Troublous Times in Canada
J >> John A. Macdonald >> Troublous Times in CanadaTROUBLOUS TIMES IN CANADA
A HISTORY OF THE FENIAN RAIDS OF 1866 AND 1870
BY CAPT. JOHN A. MACDONALD (A Veteran of 1866 and 1870)
Troublous Times in Canada.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Preface.
CHAPTER I.--Unhappy, Ireland Seething in Sedition--The Fenian
Brotherhood--Hatching the Plot--The Movement of '65--A Split in the
Fenian Camp.
CHAPTER II.--The Fenian Convention at Cincinnati--The Birth of the Irish
Republic--"On to Canada"--Gen. Sweeny's Programme.
CHAPTER III.--The First Alarm--Canadian Volunteers Promptly Respond
to the Call of Duty--The Campo Bello Fizzle--Fenians Gather on the
Border--Operations on the Niagara Frontier.
CHAPTER IV.--The Landing in Canada--Preliminary Operations of the Fenian
Forces Near Fort Erie--Advance into the Interior.
CHAPTER V.--The Second Alarm--Grand Uprising of the Canadian
People--Departure of Troops for the Front--Gen. Napier's Plan of
Campaign--List of the Various Corps Called out for Active Service.
CHAPTER VI.--The Battle of Ridgeway--A Baptism of Fire and Blood for the
Canadian Troops--Splendid Coolness and Heroic Courage of the
Volunteers at the Beginning of the Fight Ends in Disaster--The Honor
Roll--Incidents of the Fight--Public Funerals for the Dead.
CHAPTER VII.--The Expedition on the Steamer "W. T. Robb"--Fierce Fight
at Fort Erie--Stiff Resistance of a Gallant Band of Canadians Against a
Fenian Force Ten Times Their Number--List of the Wounded and Captured.
CHAPTER VIII.--The Governor-General's Body Guard--Denison's Rapid
Ride--Col. Peacocke's Movements from Chippawa to Fort Erie--The Bivouac
at Bowen's Farm--Arrival of Col. Lowry's Force at Fort Erie.
CHAPTER IX.--Hurried Evacuation of Canada by Gen. O'Neil--Capture of the
Escaping Fenians by the United States Gunboat "Michigan."
CHAPTER X.--The Chicago Volunteers--A Noble Band of Patriots Return Home
to Defend Their Native Land--A Striking Example of Canadian Patriotism.
CHAPTER XI.--"Johnny Canuck" Afloat--The Toronto Naval Brigade--Splendid
Service on Board the Gunboats--The Beginning of the Canadian
Navy--Arrival of British Tars.
CHAPTER XII.--On the St. Lawrence and Eastern Frontiers--Muster of
Troops at Kingston, Brockville, Prescott, Cornwall and Other Points.
CHAPTER XIII.--On the Vermont Border--Fenians Gather in Large
Numbers--The Fizzle at Pigeon Hill--Arrest of the Fenian General Spier.
CHAPTER XIV.--Fenian Mobilization at Malone, N.Y., and Elsewhere--Gen.
Meade's Prompt Action Stops the Invasion--Arrest of Gen. Sweeny and
Staff.
CHAPTER XV.--The Fenian Prisoners--Correspondence Between the British
and United States Governments Regarding Them.
CHAPTER XVI.--The Canadian Volunteers Receive the Thanks of the
Government, and Warm Praise from the General Commanding and Other
Officers for Their Patriotic Service in Defending the Country.
CHAPTER XVII.--A Retrospect of Events--A Combination of Unfortunate
Circumstances Involve Leading Officers.
CHAPTER XVIII.--Dangers which Existed Previous to Confederation of the
Provinces--Proposals of Annexation to the United States--Lessons Learned
by the Fenian Raid.
Fenian Raid of 1870
CHAPTER I.--Gen. O'Neil Prepares for Another Raid on Canada--Secret
Shipment of Arms to the Frontier.
CHAPTER II.--Another Call to Arms--The Canadian Volunteers Promptly
Respond to the Summons.
CHAPTER III.--Fenians Again Invade Canada--A Raid from Vermont Promptly
Repulsed by a Handful of Canadians.
CHAPTER IV.--Operations on the Missisquoi Frontier--The Battle of
Eccles' Hill--Complete Defeat of the Fenian Army--Arrest of Gen. O'Neil.
CHAPTER. V.--The Canadian Frontier Vigilantly Guarded--Volunteers on
Service at Danger Points all Along the Line.
CHAPTER VI.--Fenians Gather en the Huntingdon Border--Skirmish at Trout
River--The Enemy Routed by the Canadian Troops.
CHAPTER VII.--The Dawn of Peace--The Volunteers Relieved from Further
Service--Thanked by the Dominion Government, Lieutenant-General
Commanding, and the Imperial Government--Medals Bestowed and Crown Lands
Granted to the Veterans in Recognition of Their Services.
Appendix
CHAPTER I.--Full Report of the Investigation by the Court of Inquiry in
Regard to the Conduct of Lieut.-Col. Booker at the Battle of Lime Ridge,
Together with the Evidence Submitted and the Finding of the Court.
CHAPTER II.--Report of the Charges Made Against Lieut.-Col. Dennis,
Regarding his Conduct During the Fight at Fort Erie, with the Opinion
Delivered by the Court of Inquiry who Investigated His Case.
PREFACE.
One of the most dangerous and critical periods in the history of Canada
was that which closely followed the termination of the Civil War between
the Northern and Southern States of America in the year 1865. It is a
strange fact that Canadian authors and historians do not seem to have
fully realized the gravity of the situation that then existed, as the
event has been passed over by them with the barest possible mention.
Thus the people of the present generation know very little of the Fenian
troubles of 1866 and 1870, and the great mass of the young Canadian boys
and girls who are being educated in our Public Schools and Colleges are
in total ignorance of the grave danger which cast dark shadows over this
fair and prosperous Dominion in those stormy days. It was a period
of great peril to this rising young Nation of the North, which might
possibly have ended in the severance of Canada from British dominion.
But happily this was prevented by the prompt measures that were taken
to defend our soil, and the quick response that was made by the resolute
Canadian Volunteers when the bugles sounded the call to assemble for
active service on our frontiers.
The fierce conflict which had been waged in the United States of America
for four long years between the North and the South was terminated by
the subjugation of the latter in the spring of 1865, and the tattered
battle flags of the Confederate forces were furled forever. Over a
million of men, veteran soldiers of both armies, were still in the field
when the Civil War ended, and when these mighty forces were disbanded,
hundreds of thousands of trained warriors were thrown upon their own
resources, without occupation or employment. While the majority of these
soldiers quickly resumed their old business or farming pursuits, yet
there remained idle a vast number of turbulent and restless spirits who
were ready and willing to embark in any fillibustering expedition that
might present itself. These men were all trained and seasoned veterans
of both the Union and Confederate armies--soldiers who were inured
to the hardships and rigors of many campaigns and fierce battles, and
thousands of them readily enrolled themselves under the Fenian banners
in anticipation of a war being inaugurated against the British nation,
with the invasion of Canada as the first step.
The defence of our extensive Canadian frontier depended mainly upon
the volunteer militia force of the scattered Provinces, and to their
patriotism and gallantry in springing to arms when their services
were needed to defend their native land, may be ascribed the glory of
frustrating the attempts of the Fenian invaders to establish themselves
on Canadian soil. True, there were some British regular troops on duty
in Canada in 1866 around which to rally, and they did their duty nobly,
but in the operations on the Niagara frontier especially, it was the
Canadian volunteers who bore the brunt of battle, and by their devotion
to duty, courage and bravery under hostile fire, succeeded in causing
the hasty retirement of the Fenian invaders from our shores, and again,
as in days of yore, preserved Canada to the Empire, as one of the
brightest jewels in the British Crown.
Having personally seen active service on the Niagara frontier during
both of the Fenian Raids of 1866 and 1870, and retaining vivid
recollections of the situation of affairs at the front during these two
campaigns, I will endeavor in the succeeding chapters of this book to
give the reader a faithful account of what occurred on these stirring
occasions. I have not relied on memory alone to present these facts,
but have corroborated my personal knowledge by reference to official
records, and reports of officers, which may be found in the archives of
the Militia Department at Ottawa, and the Ontario Bureau of Archives at
Toronto.
I have endeavored to fully cover the subject, and put on record the
splendid service which our gallant volunteers rendered to their
country in 1866 and 1870. Hoping that the reader will find these pages
interesting, and at all times be ready to emulate their example,
I am yours faithfully.
JOHN A. MACDONALD.
41 Macdonell Ave., Toronto, May, 1910.
CHAPTER I.
UNHAPPY IRELAND SEETHING IN SEDITION--THE FENIAN BROTHERHOOD--HATCHING
THE PLOT--THE MOVEMENT OF '65--A SPLIT IN THE FENIAN CAMP.
Every student of history is aware that for centuries the condition of
affairs in Ireland has not been altogether happy, owing largely to
the revolutionary schemes which have from time to time been hatched by
so-called "patriots" to "free Ireland from the yoke of the oppressor,"
as they termed it in their appeals to the people to incite rebellion,
but more properly speaking to bring about a repeal of the union between
Great Britain and Ireland and establish an Irish nation on Irish soil.
Many brave but misguided men have been led to their death by joining in
such rebellious conspiracies against constitutional government in years
gone by, and still the spirit of discontent and hatred of British rule
is kept smouldering, with occasional outbursts of revolt as succeeding
leaders appear on the scene to inflame the passions of the people.
Of the Irish troubles of earlier years it is not the purpose of
the writer to speak, but rather to deal with events which occurred
immediately prior to and during the period involving the Fenian
invasions of Canada.
For some time previous to the year 1865 the leader of the revolutionary
movement in Ireland was James Stephens. He was a man of considerable
influence among his compatriots, possessed of good executive ability,
and had great capacity for organization along revolutionary lines. Being
an energetic worker and a forcible speaker, he quickly enlisted the
cooperation of other "patriots" in promoting the establishment of
the Fenian Brotherhood, of which he was chosen the "Head Centre" for
Ireland. This organization spread with such rapidity throughout Ireland
and America that it soon became one of the most dangerous and formidable
revolutionary forces ever known in the history of any country.
Its members were oath-bound to use every means to bring about the
emancipation of Ireland from the rule of Great Britain, and to encompass
the downfall of "the bloody Sassenachs" on every hand. After thoroughly
planting the seeds of sedition in Ireland, Head Centre Stephens and
his coadjutor General John O'Mahony visited America for the purpose
of invoking the aid of their compatriots on this side of the Atlantic.
Their idea was to make an attempt to emancipate Ireland by striking
a blow for freedom on the soil of the Emerald Isle itself, and if
successful to establish their cherished Republic firmly, become
recognized as a nation by the different nations of the earth, and
thereafter govern their own affairs. On their arrival in the United
States the Irish envoys received a most enthusiastic welcome from their
countrymen, and receptions were arranged in their honor on their visits
to all of the principal cities in the Union. The speeches delivered at
these gatherings were of the most fervid and enthusiastic nature, and
the hopes of the Irish people rose high in the belief that an Irish
Parliament would soon hold a session in Dublin. Money and men were asked
for from America by Head Centre Stephens, both of which were freely
promised "for the sake of the cause." In due course of time the
Irish-Americans contributed over $200,000 in cash, besides an immense
quantity of war material, towards making the proposed insurrection a
success. Volunteers for active service on Irish soil were numerous, and
everything looked rosy for Head Centre Stephens when he left America for
Ireland to direct "The Movement of '65." But, alas, his high hopes were
doomed to be shattered. The initial steps in the campaign had barely
been taken when "dark clouds in the horizon" began to loom up. A small
vessel, called the "Erin's Hope." had been despatched from America with
a cargo of rifles, ammunition and other war supplies for the use of the
Fenians in Ireland. A company of adventurous patriots were on board to
assist their brethren in "the rising," and all were brave and confident
of success. They had hoped to run into a secluded bay on the coast of
Ireland during the favored hours of night, and land their expedition and
supplies. But on arrival at the chosen point the ship was hailed by a
British man-of-war and captured without resistance. The officers
and crew were consigned to a British dungeon, and the ship and cargo
confiscated. A British spy had kept the authorities informed, and the
war vessel was at the designated point of landing to gather in
the "forlorn hope" of the invaders. Other Irish-Americans who were
constantly arriving as passengers by the ocean steamships to take part
in the conflict were promptly arrested as they landed on the quays,
and the rebellion of 1865 was nipped in the bud. Much dissension and
dissatisfaction then arose within the Fenian Councils. A great deal of
money had been spent and the attempt had proved a failure. The vigilance
of the British authorities was so keen, and arrests so numerous, that
the available prisons were soon filled, and the hopeful warriors who so
valiantly boasted that they would quickly unfurl the "Sunburst of
Erin" on the walls of Dublin Castle were obliged to retire into strict
seclusion until an opportunity occurred to be smuggled out of Ireland by
their friends and stowed away on ships bound back for America.
The failure of the rising in 1865 caused a serious division among the
adherents of the cause in both America and Ireland, and the Fenian
Brotherhood was split into two hostile camps thereby. It was considered
that Stephens' policy of carrying on the rebellious operations in
Ireland was an impossible and suicidal one to the success of the
cause. Many Irish-Americans were languishing behind the bars of British
prisons, with an uncertain fate awaiting them when they were arraigned
for trial, and their comrades in the United States bitterly blamed
Stephens and O'Mahony for the fiasco. Consequently the majority in
America revolted, and seceded from the Stephens faction, claiming that
he had woefully misrepresented the state of affairs that existed in
Ireland, both as regarded preparations for a successful issue, and also
the enthusiasm that was said to sufficiently dominate the people there
to induce them to take up arms when the American contingent arrived.
Col. Wm. R. Roberts, of New York, was the leader of the American
secessionists, who declared their belief that "No direct invasion or
armed insurrection in Ireland would ever be successful in establishing
an Irish Republic upon Irish soil, and placing her once more in her
proper place as a nation among the nations of the earth." The forces of
Col. Roberts gathered strength daily, and soon usurped control of
the Fenian forces in America, much to the chagrin of Stephens and his
followers.
Gen. O'Mahony, who Head Centre Stephens had placed in supreme charge of
the affairs of the Fenian Brotherhood in America, was charged by Colonel
Roberts and his colleagues with having dipped too deep into the treasury
and by extravagance and other questionable methods dissipated the funds
of the Brotherhood. This widened the breach, and Roberts became the
popular idol with the majority of the American Fenians. Yet O'Mahony
held on to office with a ragged remnant of his old retainers to support
him, until finally Roberts triumphed and became the star around which
all of the other Fenian "planets" revolved.
CHAPTER II.
THE FENIAN CONVENTION AT CINCINNATI--THE BIRTH OF THE IRISH
REPUBLIC--"ON TO CANADA!"--GEN. SWEENY'S PROGRAMME.
The seceders from the Stephens faction met in Convention in Cincinnati,
Ohio, in September, 1865, a very large number of delegates being present
from all of the States in the Union. After the usual preliminary oratory
and the adoption of several resolutions, the delegates formed
themselves into a body which they termed "the Senate Wing of the Fenian
Brotherhood." They ridiculed the idea of invading Ireland successfully,
and changed their base of operations. "On to Canada" became their
slogan, and the idea was so popular that they quickly secured the
allegiance of thousands of disappointed Irishmen who were anxious and
ready to strike a blow at England in any quarter In order that there
should be some recognized source from which all orders, proclamations
and edicts could be officially promulgated, it was resolved to form an
Irish Republic (on paper), as the Fenians were without territory
until they captured it. This was accomplished by the adoption of a
constitution framed on the model of that used by the United States. Its
provisions included the usual regulations (both civil and military) for
a Republican form of government, and its unanimous acceptance by the
delegates was received with glad acclaim. Col. Wm. R. Roberts was chosen
as President of the new Republic, and Gen. T. W. Sweeny (who was then
commanding officer of the 16th United States Infantry) as Secretary of
War. The other Cabinet port-folios were handed out to "lesser lights" in
the Fenian fold.
As even Republican governments cannot be maintained, or military
campaigns conducted without the expenditure of money, the Irish
Republic could prove no exception to the rule, and therefore the work
of collecting funds and gathering munitions of war for the invasion
of Canada was immediately commenced. Fenian "circles," or lodges, were
organized in every possible corner of the United States for the purpose
of stirring up the enthusiasm of the Irish people and securing money
to purchase arms and ammunition. Military companies and regiments were
formed wherever practicable, and drilling and parading was pursued
openly during the fall of 1865 and winter of 1866, getting ready for the
coming fray.
Funds were raised in various ways--by voluntary subscriptions, by
holding picnics, excursions, fairs, bazaars and other methods. But the
largest source of revenue was derived by imposing upon the credulity of
the sons and daughters of Erin by the sale to them of bonds of the Irish
Republic, a chimerical dream which was painted in such glowing colors
and presented with such stirring appeals to their patriotism that
hard-earned dollars were pulled out from every nook and cranny in many
Irish homes to invest in these "securities" and thus help along the
cause. The following is a copy of the bond, which will serve to show its
wording:--
No. ...... No. ......
It is Hereby Certified that
The Irish Republic is indebted to ....... or bearer
in the sum of TEN DOLLARS, redeemable six months after
the acknowledgment of THE IRISH NATION, with interest
from the date hereof inclusive, at six per cent, per
annum, payable on presentation of this Bond at the
Treasury of the Irish Republic.
Date ......
[Stamp. Office of the Treasury.]
JOHN O'NEILL,
Agent for the Irish Republic.
In the light of subsequent events, when the dreams of the visionary
enthusiasts have been so rudely dispelled, the sight of one of these
bonds must present as much sadness and pathos to the beholder as the
vision of an old Confederate bank note does to the erstwhile defenders
of the "Lost Cause" of the Southern States.
As the coffers of the Irish Republic began to fill rapidly, the Fenian
leaders became more hopeful and bombastic, while enthusiasm among
the rank and file continued to be worked up to fever pitch. President
Roberts gathered a select coterie about him at his headquarters in New
York to assist in upholding his dignity, and incidentally help to boost
the cause. Plots and plans of all kinds were hatched against Great
Britain, and loud-mouthed orators were kept busy for several months
fanning the embers of Irish patriotism into flame.
General Sweeny was very active during the winter of 1865 and 1866 in
getting his "War Department" fully organized and his field forces ready
for the spring campaign against Canada. His staff was composed of the
following officers, all of whom had seen active service in the Civil
War:--
Chief of Staff--Brigadier-General C. Carroll Tavish.
Chief of Engineer Corps--Col. John Meehan.
Chief of Ordnance--Col. C. H. Rundell.
Engineer Corps--Lieut.-Col. C. H. Tresiliar.
Assistant Adjutant-General--Major E. J. Courtney.
Ordnance Department--Major M. O'Reilly.
Quartermaster--Major M. H. Van Brunt.
Aide-de-Camps--Capt. D. W. Greely and Capt. Daniel O'Connell.
This galaxy of officers strutted majestically around Headquarters garbed
in the gorgeous green and gold uniforms of the Fenian Army, looked wise,
and promised all enquirers that important movements would be made in the
spring. Secret meetings were held almost daily at Headquarters, when the
plan of campaign would be discussed over and over again, and amendments
made wherever necessary. Finally the following plan of operations was
given out in March, 1866, as the gist of one evolved by the Council,
which is said to have embodied Gen. Sweeny's whole strategic
programme:--
"Expeditions for the invasion of Canada will rendezvous at Detroit and
Rochester, and at Ogdensburg and Plattsburg, and at Portland. The
forces assembled at the two first-named points are to operate conjointly
against Toronto, Hamilton, and the west of Upper Canada. From Ogdensburg
and Plattsburg demonstrations will be made against Montreal, and
ultimately Quebec; Kingston will be approached by Cape Vincent, while
Portland will be the general place of embarkation for expeditions
against the capitals of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia."
THE BASES OF OPERATIONS.
"The Canadian and provincial borders once crossed, bases of operations
will be established in the enemy's country, so that international
quarrels with the Washington Government may be evaded. There are to
be lands chosen at the head of Passamaquoddy Bay, Saint John's, on the
Chambly, close to the foot of Lake Champlain; Prescott, on the Saint
Lawrence; Wolfe Island, at the foot of Lake Ontario; Hamilton, Cobourg
Goderich, and Windsor, in Upper Canada. These places are all within
convenient distances of the United States, and afford by water an easy
retreat, as well as cunning receptacles for fresh American levies."
THE FORCES AT THE DISPOSAL OF THE FENIANS.
"The Irish Republic calculates to have, by the first of April, fifteen
millions of dollars at its disposal in ready cash. This will give
transportation and maintenance for one month to thirty thousand men,
a greater number than were ever before mustered to the conquest of the
Canadian possessions. Of this force, eight thousand will carry the line
of the Grand Trunk road west of Hamilton; five thousand, crossing from
Rochester to Cobourg, will be prepared to move either east, in time to
act jointly with three thousand men from Wolfe Island, upon Kingston, or
to take part with the western detachment in the capture of Toronto. All
this, it is believed, will be the work of two weeks. Thus entrenched
securely in Upper Canada, holding all the routes of the Grand Trunk,
sufficient rolling stock secured to control the main line, the Fenians
hope to attract to their colors fifty thousand American Irishmen, and
equip a navy on Lakes Huron, Erie and Ontario. The avenues to return so
being secured, thirty thousand men, under General Sweeny, will move down
the Saint Lawrence, upon Kingston, simultaneously with ten thousand men
by the lines of the Chambly, and these will converge upon Montreal; in
the meantime isolated expeditions from the rendezvous at Saint Andrews
will reduce Saint John and Halifax, these furnishing depots for
privateers and ocean men-of-war to intercept British transports and
effectually close the Saint Lawrence. Quebec will thus fall by the slow
conquest of time; or, if the resources of the garrison should be greater
than the patience of the invaders, the same heights which two Irishmen
have scaled before, will again give foothold to the columns of the
brotherhood."
THE PLAN OF INVASION IN DETAIL.
"At Chicago the Fenians already possess five sailing vessels, a tug, and
two steam transports; at Buffalo they are negotiating for vessels; at
Bay City, Michigan, and at Cleveland they have other craft in process
of refitting; these will simultaneously raise the green flag and stand
ready to succor the land forces. Goderich, Sarnia and Windsor will be
simultaneously occupied; all the available rolling stock seized, and the
main line of the Grand Trunk cut at Grand River, to prevent the passage
of cars and locomotives to Hamilton. The geographical configuration
of the western half of Upper Canada will permit of a few thousand
men holding the entire section of the country between Cobourg and the
Georgian Bay. These are connected by a chain of lakes and water courses,
and the country affords subsistence for a vast army. Horses sufficient
to mount as many cavalry as the Brotherhood can muster, quartermasters'
teams in quantity, and a vast amount of lake shipping, will at once be
reduced to a grand military department, with Hamilton for the capital,
and a loan advertised for. While this is being negotiated, Gen. Sweeny
will push rapidly forward on the line of the Grand Trunk, in time to
superintend the fall of Montreal, where ocean shipping will be found
in great quantity. With the reduction of Montreal a demand will be made
upon the United States for a formal recognition of Canada, whose name
is to be changed at once to New Ireland. While this is being urged, the
green flag will scour all the bays and gulfs in Canada; a Fenian fleet
from San Francisco will carry Vancouver and the Fraser River country,
to give security to the Pacific squadron, rendezvousing at San Juan, and
the rights of belligerents will be enforced from the British Government
by prompt retaliation for the cruelties of British courtmartials."