North American. [volume] (Swanton, Vt.) 1839-1841, 1841-04-28

'@a 49, W 1tAtSa 4NelA0D aBd 0encfSi
Brown would give them battle at ST Cha's
and 81. Denis. The gallant wife Of T.
Soupras, Esquire, who had taken refuge in
The United States, ia The absence Of her
husband. generously furnished ell the as
s'sianee possible for the new band who
were willing to Fight for Canada's political
regeneration. Provisions were also for
wafded from different quarters and altho'
the British troops on their passage through
ST. Matthias, had made sad havoc with The
property Of the principal rich men of that
parish, yet the patriotic zeal with which
they were inspired, made them devise new
and ingenious means TO supper, the patfiot-
&c collection OF men who were buckling on
their armor to take ample vengeance on
their country's prosecutors. Mrs. Soupras
with liberality ever worthy TO be praised,
handed 10 Mr.. Malhiot IL new guns, 10
barrels OF powder and large quantity Of
buck shots, TO be distributed among the
TO be brought from her husbands farms,
and killed and given TO the Canadians who
were congrega,ng in large numbers. See
ing the zeal and aacrity with which the
patriots OF the surrounding parishes were
flocking 10 ST. Matthias, it was resolved
that il would be advisable TO form camp
at this place, either 10 cooperate with Dr.
Wolfred Nelson of ST. Denis and General
Brown Of ST. Charles, or if the troops
proved victorious on the lower part of the
Richeieu River, 10 harass The British
on their return to Chambly, if they at
tempted to retreat. An express was forth
with sent TO ST. Denis, TO notify D.. Nell
son Of the doings Of the patriots at ST.
Matthias, and az the same time 10 express
their willingness TO obey any orders which
he might give them. On account of the
present situation of affairs, the express
was obliged to pass by St. Jean Baptiste
so as to avoid the British troops, who were
then at ST. HiIare de Rouvie A small
) hreastwork was Immediately thrown up at
T place three miles below the village near
small bush, which was indeed very
, eligible spot, had it been properly improved
by the patriots. On that dav, Gath Nov. J
) two prisoners belonging TO the Montrea
> Cavalry, named Moss and Monk fell into
; the hands Of the Canadians. They were
{ coming from ST. Hilaire de Rouvle
8 where Lieutenant Colonel Wetheral! wa,
e encamped, and were supposed to be carry
ing dispatches, though they could not now
] be found on them. The patriots received
/, an access to their number, of about tire,
e hundred men, great part Of whom wer'
r armed with good guns, whilst the remand
T err were armed with pitchforks, pickaxes
J, &C., &c.
e On the 25lh oil November, Major II
o T. Goddu OF ST. Cesare, Joined his coun
h trvmen, who were marshalled 10 repe
@ British invaders. He was at the head O
one hundred and fifty men well armed, e
r quipped, aud ahundanily provided wit
: provisions. After The arrival of this rein
). forcemenl, the patriot forces were muster
), ed, and found TO consist OF 900 men, G
), whom SIG were completely armed and we
prepared to meet the enemy. These brav
soldiers were called upoa 10 choose thei
own officers, when E. f. Malhiot wa
named their Colonel, II. t. Goddu as Ma
;, ior, and Mr.. Bertrand, the notary of s.
= Matthias, was appointed Quarter Maste
!. General.
. The martial ardour Of the patriots, wa
Z very much increased, when they learue
L tha, the British, two days previous, ha
u been signsIly defeated at 81. Denis. Thi
y sudden and unexpected event, difused tn
utmost joy among those genuine lovers c
q freedom, aud they solemnly vowed, neve
e 10 Weld to the tinseIed meniais of blood
Old England. Never did there exist,
II more devoted band of true hearted patriots
,, than that assembled at ST. Matthias.
was. only through a chair of unforeseen
e and in some cases, oil inexpicsble event
81