North American. [volume] (Swanton, Vt.) 1839-1841, 1841-05-12

ionged 10 me MISSIONARIES tuougu tHeE
were opposed by the priest who wept at
seeing his cannon taken TO the patriot camp
to be used against his tory friends; the
patriots also took some ammunition and
a few muskets, but through the wilful and
designed Misrepresentation OF the miss
ionary, they did not prosecute their search
for the government cannon which the priest
said had been removed, but returned with
their prize to ST. Eustache. The cannon
was sent TO ST. Benoit where il was never
used II was afterwards ascertaned that
Mr. Dufresne, the catholic priest OF the
mission OF the lake of Two Mountains,
had caused the cannon belonging to the
government, to be buried, and as soon as
the patriots were gone, he sent an express
to tie tories of St. Andrews, who came
and took away the cannon, muskets and
ammunition which had not been found by
the patriots. This conduct on the part Of
priest Dulresne, is strong proof Of the
hostile feelings of the catholic clergy OF
Canada, towards republican institutions.
The catholic priest of St. Eustache and
his vicar did all they could, as we have
already seen, to thwart the plans of the
patriots, although they had been severely
rebuked by Dr.. Chenier who constantly
remained firm in his country's cause and
swe.ved not in the hour of danger. Not
satisfied with their previous exertons, these
two miserable pretended God worshipping,
Devil-serving tory priests, made last
effort to deter this noble chieftain from his
daring, yet heroic design Of resisting Bri-
fish oppression. For that purpose, as soon
as they were informed of the defeat of the
patriots at ST Charles, they sent for the
gallant and heroic Chenier and Mr.. Scott,
the representative of that county, and who
had cowardIy abandoned his brethren in
the hour OF trial; when they arrived, Mr..
Paquin informed DR.. Chenier of the result
of the battle at St. Charles and after much
he urged him to desist from maxi
ing any further military preparations to
oppose the British authorities. "Death
rather than surrender was the magnan-
imons answer of the hero of St. Eustache.
Being urgently pressed to abandon his
revolutionary plans, DR.. Chenier, with an
which belongs only TO the true
and devoted patriot, turned to those who
thus urged him to desist, and emphatica'ly
declared that, " they might as yell hold
the moon sCith their teeth as to shake his
deternsin0tion.n Had all the patriot lea
ders IN Canada, been as bold, unyieldng
and persevering as DR.. Chenier, there is
no doubt but that their Country would
have been disenthralled from transatlantic
bondage, and they now enjoying the full
blessings Of civil and religious freedom.
Fin ding that their improper interference
was duly appreciated by the chivalric hero
the priests contented themselves by offer.
ing all the opposition which they could in
a secret and underhanded way, to the
plans and movements of the patriots.
The intrigues of the priests, the base
Of one of their leaders who had
changed his mind to peace after having
excited the people to physical resistance,
and the proclamation offering protection
and forgiveness TO the inhabitants if they
would only return peaceably to their homes.
all these causes had so operated upon the
minds Of those who composed the patriot
camp at st. Eustache, that their number
haG considerably diminished. DR.. Chenier
who wanted none but those who were will
ling to expose their lives and property in
the sacred cause Of liberty, allowed these
towards to leave the camp where they
would have been Of no service. He did
not intend to use compulsory means and
consequently, those who were willing TO
take up arms for their oppressed and perse-
cnted country, were welcomed with ap-
plause, whilst those who had not sufficient
or nerve to fight against slavery,
were equally at liberty TO follow the die