North American. [volume] (Swanton, Vt.) 1839-1841, 1841-06-23
i1s6


sympathy which the American people had
40 nohly svinced Tor The suffering Canaci-
ans and thereby blast the fond hopes oil
those patriots who were assembled on
Navy Island 20 battle for freedom, and OF
those who, on the frontier Of Lower Can
ada, were preparing 10 re-enier their ma
tive country again 10 s;Tike in freedoms
cause. And SO eaeetual were the corrupt
and despoiic measures adopted by Gen.
Scott, Wonl, Brady and Col. Worth ~
this unholy crusade against Canadian
liberty, that they completely succeeded in
accomplishing Mr.. Van BufeS's designs OF
,hwsf,ing oil the plans Of The Canadian
rrfageps end American sympathlsers. A
remnant Of crushed patriotism prompted
the true lovers Of the national honor, 10
hold meetings in different paris OF The
Union, calling upon their Government 10
take the proper steps TO demand immediate
satisfaction Of the British Government.
This repara,ion was finally demanded by
the American government. The British
did moi even take the trouble TO answer
the formal demand for redress made by
Mr.. Stevenson The Minister Penipotentia-
ny of the United States to the Court oi ST.
james, who, after two years aud hall Of
pstiest delay, wrote TO his Government
that he had received no answer 10 his
dem and, and was instructed by the Presi-
dent, mot TO PRESS the subject
upon the English Government" 1t was
not until Mr.. Van Buren, had met with an
averw heIming defeat and was about TO
leave the Presidential chair which he had
so meanly polluted by his servii'y TO
British power, that in the Mcleod case,
he instituted the Secretary Of State 10
take bold and manly stand in behalf Of
his insulied country whose national honor
hx had failed To sustain. How this affair
will ultimately be settled is still matter Of
speculation, bur we honestly express our
fears, that the present Cabinet will not
redeem The Nations Honor from the
.ia@raalaiiaa info which !, bod fae dnrin or
the previous administration, and conse-
qoenily Great Britain escape with impuni-
~ notwithstanding the gross insults which
she has heaped upon this country under
the Presidential reign of Mr.. Van Buren,.
We shall nnw leave the subjec OF the
American policy towards the Cansdians,
and return 10 the movements of the Can
adams themselves who were very far from
being idle 10 the sacred cause Of freedom.
From the numerous and uncquivocal init
nations which the Refugees from both
Canadas, had received from the true. heart
ed Americans, il was confidently believed
thar ample measures would be taken 10
revive the sinking cause Of Canadian
Independence Mackenzie with his heroic |
little band, had, as we have already seen,
landed at Navy Island from which he bid !
hold defiance 10 the British colonial power. |
The Lower Canadians, though still mac
live so far as open resistance was con
:erned, were nevertheless burning with |
IN ardent desire to take vengeance upon
he mnrderers OF their countrymen. Mr..
papineau, the acknowledged leader, had,
Il we have before related, succeeded in
making his escape 10 the States and had
uttered his followers TO remain ignorant OF
lis designs and movements. Sill il was
loped that he was not idle, but yves, as in
onner days, laboriog against that power
shich had oppressed his countrymen with
ueh insolent and blood-thirsty cruelty. In
he latter part of December, 1887, the {
Refugees received the welcome summons I
o meet a, Middlebury W., on the slst, Of
hat month TO concer, plans for the future
pera,ion o! the patriots. The call was
esponded 10 with pleasure, and large =
lumber Of the Canadian Refugees were
resent at the meeting. The Great Can '
dian Agita,or, who kept himself secreied
! private house under an assumed name, {:
iei his eountrymen in council, and after C
.veral Interviews, il was finally decided I
-, tha HannAs.n1 ,,nl.. owno..-.ll 4