I need scarcely say here that that event is the unprecedented and unheard of invasion of our country, by a band of lawless brigands and filibusters, from the neighbouring Republic, ycleped Fenians, who have shed blood, and wantonly invaded the territory of a friendly power. It gives me much pleasure to insert in the “Cyclopædia of Battles” some account of how they were met by our brave Volunteers, at Ridgeway and Pigeon Hill; for it proves that the Volunteers of Canada will compare favorably with those of the Mother Country: and let it be borne in mind that one-half of the men who greatly contributed to the Victory of Waterloo were recruits--raw troops--drafts from the militia--soldiers who had never been engaged before; and the same indomitable pluck--the same unconquered spirit--the same manly virtue of England’s offshoot sons, was seen in the attack at Ridgeway. In the first general engagement in the Great Rebellion of the United States--which was fought at Bull Run--American Volunteers _were also for the first time under fire_, but what was the result? A total pell-mell rout--a scattered army hurrying on--cavalry, artillery, and infantry--in one mighty, confused mass--treading down and overthrowing each other, in their eagerness to escape from the manly chivalry of the South. OUR brave Volunteers charged with the “Spirit of their fathers,” and gained the day. It has been said that Canada was neither a military nor a literary colony. The events of the last few weeks fully proves to the contrary, regarding her military ardor. Her sons nobly responded to the government call; and had necessity required, as fair and fully equipped an army would have trod the battle-field as ever stood arrayed before an enemy;--and these sons of hers were scions of all stocks--from the son of the learnèd divine or lawyer, to the peasant’s only boy. As regards her literary fame she has produced works which will compare favorably with sister colonies, and may rank side by side with the Mother Country. To refute the assertion, too, may be here remarked, what an agent for some of the largest publishers both of England and the United States said not long ago; “In the last three months he had sold twenty complete copies of one of the largest and best Encyclopædias, and nearly double that number in parts,” added to the hundreds of other publications which are being scattered broadcast over the country, prove that the Canadians are cultivating their minds as well as their “broad acres.” For my own individual part, I can bear ample testimony to the generous patronage given to my publications. The first, published some years ago was rapidly sold. The second issued, was accepted by the _unanimous_ voice and vote of the Council of Public Instruction as the standard School Reader for Lower Canada, and received the approval of the Government. The whole edition of the third, issued last Christmas, was sold in two weeks. The present