Title: Troublous Times in Canada A History of the Fenian Raids of 1866 and 1870

Author: John A. Macdonald

Language: English

Produced by Gardner Buchanan.

TROUBLOUS 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.