North American. [volume] (Swanton, Vt.) 1839-1841, 1840-02-26

liberty sceneu 10 nave SET forever. SfiIlt
Of the brave and immortal Montgomery!
we invoke thee 10 inspjfc some Of thy sue
cessors in Office with thine own military
ardour, and with thy desires for the free
dom Of Canada. The Canadians yet thirst
for deliverance from trans atlantic bondage.
They are ready 10 proclaim, and TO seal
with their blood, the independence of their
country. They impa,ienily wal, an OPP
portunity for convincing the world that
they are YET devoted TO the cause OF liber-
ty. And when that opportunity arrives,
il is TO be hoped that no Republican gov
eminent can be found on earth, unwise-
ly nterposing, 10 perpetuate or prolong
British rule in America. But, we have
our fears. Here is Republic where men
yes, great and undetermined men, who
aspire 10 be free, are hunted down like
beasts, or imprisoned like felons! Here is
country, nominally free, where proud
and naughty aristocracy fills the places
once occupied by pure and indebted repub-
lcanism. But let us draw the curtain
let US hide this disgraceIul scene from the
view Of our enemies. The stain may yet
be oblilerated, but moral revolution must
frs, take place; then this people will have
achieved an independence worth preserv-
ing, and which shall be bright example
to other nations.
Before we resume the account OF the
military operations which followed the un-
fortunate attack upon Quebec by the
American army, we shall give glance at
the proceedings Of Congress, which was
meanwhile in session al Philadel pha. 1t
is necessary for our readers to become well
acquainted with The proceedings of that
honorable body relative to Canadian al
fairs, which shew on one side the deep
anxiety Of the members Of that body for the
sure conquest Of Canada, and at the same
time their solictude for the welfare OF prl-
soners from that Province who fell into
their hands; on the other hand, it proves,
that in spite Of their wisdom and cares for
the success of the Canadian enterprise, it
failed-frst, because the American army
was deficient in numbers and pecunary
neans--& secondly, through the misman-
agement Of some of its officers, and not Gas
the tory presses Of New York have falsely
asserted through the unwillingness of the
Canadians to Join and help the invading
army. We repeat it, we think it impor-
tant that our readers should be made ac-
quainted with all the proceedings Of the
American Congress in relation TO this SUBJ
ject, however insignificant il may at first
sight appear.
Our readers well remember that we left
Col. Ethan Allen prisoner in England.
Congress having learnt the cruel and inhu-
man treatment OF one of its bravest officers,
passed resolution on the 2nd of Decem-
DcT, iustfuCtiHg OcN. w dSitiiRtOn W op-
ply to Gen. Howe of the British army re-
curing that Col. Allen should be forth
with exchanged, and returned to his friends,
and 10 his country, which was in great
need Of his services. Gen. Washington,
in consequence of the instructions of Con-
gress, did apply TO Gen. Howe, but receiv-
ed only evasive answers. The British
knew too well the Importance and the
bravery Of their illustrious captive.s and
they were unwilling to part with him.
On the 9th December, Congress ordered
Major Preston, who had so gallantly de-
Tended his pos, at ST. Johns, 10 remain at
Philadelphia. together with another Brit
ish officer who was with him. until the fur
iher orders OF Congress should be made
known TO them.
On the 7th, Congress having been IN
formed that the women aud children, and
the baggage, also OF the prisoners taken
at ST. Johns, had arrived,it was Resolved:
"That il may be recommended TO the
committee Of safety Of the colony Of Fem
lsylvsBia, 10 have them removed IN the
cheapest manner, al the expense OF the
C.xtou,.. H. ria<aa aeSf6ned