hun from the command of , , -his reoinient. who literally detested him. This was in fact .•^,-i\ .i,,'."^. de Iremoved, was ordered to march with his regiment to San- iisky, and there remain until the General should join him. Major Wilcox, in consequence of his faithful and unremit- ted exeitions in the service was appointed Colonel in the. nny, and retained with the General as an aid, by order of R commander-in-chief, Gen. Van Rensselaer. The officers of the different departments being instructed took up their r, under the nteers in that nt was mere- s towards the lebrated Bill jiigston from icrs. ndertook this heir own re- lliui V ancle deep : DCt and snow, id deter mina peaceable pos- the officious ri detachment ms, ordnance This was e- these gallant /er their loss, id from their" ., the inhabit- ;eable or bet- ^here, on the }d them with needful and! Irn out. The >m ran high.] 0': }' I, ! : » '■ " V 4:: I i»" Hi: - i 208 N. W. FRONTIER EXPEDITION. in the discharge of their respective duties, and every thing appertaining to the expedition properly arranged, the Gen- eral with his suite proceeded to Sandusky, to mature his I plans and make further arrangements, previous to his re| turning to Canada. At Conneaut may be dated the commencement of Vrei; land's public treachery. The arms entrusted to his care.j at this place, were never seen afterwards. At Portland | City ho introduced himself as commander-in-chief of thoi Patriot service; took up his head-quarters at Mr. Yictor'si inn; ordered the landlord to supply his officers with the j best cheer, and told him th^t his paymaster would foot tli« bill. On arriving at Sandusky, the commanding General, byi invitation, made his head-quarters at a private gentleman's house, where he and his staff were received with the most marked attention. Hero t!ie plans for entcrino: Canada were! matured ; the army divided into two divisions. Col. Sew- ard, with the right, amounting to about two hundred men, was ordered to Port Clinton; there equip his men; cross on the ice to Point an Pclee, and make a diversion into Canada, while the General, Adjutant Gen. Ashley, and Col. Wilcox, should proceed to attack Maiden, with the forces in that vicinity. Vreeland was ordered to transport] the arm boxes to Port Clinton, immediately, that Col. Sew ard might experience no delay in waiting for them. ll(!i reported that he had none to forward. A council of offi- cers was instantly called, and Vreeland summoned to ap- pear ; and on being asked what he had done with the arms! delivered to his care at Conneaut, he replied that he was the commander-in-chief ; that the council was illegal — htid no authority to call him to account, and that he would not abide their decision — that the arms were somewhere, some] in Pennsylvania, some in Oliio, and some in Michigin. After a consultation of some hours, he finally acknowledg- ed having done wrong; that the arms and ammunition] were forwarded to Perryshurgh and Monroe, and ^hat foi the future he would obey the orders of his superior officers The General proposed dismissino: him instanter; butthej council thought it not prudent ; that it would be better (o lift" •' N. W, FRONTIER EXPEDITION. 209 every thing ?,cl, the Gen- mature his I us to his re- lent of Vred-I to his care.i At Portlaiidl chief of the Mr. Yictor'sj ;ers with ihej Mild foot the bear with him until they got possession of the arms. He was then ordered to repair immedititely to Monroe; collect ilie stores, and there await until the General arrived with the men. An express was immediately sent to Col. Seward, apprising him ot Vreeland's conduct; enjoining him to remain where he was, until Maj. l.awton arrived from Pennsylvania, with the arms in his charge ; and then take np his line of march for Point au Pelee; refresh his men, and proceed as directed by former instructions. Mr. James McKenzie, an officer of trust, was also despatched to Mon- roe, to watch Vreeland's motion. fcivery thing being arranged as well as circumstances permitted, the General, previous to his departure, sent to the landlord, Mr. Victor, for his bill, who brought in an ac- count of $110, which the General supposed meant $1.16, ns he had been there only one night. Mr. Victor explained, that Vroeland directed him to supply the men as above sta- ted. All the funds in the hands of the proper ofiicer, to discharjie this unexpected bill, were barely .$65, which was paid over to Mr. Victor by Cols. Wilcox and Sew- iird, who gave their acceptance for the remainder. Tins money was' the voluntary contribution of the citizmis of Bloamingsville, Huron, Norwalk, and Maxwell, who gave besides a'large quantity of flour, pork, and beef for tlie use of the patriot service. Vreeland was well aware, when lie ordered this unnecessary expense that tfie men liad plenty of provisions, and no person was better acquainted with the low state of the Patriot funds than he was, for he was con- tinually drawing upon it, under the pretence of hiring^ teams.' Besides, he collected large sums for the benefit of the service, for which he never would account. But all this would have been overlooked, had his treachery ended here. Havino; settled this affair, and giving the necessary direc- tions to tlie men, the General, with his staff, left Sandusky late in the eveninir of the 18th Feb., and proceeded with all possible haste to overtake Vreeland, and concentrate the men at Monroe, previous to a descent on Maiden. Vree- land was overtaken at Toledo, where he told the General that he had, or would have, nine hundred stand of arm^i 18 iH .M?r \ 1 M i I >■: l.-t. t i^'ii h n:i.i.:-\ 210 N. W. FRONTIER EXPEDITION. six six-pounders and two fours, at Monroe, ready as soon as the men arrived. Col. Wilcox asked Inm wiiether he asserted this as a matter of fact, lie answered, with an oath, that lie could place his hand on the whole of them at any moment. 13r. Dn ncombe, havinir i\«cently escaped from Canada, met the General here for tlie first time. llavin<»' commu- nicated the obj(3Ct of the expedition to the Doctor, and otiier particulars, tliey left early in the morning for Monroe. On arrivini^ at that pluce, they found Vreeland at his old tricks, issuins^ orders its coiiujuuider-in-chief. A council was iigixin called to consult what means should be ac'optd to obtain from him the possession of the patriot arms and equipaLce, and how to dispose of him ot'ierwise. Vreeland, alter being summ )ned, aj)pearod in the council. The Gen- eral mildly asked him what oijject ho h;id in view by act- ing in the manner ho did.^ wiiat lie meant by issuing orders in direct opposition to the plans matured and adopted.^ He impudently replied, '' Mi/ swret felloii^ 1 7ii'jan, by G — d, w/uit I haoe ivrillcn .'" Tlie General's passion, at this time, got rather the upper hand. Col. Wilcox stept iorward and demanded of him what he meant by such in- solent language to their commander, placed a brace of pis- tols on the table, told Vreeland. to take liis choice and follow him. Vreeland apologised, and the affair was hushed up. From this time the oilicers treated him with the utmost contempt. Seeing that lie had gone too far. and had no!U! to back him up in his pretensions, lie drew up a document, resfretting his past conduct, and promising submission for | all time to come. On offering this apology, the General! was about spurning it with contempt ; but the council ad-| vised otherwise. The General thus addressed him, viz: '' Vreeland, 1 accept this, by the advice of the council, as a pledge for the future. You acknowledire your past conduct to have been ungentlemanly and unofficerlike ; and desire to be restored to confidence. I have none in you ; butyonr brother officers are willing to bear with you a little longer, and forg:et the past, on condition that you deliver the arms and ordnance in your possession to Col. Wilcox, forthwith" ,This he promised to do on the receipt of a geneial order to t" N. W. FROM'IEIl EXPEDITION. 211 that ofTcct. Col. Wilcox tlieti nsked liiin in presence of the council what amount of arms he iiud in Monroe? Ho nn- i;\vered, " I have anus for nine hnndred men ; live boxes of lixed anunnnition, at least a suMicient (jnantity to supply nine Inuidred men with twenty live rounds each, or more ; live kccrs of powder; eight pieces of artillery completely mounted, i. e. six sixes, and two four pounders. 'Tis men, be said, not arms that are wanting." The General directed the Adjutant General to issue an order toCJol. Wilcox to take charge of the arms from Vree- laiid immediately. An order was accordingly issued, ot v/hich the followmg is a true copy : Adjutant GciicraVs Office^ ) Feb. 22, 1838. \ [General Orders.] The Brigade Inspector, J. S. Vreeland, will in person point out where the arms, amnnuiition, ordnance and ord-. nance stores belonging to the Patriot ser^nce are, and deliv- id the same to Col. Calvin Wilcox forthwith. By order of the General commanding, K0B1:U1T W. ASHLEY, Adft Gen. While tills was preparing, and previous to the breaking lip of ihe Council, Vreeland disappeared, and contrary to his pledged laith, suddenly removed and secretly forwarded tlie arms to Swan Creek, where the perse verino- and in- domitable Col. Wilcox, after much trouble overtook him ; presented the order, and demanded a delivery of the pro- perty. He promised to comply and to deliver them in the course of the evening. The men were then marched to Swan Creek to receive their arms, and Irom thence proceed to their orio^inal destination. About 8 o'clock, P. M., Vreeland, with a double sleio'h, containing one liundred and seventy five stand of muskets, drove up to the inn where Wilcox, with a small party of men were on the look out. After taking possession, and charging the teamster to wait, he went to call the men and pay for their supplies, which did not exceed five minutes, and on his return, team, team- ster, arms and Vreeland had disappeared. The arms were never seen afterwards. After two hours fruitless search, by Dr. Duncombe, Wilcox and others, a council was again called to resolve what measures to pursue. Some of the ■ V :l 1 ¥■ n '■':' . 1* h ^ i 1 -Sir-'"- ii, , N. VV. FKONTIKll EXPKDITION. ofliccns weielbr arreslingVrt eland and, unities Iio deliver- ed \ip the anus, or pointed where they were, to cxeciiie liini on the sikU as a traitor ; but this was overruled, ioi* certain reasons. Tlic attack on Maiden was necessarily ^iven up; and Col. Wilcox desjiatched a second tinic in jitirsuit ot Vrec- land. lie overtook him, a little lelore daybreak, wiiliin nine miles of the river Ecorse ; bnt he jiosilively denied any knowledge of the arms. On linding that Col. Wilcox was not to be trilled with any longer, he promised the Colo- nel if he should iollow liim to the river Ecorse, to deliver the whole up without any further trouble. On anivingiit this place nothing could be ibund, nor, consequently, was any delivery made. Alter a long and tedious night's march tiie General and men arrived between eight and nine in the morning of the 24lh, opposite Fighting Island, but no Vreeland or arms could be found. At 11 o'clock, the Cm eral received notice that two comi)anics of the United States troops were on their march from Detroit, to disperse the men and arrest the leaders. Col. "Wilcox was immedi- ately ordered to parade the men on the ice. All tlie arms in their possession were barely six rifles and one musket, n few swords and some pistols. The General addressed them in a very animated speech, arid at the conclusion, asked them whether to avoid the U.S. troops and marshals they would march with him and occupy Fighting Island until the arms arrived. All responded in the affirmative- gave three cheers, and marched of! under the command of CoL W^ilcox. Through the treachery of Vreeland these brave men were thus unavoidably placed between two fires, having their enemy, the British in front, without the means of defending themselves in the event of an attack : the U. S. troops in their rear, to starve them out and pre- vent any succor reaching them. Had the British known their destitute condition, and attacked them in the night, their case would have been desperate. After they had marched for the Island, the General re mained for a sort time to consult with Dr. Duncombe on matters relating to the expedition, and if possible to prevail with Vreeland to give up the arms, or inform where they .could be found— but all tone effect. Vreeland was then V'» N. W. FROXTIER KXPKDITION. 2n n ordcrnd to join the patriots on the Island forthwith ; bnt iriistnisLiiiir the consequence, utid to jivoid the a[)()earance ofdisDiK'viiiir orders, [rj solemnly dechired that he and the ;irins would boon the Island in the course of the niirjit; at tliosaiiie time nriroutly requested the General to ^n'ant liirn ^ix nioii, to he posted iit diliert'Ut phices as sentinels, to pre- vent th(^ sleii^hs loaded with the arms t'allinirinto the hands o( the I). S. troops or marslials, as well (is to pilot the sloi^rhs secretly to the Island. To leave him wUhout excuse, this request was granted , the men were j)osted as he thought lit, and there ho lett them, during a long, tedious, cold ui^-ht. Dr. Duucombe having lost all further confidence in him, mounted his liorse and rode to Detroit, to collect and for- ward all the arms he could. On arriviuir there he pub- lished the followiuir notice : '• The patriots, under the com- mand of Gen. D. xMcLeod, hoisted the standard o( liberty in Upper Canada. lie diilivered a short and spirited address to the men, in whicli, after briefly relating the evils of an irresponsible government, the oppression of the people in Upper Canada, concluded by adding that their present ob- ject was undertaken in defence of the inalienable rights of man, and to extend to their suffering Canadian brethren the enjoyment of equal rights, and of civil and religious libefty. Not a heart was cold ; not an eye was dry, or a voice silent ; but long and repeated cheerinij evinced the zeal and deter- mination of the brave men, who tlien stood prepared to reco- ver their lost possession in (vaiiada, emancipate the slaves of British tyranny — or die. Gen. McLeod evmced the true spirit of a determined commander; bnt not so Mr. Vree- luiid. His conduct must be held by every honest man in utter detestation^" Havingr arranged with Dr. Duncombe, the General, with the remainder of his ofhcers, left for the Island, to direct the future operations of his brave, but unarmed compatriots. Vreelanfl, now finding the coast clear, dressed himself, it is said, in the unfortunate Gon. Sutherland's regimentals, went into the room wtiere the United States marshals were, introduced himself as J. S. Vreeland, Brigade Inspector, Master of Ordnance, and Commander ia-chief of the Patri- 18* Kf» I fir: il !.iy- I *". ' i'V^lt;^ '! h 'i ! ; 214 N. W. FIlONTIKil EXPKDITION. ct service, and if tluiy liiid any hiisiiicss svitli liiiii lio was thero hinisolf. Tlui iiiiirslials, ^iiu'ssiiio- his oljjoct, looked iipoii liiiH witli iiicHablo coiitiMiipt, tlinist him out of tho room ; hut on his rcaj)pc!arimco, they wvrc cotM'.olh'd to niako liim a prisourr. At the s unc liujo Ik; dolivtrt'd up a sleiiih load ot" arms sont {h)\vii that uiorniuL'' Irom Detroit. lor {hit usool'ihc Patriots, which ho had kept concealed till then. Oil arriving on the Island, tlio Concrars first care was to visit the pickets and outpostS; to sec lor him: ell that they were so posted as to prevent siirj-rise. On reviewing- theiii lie declared himself satisfied witli the skilUnl manner in which (/'ol. Wilcox phmted them, and returned very mucli fatiiiucd to Ills camp, tiic snow bciiiiJj considerably deep. Officers l)(>iiijx appointed to tidce th(i rounds durinijf the ni^^ht, the General laid down about I o'clock in the morn- ing, requestinu* (a)I. \Vdcox to aw(d\(! him and warn Adi"{ Jones, to call the men out halt an hour ht-fore day break. Duriiiuthe niii^ht, l.owever, about forly muskets arrived, ol which thirty- live were serviceable, 'i'liese were procured throui,di the exertions of Dr. Duncombe and our friends, and v/cro immediatcily put into the fiands of tlie men. ('apt. Dodd, from 'I'oledo, formerly of the U. S. army, was put in command of the armed men, and was busily employed with his company during* the niiJ^ht in makimr cartrid<.]:ob. Accordiuir to order,the men paraded before day-liaht. Tiicy had now i'o: ty-seven stiind of arms, and appeared in (>l<(!d out of tlio ()m;.<;ll('d to ivd't'd lip a o!:i Detroit. iKHiaUnl till St ciw'o. was .'l! tliuUhoy 'wiiiii; tlu'iii ni.'uinor in very muca rnMy deep. (liirinij^ the II llio uiorn- 1 wani Adj't (3 day break. fs ari'lvcd, of iTG procnrnd 1)11 r iViends, 3 1 noil. ('apt. niy, was put ly employed o- ca.itrid<.i:ci-. ■ li-lit. They \Yvd i n iifood and jiiviiie; breakfast in le Canadian arable wlicre I anticipated. n the Island. itoly ordered 5 men, three monof them. sed in rather 3r remaining ■e of theene- ist with their arms in hand, so as to l)o ready to turn out in case of an- nth.cr alarm. About half an honr aftrTwards, iIk- onomy opened their battcMies, })oiirin:x round shot, ^rnpo jind can- ister on tlie Island i fine style. 'I'he men w unarms were ordert^l to form line, nn(ler(Jaj)t. Dodd. Those with- out, to keej) in the rear, and not expose themseives unne- cessarily. (jols. Wilcox and Bacon contrived, tlicevcninL; pievions, to ^^. t a three pot;ijd« " on the Island, whiidi liny iiioimted oil rails, and ifave in eharire of Adjutant Joins ; but Imv- iiiir neither eartndijc.^ n'>r balls, they broke open ;i kn^t of rifle power, and loaded her in the follo\v'in:r manner: Col. |]ac()n held the ninzzh! npl)elween his Icu-s ; Jones poured 111 the powder with his hands, and rammed \\]o. wad home with a [)ieco of broken rail, and in lien ol a ball tilled her up with boiler pniicliens ; Col. McKinney firing her olj". This they repeated two or three times. Tin; r^ritish forces appearuiK 'd this time, full live liimdred strong; on the ice, ("apt. Dodd was directed to form his men at the cdi^'e of the Island, and keep them as little exposed as possibii^, and not to fire until the enemy arrived within fair reach. They soon approached. A steady lire was kept up by both parties lor nearly three hours, without much (^(iect on either side. At one tiirie, while the General was in consultation with Wilcox, close to the only tree on that part of the Island, a sh pound shot struck a. lariic branch of the tree, about nine inches over his head. The branch, in fallinif, wounded Wilcox in the face. On the first alarm, two prisoners, ta- ken thedfiy previous, nnide their escape, and iiiforined the British of thf^ destitute state of the patriots. On r'^ceivins: this information they crossed the ice in two divisions — the foot soldiers at the lower, and tlie drairoons at i!ie upper end of the Island. The patriots, nevertheless, maintained their gronnd, until reduced to one round of cartrid^^es apiece^and oven until they were nearly surrounded. See- iriof that any further resistance would only be a wanton and unpardonable waste of human life, and satisfied that all was done that hrave men could do, placed in similar cir- cumstances, the General ordered a retreat, and directed IK" ^ J ) 1 y^^W; ■'ft* ■ iB ' '^ ' 1,'. * iB' '^■- Hi ^' ' « B' '"'•■ '« j 1 )' "I ' "- 1 k^' ,•,■ iP? p: « 1. il|^ i: iii: ' :;:■■ -i li ■.."■ .^f .■'^ 1 I ill '■•.■• If 216 N. W. FRONTIER EXPEDITIO>f* Capt. Dodd, with his armed men to cover the rear of the iiri- armed, and by no means to allow them to rnn or break the line,wtiich order was pnnctnallyoheyed. Previous tothis as the Gen. was orderinii* the men without arms to retreat to the American shore, a i^rape shot carried away tiie front ot' his cap, severely woundinira man on his lelt, and destroy- ed a mu.^ket in the hand ot'anotlmr. The General, on leaviuir the Island, remarked to Col. Bacon, that the three pounder would tall inio the enemy's hand. This 1 *' Mm-' '!rl i. k It if m % i n ■* 4'^'* •J 1 220 BATTLE OP POINT AU PELEE. ter a few minutes consultation, the Doctor took his route for Columbus, and tlie General to secrete at Maumee until J Scott should pasSjbut the pursuit was so close and the search j so strict, that it was considered advisable to proceed to Lower Sandusky. On arriving there, a company of ninety men voiuiiteerud to march with him, ;md his aids, who | joined him at Toledo, to reinCorce the Patriots at Point au Pelee, Col. i^acon was sent in advancti witli some iiidi- spensibles, to Port Clinton. As the men were gettin<^ ready an express arrived Irom Col. Bradley, announcing the (le-.| ieat of the Patriots in the following words : March 4, 1S38. Gen. I). McT.KOD, &,c. a 1 f' ; , pi"' -i i i w -1, , ■ I' •( ;'. I <.jj lf|! ! f K ft 4 1 T Ml 222 GEN. SCOTT's pursuit. too old a soldier to be caught napping in the vicinity of a pur- suivant so vigilant as Gen. Scott. Before retiring to rest and a little after the rain slackened, Dr. Evans despatched two trusty men to Mr. Drake's to watch Gen. Scott's motions, until morn- ing. Faithful to their trust tiiey sat up all night. At break of day Gun. Scott and suite got up and while preparing to take the advantage of that early hour , one of Dr. Evan's trusty sentinels gave him the alarm, and ho immediately apprised Gen. M'Leod. So clos(j was the pursuit to the notice, tlwtt the Pat- riot General and his officers had hardly more than escaped by the back door wlienGen. S. rapped at the I'ront door for admit- tanco. iMrs. Neal being somev/hat alarmed for the safety of the Patriots, was in no particular hurry to grant admittance. — However, the door was opened, tlie General politely enquired whether Mr. Neal was within. She replied, that he was not, but would shortly return. He then asked if she knew hini. — Her answer was, that she supposed it was Gen Scott. "Well, then," said he' '*i presume you are aware of the bu- siness thai calls me to your house, at this early hour." *'I cannot sav that I am, Genera!, but I rni'^hl perhaus 2;uess *'Will you then permit me to enter?" *'By all means, General," said she, "but you are rather too late, the eagle eyed birds of liberty have flovvn." *'Ah!" said the General, *'can it be possible?" u Quite so," said Mrs. Neal, *'they are out of the reach of the lion's paw this time." *'That may be,' said the General, "but perhaps not of the eagle's talons." v_.' "I assure you, (general, replied Mrs. Neal, "that I believe tiiey are safely secured under the protection of its wings." "Well, well, Mrs Neal, I see the ladies, one and all, are the Patriot's friends." "Indeed, sir, we are mostly all of us on this frontier the ies- ccndents of the Patriots of 76, and would willingly shield the Patriots 1838 from the cold chilling blasts of European despot- ism." **Well, Mrs. Neal, I must be satisfied that they are not in the house be to re I leave will you ,;c"mit these gentlemen to search the rooms?" are at liberty to do so,^' said she. learching the different apartments, beds, cupboards, 44' CEN. SCOTT's PUKSUIT. OOV> nity of a pur- 5 to rest and a eel two trusty s, until rnorn- It. At break laring to take .^^jvarrs trusty apprised Gun. , that tiio Pat- n escaped by oor for adtnit- the safety of admitlance. — itely enquired it he was not, ; know him. — 5C0tt. I'are of the bil- lion r.'' perhaps ^UQ^ day, without shelter* — sometimes running and at others jump- ing to keep their blood in circulation. The Adjutant General amusing them occasionally with fine spun lectures on the Amer- ican Constitution — its mal-administration by Van Buren: — the sterling patriotism and military heroism of Gen. Harrison, the next expected President of thu United States; — "Queen Victo- ria," said he. **will find old Tip as tough a piece of hickory to deal with as the French found Jackson." *For,' said he, *Har- rison loves the British tory embiciles as cordially as Sampson did the Philistines, when he slew a thousand of them with thi; jaw bone of an ass, and such is the very man we want. At the river Thames he taught them to dance to the tune of Yankee Doodle in double quick time, and before his term expires may also teach them to dance to the tune of *Over the water with Charley.' GEW. fitOTT'fl ♦'"RSUlif. 227 In the shade of the evening ihe* ^turned to tlic main land; and at nine o'clock, P. M. after a w» iry .»urcl of some liours through long grass and woods, they ;. it up I'o' ue night at Mr. Winter's lluuse, eight miles from P^.riland c v, wIi'm-o they were couHeously received, hospitably and kinlly ot ♦airier^ This genUeman is a patriot of the old Jedersoniiin scivooi, wW had to (lee from Canada during the lust war, for i iiising o take up arms against the Americans. His escape i> RuffaJo from the pursuit of the tory blood hounds, of that day, was riearJy miraculous. He suffered and sacrificed much for repub- lican principles, and consequently felt deej)ly interested for the safety of tl»o proscribed, hunted Patriots. He was so fearful that they would he apprehended, while under his roof» that, unknown to them, he placed his aged wife, grand daughter, an(i a large mastilF dog called growler, as sentinels, at regtdav distanc3s, to giund against the surprise of the marshals, who Ii;k! visited his premises the day previous. For this purpose growler was stationed at the edge of the u'oodsS, on the main road, about fifty rods from the house. This stigacious finimal barked at every trifling noise. The grand daughter, a rosy cheeked girl of eighteen, took her post at the bars about twenty rods from the house, and passed the alarm as often as given by growler, to her grand mother, a lady of seventy years, who was stationed halfway between her and the house ; she also passed the word to llie old gentleman, who stood near the house to give them the alarm in case of danger. About 11 o'clock, as the General went out to view the night, ho heard a dog bark in the distance, and some person in the same direction warning another that some one was fipp reaching, who warned the old gentleman. The General, on looking round, and perceiving Mr. Winters standing ai the window, inquired what this affair m"ant. *'VVhy, (said the old man,) we are fearful the marshals may come and take you by sur- prise. They were here at noon, and njistrusted that we had you somewhere in safe keeping, and hinted that they should visit us during the night." *'But, (said the General,} you will. all take your death of^ cold. If you persist in thus exposing yourselves, we will leave the house immediately." '"No, no, (said he;) go in and make yourselves comfortable, i and th« old lady woi|(d die of grief, were you taken prisoners whUe un- der our protection. The General went in ; told Col. Bradley and the Adjutant General the circumstance, requesting the for- mer to go and prevail on the old man to recall his female pick- W #» w < I :l h i ! '■ 1 ' "' - ■ ■ I 1 ■ ' , ^ !:h I' fi: :., i^ « 9 J ii '. '' I ■A$\ C ill 228 GtJN. SCOTT's pursuit. ets. As Col. P>nu]l(!y was aftoin[)ting to go, Mr. Winters stop* pod in, almost broMlhloss, nnil without saying a worcJ How lo the back wiiulow, raisc'd it U|), and witlj ti slenlorian voir • culled out, "Gentlenjcn, clear tin? co()|); the marshals are on your heels.'' In an in.stant the patriots tlew to the window, h was r(;ally laughable to sec them press through. Jiradlev and Ashl(?y, being Mparc; anti active, soon cleared the coast; not so the Gener/il, who iiad to drag his hejwy length along. He, unt'oriuniitely, in the hurry of the moment, fell heels ovor head in a mud holo on the outside of the window; and on re covering his feet, ran with all his might, blowing liki.' a wound- ed porpoise, until he reach(Ml the oilgu of the woods, where Ik; found Bradley and Ashlev comfoitab v seated on a locc. *'J>radIey, (i-aid the General,) this creeping through win- dows, tumbling in»o mud hoKis, lunniiig through fields, an'i taking refuge in the woods in a cold winter night, will nevfM' do. As we are not permitted to give the enemy battle, or tako him prisoner, let us send him a Hag ol' truce, and endeavor to obtain terms of an honorable capitulafion.'"'' "A fig for a truce or capitulation, (said the Adjutant Gen;;- ral.) Tliat will consign us lo jail I'or six months, or perhaps three years. One minute's hberty, in a cold swamp, is worth n thousand years of bondage." *'.Just so, (said Bradley;) a stitch in time save nine — a goml | and timely retreat, in some instances, is as good as a battle won — ho that runs away, may live to fight another day." At this time, Mr. Winter.-}, having ascertained the cause of ihe alarm, cried out, *'{ieneral! come back. All is well. It is Dr. l^jvans, come to see you." After returning to the house, and shaking hands with the Doctor, all joined in a hearty laugh, and after each had recoii!i- ted his adventure through the window, and the outposts being called in, the parties retired to rest. Early ne.\t morning Cols. Wilco.K and Bacon, witii Commit sary James McKenzie, joined, aller many hair-breadth escapes. Breakfast being over, the gallant Bradley took his final leave tu join his family at Green Creek. Gen. McLeod and his remaii'- ing officers, having consulted for a few minutes, took up tlu-ir line of march through the woods to the half-way house, [lere his good genius once more favored him. C^A approach- ing the house, they entered by the back door, and unpcr- ceived by any one, walked silently up stairs, to a room in which he had formerly lodged. A few minutes afterwards nkw tru' OEN. SCOTT'S PURSUIT 229 Mr. Jolmsloiio, the landlord, came up on some trifling busint'.s*, und on seeing the Ooiioriil ho unexpectedly, stood gazing in atii'zeinent; ul longlli ho exclaimed, "General, you are in im- inii'ol danger; the marshals are below, and threatening to s. ifch the house.'- "Never mind, (suid Col. Wilcox,) wo liivc had many nairow escapes, and must do the best we can ., ^scapo again. You go down, and keep ihetn in play; in atew ;ii ancnts 1 will lollow und inforni you, m liieir hearing, by wav )incws, that, tiic (Jeneral, on his Nviiy to CMeveluiid, slept last :ght at Milan, and was waiting for some of his olKcors to join ,, u." This stratagem had the desired edect. They believed :ii>; report; mounted their horses and disappeared in hot pur- suit. The premises being now clearcil of those government hunt- i!ig-sli;irks, it was deemed advisable to remove head-quarters lorlhwith to Mr. l^arish's in Hloomingsvill.^ and there disperse ill small bodies of twos and threes, that by the variety of their routes liiey liiight the more easily bewilder their pursuers^. On arriving at liloomingsville, Cols. Wilcox, Dacon and i'ommissary McKcmzi';, deemed it necessary for them to depart immediately for the east by the way of Milan, in order tu attract the alfention of the marshals in that direction. After iheir departure, Dr. Carpenter, a whole soulcd patriot, regret- liiig the unnecessary olliciousness of the oflicers of a republi- can government, to apprehend a man whose only crime was iiis unyielding love of liberty and hostility to monarchy in any shape or form, felt deei)ly interested that the General might elude the ingeniously laid plans of Gen. Scott for his ap- prehension. Tho Doctor employed a few active young men !o keep a good look-out during the day, as well as to prevent ;i surprise by night, until some means could be procured to I'orward the General safely to Cleveland. Late in the evening, he received two despatches from the (iast — one from Gen. Van Rensselaer, dated 20th Feb. 1838, announcing the concentration of a large body of Canadians and volunteers on Hickory Island, for the ostensible purpose of attafcking Kingsion, urging Gen. McLeod to repair forthwith to that point, — the other was from a M>'. Nickerson, dated Comstock's Inn, eight miles above Bulfalo, 22d February, 1838, also urging him to make all possible haste to take the connnand of a largo party forming in that quarter, to cross on the iee to Fort Erie. These despatches arrived nearly a fortnight to late; nor was it in his power, since the defeat (' (*" i>( 1 . .1-^ i m , (■• if V I ii 1 1 m I I Kit,''.'' 230 (I EN. SCOTt's pursuit. at Fio-htlnfl Island nw\ the afiiur at Point au Poleo, to coiiviU^ vvitli either request. For immediately al'tor these disastrous events, he wns liarassiiigly pursued by day, and hunted tiv night, disguised nnd compelled to seek refuge in the woods rind swamps. Had he beeu a horse thief or a murrlerer, lu^ could not have beeti more persevM.'ringiy pursued. Such has been, and always will be the fate of unsuccessful patriots. Tyrunta and despots may tram[)le on law, and riot on the prostrate risrhts and liberties ol" their fellow men with impunity; but should a liberty inspired patriot boldly dare to resist th'Mr arbi- trary and ill-gotten power, and prove unsuccessful in the at. tempt, infamy and death are liis portion. Early r.ext mrirning, a friend from Portland (Jitv, informed the General that Scott hnd deputised marshals in every direc- tion to guard against the least possibility of Cvscape, and there- lore recommended him to proceed to Huron forthwith, and from thence take the ice for Cleveland. While a team was get- ting ready to convey them to the former place, an express ar- rived froni the half-way house, announcing that the marshals were on their track, and not more than a mile ofl. Tlie General directed Mr. A.shley and the other officers to remain until the marshals came up, and if possible to send them on a false trail, while he, by the guidance of Mr. Byington, should take a cir- cuitous vouie to Huron. After two hours heavy travel, through deep clammy fields, Ieaj)ing over ditches and climbing over fences, they finally struck on the road, just as a lumber v;agon was passing for Huron. The teamster readily granted the Gen- eral a passage. Onarrivingjat a tavern some two or three miles from Huron, a gentleman, in great haste, rode up to the Gen eral and in- formed him that a marshal from that place was within halfa mile of him with orders to arrest him, and directed him to alisfhtaiid secrete himself immcidiately. The landlord, who was standing by, hearing the conversation, told the gentleman it would be of no use to secrete tlie General, as the marshal would search the premises; but, said he, he had better strip off his great coat and cap — put on an old pea j^icket and slouched hat of mine — take an axe in his hand, and fall to chopping a log on the other side of the pile of wood on which the negro is standing, and by all means to keep his back to the house. The General had just got fairly to his awkward work, when the nriarshal rode up;at full speed, and without pnying the least at- tention to the chopper on thp other sjcje pf the pile, entered tl\o i.rn' lee, to coni-)I\^ lieso discisl rolls and hunted l)y tho woods and deror, hf. coidd Such hns been, riots. Tyrants n tho prostrate imjiutiity; but L'siist \\vni' arbi- ssful in tho nt. Citv, informed in every diroc- i]ie, and thcre- ibrthvvith, and I learn was get- an express ar- It tiu; marshals I. Tile General emain until the rm a false trail, rMd cake a cir- t rave I, through climbin? over o L lumber v/agon ranted the Gen- ?s from Huron, ren eral and in- thin halfa mile m to alie^ht and o was standing lan it would be marshal would better strip off it and slouched to chopping a ch the negro is he house. The mrk, when the ng the least at- ile, entered th© lOiise GEN. BCOTT'S PURSUIT. looked about, and after a few moments close 231 con versa - ntod [ioii^with the gentleman from Huron (Capt. Robinson) mounte his horse, and rode olF for Bloomingviile. The General dro,, i,ed his axe, and immediately directed his course towards Mr. i',amp's inn at Huron, where he exchanged his pea jacket and slouched hat, for his own more comfortable dress, iviiich had yeen eent on. Shortly after Mr. Ashley and the other officers lined, and stated that the marshal from the half-way house jrived u few minutes after the General left,; that Mr.'lWing- 1011 told the marshal that the Gcnierul had returned lo Mr. Win- lers by a particular byc-ro.ul, and ! > wouhJ bo likely to find iiiiii there. Without any more inquiricy tho marshal directed 3 course to that place. The next morning at day light, the patriots tdok tiieir depar- •;]ic for Cleveland, in a wagon hired tho day previous. No- ling of importance transpired during this muddy jounuiv, un- J they arrived opposite a tavern in Ohio City, from whence a j'LM'Son suddenly issued, calling on the toair.ster to stop. Tlio iK-neral, mistrusting his object, seizi-d the reins and whip from hodriver, drove the poor jadi,>d horses rapidly down the hill aiil across to the Franklin House in tb.e city uf Cleveland. On ijigliling from the wagon, although muill-jd up, and litcM'ally covered over wilU mud and mire, the keen-eyL'tl and generous icarted landlord, Mr. fiarrington, instantly recognised hiiri and ushered him into a private apartment, supplied him with refreshments, of which he stood greatly in need, and fur- iiishcd him with a suit of clothes, while the kitchen boy dried and brushed his own. Towards evening the marshals bf^gan to make some stir. It was therefore d(;emed advisable by the General's friends to remove him to a private house, with which proposal he readily complied. Early on the succeeding morning, som^ individual procured a private conveyance for him and the Adjutant General t'> Erie, which was gratefully embraced. Here ended the pursuit ill Ohio. Notwithstanding the extensive and deep laid plans of Gen. Scntt, the vigilance and perseverance of the marshals, be it remembered that with the assistance of the ready wit, presence lof mind, and ingeiiious stratagems of the male and female [friends of Canadian freedom, in the Woolverine and Buckeye states, the patriot oiFicers were triumphantly enabled to out moeuvre the whole posse of Van Buren's "neutral law advocates of that ir |."l 1, (•I . I; ■fli [preservers, thus convincing the framera and i 232 GEN. SCOTT'S PURSUIT. '': IllTti ' ' ii* ^'^ ¥: - act how highly the majority of the citizens of these States disapproved of its principle. They considered it deroguton to the spirit and genius of the Conslitulion, to wink at one peo- ple struggling for liberty and crushipg another for the like at- tempt. Generally, there are no people in the world more at- tached to the institutions of their country, or more inclined foi the faithful observance of the laws, or more willing to assist iiij enforcing them, tlian the American citizens. Hut they urgedj that as the neutral relations of the United States were not en- forced against the Greeks, Poles, or Texianw, so neither ough thev to be against the Canadians. The Texians had iccruitinn-j parties publicly in difTorent cities of the United States, anj even in Canada, neither of which governments thought proper! to interfere. The Canadian leaders never attempted to set UiJ such parties. Their only crime consisted in permitting a fewl citizens to escort them on their wav across the lines. \l i ;li:-; J ' i, i.; r these Statej it deroguion nk at one pco- for the like at- vorld trio re at- ore ine lined tn| ing lo assist iuj ut they urged! s were not en^ I neither ought| had jccruitiiif^i id States, nil; thought proper] nnpted to set up] ^rmitting a few] nes. CHAPTER XXIV. Vho Hickory Island Expedition, the lurtherpursuit afier Gen. McLeod, <^c. The expedition got up at Hickory Island, by Col. Bill Johnson and Gen. Van Rensselaer, on the 26lh February, broke up, for some reasons not explained, without attempt- ing any demonstration whatever. It appears ttiat if one half of the number assembled, had but marched boldly lor- ward, Kingston would have been easily carried. The mili- tia in charge ot the garrison and fortifications were most ot them patriots ; who on learning the night on whicli the ai- tack was to be made, spiked the cannon the evening previous, mid made preparation to surrender the fort. Besides liius, live hundred patriots from Bellville in the Midland district, officered and equiped, marched, on the evening of the ex- pected attack to assist in the operations : but on their arri- val within a few miles of Kingston, a messenger iVoiu Hickory Island informed them tliat the patriots had dis- })ersed for want of a lead(!r. Tills unexpected news was a death blow to many of them. They left their ho;n;'s buoyant with the hopes of returning victorious, instead oi which they found themselves compelled to disperse without an effort, and their leaders forced to abandon tiie country. to save their lives. Many of whom were arresttid, tried mid condemned. Thus ended a highly promising, but ioolislilv managed expedition. The expedition got up at Comstock's, eight miles fi'om Buffalo, terminated in u different manner, Astheyw.u'ci preparing to cross for Fort Erie, Col. Worth, with a stron;: detachment of United States troops, reached their encairif- ment on the ice, which the patriots supposed to be in Chii- ada. On seeinof them approach, the liberators, as they termed themselves, stood to their arms, determined for a light, should Col. Worth attempt to molest them; but aftc:* '^'iMe palaoer, they were finally prevailed upon to ground tlieir arms. Col. Worth burnt their encampment; seized 20 m nm I i ' i 1 1 r f !' 1 ra m^: ! 1 I n r '•' I % I. ( 31 ■J'v I 234 EXPEDITION AGAINST FORT ERIE. four cannon, three hundred muskets, sixty rifles, seventy pikes, thirty kegs ammunition, besides swords and pistols. Success to the neutral laws ! they have done more good for dueen Victoria than all the tories in Canada ever did or ever will ! ! Late in the evening of the 26th March, Gen. McLeod and |)arty, after a fatiguing journey, arrived at Mr. Com- stock's eight miles from Bulfalo, exhausted in means find strength. As they were preparing, next morning, to pro- ceed on their journey eastward, the General's old torment- ors, the neutral law marshals, rode up. Mr. Comstock, on perceiving them, gave the alarm, ran out and kept them engaged until the General, Col. Wilcox, and Capt. Story got on the ice, and out of sight. They had but barely settled at the Eagle tavern in Buf- falo, when the marshals appeared again in full pursuit. Mr. Huntly, the landlord, put them on another track, ap- prised the General, and directed him to a colored woman's house, who washed (or his family, in the south part of the city, where he would be perfectly safe until an opportunity occurred for goings ec\stward. This woman, being a mem- ber of the Baptist church, Mr. Huntly placed the utmost confidence in her, and explained to her the General's case, and with the consent of her husband she agreed to secrete him for a day or two. Being much fatigued, he laid him- self down to rest. This woman, in conversation with an- other, told her in confidence, that a Mr. McLeod, from Ca- nada, was in her house, and in a hurry to get some wash- ing done, which was the case. The latter instantly told her husband, who was a strong patriot. He supposed it was Sheriif McLeod, who fiofured so notoriously in the iSchlosser concern, and, therefore, he immediately apprised Capt. Appleby, who had charge of the Caroline steam boat when captured and driven over the Falls by the British. He instantly collected a dozen stout young men, and sup- plied them with tar and feathers, to do the appropriate busi- ness. When they came to the house, one of them entered to ascertain whether the stranger from Canada was there. The colored woman became alarmed at seeing so many ; acknowledged the fact, and pointed to the room. A you I was was kers, —or door iittci: his I mars wise yon temp postr clam is no die n and t neril. conv] Ml pi tab move Heac T him narril As marj she they, bribe an h so m cont time your gone In con& him f*> PURSUIT AFTER m'lEOD. 235 les, seventy and pistols. lore good for ever did or ren. McLeod at Mr. Com- 1 means and ning, to pro- old tonnent- Jomstock, oa id kept tliem . Capt. Story ivern in Ba(- full pursuit, ler track, ap- ired woman's th part of the [1 opportunity being a mem- id the utmost ■eneral's case, eed to secrete he laid hini- tion with an- 3od, from Ca- it some wasli- instantly told [e supposed it iously in the ately apprised ; ne steam boat y the British, [len, and sup- )ropriate busi- them entered da was there, ing so many ; he room. A young man entered, and after viewing the General, who was sound asleep, returned and told his companions that it was actually Shtritf McliOod, lor he knew him by his whis- kers. They rushed immediately in. The General awoke —one of them stept forward to collar and drag him to the door. He resisted, and declared the first man that would iittempt to lay a finger on him, would receive the length of his bowie knife. If, said he, you are the United States marshals, produce your authority, and I surrender — other- wise 1 warn you to keep at a distance. "We will soon let you know who we are," said a bully looking fellow, at- tempting to close up. As the General put himself in a posture ot defence, a Mr. .Tourdan stept forward and ex- clamied, " Gentlemen, take care what you are about ! This IS not Sheriff McLeod. It is the patriot general, evading the marshals. If any one (said he, stepping between them and the General,) lays a finger on him, he docs it at his peril." The youns: nien stood amazed, and being fully convinced, made the amende honorajjle, and retired. Mr. Jourdan took the General to his own house and hos- pitably entertained him until it was found necessary to re- move him to Mr. Bates', who kept the sign of the Bull's Head. The marshals being on the alert, searching strictly for him everywhere, he was locked up for some hoiirs in a narrow cupboard, without the power of lying or turning. As Mrs. Bates was passing his place of concealment, two marshals approaclied, and' offered her ten dollars each if she would inform them where he was concealed — for said they, " we are satisfied he is in the house." " If 1 could be bribed (she answered with apparent indignation,) to betray an honest patriot, for any sum of many, it would not be for so mean and paltry a sum as you offer. The General (she continued) has been here this morning ; but is, by this time far bevond the reach of either you or the influence of your insulting offers." From this they concluded he had gone east, and immediately left the house. In the evening the search was renewed more strictly ; consequently the" friends deemed it necessary to transfer him to the cellar of an uninht\bited house.. Here he spent 4 (l('< .■1 i^ '-t '> 11 ii M*Ov) PURSUIT AFTER m'lEOD. ; !1 ■ * '■ iii I, I n ,"1; •■ ill m m mh ill ' ! - i II f ■■. - 1 *l-'i''^ -'•' ^ ' :i most toniieiUingly disnirrecable night. It seemed as it jii) Uie rats ill the city had congregated to dispute the posse.s- sion of the celUir. The bedding siipphed hiin was of no use. He liad to stand on the defensive all night. The cellar being pitch dark, it was impossible to see or guard riiiainst them. In the first part of the night, while he lay on his bed, they ran over and around* him in every diret- iion, squealing, chattering and fighting like a drunken rabble of Canadian torics at an election. Sometimes they would iiold a truce of from ten to fifteen minutes, and then, as if all the evil spirits in the universe were let loose, would rush from every quarter to all quarters, lumblinu' nnd overturning every thing in the way. A little after njidniirht, about a dozen of the hostile vermin rushed over ;iis body as lie lay. Under the idea ol being really attacked, he gave an involuntary leap towards the center of the floor and fell like a log. The scattering that took place, and tiio chitteiing, scolding noise that ensued battles description. Oil getting up he found an old axe handle, with which ho neat about, and kept a very unpeaceable possession of the floor until relieved next morning. At 10 o'clock, A. M. a member of tlie Provincial Parlin- meiit of IT. C. procured a passage for him in the cars to the Falls, where Messrs. Mills, Doyle, and some other exiles | met, and accompanied him to Lewiston. He had not been there over a few minutes, when sonic mischievous wa^f sent word across to Queenston that Gen. r/^cliCod had arrived from the west with five hundred oi the Navy Island patriots, and intended crossing tliat night, to take the place and attack Fort George. Expresses, to spread the olarm^ were instantly despatched in every direc tion. The tory part of the community were seized with consternalior.. A deputation was sent to Lewiston tons- certain the fact , when, lo ! it was found that Gen. McLeod had come alone, and had gone to Lockport. The personal narrative, so fiar introduced, of the suffer- ings of some of those who attempted to assist the Canadi- ans, is not done to procure praise or excite sympathy for them, as individuals, but solely that the reader may have it in his power to judge, to some small extent, of the great PURSUIT AFTEJl M LEOD. 237 nied as itjii) the possew- 11 was of no iiiylit. The sue or guard while he hiy every dirci:- 5 a drunken Sometimes minutes, and ere let loose, irs, inmblinu' A little aller ruslied over \lly attacked, n* of the floor jlace, and the 3 description, ith which he session of the ncial Parli fi- le cars to the J other exiles :{, when some ton that Gen. hniulrod of iir tliat night. Expresses, to n every direc e seized with Bwiston to as- >en. McLeod of the sufFer- t the Canadi- sympathy for ler may have , of the great debt of gratitude which the Colonial authorities, and mo- ther En*iland owe to the American executive, in enabling tliemstdl longer to liuircr out the rickety, bayonet-propped o;overnfn(Mit of the Canadas. l!aa the same facihties been ■liven to tlie ( Canadian Patriots, that were oivon to the vol- uuteers for Texas, the gallant men wlio crossed the line at different points, in small bodies, and at different times, uii^ht have rendezvoused, ori^anized and crossed together; —and if they iiad — wt;ere would have been the red cross of St. Georiiie now? Would it have floated iVom a singhi lortress on this Continent? One victory alone was all the Republicans wanted, and the shout of that victory would have roused the whole Provinces in rebellion, from Lake St. Clair to Newfoundland. One spirit would have animated them — one heart and one soul — to lay the boun- dary line in the deep bosom of :he Atlantic. "Think iiotliin? gaincij," tlicyVt cry, '-till iiouL'lit remnins On QiicIk" ,'s tovvcr3 — till rreciloiu's staiidaids Hy, And all he oars, beneuth t!ie iioriliern !- him to tfpiu'e tlieir lives, l)Ul in vain, lie and the compact thirs- ted for llieir blood. Civpl. Akahews hjft a widow and Hi'- teen children, and (\")1. J.ount a widow and seven children. Lount was upwards of six feet in hei■■; m. I t: K: ¥ ^\2 llURNINU O^ TIIK SIR U. PEEL. less lial)lo to be suspected l)y either jrovcrniiient. A cor tespoiuleiice Wiis kept with the IVieiids in Canada, who were j)ressini(ly urgent in their demands (orarnis,tljat tlicy niiiilit nnmtidialely attempt and occupy certain positions on the h'onlier as pUiees ol" rendezvous. IV) meet this demand, a party ot 28 n)on, from the Mid- hiiid District, assembled on the 29th of May, on oneoftho thousand islands, to captnie some ilritish steamer, to nioiiui and man lier lor lacihtatini^ tlie transj)oitation o( men, arms and other material, I'rom one part ol the lake to the other. To carry this object into eircct, they disguised themselves in the Indian costume, painted their laces, warrior lashioii, with black, red and yellow colors, llavinjj thus prepared themselves, late m the evening' they drop,t down the river in two loui^ boats; one ot sixteeii, and the other of twelve Qars ; — cruised about imiil 11 o'clock, P. ]\]., Avhen the Robert Peel hove in si lots. '-Is't Caroline Mulioney ye mane, ye nagor spalpeen ye, fait and its iiolafter tlie ^likes o' ye she'd be looki^<^" 'Come aboard pat," contimifd the patriot, "and take a\vay vour duds." "Is't rneselt ye mane, ye blue tliafe of a Ma:,rcr7 llhedivil trust the like's o' ye,— do ye think I'll iro ahoard and see myself kilt wid such hathuns as ye are." 'I'he pat- riot attempted to get up to him,— "Ah bad luck to ye," said Put; "ist alther that ye are 7— there's two can do that my darling;" and olf he went. The boat beinir unn)oored, dropt down the stream. On attempting to work her, they found thijy had not sulficient hands, nor any one that could manage [ler engines. In ttiis unexpected dilemma, they wim'c for some time at a stand what to do, and finally, concluded, as day light was fast approaching, and no signs of the other patriots coming to their assistance, to otter her as a burnt olferingto the shades of the Caroline, and depart to their rendezvous. In the latter p.u't of June, at tlie urg<3Ut recjuest of tlie pat- riots in the Niagara and (Jore Districts, a strong party pre- pared to cross from Lewiston, but as usual, the United States oilicers interfered, arrested their leaders, and frus- irated tlieir desither, but a l:ir ve Detroit; Ijut; en. Brady, and 1 the act ol prc- hini)^ iurtherof nnio- summer ig- Oanadti by; mmunition ki of Septeinbciyl fierent section;^? to or LOWliR PROVINCE. 245 ans, and in s were appoiuy i such supplif'3 such places m /anadas secret* ^ies, who sup-- ! names of t lie ions, for secret^; iir these blackl of disaflectpd; e to the secro- in, any louiror people ofUp-v person Met ho-,; ausness, Judas^ eirtiocks to beJ nent, and weief an ordinatiniil of the people's! money was squandered on these worthless eaves-droppers, and accounted for to their mock Parliament under liie bead of 'secret service money.' This system of espion.iue was carried on to an abn'mmor cxtt-nt. Informers were secretly posted in every villa:re (uid hamlet on the borders of the United States, taking lists ol those cuizens who, to them, appeared Gworable or nnfiivorable to British interests, and giving every other mfornuition that the Canadian or British government required. The liirelinij: priest of iSant Marie, in the Lower Prov- ince, sent his bbick list to Sir John Coiliorne, on the 4th Sept.1838 which repiesented the whole of his parishioners as rebels; requesting him to send troops to reduce them to obe- dience. Troops were sent, and mark tlie horrible result. After plundering the inhabitants, the defenceless females ■^-ere compelled to sufl'er all sorts of indioriuies. A daugh- ter of the late Lewis Raiuville was ravished by these in- carnates — the house having been pointed out to them by ijharland, tlie vicar. The wife of a man named Male, was alone in her iiouse, when the soldiers entered and commit- ;pd violence on her. Her ill treatment and friirht occa- sioned her death. Her husband was not .ulowed to corn- plain., and the villains are yet unpunished. Priests, ofii- cers, soldiers and all, were against him. Five soldiers lorced into the house of Louis Gini;rass. four of them sei- zed his wife, and the fifth was in the act of insulting her. when Mr. Gin grass seized a bludgeon, and with one well directed blow, brought him senseless to the floor; where- apon the other four took to th.eir heels and ran av/ay. An officer and several soldiers returned to take away the woun- ded one: the ofiicer reprimanded and threatened Mr. Ging- r.iss; but he answered that he was ready to do the same to any man, who dared to insult his wife. The wife of Chas. Lemay, one of the very individuals who was instrumental 111 getting the trooj^s to St. IMarie, was most brutally insid- ted by them. The wife of Fanfu Delude was also treated in like manner, by five soldiers, soon after her confine- ment. She was insulted a second time, but succeeded in making her escape. A man named .Joseph Bosquet, on his way to procure a physician for his wife, who was then in 21 W' i i '\ ;«i i :> ;i mW'.'' i; 1 h i .v, ■ I 246 OUTRAGES IN THE II dangerous and critical situation, was wantonly detained as a prisorier by tlie troops: meanwhile his wife died in the greatest agony. But British atrocities were not confined to St. Marie. At Napierville the wife of Mr. , liie sister of Benoni Ver- don, of St. Edward, who was then one of the state prisoners, under sentence of death, was violated, in presence of her child seven vears old, by hoven aohiiers. This transaction took place near the priest's house, while ihe priest was most obse- quiously bowing a!ul scraping to his Excellency, Sir John, ami informing .igainst his parishoners. The wife of J. I>. Pli:ni- onuon, oi' tiie same plac', was treated in the snme manner. — These things are ahnost incredible, and too dreadful to speak of;bui stl i' the world c )uld not condemn without a knowledge of them. Well niigiit the p.itriotic, though tory Dean Swift, ex- claim, that "the wlioie tribe of informers, whetlior priest or layman, are the most accursed, and nrostituted nnd abandoned rai;e, that God ever permitted to ple.gue mankind." The whole ir.iteniity of stale paid priests are ahliobtinL: curse to iiny people. Tlie bawd that takes the waives of prostitution ; the thief who steals yonr purse; the iiiuidercr who stabs in the dark, are less injurious to society than the clerical spy whom it nourishes iti its bosoiris to stinii: it . ^n misery and death. A foreign power holds possessi. u (!)anada. and by means oi its soldiery, forces the state leii- gioti on the people whether they will or not. The state paid priesthood are the oro^aniscd spies of that power.— Meekness, poverty, humility, and benevolence are in their mouths, hut avaric(\ malevolence, and mischief in their minds. The people of Canada have struorcrlcd to jret free from bondage. The state paid cler,iy betrayed them like Judas. The French ('atholic priests of the Montreal Sem- inary proffered their illi^otton trold to the indurate tyrants of their country to butcher and fiano- the brave assertors of their country's Ireedorn — while, in Upper Canada, every state paid priest, Catholic and Protestant, is prowling thro' the land, seizing, informing against, and obtaining the ar- rest of every honest reformer, whose firmness may have made him obnoxious to them. One seventh of all the l-ands in Upper Canada, is the bribe held out to tiiese state pensioned spies, and the people are taxed to maintain them besides. A government that descends to prostitute the func- tions longi the 1 oiigh so 111 the < Sons Tl done coul( pove It vvi of hi W your Wh( ffOIl (TV. men state byte was: , dro\ state the only the robl: der« swo that and the ate J hou reli; and the Oro To and CORRUPTIONS OF THE 247 r detained as a in the greatest d to St. Marie. »i' Benoni Vcr- ate prisoners, CO of her child insaction tooli vas most oh.se- Sir John, and )f J. B. Phnn- tne manner. — jadfni to spt'ak 1 knowledge of >ean Swift, vx- lihcv priest or u)d ahandone;! ire a bliobtinu'- the wiiiifes of the mmderer ciety than tiie to stinii: it . *n possess i- the state leii- t. The state that power.— 3 are in their jchief ill their led to inada, every ^rowlinir thro' ainincr the ar- ess may have ith of all the to these state ■ maintain them itiite the lunc- tions of its high calling, to the dejjrading alternative of pro- longing its universally loathed existence, by a recourse to the revolting practice of corrupting the clergy by bribery; ought to be swept away root and branch "with the be- som of destruction. Yet such is the government, and such the constitution of the hierarchy which the unsuccessful Sons of Liberty attempted to extirpate from Canada. The Baptists ot the Upper Province, however, have done immortal honor to their christian profession. Silver could not tempt, nor gold purchase them. They preferred poverty, to gold with pharasaical hypocrisy. They spurned It with that holy indignation which become the followers of him who said " My kingdom is not of this world." Who was it that murdered the Lord of Glory? Search your bibles, and you will find it was the state paid clergy. < Who was it that persecuted the saints with lire and faggot, from Constantine's time to the present? A state paid cler- gy. Who instituted the racking inquisition, to torture iiien's bodies fur thinking differently from the priests? A state paid clergy. Who persecuted the pious Scotch Pres- byterians with fire and sword, burnt their houses, and laid waste their fields? An English state paid clergy. Who drove the Puritans from England to North-America? A state paid clergy. Who have no bowels of compassion for the poor? You can inquire of Pat McGee who had his only pig sold to pay the clergy tythes? Who has done the most mischief in Canada? The clergy spies. Who robbed and plundered the widow of Rathcormac^ and mur- dered her son? 'J'he state paid clergy of Ireland. Who swore a false oath, and informed the Canadian authorities that Gen. McLeod had declared he would join Papineou, and upset the government which compelled him to leave the Province? n3*Bissel, a reverend state paid spy, who ate at his table, and freely partook of the hospitalities of his house for years. Who has done the most injury to vital religion? A state paid clertry. Who was the first tory, and who will be the last? The first tory was Cain, and the last will be the last state ]3aid priest. Whence did the Orangemen come? From Ireland. What is their creed? To support church and state at the hazard of their lives and fortunes, and in Canada to prevent the free exercise of I* :^1 M" t i • \ • 1 ! :, :: s ■ :J ill t; . 'I 248 STATE PAID CLERGY. the elective frfinchise (iiid destroy the reforniers. Who, af- ter tliis, call impuirn the cause ol' the sutl'erino: Canadians, without lusuUingthe memory of the lathers of the Ameri- can revoUuioi) of 1776, and the noble spirits whose patriot- ism earned it through. Tliere is not one grievance or com- plaint enumerated in the Declaration of Independence, which the Canadians, at the outbreak, did not suffer — and many in a more oppressive form, who dare deny it ? Who so bold as to controvert it? i»et them turn to that instru- ment and show, if they can, one allegation of their ancestors against the tyranny of Great 15ritain, that the Canadians cannot reiterate. The truth is, that their list of grievances Ions: and black as it was, was not a tythe to what the Cana- dians endured. If, as Van Buren said, it was disgraceful and nefarious to aid them;it was equal) y^so to the French for assisting the Americmis. Had the Americans received the sort of aid from other nations, which their officers, civil and military, gave the Canadians, it is likely their nation's birth would have been followed by its premature funeral. Mr. Charles BuUer, Lord Durham's secretary, asserted on board a steamer between Quebec and Montreal, that the Canadians were an injured and sorely oppressed people and that the loyalists, so called, liad goaded them on to rebel- lion, that they had been treated in such a manner that he was surprised they had not had recourse to desperate meas- ures much earlier ; and that the first declaration he should make in his place in the British Parliament, on his return to i^lngland, would be to that effect. Lord Durham's re- ■ port is a sufficient proof of this. The American public, for several years, have had abun- dant evidence, that a very large majority of the people of Canada were determined to submit to this vassalage no long- er. They have groaned, struggled, remonstrated, protested — ay, like slaves, on their knees — begged — implored and importuned, year after year, for redress of their grievances. But link has been added to link of the mighty chain of op- pression : — the iron has been driven deeper and still deeper into their souls, until death became preferable to farther en- durance. They tried to break the yoke, but failed. The causes of that failure are well known. They had the nieu AFFAIR AT NAPIERVILLE. 249 buttlipy lacked competent leaders, arms, munitions; — almost every thing to make a revolution successful. The very Tact that tlu'V entered into a contest with such a power, in such a condition, shows the desperation to which they were driven. — Though defeated, they wiii yet rally, better organised — better equipped, and more certain of success. About the last of October and first of November, the Patri- I ot leaders having a[)prised their friends in the different parishes of the Lower Province, assembled at Napierville, to the number (if 600, under the ciimmand of Dr. Robert Nelson, and were actively preparing for a descent upon Montreal, with every appearance of success. At tiiis time the British were at a loss iiow to act. They knew the country all round was hostile and \iw. peo|)h: betaking themselves to arms to join Nelson. The militia, excepting the tories, refused to turn out. They dare not inarch from Laf)rarie to St. Johns, to attack Nelson wiih- out a strong co-operating force in his rear. This coukl not be performed, but by water. The Englis(! had no vesi:els of their lown, and without the aid of some American boat, they could not accomplish their purpose. But, unfortunately for Cana- dian freedom, an American citizen, (if it bo not a sin to call him so,) Capt. Slierman of tiie Steamboat Burlington, relieved iheir despairing anxiety, protfered his Jiid, under the protection M'the American flag, to assist in suppressing the rising spirit of Canadian liberly, bv transportinc!: eii?;ht hundred regulars. mith artillery, to attack them in the rear, which was easily ef- fected. Thus flien was one of the most promising of all the Cfinadian elForts for independence, t^uslratcd by a dt-':5cendent if he is one,) of those illustrious heroes who shed their blood ill the revolution to free their sullering country iVom British oppression. This was not the kind of aid Layfayette gavd from the British tories of Canada. Cannot the American citizen read in it, his own and his country's fale shoukl llio British ever succeed against them by their gold and intrig'i 's. On 'lie 11th of Nov. the whole of the back country above La)ii:irie, according to the Montreal [Jeraid, "presented the nwt'u! spectacle of one vast sheet of livid flame; not a singli J rebel h.ouse has been left standing." The Herald further adds: •*God only knows what is to become of the surviving Canadi- ans, tlieir wives and families, during the ap[)roaching winter. as nothing but starvation from hunger and cold stares them iii the face. The history of the past proves that nothing but sweeping them from the earth, and laying their habitations level V, iih the dust, will prevent renewed reb;dlions, south ot the St. Lawrence. The Canadians in the r(d)ellious districts, whose houses have been given to ti.e flames, and who have es- caped t!ie bullet, the bayonet, or the prison, are doomed to per- ish in the woods.'' Col. Angus McLonell writes to Bishop McDonell, from Beauharnois, Nov. 19th: — "We proceeded toward Beauharnois by a forced march, burning and laying waste the country as we went along; and it was a most distress- 1 ing and heart rending scene, to see this fine settlement so com- SOLDKRS AND TORTKS. 251 mbors of thoi plctely desfroyou, the fiouses burntjij and Inid in ashes, and I understand the wliole country to St. Charles, experienced the same fate. The wailing and lamentation of the wonnen and children, on beholding their houses in ilini^s and their proper !y destroyed — their husbands, fatliers, sons and rtdations, drag- f^v.(\ along prisoners — women perishing in the snow, small chil- dren frozen stiff by their side, or setutered in bhick spots on the snow — half grown children running frantic in the woods, frightened at the sight of friend or foe — and such of iho hahi- tans as did not appear, their houses were consigned to the jlames, as they were supposed to be at the rebel cump. '' One of these ill fated habitans had, the day pievioue, gone on some business to Montreal; on returning liomo he found his house burnt to ashep, and his wif« and child missinsj. in the frenzv of the mf)infU)t, lu> ran to an officer exclainiinc: — "Ah! vou burn my housi', kill my wife — mon chore femnu', mon petite enfant — me Jilways good subject — no rebel, sacre Anglais — damn IJriti^li — where ma femme — where mon entanl] Oh Je- su Marie;" ami dropped senseless, for a few minutes, at the of- ficer's feet— -he recovered ravingly distracted. The monster ordered him to be tied, and sent a prisoner to- Montreal, where he kept continually calling on his wife and child to come to him. In a H w days death put an end to his troubles. He died cursing the authors of his misfortunes to the last moment. His wile who it appears had gone to a relative's upon hearing that ho was sent a prisoner to Montreal^ she with her child ill her arms, proceeded on foot, and arrived at the prison door the evening before he died, but the cruel monsters would not permit her to see him, until he was no more. The loss of her l)roperty, the fatigues of the journey, and the death of her hus- band were too much — she lingered for a i'cw days and followed iiim where tyrants cease to trouble, leaving a male child to revenge their deaths. The Patriots of the Lower Province having been cefeated, tire, sword and rapine murked the track of the unsparing con- querors. The Canadians attempted to give their country what the heroes of 76 gained for theirs— but some of the American presses maintained that their grievances, were not such as to warrant a revolt. Van Biiren execrated them, and they were hung— hung as rebels and brigands by the same power that tried to crush the revolutionary heroes. 1 he sons of liberty were shot, like dogs by martial law in the roads or reserved for a more cold blooded sacrifice-The troops who were incii- ■#■ 1 11 M':"' iiM, 252 MOTIVES THAT ACTUATES 1^ iiliir^' fii ■-,,■* ned to desert, were suHered to commit every excess, to attach them to the government. Maidens were violated and 8onie (it can be proved) liave died of treatment horrible enough to freezo the soul. Tlie devastated portion of the district of Montreal presented a most liideous spectacle. Tlio woods were peopled with crowds of human beings, whom hunger and cold were horribly destroying. Sir John Colborne, ai'tcr burning their houses to ashes, sent emissaries among them to order liiein to their homes. But where were their homes? As soon as these wanderers perceived a human being lliev buried themselves in the forests and disappeared under the impression that they bel< nged to iIk) Volunt(;ers who plundered them of all they possessed. All these enormities, have generated a spirit of revenge among the Ca- nadians which, although at present apparently stifled, will herc- aitcr nianif.'st itscdf in dreadful retaliation. The time vviilcome when the Canadian tories will, in their turn, a.^k mercy of those to whom they have sh(»wn none. It is coming as suk? as there ii a God in heaven. A house divided agaitust its(;if can- not stand! It is impossible. Will the Canadians ever forgot llieir slaughtered brethren, their burnt churches, their desola- ted towns, deserted farms tSic? Never, [t is true appearan- ces at present are rather rgainst them. Their country is fill- ed with armed men and brisiling with bayonets, and wIkUIn worse, two thirds of the American press backing them up! — Notwithstanding, we affirm, that theso arc links in the grea' chain of events, which will ultimately hasten on the birth da\ of Canadian independence. As nf)t unfreqiumt in such cases, their first efForts for free- dom proved disastrous. How could it bet otherwise? Imper- fectly organised, imperfectly armed, and cut ofl* from all suc- cor; victory to the Patriots \v;!s nearly impossible. Yet tlu' chivalrous band which dared oppose itself to a disciplined army of more than three times its numbers, and possessing still great- er advantages in the material of war must command the admi- ration due to intrepid valor, if history prove faithful, justice will be done by posterity to the memory of those noble assert- ors of liberty; the forlorn hope of a forlorn people, resolved to be free. An investigation of the prudence or imprudence of the outbreak in Canada, belongs solely to themselves. The consideration whether if successful, it would produce good or evil, is exclusively theirs. There is but one point, in which it can be legitimately viewed by those not immediately involved TIIK CANAHIAN PATRIOT, 253 jss, to attach and some Cit ugh to freezo Dal pre son led njopled wiili vere horribly leir houses to I their homes, se wanderers in the forests ;l< nged to llio ;cd. All these mong the Cti- !od,\vili here- imo will come lorcy of those sur(,* us there : them U[)! — in the grea', the birth da\ in the consf qurncrs: that is, linve tlio people of Cannda a right to assume sclf-govenmienf, v\ heiicver they deem themselves capahle to exercise and maiiitnin it. With these calculations or miscalculations, otht^rs have nothing to do. A denial of this principle would be a vital arraignment of the motives of Wash- ington, Franklin, Hancock, Jeflerson, f.afayelle, Montgomery Jnckson, and other stiges, soldier;^ and statesmen of the f\mer- can Revolution. It would bo a bestrewment or.Uic'graves of tho departed great with contumely and reproach; a direction of the finger r)f scorn toward tie few survivors of the immortal band who yet linger in a land they saved byjlheir firmness and moist died bv their blood. \ ! >rts for free- ise? Imper- from all sue- )lo. Yet tlu' iiplined araiy ng still great- md the admi- ithful, justice noble assert- iy resolved to nprudence o' selves. Tho duce good or t, in which it tely involved !f ■. 1 1 i: > \H ipl' II' |!'. i l^-: 1 m ' CHAPTER XXV. Attack on Proscott. Since the execution of Mathews, Lount, MereaU, and the 'wholesaltj banishment of the unfortunnte asserfers of Canadimi liberty, tlic patriots on the confineH of the U|)])er Pruvincn were making fivery possible exertion to ma lie one more elFoir to free their country from the sway of the ruthless .scOvMgcs wlio were consigning their (riends and relatives to the scatkld. The feelings and sympathy of the American people on the liiivs became, in consequence of these cruelties, deeply enlisted in the patriot cause; and citizens of high standing volunteered their services to aid the Canadians. At a Convention of exiles, held the 16th of Sept. at , Gen. L. V. Bierce was unanimously elected Commander-in- chief of the Patriot army of Upper Canada, and entered immedi- ately on the duties of his office. While engaged in concentra- ting his forces, and making other necessary preparation for an active winler^'s compaign, he received a communication from N. Von Shultz, of New-York, tendering his services with a company of Polish exiles. This oflfer was readily accepted, and an answer returned, with instructions to join the Western Division. On the receipt of this letter the gallant Pole collect- ed his men, and started with them to join the General. At this time, a Mr. Birge, of Cazenovia, without the know- ledge or approval of Gen. Bierce, raised a party to attack Prescolt; announcing himself commander in-chief of the East- ern division; prevailed upon Von Shultz, Woodruff, and Ab- bey to join him, under the pretext that the possession of Fort Wellington would give them the complete control of Upper Canada. Unfortunately for them and the cause, they consent- ed; and this, unintentionally on the part of those ill-fated scen- tlemen, gave a death-blow to the successful execution of Gen. Bierce's more matured plans for carrying on the campaign in the west. Had Gen. Birge had the welfare of the patriot cause at heart, instead of assuming a separate command, and divert- ing Von Shultz and lus party from their original destination, he would have apprised Gen. Bierce, and inquired whether such liiin o i|iienc( Ml rod I itiidin ist ii ciMten Abe army \mU t On I) l;inc end of b" k'd :iy Cc right ' l}i'lwe( >ilOLlld jiosed m t!i and bi b cou iileaiy This n and ti ^unisc aJdod, WHS It sliore, board excel I Euste creasi of ihi: ileclar th'j le ing \vi 81uiliz drod a einbar taininj Dui pi^'l Ills p'"-'i "^^'^ (execution. Oa llie passage downwurd-i, Vo!i Sbidlz proposed in council I, jiind the rniMi at <»neo on McPherson's wharf, at ihe upper fiid of Prescott: divide them in three hodie-j the mnin body to li..> l(.'d hv liirnsidl' through the center of th(? town: tlie lol'l witiir liy Col. VVoodruii* round the north side; and Cr.]. A\)\)r.v thl^ right wing ori tiie south or river side; th -sf^ divisions to unite k'tsveen the fort and the town; from thence altnck tiu? fort, >hoLdd the few soldicirs in it ollbr resisianc •• l!e furtlu-r pro- jwsed to station the steani boat and schoonors on tin; river be- low the fort, ti preserve a comniunicatiou with Ogdenshurgh, and bring across provisions, ntnmunition and volunt!;ers. Tlius preparation lorjjj^^ij^lj [,;^y(^ tj„. i;,..(^ ti,,. town, and the riv(;r at his conuiiand^ munication |'"0"^l|,!e(itv of artilierv, with what might be found in Oao fortress, services with a|-j<,^jg-j^Qljl^j h,;ro fell confident he could keep the British boats 2aaily ^ V IS'-. 'f* , 256 ATTACK ON PllKSCOTT. o'clock noxi niormng, whon tiu; ularii) was given, **'riHi red coals arc (;nmiiig!" \^"m Sluiltz stiirtid alwad, and called on h is men to follow iiiru, whicli cotninatid was cluH'rrnlly o!)cvrnl. Tli(5 Ikitislj, in llic iiuian tiino, inadi? a circuitous routo tlirn' t.ho woods, au(] (Jijploycd into line in a jilowc^d li(dd, where ttioy made a stand, and Cinnuienced lirinus whicij iho patriots rtitiirn- (id with deadly elKuit. 'I'he I'iiiglish made several alf( inpfs at their favorite ciii'.rge, hut were as oUeii repulsed. '['JK-y a;. tempted to gain the shelter of the buildincs, hut were driven from these with great loss. They now took possession of a harn, hut a party of the patri')ts went up in the verv l*ncr» di' their fire, hurut the l):irn,and compelhul them to r(^tir;it. Aftii' three (piarlers of an hour hanJ fii;htin«;, lh(} Dritish retrealiul, leaving the patriots masters of the field. At the comrn'Mioement of this day's action, the liritish, bv their own ollicial aeeount, were five hundred r(!,^ulars and mil. itia. The patriots h;ul l)ar(dy one. hundred an;l sixty fightiti:' men. The [)ritis!j loss this day, as sworn to at the court, in;u'- tiul whicn tri(id the prisoners, at Ki:iii;s!on, amounted to one liundred and eightv two killed, besides the wounded. Tlie pa- Iriits had seven killed, and some; wound(\I. Ti ley iTJiglU now have pas.- i'Ai over to th(^ American short unmolested, hut thev |;r(derered holdiiicr out as lour' as possih to give the Canadians an oprjortunity to join tiiem, hdieviuf^ M'- the American shore v. ;is lined with so'CtUors, th(>v woal; no! see tiiom at a loss either for men or ammunition, without inik ing some t'lT!)rt to rcdieve them. Hundreds of their comrade; and their sick Gkxah \l, remained at Ogdensbur'_jh, idle spnc-' tators of their fate. Wlien Von Shuliz reMected that his com inef and so many of his sworn conjpanions lia( manner in-c abandoned him, and that the Canadians were; unable to joii; him, and that tiie Orange militia were their sworn mortal eno mies, he fidt inclined to give up the contest, could he hnvr done it with bono: But said he 'we cannot whi e W(^ are able to fight, leave the wounded to be massacred, without dis-, S race At this time ifn; Paul I^'v steam boat arrived. Von Shullz oro ordered the wounded lo be embarked immediately; but bef' (his could be accom;jlished, the Britisli opened a tremendous? fire; the men were ordered to tlieir posts; the Paul [*ry left amlj returned no more. Col. Worth, with the U. S. infantry, and the neutrd Inwj marshals, would not pernnit man or boat to go to their relief.' ATTACK ON PIIKSCOTT. 257 en, **'rh'; red and Ciillcd on •rrully «)!)oy(nl. )ns vnwU) llirn' I.I, wIhm'c thoy )t\tri()('< rtM'.ini- ral MitriDpts at sod. Tiioy 111- lilt \V(M'(! (IrivfMi (osrti'ssiori of a n voi'v Cnci' of » rotrcaf. Al'li'i' iiisli rt;lr('!iliM!, tlio Pifitish, bv .■njnlat's and mil- d sixtv li.^litin:' , tlie <*()iir!. innr- iiiiouiittMl [o op.e Md(.'d. TlK^ I'H- uncricari sliorc oiij-r as j)o^-;i')!" in, b!.'li(:vil^^;l^• they wonld nn! n, without inak- ihoir comr!l(.If'^'. nr'.:h, idio spoc- )d that Ins copi- ::on^.pat)ions had unal)!o to join 'orri ivioi'tril eno- , could lie h;ivo )r, while wi^ nro | ed, without c'is- VoM Shultz tely; but befon;'! d a trLMTiendoiis aul Pi-y left am! I lie ll»i."« dav Hoi/.od lludr sciiooiior.s, coin munilioris, and .stores. Tim lujart sicl> lining their artilh.M v ihis brivi: bami uf patriots, cut olF iVonj all I mis while ruflocting on »n>n an an I. riio Uriti.h, finding,' tlxMnsrlvcs so roughly handled, on TiKsday, an i .scoint? liit.y could make no impression on the natriol lities, sent to Kinglon for helj). On VVodni'sday, there was but liitl.> (irint^. On Thursday, taiu-c was soino sharp skirinishin,<:. At 10 o'clock, Friday niDrniug, the British nristctred i'lvr. thousand regular.s and inili- tiatnon; two large gun boats; seven stf;ain b )ats, each ofthenA urni'jd with heavy cmnon, mortars, rockets, carcasses, and ev- ery kind of warlike projectiles. To oppose tiiis niiirhly host, iho li«n hearted patriots had only one hundr(;d and lifty two men ablo to b^ar arms, they had some artillery, but no ammu- nition to serve thorn. Col. \V^)rth took it from ihcm by virtue of the neuia-.il laws, on t!ie Thursday [jrevi aus. At n'o'cJocU t\v) Britisli s(;nt a ilxs; of truce to Von Shultz, requcstiir.,' hiin to surrcniler. V^)a Shulfz asked, in what character? The n;. ply was, '*As reb.ds.'' "Nl-vm-,"'' an swonid t'm svliolc-s ouIo I It lu;ro. ii ore r dviu2 \vi„ a o; aran la a ir hand >3 WIS, howvjver, ajjreefj that the kdlsl of Tiuirs ! i v s'aoal 1 ba ra- aievcd before ['\ ; rec am njucemeit of iiosfiliiia ;. At ri o'clo,.-!v, !'. Af. signals W(!re oiide to tli-j Hritisli arma- da on the rivt'r to ;ip;)roieli within r iir.^.' of tlia win I mill.— Tii3se, witlj ta ) live ihousmd tro)ps oa land, simalianj oa-ik (ijj'jned a tr^joi ;ndou.s fire on the devoted Tlieli in haul ofpal- riots, making a terrible din, but little exeeution. Von Sii il'/. Ivad nothing to depend upon but his saiall arm-j, the artillery 0.1, bjing useless Toe want of powder. However, nothing daunt t'aey kept up an unceasing, wcdl-aimed fire, for tiiree long hours, repulsing witii deadly eirect every attempt at a chargi?. A little after dirk, for want of ammunition, fifty of the brave lads were compelled t-) surrender. Yet those who had car- tridges still kept the din of battle raging; not a soul surrender- eJ until he expended his last shot. At midnight, all but their heroic commander v/ere taken. He took possession of the stone house alone, and fired so ince.rsanlly tfjat the enemy thought it was full ol' patriots. At length they rushed in, and liG jumped iii their midst. Tliey instantly pounced upon him, like a pack of blood hounds; tore the clothes from his back; robbed him of his hat, watch and vest. Thus terminated the most extraordinary engagement that av^r took place on th« the neutrd lawj continent of North-America to their relieHI i«t- i' 22 b'.--,' I 258 ATTACK ON PRESCOTT. Ine British engaged, including those in the gun boots and steam boats were forty to one patriot In this memorable ac. tion the British lost 268 killed, as sworn to, as above stated, besides the wounded. The patriots had eight killed and a Ctiw wounded. British total killed from Tuesday morning untiij Friday night, four hundred and fifty, besides the wounded. Patriot loss, during the same time, fifteen killed, besides the wounded. Tlie English boast much of their superior skill in the art of warfare. If the patriots, at the Wind Mill, have not taught them a lesson of yankee sharp siiooting, they may rest assured, in the event of a war with the United Stales, of experiencing such genuine specimens of republican tactics, as will agniu extort Gen. Rial s exclamation at the battle of Chippewa, in 1814, *'I) N THEM, HOW DELIBERATELY THEY NIP Us!" As to their vaunted prowess on the charge, it is all a farce ! VVc will hero subjoin the renowned Orange Colonel, Gowan's re- port of the battle of Tuesday, as a superb sample of their invin- cibility on the charge. These nrr. his words from his own newspaper, the Statesman; "As the h-ft wing advanced, tho fire of th;j enemy was so very galling, that Col. Frazer, seeing so many of tiie brave marines, and their gallant companions ot' the 83d falling, ordered the whole to charge. As we advancfid many of our gallant men t'ell, among whom was the bravo Lieut. Johnson, of the 83d. The ruffians were so securely planted behind the stone fences, that thoy stood the charge to the last mo.nent. Col. Gowan received the bayonet of one of the brigands in the left hip, at the moment they forced him and his men to retreat!!!" What think you now of the British charge? Only consider one hundred and sixty undisciplined patriots repulsing the charge of fifteen hundred British ! This account may appear ridiculously exaggerated, to the intelligent reader; but let it b^ remembered, it is the redoubtable Col. Gowan's report verbatim — who, by his own honest acknow- ledgement, preferred turning his hack, and receiving a wound in his posteriors, (which in his newspaper he called his hip,) rather than stand his ground, and receive it like a man, in his front !!! If a handful of raw patriots, jumbled together by tho accident of a moment, are capable of such gallantry, what may not the British expect when they come in contact with the U. S. troops? — who, if as well drilled and disciplined as tliose stationed at Cleveland, wo may safely affirm are a match for the English regulars, man to man, at least, any where, wheth- ATTACK ON PRESCOTT. 259 of the British cr under cover in the woods, or in tl»e open field, as Chippewa and Lundy's Lane can testify. The patriots, having expended thcirj Inst^ shot, surrendered at midnight. The Canadian Orange niilitia' behaved with the same brutal malignity which lias always characterised them, when a prisoner has been in their power. They are composed almost altogether of the lowest dregs of Irish Orangemer. The brave patriots, after surrer.dering, were stripped by these cowardly wretches, and otherwise basely insulted. Immedi- ately after surrendering, the British burnt four dwelling houses and two barns, in the vicmity of the Wind Mill, having previ- ously plundered them of their contents, because they supposed the people friendly to the patriots. They shot a woman dead, who kept a grocery near the mill, because she furnished them with cider; at the same tin;e shooting at another female, the ball passing through her under jnw. One of the few who <,\sca[)ed, declared that had it not been for the determined inter- ference of the brave 62d regiment, Gowan's Orangemen would have massacred the whole of them. One ofihe officers of this gallant regiment, on witnessing the cruel conduct of these wretches towards the heli)Icss prisoners, ordered the regulars to *'fix bayonets,'' and in case those blood-hounds did not de- sist, to *»run them through." About 1 o'clock, A. M. they were marched to Prescott, lashed together two and two, and embarked on board the steam boat Brockville. On Saturday night they were marched into Fort Henry at Kingston, with a long rope running between them; the gallant and immortal Von Sliultz uncovered, at their head, with only his shirt, boots and pantaloons on. "A young Scotchman, named Alexander Wright, whose mother, a widow, lives in Glengarry, was engaged in the patri- ot service. He was wounded in the arm and disabled; after which he attempted to leave the Wind Mill and seek a place of safety, where his wounds might be dressed. He jumped out of the WMnd Mill window, near the spot where an Orangeman was loading his gun. He had just rammed down his cartridge,, and without returning the ramrod, fired at Wright. The ram- rod passed into the poor fellow's body, but not through it. He fell; and the Orange volunteers instantly stripped hiin, regard- less of his entreaties, after which they tumbled him into a cart,, sent him to Prescott, and put him on board a steam boat with the ramrod sticking in his body. His cries were piercing. In a few hours he died, and there was an end of his agony — i '.V Hl^'*' -V- f>. *'^i 1 ! "^i^;. i" * »'.>-." Ilf ■ |!R.i;?^. B^'i ;• •'* 1 ':f-v,,\ i Pi--* If "• ] ;•. : 1' 1 '>i ' ,. k'. :, -l'^ li W^~'' IP ■ O"^." '■ ; ■ r \ i 1 ^ 1 1 \ i K ' \ ii ■ ( ' '5 j ,1 ', ■ i 260 ATTACK ON PRE&COTT. I hi I i • but not to their brutality. Tbev tied round j>liot to Ins let '^, and tlnew bini iiilo tbe fcit. L^l^vrtnc^, \\\\\\ curses micI imprecations. ]\ir. \\ rialu \vns a n:ost respectable and ve- ry luindsonje young- nian. His death and usage exciud leeliiJgs oi deep and histiug regret. ^\ tio can read of the courage and galhmtry of tlicse vo- taries of liberty; their l)ail)arous treatment, cruel and un- merited fate, without dropping a syn } ;;tbi>ing- tear at the untimely death of Von ^bultz, Abbey, Woodruff, and Buck- ley, and the torturing punishment daily inflicted on tbeir less fortunate compatriots, in Van Dicman's hand. If tlioc are, in this iietber world, any evcej)t tlie indurate Orange- men and conscience-seared torus that can do so we envy them not their ieelings. Tlie brave are always liumane. ]n;n:edjtitely after the action of 'J^uei-day, Von fchultz wrote the following- letter to Col. Young, tie conimaiider of the IJiiti.'^ii forces nt Prescotl : " 1 send you two of your w^ounded, because I cannot at- tend to them, and give tlieni the care tliey rcejuire. In re- quital, I beir you to treat my wonnded \a ith kindness. If on your honor you assure me tliat we are not received l)y the people here as liberators, it depends on you to put a stop to further blood-shed." Col. Young declined returning an answ^T, for the follow- ing reasons, viz: When the call to arms took place at Frcs- cott, many refused to turn out — who were instantly march- ed into Fort Wellington, and tiiere closely conlined fiml cruelly treated, nntil some weeks sfter the patriots surren- dered. He also knew that if the patriots could ]k netrate into the interior, the people would join them as the liber.t- tors of their country. He laiew tlie majority w^ere disaffected to the core. This badly advised and unfortunately terminated exr^ dition completely frustrated the execution ol Gen. Bierco"s better matured plans for securing the Western and London Districts. Had Cien. Birge permitted Von Shultz, Abbey and Wood- ruff, with their six hundre 1 men to join the north-w^estcrn division, the campaign of 1838 w^ould not have terminated K- 'i Wkstern expedition. lot to Ills Irr.s; ll curses Jii;cl 't.'iLle iiLd vc- iis.'ige excited Y of these vo- iiiel find Mil- '^ tcnr f:t (he ^r, nud Ihicl:^ ctcd on their '••i^cJ. Ifihoe nitc Or.'inoe-. > so we envy ely nftcr tl;e lowing)- letter lish forces nt 3 I can Mot at- niro. In re- kindness. Jf t received hy 1 topnt a stop or the follow- ihico at Pies- antly ninrcli- con lined aiul ! riots surren- ild i)enetra(e IS the liber.-N I'e disafiected inated v.y^y.c- j!en. Bierces and London r and Wood- irth-westcrn terminated 261 so disastrously. Gen. Bierce had been for weeks waiting the arrival of Von Shiiltz ; but hearing nothino; of him, and fearing some accident might have happened, he liurried to !>ii(faio to ascertain the cause of the dehiy. On arriving there, nothing could he lieard of him, and he returned great- ly disappoint(id. Still ignorant of Birge's expedition, he knew nothing of it until he received the news of iis unfor- tuuale termination, which arrived at tlu; very moment ho was ])roj)aring to unfurl the standard ot liberty in the Wes- tern District. At thi?. lime, he had about six hundred able bodied men, and nun^bers were daily flocking to his stand- ard. Appearances, so far, w^ere quite favorable — but one misfortune generally leads toanoilier. Gen. Brady, the Patriots irreatest enemy, was enforcing lliejieutral laws more rigidly than ever. The British au- ihoritics informed him that a large l/odv of Patriots was concentrating at Put-in-Bay : wdien. obedient to the Britisli call, he embarked instantly ibr Tvlalden, chartered the boat jiady, and with her seized the PatricU schooner Victoria, loaded with arms, ammunition and provisions. This, \\\i\\ the disheartening new^s oi Von Shultz's fate, so discouraged the men that about two-thirds of them returned to their homes. Gen. Bierce, how^ever, proceeded immediately to Detroit, to hire boats, as the remaining \m\i were determin- ed to raise the standard oi liberty in Canada, at all liazards. Shortly afterwards they removed and pitched their camp about three miles beyond Detroit. Bierce made every ex- ertion to charter boats, but to no etfect. The men became clamorous against him, for his want of spirit and zeal to carry out the object of their expedition. On the evening of the 3d December he appeared at the camp to explain to them that it w^is not owing to tlie want of either spirit or zeal in hiui, that they w^ere not then in Canada ; but to the difficulty in the w^ay of obtaining water craft. They insis- ted on crossing that night, or they w'ould disperse. He reasoned with thenj, anel remonstrated against so desperate an attempt in their then weak and unprepared state — desti- tute of artillery, munitions of war, and every other article necessary to carry on a successful canipaign — that the Bri- tish at VVindsor, Sandwach and Maiden, were well provide 1^ I #■ ; M i :H ATTACK ON WINDSOK. lii|;( • 1 i'n IV- i C(J, and prepared to rcvsist ; that another faihire would rn'n the cause ; that in a few days the ice would be strong: c- Mough to bear them, and by that time tliey would be fully !%»' eparod to cross, and take up a position wliercver they pleased ; maintain their ground, and give conticlenco to their fiionds. lint tlie men had U)st all patience, and be* lieved the General had no iiitention of crossing at all. They branded him as a cownrd and traitor, and insisted on cross- ing that night. I le re{)lied, very coolly, that he was neith- er a cownrd, nor a traitor ; but if tliey were determined to I b sacritice liiemselves, he would go and ronvmee themtl he was neither the one nor the other ; 1 rit the consequence o." llieir temerity would ri^st with th.emselves. Gen. Put- iiam. Cols. Harreli and Scott ceincid! d with the General. But the men were doaf to all remonstrnnces, and sti^'-ma- 'ised cv^erv one who di tiered from them as traitor^^ Go I'.t th ov must, aii d iro t; \v\ (■ lid. v:t t Early on the moriiiu::' of tlie dth December, those rest lute niiMi, 164 in number, including- their officers, crossed little before day liiiht to Windsor, in a steam-boat obtait^ Ui6 previous evening. The barracks were immediately vA- tacked; rmd after a kwv Uiinutes obstinate resistance, tliev were carried and burn^ The result of this victory wa? forty prisoners and seventy-five stands of arms. Kiated with the success of their first rencontre, they m u'clied ibr Sandwich. On arriving at an orchard. t!;ev v/ere ;ittacked by a strona* party of regulars and militia V )}unteers. who were securely posted behind a boaid fence. T!'c patriots rushed, ptill-m;;!!. into the orchard, where thoy ! wore in(>re exposed to the fire of their covered eiir-uiy thnti i\ dieir (ormer position. Notwithstanding, they fou^iit so re-" oluti^ly and u-tcrminedly that the British v/ere actually .'ji'inix groimd. when Col. Prince, with a reinforcemeiit, caiiio to their assistance. The patriots, having neglected to secure either flank, were soon thrown into disorder, and il^'d in every direction. Gen. Putnam and Col. HarveU w\^re killed while attempting to rally the men on the retreat. The f(n'mer fell with the Patriot colors wrapped round his b' dv. [farvell was literally riddled with balls. Wfien the sriv ejo volunteers called upon him to surrender, he declar- would rv'in be stronn^ c. oiild Ije fully lorcver they oiifidenco to ice, and be- at all. Thoy U'd on cross- le was iioitli.. etcniiiiiGd to ee them that consequence Ge!i. Vu{. the General. and stigrna- raitors. " Go r, those reso- ers, crossed a ioat oitainefl ned lately ;;[■ lisfance, tliev victory wa>: contre, they an orchar(i. s and rniliti;i hoiud fence. , where tfiey eiir-niy that! ey ibno-ht so ^ere actually inforcemeiif, V^" nci^lected isorder, anr Col. Harvell 1 t!ie retreat. 'd round his . Wfieu the r, he declar- ATTACK OK SANDWICH. 203 ed that there Was no such word in the patriot service, and defended himself with a lars^e bowie knife to the very last. In this action the patriots lost nine killed and' four wounded, hesides (ifty-one taken prisoners. Tlie enemy lost seventeen killed; twer.ty-six wounded: their large barracks and a steam-hoat were buin«. The l>ritlsli regulars who were eno-noed, declared that the patriots fought with a bravery and iiallantry that would have done credit to the best disciplined lron| s ; that Iheir humane treatment of the prisoners who fell into their hands, and the great respect they paid to private [nonerty, while Windsor was in their possession, merited fortliej)ri- soners who loll into Col. Prince's hand a belter fate than he doomed them to. This Prince of monsters, four hours af- ter the enc-agement, sliot in cold Itlood, Ibnr of tiie uiiliir- tunate prisoners who fell into his hands. Adj't ( 'hcesman of the 2d Msse:.: nnlitia brought up a ])risoner and surren- dered him to (V)l. Prince, who ordered him to be sliot on I'lespot. 'i'he man was first shot in the shoulder, and se- verely, thouiMi noi mortally wounded — a second shot car- ried away part of his cheek — a third wounded him ui the neck— after which he was bayoneted to death. The sec- ond prisonei*. (who was woimd(.'d,) was brouglit into the town of Sa.ndwich at least two hours after the en^'aircment, and ordered to be shot on the spot. It was jiioposed to give him '-a nni for his life." This barliarous proposition was acceded to. and in an instant a dozen niuskets wer(; level- ed for his execuiion. At this moment, To!. Wm. Tilliot exclaimed. ^ I) — ii j/oii, yoii coirarJIy r(i,'^ra!.-n- iii!^' to ninrdv.r yovr prisoner!'' This exelaiiiation. for oiiein?tanr relnrded the fire of the party, hut in tiie nexc the prisoner was brouirht to the ground, lie spramr airain U-) his feet and ran rounci the corner of the lenee, where he was met and shot through the head. His name u-as I>en- 1 I iiett, an Eindishman, late a resident in the I ondon District. F!is death took place in the pvd.^lic street, and in tlie pre- sence of several ladies and children. Another prisoner, named Dennison, also wounded and unarmed, taken after the action, was brouoht in durinir the mornimj. Charles '¥ Elliott, i-^i i- who was present when Col. Prince ordered 264 ATTACK ON SANDWICH. 0'*:,'. m this man to be shot, entreated that he might be reserved to be dealt with according to the hiws of the country; but Col. Prince's reply was, "D — n the rascal! shoot him!' and it was done. When Col. Prince reached Windsor he was informed that Stephen Miller, one of the patriots was lying wounded at the house of the Rev. W. Johnson. This rnan, whose leg had been shattered by a musket ball liad been found by Francis Baby, Ksq. Col. Prince gave the the order for his execution. The wounded man said he was thirty-five years old, owned a farm in the town of Flo- rence, Huron County, State of Ohio, and had a wife and a boy ; lie talked about liis wife and son, and wishud that his wife might be written to. Soon after this a party ol militia- men drairtred him out of the hor.se and shot him. Miller was wounded between seven and eiii^ht in the morning, and was shot at noon. He lay unl)uricd all night iu the stroct, and was completely disembowelled, and other parts of him eaten by the hosrs ! Capt. Bi'odrick o( the regulars left a prisoner in charge of a dragoon. Prince fell in with this ])risoner ; ordered him to be taken from his guard and sjiot. which was done! A ])arty of Indians who were sent into the woods look seven prisoners. When they brought them out a cry was raised, " bayonet tliemf But Martin, one of the Indian braves, replied, " Pso, we are Cliristians ! we will not mur- der defcMiceless prisoners !" Hut when these men were de- livered to Col. Prince, he had them placed in a waijfon, and when it readied an open spot opposite the barracks, he commanded them to be taken out and shot. On this Mr. James cried, " For God's sake do not let a white man mur- der those whom an Indian spared!'' Mr. Burnett, another FiUglishman, from liOndon v\*as crippled and lamed from a wound received in the battle by the bayonets ofthetory blood-hounds of Sandwich, where the more than savaire Prince ordered his serfs to shoot him down in cold blood! One of the dastardly wretches fired and destroyed the side of his face ; breaking the under-jaw, and mutilating him in a shockinor manner, 'i he poor, wounded and bleedino* creature was forced on again, ;uid shot iu the shoulder; another shot was fired, when the ATTACK ON SANDWICH. 205 e reserved to joimtry; but shoot liim!" 1 Windsor he patriots was [jiisoij. Tliis kct ball J]ad lice gave the iiian said he town ofFlo- a wife and a shed that liis ty of militia- liiii. Miller nornino-, and in the street, parts of Inrn er in diarize ler ; ordered h was done! ; woods took it a cry was f the Indian ^ill not mnr- nen were de- , wasfon, and barracks, he On this Mr. ite man niur- liOndon vv-ns the battle by wich, whore to shoot him retches fired G nnder-jaw, '11 10 poor, 1 ao^ain, and d, when the hlood and brains of tl le unfortnnate man were dashed irainst llje door of the house ol^Mr. Cowino-. They left the bodies of those niei], together with tl killed in [)attlc, on the street, until the F a- lose . riM r , ' - ■■'-•"* commenced eatm<,^ tlieru. 1 hey refused to allow the body of the brave liut unfortunate Putnam to be removed to Detroit. IJis daughter, m company with a humane and respectable citi- zen, app'hcd to a ma<,ristrate at AVindsor, when t'ns Iniso :ind bloody Prince told the youni: lady, '• 7/' 7 had the jwircr, [^suki lie,) I ivoiild have hmiL'- yuvr father bf.fwecu two trees— quartered his body, and thrown il to the hoo-sf"' l?orrib)e ! ! Contrast the conduct of the brave but uiTfor- limate ])atriots, with those heartless wretches, ni:d seethe diflerence. The patriots made forty or fifty prisoners lanoni)- whom were; ]\h;'ssrs. Haby and Mercer. Is there (lie man among them will say they were insulted or abus- ed/ Did they not respect private property? Did they ;;buse any of the inhabitants? Were they not in possession of Windsor long enough to liavc laid it'in ashes, had they Icen disposed? J)id they not save tlie children and furni- inrc which were in the house adjoining the barracks which were burnt? Did they abuse women, or even molest a child? After the battle a number of the wounded, and other pa- triots, souglit refuge among the Irish and French part of llie population. One of theoflicers, ]\]r. K. an Kniilishmen, threw liimself u)!on the protection of a whole-souled Irish- woman, in the al>?ence of her hi!sl)and. Are you a " patrl- (//'c//.^' said she. -I ama j)atriot," he answered. ''Then, (said ?he,) its yourself tliat's safe enoiiirh — jist "o into the cellar, and keej) aisy.'' When her husband (UTiv^d, she informed liim wliatshe liad done : he approved her conduct; visited the officer, and dressed liis wounds ; informed ]\Ir. K. that iic had a few minutes belbre secreted four others in differ- •nit Irish Catholic houses, and that be was one ot the mili- tia appointed by Prince to search for the fugitive patriots, and bring them prisoners to him ; but, said he, "bad luck to me, and the likes o' me, if ev(ir Prince or tlie likes o' liim, shall evtM' see one on whom Ned gets liis eye upon. Now, (continued this nof)Ie of nature's creation,) 1 mustiro and find more o' the bovs, for they will be afther k IT '' ■ B- M !:•.• Mi*--' !:: i. .' - S„iii«! I 4, i :M k 'I -■ I I hi I I- Id ; 206 ATTACK CN SANDWICH. Ixinji cold iuid luintiry, tiiid iioy le 1 cj.n sn\e tlitni.' Ofilic went ; aud sirie eiKiJfil), ittiiiiied with tlirce nioro, ti little niter sniisct. Here lie kej.t niid led tlieiii on tlm lest liis lioiise could nflbrd, lor &ix we( ks. When they ;ir- livcd nt Detroit they were hale, fat, and hearty as |;orkeis. On one of his daily visits, he remarked to the hoys, '' now my lads, yon have jiiSt a taste ol" how the Eng- lish nse the poor Irish." Hack Inck to them, said Lis wife, "my own dear lader was twelve years hid in a rock, ior the lear ov them, alter the battle of Yiuegar Hill, and its myselltliat carried his vitals till he died." Another instance of nature's n(0)le creation. One ot'tho patriots, lieiiio; hotly jnirsned by the British trooj s, took r( liige in the humble dwelling ol' a Frenchnjan, which hap- pened to be at iiand. ]t was early in the morning ; tlic Frenchman had risen, but his wile had not. The soldier hastily asked, "Are you a ] atriot." ''Oui jVIonsieur," said the Frenchman. "You patriot too?"' "Yes." The noble hearted Frencliman, in a twinkling, clapped n woman's night-cap on the soldier's head, and hurried him into bed with his ivife, who was in the same room. The clothes were scarcely adjusted, ere the British entered in pursuit ; but seeing only two u-owcn in bed, and the Frenchman up, they asked for the rebel they had seen enter helbre. The Frenchman pointed to the bush, through the back door, and away they went, "pell-mell, in chase after the rebel, who by the aid of his noble host and a canoe, was soon in safety on the American soil. Tlie battle of Windsor termiriated as Gen. Bierce predic- ted, and with it all further eflorts on the frontier; omiv^ entirely to the ungovernable rashness of head-strong and inexperienced but brave men. They fouj^ht gallantly and behaved nobly, throughout the whole aflair, it is confessed, yet the effort was a most daring one, and the event proved, as Gen. Bierce foretold, a wanton waste of human lives, without a sinijle corresponding benefit. In every instance the Patriots were undisciplined and lacking in arms, and however willing they were to be placed under the rigor ot military discipline, yet it was impossible to do so on either sjd^ of the line. Were they not men possessed of the most save tlitni.' h tliice nioiT, tliciii on \\\p Vhen llicy ;ir- y iis j.orkeis. to liu! boys, low tlie Eiit- icm. Siiid liis liid in ii rock. V^uY Hill, and One oflho ooj s, took li- n, which hnji- nioining : tlio The soldier onsienr," snid " ']1ie nol.)lo ^d a wcninn's 1 him into bed The clothes cd in pursuit ; 'rcnchmnniip, : before. The le hack door, fter the rebel, ?j was soon in Bierce predic- ontier; owiDji: rid-strong iind gallantly and it isconfps.sed, event proved, human lives, ivery instnnce in arms, and r the rigor ot o so on either ^d of the most ATTACK ON SANDWICH. 267 sterling courage and confidence in themselves, they would never have attempted to face an enemy who Imd, at one time, numbered forty to one, and at no time less than six to one. Since they failed, they have been m )st un^J^enerously ac- cused, and unjustly regarded as a parcel of brii^and:?, whose only object was pi under and rapine. Had they succeeded ill achieving their indepeudetice, the manly conduct and sterling bravery displayed by tiiem at the Wind Mill point, Windsor, Fighting Island, Point au Polec, Navy Islnnd, Short Hills and 'I'oronfo, thoy would be as much the eu- logising theme of their oppouL-nts, as they are now the butt of their ridicule. I5ut as they were not able to war, suc- cessfully, against Gnuit Britain and the ncMitral laws of the United States, without regard to the intolerable oppression which forced them to arms, or the noble object they had in view, in releasing their country from the worst kind of nionarchial tyranny, and the extreme scantiness of the means they had to accomplish their object, they are de- nounced as i)irates, and heralded by a republican proclama- tion, as nefarious out-laws, unworthy of sympathy or pro- tection. Von Shultz. Cols. Abbey and Woodruff, felt the dreadful effect of this uncalled for proclamation on a Brit- ish scaffold, and the banished in Van Dieman's Land feel it every day. What rendered it the more annoying to the chivalrous Patriots, was to be so branded by the descendants of some of those noble souls who, in other days, shed their blood in the same cause, for the same glorious prize; forgetting that they were also stigmatised with the same opprobrious and infamous lory epithets; but by a little timely French aid, they ultimately proved successful, consequently all the world joined in admiring their bravery, and converted the opprohrroiis epithets of pirate and brigand into th.-jt ot patriot and hero. Had the Patriots received a similar timc- Iv aid, who could say that the twin star, striped banner of Canadian Independence, wo.ild not, at this day, be proudly rtoatincr in the breeze on the battlements of Gluebec? It is not, therefore, the cause, whether it be good or bad, nor the object in view; nor the oppression which drove the people •4 It* M w- I1 1 ' ill : ^' :, 1 P r I 21)3 EXKCUTIONS AT KINCJSTON'. to arms; nor the lioroic gallantry (iisplaycd in attaiiiiiiL^Mho object, that luaiikiiid, j^rencrally, (Mlher approves or , the lornitM', hy a htrle assistance iVom tli", citizens oTihe United Slates, prov{;d snccesslhi — their oou- dnct was approved, aiid their independence recoij-niscd, even by Q.ueen Victoria. Tlie hilter, aUho'.iiiii they W(Uo ibrccil to arms, in d'.'C^Micv) of their constitutional ri^ht-:, were debarred of every succor, i)rononnced nefarious oui- hiws, hunted, iinprisoiied and punislied by the United States' j^overnment. Ttiey failed, — llow could it be oth- erwise? — l)Ut not in_^ioriously. It was their misfortune — not their fault. Alter a mock trial, to a-ppoase the ra-j^ini; thirst of the to- ries (or l^ltriot blood, ilie lamtrnted Von Simltz was huii^' on a ^rihbet, at ^\»rt lienry, Kingston, i)ic. 183S, in his thirty tirst year, lie it^.'t liis fate with the matily th'nmess of a Polish Patriot; breathiii.^- foniivoness to his assas.'iiiis. In 1830 ho i)re-e!ninent!y dlstin^•uished himself in the lir.- eratinu' army of his own unfortunate counti'y, under (leii. Uminiske, piU'ticularly at the battle ot Juolonna and at Warwar, under Gen. Skrzynecki, who conlerred upon hiai ihe Colonelcy and command of a reur ti:nes in s iccession.'' /Vfter thi--^ the inh-i win brute struck liis heels s:n'era! times iiuo the breast of tlie dyin^ man ! The followinir '-propo./al" was issued a ^ il «i '% m It is spoken out in Inngunge that cimnot be luistnkciij tl:j)iuiued iVom our memories, iind every sontiment of patriotism and freedom which hal- lowed the Revolution b.e extinouisiied in our Innu'ls. '•When the tiuio comes, as come it will, lor those provin- ces to bo iiide})eiident, then will there be more complete unity of political jjrineiple on this continent. It will come ere louir; for not li'iokiiid h(M'S(df, or il l-jnirhuul, not tlie provinci^s can submit to trie military occupation of the Can- ndas as a permanent systeiu of f^MV.'rnmont. Or wd'l the inother coimtry reduce the colonies to a desert and call that r)Cico? No, th(^v will becem'"^ Wr.o and tlieir freedom wilt lo for the common beneiir of Air;eric.'i. Tndoponde'ut, in (;Io3c associatio5i with us, the navi^rntion of the St Tiaw- vencc and tlio lakes, the allantic hsheric;?. and tlie fur trade ot the north wa^st, each of us delivered from bordiron F' itclin. At the dessert the brave Do Ijorimer was called upon for a sentiment, and gave the follow- ing : **My Country — May it never forget that brave men have sacrificed their lives on tlio scaflTold. A Patriot 1 h:ive lived, and a Patriot I shall die! Woe to tyrants : their reign will »oon b'j at an end !*' After which Mr. Hindelang was called upon to give a sc;:- tinrwnt, and he spoke in the following manner : ^'Brethren in misfortune — I am nearly a perfect stranger to yau all: my acquaint ince with most of you is indeed very lim- ited, and may be traced only to the camp at Napervillc. Boi still, how can I account for the great attachmcnl I feel for you all? if it is not because in common we alt aspire for libert;;, nod bee? in common we are all the song of iho sarTiO moth er. France ^^ France ! thou which received my first breafli' thy son, who lo morrow sliall die on the gallows in a strango had, is yet attached lo thee ! Yes; I cannot think of thcc^ ] witliout sluidding a tear; hut it is the tear of aftecticn. Adieu! I md of the sage and the brave ! I have not dishonored thco. I have been faithful to tho moito of a Frenchman — 'deatk HATHKR THAiN DisiioNoii 1^ I havc takco i>p arn!s ill favor of the oppressed against tho oppressor. 1 have been unsuccess- ful, and have fallen into the hands of cruel, ungenerous, sav- aije enemies, who know nothing about an hotiorable warfare. But they have not been able to conquer my feelings. I am yet devoted to the holy cause of universal freedom, and shall die with a conscience void of guilt, in regard to having lifted rny EXECUTIONS AT MONTREAL. 275 •nrles Ilindf- reneious and thn soldier of ID, und com- n, Nov. 1838. risoners pre- liiidelang and the brave Do vo tlio follow - ve mon have I Ivive lived, lir reign will .0 give !i sen- cl stranger to eod very lim- •orvillc. Btil I feci for you for libert\-, sp.n'iC motii ly first breafli^ s in a .strangf^ think of thcp ti(:n. Adieu! Iionort'd thco. man — 'death !s ill favor of ?n unsuccess- f^norous, sav- able wnrfare. gs. I am yet and 3hall die nng lifted my arm in fnvor of the Canadian struggle. Ciin the blood of so many valuable citizens be spilt with irnpuniiyl Will not the Canadians revenge ill And you, my liear bifthren, who are in chains, whose wives and daughters have Imiph polluted by the licentious British soldiers; whose homes, where onco joy reigned with virtue, have been made desolate — shall not your cruel treafm(;nt be revenged? Yes: it siiall be revenged! and 1 appeal to the justice of the A'migl'.ty; for his curse will sure- ly rest Uj-on a people who reniler themselves guilty of such crimes. I see some among you are shedding t(!ars. Allow me here to borrow the words of him who was sent to save the world: "Daughters of .lerusalem, weep not for me, but for yourselves and children " No, my dear Iriends, it ought not to bo f(»r me that you wee|t; bi;t shed tears over the woes of your unfortunate country. As [o m\seir, the ilcvd will sdou be done. Aye; before twenty-four hours, 1 sliali be a iifehvss corpse; but your country, my dear brethren, shall exist, eiMn-r in happi- ness or misfortune. It belongs, then, to its soi.s to show whether ihey are willing to l)e rie( nien or the ahject slaves of the British. But you have nerd of foreign aid. O France ! hast thou forgotten that, on this side of the -ast ocean, thou hast sons who yet speak thy langnagc — who have religiously kept all t!iy customs'? If thou h;ist not forgotten them, to their help then ! Do not allow the haughty English to annihilate them in defiance of all treaties, and contrary to all rules of national equity ! But my voice is altered. I think of your national woes, my dear friends, and at the same time my head is troubled with the phant.un of mv por>r aged mother, when she rhall hear that I have pei'died on the vealFold, in a foreign land; and thai, too, by the merciless hands of Britons ! O, God ! grant her the necessary courasre. My dear friends, let some of you write how firm and resigned I was to my unmer- ited fate; -m\ tell her that I died like a Frenchman. Libertv cannot he bought too dear for voui unhappy country, and I willingly, and with a contented heart, make a sacrifice ot my life for "your country's cause. O! brave companions, (turnmg toward the other persons who were to sutler with him. j to-mor- row is the day of trouble— not for us, hut for our tncnds.-- Your names-my name, shall be engr.ived in eucrs ol gold on the altar of liberty. Now, my friends, I shall give you the following sentiment: Canada-I value not my lie, li thou canst be once freed from English slavery. It is the sinceit 4, 276 EXECUTIONS AT MONTUEAL. .i --J ' Vic • h '' i'i ' wish of one who I o- morrow v/i!l sutler doalh for thee. The day will vet come when thy sons wiii rc^rnemher, iti iheir dnys of jubilee, thnlChailes llindelaiig, a luirjc/ncr, was a marlyrfor llicir sakes. and a victim ol" English hatred/'' While these nohle souls wrvr. si-atcd at table, several Bri- tish officers, atu.j the editors of the lory [laucrs of Montreal, canio into the w.ard to have a giancc! -it the vieliins, which a thirst (or hlood had (looined to a viuli nl deal';, and to their astoni.shment, found these men, whom ih^ y e.\j,( cied to see in deep melancholy, seated at tables, and exiircs^in;:; the most no- ble sentimt^its uC patriotism and ld);'it\-. i)iirin.'i the s[)eechL'.s ot* De Loiimer and llindelang. scvi r;i| oi' these lories wc^ie seen shedding tears. This heart-reiwinii! >c(M,e did alleel tlicn)! and none but the most callous anrevious to, any lor deserves more tiian the rank ol' Colonel. It is quite pleasing to hc^ar him relate how his brave soldiers ncquittid tliemselves of their duty. The dear Colonel's fine drciam, and tin? l)rilliant char- ges of his men did not wear out their siuxv^. We left Nupier- villo in a body ot between five and six hundred men: and as the Colonel is probably endowed with double vision, ho sees in Exr:cuTiOi\s at month kal. Tlio (ja^ lliat body Ix'lwcun rune and (.lovon huiidn d. A fcrw oidv of ic'lr days of %l his men ventured out of their s!. Ii marl yi^' i^( or «i;v('ral I>r iMonl real iiris, \vl llCl) '\n(\ to their <-d to seo in u,' most no- lle spccchc.i Jories wac '■''.'eel tliciii! id could i\)- utiroitunate ill iho night xecution, ',\s F.n. 1839. bo all over nn each oth- 00, and yet "ii converse, i.stors of ihi:i! tliat liio ofFi- ii-age, from .lot surprise c;li the Eng- .)vvcvor, wo i' o\(»r ttieiii ie talent for ■ you to tho i'^ given by come froMi .'()Utation at lor deserves iig to hear Vf's of their li'int clinr- efl Nupior- en; and as he scGs in men ventured to learn, at tliei one church; and nine of hi? br.tvo men outside anuuig the Canadians, it r own cost, thai tiiero were als: i:'i reailv shame- lul lliat a man should d.i;e to boast of such tntles. The whol a company of stii vlin.L-s, ihat cter- '^'^cy cann<;t hodv of volunteers is but nailv shout ♦ CJod avo tlie Queen,-' le get their living by otlser means. !)>) hi cause it s:iov,' y.iur-elves C' nadians, ',\p\ these paltry beings will be soor. h;.! ia tho d I should like to see a few hundred sue! U5 1 men as v.c knrjw, and of wlioM) there are many in this country, a[ the heels of be^nrars O, that it w ere so, but once: ai, wo thes' n I) _ r-">-- ■ -• ' " .»v.iv,o./, i./ii t wMv^'. , (111 ; ,;ii \^(j;|.U ij'JflU t)*'' right. I can wriio no more, my llioui:his rua so fast. All I can say is, to iriorrow u^e are to s(;rveas an ( xhihition for tho:-y' shabby rased:;. O, 1 liave a mind to I rur;!, \v. t'lcir faces.' I die conlent and feel tiie happy satisfae;.on oi" ii;.ving done ail in my power. They hang me, they say, lo serve as an exam- I'le. 1 hope it may bo one ! May every str irg'r bring to the cause as much v^iilingness as I did, and liie hanger shall be lianged — each one in his turn — that is l.i.t jii>t. li.iron, if one of these reilcoats falls into your bain's, si.nw him the surnc road, lhat he may biing me news cf year, bm remember well, that I am a General, and that I require so;:)-thin/^ good— at least a Colonel — if less than that Til send bi.n b.ack to you. One grows tired of trifling. It is midnight; and at nuie o'clock 1 must go. Adiou! 1 know you want a -erious letter; but no man can bo held to impossibilities. Oar evciiinfj party was too stormy, 'i'eara'l this up, and let us say do m.^re about it. 1 hav(; awnkened from mv sleep, and recomnvMioo jn [\)q bono of doing b-iier. ' CliARLE;-^ {IINDELANG.' Montreal Pris ».v, Montreal I'ris ».v, > Feb. 15lh, 1839, morni.')^- o oM .:k. S Dear iIaron — Before vengeance and cruehy slviil iiave al- together destroyed iho thoughts of a mm wiio despises these sentiments, but who leaves tliem to his mard'rers, 1 wish again to communicate to you my manner of viewine tiiires, though you already know it There are persons who understand each other, and require but a glances of the eye for a word. The gallows claims its prey ! An Englisli hand has erected it ! Cruel and savage nation ! Arrogant and ungenerous people ! fn recalling to this unhappy country the ages of barbarity; surpassing them in atrocity, wiiy iiave you not also preserved Mi 278 EXKCUTIONS AT MONTREAL. it:' i. nil llieir usngts? Torturo is yet wanting Id complete yonr joy ! AIj! if you but cinrcd! Are ye ntU master'? Wiint leaf ye llien? One foul deed more can cost liille for sucli souis. 1 laugh at your gibbet! I sliould laugh at your elUuls to tor- m.enl your vietims! Liberty, O Lil.eiiy! how Ixautiruj would it be again to sutler lor you' How deliglitfoi would it Le lo maKe the C'unadians comprehend the streni^lls and cour;i^'e jour lovers receive wliile serving you! Awaken tlu n Canadi- ans! Hear ve not tlic voice o!" your brolhor>? it calls ye! That wlr.c: r( n.rs fiom ti;e prnve. lt»i-ks n(»t I'oi' vengeance, hut cries aloud utito you to l.:e free. Will it! ai;d it is dont . lichold! behold ye English — this snil ihal je tread, ye l.ave bathed in generous hh (;d! it will b( ar ye i:o K-ircr. l^aee, accurt^ed! pn;s-xd is thy reif:;n. When the l^taxe Cnradians shall awake, you, l^aion, f^haii be? with tliem. Yen will aid iheni, and 1 shall bless you— you, and all wl;o shall act likes you. Andtiou, O France! have not thy gmerous sons learn ed that here they ba\e br"lhers? Recall then ail tliy well m^er- iied b»tr( d rgninsl lhes(! Kngli^h. Weie it in their power, thev would not spare thee. Adieu! dear rar(n. Adieu! niV wortjjy friend. By you, I shall be remenibered. I sliall live in your heart, as also in that of every generous friend. No! no! death, theie is nothing fearful in thee! wlicn lor.g and glo- rious remembrance is left beliind! My bedy tf» the butchers — but my thoughts and wy licart lelong to my family and to my friends! lie be happy; and never forget one of your good and faithful comrades. [Signed.] ClIAKLES IllNDELANG. leci M',!i V A liitle before the lime appointed for his execution, the Pro- vost Marshal entered his cell, and informed him that he must bo prepared. *'I am ahendy prepared for your butchery,*^ said the noble sullerer. *' 1 die with no remorse: and, thank God, my conscience is clear of all guilt." When the Provoc-t Marsha! canu; to pinion his arms, Mr. Ilindelang became very much excited, and said, " Aie you not satisfied wiili having tortuied me when you look mo to my triai? Look at these wrists, and see how I have sufTered. But the work must be finished. Tmerk will we a day of vknoeance yet." The duor of his cell having been opened, the first person he saw was one of his fellow suflerers. Chevalier De Lorimcr, who in a loud voice greeted him ^^'ilh th(;se words — "Courage! it will SOON BE oveu!" Mr, Elindelang, in a cheerful and firm voico )m(ik'te your iviil Wlint r such soni.s. iUuls lo tor- niitirul wouici uoulcl it Ic niid coui'fi^M; l!i( 11 Cnundi- It calls JC-! 1" veugcniicc, ul it is (](>n«. . •ad, yo liavo igcr. Pace, e CnradinpH Ycu will aid lall net like! s soiis learn ■ liy well imcr- liicir powtr, At!icu! HiV I siiall live frier.d. No! or.g and glo- e butclieis — iy and to my )ur good and ELANG. on, the Pro- lat Iio must r butciiery,'^ : and, thank tlio IVovo.-t jccamo verv uiilj having ook at these ork must bo YET." Tho I he saw was I", who ill a ge! it will d firm voico EXECUTION'S A"- MONTREAL. 271) answered, "Death is nothing to a Frenchman who dies in llie causo of Liberty!'^ It is itnpojsible for any one to desv^ribo the heart-rending scene that to(dc place, when the other prison- (ira came to bid adieu to their unfortunate ciMnriidt^.s. Shortly after, the prisoners were ordered to pruieed towards the scaf- fold, whieii they did with that firinness whielj sIjowimJ they were not afraid to die. On the scallold, lirig. G.'.n. Ilindelanj; came forward and addressed the miililude there assembled in the followif)g terms: " On this seatTold, erected by liio hands of Knglishnen, I declare that I dip with the e!u the vengeance of ofibnd(Ml toryism. TJius ended the pioci-'UM life of a man wliose piiilafithropy lead him to tread l!i.; palln of danger, and whose greatness of soul iinpelled him onward in the footsteps of the illustrious La FayoMe! VVitii him suif.jred the worst that a cruel and barbarous go- vernment Cduld inflict, in the bloom of youl'a, the brave Ch!>:v- ALIER De Lorimikr, descended of an a ncieut and honorable French family, and blessed v/iih a lovely wifj and tiirce in- fants, the |)ride of his lieart. ffe was thirty-five years old, a Notary Public of Mo itieal. When this g i!! lot yooiig mm was cut down from the galK>ws, the followin;^ letter was t'ouni in his bosom, close lo his heart, addressed to his pi»or, distress- ed Harriet: MoNT.iKVL, New j lil, Feb. lo. 1839, } 7 .'I'cloek A. M. '^ My dkap» and well nrLovKo wifk: — On the evf of my leaving my dungeon to mount tlie political sc.uTdd already reddened with the blood of many victims who have thereon preceded me, conjugal duty and my own ineiimtion prompt me to write yon a word, ere I appear before God, t!»e supremo judge of my soul. In the short space o!' time which has passed (If 280 EXIXUTIONS AT MONTUKAL. •f ■ t from the day of our sacred union lo the present moment, you have made me, my divir wife, truly liuppy. You Iwive been wanting in nothing, towards me; all lias been rri(Midshi[), kind- ness, and sinccirity. For all those virtues on yeur part I have never been ungrateful. On this very day, blood-thiisfy assas- sins are t(!aring me from your arms; tju^y can never flPice my remembrance from your heart; of that I am wrll C()nvince(l. — Tlsey take away i'V' in you your su|>porl and j)rol('Ctoi-, and llio I'litlier of your di^ir utirnrtuaute (^hildri^n. Providcnee, to^'etiu'r will) your l*i iciuls, the frien Is of my country shall provide for them. Tliry have, not fjiven me time to ."ee mv two dear litlli; children, so tint 1 could pross them to my patorual hosf^m, aii'! give them a ia>t f'Mri'woll. They hnve even drprived me (jf seeing my good o'd (atlvr, my brothors and sifters, to hid theiii an et(-r!i;il aditvj. Ah cruel thought!! Neverllieless 1 lorgivf with all my hcnrt. As to vou, d(';ir, you mii-t tako rou)'n(2;e and ini()ro.s8 on your mind that you musl live for the silce of vour uiil\>rlunato cidl- dren, who uilj hf o-|-,-;itIv' in nocl dl' tii'» i!)ai.;.'rii;j| (Niro of h iJMider aiid (h.'voted uiollier. 'I'hcy shall know no more my en- I :\-;sur > vou, mv doir I larri^'I resses arni my cure Of tiicm. .1, that if froin liifM'th'-ti.il world, it were wcr' [jennilt-'d tne still I aid and pixt.'Ci vou. 1 >houlfl hind ud vour l)r()keu lieai t. I wouM Koothe your sorrow, I wouhi watch hy day nod hover rouiul your pillow hy !ii;'!)t! .My (k ar little children will l;e di^privf! of my caresses, but they will Ijc d'.)ubly caressed by vou, y-) that they mmv not. I'oi-l t'lie dco]) loss thoy shall have hi m ut vo',1. mv i\ -w Harriet, vou may seo mo one(> more and for the la-t tirno; thi-n shall I be cold — inanimate arul disfigur- ed — moti(M)|{\-s ']•: — death, tiie tears ot'mv l]arrl''t, thv; heaving oflier hosoir), th;^ agonv of iier heart, I'll not witi'.'s-.; hut the thought unmans nv% I feel not for mysfdf, for I am pronnred-- It is my [jarriet! my own [larriet!! I fitiis!i hv ofTering t> the rti.'rnal (lod th-* most sincere prayers for your comfort und happii!(!ss, and that of my dear iitih^ cliiMren. Yo my jar b'ti dieu 1 I Mr. irievc ^'liich I (lit. Will linal ai rs by joiboi: oproa( ion ; I hem X\ >F/rr BE! aui To hi riic u viih jT deat Cai We lie li larin, :rcn's ivill b( 1 thoi Th( iie ot rom Th( hat th lot he PEl'lTlON QV lllE INDIANS. 28 Jcar litlle chiMicn, it is the most arfler)t jirnycr of my soul- momont, you Lj^^,, ,Yjy tLMjcler wilo, once more {kIIcu: and be happy, 'J hiive been tiflshi[), ld- r part I have lliiisiy assus- i ., -^ , . ,. . , ci- t i /-< n v(!rf'l"ric(i mv I -"^' *^^ Lorimcr petitioned Sir John Coiborne, lor a re- onviiicful.— ii'ievo of a few days, on iiccount oT prolcssional hnsiiK ctor, nnd fho (lit. With Do Lorimcr and TTindelanosuflercd Joseph N. Car- inal and Josef)li DuqiK-lte. The latter wiTe taken prison- rs by the (■aiiolmawaga Incii;iiis, who petitiomd K>ir John ;olboine to spare their [ivis. TIh;v were ireiitlemeii ofir- oproachitl)ie chanicter, as will l)e seen hy the Indian peti- ion ; l)tit they loved libcjrty, and that was enough to doom hem to the jrvliowSv to^'othfr do II {)rovi( wo dear Utile \\ hosnm, aii'i p rived me of s, to hid theiii less 1 rorgive press on your orlunato ci;il- iial (!are of h inoro mv ca- (If.ir I larri Yo:;r uufoftimnto' husband, CIJL^VALILUI DE LORlMlVR. I ess tinch he wished to settle before death — Sir John disregard- II l,e (ii^privc! (i hv von, .'■ » ETl'VION OF THh: INDIANS riii^ t> Voiir comfort ). Yostorda;.' 11 V I jst verba! liudy cell, wlih yoa my lasi 1, ehained liUf isiics you, my •art cnn cojoy ifc, as also niy r: 282 PKTITION OP MRS. DLQUETTE. IT pi., i lieve that onr liunible prayer will find the road to thehcari of your excellency. And we shall never cease to pray unto the great spirit for the glory and conservation of our fatlier, and lor the happi. ness of his children." This petition was delivered by an Indian Chief, toircth, er with the i'ollowins; letters; h'U the torics declared tlio gallows must I e glutted; and Sir John was di'leiniined to give them u surfeit ol the choicfst viclinis. NiiUlior pr;i^. ers nor supplications — tlu; wteping wife, nor the w;\ilui;r mother, had any elUict. Sir John and his lady disregarded all with perfect indilference. This monster told the Indian Chief that "a good character made a good victim." LiJ'ttcr from Mrs. J)uquelle to Sir John Colhorne, askiu;/ for the pardon of her son. Ma}/ ii picdsc j/our /J^vccllctict/: The aged mother of hu unfortunate son, whom tender age has brouiiht on the verge of the abyss, — falls at the feet of your Excellency, wil!i grief in her heart i\nd a sobbing voice, lo beg from youi" Excellency her son's pardon. To-morrow the fatal order. by which the thread of his life is to be cut, is to be put into execution. Must he die in the morning of his life? He who is the only support of the latter days of his aged care worn mother — he who is the only protection of his three younger sisters — he wlio is a perfect model of filial f)iety and fraternal love — he, who is cherished by all his friends! Must the young and tender head fall a sacrifice on the bloody scalfold ? Must your petitioner with her remainini: children, bo reduced to beg for their daily bread.? How- ever abundant that bread might be, it would always be eat- en in liitterness of soul, for it would come no more from the hands of a beloved son, an idolized brother ! And al! this becimse the unfortiuiate young maii had allowed him- self for a momerU to be It^d astray and had given way to a storm which had envelloped so many of age and experi- ence, No, no! your heart which has experienced the feelings of paternal love, must feel compassion for my situation.— You cannot disdain my prayer, the prayer of an unfortun- ate mother; and if you do not give me back my son, yoil will a re pen iiiiigU not lo also w drivel iiiceni \'OUV ins en I'ardc lliat c voiir M-rva llOSS ( MUS m M ;i mol overs iVom Joar i liiisb warr iiiu:li have hie. wha such his I a not hapi his 1 Vcd pun reco noc< h'i-", id lo the heart ^reat spirit for lor the h^ipjii. Thief, torrcili. dcclnrwj the (Ictcrniinetl |,. Nt;jt']c!r j)r.'i). r the waihii;^ y disre^ardiili )ld the Indi;iii mm." I borne, nskiij'r mother of .ci t oil the verge lellency, wiiii )eg from your le fital order, to be put intoi his life? H(! his aged can; n of his three of filial fjjety nil his friends! :ririce on tlio her remainiiii: ^rend? How- nhvays he eat- 10 more from lor ! And al! allowed him iven way to a c and experi- i(l the feelings y situation- an unfortnn my son, voi PJTITION OF RIIIS. CAUlJiNAAL. will at least commnle ijis sentence, and i^ive liim time for repentance. You will rememlKM* that Im; has not spilled a siii^^He droj)o(tho blood of his iellow creaturt'S. You will not foiii;ct that he has already sulltird -you will not lori^et also what your [)etitioiier has suffered lot hin),\vlien she was ilriveii from her home by the lire killed by the hand of the incendiary. Pardon, which is a kin<^ly virtue, oii«;ht to be n)Ur nunU noble |)leasure. P.irdon then my son; and all his compatriots shall join me in bles^in^• your memory. I'iirdon my son, and experience will teach the whole world iliat clemency and iiol riuor, is the nucleus of loyally. And your petiiioner will not cease to implore heaven lor the pre- servation and .'.Hory of your Excellency, and for the happi- ness of your I'aiuily. I J. DURAND, widoio Duquette. Mils. CARniNAi;S LMTTKR TO LADY COL HORM:, 80L1( ITLNG HER LXIERCESSION IN HEILVLF 01^ HER HUSBANDS LHl). My Lady. — You arc a wife, you are a mother ! A wife, ;i mother, driven by despair, fory^etlinii; the rules of etiquette ()verstep[)ino' (he orcat distance by which slie is se])arated iVom your ladyship,, is fdliii:,^ at your lict Iremblnu,^ with loar and her heart broken, to bc^^ for the life of her beloved liusband, and ot'tlie father oflier live children ! The death warrant is already sii^ncd ! ! The fatal hour is drawin^r nigh ! To-morrow 1 alas, to-morrow ! God ! oh God ! ] have not the strength to look forward to a destiny so horri- ble. The very thoughts of it fill my soul with despair; — what will be the reality? Oh, I shall never be able to bear such a calamity ! The blow which will cut tlie tliread of liis life, will be but one for us both. Happy would I be if iinother existence did not depend on mine ! ! But my un- happy child will never see the light ! lie will perish with his mother under the scaffold, where his father who deser- ved a better fate, had perished. O God ! is it thus that thou punishest? No ! ! pardon this blasphemy ! Men only have recourse to such deep vengeance! Men only cause the ill- nocent to perish with the gulity,— guilty— what do I say? IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) A 1.0 I.I l^m |2.5 |so ■^~ M^H Bi 1 22 ^ m I -^ IIIM ■yui. 1.25 |,|l.4 ||,.6 .4 6" ► V] ^ ^. /: y^ <# y Pho Sciences Corporation ^^^^ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 fc Is :\ \ c^ 284 MKS. CAilDINALS LETTri'.Jt. •i-^, >■ It; '! h I ...* i( mr nnd my hnsbnnd, whnl [uis he been giirlly of? The mos^l that can be made ol it, is that in a single moment of excite ment, or ratiier a moment of \v(;akness that lost him, — hh swDin enemv^ wfio had resolved on his death that same man, con Id not convict him of a single act of vi i olence ! must his blood be spilled; him, who far from spil ling the blood of his fellow creijtnres, never injured any one dnrinir the whole conrse of his life? For it is au atrocious calumny to say that he brought other people to their ruin. Oi a \-cry timid disposition, aiid very little giv en to society — enjoyinn" the pleasure of life but in the mid?:t ot his family, who adored him — he had no part hi the agi- tation which |)rt>ciMlt;d the last scenes of woe. It was then in his peaceable home that a sudden and and unforeseen movement surprised him. Weak, he allowed hinisolf to bo led astray by a torrent aoaiust which the stronoest man. would have resisted in vain. He made no victims — on tin- contrary he is a victim himstdf. This, his crime (if it is one), has he not already expiated? Has he not already sutlered too much ? and during the time that he was lying in his lonely d?mgeon, neglected by all, did we not, your humble petitioner and her children, suffer enous^h on his account? Once happy with him, nlthono:h in the hum blcr walks of iif(^, have v/e not been banished from our homes by the liafUed torch of the incendiary? Have wt not been stript of every article we had, even of the clothes from our backs ? Have we not been reduced to live on the bread, given unto us by the munificence of the Almighty. through the hands of those charitable peop!(?, who lor tli;; sake of heaven take pleasure in dispensiuij: to the needy . those treasures which are put into their hands? And vou U my lady, what treasures h.is not heaven put into your hands;; | has it not given you nnmense influence over tlie mind audi on the heart of one who at this moment directs our desti-l nies? Do as the charitable people to whom I have just t now alluded, turn those treasures to your eternal advantage; nnd to that 'of your husband whom you cherish, and of those children who are your irloryaiid happiness. Oh ! human-? ity certainly is not banished from this land of ven^feance— i | it must have taken refuge undoubtedly in the hearts of wQ'|| f '.? The mo>^ merit of excite lost hini,-_hii,. it[i nigle net of vi > lar ihnxi spil-. r injured aiiv For it is aii ^tlier people to very little oiv. ut in the niid^t Kirt iii the [\'y>. it was then U)d unforeseen d himself to bo stronoest niaij„ ictinis—on th-c s criirio (if it he not already t he was lying 1 we not, your j enouo^h on his h in tho hum ihed from our 7 ? Have wc of the clothes I to live on tlu; the Almi^ihlr. , who lor tlii! r to the needy Is ? And yow to your handb' ' tlie mind andv^ 'ects our desti- )m I have just nal advantage h, and of those Oh ! human- fven^feance— }. hearts of wo • | MRS. CARDINAL'S LETTER. 285 •I ri Kg IF men, in the hearts of mothers as yours is. Humanity shall speak through your lips— it shall be persuasive, eloquent and irresistihle— it shall stop the sword of death, now ready to immolate so many victims — it shall bring joy into the hearts of so many utdortuiiate beings; who dread the rising of to-uiorrow's sun— it shall be heard even in heaven, and shall be registered in the BOOK of life. EUGENIE ST. GFRMAIN. Wife o/" Joseph Narcesse Cardinal. On Sept. 29, the Buffido, convict ship, sailed from Que- bee to Botany Bay, with 139 of those gallant patriots, who escaped the gallows. In this penal colony the English government sends vast numbers of h(;r subjects unto the most horrible slavery, insomuch that many hang and drown themselves rather than suffer under tlie stripes of their task masters. On board this British slave ship were 59 Lower Canadian prisoners, and about 80 others, chiefly American citizens, whose gallant and heroic efforts at Wind- sor and Prescott Canadian tyrants could neither endure nor forgive. Alter keeping them nearly a year in jails, giving them mock trials, sentencing them to be hunof, drawn and quartered, Gov. Ponlett Thomson wrote to Colborne tosend them into perpetual slavery. They were heavily manacled, chained in couples, like dogs, conveyed to Quebec, a humil- iating spectacle, put on board the slave ship, stript of their clothes, their headsshaved, canvass shirts put on them, their dresses made like those of rogues and felons. They were then, stowed away in the hold, like wild beasts, heavily chained! 103 of them have wives and 3S7 children ! Thus lar the Canadian Patriots have been unfortunate. Death has cut some off on the scaffold — the field and in the jails ; many of them are in chains in penal colonies, and still a greater number suffering in exile, their property des- troyed, and their families abandoned whhout succor. But the wounds of their bleeding country shall be healed. After the disasters of anarchy and a bloody revolution, the peace- ful Canadian,and the proscribed assertors of liberty, will yet behold on the borders of the St. liawrence^ the revival of liberty and happiness. 24* • ! 9.SC, : ^V vt- '111 ll* ll i 1' is. 1/ "* NATUIIALIZKD ClTlZi ISTS. In tho l^pper Province, loynlty to tho sovereiofn, from other causes, besides the coniitiiions course of op[)ressioii e.nd misrule, hitherto pursued by the IJrifisli ooverrinieiit; is inst decnyin^-, even in the hrenst of those wfio frorn the instilled prejudices of nn early education thouuht it criiiii J nal in the higiiest degree, lo l;e otherwise than sacredly ! fittached to tlie person of their savereii:ii, and with theiV lives to maintain the dignity oi'that article called a Crown, The notion of sovereign and snhjeci, relatively considered, they regard, and very corn^ctly, as iiMj)lyn)ii: an acknow- ledgement that the King or Uueen or \vlioev(^r sways Vdq royal sceptre of Great Britain, has a constitutional, heredi- tary property in their persons. They are, also, aware, thotigh possessed of a little n)ore political privileires than the actual slave of tho south, that hy the laws of Eno;Iand thoy stJiiid in a worse relation to tlieir sovereign than a ne- gro slave does to his muster. For tfio Oown claims, ami by a pretended con >titutional right insists on the allei^iance of its suhjecls, of every description, duriii:: their lives. iXor can the King irvi\ni the right o[ expatriation, without tho action of Parliament. Neither can any act of the suhjecS expatriate hinself, or transfer his alli-giance to any other sovereign, power, or potentate whatever — hence '' once a subject, forever a suV)ject." Even the ultra tories deprecate this claim of the Britisli government, as contrary to tho laws of nature, and now begin to feel and look upon it, as a sore and cfym ! Br i iinfortnnatp, 1 Canada, in rated oii iin I, to be tole- •ee-born citi- the despotic ho oppressed COINCLUSION. Tbe writer has endeavored, in the foreiroing pn^ros, to put the reiider in possession of facts to enable him to juds{e ol the condition of the neiuhljo'rino: Provinces. And al- though, in so doinir, lie freely admits liis political predelic- tions, and the bias consequent thereon ; yet the reader may bo assured, in ^lanciiiir over tlio outra'i^es which he has detailed, that 'Mhe halt has not been told." A vast amount oIl it, is hidden from every human eye, except that of tho sufferers themselves. To say nothinjr of the destruction of human life in the field, or on the scaffold, yet the destruction of property — the outrages upon women — the rending- of domestic ties — llie lonely wanderinf them are there now along the linesj who may ahnost be 291 coNci.usrox. M :ii ! |i ' 'It j I ii ' i I I '■-J' >( . H if^r'-'i said to have no homes? ^rhcy had a home once, liyond the lakes and tlie St. Lawii'nco ; and tiie hviufcent gov- ernment there, it is tme, will now |:ermit ihcmio retnrn. But to return to what? Do tliey want to sec th.e drunken hounds ofthe I'action in poi^session of then* {-ubstance, and themselves the objects of scorn, as tlic accej)tors of an inso- lent pardon? Not they. They hope to see their own firesides ajzain, to be sure : l)Ut not by means of Jolm Prince's Amnesty nill. 'J hey liope better things than tliat; "and \ov (his hofiu's sake" they are willin;^;- still longer to iiidnre. '• 'j'liey hide tiicir lime.'' They know that '•God moves in a rjysttrious way His wonders toper.orrn," and that " in proportion to tlic magnitude oi events, does He give them the greater circle to move in." One word to my fellow P^xiles — "Poor wanderers o'er llCe's ►toriny sea, riow liom wave tu wave you're driven." Yet '' cheer up awhile." "What though the field be lost? All is F^.ot lost." liCt US look at our affairs for a moment. Three years ago, Sir George Artlnir wrote to his lord and master, the Scc- cretary for the Colonies, that '^ Order reigned in the Pro- vince;;" just as the Czar announced over the smoking ru ins of Poland, tliat " Order reigned in Warsaw." He had driven us all out ; and had made our homes desolate : our companions were in tiis jails ; and lie was laying the "flat- tering unction" to his soul, and crying. Peace, Peace. But where is it? Since then Colborne has gone home, with the blood of St. Kustache upon his soul. Bond Head, the ma- jor of the wagon train — where is he? Durham went home disgraced, and died, a broken-hearted man. Sydenham, ofter being delivered of that abortion, the " Union Bill," died also. And Arthur himself, the cidevant goaler : the Col. Arthur of Van Dieman's Land, that " hell upon earth,'' whom Lord Glenlg sent to rule over us — where is he? Gone also. He began his career with dabbling in the CONCLUSION'. 291 cc, Ityoiid ficent gov- 1 lo leliiitj. c (Jriinkrn itanco, iiiid of Jill inso- o be sine : lill. 'Jhcy Dptj's sake" ; bide tlicir vents, does I years ago, :er, the Sec- iti the Pro- imoking ru " He had IsohUe ; our U^ the "flat- IPeoce. But ne, with the iad, the ma- went home Sydenham, nion Bill," Igoaler ; th(^ jipon earth," bare is he ? iug in the blood of Lount and Malifiews ; making in one day two widows and twenty-two orphans, whose tears, hko tho blood of Abel, cry Ironi the yroniid ; while he, with Cain's mark upon him, finds that "his [>nnishment is^rreatdr than he can bear." And ihouuh last, not least, wh«Me is John Beverly Robinson, tlie Americaji tory, who. with a sneer on his lip, pronounced the sentence of the law nj)on the proto-maityr i.ount, at whoso table he had oitiui partaken? If there be a man upon (uuth enduring tlie pains of hell, he is that man. Verily, they have all had llieir reward : and yet this is but tlie fiist fVuils of the vintage. In the rneaiitnne " Oriler reiirns in Warsaw!" The drunken Major of the City Guards in Toronto, with his two hundred whiskered Fandours, as drunk as himself; five block houses in the heart of the city, with artillery in eacii ; two brass pieces in the mirk(!t- place ; the windows of tlie Buik of Upper Cuiada planked up, and loop-liolcd (or niuskeirv ; a fort full of infantry of the line to overawe the city ; a police sm;;llin<>' into eveiy cor- ner, in search of Si'cret meetin;j:s ; the populace of llui Pro- vince disarmed, arid the scum of the population, whom they call their fjiilitia, guarding the lines ; troops m every village and over-awing all maniiestation of |)ub!ic feeling, and guarding the polls at their mock elections, and looking down with scorn on the rnarmed yeoman and hahitdn^ who look back upon them with feelings of bitter exasperation ; and all this they call " Order in Warsaw!" Be it so. Cheer up, then, my fellow Exiles. ''What though tlie field be lost? AH IS not lo.st." But is the field lost? Yon know it is not. Here we are, where we were, three years as^o, like Scott of Thirlsetane, "Ready, aye ready." 'I'lie Provinces are sufferinof, politi- cally speaking, a blockade ; and what is play to us, is death to them. Like Pyrrhus of Kir)irus, "one more such victo- ry, ''^^^^^ they are ruined." Kvents are progressiufr which neither Mr. Pox, with all his diplomacy, nor all the mo- ney changers, who have intruded their tables into the Temple of Libertv, who assist him, can control. He may denounce us as " Canadian outlaws," and beseech the Pre- fi t I'l.l f'\ ' ' ' « ^*,^, ' 1 1 i ! .' ' i'i i'' i- ■ , r. fi ;• 1 I'i '"■ 1 i' i . ' »L' ■; '1 I;l; ■•'♦. \ 1 . p f'-*t^' f>92 rONCLUSlOiV. sidont, on Iiis knees, (o issue another procl.iniation, and to dcpnlis(^ (resli rnarslials ; and lio wvxy assure tho world, over and over a^^•^in, thai '• OrdiM' n.'iL,njs in Warsaw." J^et him ; hnt, '• Bo ye patient."' And you, my fellow (!\ilrs, who. hke me, rame tVon] (lie '= Lanii oi' \\\o. monntain and the flood," how I rejoice wlien I remetnber that oiK^hnll" of th(? throe hundred prisoners in Toronto jiils, in IS'^r were Seolchnn^n. UiMuemher Ha- uermairs second hand insoh.'iiee in tlie Houst; of Commons, that '• if St. Vi\.u\ had been a Pros])yterian, \u) would have bi'cn !i rehel, for it was in the very hlood of" th(!in."'' Was it to endow a dominant Episeopal Ifitirarchy tliat our anecslory dr(!W their good hroad-swords on their native hills of Scotland/ Scotchmen, remember nannockbnrn and Cnlloden. and (he murders ot Gleiicoe. KfMncmber Wallace, and the ' false Moniieth.' Kemembor the lirnce, and liow he cheer- ed hin"is(^lf when an exile on Rocriii. I'emember, too, that recoliU'mns i} ever go htrkfonrds; and. when yon look n[) in\ your children, remember that the oroatest maik of vj^xio- niiny that cnn 1)0 cast upon an American of tlui present day, is to say— Ilis lather was a tory of t!ie revolution ! (Canadians! for nf)wa.rds ot" simIv years you have borne with a patience bordering" on servility, a continued series of insult and oppression, the bitterness of winch none but tfiose into whose souls the iron has entered can describe. Yonr prayers have been conremn:xl ; your fellow subjects, wliile exercisinjx their constitutional ri^^hts, have been si)ot down more likedo^^s than men. The public lands, which you have rendered valuable by your industry, have been alienated, without your consent, to speculators; your school houses have been shut up ; yonr halls of leijislation turned into a hnnqnetiuij house; and finally, your tyrants, by means of the Union Bill, have reduced your elective fran- chise to an enijine of coloni<\l vassalai^e, you have now nothinir left you biU either to declare yourselves men, and follow the example of the immortal heroes of TG, or tame^ ly submit and suffer. THE END. tion, and to the world, ryuw." Let iTie from I ho p jo ice wilCM prisoners in nomhcr I la- (' (\)iniTiotis^ would have !rarchy that llieir native lUodei), and CO, and the w ho cheer- ier, too, I fiat oil look nj) aik o[ iirrio- the present 'ohilion ! have home iiuicd series ch none hut an descrihe. ow subjects, ^e been shot ands, which ", have been your school ition turned tyrants, by lective fran- i have now es men, and T6, or tami>- I