Narrative of the Fenian invasion of Canada — John Shaqi
Narrative of the Fenian invasion of CanadaSomerville, Alexander
History
Narrative of the Fenian invasion of Canada
Somerville, Alexander
Canada -- History -- Fenian Invasions, 1866-1870
“LATER. About two hundred more Fenians reached the city at 10
o’clock, and left the train as the others did—some distance out
of the city. They have just marched into town. A meeting is now
being held in Townsend Hall, the Fenian head-quarters. The men are
boarded at various Irish boarding houses. There is only a force
of fifty regulars at Fort Porter here. Warning has been given,
however, to the commander of the revenue steamer _Michigan_.”
It was reported that the _Michigan_ had been about to leave Buffalo
several days before on a cruise, but on rumours of an intended Fenian
gathering at Buffalo reaching the United States authorities the
commander had orders to remain. It was the presence of this vessel
which now prevented the Fenians going at once to Port Colborne,
terminus of the Welland canal twenty miles from Buffalo; at least
this has been stated.
During that day, Wednesday May 30, several rumours, not at any time
probable gained currency; of which one was that trains had been
arrested on the Great Western Railway, at Niagara Suspension Bridge.
By whom, or for what purpose, did not in reasonable form appear. But
with an aptitude to accept any reports of offensive operations having
been commenced against the Province, the public mind of Canada, was
equally ready to accept assurances given through the newspapers that
the Executive power of Canada, civil and military, was actively alert
and equal to meet the impending emergency.
A telegram from Philadelphia dated May 31, gave information that a
company of three hundred and fifty men had left that city to join the
Fenian invaders at the northern frontier.
A telegram from Ottawa, seat of Canadian government dated May 31st,
conveyed intelligence that all was tranquil there. In Toronto,
Hamilton, London, Kingston, Montreal, and Quebec, where regular
troops were stationed and at Sarnia, Windsor, and Sandwich which were
guarded by Volunteers, the forces were quietly ordered to be on the
alert.
COLONEL JOHN O’NEIL, of Nashville Tennessee, who was now at Buffalo
and was on 31st of May, about to invade Canada, has been thus
described in New York journals. “He is a young and ardent Fenian, and
is now in his twenty-fifth year. He was formerly connected with the
Sixteenth regiment of regulars, and served in that organization under
Gen. Sweeny. He was well known as a dashing cavalry officer in the
late war, when he was attached to a Western regiment. He was promoted
to a captaincy for gallantry in a severe engagement.”
A newspaper writer who conversed with O’Neil at Buffalo reported as
follows:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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