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Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m6thode. by errata led to ent line pelure, fapon d 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 4 5 6 #^ I 4 NOTES OF AN EXFLE TO } VAN DIEMAN'S LAND: COMTRISIN*; IXCIDKNTS OF THK CANADIAN RKHI.I.MON IN IS.')S, TRIAT OP TIIF; AinUOUlN CANAOA, and srusKiilKXT ArriCAKANCl-: UIOFOUK IIKit. .M\.n:STY'S ( OURT OF (U'I:KN S HEXCH, IN LdNDON, IMPRISONMENT IN EN(;i,ANI), AND TRANSroKTAT.ION TO \ 4S lUKMANS LAND. ALSO AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOUHinhE SlII ERINOS ENDl RET* KV NINETY I'OMTICAl PRISONERS DtKING A RESIDENCE OF SIX YEARS IN THAT LAND OF IJRITISU SI.AVERY, TOCIETUER WITH SKETCHES OF THE ISLAND, ITS HISTORY, PRODUCTIONS, INHAIilT V NTS, iliC. &,C. Slaves cat! breathe in Knghiiid. (1 4 BY M NUS W. MI I, L \\R. FRED ONI A, N. Y : PlilNTED BY W. McKINSTRV & CO. 184G. il w m mm a u tx^ftp'^af^.'^ -^rr--EK--v..^"--y .v ^ n i» H gpt fr ia;* u i^ Entercil according to Act of Congrcs.-^, in the yoar 1S-1<), By Linus ^\'. Miller, In the Clerk'3 Office of the Northern District of New-York. TO H ON. \V [ L ]/[ A M [I. 8 E W A R I ). THE FlilENI) OF J.IinCKTV ANT) THE I'llILANTHUOPIST, THi:Si: LNPRKTEXDINf; PACES ARE IXSCIIIDEI), (MY rERMISSfox.) wiiii n;i:r.rM;.s or rRDFouisn i:kspe< r. Eir HIS IILMULE AND (iRA TKrUI- SKRVANf, L. W. M I L L E i; PREFACE. A history of the wrongs and sufTerings of the Canadian State Prisoners, is a subject in which the PubKc have felt so deep an interest, that no apology can be necessary for the appearance of this work in that respect ; but the relation of some of the autlior's own adventures, althouu'ii intimately connected with the foregoing, may possibly be viewed in a diflbrent light ; and he feels it due to himself to say that they wore introduced in accordance with the suggestions of nume- rous frieihls, with greater dItHdcnce than their prominence might seem to indicate. In giving these slight sketches of the Canadian rebellion, he has been actuated by a desire to cor- rect some false iini)ressions current with the American Public in regard to the feelings and character of the Canadians in their late unhappy struggle for independence. The proceediiicjrs in the courts of London should), perhaps, have been placed in the appendix, but it is hoped tiic lengthy arguments of the opposing counsel will not be regarded as altogether uninteresting and valueless, by the intelligent reader. In quoting the language of others, it has been necessary, in order to give a correct idea of the character of many in authority in the British dominions, and the abuse endured by the prisoners, their mental sufferings, &c., to introduce that which is objectionable ; yet it has been done with the great- est reluctance, and in as guarded a manner as practicable. A^ Some typographical errors occur in the work, whicli might have been avoided, had it been convenient for the author jxjr- sonally to correct and revise the proof sheets ; but they are, in general, of such a nature as to be readily detected and understood by the intelligent reader. Tiie author feels free to acknowledge, that the work is, in many respects, imperfect ; but trusts that it has one redeeming feature at least ; the facts which are related arc neither col- ored or exaggerated. Stocktox, N. Y., Oct. U), 184G. -----"*- .-■— ■■^- CONTENTS: CIIAl'TKll I. 'Voar ihrouuli (':ii\iula. — I'opiihir FcM.'ling. — Amerii-an Synipmhy. — The Aullioi- joins the Catmdians i Kxecutlon of I'nliticiil On't'iulL'i's. — AttiMiipt to rosciiu sovi-n men imdor Si'Mtcnci' of Dcnlh. — Tlic I'lince of Traitors. — (.'aniuliati I'atriotisni. — British Ollicor.— Narrow Ks«;ai)e 4 C'lIAI'TK U I II. (Jen. Mt'Lcod. — Anocdotos. — The Short Hills I'arty. — Cro'^sin;; the Niauara. — (ami) of the IJebeis. — Attack on the Knemy. — Jhe Pri- soners. — Murder prevented. — A niulit in tiie bush 17 CIIAPTKll IV. Tiicl't. — The iViendly Mau'istrafi'. — -Stai'vation In a Lotr-heaj). — The 1/ittle Orphan (lirl. — The Peasant \\'onnin. — The J-liieniy. — The Chase and Capture .'M ClIAPTEU v. riie brave Lieutenant. — Falsehood.— Tlie IJoard of Alafiistrates. — Trip to Head (Quarters. — An L'nphjasant ()e( lO'renee. — 'i'he Kes- cued l^aiueis. — Arrival of Col. Townsend. — Seeia- at the Pavilion Hotel. — The Author in Prison 44 CHAPTER VI. The Captives. — Tlie First Kluiit in Prison.— The Examination. — The .Magistrates .'". rrl CHAPTER VII. Kcmoval to Klairara. — Rctleeflons. — Lundy's Lane. — Morrow's Toast. — The .Fail. — Friends of the Pri-oiv-rs. — Filial Ailection, &c. — Ilemoval to T'oronto. — '.rreatme"! - Ihe Fourth of July. — False Alarms, ^e. — .'•■ir (Jeorjze Aiihur.— iielurn to Niajrara. — Special Sessions. — Trial of the boy, Cooley. — The Indictment. — The Cor- rupt Court , in VIII CII.APTEK VIII. Trial atvl Sentence of Col. James Morrow. — The C'onclcnuicd Cell. — Some IVticiilurs of his Life. — Visits of the Cnnailian Clergy men.— Vreparation for Death. — The Consolations of Keliyion. — lie prays for his Kneniies. — Hl.s I)>in;» Messuj^e «iits from Friends. — Inter- cession of the Lancers. — Letter of the Hon. W. II. Seward to Sir George Arthur. — Sentence of Death commuted to Iran.-pnitalion to Van Dieman's Land. — Ilemoval to Fort Ileury. — The Parting. — Intercession of Mrs. Wait and Miss Chandler. — Desertion of British Regulars. — Arrival at the Fort. — The Point-Au-Polee Prisoners, and others. — The Kx PoH Facto Law. — Tieatmcnt of the Prisoners. — Exercise. ---Mr. AV'ixon. — Mr. Parker. — Letters to Friends. — Sherif MacDonald. — Treatment of David Taylor. — Death-bed Scene. — Arrival of Prisoners from Niagara. — Visits of Sir (ieorge Arthur. — The Unwelcome Motice. 9.> CHAPTER XII. Removal of Twenty-three Prisoners. —The Steamer Cobourg. — The Thousand Islands. — Dreatt. — Amusing Incident. — The Rapids — Cornwall. — A Tyrant. — Ciossing of the Patriots at Prescott. — Alarm of the Enemy. — Co-teau (In Lac. — Incidents. — Cascades. — The Ravages of War. — Ucaulianiois in Ruins. — Desolation of the Country, Plunder, iS^c, by ihe Rritish Army. — Mansion House of Air. Ellis. — The Soldier'.s Account of the Burning of St. Deunin and St. Eustuchc. — Sir John Colborne. — Montreal. — The (iiiard House.— Brutal Treatment.— Col. Town- eend. — The Mob.— The Loval Irishman and Xegro. — Anecdotes of the Negro on Sentry — and Drill Sergeant. — Arrival at Que- bec. — The Jailor. — Notice of Removal to Eniiland. — Enibaikation. 107 V IX CHAPTER XIII. I'lii' Irishman's Soliloquy. — The Lumbor Vci^sul "Captain Hogs." — i'he I'rision Cabin. — 'I he Rntiuns. — ('apt. Morton. — 'I'he (lU.arJ of SoMitTrt. — Sca-Sickiifss. — The Ciaie. — Sufrorin;^9 of thu PriHonerx. -Anumpt to Mutiny. — The 'JVaitor. — A soonc on Deck. — Sail, ho! — Speaking tliu Haltinioru Clipper.— Arrival at Iiiv«'rp(»ol. — llcmarkd IIS ClIAPTKK XIV. 'I lie Laiidini;. — I'he Prison. -En;.'liMh Sympathy. — Tiie Exoelienf Ciiiiplain. — Pri-Hon Kejjulat ions. -The Prison Chapel. — Friends iVom Lou'lon. — Henioval of' Eleven I'risouers to Portsiiiouili. — Till' (iuii;. — The .Journev to Lorn Ion, \e. \.i' l'J7 CII A PTE II X \ N'(!vvjrate Prison. — Treatment. — The Chaplain. — Chapel. --The Va\d)ation System. — Increase of Crime, iS:c. — Fndtarrassmeut of the Colonial (lovernment, and Taxation. — Disatlection, ^;c., of the C'olonist Po[)nlation. — State of Society. — Intem[)eran( c. — Fdiication. — Sunday Schools. — Pub- lic Institutions, Societies, ^;c. — IJeligion. — Administration of Jus- tice. — The Aboriginal Inhabitants. — Products of the Island. — Animals, Vegetables, iS:c -V'T CHAPTEi; XXIX. Concluding Kcniarks upon the British Transportation System. — Con- dition {){' the Canadian J'risoners. — Suit against the Colonial Gov- ernment for False Impiisonment. — l)ej)arture from Van Dieman's Land on the Uritish Merchant Vessel ''Sons of Conunerc<'." — Arrival at Pernambuco. — Kindness of Strangers. — ^'oyage direct to the United States, on the American Ihircpie "(ilobe."' — l^anding at New Castle, in Delaware. — Philadelphia. — New York. — Arri- val at IJunic.— Conclusion 3G6 ; M_i i f ■ NOTES ON CANADA, ENGLAND AND VAN DIEMAN'S LAND. CHAPTER I. Tour through Canada. — Popular Feeling. — American Sympathy. — The Author joln» the Canadians. After all that has been written and said, concerning tlie late rebellion of the Canadas, it would be superfluous to attempt giving a history of the eventful period of 1837-8; or of the causes which led to the outbreak. Justice to the Canadians, and* those of my countrymen who have participa- ted in their struggles, requires, however, the statement of a lew facts relative to the important question of justification, on the part of the revolutionists. Previous to joining my fate with theirs, in the unfortunate affair, I made a tour, early in the spring of '38, through the most populous districts of the Upper Province, to satisfy myself on this point. It 'will be recollected that the first outbreak had proved a failure; that Navy Island had bee a abandoned ; and that the battle at Point-au-Pelee, between a large British force and a handful of brave Patriots, had ended in a dear victory to the former. The natural tendency oi" these events was, to discourage the liberal party in Canada; and the inconveniences to which they had been subjected, through these trying times, would, had the causes of tht? outbreak been as light and trivial as its enemies assert, have « NOTES OP AN EXILE, ON CANADA. sickened them of the unequal contest, and effectually crushed the spirit of rebellion. Such, however, was far from beinp the case. A large majority of the most respectable Canadians whom I visited, on learning my business and motives, discov- ered their sentiments upon the dangerous subject with much frankness ; sat down with me at their own firesides, and tohl mk; of the wrongs and injuries of Canada ; of the events which h.'id changed good loyal subjects of the crown into enemies ; jiiienated their hearts from the so long worshipped mother country, and caused them to regard their homes in this west- ern world as no longer the abode of peace and plenty, quietudr juid happiness, and sacred justice. The blight and mildew of iiiisnile had repeatedly passed over the land. Year after year British aggref^sions upon their rights, and indifference to their wrongs and oft-repeated remonstrances against grievan- ces, had increased until all hopes of redress had passed away, in their distress they had turned their eyes to these United States; studied our glorious and peaceful institutions, until they imbibed the s})irit of the heroes of the American Revo- hition, and felt the God-like divinity of liberty stirring within tlieir souls, and rousing their slumbering energies to action. They remembered that Heaven had raised up help in thai .(ilark period to our struggling forefathers, and took courage. Feeling tJieir cause to be equally just and righteous, the} boldly crossed the Rubicon, confiding in the God of battles, nor doubting that stout hands and brave hearts fi*om this home of liberty would join with theirs in purchasing, if neces- s;u*y, the blessings of free government. Mismanagement and indiscretion in their leaders had led to repeated defeats; driven many thousands of their most eftec.tive men into exile in the United States; thrown many hundreds into prison, and desola- ted the land. The menials of the British government were every where in power, and individuals suspected of favoring the revolutionists were subject to every indignity and abuse which the ingenuity of their enemies could devise. Houses nnd barns were burned, hearths desecrated, property wanton- ly destroyed, and females insulted, and sometimes violated ♦with impunity. The heads of venerable sires, white with the m "'S*.!., II mllli ENGLAND AND VAN DICMAN S LAND. 3 snows of {ige, were covered with wounds, inflicted by the cudgels of the Tories. I was universally assured that a lajgt majority of the most respectable Canadians, were more anx- ious than ever for independence, and that the situation of the country alone prevented their effective organization; — pai with arms in their hands; and if American citizens prize the institutions of their own countrv, and wish to see them <^xtcnded to their suffering neighbors, they will be willing t.i join in the righteous cause. When sufficient numbers cout^ over to give some hope of success, we are ready to suppoit ifiom with our property and our lives. If there are any L;i Fayettes, Kosciuskos, and De Kalbs among your countrymen, in them oome to our aid; and, whether we prosper or not, th.ey will at least be rewarded with our gratitude," Such wore the words of tlic Canadians — such their situation in tlij spring of 1838. On the American side, and along the northern frontier, intense excitement prevailed. Extensive preparations wei\» v-mig made for the invasion of Canada, by the refugees and American citizens combined. The former had fled to our shores for safety. pi*otection and succor. The latter had CDened their doors to them, listened to the tale of their wrong> .'.nd sufferings, and made their cause their own. Tens o\ thousands of the most respectable citizens of the northen< States cheerfully and zealously gave their influence to th." cause, and, directly or indirectly, encouraged the enterprise. Reader! the author has no apology, nor does he wish any. beyond these simple facts, for joining in the Canadian rebeU lion. Let those of our citizens who prize not our own glorious institutions, — who have forgotten that they were purchased 1 T f i i I' 4 NOTES OP AN EXILE, ON CANADA, in part by the blood of foreigners, — who have no compassion for the woes of others, and never read the holy precept which commands that we should do unto others as we would they should do unto us, — who are Tories in heart and would sell their country for a smile from British aristocracy, — who are COWARDS and dare not fight, either for themselves or others, lift up their hands in righteous horror and holy indignation at the depravity of heart which led a youth of twenty years of of age to join his fate with the oppressed Canadians ! CHAPTER 11. Execution of Poliiical Offenders. — Attempt to rescue seven men under Sentence of Death. — The Prince of Traitors. — Canadian Fatriotisra. — British Officer. — A Narrow Escape. There are reasons existing which forbid the relation of many interesting incidents of the Canadian rebellion. One adventure, however, it is right the world should know, as it will justly expose a man whose name will necessarily appear in subsequent chapters of these notes. For the sake of hivS relatives, some of whom I know to be respectable and estima- ble, I would willingly lean to the side of mercy, and cover the deeds of the renegade with the veil of oblivion; but justice will not admit of either silence or palliation. On Friday, the 13th April, 1838, Samuel Lount and Peter Matthews were executed. The deep excitement which their martyrdom created throughout the Canadas caused many a Tory heart to tremble for fear of retributive justice. Those of my readers who were conversant with those trying times, will not have forgotten, that the wives of ^he doomed men, supported by the petitions and prayers for mercy of tens oi' thousands of British subjects, implored upon their knees of the Lieutenant Governor, the boon of life for the partners of their bosoms; that he, while they clung to his knees, and plead with all the power of woman's fervent love and hallowed devotion, coldly spurned them from his feet, and that after the m m m 1 5 M -A ENGLAND AND VAN DIEMAN 8 LAND. 5 enactment of the disgraceful tragedy, they were again spurn- ed from the same humble position, while begging for the mangled and lifeless remains of those they so dearly loved. Oh ! the deep and holy affection of a wife ; to supplicate with bended knee, kissing the feet of the tyrant, washing them with her tears, for the mangled clay of tlie loved one. Oh! the coldness, the hardness, the barrenness, the utter desolation of feeling, the entire prostration of every ennobling quality, which nerved this representative of Queen Victoria, to spurn one of her sex from his feet, with such a prayer! This want of all humanity on the part of the chief execu- tive, gave reason to fear that seven men lying under sentence of death at Hamilton, would share the same fate.* On Saturday, the 14th April, the C. 11. R. Association, com- posed of Canadian refugees, and under whose instructions I liad been acting for some time, called a meeting at Lockport, lor the purpose of devising means for saving these men. After sitting WMth closed doors for some time, 1 was summon- ed into their presence and informed by the President that the Association had selected me to perform the perilous and important duty of rescuing the doomed men from death. Awful as such a responsibility was, my feelings on accepting tiie proposal from the venerable and excellent President, were unbounded joy, at the opportunity of risking my own life to save these devoted men, and not a little pride, that such an enterprise was entrusted to me. *Tbe " Hamilton Express," of the 7th ultimo, contained the following: "WKDNESDAy, April 4th. "This day the court aaseaibled to give judgment on the prisoners. His Lordship addressed them on the enormity of their crime, and tlie awful situation in which they stood. SENTENCES. " William Webb and John Hammill — sentence of de«th recorded, wiili nn assurance that their case would be represented to the executive, not to enforce the sentence. "Horatio Hills, Stephen Smith, CiMrlea Walworth, Ephraim Cook, John Tvfford, Nathan Town, and Peter Malcolm, — Death ! " The court taid that in consequence of the protection Peter Malcolm aflbrded to the Ilev. Mr. Evans, his case would be favorably represented to the executive. •' The prisoners were ordered for execution on Friday, the 20th April, instant. "Hills and Smith wept bitterly ; the other prisoners received their sentences with firmness, but seemed to feel like men who knew their dreadful situation. " The court was then dissolved." i NOTES OF AN EXILE, QN CANADA, Dr. Wilson, a member of the association, and a brave man as Canada can boast of, accompanied me; after being com- mended by our friends to the care and protection of Ahnighty God, we took the rail-road cars for Niagara Falls, where we arrived early in the evening. The planning and execution of the enterprise was Jeft to myself. I purposed to cross into Canada that evening, raise 200 efficient men, proceed in secret to Hamilton, and on Thursday evening, at the hour of twelve, the Doctor with a piquet was to attack Dundern Castle as a ruKc ; — another small party were to take possession of a steani- l)oat, which always lay at the wharf during the evening, and by the aid of an engineer of our own, to prepare her for th(; reception of the main body, with which I was to surprise the jail, force the doors, &c., and press the prisoners on board; there to be joined by the Doctor and all hands, to whistles Yankee Doodle until we landed our valuable freight on Yankee ground; — a capital plan, kind reader, had it been accomplished. At the Falls, the Doctor informed me that an acquaintance of his at that place, a Canadian refugee, and relative of one ol" the doomed men, might be made a valuable auxiliary, as he knew him to be a brave, trustworthy fellow. I desired an introduction, and in five minutes time, a tall, stout built, dai-k (^omplexioned man was announced by my friend as "Mr. Jacob Beemer." There was something in his eye which at first made me distrustful, but this unfavorable impression was removed, when in reply to my questions he informed me that his own uncle was one of the doomed men, and burst into tears. On being informed of my business, he seized my hand, and, imploring the richest of Heaven's blessings on my head, entreated permission to join the enterprise. As he was a proscribed man in Canada, I pointed out the danger that he would incur, but he assured me he could disguise himself, go to his native town, raise fifty men and meet me near Hamilton at the time appointed. He was very urgent to learn my plans, but as I had deter- mined to have no other confident than the Doctor, to, avoid ENGLAND AND VAN DIBMAN S LAND. the possibility of treachery, I reasoned with him on the impropriety of his request; but he fell to crying again, and urged that as his own uncle was one of the prisoners I ought not to distrust him, — that he wished to say to his neighbors that he understood and approved of the plan, as an induce- ment for them to enlist, &c., &c. Believing human nature incapable of treachery under such circumstances, I gave him the desired particulars. He listened with the deepest inter- est, approved of all, and promised faithfully to commence his journey the next morning, and act his part with promti- tude and discretion. Thus we parted; the Doctor and myself traveling all night, crossing Grand Island on our way, and arriving m Canada early the next mornmg. It has been erroneously asserted that the Canadians arc so unfeeling and selfish that sooner than do a noble deed, at the risk of property or life, they would cling to their hearth- stones and see their nearest friends sacrificed. From close observation and experience, I know the reverse to be the case. A more generous, self-sacrificing people never lived. With the same opportunities and encouragements which our forefathers enjoyed in 1776, I doubt not they would have proved themselves in every respect their equals. Their love of liberty and independence, was a deep and fixed principle, which fortune, in the unfortunate struggle, compelled them to confine within their own breasts, and its influences to their own private and hallowed firesides. It was there that the pent up flame would burst forth; there with closed doors the mbust son would draw from its place of conceal- ment the polished musket, and, as far as practicable, accus- tom himself to its use, while the fond parents exhorted him to deeds of valor — parental love bowing to that of country, and enabling them to dedicate their heart's pride, and the hope of their old age, to the cause nearest their hearts. It was there, when the family knelt around the altar, and their humble orisons were breathed forth to the Almighty Ruler of the Universe for his fatherly care and protection, that the low, but fervent and oft agonizing petition might be heard, for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, to stretch forth - I 8 NOTES OP AN EXILE, ON CANADA, His almighty arm for the salvation of Canada; for His grace and mercy to those of their countrymen in prison and exile; and success to the efforts being made for the establishment oi free institutions. Reader, scenes like these inspired me with confidence, and made me an enthusiast in their cause. To a superficial observer traveling through Canada, there •vvas little in outward appearances to tell the deceptive tale. I once met an American in company with two or three Can- adians, whom I knew to be devoted to our cause, and in the constant habit of beseeching Almighty God to bless and prosper it. The following dialogue, as near as I can recol- lect, took place: Stranger. — "Gentlemen, you appear to be men of respecta- bility and candor: I wish to satisfy myself upon some mattei> of dispute in the States, with regard to the wishes of the Canadians, in general, for a change of government. Will you have the kindness to oblige me with your own views upon the subject?" My friends looked at each other, and then at the stranger for a moment, when one, with but little apparent hesitation, said, in reply, — '*• We can have no objections to answering your reasonable questions. I can speak for myself and neighbors. We are contented. We prefer our own institutions to those of the United States, and are ready and willing to defend them with our lives. We have no fellowship with those given to change." The American gentleman politely thanked them — said he thought wrong impressions had gone abroad, which he should henceforth use his influence to correct, and rode on his way. Expressing surprise at what I had witnessed, they laugh- ingly replied, — "What, did you think us such fools as to open our hearts to a stranger, in such times as these'? He might have been an emissary of the government, and in less than 24 hours, we, with our neighbors, been thrown into jail, to pine for months without a hearing of any kind- Instances of this kind are not uncommon. It is true, he might be an honest man, but then, how many honest hearts I I ENOLAMD AHD VAN DIBMAN 8 LAND. IS erace id exile; ishment lired mc r cause, a, there ve tale, ee Can- d in tho- ess and n recol- 3specta- mattei> 1 of the . Will 1 vie\vs itranj^er itation. sonable We are of the d them iven to said he should s way. laugh - as to He in less n into kind. 1 le, he hearts i nre indiscreet. A dozen words which he had heard from our lips, told without any evil intention to some of the Tories, would most likely have produced the same result. But let him show himself, with only a thousand men, on this side of the line, a number barely sufHcient to give us some hopes of success, and we will fight our way through the ranks of the enemy to join him; and so will three fourths of Canada. We are no cowards; we want liberty, and are willing to fight for it; but experience has taught us j)rudence. You Americans judge us harshly; you say, 'if the Canadians want a change of government, why do they not turn out and fight like men, as our forefathers of '76 did? This would be some proof, and we, as Americans, should have an excuse, as well as confi- dence, to help them.' But compare our situation with that of the thirteen American colonies in '76, and you will find less reason to condemn us. You were far more numerous than we are, although the proportion of your Tories, was greater than ours. You had an immense territory to fight and organize upon ; when defeated in one colony you could retreat to another, and there collect your scattering forces and again unfurl your banner. The British could only main- tain their authority and supremacy at a few important points, in the vicinity of which the Tories exerted the same evil influences that they do here; and the revolutionists were as glad as we are to remain quiet. Our territory is so limited that the British forces, combined with the Tories, awe us all at one time. We are so narrowly watched that a man cannot stir from his own door without exciting suspicion, or trust his best friend with the secrets of his heart, lest indiscretion should betray him. An informer can reside in a neighborhood without being suspected, and by simply going to a magistrate and making oath that he suspects certain parties of treasonable practices, cause them to be thrown into prison, without further ceremony, where they must lie, until the habeas corpus comes in force." On my arrival in Canada, I found the inhabitants under the influence of intense excitement, occasioned by the past and pending executions ; and when I made known my business, m N^TRA OF AN EXILE, ON CANADA, all were anxious to join in the enterprise. Had the nature of the case required it, thousands, instead of hundreds, were ready to risk their lives to save the doomed men. The murderous sacrifice of the lamented Lount and Matthews had so wrought upon their minds as to render them regard- less of consequences. Leaving Dr. W. to select the necessary number of men from the host of anxious volunteers, and force his way under cover of night and the bush to Hamilton, I rode forward to make the necessary arrangements. My friends carrying me from one town to another, and only stopping to exchange horses and their riders, I got neither sleep or rest for four days and nights, except at the intervals of exchange, which seldom exceeded twenty minutes. For forty-eight hours it rained or snowed incessantly, in consequence of which my overclothes were frequently covered with ice an inch thick, yet I never heard a word of complaint from my guides, nor saw a man who did not, on learning my business, bid me God speed, and with very few exceptions, ask permission to join the party. Old men seemed to forget their age and families, and young men their sweet-hearts. One noble-hearted Canadian youth, living near the Short Hills, of most respectable connections, Mr. John W. Brown, accompanied me for a few miles on Tuesday evening. Pleased with his zeal and gallant bearing, I promised him that he should share in the enterprise if he liked ; at which he was greatly overjoyed, and cut many a wild freak with his horse, jumping him over stumps and fences, to show his dexterity and horsemanship;. often, the while, muttering to himself, "They shan't be hung, by G — d! Death! — what if I am killed] who would not die in such a causel" Those of my readers who have read the beautiful and affecting story of Lefevre, will pardon me for introducing the above sentence. I have known the young man since for a long time, and never heard him utter another oath, or make use of an improper word. At the exchange of horses, I had scarcely bid him adieu, ere I heard a faint groan, evidently proceeding from my friend. Upon inquiring if he was hurt, RNOLAMD AND VAN D1RMAN> LAND. H te nature Jds, were n. The Matthews I regard - ■ of men ay under rward to ying me xchange for four I, which hours it tiich my 1 thick, ies, nor bid me ssion to ige and ! Short ^rowii, •^enino;. ed him which : with ow his ing to -what Those ectina: above lonjj e use |[ had ently hurtj he replied that the hoise had merely given him a siight kick; and entreated me not to stop on his account, as every mo- ment's delay was of importance. I afterwards learned that his leg was broken, and fear of causing me any delay^ prevented him from acknowledging the truth. Such was a Canadian youth. On Wednesday evening, I found myself in the vicinity of Hamilton, and nearly worn out with fatigue. In the morning [ called upon a man by the name of Jorden, a schoolmaster by profession, who professed to be a staunch Rebel, and desired him to go in the evening, and guide a party of men from a certain point in the bush, to the place of rendezvous. After parting from him, I altered my dress, wig, &c., and felt myself secure in entering Hamilton. This precaution, as the sequel will show, proved to my advantage. I was not a little surprised to find the town full of soldiers, and the militia hastily pouring in from the surrounding country. Hastening to my friends who were greatly alarmed at seeing me in the midst of my enemies, I was informed that I had been betrayed. Information had been given to government that 2000 men mere coming to rescue the prisoners; with all the details of my plans. Every thing was correct, except the cipher added to the 200. They informed me that Dun- dern Castle, the steamboat, entrance to the harbor, jail and surrounding buildings, were all strongly guarded by militia and British regulars; (a goodly number of the latter being necessary to secure the obedience of the former;) that the government were greatly alarmed, and had, upon receipt of the information, instantly granted a respite to the prisoners, and caused news to be circulated in great haste throughout the country that there would be no more executions for political offences. And, in short, they greatly feared the vengeance of the whole country. Messengers were imme- diately despatched to intercept my men, with news of the safety of the prisoners, and orders for them to return in secrecy to their homes, which was done ; and the authorities, after much investigation, came to the conclusion that there had been no rising. As for my trusty guide, Jorden, he went 12 NOTES OP AN EXILE, ON CANADA, near enough to the party to see them in the bush, hastened to town and made oath to the fact; but the magistrates, haying been before imposed upon with false information, detained him in custody, while they sent spies to reconnoi- tre. In the mean time, the men had returned as ordered, and the treacherous Jorden, in spite of oaths and protesta- tions of innocence, was committed to jail, to take his trial for perjury, and eventually received a sentence of three months imprisonment. Putting up at the hotel generally frequented by the British officers, I enjoyed an agreeable chat at the dinner table with several epaulet gents, who threatened utter extermination to the Rebels, who were expected to attack the town that night; and after each had proved himself equal in strength and prowess to a host of Yankees, the conversation turned more particularly upon the leader of the party, whom they described as a tall, ferocious-looking Yankee. "I hear,'' said a young lieutenant, *'that he disguises himself with false wigs, whiskers, &e., but I defy the devil to cheat me; let me see him but for an instant, and I'll detect him I warrant ye. — I should like to get hold of the fellow," said he, ad(iressing me; "we would hang him without judge or jury." "Ah yes," responded several kindred spirits, "we would burn him alive for his presumption in daring to trust himself this side of the line." " These Yankees are strange fellows," I replied, and rose to leave the table. " Gentlemen," said an elderly officer, who had hitherto listened with evident disgust to the conversation, " you talk bravely when there is no danger, but, place you face to face with this same Yankee, as you term him, and may be you would brag less. I was at the battle of Lundy's Lane in the last war, and I assure you, we British did not feel like boasting during the action, although we have learned to do so, since there is no longer danger of a fair fight." This was a bold speech to men already inflated with wine, and, before he had done, I observed seveial young officers lay their hands upon their sword hilts ; but the offending party V§ ENGLAND AND VAN DIEMAN^S LAND. 4k merely smiled a glance at me, and added, " Do you, younjj gentlemen, understand the sword exercise 1 I have pracHced much in my time, and hold myself a match for half a dozen raw hands." This speech set the young fellows to playing with their military buttons. I replied, that my profession made it unnecessary for me to learn fencing, except as an accomplishment. The veteran then rose and left the room without ceremony, but I noticed a sarcastic smile upon his honest, open countenance. As he passed out, he beckoned to me to follow ; and when alone, thus addressed me, — " My friend, I perceive from your manners and address, that you are an American." I felt my false whiskers actually twitching my cheeks, and the hair of my wig standing on end ; but maintained iiiy com- posure and thrust my hand carelessly into my pocket, where lay a trusty pistol, which, somehow, seemed to cock itself when my fingers came in contact with it, with an audible ''Click:' Whether my new acquaintance heard the sound or not, I <:annot say ; at any rate he took no notice of it, but contin- ued: "I thought, my friend, that I might serve you by a hint; you will be liable to abuse if those hot-headed young gents suspect your nationality, and I should be very sorry to have any of your countrymen insulted here. Should there be any thing worth noticing, he added, I dare say you carry pistols, and know their use?" Here I could scarce refrain from drawing one forth and demanding silence from his officious tongue ; but I waited with impatience to hear "what next ?" "In such a case — that is, you understand me — a case that requires a friend, I shall be happy to act in that capacity. — I have a brace of as good duelling pistols, should yours not answer the purpose, as ever winged an impertinent green- horn; they will be at your service, as well as myself; and now, here is my card. I trust there will be no occasion for you to trouble the owner for the purpose we have men- 14 NOTES OF AN EXILE, ON CAN AI>.i, tioRed^ but you must give me the pleasure of your company ey are friends, and if in the hour ot battle they must be enemies^ ^\'hy," said he, a smile lighting up his fine countenance, "il they fight as well as you Americans, the moment fighting is over, they are friends again. I knew a little occurrence to the point, happen in the last war. I was out with a small scouting party, and unexpectedly fell in with about an equal number of Americans. Both parties fired simultaneously, but from the haste and surprise of the moment, without doing'^any damage beyond that of making a button-hole or two in some of our coats. — But while reloading for another discharge, I observed a haversack among the Americans, which appeared to contain provisions, and had myself fired at a fellow picking a bone of some kind. Now, I was deuced hungry, and so were my men, but w^e had nothing except three flasks of good o]d whiskey, wherewith to satisfy the cravings of appetite ; con- sequently, I, for one, and T think I may safely include my companions without beiieing them, felt more like eating than fighting. The moment our pieces were loaded, and your countrymen had already brought theirs to the ' present,' I sung out, — *Hold! friends, a parley.' ^A parley it is,' said the American ensign who commanded. ' Men, ground your arms, but stand ready for action.' I seized our whis- key flasks and holding them up, said, ' we have three flasks of whiskey; what have you in that haversack of yours?' * Roast fowls, brown bread and cheese,"' was the reply. * What say you to sharing it with us, my good fellows ? We are hungry, and after we have had :i lunch, and all got rt sip of our whiskey, why, we can fight all the better if neces sary.^ A loud laugh was the first answer from both parties ; a short consultation followed among the Americans, when ENGLAND AND VAN DIEMAN^S LAND. 15 ' company ve always in the last othing; a il British eople, no ti.>ey are enemies, lance, "ii ighting is rrence to h a sranll an equal laste and ! beyond coats. — served a ) contain I a bone vere my ood old e ; con- ude mv eatinlying the whip most faithfully on my poor Dick's flanks. He wore my Scotch fur cap, which, from its peculiar- ities, was (jiiite unlike others worn in the country, and by which Gcjicral Scott had tracked me for two hundred miles. As for the Dutchman and myself, wc seated ourselves in his sleigh; I took the reins and Sambo's place. In a few minutes we met the pursuer, whose fine horses were foaming. I pulled my old hat over my eyes, while he drew up and inquired of the Dutchman if lie had met a gentleman in a jumper, wearing a large, high, and very curious Scotch fur cap? ' Yes, sir,' was the answer, ' he passed us half an hour since, driving hard.' 'That, my good friend, was General McLeod, of the Patriot army. He has given me a good chase, but his race is nearly run. I'll catch him this time, or my name is not Scott,' and away he flew; while we made the best of our way into the adjoining town. Meanwhile, the negro plied the whip faithfully; stimulated, no doubt, to win the new coat and hat. Scott soon hove in sight, and when within about 100 yards, began to shout at the top of his commanding voice, — 'General McLeod! General McLcod! I have a warrant for you, — surrender, you can't escape;' but the crack of his whip was Sambo's only reply. 'I say.' shouted he again, when he had got nearer, 'why don't you surrender] I'm Major General Scott, of the United States army; — I've been dogging you these three days. You ought to have thrown away your military cap! ha! ha! ha! — surren- ad MOTES OF AN EXILE, ON CANADA, n ,■ n a i I der, General McLcod, surrender.' In a moment or two, 8cott was alongside, and clapping his hand upon the shoulder of my humble representative, who averted his face as much as possible, he exclaimed, 'General McLcod, you are my prison- (jr.' 'Vot zur?' said Sambo, turning his black visage, and showing his ivory to great advantage; *vot you zay, zur? you — nigger,' was the no have arres' poor Sambo!' 'You — j)assionate exclamation, "where did you get that cap?' " James Waggoner, and a young friend by the name of David Deal, accompanied me to the Short Hills. The latter was one of the celebrated "Bill Johnson's" men, at the burning of the Sir Robert Peel steamboat, and the Thousand Island adventures. Ho was a brave young fellow as ever lived, but had no discretion. In short, as the General said to mo ontj elay, he was worth half a dozen prudent men at har before landing, I observed my young friend examining th(} j)riming of his double-barreled gun and pistols. A glance at the shore explained the cause of his alarm; it being lined lor a few rods with bushes, which, in the dark, aided by the imagination, might easily be conjured into cavalry, with their night cloaks, plumes and lances. "Hist! hist!" s;ii Deal. The boatmen lay on their oars. "No noise for your lives," whispered he. "Our bravery is about to be tried, my lads," I exclaimed, in a low voice; "look well to your arms, but by no means fu'e, until you see the flash of my rifle." "What is it!" whispered both boatmen in one breath. "Don't you seef said Deal, " a whole company of horse ranged up on the bank, waiting to receive us with all the honors of war. Is it not lucky! by Jupiter ! — we'll have each a horse to ride up to the Short Hills upon. Let me see," added he "bringing his piece to his face, " how easily I could coax that tall fellow with the lofty plume to dismount." "Remember your orders," I ex- claimed, and with much reluctance he let the piece fall to its usual position, muttering, "It's a shame to lose so good an aim. I had him fair between old Bet's muzzle and that patch RNOIiAND AND VAN DIRMAN 8 LANOw 2:1 of blue sky yonder. My aim was high, lest I shoiiiJ spcil th'> horse instead of the rider; besides, there's his fcath rs — ho v. well 1 should look with them in my cap." By this time, the boatmen, who had been whispering together, showed strong symptoms of rebellion. "I'm going back," said one; *'I didn't row you three fools over here, to be shot at for my pains, like a muskrat, by a whole troop of regular Britishers — not T; so here goes! Round to the boat, Jim, quick!" ''Not so fast, »ny good fellows," I replied, cocking my pistols, ''you have had your pay for landing us on the Canada shore, and I shall take care that vou do it." " For Heaven's sake, don't fire !" said he, his teeth chattering with fear. " Oh, my poor wife ! Oh, my — .'' "Silence! dastard! — give me your oar and lie down in the bottom of the boat." The fellow required no urging to get out of harm's way. "Now," said I to the others, "jump on shore in the midst of them the moment we are alongside. I will push off the boat for these cowards, and join you in time to mount a horse, — mind. Deal, and^pick me out a good one." "Shall I stand about getting you any feathcrsr' he replied, "they arc very nice; only see how gracefully they wave in the wind!" "A horse first," I an- swered. In a few moments we were near enough for Deal to make a spring of about eight feet to the shore, shouting, — "Now, you infernal Britishers, surrender, or you are gone suckers, every nigger's soul of you." I could contain myself no longer, and burst into a hearty laugh. "The rascally bush- es and stumps!" he exclaimed, in a great rage; "and so we must walk our journey after all; feathers and all gone, too, by Jove!" We found the camp of the hardy little party in the bush, about three miles from St. Johns. They were only thirty in. number, mostly young men, all well armed and resolute-look-; ing. I found, upon inquiry, that the neighbors, visited them daily, supplied them with provisions, &c., but refused to join them until a reinforcement of 500 men, (which the leaders had promised,) should arrive from the States. The traitor, Bee- mer, was among them, — Dr. Wilson, and others. I was introduced to their leader, Col. James Morrow, to whom I ft" IN NOTES OF AN EXILE, ON CANADA, delivered the written orders of General McLood. He road tlicm with surprise, and I soon perceived from his conversation that the party had made him their dupe. He informed mo, that he had fallen in with some of them, on the American side who told him there were 3000 men in the Niagara district, ready to join him if he would only go over and act as their loader; that he was uninformed of the plan, organization, &c.. of the Patriot forces, and knew not that they were opposed to the present movement. I made him a member of tlu* Hunter's Lodge, and communicated to him such information as I deemed prudent; after which he no longer hesitated, but called the party together, and informed them of the orders he had received from General McLeod; animadverted severel) upon the conduct of those who had deceived him, pointed out the impossibility of rendering the Canadians any service with so small a party of men, and concluded by entreating them to return with him at once, promising them a more favorable opportunity in a few weeks' time. After a short consultation, they unanimously resolved, that, having come to Canada to fight, they would not return without striking a blow; upon which Colonel Morrow resigned his command, but informed them, that although his duty and principles alike forbade acting in that capacity, since he had learned the truth , yet he »vouId remain with them until they w^re ready to return. Finding it impossible to change their determination, I left, according to my orders, to return to Lockport; but the alarm in the mean time liaving been given, I found the lines so strictly guarded by the enemy as to render it impracticable. Retracing my steps to the Short Hills, for the purpose of inducing them, if possible, to remain quiet until the 4th of July, I found Beemer acting as their leader. Colonel Mor- row's influence and my own exertions prevailed until the 21st June, when a determination was evinced to fight. Beemer endeavored to prevent me from addressing the party, saying that I wished to excite them to mutiny against his authority. I, however, obtained a hearing, and expostulated with them upon the madness of their purpose. "It would ruin the intend- ed expedition of the 4th, by forcing our friends in Caiiada into KNOIiAND AMD VAN DIRMAN 8 LAND. 2r> the ranks of the enemy, and sacrificing their lives; it hcin^r ahnost impossible, for so small a party to escape from the country, after the enemy was once roused to action.'* Mor- row joined his oHorts to mine without producini^ any other effect than murmurs of dissatisfaction. A finv Canadians, who had joined that day, makini,' their luimher forty-nin(*, had sense enou^'fi to listen calmly to reason, but the others per- sistpd in their ^ )lly. Beemer now addressed them. ''The time had come to strike the first blow. It was true, they mij^ht placo them- selves in jeoj)anly; but who amoni^ tluit little band had come there to avrdd danjrer and not to court it? As for delavs, thev were always dan^(;rous; delay had b(>en the biuK^ of the cause;. If it was intended to invade Canada on the dth, they would have the honor of bein