Results for ‘WAR Stories’
[People's Press, 23 June 1908]
EXTRACTS FROM THE TRIBUNE OF FORTY-TWO YEARS AGO, TELLING OF THE NOTED INVASION.
“The privates have been released from the scow on their own recognizance for $500 to appear if charge is laid against them. This news was received by the captive Fenians with great rejoicings.
President Johnson has at last issued a proclamation against Fenianism.
The Fenians have been gathering on the lines below for some time, and are now supposed to number about 10,000. Want of arms only deters them from crossing.
The Fenian loss is killed and wounded will probably be about the same as ours. We have also a large number of prisoners.
The volunteer arrested in this town on Tuesday night, while making his way towards Wainfleet, was conveyed to Chippawa by the deputy sheriff and Mr. Lampman. He proved to be a deserter, and his capture was hailed with delight by his comrades.
It is reported that five captured Fenians were shot on Sunday last by our troops. They are said to have been caught in the woods and were given no quarter. We can scarcely believe this. Let us by all means do nothing hastily but give the murderers and robbers their due as awarded by the proper authorities.
On Friday, when the Fenians took possession of the eastern part of Bertie township, a small party of them proceeded to near Ridgeway and burned the bridge on the Grand Trunk railway, known as Saurwine’s bridge.
In the column from Chippawa complaints were loud against Col. Peacock for being slow. Among the foot artillery Col. Dennis is blamed greatly for his foolishness in pitting 80 men against 400, and at Port Colborne Col. Booker is strongly accused not only of rashness, but of something like cowardice. Between the three the Fenians escaped being bagged.
It is reported that Col. Dennis gave his parole to the Fenians prior to being released. Col. Dennis denies the assertion.
Three more Fenians prisoners arrived here yesterday evening and the whole batch in all eleven-were taken to Niagara and lodged in the jail. A detachment of the Home Guard accompanied them. They were all hard looking, desperate fellows.
Welland During the Raid- Our town was one grand scene of confusion during the last two days’ raid. The excitement ran highest on Friday, when all manner of false reports were eagerly circulated and believed by many. To the reeve of the village, T.W. Hooker, Esq., the people are indebted for the active measures inaugurated for their defense and protection. A public meeting was called for on Friday and it was determined to appoint a Vigilance Committee, and the body kept in session night and day during the raid. No arms could be procured, and the operations of the committee were enabled to contradict the sensational reports and “extras” circulated throughout the town.”
- The above extracts were taken from the Welland Tribune, dated Thursday, June 7, 1866.
[People's Press, 16 June 1908]
EXTRACTS FROM THE TRIBUNE OF FORTY-TWO YEARS AGO, TELLING OF THE NOTED INVASION.
Advance of Col. Peacock’s Forces. “On Saturday afternoon Col. Peacock, learning that the Fenians were falling back, immediately ordered his forces at New Germany, consisting of artillery and infantry, to advance. This was well done and the troops marched till dark, encamping on the ferry road about four miles from Fort Erie.
Early on Sunday morning the whole force started for Fort Erie, the 47th Regulars acting as skirmishers. Before reaching the village, tidings of the escape of the marauders arrived, and on entering the village the unpleasant truth became known that the birds had flown, and thus ended the invasion of Canada.
The Prisoners-In attempting to cross the river, however, Gen. O’Neill with 400 of his men were intercepted by the tug Harrison and steamer Michigan, and compelled to heave to, when a hawser was attached and the Fenians with their craft were made fast to Michigan, which proceeded to anchor in midstream, where she still continues at this writing, awaiting orders from Washington as to the final disposal of the prisoners.
Besides the 400 on the scow, a large number have made their escape across in small boats, etc., and probably a hundred or so were left in the woods. Of these latter, many have been captured by the troops and others are still turning up.”-Taken from the Welland Tribune, dated June 7, 1866.
[People's Press, 9 June 1908]
EXTRACTS FROM THE TRIBUNE OF FORTY-TWO YEARS AGO, TELLING OF THE NOTED INVASION.
“The Fight at Fort Erie-After having captured 56 prisoners and secured them by placing them in the hold of the tug “Robb,” Capt. King wished to withdraw, it being a most unwise and suicidal policy to attempt to keep a foothold on Fort Erie against the whole horde of Fenians, but Col. Davis erected the brave little band again to land and engage the enemy who approached in force about 4 p.m. The Fenians delayed and concentrated their forces on the hill, opening the engagement by a surprise right flank movement. The Battery sustained a murderous file nobly, although their men began to fall fast, their leader, Dr. R.S. King of Port Robinson, being one of the first wounded. He was shot in the ankle and taken to Buffalo, where his leg was amputated. Our brave men then retired with three exceptions to a house near the “Robb,” and were followed by the enemy making a charge down the hill, their object evidently being to obtain possession of the tug. This was frustrated, however, by Capt. McCallum moving his boat out into the river under a heavy fire. After running the gauntlet and finding out that the tug could be of no further use at Fort Erie, Capt. McCallum came directly to Port Colborne, from whence the prisoners were sent to Brantford for safe keeping. They would probably have been sent to Welland, but that place is so near the lines that their presence would only tempt a rescue. After the tug escaped, the Fenians turned upon those left on the land, taking all but three, after most desperate fighting, during which much personal bravery and daring were displayed on the part of the besieged. When the Fenians evacuated Fort Erie these prisoners were let go unharmed. The three who were not taken prisoners ran down along the river for a long distance to the unpleasant tune, occasioned by Fenian bullets whistling by in close proximity to their persons. After they had made good their escape from Fort Erie, they were chased repeatedly by Fenian pickets, and could only get away from them by entering a farm house and leaving off their uniforms. They finally made their escape to New Germany almost dead with fatigue. From their reports and the news brought to Port Colborne by the “Robb,” it was thought that nearly all of the Welland Battery had been shot dead, and it was with feelings of relief of their capture and subsequent release. This pleasurable emotion was only allowed by the knowledge that Capt. King and others were dangerously _. Three of the wounded had each a leg amputated-and nearly all the others were wounded in the lower part of the body. This we suppose is accounted for by the fact that men were shot from a height, causing a deficiency in the Fenian aim.”
EXTRACTS FROM THE TRIBUNE OF FORTY-TWO YEARS AGO, TELLING OF THE NOTED INVASION.
[People's Press, 2 June 1908]
“The following is an account of the Battle of Limestone Ridge as told by Rev. Mr. Ingles, an eye-witness of the whole affair, and we judge it to be about correct:”
“As we approached Stevensville we heard the first firing from Fenian skirmishers, who had been thrown out in a woods along on the left side of the road. These were soon driven back and rejoined the main body who were drawn up in a line, the centre of which faced the road along which we were marching. They were to some extent protected by a small house and barn, a stone wall and a temporary fortification composed of fence rails. Our men were ordered to advance, which they obeyed gallantly. The firing at this time was sharp and constant. We had left the ambulance wagon and were immediately in rear of the centre of our forces. At this moment a party of men came towards us bearing Ensign McEachren; badly wounded. The captain of the Company and surgeon, Dr. May, were with him, and took possession of a small house on the left of the road as an hospital. Finding that he had been an old parishioner of Mr. Burwash, I left him in his charge, and tried to aid the men in making lifters to bring in the wounded. A few men, not seriously wounded, had been brought in, when we were startled and delighted by a good hearty British cheer. This was caused by the Fenians retiring from their position to a wood some distance behind. This moment I left the hospital, and took up my position on the stone fence already mentioned. Skirmishers of the Queen’s Own had advanced on the left, and three companies of our own battalion had advanced forward as skirmishers on the right. The long red line on the one side and the green line on the other presented a fine appearance, but I was startled to notice that our men, with the exception of some who were in an orchard, were either in the open field or protected by a rail fence, while the Fenians were completely hidden in the woods, their presence being made apparent only by the sharp quick volleys which they fired from behind the trees. A glance sufficed to show me the position of affairs, and with some fear for the result, I hastened back to the hospital. On returning to my post of observation a bugle sounded, and the men of the 13th formed into a square. The men of the Queen’s own attempted the same, but from the position they occupied it was impossible to accomplish it thoroughly. I have since understood that this was in obedience to a call to prepare to receive a cavalry charge. The bugle was again sounded, and there was some confusion among the men. A third time the bugle sounded (as I understood) a call to advance, which from my want of knowledge of military tactics, I cannot well describe. Then the bugle sounded a fourth time (as I understand) the retreat. A general confusion ensued. The men of the Queen’s Own towards the right broke and began to retreat and a general confusion appeared amongst the men of the 13th. At this moment I ran to the hospital and informed the surgeon of the state of matters in the field, but hoping that it might be only a temporary retreat. I hastened back to my former position. On reaching it the Fenian bullets were whistling over my head. Some companies of the Queen’s Own rushed pass me, followed by a large body of the 13th. I attempted to return to the hospital, but finding this impossible, as I was on the opposite side of the road, with feelings which I cannot attempt to describe. I made my way to the ambulance wagon. The right wing of the Queen’s Own followed the main body of the 13th. The skirmishers of the 13th were the last to leave the field. It was at this point that Mr. Routh in rallying his men received the wound. These men, with Major Skinner at their head, formed a rear guard which beyond all doubt saved us from more serious disaster.
After the volunteers began their retreat, the Fenians slowly advanced to Ridgeway, and, after doing some mischief there, began hurriedly retreating towards Fort Erie. This retrograde movement of theirs was no doubt occasioned by their having learned of the arrival of Col. Peacock’s Regulars and Artillery at New Germany, as well as by the movements of the Welland Canal Field Battery which afterwards landed at Fort Erie and gobbled up all the stray Fenians they could find.”
Taken from the Tribune of June 7, 1866.
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.
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