North American. [volume] (Swanton, Vt.) 1839-1841, 1841-03-31

the patriots. The walls were very strong,
more particularly OF the lower story.
Those who had guns, were placed In The
upper story, whilst those who arrived
with sickies, pitehforks, pickaxes and other
kind Of offensive instruments. were placed
In the lower part Of the House. A large
quantity OF stones and other missiles had
been carried into the second story so as
10 give warm and heavy reception TO
the British troops, il they attempted to
storm the binding. few OF the best
marksmen had been placed by DIR. Nelson's
orders 10 The yard around The house, with
q view Of picking of the "red coats" and
this precautionary measure proved to have
completely attained It's object; some more
were aiso placed in garden on the oppos-
tie side OF the road so that If passage
through the main street, was attempted
by the British, they should find themselves
exposed to the CALLING fire OF both parties
on each side OF the road, whilst deadly
discharge would be constantly poured on
them by the patriot force which had been
posted in the second story Of the house.
At about half past nine O'Clock, A. M, the
alarm Of the approach Of the British troops
was given, ond all being prepared as we
have above mentioned, DIR. Wolired Mel
son took leave of Mr.. Papineau who, all
this time bad remained quietly secreted in
the upper chambers OF DR.. Nelson's house.
With foresight and philantrophy which
will always do him the greatest honor, the
commander had provided the necessary
means for securing Mr.. Papineau's escape,
in case the patriots were defeated, and pre-
vent the British authorities from laying
their hands on the peoples great idol. A
horse was kept in constant readiness, so
that il the fate Of war should decide a.
gainst Dr.. Nelson's gallant little band,
the Canadian Agitaior might find a sure
way Of escaping the Iangs Of a barbarous
Zoe, who would deprive him Of his liberty,
4 not OF his life. All those precautions
having been taken, DR.. Wolfred Nelson
ouckled on his armour and with an enthu-
siastic afdour, possessed only by the fear
ess soldier, he proceeded with the great
'st GOODNESS Of mind TO the battle field and
by his example and through his exhora-
ions he animated The people under his
command 10 such an extent that this
mail undisciplined force, composed excln-
lively of peasants, who, for the most part,
lad never shouidered musket, proved to
he mercenary British troops, that love Of
liberty is greater stimulus to martial
ombat than the vile offer or money. --
Not prepared TO find the peoplesof St.
)cnis ready to dispute his passage through
heir village, Colonel Gore saw with great
aortifcation the Montreal Cavalry who
Drmed the van, fred upon by the people
n both sides of The street, which forced
he dragons to fall hack precipitatelv on
he main body Of the army. This reeep-
ION reminded them OF the warm salute re-
eived in the Longueuil attack and they
we're quite unwilling TO expose themselves
second time TO the patriots fire. The
British, after having reconnoitred the place,
iscovered that the main force of the pat
ots, was posted in the stone house, and
nat the whole village was defended in snch
manner that they would have to fight
heir way before complete passage could
e obtained. The howitzer was accord
Ugly brought mp to play upon the walls of
he house, whilst the troops were ordered 1
'peatedly TO come to close quarters with Z
he patriot force. The first cannon shot 4
irected against the upper story of the /
ouse entered by window at the North q
ast end and killed two men named Charles i
T.. German and Phaneuf, both of St.
'enis. The second shot was aimed at j
ne same place and by it, a man by the Z
anne OF BoutiIlier Of 81. Antoine, together
ith two individuals named Dudevoire I
I'd Lusignan were deprived of their lives c
lie first one being instantaneously killed, d