While with a fine sense of fitness the part taken by the men of Glengarry, Ontario, in the 1812-14 war is rarely referred to by the descendants of those who fought so well and fell for their country, it is but meet on a centennial occasion as is now being celebrated that the distinguished services of the clansmen should not be forgotten. Much, indeed, could be said of the Macdonells, Macdonalds, Macleans, MacMillans, Chisholms, Camerons and Grants, as well as of other kindred families, who displayed all the ardour of the Highland mountaineer in defence of home and country, and who occupied second place then nor subsequently when the war-note sounded. These brief lines, however, must deal only with Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonell, who fell mortally wounded at Queenston Heights, and whose name cannot be disassociated in history from that of Brock, the chief hero of the war.
The many intermarriages in the course of generations between members of different houses of the Glengarry branch of Clan Donald have created genealogical intricacies not always threaded by the general reader. The identity of Colonel John Macdonell, the Queenston hero, however, need never have been in doubt. He was descended from Angus Macdonell of Greenfield, a grandson of Ranald,the ninth chief of Glengarry—in Gaelic, styled "Mac-ic-Alasdair." The Macdonells of Greenfield are nearer the main line of the Glengarry family than the cadet branches of Aberchalder, Cullachie and Leek—many of whom settled in Canada, who left the parent stock at an earlier period. They might reasonably be regarded as representative of all the Glengarry Macdonells of Canada.
Angus Macdonell of Greenfield had one son, Alexander, who came to Canada in 1792. He was married in Scotland to a daughter of Alexander Macdonell of Aberchalder (Captain 1st Battalion, King's Royal Regiment of New York), and among the issue of that marriage were Duncan, who succeeded his father, John, who fell with Brock, and Donald, who figured at Ogdensburg, 1813.
John Macdonell (Queenston) was born in 1785, in Scotland, and with his family came to Canada when seven years of age. In due course he became member of the Legislature for Glengarry and Attorney-General for Upper Canada. He was a Colonel of Militia, and on the outbreak of the war of 1812 acted as Military Secretary and Provincial A.D.C. to General Sir Isaac Brock. His legal talents were regarded as of high order, and of his military abilities Brock entertained a very good opinion indeed. As President of the Council and Administrator of Upper Canada, General Brock occupied the highest civil position in the Province, and the chief military position as General of the forces under his command.
Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonell, as Attorney-General, filled the next highest civil position to Brock in Upper Canada, and, as Military Secretary and P.A.D.C., was next highest in importance, if not in rank, to his chief in the field. Testimony was warmly borne by some of the most capable to judge, of his dominance in the military operations, and the subsequent negotiations, at Detroit, and thepapers in connection therewith, which he is said to have drafted, bear the mark of his patriotic and generous mind. The Prince Regent, in expressing his regret at the loss which the country must experience by the death of the Attorney-General, declared that "his zealous co-operation with Sir Isaac Brock would reflect lasting honour on his memory." Like Brock, he died unmarried; like him, too, he was engaged to be married at the time of his death. His fiancée was Miss Powell, daughter of the Chief Justice.
The story is told that at the commencement of the war, before making his will, Colonel Macdonell told Miss Powell that, though he had only a little estate to dispose of, about £300 in money, his books, papers and personal effects, together with ten acres of land on Church Street, Toronto, he wished her to have first choice of either the money and effects, or the land, for herself; the other part to go to a relative. She chose the money and the personalty, and the ten acres of land on Church Street went to his relative and godson, James Macdonell, son of his host, the Hon. Alexander Macdonell, Toronto, in whose family the title still remains.
Colonel Macdonell's father, Colonel Alexander Macdonell, commanded the 2nd Battalion, Glengarry Militia, in the war, and two of his brothers also had commissions, Duncan Macdonell, as a Captain, commanding a company at Ogdensburg (under Colonel George Macdonell), and Donald Greenfield Macdonell, who also commanded a company at Ogdensburg. Duncan, the elder brother, succeeded his father as Lieutenant-Colonel, commanding the 2nd Battalion, Glengarry Militia, until 1857, when he received the thanks of the Governor-General "for his long and valuable services dating from the last war." His son, Lieutenant-Colonel Archibald J. Macdonell, was also commanding officer of his grandfather's and father's regimentfrom 1857 to 1804. He was a barrister, and a Bencher, and Recorder at Kingston, and for many years a partner with Sir John A. Macdonald, Prime Minister of Canada. His only son is the well-known Lieut.-Col. John A. Macdonell, Alexandria, Ontario, now the head of the Greenfield family, whose patriotic sentiments and antiquarian tastes have often found eloquent and useful expression. He is a grandnephew of Colonel Macdonell (Queenston) and fifth of Greenfield.
Donald Greenfield Macdonell, who commanded a company at Ogdensburg (brother of Colonel Macdonell, Queenston), became D.A.Q.M.G in the war, was a Colonel of Militia and Deputy Adjutant-General from 1846 to 1861. He had the honour of laying the corner-stone of the monument to Sir Isaac Brock at Queenston in 1853. Among his grandsons are Donald Greenfield Macdonell, barrister, Vancouver, heir male, after Lieut.-Col. John A. Macdonell, Alexandria, Ontario, and A. McLean Macdonell, K.C., the well-known barrister of Toronto.
The connection of Mr. A. McLean Macdonell, K.C., of Toronto, with the War of 1812 is perhaps unique. Not only had his paternal great-grandfather and three sons, the Macdonells of Greenfield, commissions in the War of 1812, as above stated, but his maternal great-grandfather and three sons also held commissions in that war, viz., the Honourable Neil McLean and his three sons: 1st, the Honourable Archibald McLean, afterwards Chief Justice of Upper Canada. It is said that when Colonel Macdonell fell, McLean was near him, and he called out to him: "Help me, Archie." 2nd, John McLean, afterwards Sheriff of Kingston; and 3rd, Colonel Alexander McLean, who shows an excellent military record, and whose daughter married John Macdonell of Greenfield, Mr. McLean Macdonell's father. Thus, Mr. McLean Macdonell had two great-grandfathers, two grandfathers, and fourgranduncles, all holding important commissions in the only war which has vitally threatened Canada.
The connection between A. Claude Macdonell, M.P., Toronto, and Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonell (Queenston) is by intermarriage in the families of Aberchalder and Cullachie. The Aberchalders gave a father, Captain Alexander, and three sons, John, Hugh, and Chichester, to the American revolutionary war. John was a Captain in Butler's Rangers and was the first Speaker of the first House of Assembly of Upper Canada, in 1792. Hugh was an officer in the King's Royal Regiment and in the Royal Canadian Volunteer Regiment. He was one of the members for Glengarry in the first Legislature of Upper Canada. He afterwards served at Gibraltar, and as British Consul-General at Algiers. Chichester served in Butler's Rangers, and became a colonel in the British army, winning distinction at Corunna.
Allan Macdonell of Cullachie (closely related to Aberchalder) was a captain in the 84th Royal Highland Emigrant Regiment, and his son, Alexander, an officer in Butler's Rangers, was prominent in the military-political life of Upper Canada, and at the time of the 1812 war was a colonel of Militia and Deputy Postmaster-General. His son, Angus Duncan Macdonell, who died in 1894, was the father of Mr. Angus Claude Macdonell, M.P. for South Toronto.
When Colonel Macdonell (Queenston) came to Toronto as a young man in connection with his profession, he resided with his relative, the Honourable Alexander Macdonell, Mr. Claude Macdonell's grandfather, and it was from his home he went to the front. Needless to say, Colonel Macdonell's memory is sacredly cherished among these and many others of his kith and kin in Canada, as it is indeed by all lovers of the heroic in Canadian history.
FOOTNOTE: Appendix I[1]Reprinted from the TorontoGlobeandMail and Empireof the 12th of October, 1912.
[1]Reprinted from the TorontoGlobeandMail and Empireof the 12th of October, 1912.
[1]Reprinted from the TorontoGlobeandMail and Empireof the 12th of October, 1912.
In commemoration of the Centenary of the Deathof Major-General Sir Isaac Brock at theBattle of Queenston Heights
Massey Hall, Sunday, October 13th, 1912, 3 p.m.
Major-General W. H. Cotton, Commanding
The musical portion of the service was rendered by the massed bands of the garrison under the direction of Bandmaster G. I. Timpson, Queen's Own Rifles.
Soldiers of Christ, arise,And put your armour on;Strong in the strength which God supplies,Through His Eternal Son;Strong in the Lord of Hosts,And in His mighty power;Who in the strength of Jesus trustsIs more than conqueror.[Pg 83]Stand then in His great might,With all His strength endued;And take to arm you for the fight,The panoply of God.From strength to strength go on,Wrestle, and fight, and pray;Tread all the powers of darkness down,And win the well-fought day.That having all things done,And all your conflicts past,Ye may obtain, through Christ alone,A crown of joy at last. Amen.
Soldiers of Christ, arise,And put your armour on;Strong in the strength which God supplies,Through His Eternal Son;
Strong in the Lord of Hosts,And in His mighty power;Who in the strength of Jesus trustsIs more than conqueror.
[Pg 83]Stand then in His great might,With all His strength endued;And take to arm you for the fight,The panoply of God.
From strength to strength go on,Wrestle, and fight, and pray;Tread all the powers of darkness down,And win the well-fought day.
That having all things done,And all your conflicts past,Ye may obtain, through Christ alone,A crown of joy at last. Amen.
Almighty and most merciful Father; We have erred and strayed from Thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against Thy Holy Laws. We have left undone the things which we ought to have done; And we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And there is no health in us. But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare Thou them, O God, which confess their faults. Restore Thou them that are penitent; according to Thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for His sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous and sober life, To the glory of Thy Holy Name. Amen.
O Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who desireth not the death of a sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wickedness, andlive, pardon and accept, we beseech Thee, all those who truly repent and unfeignedly believe Thy Holy Gospel. Grant us true repentance and Thy Holy Spirit; that those things may please Thee which we do at this present; and that the rest of our life hereafter may be pure and holy; so that at the last we may come to Thy eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Lord, our Heavenly Father, high and mighty, King of kings, Lord of lords, the only Ruler of princes, who dost from Thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth; most heartily we beseech Thee with Thy favor to behold our most gracious Sovereign Lord, King George; and so replenish him with the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, that he may alway incline to Thy will, and walk in Thy way; Endue him plenteously with heavenly gifts; grant him in health and wealth long to live; strengthen him that he may vanquish and overcome all his enemies; and finally, after this life, he may attain everlasting joy and felicity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness, we humbly beseech Thee to bless our gracious Queen Mary, Alexandra the Queen Mother, Edward Prince of Wales and all the Royal Family; Endue them with Thy Holy Spirit; enrich them with Thy heavenly grace; prosper them with all happiness; and bring them to Thine everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we who are called to the service of our Empire, may ever remember the honour which we uphold and the privilege which is entrusted to us, to defend our Sovereign, our homes and our country. Enable us at all times to do what is right, and so to conduct ourselves, that we may bring no disgrace upon the uniform which we wear, nor upon the flag under which we serve. Make us faithful, brave and true to our duty, and especially to Thee, our God, as soldiers of Christ and soldiers of the King. Keep us, defend us and save us at all times; fill our hearts with courage and love, and may we never be ashamed to confess Thee before men, as good soldiers and servants of Thine. And this we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,Ye soldiers of the Cross;Lift high His Royal Banner,It must not suffer loss;[Pg 86]From victory unto victoryHis army He shall lead;Till every foe is vanquished,And Christ is Lord indeed.Stand up, stand up for Jesus,The trumpet call obey;Forth to the mighty conflictIn this His glorious day;Ye that are men now serve HimAgainst unnumbered foes;Let courage rise with danger,And strength to strength oppose.Stand up, stand up for Jesus;Stand in His Strength alone;The arm of flesh will fail you,Ye dare not trust your own;Put on the gospel armour,And watching unto prayer,Where duty calls, or danger,Be never wanting there.Stand up, stand up for Jesus;The strife will not be long;This day the noise of battle,The next the victors' song;To him that overcomethA crown of life shall be;He with the King of gloryShall reign eternally. Amen.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,Ye soldiers of the Cross;Lift high His Royal Banner,It must not suffer loss;[Pg 86]From victory unto victoryHis army He shall lead;Till every foe is vanquished,And Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,The trumpet call obey;Forth to the mighty conflictIn this His glorious day;Ye that are men now serve HimAgainst unnumbered foes;Let courage rise with danger,And strength to strength oppose.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus;Stand in His Strength alone;The arm of flesh will fail you,Ye dare not trust your own;Put on the gospel armour,And watching unto prayer,Where duty calls, or danger,Be never wanting there.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus;The strife will not be long;This day the noise of battle,The next the victors' song;To him that overcomethA crown of life shall be;He with the King of gloryShall reign eternally. Amen.
God save our Gracious King,Long live our noble King,God save the King.Send him victorious,Happy and glorious,Long to reign over us;God save the King.[Pg 87]Thy choicest gifts in store,On him be pleased to pour;Long may he reign.May he defend our laws,And ever give us causeTo sing with heart and voice,God save the King.
God save our Gracious King,Long live our noble King,God save the King.Send him victorious,Happy and glorious,Long to reign over us;God save the King.
Thy choicest gifts in store,On him be pleased to pour;Long may he reign.May he defend our laws,And ever give us causeTo sing with heart and voice,God save the King.
The "Priests' March" from "Athalie" -MendelssohnBand of the Queen's Own Rifles
The indignation aroused by the destruction of the first monument erected to General Brock was fully shared by the Indians of Ontario. Meetings of the Bands were held at which expression was given to the feelings which stirred their hearts. They asked the Government to allow them to join with the White Men in contributing to the Fund for the reconstruction of the monument, and this having been most cordially granted, a sum amounting to £207 10s. was raised among the Indians in sums varying from £7 10s. to £15 and paid over to the general fund on behalf of the following Bands:—
The Chippewas of the Upper Reserve, on the River St. Clair.The Chippewas of the Lower Reserve and Walpole Island, on the River St. Clair.The Hurons and Wyandotts of Amherstburg.The Chippewas of the River Thames.The Munsees of the River Thames.The Oneidas of the River Thames.The Six Nation Indians of the Grand River.The Missisagua of the River Credit.The Chippewas of the Saugeen River, Lake Huron.The Chippewas of the Township of Rama, Lake Couchiching.The Chippewas of Snake Island, Lake Simcoe.The Missisagua of Alnwick, Rice Lake.[Pg 89]The Missisagua of Rice Lake Village, Otonabee; and of Mud and Balsam Lakes.The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.
The Chippewas of the Upper Reserve, on the River St. Clair.
The Chippewas of the Lower Reserve and Walpole Island, on the River St. Clair.
The Hurons and Wyandotts of Amherstburg.
The Chippewas of the River Thames.
The Munsees of the River Thames.
The Oneidas of the River Thames.
The Six Nation Indians of the Grand River.
The Missisagua of the River Credit.
The Chippewas of the Saugeen River, Lake Huron.
The Chippewas of the Township of Rama, Lake Couchiching.
The Chippewas of Snake Island, Lake Simcoe.
The Missisagua of Alnwick, Rice Lake.
[Pg 89]
The Missisagua of Rice Lake Village, Otonabee; and of Mud and Balsam Lakes.
The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.
The following petition from the Missisagua of Rice Lake, shows the spirit in which the Indians acted:
"ToSamuel P. Jarvis,Esquire, Chief Superintendent of Indian Affairs."Father:"We have heard of the wicked attempt to destroy the Monument of our old Chief, Sir Isaac Brock; and are also informed of the intention of the White Man to rebuild it."Father:"We respect the memory of the brave, and are sorry to find that there are any who do not."Some of us fought on the same field on which the gallant general fell. We then felt the same sorrow in our hearts that our loyal brothers in arms, the White Men, felt, and we still unite with them in the deepest regret at our common loss. These feelings urge us readily to contribute our share to the expense of re-building that Monument which was designed to perpetuate the fame of such noble deeds."Father:"We, who are thus ready to assist in the present exigency, will never be backward in testifying our loyal principles by still more substantial proofs, whenever our Great Mother, the Queen, shall lay her commands upon us. We will never refuse to hear her words. Our Great Fathers, her Royal predecessors, have been very kind to her people. We are not unthankful. We do not wish to be idle; but whenever we may be called upon to defend the honour and rights of the British Crown, we will most heartily strain every nerve, and do all the service in our power.[Pg 90]"Father:"We authorize you to subscribe from our monies the sum of Fifteen Pounds, in aid of the praiseworthy work about to be performed; and may the blessing of the Great Spirit make it prosper."Dated at Rice Lake Mission, Otonabee, January 7, 1841."George Paudash, Principal Chief."John Crow, Chief."John Copoway, Chief."John Taunchey, Chief."Read over to the Chiefs and signed by themin presence of—Henry Baldwin, Jun."
"ToSamuel P. Jarvis,Esquire, Chief Superintendent of Indian Affairs.
"Father:"We have heard of the wicked attempt to destroy the Monument of our old Chief, Sir Isaac Brock; and are also informed of the intention of the White Man to rebuild it.
"Father:"We respect the memory of the brave, and are sorry to find that there are any who do not.
"Some of us fought on the same field on which the gallant general fell. We then felt the same sorrow in our hearts that our loyal brothers in arms, the White Men, felt, and we still unite with them in the deepest regret at our common loss. These feelings urge us readily to contribute our share to the expense of re-building that Monument which was designed to perpetuate the fame of such noble deeds.
"Father:"We, who are thus ready to assist in the present exigency, will never be backward in testifying our loyal principles by still more substantial proofs, whenever our Great Mother, the Queen, shall lay her commands upon us. We will never refuse to hear her words. Our Great Fathers, her Royal predecessors, have been very kind to her people. We are not unthankful. We do not wish to be idle; but whenever we may be called upon to defend the honour and rights of the British Crown, we will most heartily strain every nerve, and do all the service in our power.
[Pg 90]
"Father:"We authorize you to subscribe from our monies the sum of Fifteen Pounds, in aid of the praiseworthy work about to be performed; and may the blessing of the Great Spirit make it prosper.
"Dated at Rice Lake Mission, Otonabee, January 7, 1841.
"George Paudash, Principal Chief."John Crow, Chief."John Copoway, Chief."John Taunchey, Chief.
"Read over to the Chiefs and signed by themin presence of—
Henry Baldwin, Jun."
The generous action of the Indians was much appreciated by the British Government and the following acknowledgment was made by Lord John Russell, on its behalf:—
"Downing Street,"6th May, 1841."No. 372."My Lord:"I received by the last mail from Canada a pamphlet, containing the correspondence, addresses, etc., connected with the subscription of various Indian Tribes in Upper Canada, in aid of the funds for the reconstruction of Sir Isaac Brock's Monument on Queenston Heights."The feelings evinced by the Indians on this occasion are much to their credit. I have to request that your Lordship will convey to them the thanks of the British Government and nation for their zealous co-operation, and renew to them the assurances of the Queen's regard for their welfare."I have, etc.,"(Signed)J. Russell."The Right Honourable Lord Sydenham."
"Downing Street,"6th May, 1841.
"No. 372."My Lord:
"I received by the last mail from Canada a pamphlet, containing the correspondence, addresses, etc., connected with the subscription of various Indian Tribes in Upper Canada, in aid of the funds for the reconstruction of Sir Isaac Brock's Monument on Queenston Heights.
"The feelings evinced by the Indians on this occasion are much to their credit. I have to request that your Lordship will convey to them the thanks of the British Government and nation for their zealous co-operation, and renew to them the assurances of the Queen's regard for their welfare.
"I have, etc.,"(Signed)J. Russell.
"The Right Honourable Lord Sydenham."
A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Brock Centenary was held on the 16th October, 1912, there being present: Col. Ryerson, Dr. James L. Hughes, Dr. Alexander Fraser, Mr. C. E. Macdonald, Mr. F. D. L. Smith, and Miss Helen M. Merrill, Secretary.
It was resolved:—That the thanks of the Committee be conveyed to the Right Honourable R. L. Borden, Prime Minister of Canada, and his Government for the military arrangements that had been made in connection with the celebration of the Centenary; and to the Honourable Dr. Pyne, Minister of Education of Ontario, for so cheerfully complying with all the suggestions made by the Committee with respect to the holding of patriotic exercises in the public schools.That the publication of the Account of the Centenary celebration be proceeded with; and that Dr. Alexander Fraser (Chairman), Col. Ryerson, Mr. F. D. L. Smith, and Miss Helen M. Merrill be the Publication Committee in this matter.That all the correspondence and papers in connection with the Centenary be deposited in the Ontario Archives, Toronto.That the proposal to place a bronze tablet, commemorative of the Centenary, on Brock's monument at Queenston Heights be brought before the co-operating societies, and that action be taken in accordance with their opinion.[Pg 92]That the striking of a Centennial medal be left in abeyance in the meantime.
It was resolved:—
That the thanks of the Committee be conveyed to the Right Honourable R. L. Borden, Prime Minister of Canada, and his Government for the military arrangements that had been made in connection with the celebration of the Centenary; and to the Honourable Dr. Pyne, Minister of Education of Ontario, for so cheerfully complying with all the suggestions made by the Committee with respect to the holding of patriotic exercises in the public schools.
That the publication of the Account of the Centenary celebration be proceeded with; and that Dr. Alexander Fraser (Chairman), Col. Ryerson, Mr. F. D. L. Smith, and Miss Helen M. Merrill be the Publication Committee in this matter.
That all the correspondence and papers in connection with the Centenary be deposited in the Ontario Archives, Toronto.
That the proposal to place a bronze tablet, commemorative of the Centenary, on Brock's monument at Queenston Heights be brought before the co-operating societies, and that action be taken in accordance with their opinion.
[Pg 92]
That the striking of a Centennial medal be left in abeyance in the meantime.
At a meeting of the Executive Committee held on the 25th of October, 1912, Col. Ryerson presiding, the subject of publication of the Centenary volume was minutely discussed. It was agreed that Dr. Alexander Fraser should edit the MS. for the press and that the work be proceeded with.
Captain Birney was born in Orange County, in the State of New York, on the 1st of February, 1777.
In 1779 his father, William Birney, was killed at the battle of Lackawack, New York, in suppressing an Indian uprising, and upon their bereavement his mother, with his sister, a child in arms, and himself a child two years old, made her way through the forest, sixty miles, to New York City. In the year 1783 or 1784 he was baptized in Trinity Church, New York City. When the British evacuated New York, Captain Birney, with his family and friends, went with the British to where now is situated St. John, New Brunswick, and resided there until 1801, when he came to Upper Canada, and settled where Hamilton is to-day. While in New Brunswick he taught the Duke of Kent to skate, both of them often practising together on St. John's River.
In Upper Canada Captain Birney entered into the military life of the time. He was over six feet in height, powerfully built, and was well fitted for the stirring life then before him.
In 1812 he was Ensign in Captain Hatt's company, which accompanied Sir Isaac Brock to Detroit, and his commission as Ensign, signed by Sir Isaac Brock, is now in possession of his son, John L. Birney, of Toronto. Captain Birney was present when General Brock first met Tecumseh,and he often related how the General was impressed with the wonderful personality of the great chief.
As Lieutenant he served in Captain Durand's company of 5th Lincoln Militia at the Battle of Queenston Heights. He was attached to Brock's staff as a special aide, to supervise the laying of the batteries. Shortly before the Canadians were driven from the heights, General Brock found that in firing at the Americans who were coming across the river the bullets were flying short, and he gave the order to Colonel Williams to cease firing, but Colonel Williams, mistaking the order to mean "retire," began to retire by Niagara. Sir Isaac remarked, "That's effective," but Captain Birney, noticing Colonel Williams' movement, remarked, "But, General, you did not mean to retire!" "By no means," answered Sir Isaac. "Oh, for one to bring them back!" "May I go?" offered Birney. "By all means go, Birney," ordered the General, whereupon Captain Birney ran down the steep slope of the heights as fast as he could. On the way down he noticed the mullein stalks being cut off, and stepping on a slippery spot he fell violently on the broad of his back.
At this he heard a great cheer, and looking up saw the cause of it all. The Americans were in possession of a portion of the heights, and their sharpshooters, thinking they had succeeded in intercepting him in his errand, had set up a cheer, but Birney was soon afoot, and came up with Colonel Williams, who upon seeing Birney, called his men to halt, and enquired, "What's the matter, Birney? Orders from the General?" Birney, being entirely out of breath, from his efforts and fall, could not answer, and Colonel Williams further enquired, "Did the General not order us to retire?" Birney shook his head. "What, then?" asked Colonel Williams. "To cease firing," Birney managed to whisper. At this the Colonel uttered an oath and smote himself a terrific blow on the forehead with his fist.They had not returned far when they heard a voice say "Halt!" and looking up they saw the General and his men, they having been driven from the summit. There was a short conference, when the General decided to go around by St. David's and there attack the enemy. But they had not gone far when Birney, who was immediately behind the General, heard a groan, and looking up saw the General falling from his horse, and, rushing forward, he assisted him to the ground. With a few parting orders the General was dead.
After this Birney had to take command of his own company, and with the rest they fell in order and marched around the mountain by St. David's and there surprised the Americans eating their (the Canadians') breakfast, as the Americans had surprised them earlier in the morning. And then commenced the real fighting of the day. The Americans after a hand-to-hand fight were charged and driven out, many of them being forced over heights into Niagara River. Captain Birney used to remark that with his sword in one hand and a broken gunbarrel in the other he led his men in this charge, and it was a sorry day for any American who came within his reach. Among the many prisoners Captain Birney assisted in capturing that day was his cousin, Captain Winfield Scott, afterwards General Scott, who, after being taken to York, was exchanged for prisoners.
Captain Birney led his company, the 5th Lincoln, in the battle of Lundy's Lane in 1814, coming out of it, as he did in all his engagements, without a scratch.
He used to take pleasure in relating how, after the Americans had been badly beaten and had made a hasty retreat, leaving their men to be buried, there was left behind a lone gunner who stuck to his cannon. Birney and a number of his men marched down upon this man for the purpose of capturing the gun, and as they approached him,three times did this gunner swing his torch with the purpose of firing his gun, but each time he drew back from the fuse and finally threw his torch upon the ground. Birney said it was well he did, as he and many of his men would not have lived to tell the tale, as they were walking directly in the face of the cannon. He also took pride in telling how one Canadian cannon was taken and retaken many times that night, while lying in heaps around it were Canadians and Americans who had fought and died bravely.
When the Rebellion of 1837 broke out Captain Birney was the oldest officer surviving the troubles of 1812-14. Being at that time over age he did not wish to take any part in the fighting, feeling he had served his country well and sufficiently up to that time, and he felt in addition that through favoritism many who had served under him had been promoted over his head. However, through the personal efforts of Sir Allan McNab and Colonel Land he was persuaded to take command of a company of the 3rd Gore Militia, which post he held until about 1841, being actively engaged in military affairs during all that period.
Some of his work at this time was the building of the bridge for the troops to cross the water-gap at Burlington Heights, and he also was engaged in constructing the defence works on Burlington Heights during the battle of Stoney Creek for use in case of retreat. He was afterwards with his company in charge of the 112 prisoners who were held and tried at Hamilton.
When Captain Birney died, in 1873, being in his 96th year, he was the oldest living Mason in Canada, having joined the Craft in 1803.
Transcriber's Notes
Illustration "Brock Centenary Celebration at Queenston Heights" added to list of Illustrations for Page 38.
Original spelling retained and some minor punctuation corrections made.