The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1838-01-30 00:00:00

" MEETING IN BEHALF OF CANADA

" THE ESSENCE OP LIBERTY CONSISTS IN :lIE FREEDOM
OF DISCUSSION.
•• • Those who in quarrels interpose.
Must often wipe a bloody nose !'
" A few facts from modern history, for thinking and calculating

Americans.

" The King of France interfered in the American revolution,
not for the love of liberty, but his hatredito England. Result—
He revolutionised his own dotuinions, and lost his crown and
head.

Austria and Prussia interfered in the French revolution.
Reply—Vienna and Berlin, their capitals, were entered by vic-
torious French armies. _

" Napoleon interfered with Russia, and marched a victorious
army of half a million of men to Moscow. Reply—Paris cap-
tured twice by invading armies.

" Napoleon bent all his powers and all his energies to the
subjection of England. Repl)—lie died a prisoner to England
on the rock of St. Helena. So much for the.past.
" PROPHECY !
" Americans will interfere in the revolt of Canada:
—A declaration of war against America by England.

Results

" An alliance, offenske and defensive, between England and
Mexico.

" The ocean swarming with British and Mexican privateers.
" British steam frigates and privateers on all the great lakes,
where they have little to lose and much to gain.
" The ports of Mexico defended by British fleets and garri•
sons.

" Au expedition fitted out to the West Indies, with an army
of free blacks.

" A dissolution of the Union—so much for interference in the
quarrels of others.
" If you set your neighbour's house on file, a change of wind
may bring the flames you have kindled to your own dwelling.
" A treaty between nations is virtually a contract between all
individuals of each nation. Americans, be honest, and fulfil
your contracts in the face of the whole world."
EXTRACT OF A LETTER, DATED MONTREAL, DEC. 23, 1837.
Since the affair of St. Eustache, the most sanguine of the
Canadians seem to have relinquished all hope'of accomplishing
the subversion of the government; and in the districts of
Quebec and Three Rivers loyal addresses have been got up
to Lord Gosford. The object of these addresses, no doubt,
is to make their peace with the government, and to endeavour
to make it appear that only a small portion of the country
was engaged in the rebellion, that the blow may fall more
lightly on those who were actively engaged in it. At a distance
their scheme may have some effect, but here it is well known,
from letters and documents found in different parts of the coun-
try, as well as in Upper Canada, that the Canadians, almost
to a man, had entered into a plot. The plan was not to rise
until Sunday last, the 19th instant, and, on that day, the whole
male French Jpopulation of Lower Canada, was to rise simul-
taneously,- the St. Eustache people were to take Montreal;
those at Vaudeville were to cut off the communication with
Upper Canada, and on the other side they were to interpose
between us and the townships, ; it is also said that part of their
plan was to pillage the town and exterminate the English in-
habitants. M'Kenzie and the rebels in Upper Canada were to
rise at the same time, upset the government of Toronto, and
proclaim a republic. Had it not been for the prudence and
vigilance of Sir John Colborne, it seems probable that they
might have succeeded to a certain extent. Lord Gosford, Sir
Francis, and, indeed, the English population generally, never
believed that such a combination existed, or that the habitants
were ready to take up arms. Sir John got some information at
Sorel (his summer residence) of what was intended, and
placing confidence in that information, he immediately began
to prepare, by providing houses for his artillery, and ordering
troops from Upper Canada and the Lower Provinces. But for
this, it is probable we should have slept on in our security until
the mine was sprung under our feet; much of our success, also,
is to be attributed to the openness of the season ; soropen, in-
deed, as it been, that a steam-boat arrived here on the llah
instant, with the 83d from Quebec. Had the navigation closed
immediately after the first expedition against St. Dennis, I
have no doubt but Montreal would at this time be under seige.
After the retreat of Colonel Gore, Sir John became most
anxious about the Royals; and while they were on the route to
St. Charles, he sent several messengers with dispatches, order-
ing them to retire to Charnbly, and thence to Montreal; but
most fortunately for us all, these dispatches were intercepted,
and Colonel Wetherall, following up his orders, continued to
tmarch on St. Charles; and there, as you are aware, gave
he rebels a regular defeat. Again, at Toronto, bad the rebels
marched into the town on the night of the 4th inst., they would,
without doubt, have taken it ; there were only some 14 soldiers
there, and the citizens were altogether without arms;
writes to me that-it could not have been saved had the rebels
marched in as they intended. The hand of God seems to have
been on our side, and by a merciful Providence saved us from
destruction both of life and property. Let us be grateful to him
for this manifestation of his goodness, and in all our trials and
difficulties may we put our trust and confidence in him both
here and hereafter.

The accounts last night from Upper Canada, are favourable.
Mr. Speaker, M'Nabb, at the head of his little army, bad
marched towards London, and had fallen in with part of the
rebel force, and routed it, killing 2 and taking prisoners.
We have not heard what their force is in that section of the
country, but we believe it to be small; and I have no doubt but
they will easily be dispersed.
I was aware that there was much loyalty in Upper Canada,
but I was not prepared for so general an expression of it. You
will naturally inquire how it came that Sir Francis Head al-
lowed himself to be surprised, after having been informed that
the rebels were drilling for several weeks before they marched
00 Toronto. It appears, in fact, that he had adopted a pre-
conceived opinion that it would not be, and his overweening
vanity led him to risk the town, and, indeed, the province. He
is very much blamed in Upper Canada, as be is here, and, I
think, justly.
The Americans at Buffalo and other points have had meet-
ings, and passed resolutions sympathising with the rebels; but
the general and state goveinments have shewn a desire to put
down any interference, and they must now themselves see that
the cause of the rebels is a hopeless one in both provinces, and
the exceitement, I think, will soon subside.

We are now all quiet here, and two companies of the 24th
have been sent to Upper anada in sleighs; they will reach
Chippewa within a week.

(Flom the Mercantile Advertiser, Dec. 28, copying from the Al-
. bany Advertiser, Dec. 25.)
_

The Buffalo Star,' of Friday, contains the following :
The facts that the loyalists on the Canada shore near this city
have destroyed all means of crossing speaks plainly the fears
they have of their own people. None are permitted to cross to
this side but sworn loyalists.

•
The army at Navy Island is increasing, and are in fine spirits.
They have an increased number of cannon-furnaces for heating
shot, and every means of laying the village of Chippewa in
ashes, the moment any attempt is made on them.
We understand that a quantity of stands of arms kept at the
watchhouse, belonging to the state, were stolen on Wednesday
night. No clue is given by which the public can form an opin •
ion who are the thieves.

(From the Mercantile Advertiser, Dec. 29.)
The patriots on Navy Island are increasing in numbers, and
adding daily to their munitions and defences, which are sup-
ported by voluntary subscriptions from both sides of the river.
At Kingston the papers speak of the rebellion as having been
crushed, and are exceedingly violent and abusive towards the
American government and people.
At Prescott numerous arrests had been made ; of persons,
too, who bad committed no overt acts, but were beard to express
liberal opinions.
In the royal province the royalists begin to show mercy. Of
the 32 prisoners brought to Montreal by Col. Wetherall from
St. Denis, 20 have been discharged, and of the 112 prisoners
brought to that place from St. Eustache by Sir John Colborne,
73 have been released. The prisons are, however, still gorged
with victims, and the royal papers talk of trials and punishments
for high treason.
The Monheal Herald of the 21st says, that there had not, to
that day, been a single prisoner condemned or executed by
martial law, or any other law. •
Mr. Garrow, the United States :Marshal, has gone to the
Niagara frontier, for the purpose of seeing that the laws of
neutrality are nut violated.
ROCHESTER, DEC. 23.-1 know that you want to hear what
has been, and is now doing for freedom in Canada. I have
only time fur a few words. Dr. Ralph is here, but keeps pretty
quiet. The greatest excitement pervades all classes, and no-
thing, is heard but what is the best means of furnishing arms,
provisions, &c., for Navy Island. 500 muskets and several
pieces of cannon have been taken from the arsenal at Batavia;
40 men, with a field-piece arid 60 muskets, left this place the
night before, but 40 more are to start this evening.
(From the Rochester Democrat, Dec. 29.)

Lawisroti, DEC. 20.—Rumour was current yesterday that
Sir F. B. Head forwarded commands to the troops at Chippewa
and Fort Erie to attack the rebels on Navy Island forthwith.
Letters from Niagara Falls last evening state that 35 had passed
over to M`Kenzie during the day. Sir Francis Head arrived at
Queenstown last evening, and issued an order of ne ezeat reyno
by closing the ferry.
Later, Nine o'clock.—A gentleman direct from tha island
this evening confirms what we had heard this afternoon. He
also says, that the baggage of two companies had arrived at
Tonawanda, who are expected to-night. Governor Head, unon
his arrival at Chippewa, said that the rebels must be driven
from their encampment, if it cost his own life and half the lives
of the province. whereupon 300 of the tory party threw down
their arms. Although a great display of force is exhibited at
Chippewa, it is believed little dependence can be placed upon
them. The patriot camp are prepared for au attack, which they
daily expect to be made.

(From the Mercantile Advertiser, Dec. 30.)
FROM UPPER CANADA.
ROCHESTER DAILY ADVERTISER OFFICE, DEC. 25•—It is
said by those who arrived from Buffalo last night, that General
Van Rensselaer, with his band of patriots, intends to cross
over into Canada in the course of a day or two, and make an
immediate attack upon the British forces. Report says that he
has near upon 800 men, and that recruits are flocking in from
all quarters. Some 30 or 40 left this city last Saturday night,
wfth the intention of proceeding directly to Navy Island, and
joining his company.
SPIES.—Two loyalists came from the Canada side to Buffalo
a few days since, and passed over to Navy Island, pretending
to be patriots; but it was soon discovered that they were loyal.
ists, when they were kindly furnished with employment, and
have been obliged to remain there and do the regular duty ever
since. We are very much inclined to the belief that Governor
Head will not soon be much wiser for all the information those
those two gentlemen will obtain. The Governor, it is said, has
retired (ruin Chippewa to Hamilton. We saw a hand bill last
night, containing a letter to a gentleman in this city, dated
Navy Island, appealing to the people of this state for assistance
in prosecuting the war against the Canadian loyalists, It states
that the patriots under Mr. Duncombe had taken Fort Malden,
and thus established a post upon the main shore. If this be
true, it is of great importance to the patriots ; they will now be
able to cross over from Navy Island, and find a force to co.
operate with them immediately. The letter states, that with
1000 men they will engage the loyalists with very little difficulty.
We understand there has been a meeting held in this city by
a number of our citizens, and that they resolved io call a county
meeting for the purpose of taking steps relative to affairs in
Canada.

During the nights of Thursday and Friday three pieces of
ordnance were taken from their places in this city and the vi-
cinity, and probably carried to Navy Island. Two of them
belonged to the state, and the other, we believe, belonged to
the United States. We wish our citizens would act with a little
more discretion. These are the most high-minded measures
that can be taken, and in ordinary time would subject the per-
petrators to the severest punishment.

(From the Rochester Democrat, Dec. 25.)
Faint THE WiisT.--We have intelligence direct from Navy
Island as late as Saturday afternoon. The force on the island
was continually increased by volunteers from both Canada and
the States.

• On Friday, Mr. Jesse Lloyd, for whom a reward of £5OO had
been offered, arrived at this island, in company with seseral
others, after having undergone the most severe hardships, from
fatigue, hunger, and exposure. They passed down lake Erie
40 miles in an open boat, with high winds and intense cold.
On the same day Mrs. Mackenzie Leashed the island. After
having endured repeated insults, she obtained a pass trom
Governor Head to leave the province. She is an intelligent
Scotch lady, and a warm patriot. Her willingness to eudute
all the privations of the camp is a proof of her devotion,
On Thursday; Governor Head reached Chippewa, and swore
lustily because the island had not been taken. After a swagger-
ing speech of some length, he called for volunteers to attack the
patriots. None answered. After another speech, 15 answered.
He then left theni in a rage. The island cannot be taken.
A gentleman whom we saw on the line direct from Fort Erie
by the way of Chippewa, &c., says, there are no more than 500
troops between Fort Erie and Niagara. 150 had been sent to
Toronto. There are 10 or 12 pieces of artillery in the island,
and one mortar. The ammunition is abundant.

It has been reported that the royalists intend to attack the
patriots with bomb-shells, but such an attempt would be per-
fectly harmless. The island is an almost dense forest a mile
and a half long, and near a mile wide. Bombs might be thrown
for a month without injuring a single man.
During Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the royalists re-
peatedly tired upon the sentinels on Navy Island with muskets,

JA-NWARY 30, 1838

but the distance (half a mile) prevented any mischief. The
patriots have only in one or tao instances returned the fire.
There are only 150 men now opposite Navy Island. The
patriots will doubtless attempt a movement soon, but how or
when is not yet known.
All concur in saving that hundreds now under arms among
the royalists are only waiting an opportunity to join the patriot
standard.
Nu crossing the Niagara River was permitted on Friday and
Saturday. We understand that the attorney of the northern
district will demand that this order be countermanded.

(From the Mercantile Advertiser of Jan. 1, extracting from the
Albany Advertiser of Dec. 30.)
THE PATRIOTS AT NAVY ISLAND.—Letters were received
yesterday from Buffalo, confirming the reports in the Buffalo
papers, and adding tnat General Van Reusselaer had requited
all officers and others absent on furlough to repair to head-
quarters without delay, as an attack on the island was uaomen-
tarily expected. The force of Sir Francis Head is said to be
composed entirely of militia, with the exception of about 250
Indians.
A gentleman from Navy Island rates the strength of the
patriots higher than the general statements. Their artillery
consists of one 32 and one 24-pounder, one of them on a pivot,
and the rest 12, 9, and 6-pounders, all well mounted and in order
for service. If, with such a force to defend it, Governor Head
attacks it with undisciplined militia, we advise him to beware'
of Niagara Falls.

Letters of the 26th state that General Van Rensselaer was in,
hourly expectation of an attack, from the forces of Sir Francis•
Head, which consist of a large body of militia, and about 250
Indians. The cannon of Gen. Van Rensselaer consists of one.
32 and one '24 pounder—one of them on a pivot; and the rest
twelve, nine, and six pounders, all well mounted and in good
order for service
( From the Bugillo Commercial Advertiser.)
AFFAIRS OF THE UPPER PROVINCE.—The Governor has
bee❑ tracsporting boats from Niagara, in wagons; to Chippewa,
were breast works have been thrown up opposite Navy Island.
The patriots have 16 cannon, a very large quantity of ammuni-
tion, and are well prepared for an assault. Yesterday the
actual force enlisted and enrolled, was 523; this is exclusive
of a large number, employed in various ways who do not belong
to the regular force.

, UPPER CANADA.
From Buffalo papers of the 27th instant, we gather the fol-
lowing:—
The marshal of the northern district of New York had ap-
pointed thirty deputy marshals in the city of Buffalo.
In consequence of threats, said to have been uttered by certain
individuals attached to the government of Upper Canada, to
violate the neutrality ofour territory and to attack the city of
Buffalo, for the expression ofrthe sentiments of its citizens on
the present struggle in the Canadas, the executive committee
of 13 on Canadian affairs had met and passed resolutions pledg-
ing to raise and arm a volunteer corps, to hold themselves in
readiness at the call of the common council, to protect the
neutrality of the American territory and to defend the city.

( From the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, Dec. 27.)
Things are approaching► a crisis. The governor has been
transporting boats from Niagara, in waggons, to Chippewa,
where breast-works have been thrown up opposite Navy Island.
The patriot camp is in excellent spirits, and making every pre-
paration to resist an assault. Mrs. Mackenzie is with her
husband, and refuses to leave him. She bids fair to become
the heroine of this expedition. The scouts and expresses of
Gen. Rensselaer bring gratifying intelligence from the northern
and western districts. It would be improper for us to be more
explicit at present While we vindicate the " supremacy of
the laws," it would be contrary to our feelings and principles
to give any information in relation to the plans of the patriots,
which might prove prejudicial to their cause.
Gen. Van Rensselaer gives orders not to fire a gun until the
loyalist forces have commenced. A few shots have been sent
from the other bide, but it was only necessary to show a blazing
match to make those engaged in it scamper. On firing the
salute, on M onday, the shot of three guns was not drawn. They,
however, did little damage, tore up a bridge, and knocked over
an uninhabited shantee.

They have 16 cannon, a very large quantity of ammunition.
and are well prepared for an assault. Yesterday, the actual
force enlisted and enrolled was 523; this is exclusive of a large
number employed in various ways, who do not belong to the
regular force.
We do not believe Sir Trancis's troops can be made to cross
the river. If they attempt it they will find a glorious grave in
Niagara, whose cataract will be their winding sheet, and its
thunders their requiem.

( From the Rochester Democrat, Dec. 27.)
The Common Council last evening passed a resolution calling
upon our citizens to observe a strict neutrality in the Canadian
contest, and to be calm in the expression of their sympathy.
THE CANADA WAR.—Our city is filled with excitement anti
rumours in relation to the progress of affairs on the line.
It is said that Governor Head passed up from Lewisham to
Chippewa with 30 sleigh loads of men on 11Ionday.
Also, that on Monday the governor sent a flag of truce to
General Van Rensselaer, commanding him to leave the Navy
Island instanter. The general's reply was, that he was not
quite ready to leave, and that he Intended to dine with the
governor in a few days at Toronto.
It is rumoured further that steam-boats are being prepared,
for an excursion at Buffalo, to some point unknown.
M'Nabb is reported to be moving towards Chippewa with
1,300 men.

It is a fact that volunteers are continually wending their way
to Navy Island, and that 25 ferocious-looking fellows left this
city, for some point in that direction yesterday.
A gentleman from Detroit brings the information that a
patriot force was forming opposite that city when he left, and.
that volunteers were flocking in from all quarters. Dr. Dun-
combe was said to be there.
LATER.—We saw a gentleman last evening who left Hamil-
ton on Sunday. M'Nabb was then there, with a force of about
about 300, which was continually increasing, for tba PurP"e °f
marching to Chippewa.
On Monday, he says, about 400 troops landed at Queen's-
town, hem Toronto, for the same destination.
The same gentleman says a party of about 50 Indians, in
sleighs, accompanied the stage from Bradfort to Hamilton.
We learn from a correct source that there are no forces be-
tween London and Sandwich. At the former place, on Satur-
day, the royalists were still hunting the,patriots.
A Judge M‘Lean, of Hamilton, says that the three Malcombs,
of the London district, have been arrested and imprisoned.
This we know to be a mistake, as we saw one of them, hale and
hearty, at Ridgway, on Saturday, on his way to the Navy
Island. He had a narrow escape, and will be felt when ho
again meets his persecutors.
The following persons had been lodged in Kingston gaol;--
Joseph Canniff, Reuben White, Joseph N. Lockwood, Gideon
Turner, C. H. M'Callum, J. H. Harris, P. Davison, sett., and
Joseph Cavarly, all of 13elville, charged with high treason.
Dr. Heyden and M. Parks, from Hastings, also on a charge of
high treason. Thomas Anderson, Anson M. Da
accused or
sedition.

(From the Montreal Morning Courier qf Dee. 25.)
The report was current in town yesterday, that 500 Americans
were on the wav to Champlain, from the neighbourhood of Og-
densburgh, and-were intending to march from Champlain into
Lower Canada. It is impossible to ascertain certainly what
degree of faith to repose in such rumours. For ourselves, we
ate sceptically given in regard to them. One thing at least is
certain ; if they do come, 500 or 5000, they will not " catch a
weazel asleep," they may depend upon it. "Ready, aye
ready," is the word with more men and better men, than they
are probably aware of.—ln the meantime, they deserve some
thanks for keeping up the zeal of our people, by giving us such
timely and frequent notice of their intended approach.

A report has been more or lees current for the last day or two,
that Girouard and Chattier had been arrested by the Indians,
in an attempt to pass through their district. We have not been
able to trace it to any authentic source. It is hardly possible,
however, that either can ultimately escape. The "Jerald of
yesterday states that the body of George Cartier, late Advocate
of this city, has been found fiozen in the woods near St. Eus-
tache.

BEAUHARNOTS VoLeNTEEns.—We learn that, notwithstand-
ing the threatened attacks at Lachine and Caughnawaga for
the purpose of taking the arms intended for the Beauharnois
Loyal Volunteers, under the command of Cols. Bowen and
Davidson, the whole were deposited in the depot at Ormstown.
on Saturday afternoon ; having been escorted by a body of
Indians to Chateauguay, and guarded to the place of deposit by
by a body of Volunteers under the command of Major Norval.
The whole have since been disposed of; so that the county of
Beauharnois now possesses a force of 1000 loyal volunteers,
4(X) of whom have declared for general service. We have been
informed by a gentleman who saw the organization of these
corps, that a finer body of yeomanry never took arms.