North American. [volume] (Swanton, Vt.) 1839-1841, 1841-03-24
Original.
HISTORY OF LOWER CANADA,
(cosrIsusp.)

The example set by the young men of
Van KIeek's Hill, was followed by the
young mer Of the City Of Montreal, who
Immediately assembled and entered into
real military organisation, choosing Tor
their President young lawyer who could
claim for bis only merit the mere fac, tha,
he had evinecd some talents whilst follow
ing his classical and legal studies, but en-
tifely devoid Of courage as his after con-
duet demonstrated. Things were evident
ly approaching crisis. The address of
the " Sons OF Libenyn as these young
men styled themselves, was undoubtedly a
masterpiece, and il is only to be regretted
that the trainers and sgners Of such bold
end manly declaration, did not all prove
true TO the sentiments therein proclaimed.
Indeed people were led TO believe that,
when men had the moral courage TO aflix
their signatures TO such an indamatory
document, they would also display the
same undnunsrd courage when the great
struggle should come. II was expected
that these promising young men, would
be amongst the FIRST TO repel British ag-
erosion and 10 free their native soil from
foreign pollution. How many OF the hun
dreds who have proudly enrolled their
names under the Banner OF the Sons Of
Liberty" have fought on the battle field
against their country's eppressors? In
deed we may safely answer very few.!!
The greatest number OF them, have ike
their Van Kicks Hill confreres, kept
sloof when The hour Of danger came, and
quietly folded up their arms, when their
brethren were slaughtered on the battle
field by the murderous troops of. sovcr-
eign, who deserved but the hatred Of her
people. Nay, many Of Them are now
bowling the servile knee to the deceitful
Sydenham, and proclaim their grea,
loyalty to the British Grown. How pain
ful ii is for NC TO be obliged TO commit to
the pages Of History the cowardly and
,pusillanimous demeanour OF those young
men who, after having openly called the
young men Of North America 10 prepare
for the struggle, and " emerge from long
dark bondage to the splendour OF light and
freedom" dare not vindicate with open
force those rights which they had declared
TO be destroyed by British despotism. Our
readers win have q fair idea of the Drag.
gadseios OF those young men. when alter
having consulted their declaration, which
may be found in the Appendix OF the 4lsi
No, marked CD, and then learn that
but few indeed out OF many hundreds,
have lifted their arms in the sacred cause
OF liberty, and that the principal off,
GERS OF that ever famous association, are
now ianisly submitting TO the British ty-
ranny in their native sountry. Let US
drop the subject, il recalls to our mind
sensations too painful to be related or to
dwell upon with pleasure.
The Radical press began 10 evince symp
toms of uneasiness about the Intentions Of
the local government, which had recently
introduced new troops into the Provlnes
and was about 20 quarter them in the prin'
eipal villages af the District of Montreal
IL also talked very loud about the proea.
bic fate Of those troops, il the Canadians
were enly TO resort TO physical force, ic
expel them from their polluted native soil
sueh language. together with the uncon.
s,itulional measures OF Lord Gosford's ad
niais,raiicn, was oaly tending 10 increase
sAe peoples hatred oil British tyranny. end