North American. [volume] (Swanton, Vt.) 1839-1841, 1839-08-21
DIT MEMOIR.
fTroasfa,ed for the North Amsrican ]


I4ARfANt - 49, 49, ~ 49,
Canadians.
ia the commencement Of the last trou-
bles, the report came suddenly that the
American GrneraI had detached body oil
200 men to give assistance to Fort Cedars,
which was attacked by our militia. Our
officers who were near, found they had al
hand but 80 Canadians. They collected
in haste co Savages, and notwithstanding
the inequality 50 visible, they attacked the
enemy and overthrow them at the first
outset; with so victorious men which re-
manned, they took $50 prisoners with their
commander at their head; at this victory
Fort Cedars fell. This was the most bril-
liam; action which had illustrated the arms
OF the King in this country; bat it cost
dear To one Of our brave Canadian gentle
men, (Mr. De M~ontigny,) who, with his
own hand, had made prisoner Of one Of the
principal officers of the enemy; at their de-
parture the Americans burned and pillaged
his property. These losses he modestly
exposed to the government, the oaicers Of
which answered." this is The fortune OF
war which is displayed 10 a similar man
ner in the English Colonies Of America,
that it was equally just TO indemnify these
Colonies" which amounted TO an admis-
son Of national inability to indemnify. This
case however Is neither similar in circum-
stances, nor analogous in consequences.
At The invasion Of the Colony, an Amer
lean Proclamation had been issued guaran-
teeing to those Canadians who should re-
main tranquil, the peaceful enjoyment Of
their heriiages. A Royal Proclamation
was issued to force the people from this
neutrality. Is il to the glory of The sover-
eign to deceive his subjects By the sophis~
try Of words, through his representative!
II so then these words ought no more to
be respected and oheyed. The affirmative
would not be policy for those who labor
for the safety ofthe Empire. The conse-
quences here would be terrible. At the
first invasion the Canadians would be fore
ced 10 bury themselves in the i%naction
OF neutrality. Would they face the ra-
wages Of wal in favour Of a sovereign
who had declared in advance that they
could expect no reparation for their losses
or compensation for their services from
him.
| conclude, gentlemen, by the public
testimony OF one Of the noble Lords of
England, (Lord Shefiela) who in a learn
ca and patriotic book, has put the last seal
" The confirmation of your hopes ana
your rights. The wise policy Of the
Legislature" said he :" ought not TO waver
moment to crafty the Canadians with
aIorm of Government suited to their wish
S and demands, because the best means
mat England can adopt for the preserva-
uNh oil that country, is to promise content
inent and satisfaction, and to place this
'oohtentment on a firm foundation. We
should adopt a system 10 make them mare
e'n'en'ed, more happy, and better than
The American Colonies which surround
'aem' can promise or offer them"
al this Is publicly declared. Your liber-
~ Is then in your hands. The only thing
remaining for YOU now, is to demand tha,
"'efty IN a proper manner. A people an
mated by such good and such maenani-
nous sentiments as your, could not choose
40 preference to civil emancipation the in
amy Of slavery for themselves and poster
ity.
IL would be the height OF glory for me
% DC able to claim some part in this happy
revolution, which is now the subject of my
'enec''ons and labours. AT least can
assure you that when il shall be accom-.
pushed, your national prosperity will suf-
0S' l" ''''>e me for all my personal suf,