A REST AT NEW GERMANY

[St. Catharines Constitutional, 7 June 1866]

             While resting here tidings reached Col. Peacocke of the action at Limeridge, distant about seven miles; and reinforcements being badly needed, the march was resumed towards Stevensville, the point where Colonel Booker’s force was to unite with the main column. On arriving at the later place, it became known that the Fenians beat a hasty retreat from the field of battle for Fort Erie, and all possible despatch was used in urging the troops forward to meet them there. Many a thirst-parched and foot-sore soldier began to lag on the way before reaching Frenchman’s Creek, the place where darkness compelled a halt for the night, and one poor fellow fainted; but every man would rather have advanced the remaining three miles to come up with the thieves, than for a moment to have permitted them to escape as they did. This, however, was impossible. The only hope therefore entertained was that they might still be lurking at Fort Erie on Sunday morning, when short work would be made of them. A speedy disposition was made for the night; the artillery and stores occupied the road, while the 47^th was thrown out on the right, with the 16^th  and 10^th at regular distances in the rear; and Col. Currie’s contingent on the left, Captain Carlisle’s boys forming a skirmishing line near by, to cover a belt of woods in that direction. Lieut. Camp here displayed his admirable skill in the cuisine liné and his services were very valuable to the officers, and men. Towards 2 a.m. rockets were distinctly seen in the distance, and later a heavy booming shot was heard, which afterwards proved to be that fired by the United States Steamer Michigan to stop the rascals in their retreat.  Soon afterwards the men were again in motion, lighting fires, cooking provisions and preparing for the advance. Breakfast over, the line of march was resumed, the artillery falling back a short distance for supplies. With these they speedily returned, and in doing so presented a brilliant sight to beholders that will never be forgotten. Their splendid horses here gave unmistakable proof of their mettle, whisking along the guns and caissons over broken bridges and ditches, with an ease and celerity that elicited unbounded admiration. At this time the force was probably two miles from Fort Erie, and on proceeding another half mile a dense piece of woods was met with, which it was decided to feel by skirmishing. Capt. Carlisle’s company was accordingly thrown out for this purpose, firing a few shots which elicited only an echo in reply. And here occurred an unfortunate accident, which everyone deplored on learning the facts. Messrs. Dobbie and B. Macdonald, of Thorold, anxious to make a short cut to catch up with the artillery which seemed to be moving forward for action, were noticed by the skirmishers running across a field, and thinking both were Fenians, several shots whistled after them in quick succession, mortally wounding Macdonald and Dobbie narrowly escaping by throwing himself on the ground. Though only himself is to blame for rashly venturing where he should not have gone, much regret is felt for poor Macdonald, who was highly esteemed in Thorold as a worthy upright man, with a large, helpless family dependent upon him. We trust steps will be taken to provide for the widow and orphans’ support, as thus deprived of their natural protector, they will otherwise have hard struggling to make a living. Nothing further occurred to mar the advance of the force on the deserted village; and after a few cautious movements had been made, it became plainly evident that no hostile force remained to dispute their taking possession.