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'-■:q Read ho Sort?. \ )'*Ajm.'^ O i: t] □□ ■aJ (-C O'^ riuirU^ '. ;i % ,1,^ 37352 LITHOGRAPHIC VIEWS OP MILITARY OPERATIONS IN CANADA UNDER HIS EXCELLENCY SIR JOHN COLBORNE, G.C.B. ETC. DURING THE LATE INSURRECTION. i FBOM SKETCHES BY LORD CHARLES BEAUCLERK, CAPTAIN ROYAL REGIMENT. ACCOMPANIED BY NOTES HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. I. 1^^ if LONDON: PUBLISHED BY A. FLINT, 4, PICCADILLY. M.DCCC.XL. LONnoN: PRINTED B¥ SAMlIEt BENTLKV, itingor Hoube, Slioc Lant. m PREFACE. In the month of July, 1836, the Author, with the service companies of his regiment, landed at Quebec after a long voyage, rendered tedious from the crowded state of the ship. In a transport of eight hundred tons seven hundred souls were huddled together, — a number greater by far than is allowed even to vessels carrying out emigrants ; and, but for the judicious arrangements of the commanding officer, malignant disease must have been the result. A view of the magnificent river St. Lawrence, however, at once put an end to the monotony of the voyage and the general grievance. Here and there the little white dwellings of the Canadians were to be seen skirting the shores of that noble stream, while the back-ground presented impenetrable forests, truly picturesque in their early autumnal tints. So sublimely beautiful was the approach to Quebec that it seemed nothing could surpass the splendour of the view ; but so much has already been written touching Canada and its romantic scenery, that it would be futile if not vain to attempt a description. The Views and accompanying Notes are published by particular request of friends; and, if acceptable to others, the Author's object will be more than attained. i LIST OF VIEWS 1. Passage of the Kichlieu by Night, 22nd November, 1837. 2. Colonel Wetherall'g Bivouack at St Hilaire de Rouville, 23rd, 24th November, 1837. 3. A Fortified Paas.— Colonel Wetherall advancing to the Capture of St. Charles, 2.5th November, 1837. 4. Attack on St Charles, 25th November, 1837. 6. Explanatorj- Sketch of Colonel Gore's Operations at St Dennis, (with a Chart) 23rd November, 1837. 6, Front View of the Church of St Eustache, occupie■ ^ W ••■' =5 •^ '■J^ 6' -J If. ■ A ■f- U' I DESCRIPTION. here and there appeared is true ; but on the slightest demonstration of attaok they quickly dispersed. The broken wagon and dead horse lay near the spot, as we passed, where Davignon and Demaray escaped ; and tracks of blood marked the spot where the assailants had been posted. The houses and barns by tha roadside were entirely deserted Torrents of rain followed in quick succession during our stay at Chambly, and had not ceased on the evening of the 22nd; when, in consequence of despatches, brought by an officer of the 32nd regiment, we were, with the exception of the grenadiers of the Royals under Major Warde, and one company of the 66th left in charge of the prisoners, in active motion, commencing a secret march for St. Charles one hour after sunset. The landing of the guns and horses, on the east side of the Richlieu, crossed by Colonel Wetherall in bateaux at the rapid of Chambly, caused, as might be expected, considerable delay. Four hours elapsed before the last section had disembarked; and, notwithstanding an incessant rain, which froze as it fell, each man took up his respective position on the road. During the ' ling blue lights were fired by the rebels, for the twofold object of ascertaining our numbers and signalising the march of the troops to their distant associates. In the accompanying sketch I have endeavoured to give the effect produced by the lights, which, until explained, was a matter of astonishment to the whole corps. The roads in Canada, previously to the frost setting in, are invariably of difficult passage ; but so impracticable for artillery had the late rains rendered them, that in three hours we advanced but three miles ; during the whole of which time the insurgents were skirting our line of march. After halting an hour at Pointe Oliviere, we pushed forward for St. Hilaire de Rouville, our intended quarters until further orders ; where we arrived at ten in the morning. An agreeable reception awaited us here, at the house of a Canadian gentleman, a colonel of ir.ilitia, who entertained the officers ; and in his outhouses and in the adjoining village our men were quartered. The sketch presents a view of the hospitable mansion, in front of which Her Majesty's forces, under Colonel Wetherall, bivouacked. From a neighbouring height, called the Beloeil Mountain, the movements of the brigade were closely watched by the rebels, who had surrounded it on all sides ; and more than once, an attack was threatened, the fuse lighted, and the troops placed under arms. Thus, all communication with Montreal being cut off, the chances were very much against the safe arrival of despatches from Lieut.-General Sir John Colborne, now Lord Seaton, hourly expected ; we also learned by report that Colonel Gore's DESCRIPTION. I expedition against St. Dennis had failed, with a loss of a field-piece, and several killed and wounded. Colonel Wetherall, with the aptitude and foresight of a veteran officer, most gallantly determined, notwithstanding the report of Colonel Gore's defeat, to unite with his force the grenadier company of the Royals, then at Chambly, and march, upon his own responsibility, against St. Charles. To effect this union was no easy matter; for a considerable force of armed peasantry was collected between us and Chambly. As in such enterprises British soldiers de- light, volunteers were not wanting to bear the necessary despatch; a selection from the cavalry was, however, made, as being men well acquainted with the country. The attention of the rebels was so riveted to the camp movements, that Major Warde, with his company, by embarking on board bateaux, and floating down the Richlieu,_a movement the rebels did not look for, -joined the main body un- molested. At ten A.M. of the 25th, Colonel Wetherall commenced his march against St. Charles. All the bridges across the small streams which contribute to the Richlieu, were destroyed; rendering it necessary to form temporary fords, by throwing into them piles of rails from the nighbouring fences. The last bridge, near St. Charles, was not only destroyed, but the pass fortified. Along a deep gully, at the base of a steep hill, a small stream takes its course; and crowning the height, where the road passes, a log breastwork was raised, which extended some yards on each side of the thoroughfare. Had the military attempted to pass by night, it was the intention of the insurgents to have made this spot a scene of active defence. To an able officer, and man of courage, what a field of operations here presented itself! (See the sketch.) The rebel leader at St. Charles, T. S. Brown, however, was not that man. In order that the troops might be harassed as little as possible, Colonel Wetherall, in his further progress to the fortified village, avoided the road by making a detour through the fields to the right. About a quarter of a mile from St. Charles, the light company of the Royals, whilst skirmishing, and in advance of the main body, received a sharp fire from' some houses and barns, which were loop-holed and occupied : these were the out- posts of the r .^els, who, on delivering their fire, retreated on their position. The houses from which we received the volley were immediately fired, and one prisoner taken, who, on our opening the view of St. Charles, was sent to the town to demand a surrender. The summons was answered by a deafening cheer of contempt,— the voice of hundreds. There being no alternative now left but to attack the place, Colonel Wetherall deployed on his rear division as the brigade marched in close column, the light ti. j^» c; rS H ilj • r J 'J OH !h ta ^ 1 u Ui . '■ ^ ^, oi f M or' ■''< 1 : 'J , -i ;i| c- U S f , 4 1 ,r1 n 'Ij •< 1 g M i- W r»- ,1 W •/; « DESCRIPTIOK. 5 company being extended on each flank under Major Warde. In front of the deployment was a level space of ploughed fields ; to the right, well wooded land ; and to the left, the Richlieu, about three hundred yards wide, taking a course parallel to the village, which was long and straggling. Colonel Wetherall hoped that a display of his force would induce some defec- tion mong the infatuated people ; but, unfortunately for the sake of humanity, it was far otherwise. From the west side of the river, the insurgents commenced a determined fire, that, in spite of the distance, did some execution ; whilst from the woods an attack was made so desperate that the grenadier company of the Royals was sent to its support. The artillery, under Captain Glasgow, was now ordered to advance within one hundred yards of the breastworks, and a severe cannonading of shrapnell shell, round shot, and canister was commenced. The prudence of making a detour into the fields was evinced from the fact that the rebel guns were placed in embrasure to command the road; and thus prevented from doing execution, were, after firing a few rounds, altogether silenced. From behind the breastworks, a continual fire was directed against the centre of the line, ordered in consequence to !ie down; notwithstanding which, from the exposed position, it materially suffered. This gave rise to an order for the three centre companies, headed by Colonel Wetherall in person, to fix bayonets and charge the works. Seeing this, the rebels redoubled their efforts, and a galling fire was the consequence, which raked the earth in every direction ; yet, strange to say, some dwellings to the right of the breastwork were gained with but the loss of one killed, and a few wounded. Nevertheless, the place was far from being taken, the barns and out-houses, which flanked each other, were so well fortified and so obstinately defended, that it took full twenty minutes sharp firing to reduce them. The defenders fought with great bravery, many maintaining their posts until shot or put to the bayonet. By this time the guns had advanced a few paces, supported by a subdivision of the Royals, and poured in canister-shot upon the multitude of heads that ap- peared in front. At the same time, both on the right and left of the line, an active scene presented itself. To the left, a constant discharge of musketry was directed against the breastworks ; while to the right, skirmishers were to be seen busily employed in cutting off the retreat of those who sought safety in the woods. The fire of the artillery having in a great measure disorganised the rebels at their strongholds, the breastworks were stormed and carried. The rebels were mostly put to flight; but about fifty appeared on bended knees with fire-arms reversed. When the troops advanced to take their apparently «k«*e*:^f<*^«r*-.' -: DESCBIPTION. willing prisoners, the traitors quickly assumed an attitude of attack, and in the discharge of their musketry killed a sergeant and wounded several other soldiers. This act of treachery caused, until restrained by the officers, a general massacre ; which, whilst it lasted, was indeed dreadful ; for many, in their flight, committed themselves to the Richlieu, choosing rather to meet a watery grave than yield to the enraged soldiery. Poor creatures ! it was but the struggle of a moment ; for a severe frost having set in since morning, the icy stream at once paralysed their efforts, and they sank to rise no more. What an awful warning have we here to the promoters and abettors of civil war ! If one spark of humanity holds a space in the breasts of those who advocate the expediency of contending by force for a scheme of government of their own choosing, surely the fate of these poor deluded peasantry will arouse them to a sense of their wickedness. The no less brilliant than well judged attack led by our gallant Colonel, and the judicious and effective fire of artillery under Captain Glasgow, assisted by the handful of cavalry under Captain David, soon caused the total confusion and rout of the rebels ; and had our small force admitted of a reserve, a host of prisoners would have been the result. So deficient in courage was the rebel leader, that, on the first appearance of the military, he left his infatuated dupes under the pretence of procuring reinforcements ; while Papineau and O'Callighan pre- ferred viewing the engagement from the house of a Mr. Drolet, at St. Marc, on the opposite bank of the river. Not so the defenders of the village, who amounted to about fifteen hundred. With a spirit worthy of better leaders and a better cause, they maintained their supposed rights; and the fact, that Colonel Wether- all's horse was shot under him, together with the loss, in consequence of having been wounded, of those of Major Warde, Captain David, and several others, tends to confirm it. The loss of the Royals consisted in one sergeant and one private killed, and fifteen rank and file wounded ; that of the 66th, of one private killed and six wounded. Of the insurgents between fifty and sixty were taken prisoners, and about one hundred and fifty lay stretched within their works ; but the estimated loss was calculated at three hundred, many having perished by fire and water, while some few were carried away by their countrymen. The breastworks, composed of trunks and branches of trees filled in with earth, and supported at intervals by piles, extended to nearly nine acres around the dwelling of Mr. Debartzch, which was a large brick building with a raised veranda. This house served as a commanding position to the insurgents, and was completely riddled with shot^holes. The base of the breastwork was six feet in thickness, the height four feet, gradually narrowing to two and a half; while the exterior and interior slope equalled half the height. DERCniPTIOK. The cap of liberty and pole were seized, one hundred stand of arms taken and destroyed, and two French six-pounders found mounted within the intrenchments, spiked and committed to the safe keeping of the Richlieu. Attached to the liberty pole, was a wooden tablet bearing the inscription, "A Papineau pur sea concitoyem recmnaissam." Our guns having been placed to command the road in case of attack, both officers and men retired to rest, while the prisoners were placed under guard in the church. There I passed a sleepless night, it being requisite to keep a constant watch, as an attempt to rescue the prisoners was generally expected. The alarm was twice given, and the windows manned, the lowermost panes having been broken out for the purpose of defence ; by which means the temperature was reduced to that of the surrounding atmosphere, then considerably below zero. In the centre of the church a large fire blazed, where groups of soldiers were regaling themselves ; along the gloomy aisles a single candle cast its dim light ; by the altar, lay stretched the dead bodies of the soldiers ; in the vestry-room adjoining the church, the pri- soners were lodged, most of whom assumed a kneeling posture, engaged apparently in solemn and silent prayer. This scene made a deep impression on my mind, not to be easily forgotten. The following day the dead of our own party, as well as those of the insurgents, were buried ; and, while preparing for the interment, a most repulsive sight pre- sented itself:— a drove of pigs devouring the bodies ! a scene so painful that to pre- vent its continuance, the voracious animals were immediately shot by a party of sol- diers ordered out on purpose. Amongst other matter of importance, which occurred in the course of the day, was, in the first place, the seizure of a document containing a detailed account of the defeat of the troops at St. Dennis, and the murder of a British officer, but no name mentioned; and secondly, that which was more welcome, a report well authenticated— that of St. Dennis having been vacated by the rebels immediately on their hearing of the fall of St. Charles. Their leader, Wolfred Nelson, or Le Grand Loup, as he was sometimes called, having tried in vain to muster his men, in anticipation of a second attack, forty only obeying the summons, he left them in disgust. The breastworks having been fired, and thus converted into a watchfire for the troops, we sat down, about twenty in number, at the invitation of some brother officers who had been quartered in a substantial house, with an abundant larder and a well- stocked cellar, to a banquet far more sumptuous than any we had partaken of for some time ; when much conviviality and good-humour reigned in every face, and we soon forgot the disagreeable office we had been performing during the morning. The sun had set, and the long-looked for despatches from Montreal had not arrived. 4 8 DESCRIPTION. Colonel Wetherall determined, therefore, to march for head-quarters at the dawn of day. The firm state of the ice afforded a shorter route than that of the outward march ; but Colonel Wetherall, having received information of a considerable body of insur- gents collected for the purpose of disputing his return, determined upon humouring them. Accordingly, on the morning of the 27th, Rouville was again the rendezvous; and after leaving the wounded with a detachment for protection, the march was resumed. Arrived within two miles of Pointe Oliviere, the at'vanced party gave informa- tion that the rebel force was stationed on a hill which formed part of the road ; when two companies of skirmishers were immediately thrown out, while the main body ad- vanced in close column, but formed line during the a» Ivance. In front of the insur- gents' position was an inclined plane well wooded, havi.ig concealed among the trees a breastwork, against which our guns were directed ; the rebels, however, soon re- treated, with three field-pieces that had been planted to command the road, but left behind several barrels of gunpowder, and a few heaps of iron cut into squares as a substitute for shot. The cavalry pursued and came up with the guns at the river side ; but the insurgents took to the ice and escaped, with the exception of their leader, who was killed, extraordinary as it may appear, by a musket ball fired from a distance of at least three hundred yards. In the hurry of retreat the rebels abandoned their prisoners, most of whom had been intrusted with despatches to and from Sir John Colborne. In every case the bearers had taken the precaution to destroy the papers, and in consequence under- went the severest ill-treatment. It was not a matter of surprise, therefore, on re- crossing the Richlieu, that we should be welcomed as lost men by the 83rd regi. ment, then, by order of Sir John Colborne, on the eve of commencing a march of research. We arrived at Montreal on the 30th, amid the enthusiastic cheering of hundreds who had long since given us up for lost ; and, for the first time for for..^- tecn days, enjoyed the luxury of a bed and a change of clothes. It was generally supposed, had the troops been defeated at St. Charles, that a large force would have crossed the lines to sympathise with the insurgents, and the sequel will render that supposition more than probable. The success of Colonel Wetherall's gallant attack crushed rebellion while yet in its infancy, and thus formed the basis upon which the General commanding-in-chief subsequently established a victorious career for her Majesty's troops, and a land of peace for the Canadians. The citizens of Montreal were not insensible to Colonel Wetherall's exertions, and expressed their gratitude in the most lasting manner, by the presentation of a tes- timonial of value bearing an inscription of which the Colonel has just reason to be proud. DESCRIPTION. We now became acquainted with the particulars of the expedition against St. Dennis, and the following is a brief description, taken from notes furnished by an oflftcer who was present :— Colonel Gore's brigade, consisting of two companies of the 24th under Lieutenant-Colonel Hughes, the light company of the 82nd under Captain Markham, a detachment of artillery under Lieutenant Newcomen, with a few volunteer cavalry, left Montreal on the morning of the 22nd of November by the St. George steamboat for Sorel, where they arrived at eight the same even- ing. Two companies of the 6Gth already there, reinforced the brigade, when Colonel Gore pushed forward for St. Dennis by the upper road, vid St. Ours ; and notwith- standing a tempestuous state of weather, and almost impassable roads, accomplished his march by ten the following morning. Near the entrance of the village, the advanced piquet of cavalry made two pri- soners ; from whom it was ascertained that the rebels, headed by Dr. Wolfred Nelson, were posted in great force. Immediately afterwards the light company of the S2nd under Captain Markham received, while skirmishing in advance, a sharp fire from several fortified houses. The guns, as will be seen by a reference to the sketch, maintained three distinct positions during the engagement, which lasted until three in the afternoon ; about which time Captain Markham, assisted by Lieutenant Inglis and a small party, in attempting to carry a building, received a severe wound in his right leg, and two in the left side of his neck, that brought him to the ground. The insurgents had by this time gained considerable advantage. The brigade was threatened in rear by the seizure of the bridge, and on all sides by the reinforcements of the rebels; the larger field-piece, immoveably fixed in a deep rut by the frost, could not be brought to bear ; the ammunition nearly expended ; and Captain Markham's party driven back. Under these circumstances Colonel Gore did not hesitate to make a retrograde movement to Sorel, leaving in the hands of the rebels several killed and wounded, and a howitzer. The gallant Captain Markham was, moreover, on the point of being made a prisoner when a sergeant nobly rushed forward in the face of the enemy, and under a heavy fire bore him away in safety ; but not until he had received a fourth wound, whilst in the arms of that brave soldier. The seizure of the bridge prevented Colonel Gore from retracing his steps ; but the lower road was yet open to him, and having reached Sorel without fur- ther loss or difficulty, a despatch was immediately forwarded to Sir J. Colborne. Leaving Colonel Gore actively engaged in the defence of Sorel, I shall now return to head-quarters. On the arrival of the troops from St. Charles, Sir John Colborne despatched a reinforcement to act under the Honourable Colonel Gore, who had orders to follow up the advantage that had been gained, and to subdue the whole Ime 10 OEICBIPTION. of disaffected W»^ '▼ " the RIcblieu. This force embarked on Iwanl two steam- boats u.f a88ed througli St. Ours, entered St. Pflnnis on the 2nd of Di rt-mber, and St. Charles on the 8rd, without meeting with the ^JJghtest opposition. At . * Dennis, the howitzer and wounded men wer« retaken ; thtf f^rt'fied buildings of the rebeli reduced to ashes ; and, owing to Information furni.h«d by one of the prisoners, he mangled body of Lieutenant Weir was discovered lying in a ditch by Lieutenant Griffin. The unfortunate officer was the bearer of despatches by land to Sorel, the morning prior to the attack on St. Dennis, and by taking a wrong road, fell into the hands of the insurgents, and was basely murdered by a ruffian of the name of Jalbert. His remains, mourned by the whole city, were buried on the 8th, at Montreal, with military honours. OPERATIONS AT ST. EU8TACHE AND ST. DENOIT. Tranquillity having been restored on the Richlieu, and Montreal put into a 4PN of defence by fortifying the houses and erecting temporary bulwarks at every avenue leading to the city. Sir John Colborne determined upon attacking the vil- lage of St. Eustache on the Du Ch6ne river, in the populous and disturbed district of Grand Brul6, where the insurgents had taken up a position. For this purpose the General mustered all his disposable force, amounting to fifteen hundred men, including armed and organized volunteers, dividing it into two brigades. The first, commanded by the Honourable Colonel Maitland, consisting of the 32nd and 83rd regiments ; and the second under Colonel Wetherall of the Royals, the Montreal Rifles, a large party of Cavalry and of volunteers ; one corps of which was named after its comnr^ ider, " The Globenski corps." With this force- Sir John Colborne left Montreal on the morning of the 13th of December. The ground was covered with snow, which rend > ' it necessary to follow a beaten track scarcely wide enough to admit of two to walV abreast. To lessen, therefore, the tediousness of the march, the brigades iJUi.iutid different routes ; but halted together at night at the village of St. Martin's, making a dis- tance of twelve m'hk. The following day the march was resumed, and a rendezvous appointed within s usiles of St. Eustache. The bridges had been destroyed, liut sufficiently repairk.d . u par'/ that preceded us, to admit of the uninterrupted progress of the tvAJpu , I: an insurmountable obstacle at last presented itself. Our scouts reporttiJ! that he ice in fiont of the village, and for some distance on DESCRIPTION. 11 both sides, was broken along shore, and thus rendered impassable for the troops. The Globenski corps, as being well acquainted with the line of country, was, there- fore, detached from the 2nd brigade to reconnoitre along the direct road to the village, and at the same time to carry any outposts they might fall in with. The main body, by diverging to the right, and, assisted by the infantry, by cutting a road for the guns now mounted on sledges, made the river about six miles below St. Eustache, not far from St. Rose ; and having crossed over from Isle Jesus, pro- ceeded to the village. The passage of the river proved, to so large a body, hazardous in the ex- treme, in c >nsequence of the unsoundness of the ice, and, as a precautionary mea- sure, the horses were detached from the gun carriages and ammunition sledges, which were dragged by hand ; and the troops dispersed in every direction, to avoid that danger which must otherwise have arisen from the accumulated weight of parties congregating together. Nevertheless, the ice gave way beneath the weight of several horses and a gun ; but the water being shallow, and the shore near at hand, they were eventually recovered. On the appearance of so large a force, many of the rebels were seen retreating from the village, and as appeared from theiv^ T-^ovements, were taking their cannon with them. Our artillery immediately opened i-pon them, and when no longer within range, turned upon the village and bombarded the church, the fortress of the insurgents. Congreve rockets were at first fired, but subsequently laid aside ; for one in its progress having struck a rail, reverted upon the troops, and exploded within a few feet of the General, but fortunately without doing any injury Colonel Maitland's brigade by this time had seized the bridges, and possessed themselves of the storehouses in rear of the village, while Colonel Wetherall, after a most tedious detour through fields three feet deep in snow, held a position in front of the church, and protected by a turn in the street. To cover the ar- tillery now attempting a breach in the church, two companies of the Royals, who occupied the surrounding houses, kept up an incessant fire at the windows of that edifice; nevertheless, many artillerymen were wo'unded, and little or no impression was made upon the building. Sir John Colborne now despatched a party of troops to reconnoitre. A house was fired by them, from which a dense smoke arose ; and from its position, imme- diately to the right and a little in front of the church, being to windward, hid it entirely from view. So favourable an opportunity for storming the building did not escape the notice and practised eye of our veteran General. The assembly was sounded ; and an order given to fix bayonets and advance at the double, a manceuvre promptly executed, and on the part of the enemy so unexpectedly undertaken, that .k \\ 1*5 so IS DESCRIPTION. the troops were under the walls and effected an entrance almost as soon as the besieged became acquainted with the movement. The rebels were found stationed in the gallery still defending themselves, and having cut away the staircase, every attempt to dislodge them for a time proved utterly fruitless; but on a sudden the church appeared in flames, and on the part of the insurgents all was lost. The unfortunate and misguided people were then to be seen dispersing in every direction ; few however escaped. One hundred and twenty were made prisoners, but the estimated loss in killed and wounded was very great. A large force, while retreating, was intercepted by the rear-guard, and the Globenski corps proved them- selves a very efficient body. Colonel Gugy of the volunteers, a British subject ot foreign extraction, also distinguished himself as being the first to enter the church, and in the attempt was severely wounded in the neck. This officer, moreover, from his perfect knowledge of the people and country, had rendered essential ser- vice in the military operations on the Richlieu. As at St. Charles, two of the rebel leaders, Girod and Pelletier, on the first appearance of the military, made their escape, under pretence of procuring reinforcements ; but the leader. Dr. Chenier, was among the slain. Besides the church, the nunnery and presbytery, both stone buildings, as well as several houses adjacent occupied by insurgents, were destroyed ; but the destructive element, spreading far and wide, extended during the night even to the quarters of the troops ; nor could it be arrested, although the military was ordered out. until about sixty houses were burnt to the ground. The effect of this general confla- gration was considerably heightened by the temperature, then below zero ; and the scene altogether was most brilliant. It may seem at first surprising that such precaution should have been taken, in the attack of a place defended by a force very inferior in regard both to numbers and discipline; but, considering the handful of troops occupying Canada when the insurrection broke out, the impossibility of increasing that force since the navi- gation had closed, the extent of country, and the impossibility of ascertaining the strength of the rebel force, the importance of not unnecessarily risking a single life will, even though humanity were out of the question, be duly appreciated. Dec. 15. We were again under arms marching against St. Benoit. The bri- gades had proceeded but a short distance, when a party of men advanced, bearing a flag of truce, and demanded a parley. This. Sir John Colborne refused, and im- mediately made them prisoners ; but the houses along our route having flags of truce suspended, met with due respect; and such was universally the case. With the exception of the dwelling of a Scotch farmer and loyal subject, around which a stone wall had been built by the insurgents as a defence, no hostile appearance was dis- W [1 ;^ H- ^ ■• u ^ 0} -< !h t :'» '(** *;r -+ s fi, J -^ Pi -' '^ ■?. -6 -r. ■;•' w —1 .> '.' ats off a point of land, dropped down upon the steamer as silently as possible, and thus approached within twenty yards. At that distance the sentry on the gangway hailed the foremost boat and demanded the countersign ; but not receiving a satisfactory answer, fired upon the party. In another moment Captain Drew, with Lieutenant MCormack and party, boarded the steamer, encountering upon the decks lietween twenty and thirty men, who fought bravely; nevertheless, she soon l)ccatne British property. Lieutenant (now Captain) M'Cormack received five desperate wounds in an encounter with several of the pirates, and Captain Warren and Mr, Arnold did not escape without injury, while the enemy had six killed. DESCRIPTION. 15 The gallant little party now commenced towing the Caroline a prize to their own shores ; but about half way across, their strength failing and the current hurry- ing them forward to the rapids heading the Falls, as u last resort Captain Drew set fire to the vessel and cast off. A momentary scene of unparalleled magnificence now burst into view ; the time of night, the fiery mass, amidst the universal darkness, splendidly diversified as it broke on the rapids, the roaring of the vast Falls, filled the panic-struck beholders of Navy Island and the Canadian shores at once with awe and admiration. Nor were they aware of the cause, with such profound secrecy had the gallant little party effected their purpose, until the burning vessel was lost in the abyss beneath. The adventurers of Navy Island, in consequence, became the besieged in a fortress of their own constructing, and the fires necessarily kept up to generate an atmospheric warmth around, served as marks for the fire of artillery, which, during the night, was directed at them by the British. The Americans having by some means or other contrived to make known their perilous situation to their country- men on the main land, effected their escape in the dead of night in bateaux sent to their relief. Navy Island might, from its border position, be claimed by either of the two great powers, England or America, and even become a question of debate if cir- cumstances should ever render it of stratagetical importance. Regarding, therefore, the Island in a doubtful point of view, as to the national right, its possession by a foreigner might have given rise to official correspondence ; but would not, in all probability, have produced that collision which ensued, but for the commence- ment of the attack by the marauders themselves. If Navy Island is a question of right, it is not so at POINT PELE ISLAND, NOW THE SCENE OF OPERATIONS. Of that British land a large body of Sympathisers took forcible possession to- wards the close of February, having made an invasion from the borders. Point Pel6, situated in Lake Erie, about mid-lake between the American and Canadian lands, is from seven to nine miles in length, and from four to five in breadth, and distant from Amherstburgh forty miles, and from shore twenty. It is covered with bush, with the exception of a small clearance near the centre, the abode of a few inhabitants. The unsuspecting proprietors of the soil were immediately made pri- soners, their dwellings seized as quarters for the new comers, and active prepara- tions commenced for converting the island into a position of defence. Jg DESCRIPTION. Colonel Maitland, then at Ainherstburgh, having received early intimation of this incursion, despatched Captain Glasgow of the Royal Artillery to inspect the ice in relation to the strength necessary for the transport of guns and troops. The report was favourable, and Colonel Maitland, having determined to attack the invaders, immediately formed a brigade which comprised four de- tached companies of the fJ2nd, a company of the 83rd, and a troop of Yeomanry Cavalry, in all about two hundred and fifty men, with two six-pounders. In the afternoon of the 2nd of March, the brigade, under the immediate command of Colonel Maitland, proceeded in sledges along the lake shore to the village of Colchester, distant from Amherstburgh about eighteen miles, and there halted to refresh the horses. The villagers acquainted, by means of an express, with Colonel Maitland's intend- ed visit, had made every preparation to welcome the troops, and such was the ex- citement created by their appearance, that many expressed an anxious desire to accompany the expedition, especially a volunteer company who urged, in support of their services, a perfect knowledge of the island. Colonel Maitland had no desire to increase his force, having ample strength to cope with the enemy ; but in ad- miration of the spirit and good intentions of the volunteers, and in assurance of valuable assistance, accepted their services. It was deemed important by Colonel Maitland to determine the precise period of departure from Colchester, so as not to expose his force, unnecessarily to the inclemency of the weather, yet to insure an early arrival at Point Pelt- in order that the troops might take up their respective positions unobserved by the in- vaders. The re(iuisite experience for an accurate calculation had already been gathered from the time occupied in the journey from Amherstburgh, and the track to Point Pele was the same. To obtain the desired end, two o'clock in the morn- ing was considered the precise time, and accordingly the brigade was on the march at that hour. At starting, the morning was clear and the beaten track very perceptible ; but the atmosphere gradually grew more and more dense until the sky became over- cast, and all traces of a path for a time were entirely lost. In this dilemma what was to be done? This sudden transition from light to darkness gave rise to a problem not easily solved. The bearing of Point Pele being well known, there could be no difficulty in reaching that spot ; but Colonel Maitland was doubt- less aware that in steering by compass he must exchange a well-beaten track for a soft one; or, to render it intelligible to those who have not witnessed sledge tra- velling, to lose sight of a turnpike road, and follow one consisting of ploughed fields. A delay would thus be caused decidedly fatal to the early execution of the arranged DESCRIPTION. 17 plans, Colonel Maitland wisely determined, therefore, to make an effort to recover his track, and immediately despatched a messenger for lights. Thus the track was recovered, yet the troops advanced at u necessarily slow rate ; and instead of taking up a position under cover of darkness, exposed to the enemy not only their strength, but the mode of operations. Nevertheless, the original plan was firmly adhered to, and having first directed the two companies of the 32nd, consisting of Captains Browne and Eveleigh, one subaltern, aboi.t ninety rank and file, with twenty-five of the Sandwich and St. Thomas cavalry, to take up a position on the ice, at the ^outh end of the island, to intercept any attempting escape there. Colonel Maitland advanced with the remainder of the force and two guns towards the north end, to skirmish the wood in a southerly direction. A loyalist, who had been made prisoner by the enemy, but contrived to make his escape, informed the Colonel that the pirates' force amounted to about five hundred men, all armed with American muskets, obtained by breaking open the arsenals. The marauders, as was expected, fled before the skirmishers, but retreated upon the detachment of the 32nd, and to avert the impending danger, advanced in line, well armed and organized. The senior officer. Captain Browne, had drawn up his detachment on the ice, out of musket-range of the woods, in close line ; but, perceiving his fcrce fearfully outflanked, extended his files to the distance of two or three feet between each, and when the enemy advance within good range, opened a fire upon them, which was instantly returnc -nd kept up on both sides for several minutes. The detachment was, however, borne down by a superiority of numbers ; two sergeants and about twenty men already lay stretched upon the ice, and there appeared no chance of the enemy giving in. "Prepare to charge," was then given ; the men closed in at once, and with a hearty cheer charged *the enemy, who stood so long that it was thought bayonets would have been crossed ; but after firing another volley, wherein seven or eight more of the British fell, they turned about and fled in confusion to the bush. Eleven of the enemy were killed, among whom was their colonel, major, and two captains; and several wounded. Captain Browne now fell back upon his former position in anticipation of a second attack ; but the enemy had retreated by crossing the ice, in attempting which many perished. Colonel Maitland, after a fruitless skirmish through the woods, made his appear- ance at the southern extremity of the island, and then became acquainted for the first time with the gallant conduct of the detachment under Captain Browne, who has since been promoted. Colonel Maitland having scoured the woods and satisfied himself of complete success, returned to Amherstburgh. After reporting the par- 18 DK8CIIIPTION. ticulars, Colonel Maitland concludes his despatch in the following emphatic words:— "The duties the soldiers had to perform from the time they left Amhcrsthurgh until their return were indeed arduous,— travelling as they did forty miles in an ex- cessively cold night, twenty of which was across the lake,— accomplishing the object had in view, namely, the liberation of the loyal people detained on the island,— gaining possession of the place, — restoring it to the proprietors,— defeating with considerable loss the enemy, and returning to barracks within forty hours." As a matter of expedience, reinforcements for Canada, consisting of the 43rd and 85th regiments, were despatched from Halifax and New Brunswick, by forced marches across a trackless country, and the province was I irther strengthened by arrivals from England. First, of several experienced office is who were employed upon particular service in the command of volunteer corps and districts, and their services ultimately proved of the greatest importance ; secondly, eariy in the spring of a naval force comprising two armed steamboats, with other vessels, besides two cavalry regiments, a brigade of guards, &c. SECOND OUTBREAK OF THE INSURRECTION. During the summer a petty border warfare was carried on, beyond that Canada remained tranquil ; but the dreary month of November had no seiner set in, than the spirit of rebellion again manifested itself in deeds of violence and bloodshed. At La Tortu two farmers were murdered ir. cold blood; at Beauharnois the Seig- norial house was attacked, and Mr. Ellice, with his lady and her sister Miss Bal- four, as well as several other respectable persons, were made prisoners ; the steam- boat Henry Brougham was captured with the mail and passengers ; whilst on the Richlieu the rebels had risen in considerable numbers ; but the insurgents were congregated in the greatest force in the villages of Napierville and Chateau- guay. Also at L'Acadie an insurrection was attempted ; but Colonel Taylor with a party of the 15th regiment and a few dragoon guards surprised several of the leading rebels while congregated for revolutionary purposes at the residence of one of the disaffected, named Gagnon, at Pointe k la Mule, six miles from St. John's, and succeeded in taking prisoner the agitator's son and six others. On Sunday, the 4th of November, between sixty and seventy rebels marched for Caughnawaga, on the St. Lawrence, a settlement of Iroquois Indians embracing the Christian faith, with tae fixed determination to obtain from them by force or artifice fire-arms and other implements of destruction. They reached the village during Divine service, and took up a position in an adjacent wood; a movement that DESCniPTfON If) engaged the attention of a young Indian. Unobserved by tlu- n Itfls, the youti ful Iroquois, with an elastic but noiseless ste[), bent his course t the chun and communicated through the officiating minister the alarming intelligence to the whole congregation. In an instant the flag-stafF in the centre of ihc villiige was surrounded by the Indians, when the chief hastily reconnoitred and at once formed his plan. To commence hostilities with a force double his number, and strengthened by a very advantageous position, would have been rash in the extreme; with that sagacity, therefore, inherent in the Indian race, he resolved to despatch five of his young men, ostensibly to inquire of the Canadians their intentions in coming thus armed and in numbers, but in reality to draw them from the advantage of their covert into the more open space afforded by the village. "We come," was the taunting answer, "to borrow the arms of the five nations ;"— the Iroquois were one of the five nations—" and if the Indians refuse the loan, we must fight for them." The deputation replied, " We are but children, come to the village and speak with our chief;" to which the insurgents readily assented ; and as they entered on the one side, the Indians quitted it on the other. The war-whoop now resounded through the wood, and at once made evident to the Canadians, their helpless con- dition, and to the chief, the completion of his orders. Seizing the foremost rebel, he wrested from him his musket, when the rest, panic struck at being thus assailed, surrendered themselves without a struggle, and were conveyed prisoners to Montreal, by a party of Lachine cavalry. The troops were immediately assembled at Montreal, and the utmost energy of Sir John Colborne, who, since the departure of Lord Durham, had become Gover- nor, was put in force, which promised to confine the rebellion within narrow bounds, and limit its duration to a very short period. A steamer was despatched for the Grenadier Guards stationed at Three Rivers — a duty which devolved upon myself; and brigades commanded by Generals Sir James Macdonell and Clitheroe, were formed to scour the country, while the Royals, under Colonel Wetherall, remained in pro- tection of the city. Lieut.-Colonel Cathcart, in command of Chambly and the King's Dragoon Guards, scoured the country in his vicinity ; but in every instance the rebels fled before him. This distinguished officer, who was indefatigable in his zeal and activity, afterwards commanded the force at St. John s, the Richlieu, and that frontier. On the 7th the volunteers of Odelltown, under command of Colonel Taylor, attacked a party of rebels at Lacole, killing nine and taking seven prisoners, with a cannon, which was turned with dreadful effect against others, confederates in guilt, on the ninth. That day the insurgents, mustering a thousand strong under the per- 80 DRtCRIPTION. ■oiml command of Dr. Nelson, attacked Colonel Taylor's advanced Ruard, and obliged him to concentrate his small force of two hundred men upon Odelltown church, where n determined fire was kept up on both sides. As the enemy advanced by the road leading to the church, three rounds of grape shot were discharged by a sergeant and private of the Royals, the only two regulars attached to tho A.rce, which cleared a spoce of about ten feet wide through the ranks; nevertheless, they pre«.8ed forward and compelled the volunteers to take refuge in the church. Strenuous efforts were now made to retake the gun. but a well directed fire from the windows rendered fruitless every attempt, and after two hours atul a half hard fighting from the commencement of the attack, the insurgents retreat- ed, leaving fifty dead, but carrying oft' the wounded. Of the volunteers, Captain M'Allister and four men were killed, and Lieutenant Odell and nine men slightly wounded. On the 10th, a large force under Sir John Colbornc, entered the town of Na- pierville, but the rebels, acciuainted with the movement, took alarm, and fled by the Chateauguay road, about two hours before the arrival of the troops. The same day, Major Carmichael, in conjunction with Lieutenant-Colonel Philpotts, a detachment of one officer of engineers, twenty-two sappers and miners, one captain, three subalterns, and about one hundred and thirty rank and file 71st regiment, with upwards of one thousand Glengarry men, were landed at Hungray Bay, entered Beauharnois and rescued the prisoners. Captain Mayne of the Royal Regiment, holding local rank of Major, in command of the district in which Grande Brule and St. Eustache are situated, having raised twelve hundred volunteers, since the second period of alarm, about this time marched with five hundred, and a small detachment of Her Majesty's 24th, to St. Scholastique and elsewhere. The demonstration of this force quelled any disposition that might have remained for revolt in that quarter. The volunteers conducted themselves in the most orderly manner ; proving they would neither injure, nor molest, their disafl'ected neighbours, unless actually in open arms against their Sovereign. The volunteers of that district were retained on service under Major Mayne until the end of April. UUaCUII'TION. 21 Ol'EUATIONS AT rUKsCOT. An in tlu' lelH'Uion of 18.')7, rt »in»l>"fh »» >H'l»«If of the (liNafft-cted Canudians now existed along tlic Iwrdcrs, and they concentrated tlieir whole force upon the Prescot frontier, with the intention of talking tliat town. An attempt had already been made, the report of which reaclud Montreal l)y despatch, when Colonel Wetherall, with two Hank companies of the lloyalH, commenced a forced march to its support. On our way, we passed Fort Coteau du Lae, an important post on the St. Lawrence, which had been dismantled, and the guns throw into the river, of which sixteen twenty-four pounders, and four hundred round si.. »."re subse- (luently recovered. This was effected through the exertions of the cotnmandant Major Bell, Royal Regiment, in the depth of winter, notwithstanding the attempt had been declared impracticable. We reached Prescot too late to witness the dis- lodgement of the rebels, but gained the following intelligence :— At midnight of November 11, two schooners, having on board between four and five hundred armed men, appeared off Ogdensburg, directly fronting the town of Prescot, which is bounded by the St. Lawrence, at that part about a mile wide. Sus- picions of a hostile intention from the borderers had been long entertained, although the place of destination remained altogether in doubt ; and as a precautionary mea- sure, a guard of observation was stationed a.shore, while the naval force, under Captain Sandon, R. N. cruised between Kingston and Prescot. Conscciuently the movements of the Sympathisers did not pass unheeded; the Experimtat, steamer, Lieutenant- Fowle, R. N. mounting three guns only, was on the look-out ; and on shorts si call to arms was sounded, and u general muster of all who could procure fire-arms, or other implements wherewith to repel the brigands. This force comprised a company of Glengarry volunteers enlisted in the Queen's service ; the militia of Johnstown district, only a few days arrived ; with some few of the townsmen ; in all not more than three hundred men ; and for these there were but few arms, and a small quan- tity of powder. At an early hour on the morning of the 12th, one of the schooners endea- voured to effect a landing at a wharf, but, to her surprise, was hailed by Lieutenant- Colonel Young, accompanied by Mr. Jones a magistrate, with about ten or twelve others ; when she hoisted sail, and cast anchor at her old moorings, but must have soon got under weigh again, for at half-past seven the ferry-boat Paul Pry ar- rived with information that the steamer United States had been forcibly seized by three hundred of her men. The report was soon verified by the United States G m 22 DESCRIPTION. Steam-boat assuming a threatening position in mid-channel. The Experiment was, however, on the alert, and, although her crew included not more than twenty men with a few volunteers from shore, was able to keep her at bay. After a time, one of the schooners dropped down the stream about a mile aud a half opposite to a windmill, and commenced landing her men and arms. The United States also steered in that direction, when the Experiment fired a cannonade at her as she passed ; but deemed it far from prudent to leave the town unprotected. The rebel steamer ran along side the schooner, and commenced landing her men. The second schooner now approached still nearer the fort, the Experiment bore down upon her, and discharged her guns with great eifect. About mid-day, the United States boat again made her appearance ; but the first fire of the Experiment having done considerable damage to the steerage, besides blowing off the head of the helmsman, obliged her to go into Ogdensburg to repair. The brigands had commenced throwing up an intrenchment where they landed, but to offer any re- sistance by land with the force then in the town was out of the question. One hundred and fifty armed volunteers under Lieutenant-Colonel Go wan, with some spare arras and ammunition having arrived, as well as two armed steam-boats, the Coburg and Victoria, commanded by Captain Sandon, R. N. it was determined to attack the brigands in their position at seven a.m. of the 13th. Reinforced by thirty- five men of the 83rd regiment under Lieutenant Johnson, and forty marines under Lieutenant Parker, being the whole complement from on board the steam-boats under Captain Sandon, Lieutenant-Colonel Young commenced the attack by a simultaneous movement on two sides, while Captain Sandon was to attract their three field-pieces by his fire on the water front. The left column, destined to turn the enemies' right, was led by Lieutenant- Colonel Frazer, of the Militia, composed of Lieutenant Parker's men, the Glengarry volunteers under Captain Macdonell, and a force of Grenville and Stormont militia under Colonel Martel and Captains Jones and Frazer, while the right was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Young, consisting of Lieutenant Johnson's party, the Queen's Borderers, with one hundred of Colonel Martel's men under Lieutenant-Colonel Gowan. The enemy was strongly posted behind stone walls on rising ground, but the intre- pidity of the troops overcame those obstacles, and in an hour they were driven into the windmill and stone houses adjacent. The fire of the traitors was particularly destructive. Lieutenant Johnson, in a daring attempt with a few of his men to storm a house, fell, amongst others, mortally wounded ; and Lieutenant Parker, of the Royal Marines, was shot through the arm in nobly attempting to succour him. It was the opinion of the surgeons that Lieu- tenant Johnson might have been saved had the merciless wretches not covered his DESCRIPTION. 23 body with that murderous fire, which rendered every attempt at assistance utterly fruitless. Lieutenant Dulmage, of the Grenville Militia, was killed ; and Lieutenant Parlour, of the 2nd Dundas, and Ensign Macdonnell, of the Glengarries, were wounded. The computed loss altogether was forty-five, while that of the enemy, especially in officers of note, was great. Two leaders, named Brown and Phillips, were killed, and thirty-two prisoners taken. The position of the rebels was particularly strong ; so much so, that the armed steam-boats and musketry were unable to make any impression ; besides which, the ammunition had run short. In order, therefore, to avoid further risk of life. Colonel Young, at 3 p. m. determined to wait the arrival of heavier metal, and withdrew the forces, leaving Captain Macdonell, with his Glengarries, and other volunteers, to throw out videttes, and guard the position for the night. Captain Sandon also with- drew his force, with the exception of one boat, left as a protection and guard, and returned to Kingston for heavier metal and fresh supplies. Nov. 15th.— Another attack was made. The Honourable Colonel Dundas having arrived from Kingston, with four companies of the 83r