North American. [volume] (Swanton, Vt.) 1839-1841, 1841-04-16

like lions. Ras whnlIy nnpfepared fol
suca al event, the Canadians could mo-
resist successfully the powerful onset, ana
their breas;wofk which had been yer,
much shattered by grape shot, was finally
carried by the British. Having los. al
hopes Of defending that part Of theil
CAMS, the patriots wrre forced TO give
way, and began their retreat TO join theil
! brethren, who were YET continuing the
struggle at the right hand side OF the
road. But before they could succeed in
their bold and chivalric attempt, greal
number Of those gallant combaitanis were
bfongbt TO the ground, and died the death
of indomii able heroes. Oh ! could our
pen only trace here the noble and daring
deeds which these undisciplined peasants
achieved on the battle field. where they
were expiring in defending their country's
,rampled rights Many OF them finding
resistance OF no avail, threw down their
arms and on their trembling knees begged
for their lives at the hands Of The cruel
and barbarous British soldiers. But
il was oil no avail, they were inhumanly
butchered in cold blood, and their bodies
were slript naked and exposed TO all the
indignities, which so much delight the ie-
rocious hrelings Of Great Britain.
The British, found more difficulty in car
rying the breastwork and the loop-holed
buildings on the right. II was not until
after sharp and brisk firing on both sides
which proved very fatal 10 The British,
that the patriots were obliged TO retire be-
fore their enemies. II it had not been that
The buildings from which the Canadians |
were firing, were set on fire, the British |
could not have carried The day, so obstln-
ate and resoluie were the patriots in de-
ending their ground. But having no
onger any shelter from which they conld
nolest the British, ii became imperious for
he patriots 10 cease contest which must
necessarily prove fatal, and without pros
beet of any benefit accruing from its con-
nuance. The route then became general
IN the part Of the patriots, who unwilling
y retreated, though with the inward salts
action of having fought like ireemen.
Abandoned by their General, falling short
If ammunition, destitute OF good firearms.
old by the treachery of one OF their own
:ounlrymen, discouraged by The absence
If The most influential characters OF the
whom they well knew TO have
deserted them, led, few in number and
wholly undisciplined, against troops who {
lad the advantage Of being skilled in all
he manoeuvTes Of war, commanded by |,
worthy leaders but in whom they could
,lace no confidence as military officers, al {
hese circumstances tended 10 throw the I
most heart-rending Encouragement into
he hearts OF those brave and heroic patri- !
lis, who had taken up arms, because they
lad been well assured that il was with Mr..
'apineau's advice and consent, that they &
we're 10 resist trans. atlantic tyranny. The I
eader will at once, see That no severe re- q
eclions can with propriety be cast upon s
hose Canadians, who so vaianily fought e
/ the battle Of St. Charles although de-
Gated, they win ever be looked upon with =
ride and veneration By their countrymen, .
While the shame OF their defeat will reflect :,
pon their leaders.
The house Of the Hon. Debarlzch had il
cen set on FIRE by The British troops, but \
he flames being exiingushed before much /
llurv was done, ii was occupied by i
apt. Bell's company--one company was h
in the Church, 70 reward a
he Roman priests for their desotedness TO
he British crown, by polluting the temple /
the most High, with their drunken and h
loody solIiersl The house OF the parish a
REST, was taken possession OF, and three 0
Jmpanies OF soldiers stationed in it. Mr..
Ilanchet, the curate OF the parish. had fled Il
ut returned the same night and was made :
prisoner in consequence of his papers Il
eng examined, and The pastoral letter o.
ishop Lariigue found upon which was