, 1866-07-03

III 1Cu COdlS WCtC dlSO SWlDSiIS lOullN
their right, the Fenians-to oppose the
movement-fell back about 40 rods to a
piece of wood, wading through a swamp
for the purpose, and found a new line in
a horseshoe shape, the centre offered
and the flank refused.
The British troops, interpreting this
as an utter rOQt of the Fenians, quicken
ed their previously slow advance 10 q
double quick, and rushed into the swamp
with loud yells, the cry of "Irish" be-
ing frequently heard. But through the
sWampS, the severe fire which the Fe-
mans opened on them would not allow
them to pass, and in these relative posi-
lions the conflict ragged for half an hour.
Then Colonel O'Neil, seeing that the
enemy's center was the weakest point,
ordered to break his lines. This was led
by the detachment from Indiana, and was
entirely successful. The British centre,
which was really no centre, being left
open by the popularity of the movement,
was broken through, and their troops,
thrown into confusion, retreated through
Ridgeway, towards Port Colborne.
The route of the red-coatS is represent
ed as complete. They threw away coats,
blankets, guns-anything that would i'm
pede their flight. The FenianS pursued
them through Ridgeway and more than a
mile beyond, when Colonel O'NeiI, find
ing his men tired out, gave orders to re-
turn to Fort Erie.
At Fort Erie the Fenian force came
upon a small force of Canadian volunteers
who had moved up from Chippewa and
occupied the place. This force was at
tackled and captured. Hearing of the
larger force below, Colonel O'Neil found
himself in an unpleasant predicament.
The news received in this city caused
renewed movement Of Fenian authorities
to support O'NeiI with reinforcements.
They were got together, with arms col
lected at II o'clock last night to the
number of $50 at the foot of Genesee
street. It's departure was delayed till
midnight, through tardincss in getting
boxes of arms, ammunition, and proyl-
sions here. BY midnight, however, eve
rything, men and all, was laden on two
canal boats, a tug took them in tow, and
the expedition started for the other side.
But as these transports, one of which
oos roPort"r accompanied. rounded the
lower end of the break water, a small
boat hailed them, ana Il CoilHIdhu was
given by a staff officer of General Swee-
ney's for them to return and disembark
as speedily as possible. So round they
swung and rapidly unIoaded men and
impedimenta, and the transports at once
left for the other side.
At about 1.15 o'clock Sunday morning
the transports arrived at Old Fort Erie,
and Colonel O'Neil and about nine hun
dred of his band quietly embarked and
started for the American shore. When
about midway of the channel, and out of
British waters, the tug Harrison, under
the charge of Acting Master G. W. Nor
ris, Of the steamer Michigan, ordered
them to round to and haul alongside.
The order not deing obeyed it was re-
peated, to sink them if not Immediately
complied with. Colonel O'Neil then sur
rendered his command to the United
States authorities. The Michigan was
signalled and having steam up and anchor
tripped was soon alongside, and, taking
the transports in tow, dropped down to
the lower Black Rock, where she now
lies at anchor. Colonel O'Neil and his