Narrative of the Fenian invasion of CanadaSomerville, Alexander
History
Narrative of the Fenian invasion of Canada
Somerville, Alexander
Canada -- History -- Fenian Invasions, 1866-1870
“I have just returned from Lower Black Rock, 4 or 5 miles from the
city, and had a view of the Fenians encamped on the opposite bank;
some say to the number of 2000 or 3000. A tug boat carried over
a large number, and cheers for the new arrivals were distinctly
heard on this side. The ferry-boat is now stopped, but the Fenians
appear to have full liberty to ply in tug boats as often as they
please. A man on a white horse appeared to be very active, he
being distinctly seen on the bank of the river riding amongst
his men. About half past six the host of the Fenian army proper
went over in canal boats and took with them twenty wagon loads of
munitions of war. They have sentinels posted for miles around their
encampment, and are enjoying their favorite occupation of stealing
all the horses in the locality. The stars and stripes float from a
flag-pole at Erie, opposite Black Rock, but the general impression
here is that if the Canadians have the least spark of that
spirit they are supposed to possess, the Fenians will soon have
to skedaddle. It is said that they intend going on to Chippewa
forthwith. The steamer Michigan has steam up to prevent the Fenians
coming back.
“All kinds of rumors are afloat here—_one_ that Windsor has been
burnt down. Another that a force was advancing from Albany. They
had tickets for Rome, and probably were destined for the St.
Lawrence region. They had no arms. The Fenian leaders in this city
are very active and more men will leave to-night for the Canadian
frontier.”
More news arrived from the States and flew on wings of a free
press through the Province. The people not dismayed one shade of
countenance, but on the contrary fired with newer, bolder energy
to muster, march, give battle and conquer. This was circulated at
Toronto, after noon. Cincinnati, June 1. The _Commercial’s_ Columbus,
Ohio, despatch says that 450,000 rounds of ammunition were shipped
from that place to New York, and 150,000 to Chicago, and 30,000
muskets to Buffalo, within a few days, which it is reported were
intended for the Fenians.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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