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 am informed, for the object of this full and true account of
the Fenian Invasion, and enabled on authority the most reliable,
to remark on Major Denison’s history, that he says nothing about
the fact that until about 8 p. m., Friday, June 1, the village of
Chippewa and important bridges were entirely unprotected. At 10 a.
m. on Friday, ten hours sooner, the St. Catharines 19th volunteers,
under Lieut.-Col. Currie, could have easily been there 450 strong.
It is now asked, why were they not sent there instead of the men
kicking their heels on the street until half past 9 p. m.? The 19th
at that hour, a day wasted, left St. Catharines with the detachment
of 47th and 10th Royals, for Clifton (Suspension Bridge) and could
have reached Chippewa that night at half past 11 o’clock. But instead
of that being done they remained at Clifton in the cars until 4 a.
m. next day. “Had they been allowed to go up the night before, the
whole force under Colonel Peacocke could have left Chippewa at 3 or 4
a. m. on Saturday, and by going the direct road, would have reached
Stevensville by 7 a. m. with ease.” [Letter from the 19th.]
As to the delay at Chippewa to enable the volunteers to breakfast
[see Col. P.’s Rep. and extracts just given from Major Denison], it
is stated on behalf of the 19th, that they did not take breakfast
until they reached New Germany. There they partook of their own
supplies, and shared them with both the royals and regulars.
At noon they reached New Germany and there _remained until after 6 p.
m._ Col. Peacocke says he left this place at 4 p. m. Major Denison
says Col. Peacocke at about 4 p. m. had positive intelligence, of the
Fenians falling back on Fort Erie. “He immediately made arrangements
to move in pursuit. _It was about half past 5_, when he started from
New Germany.” And then says Major D. “Had this delay not occurred the
Fenians in all probability could not have escaped.” Which delay? does
he mean the time that elapsed between noon and 4 p. m.? or the time
lost after 4 p. m.? He says: “it was particularly unfortunate that
Col. Peacocke had not decided to move on Fort Erie three hours or so
sooner.” On behalf of the Volunteer 19th it is said, the whole force
remained at New Germany until after 6 p. m. “I cannot understand why
we delayed unless Col. P. waited for reinforcements (see Lowry’s
report.)” Looking to Col. Lowry’s report it does appear that Col.
P. had telegraphed for assistance, and additional force arrived at
New Germany after he had left. The superintendent of G. W. Railway
told Col. L. at Hamilton, that Col. P. had twice telegraphed for
reinforcements.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account