The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Loyalists of America and Their Times, Vol. 2 of 2, by Edgerton Ryerson This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org Title: The Loyalists of America and Their Times, Vol. 2 of 2 From 1620-1816 Author: Edgerton Ryerson Release Date: February 20, 2008 [EBook #24658] Language: English Character set encoding: ASCII *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LOYALISTS OF AMERICA *** Produced by Jason Isbell, Graeme Mackreth and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries) THE LOYALISTS OF AMERICA AND THEIR TIMES: From 1620 to 1816. BY EGERTON RYERSON, D.D., LL.D., Chief Superintendent of Education for Upper Canada from 1844 to 1876. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. II. [Pg i] Volume I is also available from Project Gutenberg TORONTO: WILLIAM BRIGGS, 80 KING STREET EAST; JAMES CAMPBELL & SON, AND WILLING & WILLIAMSON. MONTREAL: DAWSON BROTHERS. 1880. Entered, according to the Act of the Parliament of Canada, in the year One thousand eight hundred and eighty, by the Rev. Egerton Ryerson, D.D., LL.D, in the Office of the Minister of Agriculture. CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXVII. CHAPTER XXVIII. [Pg ii] [Pg iii] Alliance between Congress and France not productive of the effect anticipated; efforts of the British Government for reconciliation with the Colonies Alliance deferred twelve months by France after it was applied for by Congress, until the King of France was assured that no reconciliation would take place between England and the Colonies Lord Admiral Howe and his brother, General Howe, Commissioners to confer with Congress with a view to reconciliation; their power limited; Congress refuses all conference with them, but the vast majority of the Colonists in favour of reconciliation Reasons of the failure of the two Commissioners New penal laws against the Loyalists Three Acts of Parliament passed to remove all grounds of complaint on the part of the Colonists, and the appointment of five Commissioners; Lord North's conciliatory speech; excitement and opposition in the Commons, but the bills were passed and received the royal assent Lord North's proposed resignation, and preparations for it Opinions of Lords Macaulay and Mahon as to the success of a commission; proposed terms of reconciliation if appointed and proposed by the Earl of Chatham The large powers and most liberal propositions of the five Royal Commissioners for reconciliation between the Colonies and the Mother Country The refusal of all negotiation on the part of Congress; bound by treaty to the King of France to make no peace with England without the consent of the French Court The three Acts of Parliament, and proposals of the five Commissioners of all that the Colonists had desired before the Declaration of Independence; but Congress had transferred allegiance from England to France, without even consulting their constituents Appeal of the representative of France to the Canadians to detach Canada from England (in a note) Sycophancy of the leaders of Congress to France against England The feeling of the people in both England and America different from that of the leaders of Congress The war more acrimonious after the alliance between Congress and the Kingof France and the failure of the British Commissioners to promote reconciliation between Great Britain and the Colonies 1-16 1 2 4 5 6 8 8 11 12 12 12 13 14 16 [Pg iv] Complete Failure of the French Fleet and Army, under Count D'Estaing, to assist the Congress 17-32 CHAPTER XXIX. Count D'Estaing arrives in America with a powerful fleet and several thousand soldiers Anchors off Sandy Hook for eleven days; goes to Long Island by Washington's advice, and sails up Newport River, whither he is pursued by the Lord Admiral Howe with a less powerful fleet; the ships, with 4,000 French soldiers and 10,000 Americans, to land and attack the British on Long Island, who were only 5,000 strong The two fleets separated by a storm; only fighting between individual ships Count D'Estaing, against the remonstrances and protests of American officers, determines to sail for Boston Harbour for the repair of his ships Bitter feeling and riot between the American sailors and citizens and French seamen and soldiers in the streets of Boston Raids in New England by British expeditions (in a note) Differences between Count D'Estaing and the American officers as to the mode of attacking the British on Long Island Early in November Count D'Estaing with his fleet quitted the port of Boston and sailed for the West Indies, thus disappointing the hopes of the Americans from the French alliance Count D'Estaing, though strengthened by the fleet of Count De Grasse, could not be induced to come to close fight with Admiral Byron The French take St. Vincent Count D'Estaing complained of by the Americans to the French Court, which orders him to return to the American coasts and assist the Colonists D'Estaing arrives suddenly on the American coasts with twenty-two sail-of-the-line and eleven frigates and six thousand soldiers; his magnificent plans and expectations D'Estaing arranges with General Lincoln to attack Savannah and rescue the province of Georgia, and afterwards other Southern provinces, from the British Account of the Siege of Savannah, and the defeat of the French and their American allies; result of the contest Mutual recriminations and jealousies between the French and American officers; Count D'Estaing sails with his fleet for France Why this minute account of Count D'Estaing's abortive expeditions to America; the barren results of the first two years' alliance between Congress and the King of France, by Dr. Ramsay Spain joins France against England in 1779 Low state of the American army and finances; discouragement and despondency of the Americans in 1780 The degeneracy of Congress in 1778, as stated by General Washington Depreciation of public credit; sale of the confiscated property of "Tories" 17 17 18 18 19 19 19 20 21 21 22 22 23 24 25 27 28 28 29 30 [Pg v] 1780—A year of weakness and disaster to the American cause, and of success to the British Depression of American finances Weakness of Washington's army La Fayette returns from France with a loan of money and reinforcements of naval and land forces The British receive naval reinforcement of war ships, and become superior to the French Failure of the French reinforcements Sir Henry Clinton goes South; besieges and takes Charleston Conditions of the surrender and treatment of the inhabitants, as stated by Dr. Ramsay and misrepresented by Mr. Bancroft Sir Henry Clinton's bad administration and bad proclamation in South Carolina; his exaggerated statements of his success; re-embarks at Charleston for New York Expeditions to secure the universal submission of the people; but they weakened the cause of the British in the hearts of the people The military power of Congress reduced and crushed in the Southern States 32-41 32 32 33 33 33 34 35 36 36 37 CHAPTER XXX. CHAPTER XXXI. Lord Cornwallis's antecedents, and those of Lord Rawdon (afterwards Marquis of Hastings); but their severe policy unjustifiable and injurious to the British cause Military proceedings in the North also unfavourable to the Congress; its confessed weakness and gloomy prospects Appeal of Congress to France for men and money as their only hope Washington's despondency without French aid (in a note) Mr. Hildreth, the historian, on the gloomy state of American affairs at the close of the year 1780, though the English victories and rule did not attract the hearts of the people to the British cause 38 40 40 41 41 The French and Congress Allies recover Virginia; surrender of Lord Cornwallis; results General Washington and the French Commander plan an expedition to the South Sir Henry Clinton deceived as to their design Count De Grasse sails for the Chesapeake with a fleet of 28 ships and 7,000 French troops Remarkable march of the allied army, five hundred miles from New York to Virginia, without committing any depredations whatever upon the inhabitants, even in the season of fruits Plan of the siege of York Town Earl Cornwallis's measures of defence Position and strength of the allied forces, and their process of operations Lord Cornwallis's courageous and protracted defence; is disappointed of promised reinforcements from New York Lord Cornwallis capitulates to superior forces Conditions of capitulation Circumstances of the Loyalists Groundless boastings of American orators and writers over the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, commanding but a small part of the British forces The unrivalled skill and courage of Washington undoubted, as well as the bravery and endurance of his soldiers; but the success of the siege of York Town chiefly owing to the French, but for whose ships, artillery and land forces, Lord Cornwallis would have been the conqueror, rather than conquered, in this famous siege and battle The resources of England; the peace party opposed to the continuance of the American War irrespective of the Battle of York Town The war party and corrupt administration at length defeated in the House of Commons, after repeated and protracted debates and various intrigues Change of Government, and end of Lord North's twelve years' administration Seven years' war and bloodshed, and an unnatural alliance would have been prevented, liberty secured, and the united life of the Anglo-Saxon race saved, had Congress, in 1776, adhered to its previous professions (in a note) 42-52 42 43 43 43 44 44 45 45 45 46 46 47 47 48 50 51 52 [Pg vi] Change of administration in England; change of policy for both England and the Colonies; peace negotiations at Paris; cause of the United Empire Loyalists; change of ministry; the King compelled to yield Names of the new Ministers; death of the Marquis of Rockingham, the Premier, succeeded by the Earl of Shelburne, in consequence of which several Ministers resign, and are succeeded by others, among whom was Pitt, as Chancellor of the Exchequer (in a note) Correspondence between Dr. Franklin, at Paris, and the Earl of Shelburne, which led to negotiations for peace Parliament does not pass an Act to authorize peace with America until three months after the accession of the new Ministry Dr. Franklin proposes to include Canada in the United States English and American Commissioners meet at Paris and hold protracted negotiations, with many delays, in regard to terms of peace 53-65 53 54 54 54 56 CHAPTER XXXII. CHAPTER XXXIII. Two most difficult questions of the treaty—The fishing grounds of Newfoundland and the Loyalists It was agreed that the Americans should have the right to take fish on the Banks of Newfoundland, but not to dry or cure them on any of the King's settled dominions Preamble and articles of the treaty (in a note) The most important question of the Loyalists They constituted the majority of the population of the Colonies at the beginning of the contest It was at length agreed that the Congress should recommend to the several States to compensate the Loyalists; but Dr. Franklin anticipated no success from it, as of course he did not desire it Dr. Franklin's counter-scheme to defeat the proposition of the English Commissioners, who gave way Dr. Ramsay on the Loyalists being "sacrificed" to their sufferings Mr. Hildreth on the same subject What was demanded for the Loyalists had been sanctioned by all modern civilized nations in like circumstances How honourable to the United States to have imitated such examples The fallacy of the plea or pretext that Congress had no power to grant an amnesty and compensation to the Loyalists Severe censure of the royal historian, Dr. Andrews, upon the English Commissioners for having agreed to sacrifice the Loyalists (in a note) "All parties in the Commons unanimously demand amnesty and indemnity for the Loyalists." (Bancroft, in a note) Dr. Franklin and his colleagues outwitted the English Commissioners not only in regard to the Loyalists but also in regard to immense territories Deplorable condition of the Loyalists during the war; utter abandonment by the English Commissioners 56 56 56 56 57 57 58 58 59 61 61 62 62 62 62 63 64 [Pg vii] Origin of Republicanism and hatred of Monarchy in America; Thos. Paine, sketch of his life, character, and writings, and their effects 66-71 The hiring of Foreign soldiers and employment of Indians in the Civil War The policy of the British Ministry in employing foreign soldiers and Indians in the war with the Colonies deprecated by all classes in England and America and throughout Europe Violent opposition in Parliament to the hiring of foreign troops; exasperation in the Colonies (in a note) Unreliable and bad character of the Hessian mercenaries Remarks upon the bad policy of employing them, and their bad conduct, by the royal historian (in a note) The employment of Indians still more condemned and denounced than the hiring of foreign troops Employment of Indians by both the French and English during the war of 1755-63, between France and England At the close of the war the French authorities recommended the Indians to cultivate the friendship of England Both Congress and the English sought the alliance and co-operation of the Indians; misstatements of the Declaration of Independence on this subject (in a note); the advantages of the latter over the former in conciliating the Indians The employment of the Indians in every respect disadvantageous to England English Generals in America individually opposed to the employment of the Indians in the military campaigns Failure, if not defeat, of General Burgoyne's army by the bad conduct, and desertion, of his Indian allies But Washington and Congress, as well as the English Government, sanctioned the employment of the Indians in the war, and the first idea of thus employing them originated with the first promoters of revolution in Massachusetts Omissions of American writers to state that the aggressions and retaliations of the Congress soldiers and 72-84 72 73 74 74 74 75 75 75 76 76 76 77 CHAPTER XXXIV. CHAPTER XXXV. their coadjutors far exceeded in severity and destruction the aggressions and retaliations of the Indians on the white inhabitants Many letters and biographies of actors in the Revolution show that very much of what was written or reported during the Revolution against the English Loyalists and Indians was fictitious or exaggerated Proceedings of the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts (before the affairs of Concord and Lexington) to enlist and employ the Indians against the British General Washington, under date of July 27th, 1776, recommends the employment of Indians in the revolutionarycause The Americans have no ground of boasting over the English in regard to the employment of Indians and their acts during the war Efforts of General Burgoyne to restrain the Indians, who were an incumbrance to his army, and whose conduct alienated great numbers of Loyalists from the British cause The conduct and dread of the Indians roused great numbers to become recruits in General Gates' army, and thus rendered it far more numerous than the army of General Burgoyne (in a note) American invasion and depredations in the Indian country the latter part of 1776, as stated by Dr. Ramsay The invasion unprovoked, but professedly as a "precaution" to "prevent all future co-operation between the Indians and British in that quarter" bordering in Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Georgia Complete destruction of Indian settlements; their country a desolation 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 84 84 [Pg viii] The massacre of Wyoming; four versions of it by accredited American Historians, all differing from each other; the facts investigated and false statements corrected The original inflated and imaginary accounts of the "Massacre of Wyoming" Four versions of it by accredited historians The account given by Dr. Ramsay Remarks upon Dr. Ramsay's account Description of Wyoming Mr. Bancroft's account of the "Massacre" Mr. Tucker's brief account of the "Massacre" Mr. Hildreth's more intelligible and consistent account of the "Massacre" Remarks on the discrepancies in four essential particulars of these four accounts Supplementary remarks, founded on Colonel Stone's refutation of the original fabulous statements of the "Massacre," in his "Life of Joseph Brant, including the Border Wars of the American Revolution" 85-98 85 85 87 88 88 88 90 90 94 98 [Pg ix] American retaliation for the alleged "Massacre of Wyoming," as narrated by American historians Destruction of Indian villages and settlements for several miles on both sides of the Susquehanna by the Americans Attack in retaliation "by Indians and Tories" on Cherry Valley, but more than revenged by Colonel G. Van Shaick on the settlements The destruction of Indian villages and other settlements to the extent of "several miles on both sides of the Susquehanna," more than an equivalent revenge for the destruction of Wyoming (in a note) This only the beginning of vengeance upon the Indian settlements on the part of the "Continentals;" cruelties compared General Sullivan's expedition, and destruction of the towns, settlements, crops, and orchards of the Six Nations of Indians, as stated by Dr. Andrews The same expedition, as stated by Mr. Bancroft, Mr. Hildreth, Mr. Holmes, and Dr. Ramsay Further examples of "retaliation," so-called, inflicted upon the Indians and their settlements (in a note) The "Tories," driven among the Indians as their only refuge, treated as traitors; their conduct and duty Colonel Stone's account in detail of General Sullivan's expedition of extermination against the Six Nations of Indians 99-122 99 99 100 100 100 102 106 108 108 CHAPTER XXXVI. APPENDIX TO CHAPTER XXXVI. CHAPTER XXXVII. APPENDIX "A" TO CHAPTER XXXVII. APPENDIX "B" TO CHAPTER XXXVII. CHAPTER XXXVIII. PART FIRST. Dr. Franklin's fictions on the massacre and scalping of the whites by Indians, in order to inflame the American mind against England; his fictions recorded as history Injustice done to the Indians in American accounts of them; their conduct compared with that of their white enemies 115 119 Situation and treatment of the Loyalists during the War Summary of the condition and treatment of the Loyalists The relation of both parties before the Declaration of Independence How the Declaration of Independence changed the relations of parties both in England and America At the Declaration of Independence the adherents to England the largest part of the population of the Colonies Elements of their affectionate attachment to England Their claims to have their rights and liberties respected Their position and character stated by Mr. Hildreth; abused by mobs and oppressed by new Acts and authorities John Adams the prompter and adviser for hanging "Tories;" his letter to the Governor of Massachusetts on the subject First scene of severity against Loyalists at Boston; new American maxim of morals for not forgiving "Tories" Treatment of Loyalists in New York, Philadelphia, Virginia, and other places Kindness of the French officers and soldiers after the defeat of Lord Cornwallis 123-138 123 123 123 124 125 125 125 127 127 128 129 [Pg x] State Legislative and Executive acts against the Loyalists Rhode Island; Connecticut Massachusetts New Hampshire; Virginia; New York New Jersey; Pennsylvania; Delaware Maryland; North Carolina; Georgia South Carolina Remarks on the Confiscation Acts and policy of the several States mentioned 130 130 131 131 132 132 134 136 Treatment of the Loyalists on their applications for redress after the Revolution Impolicy of such persecuting proceedings on the part of the States, by an American writer 139-144 141 Review of the principal characteristics of the American Revolution, and remarks on the feelings which should now be cultivated by both of the former contending parties, by Mr. J.M. Ludlow 145 Reflections of Lord Mahon on the American contest; apology for George III.; unhappiness of Americans since the Revolution; unity of the Anglo-Saxon Race 154 Treatment of the Loyalists by the British Government and Parliament after the Revolution 159-182 [Pg xi] PART SECOND. CHAPTER XXXIX. CHAPTER XL. CHAPTER XLI. Proceedings in Parliament; refusal of the States to compensate the Loyalists, as proposed in the Treaty of Peace, and contrary to the example and practice of civilized nations In the House of Commons, Mr. Wilberforce, Lord North, Lord Mulgrave, Secretary Townsend, Mr. Burke, Mr. Sheridan, Mr. Norton, Sir Peter Burrell, Sir William Bootle, and other members of Parliament, spoke on the subject In the House of Lords, Lords Walsingham, Townsend, Stormont, Sackville, Loughborough and Shelburne, also advocated the claims of the Loyalists Grounds of the responsibility of Parliament to the Loyalists for compensation Unpopular and unprecedented omissions in the terms of Peace Fallacy of the argument of advocates of the Treaty 159 160 163 164 164 165 Agents in England of the Loyalists; proceedings of the Parliamentary Commission; results 166-182 The Loyalists driven from the United States to the British Provinces 183-190 Brief sketches of some individual Loyalists in the British Provinces; first settlers in Canada, and how they travelled hither 1. Samuel Anderson; 2. Rev. John Bethune; 3. Doanes—five brothers; 4. Stephen Jarvis; 5. Wm. Jarvis; 6. David Jones; 7. Jonathan Jones; 8. Captain Richard Lippincott; 9. The McDonalds; 10. John McGill; 11. Donald McGillis; 12. Thomas Merritt; 13. Beverley Robinson; 14. Beverley Robinson, jun.; 15. Christopher Robinson; 16. Sir John Beverley Robinson; 17. Sir Charles Frederick Phillipse Robinson; 18. Morris Robinson; 19. John Robinson; 20. Roger Morris; 21. Allen McNab; 22. Luke Carscallen; 23. John Diamond; 24. Ephraim Tisdale; 25. Lemuel Wilmot Dr. Canniff's account of the migration of the first Loyalists from Lower Canada, and settlement on the North Shore of the St. Lawrence, and in the country round and west of Kingston 190-208 204 [Pg xii] First settlement of Loyalists in the British Provinces—especially of Upper Canada,—their adventures and hardships, as written by themselves or their descendants First settlement of the first company of Loyalists at the close of the Revolutionary War, in and near Kingston, Upper Canada, by the late Bishop Richardson, D.D. First settlement of Loyalists in Nova Scotia, by a gentleman of that Province Colonel Joseph Robinson, his adventures and settlement, by the late Hon. R. Hodgson, Chief Justice of Prince Edward Island Robert Clark, his sufferings in the Revolutionary War, and settlement in the Midland District, U.C.; by his son, late Colonel John C. Clark Captain William B. Hutchinson, his sufferings and settlement in Walsingham, County of Norfolk, U.C.; by his grandson, J.B. Hutchinson, Esq. Patriotic feeling and early settlement of Prince Edward County and neighbouring Townships; by Canniff Haight, Esq. Colonel Samuel Ryerse, his adventures, settlement, and character, in the County of Norfolk; in letters by his son, the late Rev. George J. Ryerse; and in a memorandum, including a history of the early settlement of the County of Norfolk, and recollections of the war of 1812-1815; by Mrs. Amelia Harris, of Eldon House, London, U.C. Colonel Joseph Ryerson, his adventures, sufferings, and settlement in the County of Norfolk, U.C.; by an intimate friend of the family Note.—Colonel Samuel Ryerse and Colonel Joseph Ryerson were brothers, and both officers in the British army during the Revolutionary War; but in the commission of the former, his name was spelled Ryerse; and it being difficult at that time to correct such an error, he and his descendants have always spelt their name Ryerse, though the original name of the family, in the records of New Jersey, in Holland, and previously in the history of Denmark, is Ryerson. 208-270 208 211 213 216 218 219 226 257 CHAPTER XLII. CHAPTER XLIII. CHAPTER XLIV. CHAPTER XLV. Interesting piece of local history; by the Rev. Dr. Scadding Loyalty and sufferings of the Hon. John Monroe; by his son Sufferings of the U.E. Loyalists during the Revolutionary War; vindication of their character—including that of Butler's Rangers—their privations and settlement in Canada; by the late Mrs. Elizabeth Bowman Spohn, of Ancaster, in the County of Wentworth, U.C., together with an introductory letter by the writer of this history 259 261 264 Origin and Character of the Governments of British North America.—Nova Scotia 271-276 New Brunswick 277-280 Prince Edward Island 280 [Pg xiii] Government of Lower Canada The famous Quebec Act, 14th Geo. III.; its provisions; why and by whom opposed; opposed in the Lords and Commons, and in the Colonies; supposed to have promoted the American Declaration of Independence Constitutional Act of 1791—Act 31st George III., chapter 31 Mr. Pitt explains the principal provisions of the Bill; provided against the imposition of taxes in the colonies by the Imperial Parliament; opposed by some members in the Commons; rupture between Burke and Fox (in a note); Pitt's defence of the Bill The Bill becomes an Act; separates Upper from Lower Canada; constitutes a legislature for each province; how the two branches of the legislature were constituted; the representative form of government obtained by the United Empire Loyalists The Administration of the Government and Legislation in Lower Canada under the new constitution Lord Dorchester Governor-General; first session of the Legislature; Speakers of the two Houses; a Speaker elected in the House of Assembly who could speak both the French and English language The Governor's first speech to the Legislature The cordial and loyal response of the House of Assembly Useful and harmonious legislation; a noble example and illustration of loyalty by the House of Assembly before the close of the session The Governor's speech at the close of the session Unjust statements against the French corrected (in a note) Second session of the Legislature called by Lord Dorchester on his arrival from England; his cordial reception; beneficial legislation; Canadians recoil from the horrors of the French Revolution French Republican agents endeavour to incite Canadians to revolt, and to excite hostilities against England in the United States Mutual cordiality between the Governor-General and the House of Assembly Visit of the Duke of Kent to Lower Canada as Commander of the Forces; his wise and patriotic counsels; beneficial influence of his visit and residence Lord Dorchester lays the public accounts before the Assembly; their contents; this proceeding highly satisfactory to the Assembly; bills passed and assented to Interval of quiet between the second and third Sessions of the Legislature; Lord Dorchester's practical and noble speech at the opening of the third Session; Mr. Christie's remarks upon it; cordial answer of the House of Assembly, to whom the public accounts were transmitted, even more comprehensive and complete than those sent down the previous Session Commissioners first appointed to adjust the revenues between Upper and Lower Canada; their courteous and fair proceedings on both sides Gratifying close of the third Session 281-306 281 285 285 286 288 289 290 290 292 294 294 295 297 297 297 298 299 301 302 CHAPTER XLVI. CHAPTER XLVII. CHAPTER XLVIII. Auspicious opening, useful legislation, and happy conclusion of the fourth and last Session of the first Parliament of Lower Canada Termination of Lord Dorchester's thirty-six years connection with Canada; review of his conduct and character by the historian Bancroft; cordial addresses to him, and his affectionate answers Meritorious conduct of the French Canadians 302 303 305 [Pg xiv] Government of Upper Canada How governed and divided by Lord Dorchester before the Constitutional Act of 1791 The Constitutional Act of 1791, 31 George III., chapter 31, and construction of governments under it General John Graves Simcoe the first Governor; character of his government; arrives at Kingston 8th July, 1792, where the members of the Executive Legislative Councils were sworn into office, and writs issued for the election of members of the House of Assembly The seat of government first established at Newark, now Niagara, where a small frame house was built for the Governor, and in which also the first Session of the Legislature was held Number of members of the Legislative Council and House of Assembly present at the opening of the Session; their character Number and character of the population of the country, including the Mohawk Indians, headed by Joseph Brant First Session of the first Parliament and its work Remarkable speech of Governor Simcoe at the close of the Session, explanatory of our constitution of government Change of the seat of government and reasons for it Governor Simcoe's work and policy; removal to the West Indies, and abandonment of his wise policy Parliament meets at Niagara until 1797; its legislation; Governor Simcoe's successor, the Hon. Peter Russell and General Hunter; population of Upper Canada in 1800 Legislation, progress, trade, custom-houses Provision for one Grammar School Master in each of the eight districts Emigration; legislation; experience of the country during sixteen years under the new constitution State of the country in 1809 Anticipated hostilities between Great Britain and the United States; concluding remarks on this period of Canadian history 307-315 307 307 308 308 309 309 309 310 311 311 312 313 314 314 314 315 War of the United States against Great Britain, from 1812 to 1815 Introductory and general remarks; illustrations of true loyalty; war struggles of England for human liberty when the United States joined the tyrant of Europe in war and invaded Canada; comparative population of Canada and the United States; Canada, almost unaided, successfully resists the eleven invasions of the United States against her; phases of the war against her 316-317 316 [Pg xv] Declaration of War by the United States against Britain, and preparations for the invasion of Canada The alleged and real causes of the war; the Democratic party in the United States always hostile to England and her colonies, and sympathisers with every raid against Canada Two alleged causes for the war by the United States; Berlin decrees, and answers to them by British Orders in Council—results Collusion between Napoleon and the President of the United States against England; seduction and desertion of British sailors (nearly 10,000) besides soldiers; the justice and acknowledged right of the British claims, and injustice and unreasonableness of the Madison Government's proceedings The event between the warships Leopard and Chesapeake; American misrepresentations of it; dishonest conduct of President Madison in respect to it; noble and generous proposal of the British Government, disclaiming the conduct of the captain of the Leopard, and offering to compensate all parties for injuries 318-330 318 319 319 323 CHAPTER XLIX. CHAPTER L. CHAPTER LI. CHAPTER LII. Incidents of this Great Achievement. done them by the Leopard The "Henry Plot" affair; conduct of President Madison in respect to it; declaration of war by the United States 323 327 Declaration of War by the United States Declaration of war, June 18, 1812; votes in the House of Representatives for and against it Character of the war party and its Generals Opposition to the war, and reasons against it, by a State Convention of New York Address of the House of Representatives of Massachusetts against the war The Orders in Council, as administered, beneficial to American merchants 331-336 331 333 333 334 335 Preparations made by the Canadians for their defence War against the Canadas being contemplated in the United States Preparations by Lower Canada; Sir George Prevost succeeds Sir James Craig as Governor-General; his character and first speech to the Legislature The loyal answer of the Assembly, and liberal provisions for the defence of the Province Organization of militia American residents allowed twenty days to leave the Province Second Session of the War Legislature, 16th July, 1812; the Governor's speech, relying upon the Province, and noble reply, and further various and liberal supplies and measures of the Legislative Assembly to meet the emergency Preparations in Upper Canada for self-defence General Brock calls a meeting of the Legislature, July 27, 1812; his stirring speech at the opening of the session; hearty response and liberal supplies of the House of Assembly Patriotic address of the Assembly to the people of Upper Canada, and remarks upon it 337-351 337 338 338 339 340 340 341 342 342 [Pg xvi] First Invasion of Upper Canada, in the Western District, by General Hull, and his Proclamation to the Inhabitants of Upper Canada, given entire in a note General Brock's manly and overwhelming reply to General Hull's proclamation, in an address to the people of Canada 346-351 349 General Brock takes Detroit, General Hull's Army, the Territory of Michigan, and Immense Military Stores 352-364 1. Smallness of General Brock's army, and the manner in which he collected it Preparations at Windsor for the attack upon Detroit before General Brock's arrival there Crossing the river, and the surrender of Fort Detroit, &c. 2. General Brock's council with the Indians at Sandwich before crossing the river at Detroit; his conversation with the great chief Tecumseh; and after the taking of Detroit, takes off his sash and places it around Tecumseh, who next day placed it around the Wyandot chief, Round Head; reasons for it given to General Brock General Brock's estimate of Tecumseh, and the latter's watching and opinion on the conduct of the former Particulars of Tecumseh's personal history and death (in a note) Surprise and taking of Michillimackinack, and other defeats, discouraging to General Hull, before his surrender of Detroit 353 353 354 355 356 357 358 CHAPTER LIII. CHAPTER LIV. CHAPTER LV. CHAPTER LVI. Particulars of the surrender General Brock's proclamation to the people of Michigan Remarks on the difference in sentiment and style between this proclamation to the inhabitants of Michigan and that of General Hull to the inhabitants of Canada General Brock's return to York; having in 19 days settled public legislative business, raised a little army, taken a territory nearly as large as Upper Canada, and an army three times as numerous as his own 361 362 363 364 [Pg xvii] Second Invasion of Upper Canada at Queenston Crossing of the river from Lewiston to Queenston of 1,500 regular troops, who, by a private path, gain Queenston Heights; death of General Brock; the invaders dislodged from the Heights and driven down the banks of the river; American militia refuse to cross the river; American soldiers surrender to General Sheaffe to the number of 900 men, besides officers, including General Wadsworth and Colonel Winfield Scott Armistice Incidents on the Niagara frontier after the death of General Brock, by Lieutenant Driscoll, of the 100th Regiment 365-371 365 368 368 Third American Invasion of Canada A large American army assembled; confidence of its success No reinforcements from England; but the sacrifice and zeal of the Canadians for the defence of their country against this third and most formidable invasion of the year The Commander-in-Chief's (General Smyth) address to his army, given entire in a note Its effect to bring 2,000 volunteers from the State of Pennsylvania The troops embark; General Smyth does not appear; failure of the attempted invasion; General Smyth's flight from his own soldiers, who shoot off their guns in disgust and indignation Three armies, altogether of 10,000 men, defeated by less than 1,000 Canadian volunteers and soldiers 372-379 372 373 373 374 375 378 [Pg xviii] An Invading Army of 10,000 men, under General Dearborn, defeated by Colonel De Salaberry, with 300 Canadians, at Chateauguay; Description of the Battle The Canadian militia put in readiness to repel a second apprehended invasion, but General Dearborn does not venture it, and retires with his hosts into winter quarters The Canadian militia allowed to retire for the winter The armistice between Generals Sheaffe and Smyth injurious to Upper Canada (in a note) 380-382 381 382 382 Campaigns of 1813 Americans determined to conquer Canada this year Disadvantage of the Governor-General of Canada from the fewness of his troops, regulars and militia, compared with those of the invading armies Three American invading armies—one consisting of 18,000 men, the second of 7,000 men, and the third of 8,000 men General Proctor's slender force at Detroit Battle of Frenchtown; victory of Colonel Proctor; American misrepresentations respecting it corrected Colonel Proctor promoted to be General Several American plundering raids on Brockville and neighbourhood; retaliatory raid of the British on Ogdensburg; town ordnance, arms, &c., taken, and vessels destroyed Canadian preparations in the winter of 1813 for the season's campaign; U.E. Loyalist regiment comes from Fredericton, New Brunswick, to Quebec, on snow shoes The American plan of campaign to invade and take Canada in 1813 383-425 383 383 384 384 385 388 388 390 390 Occurrences on Lake Ontario. Occurrences on Lake Erie and in the West. The American fleet on Lake Ontario superior to the British fleet; attack upon York with 1,700 men, commanded by Generals Dearborn and Pike; battle, explosion of a magazine; many of both armies killed; Canadians defeated and York taken Americans evacuate York and return to Sackett's Harbour, after having destroyed public buildings, and taken much booty Americans attack Fort George, Newark (Niagara), by land and water, and after a hard fight take the town and fort, the British retiring to Queenston General Vincent, having destroyed the fortifications on the frontier, retreats to Burlington Heights, pursued by Generals Chandler and Winder, with an army of 3,500 infantry and 300 cavalry Colonel Harvey, with 700 men, surprises the whole American army at Stony Creek, captures their two generals and 150 men, &c. American army retreats in great disorder towards Fort George The affair at the Beaver Dams; the capture of 700 American soldiers, with their officers, by a small party of soldiers and Indians—the captured prisoners being five to one of their captors The American army confined to Fort George and its neighbourhood A small party of the British retaliate the marauding game of the Americans by crossing the river at Chippewa, attacking and dismantling Fort Schlosser and bringing off military stores; and seven days afterwards, 11th July, crossing from Fort Erie to Black Rock, and burning the enemy's block-houses, stores, barracks, dockyards, &c. The two armies almost within gunshot of each other at Fort George; but the Americans could not be drawn out to a battle, though their numbers were two to one to the British General Harrison prepares to prosecute the war for recovering the Territories of Michigan; General Proctor raises the siege of Lower Sandusky and retires to Amherstburg Unsuccessful expedition of Governor-General Prevost and Sir James L. Yeo against Sackett's Harbour; Sir George Prevost orders the withdrawment of the troops, at the very crisis of victory, to the great disappointment and dissatisfaction of his officers and men 391 393 393 394 395 396 397 397 397 398 399 399 [Pg xix] Second unsuccessful attempt of Commodore Sir James Yeo on Sackett's Harbour Commodore Chauncey's expedition to the head of the lake to take Burlington Heights is deferred by the preparations of Colonels Harvey and Battersby to receive him Commodore Chauncey makes a second raid upon York (Toronto), plunders, burns, and departs; singular coincidence The British fleet, sailing from Kingston the last day of July, with supplies for the army at the head of the lake, encounters the American fleet at Niagara, and after two days' manœuvring, a partial engagement ensues, in which the British capture two small vessels—the Julia and Growler A graphic account of the naval manœuvring and battle by the American historian of the war, Brackenridge (in a note) Encounters and tactics of the British and American fleets on Lake Ontario for the rest of the season 401 402 402 402 402 404 Fleet fitting out by Commodore Perry at Presqu' Isle (Erie) blockaded by Commodore Barclay, who, neglecting his duty and absenting himself from Presqu' Isle, allowed the American fleet to get over the bar at the mouth of the harbour, and getting into the lake with their cannon reshipped and completely equipped Commodore Barclay, the enemy too well manned and too powerful for him, sails for Amherstburg; is pursued by Commodore Perry and compelled to fight, in which he lost his fleet, though he fought bravely In consequence of the loss of the fleet on Lake Erie, the British army in possession of the territory of Michigan, left without resources, evacuate the territory and Fort Detroit, before an American army of 7,000 men and 1,000 dragoons, under General Harrison General Proctor retreats up the Thames; is pursued by General Harrison, with a force of 3,000 men, including 1,000 Kentucky dragoons, and overtaken near Moravian Town, where a battle ensues, in which General Proctor is defeated with heavy loss—the Indians remaining loyal, fighting longest, suffering most, with the loss of their chief, Tecumseh 405 406 407 408 American Invasion of Lower Canada. Battle of Chateauguay. Battle of Chrystler's Farm. British Victories in Upper Canada. CHAPTER LVII. Shameful burning of Moravian Town by the Americans Americans accept Indian alliance; Americans intoxicated by these successes, but driven from every inch of Canadian territory before the end of the year 410 410 [Pg xx] Defeat of an American advance invading division, and capture of two vessels, the Growler and Eagle, of eleven guns each, at the Isle-aux-Noix, by 108 men, under the command of Lieut.-Col. George Taylor Attacks upon and capture and destruction of the American war materials, hospitals, barracks, &c., at Plattsburg, under Colonel Murray (General Moore retreating with 1,500 men), at Burlington (where was encamped General Hampton with 4,000 men), capturing and destroying four vessels, and afterwards at the towns of Champlain and Swanton, destroying the block-houses and barracks These successes but preliminary to the Canadian victories of Chateauguay, and Chrystler's Farm 411 412 413 General Hampton, with 5,000 men, defeated by the skill and courage of Colonel De Salaberry with 300 Canadians; the battle described, and the close of it witnessed, by the Governor-General Prevost and Major-General De Watteville General Hampton with his demoralized army retires into winter quarters at Plattsburg Next expedition against Montreal by the St. Lawrence, under command of General Wilkinson, with a force of 10,000 men; the American soldiers promised grand winter quarters at Montreal American army descends the St. Lawrence from near Kingston in 300 boats; is followed by a detachment of the British from Kingston, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Morrison, who overtakes and skirmishes with divisions of the American army on the way; at the American post, at the town of Hamilton, takes a considerable quantity of provisions and stores, and two pieces of ordnance 413 417 417 418 American force engaged between 3,000 and 4,000 men; the British forces were about 800 rank and file; preliminaries and description of the battle, said to be the most squarely and scientifically fought battle of the war Losses; General Wilkinson's testimony as to the loyalty and courage of the Canadians General Wilkinson proceeds down the St. Lawrence with his flotilla; disappointment and mortification at General Hampton's disobedience and failure to meet him at St. Regis; crosses the St. Lawrence and retires into winter quarters at Salmon River The campaign of the season terminated in Lower Canada; the Canadian militia dismissed to their homes with thanks and applause 419 420 420 421 In December, 1813, Lieutenant-General Drummond supersedes Major-General De Rottenburgh in command of Upper Canada, and proceeds to York and the head of the Lake at Burlington Heights; despatches Colonel Murray to arrest the predatory incursions of General McClure in the neighbourhood of Fort George, of which he was then in possession McClure's plundering the inhabitants; his barbarous act in burning the town of Newark (Niagara), and flight to the American side of the river The British, under command of Colonel Murray, take Fort Niagara, the whole garrison, and much warlike supplies Lewiston, Manchester, Black Rock and Buffalo destroyed in retaliation for the burning of Newark (Niagara), and exposure of 400 women and children, by McClure Proclamation issued by General Drummond, deprecating this savage mode of warfare, and declaring his purpose not to pursue it, unless compelled by the measures of the American Government 422 423 423 424 425 [Pg xxi] Movements and Campaigns in 1814—The third and last year of the war Two years' expensive failures of American invasions against Canada; preparations on both sides for the third year's campaigns 426-434 426 CHAPTER LVIII. CHAPTER LIX. Volunteers, soldiers and sailors, march through the woods from New Brunswick to Canada Expression of Royal satisfaction and admiration of the loyalty and courage of the Canadians during the war, making special mention of the affair of Chateauguay and Colonel De Salaberry First American invasion of Lower Canada in 1814; the American soldiers, crossing Lake Champlain on the ice, attack Le Colle Mill (Block-house), and are driven back by a small but heroic force of Canadians General Wilkinson returns with his army to Plattsburg; and, disappointed and mortified at his failures, retires from the army Prairie du Chién, on the Mississippi, taken by the British, and Fort Michillimackinack triumphantly defended against a large American force; and Sir John C. Sherbrook, Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia, reduces an extensive portion of American territory adjoining New Brunswick, and adds it to that Province Peace in Europe; reinforcements of 16,000 veteran soldiers from England to Canada Sir George Prevost's abortive expedition against Plattsburg censured; recalled to England to be tried by court-martial; dies a week before the day of trial The estimate of Mr. Christie, the Canadian historian, of the character and policy of Sir George Prevost Opening of the campaign in Upper Canada; expedition from Kingston against Oswego, which is dismantled, its fortifications destroyed, military stores, &c., seized British fleet, supreme on Lake Ontario, blockades Sackett's Harbour; intercepts supplies being sent from Oswego to Sackett's Harbour, but is unsuccessful in pursuing American supply boats up the Sandy Creek; the pursuers taken prisoners and well treated by the Americans 426 427 427 428 428 430 330 431 432 433 [Pg xxii] Last Invasions and last Battles of the war Americans, in two divisions, under command of Brigadier-Generals Scott and Ripley, cross the river and land on the Canadian side above and below Fort Erie, which is commanded by Major Buck, and surrendered without firing a shot, to the great loss of the British, and to the great advantage of the Americans General Brown, with a force of over 4,000 troops, advances down the river from Fort Erie, with a view of taking Chippewa; is encountered by General Riall, who is compelled to retire to the rear of his works at Chippewa; heroism of the Lincoln Militia General Riall retires to Fort George, pursued by General Brown; pillage of the American soldiers and officers in the neighbourhood of Fort George Both armies reinforced; General Brown in difficulties; retreats towards Chippewa; is pursued by General Riall; burns the village of St. David's; makes a stand at Lundy's Lane—called Bridgewater by the Americans Battle of Lundy's Lane; preliminaries to it The battle itself; protracted and bloody struggle; Americans retreat to beyond Chippewa Forces engaged; losses on both sides; victory absurdly claimed on the American side American army retreats to Fort Erie, pursued by General Drummond, who invests the fort Storming the fort; terrible conflict; on the point of victory a magazine blown up, destroying all the British soldiers who had entered the fort—including Colonels Drummond and Scott—compelling the retirement of the assailants; British losses severe The enemy shut up for a month in the fort by the British investment At the expiration of a month the enemy makes a sortie, with his whole force; surprises and destroys the batteries; a bloody conflict; the enemy compelled to return to the fort with a loss of 600 men Incessant rains prevent General Drummond repairing his batteries; he raises the siege and tries in vain to bring General Brown to a general engagement, but he evades it and evacuates Fort Erie Thus terminates the last American invasion of Canada, without acquiring possession of an inch of Canadian territory Summary review of Canadian loyalty, and the causes, characteristics, and the results of the war, in an address delivered at Queenston Heights, near Brock...