Results for ‘Fenian Raid’
EXTRACTS FROM THE TRIBUNE OF FORTY-TWO YEARS AGO, TELLING OF THE NOTED INVASION.
[People's Press, 26 May 1908]
“Early Saturday morning the Fenians broke camp, started westward, and then turned and almost doubling on their track, took the road leading south past Buck’s tavern and proceeded on towards Ridgeway. Before reaching the Black church, however, their ammunition wagon had stuck fast in a mudhole, and they abandoned some 3,000 cartridges, which were on Sunday taken possession of by a detachment of the 10th Royals. When nearing Ridgeway, and between that place and Stevensville, the volunteers from Port Colborne under Col Booker were encountered, and here the Battle of Lime Stone Ridge took place, the principal fighting being done on the farms of Messrs. Teal and Anker. Our forces numbered about 800, comprising the Queen’s Own of Toronto, under Major Gilmore, and the Thirteenth Battalion of Hamilton, with the York and Caledonia Rifles. Had this engagement, which was brought on by mismanagement on the part of the officers, been avoided, a junction of Booker’s and Peacock’s forces would have been formed, and the main body of the Fenians no doubt bagged on Saturday.”
The above was taken from the Welland Tribune, dated June7, 1866. Next week we reprint the account of the battle of the Ridge, as described by an eye-witness.
EXTRACTS FROM THE TRIBUNE OF FORTY-TWO YEARS AGO, TELLING OF THE NOTED INVASION.
[People's Press, 19 May 1908]
Friday-“Friday appears to have been spent by the Fenians in scouring the country for five or six miles round, apparently for the sole purpose of securing horses, as other property, both public and private, was not destroyed with the exception of Sauerwine’s bridge on the G.T.R., which was burned. Had they wished, they might easily have taken possession for the time being of the Welland canal, either at Port Robinson of this place, or at Port Colborne, there being no troops to prevent them, and the citizens having no arms. While O’Neill sauntered through Bertie, our authorities were speedily concentrating troops at Chippawa and Port Colborne. On Friday night a portion of the Fenians encamped on the road, leading east from New Germany.”-Taken from the Welland Tribune, June 7 1866.
EXTRACTS FROM THE TRIBUNE OF FORTY-TWO YEARS AGO, TELLING OF THE NOTED INVASION.
[People's Press, 12 May 1908]
Occupation of Fort Erie-The ball was opened on Friday morning last, between three and four o’clock, by the crossing of a body of Fenians, from 1,000 to 1,300 strong, under command of Col. O’Neill, the capturer of John Morgan, and a most daring officer. The invaders started from Black Rock in canal boats towed by tugs, in the absence of the U.S. steamer, Michigan, and of course effected a landing without molestation, there of course being no Canadian troops in this section of the country. No artillery or cavalry accompanied the raiders; they were principally dressed in broad-rimmed, low-crowned rowdy hats and black coats, and were well provided with good rifles. Their first step was to take possession of the village and fort, which they did hastily, but not in time to catch the G.T.R. train, which barely escaped. The telegraph operator made good his escape, but the reeve, P.T. Kempson, Esq., M.D., and others, were detained. With the exception of the tearing down the wires and the destruction of a small bridge, the village suffered but little from the invaders and no violence was done the citizens.-Taken from the Tribune of Thursday, June 7 1866.
EXTRACTS FROM THE TRIBUNE OF FORTY-TWO YEARS AGO, TELLING OF THE NOTED INVASION.
[People’s Press, 5 May 1908]
It was the first day of June 1866, forty-two years ago, that the Fenians crossed over from Buffalo and invaded Canada, landing at Fort Erie without molestation. For several weeks past the Press had been publishing matter pertaining to this notorious raid, and from now on will give a short history of the actual invasion, which began as above stated on June 1st.
The Tribune of June 7 (1866) says: “The long talked of invasion of Canada by the Fenian Brotherhood has at last become an accomplished fact. For some time past it has been known that the Sweeney-Roberts men were concentrating on the Canadian frontier, and more especially at points opposite this peninsula. These threatening symptoms of an invasion were looked at lightly, however, as it was believed by many that our government was fully posted in their movements, and, inasmuch as no troops were called out, the reported moves were thought by many to be all sham. The events of the past week, however, have demonstrated that at least some of the Fenians are in earnest, and that it will not do for our authorities to remain apathetic spectators of the organization and concentration of the Fenian forces on our frontier. “
Next week we shall publish a short account of the occupation of Fort Erie.
EXTRACTS FROM THE TRIBUNE OF FORTY-TWO YEARS AGO, TELLING OF THE NOTED INVASION.
[People's Press, 28 April 1908]
Mr. Gladstone on Fenianism- Mr. Gladstone, in a recent speech at Liverpool, made the following remarks with regard to Fenianism in British North America: “We are told that Canada and New Brunswick are threatened with fire and slaughter from the revenge of the Fenians for the wrongs inflicted by England upon Ireland; and this I must say that if the men of Canada and New Brunswick, who are wholly guiltless of these wrongs-be they what they may-who are not entangled in the controversy, who have no more to do with it than the people of the Sandwich Islands, if the Fenians as they call themselves in America, are capable of the abominable wickedness of passing their frontier, and of making their impotent, miserable attempts, which they will be, to carry desolation over these peaceful districts and among harmless colonists, then I say, that so far from your treating the conduct of these men-let them be Americans or whom you like-with humanity or indulgence, no more execrable manifestations of folly or guilt have ever been made in the annals of the human race from the time that it commenced it existence upon the earth. Men who are capable of such proceedings would at once, by their insanity and their guilt, place themselves entirely beyond the sympathy of the whole civilized world. I feel the fullest confidence that these men who inhabit the British provinces of North America and who are governed by principles in the main our own, know well how to defend their homes, their wives and children; and if unhappily, the need arose, there is no resource possessed by this country that she would not fairly spend to assist them in their holy work.”
[St. Catharines Constitutional, 10 January 1867]
The fate of the Fenian convicts at present confined at Toronto and Sweetsburg, has at length been decided upon. The sentence of death passed upon them has been commuted to twenty years hard labor in the Provincial Penitentiary. It is known that the Washington Government impudently exercised their powers of persuasion to the utmost, to induce the Imperial Government to step in between justice and its victims, by ordering the release of the condemned culprits; but Her Majesty’s advisors wisely declined to override the law of Canada to please Johnson and Seward, who are really responsible for all the damage done by their Fenian pets. The cause of the raid being an Imperial one, the Provincial authorities sought the advise of the Home Government as to what disposition should be made of the prisoners, and the decision arrived at indicates pretty clearly that Lord Derby and his colleagues are not to be cajoled by either entreaties or threats from Fenian advocates at Washington. The prisoners were removed to Kingston by special train last evening; and we rather fancy that those of them who coolly laughed in the Judge’s face when sentence was being pronounced, will soon discover that British law is not a farce after all. Many persons throughout the country will not feel satisfied that some of these ruffians were not left to expiate their crimes on the gallows; but as it would be unjust to hang one or two and let others live, we think the course decided upon is the best; because the majesty of outraged law will be vindicated, and no room left to set up the culprits as martyrs for the benefit of Fenian leaders.
[St. Catharines Constitutional, 7 June 1866]
More than 100 Fenian prisoners are now securely held in Canadian gaols, most of whom were captured with arms in their hands. What is to be done with these vagabonds? Fortunately, the question is easily answered. The law very clearly provides for the punishment of the crime of which they have been found guilty, and that punishment is death. There must be no hanging back nor timidity about enforcing the penalty of the law against these wretches. The blood of the brave murdered at Lime Ridge cries to heaven for vengeance; and it is, moreover, absolutely necessary that a fearful example should be made, in order to deter other villains still plotting on the American side from doing further mischief. Any mercy shown to the Fenian prisoners will be naturally considered as the result of fear and cowardice on the part of our authorities. It will be said, if not already, that we dare not hang or shoot them, lest the Brotherhood in the States should resent it. It would be a righteous fate were they taken to Fort Erie and blown from the cannon’s mouth as far as possible across the Niagara River, which would the shortest and most satisfactory way of returning Brother Jonathan’s filibusters to the place from whence they came. Whatever is done with them must be performed quickly, to have the wholesome effect so much needed. Ordinary prisoners of war would be entitled to the consideration due to honorable adversaries; but these scoundrels occupy no such position, and no mistaken lenity should be shown them.
[St. Catharines Constitutional, 7 June 1866]
The brilliant dash made by the Welland Canal battery and Dunnville naval brigade upon the Fenian rear guard at Fort Erie, will be a prominent incident in the history of this iniquitous crusade; and the heroic men who fought so nobly against overwhelming odds, are deserving of more than the thanks and gratitude of the country. Captain King, Capt. McCollum, Lieutenants Scholfield and Nimmo, and others who took part in the fight, will long be remembered for their conspicuous bravery; while gunners Boyle and J. Bradley will be esteemed as two of the bravest and most determined men engaged in the unequal contest. But here also a lack of judgment was displayed by Colonel Dennis in putting 70 men against 600, which almost proved fatal to the former. Col. Dennis was informed that the enemy was approaching in strong force, and could easily have embarked without losing a man; but hot-headed zeal seems to have triumphed over cool discretion, in his mind. The following is a list of the prisoners captured by the Fenians in this affair, all of whom were released when the invaders recrossed the river on Sunday night:-
WELLAND CANAL FIELD BATTERY-Lieut. Scholfield, Lieut. Nimmo, Sergt.-Maj Boyle, Isaac Pew, Robert Off-Spring, Wm. Black, Gideon Griswold, Robert Armstrong, Wm. Brown, Jacob Garner, John Waters, Edward Armstrong, Patrick Roach, J.H. Boyle, Samuel Cook, Jas. Coleman, Thos. Boyle, C. Campbell, Stephen Beattie, Isaac Dickerson, Kilroy McGee, S. Radcliffe, Joseph Reavly, and Jonathan W. Hagar, Morris Weaver.
DUNNVILLE NAVAL BRIGADE-Lieut. McDonald, Samuel McCormick, J. Robertson, Abram Thewlis, George B. McGee, Thos. Arderley, T. Burgess, Harry Niff, William Nugent, Joseph Gamble.
James S. Greenhill, Joseph Simpson, 13th Batt. Hamilton, -Spencer, R.W. Hines, No.8 Co., Wm. Ellis, No. 9 Co., D. Junor, Queen’s Own, Toronto, Colin Forsythe, No. 10 Co., Highland, Toronto, B. Judge, civilian.
The casualties in this affair were Capt. King, leg fractured- amputated at Buffalo and doing well; Robert Thomas, leg wound; F. Scholfield, ditto; John Herbison, ditto; and John Bradley, ditto. The Fenians lost 3 killed, and 6 wounded, all of whom they carried to Buffalo.
[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 47th was thrown out on the right, with the 16th and 10th 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.
Sometime Allanburg Man Tells Experiences of Historic Days
[The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 8 December 1925]
A very interesting relation of the Fenian Raid experience of a native of Welland County is conveyed in a letter given the Tribune and Telegraph by J.A. Ramsden of Port Colborne, written to Mr. Ramsden by John R. Vanderburgh, born at Allanburg and now a resident of Powell, Ohio.
The letter follows:
“I was greatly interested in reading the various letters printed in The Welland Tribune and Telegraph that you have been sending me regarding the Fenian Raid of 1866.”
“I had a little knowledge of the fight or rather aftermath of the fight myself but I don’t think I ever gave you any particular account of it so I will do so now.”
“At the time of the Fenian invasion of Canada I was learning to be a boot and shoemaker with Miles Vanalstine at Allanburg and when I heard that the Fenians were in our country, having crossed Niagara River at Fort Erie, I was working on a pair of boots. I immediately threw them down and started for Ridgeway at 7 o’clock and when I got there, the battle was just over. I walked down to the battleground and they had all left, and I walked about the battleground and found two dead Fenians lying on the ground, of them had been shot in the abdomen and one of his socks was shoved partly into the hole to stop the blood. Near there I found a prayer book and a whiskey flask, one that you could take the bottom off and use to take a drink. I picked up one of their rifles and pretty soon afterwards I came upon two dead men of the Queen’s Own Company. I saw two men quite a way off and I went to them and asked them to come and help me carry them off the field as they laid right in the sun. They came back with me and we carried them to a shady spot and left them. One of those men was a Mr. W.F. Tempest and the other was a Mr. Woodruff, but they would not help to move the Fenians. I started to go away and was met by a doctor and he told me that two of the Queen’s Own men were lying badly wounded in a house close by and I went with him and found one shot in the hip and both were badly wounded. The doctor then asked me to stay with them and I stayed all night with them. He put a pitcher of water where it was handy and I kept the pitcher full of cold water and they drank considerable through the night. Some people came in the morning and offered to stay in my place until the young doctor came. I then went back to Ridgeway early in the morning. I had only been there a few minutes when four Fenians came to the railroad. There was a box car empty lying on the siding and I told them to get into that but one of demurred and I pulled a revolver on them and you would have laughed to see them pile into that car. I was at the car about an hour when along came six more and unarmed, in charge of some fellows, and they were also shoved into that car with the other four. I left them in the care of the fellows who brought the last lot that were put in the car. I then trudged back towards Uncle John Ramsden’s on my way home. Aunt Mary gave me a good lunch and I asked for you, and she told me she did not know where you were as you had gone off on horseback with some officials to carry dispatches as the telegraph wires had been cut and there was no way to get the news from Ridgeway except by messengers. I tell you that was a good lunch I had there, and I was hungry and had no money with me, having left my money in the pants I took off, but I had my revolver all right. I traded the Fenian rifle the day before for a chunk of bread. I was in such a hurry leaving Allanburg the morning before that I left my money in the pants I took off. When I arrived back to Allanburg I found the whole village had been looking for me.”
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