North American. [volume] (Swanton, Vt.) 1839-1841, 1841-03-24

was napic otSply fastening conviction IN
the peoples mind, that IL they entered inio
q struggle with the British red coats"
they should easily triumph over them.
Meantime, The most influential radicals OF
the united counties on the banks OF the
Richelieu, resolved upon having . general
meeting oil their FIVE counties on the ash
OF October. Some persons more prudent,
and whose foresight deserves, TO be praised
discoantenaneed this general meeting, bot
again urged the plan OF sending tfasty
men TO the United States 10 procure arms
and munitions. This last suggestion was
not listened TO and the grea, meeting al ST.
Charles took place on The day above men
toned. Mr.. Papinean, who had been es-
pecially invited, displayed his great orato.
rial powers which exerted an influence
unknown before on the mass Of the peo-
ple present. Such was the universal en-
thusiasm created by the Great Agitator's
eloqucnce, that simple word from him,
would have led The innumeFsble multitude
which was listening 10 his spirt-stiring
and animated speech, 10 immediate action
against the government, il orders had been
given to that effect Besides Mr.. Papin-
eau, there were several OF The most con-
spicuous members oil the House of Assem-
bly,. The NEST respectable and wealthy
part Of the community Of the FIVE conleder-
ated counties, made il their duty 10 attend
this solemn meeting, where II was suppos-
ed thata last remonstrance Of their wrongs,
would be made previous 10 an appeal to
physical resistance against British tyranny.
Indeed the Canadians had suffered TOO
long already, and they fcl, tina. patience
on their part would no longer be looked
upon as virtue but really as an evidence
of cawardice. Our readers must be in
formed that this coniedcracy consisted OF
the counties Of Richelieu, ST. Hyacinthe,
Rouville, Chambly and Veicheres. The
county OF L'Acadie which was adjoining
that of Chambly and Rouville. assembled
previous to the great meeting al ST. Charles,
when the patriotic inhabitants OF that coun-
~ resolved upon asking for an adn'ttance
into the confederacy Of the FIVE counties,
and for that purpose, committee oil three
gentlemen, was appointed to draft an adj
L. This adj
dress which we shall give to our readers in
the Appendix, marked ice) is master
piece of patriotism and noble sentiments.
Those, who were bold and fearless enough
to sign this document, have had their
share or British persecution. One Of them
Is now an exile in the United States with
a large price set upon his head; the second
il now banished to Van Diemen's land,
there to drag out his life in misery and
slavery, amoRg the felons whom, Great
Britain sends to that penal Colony; and
the third, after having his property plum
dered and burnt, has suffered long impFl-
sonmen, which has thrown bis helpless
family on the cold charity OF the world.
Such is the reward melted ont in British
Province, to those who dare 10 advocate
liberal principles and patriotic sentiments.
The reques, of the Electors ofL'Acadie,
was received with grea, joy by the con-
federated counties, and the new ally was
welcomed with evident demonstration Of
sincere gratitude. After several speeches
delivered by the greatest patriots OF The
country, resolutions were adopted oil The
most energetic nature. An attentive per-
usai of the proceedings of that ever memo
rable day, will show that the leaders en-
gagged in this transaction, had any thing m
view but blind and tame submission 70
British tyranny. Were the speeches oil
Mr.. Pspiueau, and Of others, who address
ca at that celebrated meeting, recorded
oar readers would be fnIly satisfied that
neither Mr.. Papineau nor those connect
ed with him in the proceedings of the ssfd
Of October, sincerely believed that The
struggle would be ended without an ap-
zeal 10 arms. II would not be rendering JUS
,ice TO Mr.. Papinesa's high inteilectua
Ie...,.:.. anl m his great falents, II VT