North American. [volume] (Swanton, Vt.) 1839-1841, 1841-04-28

aiely LETT The eamr snd retained back -
their homes, to ,hsir great sorrow howcy-
er, MS they afterwards discovered. The
dcseriion was so great, thai only two
hundred men remained faithful to their
duties as Canadians. This tsoundfel was
forthwith arrested. and we regret to add
that he did not share the fate usually 10
iiicied upon traitors. He was unfortunate
ly permitted 10 regain bis liberty, and YET
lives a disgrace 10 his country.
Ga Monday The s7th, The officer com
harding the patriot forces a, 81. Matthias,
received dispatch lrom DR.. Nofred Mel
son, informing him that the British troops
were still at ST. Charles, bit were expect
ed TO descend upon ST. Denis the next
day, requesting, at the same time, The
patriots of ST. Matthias TO move towards
81. Charles, whilst he DR. Nelson would
move OPP so as 10 unite their forces. The
patriot soldiers were Immediately mustered
and after having been. informed Of DR.. w.
| Nelson's desires, they expressed their wi.
lingness TO follow their commander. But
at this iuncture, Doctor p Davignop Of
the parish Of 81. Mary, called upon Col.
Malhiot with pretended verbal message
from Mr.. Pspineau, who was known to
have been seereted about St Mary after
his dishonorabIe flight from ST. Denis.
| The Doctor informed the commander that
he pras authorised by Mr.. Papinean TO
request him not TO attack the British troops
IL they did not march upon ST. Denis, and
that il the patriot band al ST. Matthias, in
tended to retreat, they ought 10 retire to
St. Mary, as large quality ofarrns were
TO be forwarded ihither from the United
States. This officious errand Of DR.. Dav-
ignon did not, as was anticipated, effect
the disbanding Of the patriot Iorces, who
on the contrary. resolved upon marching
forthwith to Join the gallant commander Of
ST. Denis. At O'Clock, p. M. of the 9th,
the patriots began their march, having
placed their prisoners, sixteen in number
in the centre, with a small swivel and theiI
/ provisions they then numbered about
three hundred men, The British troops
ALARMED at the collection of patriots both
az ST. Denis and ST. Matthias. and finding
themselves completely surrounded by the
radicals, resolved upon attacking one party
before they could form a junction with the
Others. They accordingly on the same
day marched from ST. Charles to ST. Hi
laire de Rouvie, where they arrived a
three O'Clock P. NJ. Mr.. Bonaven,ur,
Viger, who had valaptly fought the Brit
ish hirelings, both al Longueuil and at ST
Charles, and who had fortunately ESCAPED
their murderens hands, was the indivdua
who gave timely notice TO the patriots, o
the movements of the British troops, wh'
had taken lodgings at the houses Of th'
: Priest and Seignior. II was deemed pru
dent 10 send the British prisoners who wen
in the hands of the Patriots, To ST. Mary
p This was Immediately done. After thc1
had arrived at this place, the renegade
3 DR.. Davignon with the two Franchercs
! ordered the prisoners to be unbound am
!. set at liberty, and a sumpiuous dinner wa
! prepared for them. This pusillanimou
4 Doctor Immediately left for the fort O
: Chambly, where, 10 his great shame, b
gave afidaviis against several OF his coun
!, trymen in order TO exculpate himself fror
y any political accusation which might hsv
e been made against him. We hope the ds
Is Of reckoning will We; come for such mis-
d creanis, and that. when the pure air G
. political liberty shall be breathed in Cana
i da, snch iurncoats and traitors will b
: made 20 feel not only their own degrade
o ton but the deep miseries, which, by ihei
y meanness Of souI and baseness OF heart
> they have inflicted upon the land Of thei
: birth.
y Bot 10 return 10 The patriot expedition
c which we left so near the British troops
! Mai. Goddu was sent, stshe head Of IL
o men 20 small bush near the encsnpmen
q n ,ho Rritish frronS from ubirh r,lzrs n