^, 
 
 .^^^. 
 
 IMAGE EVALUATION 
 TEST TARGET (MT-3) 
 
 1.0 
 
 I.I 
 
 1.25 
 
 I^|2j8 |2.5 
 
 >tt lU 12.2 
 
 ui laii 
 
 ^ LS. 12.0 
 
 1.8 
 
 1.4 
 
 m 
 
 ^ 
 
 /a 
 
 ^ 
 
 /A 
 
 %'^' 
 ^ 
 
 /. 
 
 
 y 
 
 /A 
 
 
 '^ 
 

 i 
 
 I 
 
 
 CIHM/ICMH 
 
 Microfiche 
 
 Series. 
 
 CIHIVI/ICMH 
 Collection de 
 microfiches. 
 
 Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques 
 
 1980 
 
Technical Notes / Notes techniques 
 
 The Institute has attempted to obtain the best 
 original copy available for filming. Physical 
 features of this copy which may alter any of the 
 images in the reproduction are checked below. 
 
 L'Instltut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire 
 qu'll lui a «t« possible de se procurer. Certains 
 dAfauts susceptibles de nuire A la quality de la 
 reproduction sont notis ci-dessous. 
 
 D 
 
 Coloured covers/ 
 Couvertures de couleur 
 
 D 
 
 Coloured pages/ 
 Pager, de couleur 
 
 D 
 
 Coloured maps/ 
 
 Cartes gdographiques en couleur 
 
 D 
 
 Coloured plates/ 
 Planches en couleur 
 
 
 D 
 
 Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ 
 Pages dicolories. tachetdes ou piqu^es 
 
 Tight binding (may cause shadows or 
 distortion along interior margin)/ 
 Reliure serr6 (peut causer de I'ombre ou 
 de la distortion le long de ia marge 
 int^rieure) 
 
 
 
 D 
 
 Show through/ 
 Transparence 
 
 Pages damaged/ 
 Pages endommagies 
 
 D 
 
 Additional comments/ 
 Commentaires suppldmentaires 
 
 Bibliographic Notes / Notes bibliographiques 
 
 D 
 D 
 
 Only edition available/ 
 Seule Edition disponible 
 
 Bound with other material/ 
 Reli6 avec d'autres documents 
 
 □ 
 
 Pagination incorrect/ 
 Erreurs de pagination 
 
 Pages missing/ 
 Des pages manquent 
 
 D 
 
 Cover title missing/ 
 
 Le titre de couverture manque 
 
 D 
 
 iVIaps missing/ 
 
 Des cartes gdographiques manquent 
 
 D 
 
 Plates missing/ 
 
 Des planches manquent 
 
 D 
 
 Additional comments/ 
 Commentaires suppl6mentaires 
 
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. 
 
 Les images suivantes ont «t« reproduites avec le 
 plus grand soin. compte tenu de la condition at 
 de la nettet« de I'exemplaire film«, et en 
 conformity avec les conditions du contrat de 
 filmage. 
 
 The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall 
 contain the symbol — ♦► (meaning CONTINUED"), 
 or the symbol V (meaning "END"), whichever 
 applies. 
 
 The original copy was borrowed from, and 
 filmed with, the kind consent of the following 
 institution: 
 
 Library of the Public 
 Archives of Canada 
 
 Maps or plates 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: 
 
 Un des symboles suivants apparaTtra sur la der- 
 ni*re image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: 
 le symbols -^ eignifie "A SUIVRE", le symbols 
 V signifie "FIN". 
 
 L'e.xemplaire film* fut reproduit grAce A la 
 g«n«rosit« de i'Atablissement prAteur 
 suivant : 
 
 La biblioth«que des Archives 
 publiques du Canada 
 
 Les cartes ou les planches trop grandes pour dtre 
 reproduites en un seul clich« sont fiim^es A 
 partir de I'angle supArieure gauche, de gauche d 
 droite et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre 
 d'images nicessaire. Le diagramme suivant 
 illustre la methods : 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
A BRIEF ACCOUNT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 FENIAN" EAIDS 
 
 ON 
 
 THE MISSISQUOI FRONTIER, 
 
 IN 
 
 1866 ANiD 1870. 
 
 "WITNESS" STEAM PRINTING HOUSE, 
 3i8 AND 220 St. James Street, Montreal. 
 
 1871. 
 
 1 
 
•n 
 
 -■" «f 
 
 i I 
 
 l^ 
 
 ./. ^ i }<}Hl: 
 
The following *' Hrief account of the Fenian Raids on the Missisquoi 
 Frontier" having been submitted to us, we cheerfully certii'y that it is 
 what it purports to be, a correct statement of facts. 
 
 Febniaru 1, 1871. 
 
 Edward Tittemore, 
 James W. Toof, 
 Robert Thomson, - 
 John Toof, 
 Orville Reynolds, - 
 Andrew Ten Eyck, - 
 Abram Tittemore, - 
 Zeu Irish, 
 NoAii Sager, - 
 James Westover, - 
 James McRae, - 
 Asa Westover, 
 II. Ten Eyck, - 
 M. P. Reynolds, 
 Issac Lagrange, - 
 Nelson Vincent, - 
 S. N. Hunter, 
 Anthony Goddard, 
 
 Cook's Corner, 
 do. 
 do. 
 do. 
 do. 
 Dunham. 
 Cook's Corner. 
 Lagrange. 
 Pigeon Ilill. 
 Lagrange. 
 Dunham. 
 do. 
 do. 
 St. Armands East. 
 Lagrange. 
 Cook's Corner. 
 Lagrange. 
 At the Lines. 
 
 Mr. Goddard and family took refuge in their cellar (as their house 
 was between the fires), and from there saw the fight. 
 
r 
 
 I 
 
 ' I 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 
 Judging from advertisements which have appeared in the journals of 
 the day, as well as from circulars scattered abroad, that information is 
 desired in regard to the Fenian Raids into Canada in 1866 and 1870, 
 and also that the public mind is not satisfied with the reports which 
 have gone the rounds of the newspapers, or these more lately circulated 
 by a pamphlet issued from the Witness office, which so changes the 
 Vacts that the actors in the scenes fail to recognise their own portraits, 
 the author has compiled the following short sketch or history of those 
 in the Missisquoi Frontier from statements well attested, obtained from 
 persons who have been thoroughly acquainted with the facts from the 
 first. It is designed, in the following pages, to show plainly how the 
 Raid of iS7owas prepared for, and by whom repelled; also, what part 
 WHS really acted on that occasion by the " Farmer Force," so lightly 
 spoken of in the official reports of last May. 
 
 Januaru, 1871. 
 
W" 
 
 I! i 
 
FENIAN RAIDS OF 1866 AND 1870. 
 
 Immediately preceding the Fenian Raid into Canada, in the 
 early part of June, 1866, our Militia officers along the frontier 
 made application to the Government authorities to arm the men 
 under their command, that the border town might-be, in some 
 slight manner at least, prepared to meet the marauders who 
 were massing in the United States with openly-avowed inten- 
 tions of at once invading our country. 
 
 The solicitations of these officers were, strangely enough as 
 it would seem, disregarded, and the inhabitants along the Pro- 
 vince Line were left in an entirely unprotected condition. 
 
 Times of ease and quiet are not the times for cultivating a 
 martial spirit among a peace-loving community, and no wonder 
 that scarcely a well-armed man was to be found amongst our 
 Border farmers at this juncture. 
 
 After the reports of an immediate invasion had been fully con- 
 firmed by persons friendly to our interests, though residing in the 
 United States — prominent arhong whom it may be proper here 
 to mention was S. N. Hunter, at that time a resident of Sheldon, 
 Vt. — a few companies of volunteers were collected and marched 
 towards the front ; but, while at St. Armand Station, they 
 received peremptory orders to retreat, and were marched at an 
 exhausting pace to St. Alexandre, leaving the inhabitants even 
 more perplexed than before. 
 
 In consequence of this precipitate and forced retreat of men 
 who would themselves have been right glad to face the bloody- 
 minded Fenians in fair fight, there was literally nothing to oppose 
 their way. They entered our country unmolested, selected their 
 camping-ground, pitched their tents, and roamed at will through 
 the deserted dwellings. 
 
 This raid, and the panic of our helpless people, as well as the 
 tardy movements of the military authorities, will be long remem- 
 bered amongst us. 
 
■ I' 
 
 A lar^e part of St. Atmaiul, IncUulinj? tlic villajjcs of Fre- 
 lighshiirg aiul Pijjfcon Hill, and some portions of Stanl)ri<l^e, 
 were for days at the mercy of this hand of phniderers. 
 
 The viMape of Freliglishurg was taken possession of hy ahoiit 
 250 of the viUains, the iidiabitants leavinj^ as they advanceih 
 
 The destrnction of property was very considerable in holh 
 these villajifes, and some of our farmers had j^reat reason to com- 
 plain of the loss of their horses and the slauj^hter of their cattle 
 and sheep ; besides use or waste of their stores of various 
 kinds. 
 
 Very many persons in the vicinity, who did not leave their 
 homes, removed their most valuable stock and jj;ooils farther from 
 the frontier. 
 
 The Fenians held possession of Frelighsburg from Thursday 
 afternoon, June 6th, until the foUovvinj? Saturday, occasionally 
 sending out parties to plunder, who s bjected many of the iidia- 
 bitants who still remained in the neighborhood to annoyances 
 and indignities almostbeyond endurance ; but, themselves unarmed 
 and powerless, and the authorities apparently unmindful of their 
 situation, what redress could be had'' 
 
 The marauders remained in undisturbed posj^ession of their 
 new quarters, eating, drinking and destroying, till forces from 
 Montreal were at last known to be ncaring the spot. They then 
 retreated in some confusion, and were received by many of their 
 American brethren, if we may credit the statements made in their 
 journals at the time, quite as heroes. 
 
 Very soon after the enactment of these disgraceful scenes, a 
 few of our IJorder men in Dunham, aroused by them to a sense 
 of our insecurity, determined to devise some plan for self-defence 
 and the preservation of their homes in case of another raid, 
 which, in short, began to be talked of on the other side almost 
 as soon as the first was over. 
 
 Messrs. Asa Westover and Andrew Ten Eyck were the firsb 
 and principal movers in this scheme, and neither spared time 
 or expense to perfect the arrangements necessary for enabling the 
 Borderers to act on the defensive. Their immediate neighbors 
 joined with them, and entered heartily into the plafts proposed. 
 These brave men, a mere handful as it were, to the number 
 of sixteen, organized themselves at once into a company of sharp- 
 
9 
 
 shootcrh, or rillcmeii, called llie Home (iuards, under Asa West- 
 over, who was chosen their head ofllcer — each man ajifrcciiifj; to 
 fiirtiish liis own rille and atuniunition. 
 
 Mr. Westover and Mr. James Pell were deputed to select the 
 rilles, and they, after visiting several maiuifactorics in the United 
 States, made choice of llie IJallartl Sportinj^ Rille, 30 inch, 
 heavy barrel, procuring; at the same time a (|uantity of cartridjjes 
 to suit them. 
 
 This company had no rejjjular drill, hut aj^reed to practice 
 with their rilles and meet occasioiially for tarfjjet-shootinjf. 
 
 Thus, in an unassumiuf^ manner, they were (juietly, but 
 surely, making the best preparation for the expected invasion. 
 
 This little band were under no military discipline, were sub- 
 ject to no military authority, but were bound toj^ether by astronjij 
 sense oft! .dan<;ers and necessities of the times; and they were 
 ready, one and all, to take up tiieir arms at the first intimation of 
 renewed hostilities on the part of the Fenians. 
 
 They were ridiculed by many; but, with true dij^nity, the 
 sneers and the sncercrs were alike unheeded by them, and they 
 continued unremlttinjijly to pursue the course they had marked 
 out for themselves. 
 
 An occasional rumor of invasion kept them ever on the alert, 
 and the vigilance of Mr. Westover and his men was never 
 relaxed. 
 
 On the Ihst of July, 186S, the feeling was so strong among 
 our people that we might expect trouble from the Fenians, that 
 Mr. Westover and Mr. Ten Eyck at that time examined more 
 particularly tha 1 they had done before the country along the 
 frontier, and sci-^cted positions to be occupied by the Home 
 Guards on Eccles Hill should the enemy attempt to cross the 
 boundary line, as it was expected they would, near that point. 
 
 The positions wcie chosen, and everything was done which 
 prudence or foresight could dictate to ensure success in case of 
 an attack. 
 
 It may not, perhaps, be out of place to state here that even «t 
 this early period the minds of many of the Inhabitants appeared 
 strongly to turn to this small company of men for protection in 
 the event of danger ; in illustration of which we will mention 
 that when Mr. Westover and Mr. Ten Eyck had completed their 
 
T 
 
 10 
 
 i! 
 
 ill 
 
 I Ml: 
 
 arrangements on Ecclcs Hill, they drove to Frcllghsburg, where 
 several companies of local /olunteers were in camp for their 
 yearly week's drill. 
 
 The moment these two gentlemen made their entrance into the 
 village, they were met by several prominent men of the place — 
 none of whom, however, had the slightest knowledge of the 
 errand they had jnst been upon — with words like the following: 
 "Just the men we wished to see! The men we rely on in an 
 emergency like the present ! " 
 
 Not long after this it was pro^joscd to increase the number of 
 the Home Guards, and about 25 names were added to their list, 
 nearly all from Dunham. It was still a civil association, with 
 president, vice-president and secretary. 
 
 It may not be amiss to state in this place that in the autumn 
 of 1 866 Mr. Westover had been requested to order 40 Ballard 
 rifles for the inhabitants of Dunham, who had no connection at 
 that time with the Home Guards. 
 
 After the alarm in April, 1870, this company reorganized 
 with more of a military character. Mr. Westover was chosen 
 captain, R. L. Galer, lieutenant, and James Galer, ensign, and at 
 the same time a distinguishing badge was assumed, which was a 
 red scarf worn over the right slioulder and fastened under the 
 left arm. 
 
 Their final arrangements were completed not an hour too 
 soon, as the feeling of insecurity never entirely died away among 
 the inhabitants after the excitement in April. 
 
 In 1868, S. N. Hunter, mentioned above, having removed to 
 Lagrange and joined the Home Guards, had made arrangements 
 with a party living in the Fenian Stronghold, Fairfield, to give 
 him timely warning in the event of another raid being premedi- 
 tated ; and, in accordance with these arrangements, he received 
 notice about two o'clock on the afternoon of May 23rd, 1S70, 
 that there would be a move made that night, and, to all appear- 
 ances, a pretty extensive one. He went directl}'^ to Captain 
 Westover's, learned that he was from home, and his return not 
 expectec' until night. 
 
 From lere Mr. Hunter drove at once to Frelighsburg, saw 
 Mr. Pattison and told him of the threatened invasion. This gen- 
 tleman could scarcely be brought to credit the report, as every- 
 
 \ 
 
n 
 
 thing was so quiet, lie thought, it" trouble of that magnitude 
 menaced the country, he would be sure to get the infonnation 
 through the Government channels. lie could hardly think a 
 private party woukl be likely to become possessed of reliable 
 facts in such a case as soon as the Government. 
 
 Mr. Hunter, not wishing to cause unnecessary alarm, did not 
 mention the suliject to any others, but returned home and had a 
 further consultation witli his informant, after which he went 
 directly back to Frclighsburg, saw Mr. Pattison, Doctor Cham- 
 berlin and Mr. Landsberg ; but, as they had heard nothing from 
 any other source, and there had been so many false alarms, they 
 confessed themselves doubtful as to the correctness of the 
 report. • " ; ' r 
 
 Hunter, however, felt certain that his information could be 
 relied on, and invited Mr. Pattison, as he was an influential man 
 with the Government, to accompany him that night over the 
 boundary line, to determine, if possible, whether there was to be 
 a general movement, or simply a removal of a few cases of arms 
 and stores to some hiding-place nearer the Border. But Mr. Pat- 
 tison declining the invitation, a neighbor of Hunter's — a Mr. 
 James Westover, also a member of the Guards — consented to bear 
 him company on his somewhat hazardous enterprise. 
 
 As they were about leaving. Captain Westover drove up'to 
 learn the cause of Hunter's hasty call at his house. As soon as 
 the "case was laid before him, he offered to accompany them ; 
 but, on second thoughts, it was decided that he should return 
 and warn a part of his men, and make immediate arrangements 
 for notifying them all as soon as practicable after receiving their 
 report. 
 
 On Captain Westover's return from Hunter's, he found 
 reliable information awaiting him at his own residence. Parties 
 living in Fairfax had come over, who gave almost the same 
 account he had just heard, adding that the intention of the 
 marauders was to cross over very soon, probably in less than 
 twenty-four hours. The sequel will shew how their schemes 
 were baffled by the men not being at hand to take the arms, 
 how they were permitted to " confound each other," thus giving 
 our people time for preparation. 
 
 Hunter and his companion crossed the Province Line, keep- 
 
12 
 
 
 !! I' 
 
 ^' 
 
 |. I; 
 
 iiig to the back roads — not supposing the Fenians would choose 
 the nearer and more public thoroughfares by which to reach 
 Canadian soil. 
 
 They discovered nothing of a suspicious character until they 
 
 neared Franklin Village. There nearly every house was lightad, 
 
 and the inhabitants were standing around the streets in small 
 
 groups, as if in anxious expectation. On arriving at the Hotel 
 
 they found friends from Sheldon — a town some eight miles from 
 
 Franklin and adjoining Fairfield — who told them that they had 
 
 passed on the roads several loads of what they believed to be 
 
 Fenian i.rms drawn by Irishmen living in Fairfield and on 
 
 Swanton Hill, — places where It was known there had been a 
 
 ' supply of arms secreted in barns and out-bulldings for several 
 
 months ; and we are credibly Informed that some are still 
 
 remaining there, having escaped the quick sight of the United 
 
 ^ , States Marshal, who made a strict search for them. But this is 
 
 j/^^^]tf^ a digression, wbono» , if tb reader will excuse, we will return to 
 
 Captain Westover's scouts. 
 
 They found one load of arms under the shed at the Hotel, 
 driven there to protect them fiom the weather, as It was a very 
 rainy night. It was now very near midnight, and soon eight 
 more loaded teams drove up. The teamsters gave our spies the 
 comforting assui-ance that the Green Flag would soon wave over 
 the length and breadth of our Dominion ! 
 
 Directly «ifter this they returned and drove immediately to 
 Frellghsburg to Mr. Pattlson's. He accompanied them to the 
 telegraph office, and a telegram was dispatched to a Government 
 official. They then hastened to Doctor Chamberlin and com- 
 municated the alarming Intelligence they had gathered to him. 
 The Doctor at once sent two telegraphic despatches, one to 
 Colonel Osborne Smith, the other to Colonel Chamberlin. This 
 was between two and three o'clock on the morning of the 
 24th. 
 
 From Frellghsburg, Hunter and his companion went without 
 delay to Captain Westover's, who had slept, as the saying is, 
 " with one eye open," expecting further news every moment. 
 
 After a brief consultation. It was decided to take possession 
 of Eccles Hill and hold It as long as possible. 
 
 Some description of the country immediately around this hill 
 
13 
 
 should be given, in order that the reader may the better compre- 
 hend the situation of the small force designing to hold it. 
 
 The hill is one of a chain extending from Northern Vermont 
 into Canada, and is situated just at the boundary line to the west, 
 or right, of the road leading from Cook's Corner to Franklin. 
 It is wooded and rocky, covered in many places with boulders, 
 and might almost be termed a natural fortress, so perfect are its 
 facilities for protecting a body of men who should avail them- 
 selves of the full strength of the position. It is, as has been said 
 of it, " very defensible from both sides," and amongst its rocks, 
 trees and brushwood, 300 men might be advantageously planted, 
 completely hidden from an approaching enemy, and well shel- 
 tered from their Inc. 
 
 An orchard lies directly below the hill, and an old stone wall, 
 somewhat fallen to decay, separates it from a sloping open field, 
 or pasture, lying nearer the line. Through this field, and close 
 to the boundary, flows a brook, or small creek — its course being 
 almost parallel with the line. 
 
 On the low ground between Eccles Hill and the hill on the 
 Vermont side, are several dwellings, barns and other out-build- 
 ings, and a tannery ; while on the other side — nearest the line — 
 stand the residences of Chauncy and Alva Rykard, and, farther 
 on, but yet in sight from Eccles, that of Vincent. 
 
 Any parties stationed near the base of the hill can have a fair 
 view of an enemy crossing the boundary line, while the view of 
 those stationed on the brow of the hill would be somewhat 
 obstructed by the trees in the orchard immediately below. 
 
 The Guards on their way to Eccles Hill were to assemble at 
 Cook's Corner, about two miles from Frelighsburg and the same 
 distance from the Province Line, where they had reason to believe 
 the Fenian thieves designed to cross over. 
 
 Although the morning was very unpropitious, owing to the 
 steady fall of rain, yet, before eight o'clock, from ten to fifteen 
 men of the Home Guards were at the apix)inted rendezvous, 
 ready and even anxious for work. After this the company came 
 in by twos and threes as fast as they were able after receiving 
 notice of the threatening danger. 
 
 Captain Westover did not consider it yafe to trust the flying 
 reports of the hour for knowledge of the opposing force, but was 
 
 jTI 
 
i; 
 
 *xm 
 
 u 
 
 
 very anxious to procure the most correct information. Accord- 
 inji^ly, Hunter volunteered to cross over and sec how matters 
 appeared in the Fenian camp, and wliat was the prospect of a 
 sjicedy attack. . .; 
 
 lie found a large amount of what proved to be munitions of 
 war, and there were continually fresh arrivals taking place, 
 mostly from Fairfield. 
 
 Hunter, having formerly resided for Keveral years in that town, 
 was well known to many of the parties he saw on this occasion, 
 and from some of them he learned that it was the intention of the 
 Fenian leaders that the men should be at the Border in sufficient 
 numbers to take the arms as fast as they were delivered, and 
 cross over into the land of " promised farms and covered car- 
 riages" before the Canadians should be in the least aware of their 
 movements. In expectation of their being in readiness to receive 
 the loads, the teamsters had hurried on ',< but both leaders and 
 teamsters were doomed to disappointment. 
 
 In order to carry into eilect plans of siich magnitude, every 
 team in the vicinity belonging to Fenians or Fenian sympathizers 
 was in requisition ; and so willing had some of their owners been, 
 that with the same team they drew two or more loads each dur- 
 ing the night of the 33rd and the cay following. 
 
 On arriving at Franklin, some two miles from the boundary, 
 they found neither men nor officers at hand to receive the precious 
 burden, and, in consequence of this failure, they drove their teams 
 to Mr. Hubbard's — a place about half way from Franklin Village 
 to the line — and unloaded their waggons under some large maple 
 trees by the roadside. 
 
 Many of them returned for more arms, while others went 
 towards St. Albans to meet and bring up the men. During 
 the night of the 23rd, and the morning of the 24th, they had suc- 
 ceeded in getting 60 or 70 loads tumbled olV, which filled up the 
 roadside for some 10 or 12 rods. 
 
 In this condition Mr. Hunter found things ; but he saw ve7y 
 few men except the teamsters. These were coming and going 
 constantly, and they allowed him to pass along and examine their 
 loads ; but, on his attempting to return, he was halted by five or 
 six armed men, who told him that at present he could not be per- 
 
15 
 
 mittcd to pass that way, but in a couple of hours they should 
 move forward, when the road would be again open. 
 
 Hunter turned about, and \v'as obliged to go some five or six 
 miles around in order to reach Cook's Corner, where Captain 
 Westover was awaiting him. 
 
 The Captain then took Hunter with him, and tiicy proceeded 
 to Frelighsburg to telegraph these facts to the Government, and 
 to ascertain what assistance tl cy might depend upon in this 
 emergency. 
 
 In answer they received the crushing reply that the Govern- 
 ment did not credit these reports ! Any one doubting this is 
 referred to Mr. Pattison, who was present. This was about 1 3 
 o'clock on the 24th. 
 
 On their way back to Cook's Corner, Captain Westover and 
 Hunter conversed freely of the matter, and were agreed that, for 
 the present, it would be better not to alarm or dishearten the men 
 by telling them there was no prospect of help. 
 
 The inhabitants in the vicinity of Cook's Corner had nearly 
 all taken their most valuable articles and left during the night and 
 morning. Mr. Wellington Toof and family, however, remained, 
 'and through their kindness the Captain antl about twenty or 
 twenty-five of his men were provided with a warm and com- 
 fortable dinner, directly after which they started for Eccles Hill. 
 
 In the iiieantime the authorities of Franklin had caused the 
 road to be opened to the public, and the Guards heard from there 
 every few minutes by persons who were passing back and forth 
 that the Fenian force was constantly increasing. They, of 
 course, had learned that Captain Westover was at the front with 
 his men, whose numbers had been greatly magnified by their 
 friends, and the Fenians could easily infer for what purpose they 
 were stationed there. 
 
 On the afternoon of the 24th, II. N. Whitman and G. Baker, 
 Esquires, went to the authorities in Franklin, and endeavored to 
 persuade them to seize the Fenian arms, and prevent their owners 
 coming over into Canada to commit depredations. 
 
 Their reply was : " We have no authority, and, if we had, 
 we have no men to assist us." 
 
 Mr. Whitman assured them that, if they required it, assistance 
 could be rendered them in forty minutes to secure them all. This 
 offer was declined. 
 
] 
 
 J|: 
 
 IG 
 
 I'M 
 
 1 1 
 
 " About sundown Captain Wcstovcr held a consultation wiHi 
 liis men, and a part of the force returned to their homes. Those 
 who had been on duty the prcccdinjr night — S. N. Hunter and . 
 James Westover — were exhausted, and required rest. They 
 were all to return on the following morning, and bring pro- 
 vision.'i for those who kept the night-watch. The names of those 
 who remained, who literally totik their lives in their hands, 
 were : — Asa Westover, Andrew Ten Eyck, R. L. Galer, James 
 McRac, David Westover,* Spenser Scott, John Pickering, Austin 
 Hill, Lyman Call, James McElroy, George Longcway, lianville 
 Rublce. 
 
 About nine o'clock on the evening of the 24th, a despatch 
 was sent to Captain Westover at Eccles Hill. This telegram, 
 as will be seen, was from Colonel Chamberlin to his luiclc, 
 Dr. (/. Chamberlin, at Frelighsburg, and ran as follows : — 
 
 COPY op THK TKLEGRAM. 
 
 " 3 P. M. 
 
 Frelighsburg, May 24th, 1870. 
 . By Telegraph from Montreal. 
 
 To (^. Chamberlin. 
 
 ^^Westover and Red Scarf men should occupy old Fenian position at 
 once, if possible, and pester the flank of any party crossing. I go to 
 
 Stanbridge by next tr in. 
 
 (Signed,) 
 
 B. Chamberlin, Lt.-Col." 
 
 This telegram contained the first encpurag'ng word from any 
 quarter, and inspired the little party of Guards, now left to them- 
 selves, with fresh courage to do their duty in the trying situation 
 in which they were placed. 
 
 The night proved exceedingly dark ; so intense, indeed, was 
 the gloom that the watchers could not'distinguish each other's 
 persons at the distance of a few feet. 
 
 A part of them were stationed in an old house, known as the 
 Eccles House, while another picket was established to the west 
 — between the hill and the road — in order to prevent a surprise 
 from that quarter. 
 
 An arrangement was made, besides taking the above precau- 
 tions, with a young man who could be relied upon, to watch the 
 
 * This young gentleman is a graduate from tlic Military School at Qi>ebcc, and is now 
 captain of a company of volunteers of the 6oth Battalion. 
 
17 
 
 Funian movements, and come before them to give warning of 
 their approach. 
 
 Between ten and eleven o'clock this messenger came in great 
 haste to say that large numbers of them were advancing, as was 
 supposed, to take up their position on or near Eccles Hill. 
 
 Almost immediately after this message was received, the litde 
 party heard the roll of wheels along the road leading from Frank- 
 lin, and listened intently to make sure if it was a single vehicle 
 approaching, or whether the hosts arrayed against them had really 
 taken up their line of march with the design of securing their 
 old camping-ground under cover of the darkness. 
 
 As the sounds came nearer, they made sure there were but two 
 carriages, which, after crossing the boundary line, slackened 
 their horses to a walk, and the occupant of one vehicle called to 
 a person in the other in these words : — 
 
 " We are on invaded territory. We are in Canada," and 
 added, " We shall be halted before we get through." 
 
 "Who will halt us?" enquired he of the other waggon. 
 " There arc no troops on the borders, and the volunteers are not 
 called out." 
 
 *' I tell you we shall be halted," the first went on, " before 
 we get through ; for Wcstover's company is out, and there is a 
 slew of them." 
 
 A moment later, and Captain Westover, who had walked 
 forward, and was a little nearer the line than his men, gave the 
 word the last speaker was expecting, and his " halt" brought 
 both waggons to a sudden standstill. 
 
 lie desired to know the names of the parties and their busi- 
 ness. Their names were Frank Johnson and Clark Barney. 
 Captain Westover, not being acquainted with the former, went 
 forward with them to the guard-house, and called to knof 
 any of the men knew Frank Johnson, of Highgate. 
 
 Lieutenant Galer answered in the affirmative, and afterwards 
 they were questioned. 
 
 Barney's business was simple, and related merely to his own 
 family, while Johnson said he had been at St. Armand Station 
 sometime during the day, and had been engaged by Captain P. 
 Smith to drive from there to St. Albans and back to Cook's 
 Corner, and report anything of interest he might learn with regard 
 
Id 
 
 !n I 
 
 to the Fenian movements to one John Morris, who was to meet 
 him thjre. 
 
 Captain Westover enquired who John Morris was. 
 
 Johnson confessed his ignorance, but supposed he might be a 
 police detective. 
 
 He was then desired to report to the Home Guards, which he 
 did, — his reports exactly agreeing with what they had before 
 learned, in addition to which he informed them that the force 
 which the messenger just mentioned had stated was advancing, 
 was, for reasons with which he was entirely unacquainted, 
 returning to their camp ; that he had passed them after they 
 turned back, and that they numbered between two and three 
 hundred. 
 
 After giving this extremely satisfactory information, they were 
 allowed to pass on. 
 
 It appears that the love of fun had not quite deserted the 
 younger Guardsmen on this their first night of actual service ; 
 for it occurred, at this juncture, to Pickering and Scott to hasten 
 forward a short distance to a cross-road leading to the road to 
 Pigeon Hill, and halt the parties a second time, in order to make 
 it appear that their numbers were sufficiently large to keep pickets 
 out in all directions. t 
 
 Accordingly, they had stationed themselves in the road, and 
 were ready with their " halt !" when the waggons drove up. 
 
 The travellers appeared greatly surprised, and desired to know 
 why they were again stopped. The picket wanted the counter- 
 sign, and ordered them back to get it, expecting, at the same 
 time, as they afterwards said, a sever© reprimand for the part 
 they had played. 
 
 Captain Westover was staggered when the parties returned. 
 His first thought was that the Fenians had come in by some more 
 circuitous route, and were behind as well as before them ; and so 
 pleased was he to find his mistake, that he could readily forgive 
 the strategy practised by his merry Guards. 
 
 Two or three hours after this occurrence, Lieut. Galer and 
 Mr. A. Ten Eyck being on duty together, had walked across the 
 line and a short distance up the hill on the other side, when they 
 heard a carriage approaching. They hastened back to the line, 
 and Mr. Ten Eyck placed himself against the iron post, while 
 
19 
 
 Lieutenant Galer stood on the opposite side of the road. Thus 
 they waited till the waggon drove up, when a halt was ordered, 
 and the business of the two inen who were seated in it 
 demanded. 
 
 They said they were going to report to General O'Neill, and 
 said they had papers to prove they were all right, and one of 
 them gave the word " Winousky," supposed to be the Fenian 
 countersign. 
 
 Mr. Ten Eyck informed them they were in Canada, on which 
 they endeavored to back their team around. He, however, 
 ordered them forward at once, and, hearing something very like 
 the " click" of cocking a rifle, they obeyed the order. 
 
 When opposite the guard-house they stopped and called for 
 the captain, who questioned the prisoners as to their business 
 They answered again, " To report to General O'Neill." 
 
 They were then ordered forward to Cook's Corner under the 
 escort of Lieut. Galer, George Longeway, Lyman Call, James 
 McElroy and Spenser Scott, to be given in charge of the volun- 
 teer force, which they had just then learned by a special 
 messenger from Colonel Chamberlin had arrived there in small 
 numbers. This was between two and three o'clock on the morn- 
 ing of the 25th, as nearly as they could judge, being unable in the 
 darkness to see the time. 
 
 The special messenger above alluded to had brought word 
 that the volunteers would be up in the morning. Captain 
 Westover sent back a request to have them move forward at once. 
 
 When the Guards returned from escorting the prisoners to 
 Cook's Corner, they brought a message from Adjutant Kemp to 
 have the Home Guards " fight and fall back," and that they 
 should be supported at the Krans Bridge ! 
 
 This bridge is over Pike River on the road from Stanbridge 
 to Cook's Corner, and by the direction of the same adjutant was 
 taken up during these days of excitement, or rather the upper tier 
 of planks were removed, and the lower ones so loosened that they 
 could be hastily thrown off" in case it should be deemed desirable 
 to do so. 
 
 It may be well here to state that Colonel Chamberlin was met 
 at the depot when he arrived at Stanbridge Station, on the evening 
 of the 24th, by Mr. Arthur Gilmore, who took him to Stanbridge 
 
20 
 
 I' I III' 
 
 
 I 
 
 1 
 
 Village, where Colonel Chamberlin had given orders for the 6oth 
 or Missisquoi Battalion to assemble. Mr. Gilmore offered to 
 drive the Colonel at once to Eccles Hill ; and sometime that same 
 evening Messrs. Blinn and H. Ten Eyck proffered him their ser- 
 vices to provide teams by which the volunteers, who were 
 responding quickly to the call, could be transported that night to 
 the front ; but, singular as it may appear, these offers were all 
 declined. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 25th, and before Colonel Cham- 
 berlin had visited Eccles Hill, he himself, accompanied by Adju- 
 tant Kemp, Captain Robinson, Corporal Sccly and two privates, 
 escorted the prisoners taken by the Home Guards to the village 
 of Stanbridge — a distance of five miles — for safe-keeping. 
 
 At four o'clock on that morning. Lieutenant Baker arrived at 
 Eccles with twenty-one men of the Dunham volunteers — a part 
 of Captain Robinson's company. They called for breakfast, and 
 Captain Westover sent them to Mr. Holden's — about a mile dis- 
 tant, — where they were provided with what they required. 
 
 A few hours later. Captain Bockus, and about the same num- 
 ber of men, came up from Stanbridge ; and about ten o'clock 
 Colonel Chamberlin, Colonel Osborne Smith, Adjutant Kemp 
 and Captain Gascoigne arrived on the ground. 
 
 After viewing the position, and entirely approving of the course 
 which had been pursued by the Home Guards, and also the plans 
 they had laid down for their farther movements. Colonel Smith 
 concluded by saying they " did not require any one to command 
 or direct them." 
 
 Colonel Smith remained at Eccles Hill about an hour, and 
 then returned towards Stanbridge, accompanied by Captain 
 Gascoigne. Before leaving, he ordered a picket of twelve men 
 of th e volunteers to tlie Pigeon Hill road. 
 
 Captain Westover's own men began to come in at daylight ; 
 but did not all arrive until late in the forenoon. 
 
 About eleven o'clock, a.m.. Captain Westover and Mr. 
 Andrew Ten Eyck went to Mr. Holden's to procure some dinner 
 and make arrangements by which some of their men could be 
 supplied.* The number of Guards left on the ground at this 
 
 * In this connection we would give a word of commendation to all those who provided 
 food for the Home Guards and Volunteers, sparing neither pains nor expense, befoi t suit- 
 
time was forty-one, all of whom took part in the fight, and were 
 ready to fire at the appointed signal. 
 
 On arriving at Mr. Holden's, they found Lieutenant Baker 
 and seventeen men of the volunteers there before them, waiting 
 for dinner. Just as they were commencing to eat, the report of 
 guns warned them that the Fenians were attempting to make a 
 stand on this side ; and, although they drove with what speed 
 they could, they, as well as the eighteen volunteers who were at 
 table with them, were too late to take part in anything but scat- 
 tering shots. 
 
 Soon after Captain Wcstover and Mr. Ten Eyck left to go to 
 dinner, U. S. Marshal, Foster, with his deputy, Thomas Failey, 
 came over, and, while he was on the Canadian side, the Fenians 
 moved down nearer the boundary line and loaded their guns. 
 The Marshal, seeing their movements, drove back, and the 
 advance-guard, of what was intended as the skirmish-line, came 
 on, accompanied by a large number of the inhabitants of the 
 ))order towns, who had assembled for the purpose of seeing our 
 people fly before the invading army. 
 
 Just before this advance-guard started, another body of the 
 Fenians marched to the west, and took up their position on a 
 hill quite near the line. 
 
 Some of the spectators above alluded to, appeared greatly to 
 rejoice — though their joy proved but of short duration — as they 
 saw some of the Home Guards run in great haste to resume their 
 places at the base of the hill, which they had left for a short 
 time in order to partake of a dinner kindly provided for them 
 by Mr. and Mrs. Goddard, living near the boundary. 
 
 They had scarcely tasted the food, however, when the cry 
 " They're coming ! they're coming !" had warned them to hasten 
 to their positions. 
 
 Some of the lookers-on from the American side secured ele- 
 vated positions on high piles of lumber near Alva Rykard's, but 
 were very soon glad to seek lowlier and safer situations. 
 
 able preparations could be made for victualling the troops. We cannot particularize, as, 
 doubtless, many whose names are unknown to ud were forward in the matter. 
 
 Since the above note was written, Mr. Landsberg has been mentioned to us as one who 
 was extremely thoughtful of the wants of the defenders of the frontier— up to the very last 
 furnishing valuable supplies and refusing any remuneration. 
 
On thi» arrival of the Fenians at the line, the order was given 
 by their leader *' Double Qiiick 1" Ro loud that the Home Guards 
 distinctly heard it. 
 
 They came on four deep, and, as soon as the last column had 
 passed the line, the Guards fired, according to instructions 
 received before Captain Westovcr left the ground ; and, at the 
 same moment, the volunteers from the hill above, fourteen in 
 number, now under Colonel Chanibcrlin's conmiand, discharged 
 their pieces. 
 
 At this first volley, Rowc, of Burlington, fell dead, and 
 almost instantly the wearers of the " green" broke their line, 
 scattered and fled for cover. Several jumped ofT the bridge, 
 went under it, and crawled up between the bark-mill and tan- 
 nery ; others took shelter behind stone fences, piles of lumber, 
 buildings, or anything that could afford them a cover ; while 
 some of them ran back up the road and through Rykard's field. 
 It was while passing through this field that the other Fenian was 
 killed. 
 
 Few of them attempted to return the fire of our people till 
 they could do so from the sheltered situations they thus secured ; 
 but in this way a sort of desultory firing was kept up on both 
 sides for upwards of an hour. 
 
 After the firing had slackened, but while all were in anxious 
 expectation of a renewed and more serious attack, a question 
 arose in regard to ammunition. Colonel Smith, whom a special 
 messenger had brought back to take command, acknowledged his 
 supply was scanty, saying he had sent in haste for more, — espe- 
 cially as regarded cartridges for the Ballards used by the Guards 
 he was very anxious. Mr. Ten Eyck and Captain Westover 
 informed him that at their own residences, some six or seven 
 miles distant, they had each a reserve of one thousand rounds. 
 
 Almost instantly one of the Guards was dispatched for it, with 
 Colonel Smith's orders to use the greatest haste, and to press the 
 services of any party or team that he might require to expedite 
 the matter. 
 
 In a surprisingly short time it was at hand ; but very fortunately 
 the demand for it was far less than might have been expected. 
 
 When the Fenian party crossed the boundary line, General 
 
 m\ 
 
23 
 
 O'Neill, instead of heading them like n brave man, entered Alva 
 Rykard's house, and ascended to an upper room, intending to 
 view the conflict from afar. His stay there, however, was short, 
 as Mr. Rykard very soon drove him from his residence. 
 
 He was dressed as a civilian, and, in consequence, was not 
 particularly noticed by any of our men. He ran through Rykard's 
 field to the hill where the body of Fenians mentioned above had 
 taken up their position. This was a moment before his deceived 
 and misguided men were flying under the spirited fire of the 
 Home Guards and volunteers from Eccles Hill. 
 
 United States Marshal Foster was at hand to relieve O'Neill 
 of farther uneasiness or responsibili'^y by arresting him a few 
 minutes after he was driven from Rykard's house. There is little 
 doubt among the Canadians that the whole matter had been pre- 
 viously arranged between them. 
 
 General Lewis also, another of the so-called Fenian leaders, 
 took up his position near Rykard's behind a pile of lumber, from 
 whencj he fired away vigorously until the smoke from his rifle 
 betrayed his hiding-place, when some of our good marksmen so 
 well directed their aim that the earth at his side was disturbed by 
 the bullets and thrown over him. Upon this he stripped oflf 
 uniform and accoutrements, and crawled away snake-like till at a 
 safe distance to make a run for life. 
 
 Mr. Rykard, who had watched the whole proceeding, picked 
 up his sword and afterwards disposed of it to the volunteers. So 
 much for the bravery of the leaders of the Irish Republican 
 Army. 
 
 A word here also in regard to American sympathizers may 
 not be amiss. Amongst many we only name one. A man 
 called Temple, an American citizen, perched himself upon a high 
 pile of lumber in Alva Rykard's "^rd, to watch the Fenians 
 attack our position, and cheered them on, clapping his hands, 
 and calling aloud, " See the Canucks run !" as the Guards just 
 mentioned hastened to resume their places. 
 
 One of our men hearing his words, slackened his pace, think- 
 ing if it gratified the spectators to see him run he would walk 
 the remainder of the distance. 
 
 Now this Temple 2ver exactly knew how he descended 
 from his lofty perch, some 15 feet high ; but when the bullets 
 
24 
 
 ■I'i 
 iili 
 
 Hi' 
 
 began to whistle through the air in rather closer proximity to his 
 head than was quite agreeable, he found himself suddenly on the 
 ground. 
 
 He then crawled under a barn, conveniently at hand, and lay 
 there for some hours ; but at length thought best to run for a 
 pleasantcr situation. In so doing he was espied by Mr. Andrew 
 Ten Eyck, who, mistaking him for a Fenian, fired upon him. 
 He dashed into a thicket of brambles growing around a heaj^ of 
 stones, where he lay concealed some little time, the bullets cut- 
 ting the briers above his head ; but at length found opportunity 
 to creep away unharmed. 
 
 We understand that Mr. Ten Eyck, being on the American 
 side not long after, and hearing Temple telling over these adven- 
 tures, informed him that he was the despised Canadian whose 
 rifle balls had so nearly put an end to his existence. 
 
 But we must return to the main points in this simple sketch, 
 not sorry, indeed, that our space will not further permit us to 
 chronicle the cowardice of the Fenian generals, or the contemp- 
 tible spirit manifested by their American sympathizers. 
 
 After the skirmish was over, Lt.-Col. Miller, with parts of 
 two companies of the 52nd Battalion, which was assembling at 
 Dunham, on learning that the Fenians were at the line, hastened 
 forward without orders, and arrived near Eccles Hill that same 
 afternoon at about three o'clock. 
 
 He was instructed by Colonel Smith to return to Frclighs- 
 burg, where his battalion conctntratod that night —250 strong. 
 
 Early in the afternoon the Victoria Rifles and Capt. Muir's 
 company of cavalry from Montreal were on the ground, in addi- 
 tion to the companies of the 60th already mentioned. 
 
 Not far from three o'clock, the Fenians displayed a flag of 
 truce near Rykard's. The firing had entirely ceased ; but Colo- 
 nel Smith forbade any volunteer to notice the signal or leave his 
 position. But about fifteen of Captain Westover's men went down 
 the hill to the Province Line. 
 
 As the Guards approached, four or five P'enians, with Gen. 
 Donnelly at their head, placed themselves across the road on the 
 American side, and explained their signals by saying they wished 
 to remove their dead and wounded. General Lonergan wished 
 to speak to an oflScer. Hunter, who was one of the Guards pre- 
 
25 
 
 V 
 
 sent, told him there was no officer with his party. Word in the 
 meantime was taken to Colonel Smith ; but he refused to hold 
 any communication with General Lonergan. 
 
 Mrs. Eccles, taking advantage of the opportunity, as soon as 
 the flag of truce was hoisted, came out from her dwelling, waved 
 a white cloth, and walked down the road to where Rowe's dead 
 body lay, took the gun from the corpse and returned home 
 with it. 
 
 The Fenians were not allowed to carry oft' their dead or 
 wounded, and the parley was soon ended, though some sharp 
 words passed between General Donnelly and the Home Guards. 
 
 In the course of the afternoon Colonel Smith learned that a 
 party of Fenians, with a small field-piece, were in the valley to 
 the right ; but there was no attempt made to bring it to bear on 
 the position just then. 
 
 As all continued quiet between four and five o'clock. Captain 
 Westover proposed to return home with his men. Both Colonel 
 Smith and Colonel Chamberlin urged him strongly to remain 
 through the night. He replied that there could be no necessity 
 for their stopping, as twelve men of the Home Guards had held 
 the ground the preceding night. 
 
 A few moments later Colonel Smith came to him again and 
 renewed his entreaties, saying he had just received intimation that 
 the Fenians were rallying on the American side, and would attack 
 the position at six o'clock. 
 
 Captain Westover then consented to remain, and did not 
 leave the field until seven o'clock, p.m. Nothing meantime, 
 however, was seen or heard of an approaching enemy. 
 
 A few of the Guards remained, though the majority left about 
 the time Captain Westover did. 
 
 During the afternoon several different parties had asked permis- 
 sion of Colonel Smith and Colonel Chamberlin to go down and 
 search the tannery and out-buildings, as several Fenians had been 
 seen to run there for cover in the fight. 
 
 The Colonels steadily refused, however, to give their consent 
 
 until nearly night — after Captain Westover had left the ground — 
 
 when the following conversation took place between Col. Smith 
 
 and S. N. Hunter : — 
 
 Col. Smith — " Cannot you and some of your Home Guards 
 
2G 
 
 stay here with us to-night? There is not much doubt but we 
 shall be attacked again during the night, and I think it would 
 encourage the volunteers if they knew that some of you were 
 here with those little rifles of yours." 
 
 Hunter — " Yes, sir ; I will stay if you will allow me to take 
 some of the Home Guards and go down and search the tannery, 
 and bring up that dead Fenian. If not I will go home." 
 
 Col. Smith — " I cannot control, you ; but I will not let one 
 of my volunteers go down, and T am afraid that some of you will 
 get shot." 
 
 Hunter then told him that he did not wish any of the volun- 
 teers to go, as he thought he would get help enough without to 
 eflTect his purpose. 
 
 The Home Guards present were quite ready to accompany 
 him. They made, however, one request of Colonel Smith, which 
 was that he should cover them with his men as they went down, 
 and this he did. 
 
 By these means the buildings were cleared near the boundary 
 line, and several Fenians were wounded while trying to escape, 
 being fired upon both by the Guards and the volunteers from the 
 hill. The frightened creatures evidently suppob«.d our troops 
 were designing to follow them to their camp. 
 
 The Fenian field-piece was fired two or three times ; but 
 without damaging our people. Those who had charge of it soon 
 retreated, dragging it after them nearly to their camping-ground. 
 
 The flying Fenians carried consternation along with them, 
 and a general panic was created — both officers and men believ- 
 ing that the Canadians were following hard on their track. 
 
 The Home Guards removed the dead Fenian from the road 
 to the hill, where a shallow grave was dug, and he was buried, — 
 not with the indignities commonly reported, but something as one 
 of an invading army might expect to be interred by his enemies 
 — certainly without mourning or lamentation. 
 
 A party of young men that same evening went over, and, by 
 a circuitous route, approached quite near the Fenian camp, and 
 after night-fall wheeled the cannon away from where it had been 
 left, when one Hannibal Yates drew it over and placed it in his 
 father's barn, who lives near the boundary, opposite Pigeon Hill. 
 
 In the morning Lieut. Galer, C. S. Galer and others of the 
 
27 
 
 Home Guards removed it to Pigeon Hill, and in the afternoon 
 it was taken to Frel'.ghsburg, where it remained until the follow- 
 ing Saturday. But a rumor having got abroad that it was to be 
 stolen away and taken back to the American side, Mr. Andrew 
 Ten Eyck and Captain Westover went to the village and took 
 possession of it for the Home Guards, and removed it to Captain 
 Westover's premises, where it still remains. 
 
 On the morning of the 26th the company of Home Guards 
 went again to Eccles Hill, in accordance with a promise made 
 the previous night. 
 
 Sometime in the forenoon Colonel Osborne Smith requested 
 that they should form in line, as he wished to address them, 
 which he did after the following manner : — 
 
 He thanked them warmly in his own name, and in the name 
 of the Government, for the important service they had rendered 
 the country by the promptness of their action ; and added, that 
 by their occupation of Eccles Hill on the night of the 24th, and 
 holding it until the volunteer force arrived, they had, without 
 doubt, saved many valuable lives, and a vast amount of treasure, 
 as, had the Fenians been allowed to gain that point, it would have 
 been an exceedingly difficult matter to have dislodged them from 
 so strong a position. 
 
 Furthermore, after many flattering compliments, he stated 
 that he, as commanding officer there, should take care that their 
 conduct was properly represented at headquarters, and that the 
 Government should know to whose promptness of action so 
 much was due. 
 
 As all continued quiet through the day, in the afternoon 
 Captain Westover and his men left for their respective homes, 
 thinking they were done with the Fenian affair, now that the 
 frontier was so well protected. 
 
 About six o'clock, however, on that same evening a mes- 
 senger came to Captain Westover's in great haste, bearing a note 
 from Colonel Chamberlin, written from Frelighsburg, of which 
 the following is a faithful copy : — 
 
 " Frelighsburg, Thursday. 
 *' Dear Westover, 
 
 " The latest news is that O'Neill has rallied the Fenians again 
 at Burlington, and we may expect them back again. Can you muster 
 
Ii= 
 
 11 
 
 ip 
 
 p > 
 
 Iitr' 
 
 ^lli 
 
 28 
 
 twenty or thirty Red Sashes between this and morning, and be ready at 
 the old place for an attack at day' ,ht to-morrow morning — the most pro- 
 bable time for a renewed attack upon our position. I write at request of 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Smith in command here. Don't fail us. 
 
 " Yours truly, 
 
 " B. CHAMBERLIN. 
 " A. Wkstover, Esqj, Company Sharpshooters." 
 
 This request, of course, hastened the Guards to the field at 
 the appointed hour. The 52nd Battalion, under Lt.-Col. Miller, 
 which it will be remembered had been stationed at Frelighsburg, 
 was also removed before daylight to Eccles Hill ; but, doubtless 
 to the satisfaction of all parties there, this alarm proved a false 
 one also. 
 
 We have given in substance Colonel Smith's address to the 
 Home Guards, and the above note from Colonel Chamberlin, to 
 show clearly in what estimation the " irregular body of men," so 
 curtly spoken of by both gentlemen a few days after, was held in at 
 this juncture, — to show whose courage and daring were most relied 
 upon when danger a second time unexpectedly threatened the 
 position. 
 
 We have now nearly done with the Fenian alarms along our 
 border in May, 1870, and little more remains to be said. 
 
 The volunteers already mentioned of the 52nd Battalion 
 remained in camp at Eccles Hill until the end of the following 
 week, when they were sent home. 
 
 The 60th Battalion, the company of Victoria Rifles, a com- 
 pany of Prince of Wales' corps, under Captain Rogers, which 
 arrived from St. Johns on the morning of the 27th, also remained 
 in camp at the same place, until sent home with Captain Muir's 
 company of cavalry. 
 
 The Cookshire Cavalry, under Lieut. Taylor, were stationed 
 at Frelighsburg from 28th May to June 4th. 
 
 Frequent rumors of threatened invasion kept these volunteers 
 always on their guard, and their duties were by no means light 
 while in camp. 
 
 On the 30th May, Lieut.-General Lindsay and his staff, accom- 
 panied by His Royal Highness Prince Arthur, Colonel Lord 
 Alexander Russel, Lieut.-Col. Thackwell, D. A. G., Lieut.-Col. 
 
29 
 
 so 
 
 McPherson, D. A. G. of Militia, and other officers, both of the 
 regular service and militia, visited the camp at Eccles Hill. 
 
 Colonel Chamberlin apprized Captain Westover that General 
 Lindsay and staff were expected to be on the ground at J p. m., 
 and politely requested that some of the Home Guards would be 
 present on the occasion. 
 
 The troops were addressed as follows by General Lindsay : — 
 
 *♦ Colonel Smith, Officers and Meh of the Force of the 
 Militia now here : I have come to-day to give myself the gratification 
 of seeing you after your short service in the field. Tliis short service was, 
 however, of the very highest service to the country. A portion, not the 
 whole of you, comprising a detachment of the 6oth Battalion, and a por- 
 tion of those who had formed themselves into a Home Guard, were the 
 first to meet the Fenians, and were soon supported by every soldier sent 
 to the front. The moment the men heard of the attack they came up. 
 
 " Captain Muir's troop of cavalry, and a portion of the Victoria Rifles 
 also took part in the fighting of the day. All by their good service, the 
 energy and promptitude they have shown, have achieved, as a result, the 
 utter defeat and demoralization of the Fenians. Now, with regard to the 
 first portion of the attack, I congratulate Lieutenant-Colonel Chamberlin 
 upon the success which so soon attended his taking up the present posi- 
 tion, and to most of you now here the success is due. Col. Chamberlin 
 and those under his command met that attack with determination. 
 
 " But I wish to impress on you first that the repulse was due to the 
 accuracy of the fire. This it was which turned off the attack. I don't 
 mean to say that it saved the frontier; but you were saved the risk of 
 further annoyance, and the cost in blood, and otherwise of retaking the 
 frontier, by the accuracy of the fire, and the gallantry and spirit all dis- 
 played in seizing and holding it — the volunteers from Montreal as well 
 as from the vicinity, and the people here. 
 
 " There are two or three facts which I may state. You are successful, 
 and your success is due to your own efforts. No one else has helped you 
 The regulars were, however, ready to start to your assistance at an hour's 
 notice, and held a position most important for defence. They wei'e at 
 St. Johns, which commands both banks of the Richelieu, and could have 
 repelled any attack on either flank. But you resisted and. repelled this 
 attack yourselves. Another thing should be noticed. The President of 
 the United States issued a proclamation, very proper and friendly in 
 itself, but of no actual use to you, as you had to repel that attack your- 
 selves. The United States have sent troops, which are near at hand ; but 
 you had to do the work yourselves. That work you did, assisted by 
 those who bear the cognomen of the Home Guards. As Lieutenant- 
 General commanding Her Majesty's forces in Canada, I thank you ; but 
 not simply in ihat military capacity. As Lieutenant-General I also 
 
represent the Queen and Governor-General, who represents the Queen; 
 and in their name I also thank you. 
 
 " I have also the very great satisfaction of being accompanied by His 
 Royal Highness Prince Arthur, who is also on service in Canada with 
 his regiment, the Rifle Brigade, and who is now on the staff of Colonel 
 Lord Alexander Russell. He also was ready to help you to repel any 
 attack made on you. I thank you, therefore, I say, in the name of the 
 Queen, the Governor-General and Prince Arthur, and, with you, the 
 whole Militia of Canada. You all nobly came forward quickly, readily, 
 and in great numbers; indeed, I never saw greater readiness. The 
 Militiamen may feel proud of the manner in which they supported you, 
 the officers and each other. 
 
 "Lieut.-Col. Osborne Smith I congratulate most heartily. He has 
 often been in command on the frontier, and has often been under me 
 during the raid of 1866; in fact I was here, and had a great deal to do 
 with the volunteers. I may say I had even something ta do in sending 
 Colonel Smith to command here, feeling satisfied that his minute and 
 thorough knowledge of every road, stream, hill and plain — I might 
 almost say fence — on our exposed frontier, his previous service and 
 acquaintance with the details of military life, in addition to his great 
 natural military abilities, rendered him peculiarly fitted for this com- 
 mand, and that he was certain to repel any and every attack made upon 
 us. To the cavalry my thanks are due. I fully recognize their services 
 in the pressing emergency, and a more useful body there could not be 
 than they have shown themselves. I have nothing more to say just now, 
 but would ask you to give three cheers for the Qiieen." 
 
 These were heartily given, and were followed by cheers for 
 the Governor-General and Prince Arthur. Gen. Lindsay then 
 went on to say : — 
 
 " I now ask you to give three cheers more for your fellow soldiers of 
 the volunteers who so recently served on the Huntingdon frontier. 
 When the emergency took place there, I hastened to send the 69th Regi- 
 ment to the front. It was accompanied to the threatened point by the 
 Huntingdon Borderers, the Montreal Artillery and Engineers and 
 several other corps ; and when this force took up its advance 'or the 
 Fenian line, so confident did Col. Rogers feel with regard to the volun- 
 teers, that he did not hesitate to place the Borderers in a position where 
 they would be exposed to the first fire. I need not tell you the result. 
 As here, the Fenians did not wait for the attack, but fled, demoralized 
 and in disorder." 
 
 General Lindsay had some conversation with Captain West- 
 over, and in the course of it said the)' would like to see the little 
 cannon in Montreal, to which Captain Westover replied that they 
 
 ■ i 
 
31 
 
 claimed it as belonging to the Home Guards, and wished to keep 
 it here ; but would have no objection to their taking it to Mont- 
 real if they would return it again. 
 
 General Lindsay said, " Certainly ; but we would like to show 
 it in Montreal." 
 
 Shortly after he returned to Captain Westover in company 
 with Col. Smith, and requested him, and as many of the Guards 
 as could conveniently do so, to accompany the little field-piece to 
 Montreal ; and directed Colonel Smith to make the necessary 
 arrangements for bringing it in when the camp broke up. 
 Whereupon Colonel Smith promised to notify Captain Westover 
 when they would leave — in time for them to be in readiness, — say- 
 ing they would take a special train, and all go in together. But 
 from that hour nothing has been heard of the special train, or a 
 desire to see the little cannon, or any of the Guards, in Montreal. 
 
 One circumstance we would mention was matter of serious 
 annoyance to the Home Guards at this time. They have reason 
 to believe their badge to have been assumed by O'Neill's spies on 
 the day of the fight, and by many others, who afterwards visited 
 the volunteers' camp. 
 
 It is believed that persons wearing this badge, but having not 
 the least connection with the original organization, not only suc- 
 ceeded in roving undisturbed through their camp, but also 
 behaved in a very improper manner to many of them while sta- 
 tioned at Eccles Hill ; and, in order to guard against anything of 
 the sort in future, a plain suit of gray iweed, with a peculiar 
 stripe and dark trimmings, has since been adopted by those who 
 claim to belong to this company of Home Guards. 
 
 ■ \ 
 
 Since the enactment of the exciting scenes recounted in the 
 foregoing pages, at the suggestion of Captain We^jtover, the local 
 councils of the municipalities of Dunham and St. Armand East 
 have made special appropriations of money for defensive pur- 
 poses, and the purchase of ammunition to be kept as a reserve 
 for the use of the Home Guards, in case of another attack upon 
 our frontier, in order that the expense of such an undertaking as 
 the defence of our homes should not fall, as before, upon the few 
 
32 
 
 who were willing not only to spend their money, but risk their 
 lives in the cause. 
 
 It may not be out of place here also to state that the spirit of 
 determination which influenced the few on a former occasion to 
 act on the defensive, without waiting for the military organiza- 
 tions, has spread to such an extent that there is little room to 
 doubt that, should we be threatened with another invasion, the 
 call to arms would be much more largely responded to than 
 before by the inhabitants of the border towns. 
 
 C^X^^^)<^3S^<^j; 
 
 ':' : 
 
 '■■i :1. 
 
 *' witness" printing HOUSB, MONTREAL. 
 
 ii 
 
 1' f ' I ' ' 
 
 1 1 III 
 
leir 
 
 tof 
 1 to 
 iza- 
 i to 
 the 
 lan