CHAPTER XIV.
Camp at Thorold in August and September, 1866. Meeting of the 13th and Queen’s Own, first time after the action of 2nd June. Speech of Adjutant General McDougal. Corrections. Additions. Varieties.
Camp at Thorold in August and September, 1866. Meeting of the 13th and Queen’s Own, first time after the action of 2nd June. Speech of Adjutant General McDougal. Corrections. Additions. Varieties.
Fenian demonstrations on the U. S. frontier under name of picnic festivals, with sham fights caricaturing the Limestone Ridge affair—one near Buffalo on the 21st of August; together with openly avowed, widely announced determination of Fenian leaders to invade Canada soon, secretly, and with augmented numbers; and in addition to those circumstances of threatened aggression, a sense of propriety in Canada, of promoting the military education of the Volunteers by service in the field, it was resolved that a camp should be established at Thorold. The ground selected was on the high level overlooking the town of St. Catharines, G. Western Railway, and Welland Canal locks, to the westward of Thorold village. The first troops posted were volunteers, 10th from Toronto, 7th from London; a portion of the 16th regulars, and of Royal Artillery; also Major Denison’s Toronto Troop of Volunteer Cavalry. They assembled on the 18th of August. On the 26th the Volunteers were relieved by Q. O. from Toronto; the 13th, Hamilton; and 22nd Oxford Rifles, the latter from Woodstock,Drumbo, and other places in Oxford County. On arrival of the 13th and Q. O. on the ground the first under Lt.-Col. Skinner, the latter under their Limestone Ridge commander Major Gilmore; the Adjutant General brought them together in column, and in the spirit of a soldier, and military philosopher, thus addressed them:
“I am glad that I happened to be here to welcome to camp the two battalions who fought at Lime-ridge. I know that foolish people have done their best to create a feeling of jealousy between the corps, by praising the performance of one at the expense of the other. I say that all honor is due to both; and that there is not the smallest foundation for the statement that one battalion was, in any respect, behind the other in gallantry on that occasion. Up to the moment when the unfortunate alarm of cavalry was given, I say, and I declare I speak it without exaggeration, that no troops of any army or nation could have behaved better than did the two battalions of inexperienced volunteers who, at Lime-ridge, attacked an enemy posted in a strong position of his own choosing, without the support of a single regular officer or soldier. And what I said at the time I repeat now—that the manner in which the volunteers alone sought out the enemy and attacked him like bull dogs, before he had been twenty-four hours on Canadian soil, produced both a moral and physical effect which disconcerted his whole general plan of operations. He had landed at a remote corner of our territory, counting securely on being left unmolested for at least forty-eight hours, during which period the attacks on other points were to be matured; but thanks to the men I see before me, and to the York and Caledonia Rifles, that time was not allowed him.“The equal share taken by the Hamilton 13th in that day’s work was not undervalued by the Governor-General; neither was it in any manner the fault of the Queen’s Own, for that regiment is composed of brave men, and brave men never depreciate the gallantry of their comrades in the field. I have been told that the feeling which exists between the two battalions is such that it would be dangerous to bring them to this camp at the same time. I will not believe that such is the case, and I have purposely brought them here together to prove that such an apprehension is groundless and that the only rivalry existing between them is the honorable rivalry as to which regiment shall do the best service to the country. I appeal to you all earnestly to show by your brotherly demeanor while in camp that I have judged correctly. If it were possible that by unseemly quarrels you should prove me mistaken, I shall of course be severely blamed for my misplaced confidence.“A few words now on another matter. Both newspapers and individuals have asserted that the government has been and is neglecting its duty in the matter of proper equipment for the volunteers. That statement is untrue. There is no foundation for it whatever. I would ask who is it thatis responsible for the faulty equipment, who is responsible for the starving of the militia expenditure up to the last meeting of parliament? Why the people of Canada through their representatives; and I declare positively that from the moment of the passing of the last militia estimates, no government could have done more than the present government has done to render the volunteer force efficient. It is natural that the people of Canada should be impatient in this matter, but they should consider that the labor to be performed is enormous and that the completion of it must take time. When it is considered that new clothing had to be issued to the greater part of the old existing force; that knapsacks, haversacks and water canteens had to be provided; that the field batteries required new harness as well as guns and stores, and that the cavalry required saddlery and firearms, at the same time that about 150 new companies were to be equipped throughout, it must be evident that the work could not be done with that rapidity which all must so earnestly desire. Even before the militia estimates were passed an urgent request was forwarded to England that a complete equipment in knapsacks, haversacks, tent equipage, &c., for 35,000 volunteers should be sent to Canada, as well as for the necessary harness and armament of four field batteries and for a supply of heavy guns for the instruction of the garrison artillery. The Imperial stores in Canada have been drawn upon to their utmost capacity for our pressing wants, and to make up deficiencies contracts have been entered into in Canada for haversacks, water canteens and boots, and as a substitute for knapsacks, which can only be obtained from England, great coat straps have been made or are making in Canada sufficient to supply every man of the force. New rifles have been sent to London, Hamilton and Toronto for the purpose of exchanging damaged or unserviceable arms. I have entered into this explanation in order that the country may know that the militia department is doing its utmost to enable the volunteer force to take the field, if required, with that full and proper equipment which its merits so well deserve.”
“I am glad that I happened to be here to welcome to camp the two battalions who fought at Lime-ridge. I know that foolish people have done their best to create a feeling of jealousy between the corps, by praising the performance of one at the expense of the other. I say that all honor is due to both; and that there is not the smallest foundation for the statement that one battalion was, in any respect, behind the other in gallantry on that occasion. Up to the moment when the unfortunate alarm of cavalry was given, I say, and I declare I speak it without exaggeration, that no troops of any army or nation could have behaved better than did the two battalions of inexperienced volunteers who, at Lime-ridge, attacked an enemy posted in a strong position of his own choosing, without the support of a single regular officer or soldier. And what I said at the time I repeat now—that the manner in which the volunteers alone sought out the enemy and attacked him like bull dogs, before he had been twenty-four hours on Canadian soil, produced both a moral and physical effect which disconcerted his whole general plan of operations. He had landed at a remote corner of our territory, counting securely on being left unmolested for at least forty-eight hours, during which period the attacks on other points were to be matured; but thanks to the men I see before me, and to the York and Caledonia Rifles, that time was not allowed him.
“The equal share taken by the Hamilton 13th in that day’s work was not undervalued by the Governor-General; neither was it in any manner the fault of the Queen’s Own, for that regiment is composed of brave men, and brave men never depreciate the gallantry of their comrades in the field. I have been told that the feeling which exists between the two battalions is such that it would be dangerous to bring them to this camp at the same time. I will not believe that such is the case, and I have purposely brought them here together to prove that such an apprehension is groundless and that the only rivalry existing between them is the honorable rivalry as to which regiment shall do the best service to the country. I appeal to you all earnestly to show by your brotherly demeanor while in camp that I have judged correctly. If it were possible that by unseemly quarrels you should prove me mistaken, I shall of course be severely blamed for my misplaced confidence.
“A few words now on another matter. Both newspapers and individuals have asserted that the government has been and is neglecting its duty in the matter of proper equipment for the volunteers. That statement is untrue. There is no foundation for it whatever. I would ask who is it thatis responsible for the faulty equipment, who is responsible for the starving of the militia expenditure up to the last meeting of parliament? Why the people of Canada through their representatives; and I declare positively that from the moment of the passing of the last militia estimates, no government could have done more than the present government has done to render the volunteer force efficient. It is natural that the people of Canada should be impatient in this matter, but they should consider that the labor to be performed is enormous and that the completion of it must take time. When it is considered that new clothing had to be issued to the greater part of the old existing force; that knapsacks, haversacks and water canteens had to be provided; that the field batteries required new harness as well as guns and stores, and that the cavalry required saddlery and firearms, at the same time that about 150 new companies were to be equipped throughout, it must be evident that the work could not be done with that rapidity which all must so earnestly desire. Even before the militia estimates were passed an urgent request was forwarded to England that a complete equipment in knapsacks, haversacks, tent equipage, &c., for 35,000 volunteers should be sent to Canada, as well as for the necessary harness and armament of four field batteries and for a supply of heavy guns for the instruction of the garrison artillery. The Imperial stores in Canada have been drawn upon to their utmost capacity for our pressing wants, and to make up deficiencies contracts have been entered into in Canada for haversacks, water canteens and boots, and as a substitute for knapsacks, which can only be obtained from England, great coat straps have been made or are making in Canada sufficient to supply every man of the force. New rifles have been sent to London, Hamilton and Toronto for the purpose of exchanging damaged or unserviceable arms. I have entered into this explanation in order that the country may know that the militia department is doing its utmost to enable the volunteer force to take the field, if required, with that full and proper equipment which its merits so well deserve.”
Correction.—Onpage 112, the name of Lt.-Col. Villiers is used where it should be brigade Major Villiers. The name of the Lt.-Col. was also associated with the subject. The passage relating to Booker’s resignation at Colborne on 2nd June, and his telegrams to Col. Lowry commanding in chief, soliciting to be re-instated in the 13th Battalion should read thus: Lt.-Col. Booker on returning to Colborne, from Hamilton, evening of June 4th, telegraphed to Col. Lowry saying, “I am waiting for orders.” Brigade Major Villiers telegraphed on his behalf to the same effect. Col. Lowry replied to the Brigade Major: “What does Booker mean? He was relieved of his command at his own request, and will not be re-instated by me; Major Skinner is in command.” Booker then telegraphed to Col. Lowry: “I only asked to be relieved of the command of the Brigade, not of the 13th Battalion.” Col. Lowry replied referringhim to Maj.-Gen. Napier. Booker then telegraphed to Napier and remained in Colborne until Wednesday, June 6th. Lt.-Col. Villiers had not then arrived at Colborne, nor until some time after, the date I cannot ascertain. This correction is made to obviate the mistake of introducing that officer’s name in that stage of the electric correspondence. But the main fact stands as before, which is, that Lt.-Col. Booker, left the 13th battalion early on the morning of Sunday, 3rd of June, without announcing his departure to Major Skinner, next in seniority in the battalion. The officers mentioned by Capt. Akers of “superior in rank to himself,” who had, on the evening of the 2nd, urged Booker’s removal from command, by reason of his manifest incompetence, saw him on morning of the 3rd when the force was about to be led towards the supposed position of the enemy; bear witness to his exhibition of imbecility, or whatever his malady may have been, at the railway station, as related by Mr. McGrath, manager of the Welland Railway, when he pleaded to be sent away, in his flight from Colborne, by a special train.
I have not in the proper place named it so explicitly as the circumstance demands, that Booker had reported that the 13th were demoralized, that is in a military sense unfit for duty, untrustworthy before an enemy. That is the military signification of a battalion being demoralized. The troops then at Colborne, June 3rd, 4 a. m., were about to march towards the scene of yesterday’s action; and the 13th, whether because of Booker’s slanderous report or not, yet with it resting on them, were left behind, in Colborne. There lay the stigma from which the officers on their own behalf and that of the gallant fellows of yesterday’s combat sought to be absolved before the public, through Booker’s Court of Inquiry, which, however, refused them a status in it as parties, or a place within its doors as listeners to what others said involving their interests. True, it has since been officially stated that the 13th was left there to do garrison duty. But the invidious distinction was not removed by that explanation, of the Toronto Q. O., Caledonia and York companies being taken to the scene of yesterday’s fight where an enemy was expected on the 3rd, and the 13th left out, apparently as unworthy. And there was this other set of aggravations. The Q. O. notwithstanding what Adj.-Gen. McDougal has so handsomely said at Thorold camp, (seeanother page), that brave men never calumniate their fellow soldiers, did set afloat stories at their new quarters in Fort Erie village, and in their letter-writing to Toronto, slandering the 13th. The St. Catharines Journal had a reporter at Fort Erie camp, and his ear was filled,his paper supplied in turn, with calumnious lies about the 13th and unqualified praises of the Q. O. Other volunteer companies such as Barrie and Scarboro took the story from the Q. O. and when they came to do garrison duty at Colborne along side of the 13th, about June 12th, were insolent almost beyond endurance. “Ifwehad been in the fight,” said they, “wewould not have heeded Booker’s bugle calls to retire;wewould have gone on with the battle,wewould.” That is each man would have taken the command upon himself.
It was about the 11th or 12th of June that Lt.-Col. Villiers met the officers of the 13th at Colborne and stated that it was the desire of Maj. Gen. Napier that Lt.-Col. Booker should resume command of the battalion. He urged that “bygones should be bygones,” but they all without exception said Lt.-Col. Booker could never command the battalion again, while they remained its officers. They were not, it seems, asked to write a letter of solicitation to have him re-instated. At Colborne, I was informed that such a request had been made. And so gave it in the Narrative written from my Notes.
The names of certain witnesses presented to Booker’s Court of Inquiry may have been considered by the Court as withdrawn. The officers of the 13th decided to have nothing to do with it when Major Skinner was refused the privilege of being present as a party to the proceedings.
I have only briefly, for want of space, referred to the evidence of the Rev. Mr. Inglis. It should have been added that when Booker contradicted him about the horse, saying “No, not on horseback, I returned to Ridgeway on foot,” or words to that effect; Mr. Inglis addressing the Court said; “Well, gentlemen, if I were on my oath I would only repeat what I have just said.”
The passage onpage 110, second paragraph: “Had he surrendered to his next in command of the 13th,, measures of precaution would have been taken,” may be misunderstood. It means that Major Skinner would have taken command of the 13th and posted its guards and night piquets. There were superior officers present.See paragraphbeginningSt. Catharines Home Guard.
That Flag.It was reported that but for the Q. O. the 13th would have lost their colours. The colours were never out of the keeping of Ensigns Armstrong and Baker and the guard told off to attend them. Whenthe whole of the 13th went into action, right wing in front, left wing supporting, the colours took post with the reserve of the brigade consisting entirely of the unengaged companies of Q. O. When that reserve led the retreat the Ensigns of the 13th retreated with it. The story which Toronto papers first started reached New York. There the pictorial journalists added to the Toronto fiction, and made pictures of a flag of the “Queen’s Own” captured by Fenians. The Q. O. had no flag. And here, I repeat, that commanders of experience will not take flags into a wooded country upon a desultory campaign of bush-fighting. But an order to that effect should emanate from the Commander-in-chief.
Page 98. “Major Skinner had partially succeeded in forming a red line across the road with fixed bayonets directed against the retreat.” The Major did not state this to me and he is too conscientious to accept a statement made by others, which it seems is not strictly correct. At that point, [near log house on the map] Major Skinner and Lieut. Routh were together and endeavoured to form a party. Two lads in red, with fixed bayonets had faced round as ordered, and others seemed willing to stand by the officers, when a rush of men in green uniforms [Highlanders or U. R.’s retreating from the extreme right] pushed over them, trampling one of the lads, Parker by name, under foot. He was found by the Fenians insensible and carried into an adjoining house. In a few moments after that Major Skinner was told that Lieut. Routh was killed. The wound however, was not mortal. The Major like others who came last out of the field, expected that a re-formation of the force would be made at Ridgeway; but on arriving there he and they saw nothing of Lt.-Col. Booker, or Major Gilmore, or of any one attempting to restore order. Under these circumstances Major Skinner, and officers with him lent assistance to support some disabled men along; they could do no more at that time.
O’Neil at Nashville.—Onpages 83, 84a letter from the Fenian General O’Neil is quoted. It was asked for in the following terms: “Hamilton Canada West, July 23rd, 1866. Sir. I am a correspondent of British newspapers resident in this city, and author of a small work soon to be published bearing some such title as ‘Somerville’s Narrative of the Fenian Invasion of Canada, June 1866.’ As such I take the liberty of writing this note and soliciting a reply to questions which to me as a truthful journalist and current historian are important.“Before stating the questions permit me to remark that while I as a British subject deprecate and deplore your invasion of Canada, I am constrainedby force of truth to acknowledge, and will in my forthcoming Narrative place the acknowledgement on permanent record that you individually, as also some of your officers and men performed acts of kindness to some of our wounded; and that you and also some of your officers interfered with persons in your force to prevent outrages on property and persons.“It has been reported in American newspapers but the report varying in its terms that in conversation at Buffalo and subsequently in a public speech at Nashville, you paid a military compliment, which coming from one in your position was a generous tribute to your enemy, those Canada Volunteers who were in conflict with you on the 2nd of June at Limestone Ridge.“You are reported to have called them the ‘Queen’s Own’ and to have spoken of them as wearing red uniform. Some newspapers reprinting the report in Canada have omitted the words red uniform. The only troops in red which were in conflict with you, or in your sight on June 2nd were the 13th battalion of Volunteer Militia from Hamilton. The ‘Queen’s Own’ from Toronto wore dark green uniform; as also two detached companies from Caledonia and York villages. Did you speak of the whole force opposed to you as the ‘Queen’s Own’? Did you speak of a part of the force before you as wearing red uniform? Did you in your speech distinguish, which I presume expressed any distinction observed by you on the field of action, between that portion of the Canadian force wearing dark green and that wearing red uniforms?“If it be agreeable to you to repeat in writing any statement which you made in Buffalo or at Nashville about the Canadian force opposed to you on the 2nd of June 1866, your courtesy will be duly appreciated.“I am, Sir, your obedient servant,Alexander Somerville.”“General John O’Neil, Nashville, Tennessee.”
O’Neil at Nashville.—Onpages 83, 84a letter from the Fenian General O’Neil is quoted. It was asked for in the following terms: “Hamilton Canada West, July 23rd, 1866. Sir. I am a correspondent of British newspapers resident in this city, and author of a small work soon to be published bearing some such title as ‘Somerville’s Narrative of the Fenian Invasion of Canada, June 1866.’ As such I take the liberty of writing this note and soliciting a reply to questions which to me as a truthful journalist and current historian are important.
“Before stating the questions permit me to remark that while I as a British subject deprecate and deplore your invasion of Canada, I am constrainedby force of truth to acknowledge, and will in my forthcoming Narrative place the acknowledgement on permanent record that you individually, as also some of your officers and men performed acts of kindness to some of our wounded; and that you and also some of your officers interfered with persons in your force to prevent outrages on property and persons.
“It has been reported in American newspapers but the report varying in its terms that in conversation at Buffalo and subsequently in a public speech at Nashville, you paid a military compliment, which coming from one in your position was a generous tribute to your enemy, those Canada Volunteers who were in conflict with you on the 2nd of June at Limestone Ridge.
“You are reported to have called them the ‘Queen’s Own’ and to have spoken of them as wearing red uniform. Some newspapers reprinting the report in Canada have omitted the words red uniform. The only troops in red which were in conflict with you, or in your sight on June 2nd were the 13th battalion of Volunteer Militia from Hamilton. The ‘Queen’s Own’ from Toronto wore dark green uniform; as also two detached companies from Caledonia and York villages. Did you speak of the whole force opposed to you as the ‘Queen’s Own’? Did you speak of a part of the force before you as wearing red uniform? Did you in your speech distinguish, which I presume expressed any distinction observed by you on the field of action, between that portion of the Canadian force wearing dark green and that wearing red uniforms?
“If it be agreeable to you to repeat in writing any statement which you made in Buffalo or at Nashville about the Canadian force opposed to you on the 2nd of June 1866, your courtesy will be duly appreciated.
“I am, Sir, your obedient servant,Alexander Somerville.”
“General John O’Neil, Nashville, Tennessee.”
The portion of the reply relating to red uniforms and affecting the 13th battalion is printed onpage 84.
I quote a passage from O’Neil’s Nashville speech in which he disclaims that the plunderers who followed him to Canada were Fenians. It is small comfort to Canadians to be told that American thieves coming over the line under cover of a Fenian invasion are not of the brotherhood. He said “I wish to correct another false report, that ninety of our men were taken prisoners by the enemy. Only a few who did not remain with their command, and a few who were wounded and could not be removed were captured.The other prisoners were camp followers who accompanied the expedition for plunder, and some who went out of curiosity. These robbers I hope will get a halter yet. Had I known them I would have strung them up myself.”
In another passage O’Neil said of the action of the American Government:“The reinforcement that would certainly have reached us that night, and have enabled us to hold our ground, was stopped by the vigilance and promptness of the United States government on the way to us.”
The retreat of O’Neil’s army over the Niagara on June 3rd was in a considerable part intercepted by the U. S. gun-boat Michigan. About 600 were detained as U. S. prisoners on a charge of a breach of the neutrality treaty and law of nations, of whom were 18 officers. The latter after proceedings in the N. Y. State courts, were held to bail, but in August discharged. The rank and file of the Fenians were set free at once. And some thousands were provided with conveyance to their homes by the American government.
St. Catharines.—Limited space compels to an apparent oversight and injustice to the many gallant volunteers called out in all parts of the country, and who hardly waited to be called in the fervor of their patriotism, but I cannot omit the St. Catharine’s Home Guard inasmuch as Lt.-Col. McGiverin, M. P. P., who took it to Port Colborne, on 2nd June, was for a time the superior in command at that strategically important place. This gentleman is Member of the Legislative Assembly for the County of Lincoln, and has places of business both in St. Catharines and Hamilton. Receiving intelligence of the Fenian landing on Fort Erie shore, through Brigade Major Villiers, he, with that officer, Colonel Peacocke, and Mr. Swinyard of the G. W. Railway, proceeded to the station at Hamilton where arrangements were made to transport the volunteers from Hamilton, Paris, Brantford, Grimsby, Beamsville and St. Catharines to meet the enemy.
On the morning of the 2nd of June, Lt.-Col. McGiverin procured 200 stand of arms, which were conveyed to St. Catharines. And there he organized a Home Guard to aid in the defence of that town. The greatest enthusiasm was manifested by all classes of persons in St. Catharines. Young and old of the male population pressed forward, praying to be admitted to the honor and privilege and duty of defending the country. Ladies offered assistance in whatever manner help could be available. And it became available in various ways, for volunteers at the front, and for the sick and wounded brought from the front to St. Catharines town hall, converted on the emergency into a general military hospital.
On Saturday, June 2, about noon, intelligence was received of the fight at Limestone Ridge, and the subsequent retreat of the volunteers who had first defeated the enemy, to Port Colborne. Col. McGiverin called for men of the Home Guard to volunteer to Colborne. In less than an hour about one hundred and forty offered, were accepted, and were on passage up the Welland railway to aid their countrymen in driving the invaders out of the peaceful land they had dishonored by their presence.
On arrival at Colborne Lt.-Col. Booker was met. He appeared exhausted. Col. McGiverin offered him every assistance in his power. A portionof the volunteers who had been in the fight being without provisions, their wants were supplied from temporary stores brought up from St. Catharines.
About 5 p. m. the steam tug Robb, under command of Capt. McCallum, arrived in port from Niagara river with 59 prisoners. These were placed under charge of Col. McGiverin, with instructions to have them conveyed to Welland County prison. But from alarming rumors that a Fenian army reinforced since morning, was marching on the Welland canal, the Colonel judged that it would be unsafe to have them in a position so much exposed. He therefore sent them to Brantford, under a guard of thirty-five of his men, commanded by Capt. Rykert, having previously telegraphed the Sheriff of Brantford to receive them.
Col. McGiverin believing it possible that the enemy might attack Colborne during Saturday night felt it prudent to order the hotels and drinking saloons to be closed, which was promptly and cheerfully done. Finding a large portion of the force then in Colborne without ammunition he telegraphed to Maj.-Gen. Napier for supplies. To that requisition there was a prompt response. A large quantity arrived in charge of an officer of the commissariat department at 3.30 a. m., Sunday 3rd June. The troops were immediately paraded and ammunition served out. All expressed an impatient desire to advance upon the enemy. The main body soon after left, and by a circuitous route of 22 miles reached Fort Erie before breakfast.
The noble manner in which the Militia of Lincoln (without uniforms and without expectation of receiving pay), behaved on that occasion is deserving of the highest praise. As evidence of the gallant spirit which inspired all, youthful and aged, to seek the enemy, it may be related that two veterans of the war of 1812 were present; Lewis Clement a man of 80 years, who had been wounded at the battle of Chippewa in that war, and Capt. John Gibson, aged 75. They made the whole march over rough roads, rifles on shoulder, from Colborne to Erie Village.
The 13th battalion as already stated were retained at Colborne on that morning to do garrison duty. Farther evidence is not requisite as to their efficiency, their earnest desire to share in the expected combat with the enemy, and their well grounded mortification at being left behind, in consequence of the misrepresentation of Lt.-Col. Booker. But Col. McGiverin bears testimony that the 13th were in every respect soldier-like and fit for any duty on that occasion. Of the manner in which Col. Booker left them, left Colborne, that morning and hurried to Hamilton, enough has been said in these pages.