History of the Fenian raid on Fort Erie with an account of the Battle of Ridgeway/Appendix
APPENDIX
A
LIST OF OFFICERS PRESENT AT THE BATTLE RIDGEWAY.
"QUEEN'S OWN"
Major Charles J. Gillmor.
No. 1 Company.—Captain Brown, Lieut. Davids, Ensign Fahey.
No. 2.—Captain Dixon, Lieut. Morrison, Ensign Bennett.
No. 3.—Captain Boustead, Lieut. Beaven, Ensign Wharin.
No. 4.—Captain Douglas, Lieut. Arthurs, Ensign Davis.
No. 5.—Captain Edwards, Lieut. Lee, Ensign McEachren.
No. 6.—Captain Adam, Lieut. Campbell, Ensign McLean.
No. 7.—Captain McPherson, Acting Lieut. Stinson, Acting Ensign Smith.
No. 8.—Captain Sherwood, Lieut. O'Reilly.
No. 9.—Acting Captain Whitney (Trinity College Company).
No. 10.—Captain Gardner, Lieut. Ramsay, Ensign Gibson.
Paymaster W. H. Harris, Quartermaster Jackson, Adjutant W. D. Otter, Surgeon J. Thorburn, Assistant Surgeon May.
13th battalion.
Majors Skinner and Cattley.
No. 1 Company. — Captain Grant, Lieut. Gibson, Ensign McKenzie.
No. 2.—Captain Watson, Lieut. Sewell, Ensign Baker.
No. 3.—Lieut. Ferguson, Ensign Armstrong.
No. 4.—Lieut. Routh, Ensign J. B. Young.
No. 5.—Captain Askin, Lieut. Ritchie.
No. 6.—Ensign Roy.
Adjutant Henery.
YORK RIFLES.
Captain Davis, Lieut. Davis, Ensign Hill.
CALEDONIA RIFLES.
Captain Jackson, Lieut. Thorburn, Ensign Chrystal, Ensign McKinnon (attached).
B
LIST OF KILLED AND WOUNDED AT THE BATTLE OF RIDGEWAY.
Killed.—Ensign Malcolm McEachren, No. 5 Company, "Queen's Own" Rifles. Sergeant H. Matheson, No. 1, ditto. Private Christopher Alderson, No. 7, ditto. Private M. Defries, No. 3, ditto. Private W. F. Tempest, No. 9, ditto. Private William Smith, No. 2, ditto. Private J. H. Mewburn, No. 9, ditto. Private M. McKenzie, No. 9, ditto. Private F. Lackie, No. -, ditto.
Wounded.—Captain J. B. Boustead, No. 3 Company, "Queen's Own" Rifles. Lieut. J. H. Beaven, No. 3, ditto. Lieut. W. C. Campbell, No. 6, ditto. Ensign Fahey, No. 1, ditto. Color Sergeant Forbes McHardy, No. 10, ditto. Private C. F. Bell, No. 5, ditto. Private W. Vandersmissen, No. 9, ditto. Private Kingsford, No. 9, ditto. Private John White, No. 10, ditto. Private Paul Robbins, No. 6, ditto. Private Thomas Oulster, No. 1, ditto. Private William Thompson, No. 2, ditto. Private Charles Winter, No. 3, ditto. Private Colin Forsyth, No. 10, ditto, Private Edward Copp, No. 5, ditto. Private J. H. Rutherford, No. 6, ditto. Private E. J. Paterson, No. 9 ditto. Private Joseph Lugsden, No. 4, ditto. Private Alexander Muir, No. 10, ditto. Private E. T. Paul, No. 9 ditto., Sergeant William Foster, No. 7, ditto. Color Sergeant John Tuck, York Rifles. Private Robert Cranston, ditto.
Lieut. Routh, and 6 Privates, 13th Battalion.
C
The following reports relating to the Volunteer Force have been received by His Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief, and are now published for the information of all concerned.
[Copy.]
Sir,
I have the honor to make the following report of my operations in the Field since the 1st instant.
In compliance with a telegram received from you, I joined at 2 o'clock, at Hamilton, with 200 men of my own Battn., the force proceeding from Toronto to St. Catharines consisting of one Batty. Royl. Arty., under the command of Lt. Col. Hoste, C. B., and 200 men, 47th Regt. under the command of Major Lodder.
You had also placed under my Command, for the defence of the frontier, 7 Cos. Volunteer Force stationed at St. Catharines, under the Command of Lieut. Col. Currie, the Queen's Own Regt. of Volunteers at Port Colborne, under , and the 13th Batt. Volunteer Militia commanded by Lt. Col. Booker, at Dunnville, and you had informed me that I should be re-inforced at St. Catharines that evening by 800 men.
Your instructions were that I was to make St. Catharines my base, to act according to my own discretion as to advancing on Clifton or elsewhere, and to attack the enemy as soon as I could do so with a force sufficient to ensure success.
On arriving at St. Catharines I received telegrams to the effect that the Fenians, about 800 strong, were marching on the suspension bridge and were actually 2 or 3 miles from Chippawa. I pushed on immediately to the bridge, leaving orders for all troops arriving at St Catharines to follow as soon as possible.
On reaching the Bridge I heard the enemy had not yet reached Chippawa, and, being anxious to save the bridge over the creek, I pressed on with the 400 Infantry in the train, preceded by a Pilot Engine, the Battery marching by road in consequence of the reported want of platform accommodation at the Chippawa Station. It was dark when we arrived at Chippawa. We bivouacked there that night.
I here received numerous reports from scouts sent out by Mr. Kirkpatrick, the Reeve. They agreed generally in the statement that the Fenians had entrenched themselves roughly a little below Fort Erie, at Frenchman's Creek and had sent on a party towards Chippawa. Their strength was variously estimated from 800 to 1,500.
I resolved on effecting a junction with the force at Port Colborne to which place I had already ordered the Battn. from Dunnville.
With this object in view, I selected Stevensville as the point of junction and having explained to Captain Akers, Royal Engineers, who accompanied the force from Toronto, what my object was, and that this point was chosen because, judging from the information received we could not be anticipated at it by the evening. I despatched that Officer at 12 'o'clock to communicate with the Officer Commdg. at Port Colborne, to make him conversant with my views, and to order him to meet me at Stevensville between 10 and 11 o'clock next morning, informing him that I should start at 6 o'clock.
I continued to send out scouts during the night, and to receive reports which made me believe that my information was correct, and that the enemy had not left their camp.
At about 2 o'clock I received a telegram from Col. Booker, dispatched before he was joined by Captain Akers, informing me that he had given orders to attack the enemy at Fort Erie.
At about 3:30 I received another one from Captain Akers, dispatched after he had reached Port Colborne, saying that the enemy was at French Creek, and proposing that Lt. Col. Booker's force should advance on Fort Erie and join us at Frenchman's Creek.
At about 4:30 o'clock I was joined by the 7 Cos. of Volunteer Force from St. Catharines, formed into a Battalion 350 strong, under Lt. Colonel Currie, and by the expected reinforcement under Lt. Col. Villiers, 47th Regt., which consisted of 150 men 47th and of the 10th Royals 415 strong, under Major Boxall.
The Volunteers being unprovided with means of carrying provisions and of cooking them, had not been able to comply with an order I had sent the previous evening, that they were to bring provisions in their Haversacks.
I saw that the absolute necessity of furnishing them with some would cause delay, and I telegraphed to Fort Colborne that I should be one hour later in starting.
We marched at 7 o'clock, leaving the Garrison, Volunteer Batty. from St. Catharines, under Captain Stoker, to hold Chippawa.
The day was oppressively hot, and our guides took us by a road much longer than necessary. When about 3 miles from Stevensville, at about 11 o'clock, I received a few lines from Lt. Col. Booker, written at 7:30 o'clock, to the effect that, he had just received my telegram, but that he was attacked in force by the enemy at a place 3 miles south of Stevensville. At the same time I received information that he had retired on Ridgeway. I encamped a mile further on at a small place called New Germany, across a road leading due south to Stevensville.
At about 4 o'clock, having gathered information that the enemy was falling back on Fort Erie, I left everything behind which would encumber the men, and started to follow them.
At the moment of starting we received an important accession to our strength by the arrival of the Cavalry Body Guard of His Excellency the Governor General, 55 strong, under Major Denison.
We marched until dark, and halted 2½ miles from Fort Erie, the men sleeping on their arms and due precaution being observed.
During the night I sent out scouts to collect information. It appeared that the Fenians on retiring had posted themselves at once near the old Fort; some said they had been reinforced, some that they were attempting to recross into the United States.
I also heard that 3 Cos. 16th Regt. and 3 Cos. 60th Rifles had arrived at our vacated camp at New Germany and that a force had reached Black Creek, also that 10 more companies of Volunteer Militia had arrived at Port Colborne.
The Volunteer Garrison Battery which I had left at Chippawa joined me during the night.
Anxious to prevent the escape of the Fenians, I sent word to the Officers Comdg. at those three places that I was going to attack Fort Erie, and asked when they would be able to co-operate.
Subsequently, fresh reports of attempts of the Fenians to escape having reached me, I determined on advancing at once.
We were about to move when Lt. Col. the Honble. John Hillyard Cameron, came into Camp and informed me that they had escaped.
This intelligence caused great mortification in my little force. I desired Major Denison to scour the country and enter the town; he sent me a message that he was informed that there were still a body of Fenians about the old Fort.
We at once marched in that direction skirmishing through the woods though Major Denison soon informed us that they really had escaped, as many scouts and farm people assured us they had not escaped. We took a long sweep through the woods, our right on Lake Erie; a few stragglers were seen and 4 reported shot.
On entering the Old Fort traces were found of its having been recently occupied.
During the short operation which extended only over forty hours, the troops under my command underwent very great fatigue, and bore it with the best spirit and great cheerfulness.
I received all possible support and co-operation from officers of all ranks, the conduct of the men was excellent—a great number of private individuals rendered me services in various ways and the inhabitants generally displayed a good and loyal feeling.
Mr. Swinyard, Manager of the Great Western Railroad, gave me the benefit of his services in person; he placed at my disposal the resources of the railway and the officials on the line exerted themselves to render these available.
I have the honor to enclose a report of Lt.-Col. Booker, of his operation on the 2nd instant.
Major-General G. Napier, C. B.,
Commanding First Military District,
Toronto, C. W.
Sir,
I have the honor to report that in accordance with instructions received from Colonel Peacocke through Captain Akers, I proceeded by train at 5 a.m., today to Ridgeway station, on the B. and L. H. R. R. with the Queen's Own of Toronto, Major Gilmor, say 480 men of all ranks, the York Rifles, Captain Davis, the Caledonia Rifles, Captain Jackson, and the 13th Battalion of Hamilton, together about 360 men total of all ranks, say 840 men, in order to form a junction with Col. Peacocke at Stevensville at 9 to 9:30 a. m. On arriving at Ridgeway I sent the G. W. R. train away, and as I could not obtain a horse or wagon in the place for conveyance of stores, I was compelled to leave without the stores, and sent them back to Port Colborne. At a little before 8 a. m., we were feeling our way upon the Stevensville Road, and were about three miles from that village when our advanced guard felt the enemy. Major Gilmor extended the Queen's Own in skirmishing order, in admirable style; the men advancing in good spirits, they were supported and relieved as required, by the 13th of Hamilton, and the Rifle Companies from York and Caledonia. After Major Gilmor had expended much ammunition, he reported to me that his ammunition was failing at 9:30, after being engaged under a hot fire for an hour and a half, I observed the enemy, throwing back his right and reinforcing his left flank. I immediately ordered up two companies in support to counteract the movement; at this moment I received a telegram by the hands of Mr. Stovin, Welland R. R., on the field, informing me that Col. Peacock could not leave Chippawa before 7 o'clock, instead of 5 a.m., the hour named by Capt. Akers on his behalf. The enemy was strongly posted in the woods on the west of the Garrison Road, the road forming the entrance as it were, to a Cul-de-Sac. We out-flanked him, when he brought up his centre reserves, and out-flanked us. We drove them in the first place, over a mile, and held possession of their rifle pits. A cry of cavalry from the front, and retreat of a number of men in our centre on the reserves caused me to form a square, and prepare for cavalry. This mistake originated from relieved skirmishers doubling back. I immediately reformed column, and endeavoured to deploy to the right. A panic here seized our men, and I could not bring them again to the front. I regret to say we have lost several valuable officers and men. I estimate the strength of the enemy as greater than ours, and from the rapid firing they were evidently armed with repeating rifles.
I have, &c,
[Copy.]
Head Quarter Force,
Fort Erie, 7th June, 1866.
Sir,
In accordance with your orders I left Toronto per Train at 2 p. m. on the second instant with four Field Guns, &c., under Command of Captain Crowe, P. A. and accompanied by Col. Wolseley, A. Q. M. G. by Lieut. Turner, R.E. by Lieut. Dent, 47th, and by Lieut.-Col. Cumberland, Provincial A. D. C. to the Governor General and Managing Director of the Northern Railway, who had kindly placed his services at my disposal. There were also two gentlemen, Mr. Clarke end Mr. Kingsmill, possessing considerable knowledge of the country through which we were to pass, attached to me by order of the Major General, and Mr. Hunter, Telegraphic Operator.
On arrival at Oakville, I was joined by its company of Rifle Volunteers, 52 Rank and file, under Capt. Chisholm.
On arrival at Hamilton, I, requiring information, telegraphed to Officer Commanding at Port Colborne, asking to know the state of affairs there, and requesting an answer to St Catharines.
At the Hamilton station, I learned that the detachment of the 60th Royal Rifles, and 1—16th Regiments which had been at first ordered to join me there, had already proceeded by Railway to reinforce Col. Peacock, who, the Superintendent of the G. W. Railway said had twice telegraphed for reinforcements.
Under these circumstances, and finding at St. Catherines no answer from Port Colborne, and that difficulty and delay would be occasioned in getting the train from the G.W.R. to the line of the Welland R.R., I determined to proceed to Clifton, and thence to the support of Col. Peacock en route to Fort Erie.
I arrived at Clifton about 8 p.m. and was there a few hours after joined by Col. Stephens with a Volunteer force to the number of 350, which had been dispatched from Toronto to Port Dalhousie to meet me at St Catharines.
At Clifton, I received pressing telegrams urging me to proceed to assume command at Port Colborne, whence I also received urgent request for rations and ammunition, reported exhausted.
Believing early arrival at Fort Erie to be most important, I despatched all the rations and ammunition I could spare to Port Colborne.
I telegraphed to Col. Peacock to send Lieut.-Col. Villiers, if possible, across the country to Port Colborne, to command the Volunteers at that place, but soon finding that impossible, telegraphed to Capt. Akers, R.E. to assume that duty, adding that I did not anticipate pressure at that point.
Having waited for the Erie Railway line to be cleared of other trains, I proceeded at 3.40 a.m., 3rd instant, to Black Creek, at which place I had telegraphed to Officers Commanding Detachments of 60th Rifles and 1—16th Regiments, if not in communication with Col. Peacock, to meet me at day break.
After some delay I was joined by 200 rank and file of the 60th under Capt. Traverse, and by 140 rank and file of the 1—16th under Capt. Hogge.
As the Railway line had not been previously open for transport, I awaited its examination by Lieut.-Col the Hon. J. H. Cameron, who had joined me at midnight at Clifton, from some point in advance and who proceeded with a Locomotive Engine for that purpose.
On Lieut. Col. Cameron's report that the road was passable, I proceeded to a point about three miles north of Fort Erie, called Frenchman's Creek, said to be the nearest point to where the Fenians were reported skirmishing and fast escaping across the river.
Here, unloading the force from the Railway Cars, I advanced with some Volunteer Companies, the detachment 1-16th Regiment and 60th R.R. towards the Niagara River, throwing out an advanced guard and a few skirmishers in the woods on either flank. As soon as 3 Field Guns could be got out they were pressed to the front, but on opening the river, Col. Wolseley who had passed on horseback to the front found we were too late, and that Fenian Prisoners to the number apparently of some 5 or 7 hundred, were in a large barge made fast astern of the U. S. War steamer "Michigan" lying in the centre of the stream.
I reached Fort Erie at about 8.15 a.m. and found that the whole village had been abandoned.
Soon afterwards I was joined by the force under Col. Peacock, who had come up, through the woods to the right bringing in some prisoners.
The whole force was now hurriedly placed in position on the rising ground at the rear of the long village of Erie, and shortly afterwards a small steamer, having been sent from the U.S. ship "Michigan," with a proposal that I should communicate with its commander and H. B. Majesty's Consul then with him, accompanied by Col. Wolseley. Captain Crowe, R. A. and Lieut. Turner, R E., I proceeded on board, and had an interview with Captain Bryson, U. S. N., M. Dane U. S. Dist. Attorney and Mr. H. W. Hemans H. M. Consul at Buffalo, and subsequently with General Barry, commanding U.S. troops in the Erie and Ontario districts of the State of New York.
These officers, in expressing their reprehension of the infraction of international law, said, that nothing in their power had been or would be neglected to arrest such infraction, that such were their orders, and that they had prevented many reinforcements from getting across to the British Territory on the two previous nights.
In the course of the afternoon. Captain Akers, R. E. with a force of about 1000 men arrived from Port Colborne, making the number of my command about 3000 of all arms.
In compliance with telegraphic orders, I despatched to Kingston at 7 p. m., the troops as per margin [1] , sending 22 Fenians prisoners by the same train under escort of the 47th Regiment.
Further telegraphic order's directed me to send forward to London, without delay, the detachment of the 60th Royal Rifles, the London Companies of the 1-16 Regt. and the London Volunteers.
In consequence of the difficulty of procuring the necessary railway transport, that order could not be carried out till 10 30 to-day, when about 800 men were forwarded by G. W. Railway, via Clifton, to Hamilton.
Any delays in transport of troops so far as relates to the service of the G. W. R. have arisen chiefly from the fact that on the Erie and Ontario Railway (being but a single line of track and with sidings still incomplete) there were no means of shunting or of passing trains, whilst that part of the line approaching Fort Erie is still in a very unfinished and unserviceable state. It was impossible therefore even with the most prompt assistance afforded by Mr. Swinyard, the manager and all the subordinate officials of the G. W. R. to secure the desired rapidity of movement.
The weather during the last few days has been uninterruptedly fine.
The force at present encamped here is a little over 2000 men, and considering the nature of the emergency and of the place itself, the troops are pretty well supplied.
I telegraphed to Lieutenant-Colonel Denison (with 450 men) to halt at the Suspension Bridge. One Company of volunteers is at Chippawa, and more than 250 men are at Port Colborne under Major Skinner.
In concluding my report of the last 48 hours, a Report which should—but for the nature of the duties, and the pressure of telegraphic communication—have been submitted before, I have the honor to state the following:—
That I have received greater benefit than I can well express from Col. Wolseley's indefatigable energy, judgment and promptitude of resource.
That Lieut. Turner, R. E., has proved the greatest assistance to me, night and day working with a thorough spirit and most wise forethought.
That Lt.-Col. Cumberland A. D. C, has spared no trouble or exertions to give me information, and to render valuable assistance in every way. In matters connected with Railway transit, his knowledge has proved specially useful.
The untiring nature of the exertions made by the Hon. J. Hillyard Cameron, M. P. P., also deserves cordial acknowledgment.
Officers and men, whether of the regulars or volunteer service did all in their power to reach and re-occupy Fort Erie at the earliest moment, and to arrest the flight which had been almost completed before our arrival.
All appears quiet on this frontier.
I find that I have forgotten to state that General Barry, U. S. A., offered to furnish me with the earliest notice of any intended movement of importance which might come to his knowledge among Fenians in the States.
Capt. Bryson, commander of the U.S. War Steamer "Michigan," apprised me that he had telegraphed to Washington for instructions as to the disposal of his 700 prisoners.
I replied that that was a matter for settlement by our respective Governments.
The Brigade Major.
Sir,
In accordance with the orders of Major-General Napier, C.B., I reported myself to Colonel Peacocke, at Hamilton, on Friday, 1st June, and proceeded with him to Chippawa.
The same night about midnight, I was directed by Lt.-Colonel Peacocke to proceed to Port Colborne to arrange with Lt.-Colonel Dennis for making a combined attack on the enemy supposed to be intrenched on Black Creek, about three miles down the river Erie, seven miles from Chippawa and two from Stevensville.
Colonel Peacocke was to move on Stevensville so as to arrive there about 9:30 a. m. Lt.-Colonel Dennis to move along the railway to Ridgeway, as far as the state of the railroad would permit, and march from thence to meet Colonel Peacocke, at Stevensville, at the above hour, and from thence the combined forces were to march on the supposed position at A. Arriving at Port Colborne at about 2 a. m., I found the whole force under arms and in the cars.
Lt.-Colonel Booker being senior to Lt.-Colonel Dennis, had taken over the command.
They had obtained from a Custom House officer arrived from Erie, exact information, as to the position of the Fenian Camp. This was on Frenchman's creek about half way between Black Creek and Fort Erie. The officer who had been in the camp at 6 o'clock considered there were not more than 700 men, that they had been drinking hard during the day, and might fall an easy prey to a sudden attack. Lieut.-Col. Dennis was anxious to move off at once to the attack, and Lieut.-Col. Booker was prepared to carry out the proposal if properly authorized. Knowing Colonel Peacock's anxiety to combine his force with the volunteers, before attacking the enemy, I could not in his name authorize the movement; nor did I think it prudent, as from the accounts we had received it appeared probable that the enemy's force would be doubled during the night.
Having ascertained, however, that the railway bridge at Ridgeway, partially burnt in the morning, had been repaired, and that the line to Erie was open, I arranged a somewhat different plan of attack, subject, of course, to Colonel Peacocke's approval.
The plan was follows: Lieut.-Col. Booker to proceed by rail to Erie with the greater part of his force, to arrive at Fort Erie at 8 a.m. Lieut.-Col. Dennis and myself to go round the coast in a steam tug, taking a company of volunteer artillery, to reconnoitre the shore between Fort Erie and Black Creek, and to return to Fort Erie in time to meet Lieut.-Col. Booker at eight. Should Colonel Peacocke approve of this, he would march by the river road from Chippawa, and make a combined attack with Lieut.-Col. Booker at some point between Fort Erie and Black Creek, cutting off the enemy's retreat by the river. The tug to be employed cruising up and down the river, cutting off any boats that might attempt to escape, and communicating between the forces advancing from Chippawa and from Erie. I communicated this proposed change to Colonel Peacocke both by letter and telegraph, omitting however, I think, to mention the use proposed to be made of the tug.
The plan was merely a modification of that proposed by Lieut.-Col. Dennis, who wished to move at once with the volunteers without arranging a junction with Colonel Peacocke. Before receiving any answer from Colonel Peacocke, I went off in the tug with Lieut.-Col. Dennis, and the company of artillery, leaving word with Lieut.-Col. Booker to take care and obtain Colonel Peacocke'a approval to the proposed change before acting on it, and explaining the plan previously determined on in case Colonel Peacocke should desire him to adhere to it.
We arrived at Fort Erie about 5 a.m. Steamed along there, and past Frenchman's Creek, where we saw the enemy's camp apparently deserted. After carefully examining the shore from Erie to Black Creek, and seeing no signs of any armed force, we went ashore at Black Creek, and were informed that the enemy had broken up their camp during the night.
A part was seen by the inhabitants moving along the river in the direction of Chippawa, and the remainder to have turned inland at Black Creek.
As far as I could make out from the size and appearance of their Camp, and from the reports of the people, their combined force could not have exceeded 700 or 800 men. I then returned with Lieut.-Col. Dennis by water to Fort Erie, as appointed with Lieut.-Col. Booker. That officer not having arrived, I became aware that Colonel Peacocke had acted on his original plan, but from the information I had gained, was of opinion that he would not have more than 400 or 500 men to contend with. Lieut.-Col. Dennis then landed the Company of Artillery, and I proceeded with it patrolling the road and heights between Fort Erie and Black Creek.
Between 30 and 40 prisoners were taken by the Company, or handed over by civilians and put on board the tug at Black Creek.
Seeing nothing more to be done at Fort Erie, I drove up to the Railway station, on the line to Colborne to ascertain whether telegraphic communication had been opened, and obtain what information I could.
This station is about half a mile from Erie and to the westward of the high road from Colborne; I had hardly entered the station, when I heard a cry that troops were coming down the hill between myself and the town.
I jumped into my conveyance and turned towards Erie to give the alarm to the Company of Volunteers left there. Finding the approach to Erie cut off and the enemy's skirmishers stealing round to surround me, I turned round and drove to the shore in the direction of Colborne. Near Ridgeway, I turned up towards the high road and passing the Railway Bridge found it on fire. I stopped and got some buckets from a neighbouring farm and with the assistance of the driver managed to put out the fire. I then went on to the Garrison road, where I heard an account of the engagement with Colonel Booker's force, and of its retreat to Colborne. I found two wounded men at a road side-house. One of them I took into Colborne. The other was too badly hurt to move.
I arrived at Colborne between 6 and 7 in the evening. The force had been increased since the previous day, and now consisted of the the 7 P. A. O. with 4 companies of 22 Oxford, and the Drumbo Company attached, two Companies of Home Guard, the Caledonian Company, and the Queen's Own and 13th, in all about 1400 men. The Garrison was in the greatest state of confusion, and the troops that had been engaged in the morning considerably exhausted from want of rest and food.
I rendered what assistance I could to Lieut.-Col. Booker who appeared quite overcome by fatigue and anxiety. He begged me to undertake all necessary arrangements, and later in the evening requested me to take the command out of his hands. Finding this was also the wish of the other Volunteer Officers of superior rank to myself, I telegraphed for instructions and was desired by Colonel Lowry to take the command. I posted a line of outlying pickets at a radius of one mile, from the town extending from the shore to the Welland Canal with strong supports in rear, and ordered the remainder of the troops to lie down and get what rest they could.
I telegraphed in various directions for food and ammunition, and by 2 A.M., Sunday 3rd, had an ample supply of both.
About 1 o'clock the alarm was sounded, and officers and civilians rushed up, informing me that the enemy was marching on us in force, and within 500 yards west of the town where I had placed no pickets.
The alarm was entirely without foundation, but had the effect of depriving the troops of the few hours rest they might have had. All through the night reports were coming in of large forces being landed on the shore between Colborne and Erie, also entirely without foundation. I sent the tug boat, however, still kept at our service by its owner Mr. McCallum, to watch the shore between Colborne and Erie, and called on some of the civilians to act as scouts, and keep me informed of any movements in the neighbourhood.
Réveille was sounded at 3 and I immediately made what arrangements I could for serving out rations and ammunition.
At 5 o'clock, sending a pilot engine in front, I moved by rail towards Erie, taking the whole of the troops, except the 13th, whom I left to guard Port Colborne. Hearing that the enemy were posted near Ridgeway, and finding a favourable position for forming up the troops at B in sketch, on a road known as Shirks crossing, I disembarked the men, threw out a line of skirmishers with four supports from the 7th P. A. O. with orders for the flank supports to wheel outwards and extend at once, in case of any sign of a flank attack. In this order and with a strong rear guard, I advanced from B to the Garrison road and from thence towards Fort Erie. On coming to the scene of the previous days engagement at C, I ascertained that the enemy had attempted to cross the river during the night and that Erie was in possession of our troops.
After halting the men for about an hour at this spot, I marched them quietly in to Erie, where I reported myself to Colonel Lowry. On the following morning I was relieved from my command.
[Copy.]
Colonel Lowry,
Commanding Niagara Frontier.
Sir,
Availing myself of the earliest moment, I have the honor to report for the information of His Excellency the Commander in Chief, the following narrative of events connected with the late Fenian Invasion at this place, in which I was directly concerned, subsequently to my leaving Toronto on the morning of Friday last.
My orders were on that occasion to proceed with the 2nd or Queen's Own, 400 strong, to Port Colborne, occupy, and if necessary, entrench a position there and wait for re-inforcements and further orders before any attack was made on the enemy, who it was represented numbered some 1,500 men and was advancing on that point—although finding great excitement at the different stations along the Welland R.R., on the way up, at Port Colborne, where I arrived about noon, things were quiet, no definite news having reached there in consequence of the Fenians having cut the wires at Fort Erie, out of which place they had driven the officials at 5 a.m. that morning. Report, however, said that they had some two hours subsequently, sent a party up the track and burned a bridge crossing a small stream known as Sarwine's Creek, six miles from Erie, on the Railway to Port Colborne. No news of any further approach having been brought in by any of the numerous scouts sent out by the villagers during the forenoon, I proceeded to billet the men in order to get them dinner, and then before determining to commence the construction of any defences, I despatched messengers across to Buck's Tavern and Stevensville, between Erie and the town of Welland, to ascertain and report any movement of the enemy in that direction, which I thought probable, as sufficient time had elapsed to enable him to reach Port Colborne, had that been his intention, and having through the kindness of Mr. Larmont, the Superintendent of the Line, obtained a locomotive, I started down the railway upon a re-connoissance, getting down to within six miles of Erie. The burning of the bridge mentioned preventmg any closer approach. I then learned that the bridge had been destroyed by a party of some seven men who had come up about seven, a.m., who in addition stole a number of horses from the farmers in the vicinity, and then went back towards the main body, which from testimony I received, it appeared had gone down the river about a mile below the lower Ferry—and camped close to the river road on one Newbigging's farm.
Their numbers variously estimated at from 450 to 1,200 men. This testimony was corroborated by the statement of the mounted scouts from Buck's Tavern and Stevensville, who returned in the evening and went to show that with the exception of parties out stealing horses there had been no Fenians seen in that direction and was rendered certain by the arrival about 10 p.m. of Mr. Graham, the Officer of Customs at Fort Erie, who had been in their camp at six o'clock that evening. Shortly before this time, however, Lt.-Col. Booker, of Hamilton, had arrived with the 13th Battalion of volunteers, and being senior officer, took command, and continued the communication by telegraph which had been going on between Col. Peacocke and myself respecting the position and strength of the enemy and best method of attacking him. Col. Peacocke, then at Clifton, having at about 5 p.m. telegraphed me that he had ordered the International Railway Steamer up to Port Colborne for me to put upon her a gun or detachment, in order to patrol the River from Fort Erie to Chippawa, she not having arrived at 10.30 p.m., I ordered the "Robb," a powerful Tug Boat, owned by Captain McCallum, down from Dunnville for that purpose, intending to place upon her the Welland Battery without guns, (the men armed with Enfield Rifles), and received a reply that she would be down at 3 a.m. the following morning. This was the position of affairs when Captain Akers, R.E., arrived from Chippawa, sent over by Col. Peacocke, to consult and to explain Col. Peacocke's views as to the best mode of attack.
After due consideration between Captain Akers, Lt.-Col. Booker and myself, a certain course was decided arranging for an attack in concert on that morning, and Colonel Peacocke was telegraphed accordingly.
In accordance with this plan Capt. Akers and myself embarked on the Tug,* which did not arrive (however) till about 4 a.m., having been delayed in consequence of Captain McCallum wishing to bring with him his Naval Company from Dunnville, and proceeded down to reconnoitre the river and Fenian Camp, arranging to meet the Port Colborne Force back at the Railway Depot, 3 miles above the enemy's camp, at 7 or at the latest half-past 7. On our way past the village of Fort Erie we were brought to by the armed Patrol Tug Boat from the U.S. Str. "Michigan," who on finding out who we were informed us that the Fenian Camp on the Newbigging farm had been broken up at 3 a.m. that morning, the enemy having marched down the River Road.
We proceeded down the River to the mouth of the Black Creek, 8 miles above Chippawa, when we learned that they had turned off the River to the West a short distance above and were then at a point 2 miles directly in rear of a place called "New Germany." A messenger was at once sent off to Col. Peacocke, presumed then under previously concocted arrangement, to be near there moving up, and we returned with the Tug in accordance with that arrangement to meet Col. Booker and the Port Colborne Force at the Upper R.R. Depot, at Fort Erie.
On our arrival there we could see or hear nothing of them. This was accounted for subsequently, by the fact that Lt.-Col. Booker had received after we left an order from Col. Peacocke directing him to turn off the R.R. at Ridgeway, some 8 miles above Fort Erie and cross the country in order to meet and attack in concert.
This being the case, presuming a combined attack would be made in the course of the day, of the result of which we could have no doubt, I considered as I could not then join my proper force, that important service could be rendered by patrolling the River to intercept and capture fugitives and to prevent by every possible means the escape across the river of any large body of the enemy.
This having been determined on Captain Akers and myself were engaged all day in patrolling the shore, and scouring the woods along the river as far down as Black Creek, arresting in all, including 6 prisoners made about 9 o'clock in the morning, at Fort Erie, some 23 men; during the course of the afternoon we learned through some of the prisoners that an engagement had taken place at some point in the interior, in which the Fenians had been utterly dispersed. This I was quite prepared to believe as I had from the steamer observed Colonel Peacocke with a strong force on his way up from Chippawa turn in from the River Road towards New Germany, and I knew that Lt.-Colonel Booker's force was coming down upon him from the south.
Concluding that the action which had been known to come off had resulted in the capture of the enemy, I returned to Fort Erie about half-past 5 o'clock, p.m., proposing to get what information I could about the position of our troops, and to telegraph for instructions as to what should be done with the prisoners, who had amounted now, including those taken in the village and neighbourhood during the day, also, to some 60 or 65 men. The numbers I cannot
Names.
1. Dan. Drummond,
2. Pat. O'Nally,
3. Benj. Perry,
4. Jno. Corney,
5. John Mahoney,
6. W. Maddigan,
7. Jno. Hughes,
8. W. H. Harden, or Slarin,
9. Denis Lanahan,
10. Jno. Murphy,
11. Owen Kennedy,
12. Francis Miles,
13. J. A. Heckman,
14. W. Baker,
15. W. Orr,
16. Jno. Maxfield,
17. Terin McCarthy,
18. Michael Kilfather,
19. Jno. Gray,
20. Rev. Jno. Lumoden. give precisely as I had only got as far as those names given in the margin, making out a memorandum of each case, and (having in the meantime made up my mind to send the prisoners by the Tug to Welland Gaol) had brought down and embarked those in confinement in charge of the Reeve, when the alarm was given that the Fenians were entering the town in force. In fact, the first messenger had hardly delivered the news when a second came in to say that they were within a quarter of a mile, coming down the street along the River. I went over from the Pier to satisfy myself and saw them, in numbers, as I judged, about 150, advancing upon the street indicated. Supposing them to be of the material and of the same miserable character physically as the prisoners we had been taking all day, I thought the detachment I had with the boat, even if we had to resort to the bayonet, sufficient to do for them, and concluded that my duty lay in making a stand against them.
This detachment consisted, as before mentioned, of the Welland Field Battery, 54 men and 3 officers, and of a portion, some 18 men and one officer, exclusive of the Guard over the prisoners on the boat, of the Dunnville Naval Company.
I first took the precaution to put the prisoners under hatches, and then advancing to meet the enemy about 150 yards, drew up my little command across the street; as they came within about 200 yards they opened fire on us when my detachment by order fired a volley from each of the companies, upon which a severe flank fire was opened on us from the west, and on looking in that direction I observed for the first time two considerable bodies of the enemy running northerly parallel with the river, evidently with the intention of cutting us off, and getting possession both of us and the steamer at the same time. Under the circumstances, as I considered, if we tried to escape by the Tug the enemy might be here as soon as us, and so achieve his double object; and I therefore concluded that my duty lay in saving the prisoners we had on board and preventing the enemy from getting possession of the vessel, what I knew, and he probably also, was his only means of escape, and I therefore ordered the Captain to cast off and get out in the stream and ordered my men to retreat and do the best they could to get away each man for himself.
During this time a heavy fire was kept up on us both front and flank and I had the grief of seeing several of my men fall; we retreated down the Front Street under a very heavy—though, comparatively, ineffective fire—several of the men contrary to my advice taking shelter in a house the door of which stood open as they passed.
There being little or no cessation in the fire upon us in retreat, I had no desire to remain under it longer than was necessary, and accordingly turned into the premises of a friend in the lower part of the village, where I lay concealed, although the premises were searched twice, the ruffians stating their intention to come a third time, and threatening, if I were not given up as they had seen me enter the gate, that they would destroy the property. Two of my men, one of them wounded, had previously taken shelter in the house, whom they captured.
Fearing another search I dressed in disguise furnished by my friends and then came out and remained in the village till night fall when I got through the lines, and struck across the country in search of Col. Peacocke, finding his camp out about 5 miles back of Fort Erie, arriving there at 3 o'clock A. M., I then accompanied his force to this place, during its operations later in the day of all which, as also of the escape of the enemy, during the night, that officer's report will doubtless inform you.
On my return, I was able to learn for the first time something of the casualties in the affairs of the previous evening.
I feel rejoiced not to have to report any loss of life in my detachment, although I was given to understand that there were some 5 wounded in the Welland Battery, 3 of them so severely as to result in each case of the loss of a Leg, among which cases I regret to say Captain King, of the Welland Battery, and one man of the Dunnville Naval Company. None of the Officers excepting Captain King were wounded. A return of the Casualties is appended hereto.
The enemy suffered more severely. Three of his number were killed outright, and 4 were mortally wounded, 2 of whom died yesterday morning. The other 2 had been allowed under the circumstances by the Reeve Dr. Kempson, with the permission, as I understood of Col. Lowry, to be taken to the Buffalo Hospital.
Mr. Scholfield, the Lieutenant of the Welland Battery, having gone to Welland to get his men together again, some of them having escaped across country to their homes during the night, is ordered without delay, when in a position to do so, to prepare an accurate list of the casualties in the Battery.
I have detained this report somewhat in order to get his return.
Should there prove to have been any casualties not as yet reported, I will lose no time in sending forward a list of the same.
I append the report of Capt. McCallum, Commanding Dunnville Naval Company, and owner of the Steam Tug referred to, to whom particularly, as also to his Lieutenant W. Robb, the sailing master of the Steamer, I have to express my obligation for their zealous and efficient assistance during the operations of Saturday. I have also the gratification of saying that the other Officers and the men forming my little Command behaved most nobly in the affair during the afternoon at Fort Erie. I firmly believe, that had I not ordered them to retreat they would have remained steady and fought until shot down in their ranks.
(Signed) J. STOUGHTON DENNIS,
Ccmmanding Detachment on Saturday, 2nd June.
To Lieutenant-Colonel Dennis, Fort Erie.
Sir,
At your request I have the honor to make the following Report:—
On Saturday last, 2nd June, between the hours of three and four p.m., after your departure, I retreated down the river under a galling fire, a distance of about three miles, with two men of the Naval Brigade, and thirteen men of the Welland Canal Field Battery, the rest having been cut off and consequently taken prisoners, including the following officers, viz: 2nd Lieutenant Macdonald, of Naval Brigade, and Lieut. Scholfield and Ensign Nimmo, of Field Battery, being wounded, and one man of the Naval Brigade. Lieut. Robb, with steamer "Robb," came in boats and took us on board. I then held consultation with Lieut. Robb as to future proceedings, we then determined on account of being encumbered with so many prisoners on board (fifty-seven in number) and so very few men left to guard them, to run to Port Colborne and send the prisoners to a place of safety. In passing Fort Erie up the river we, for a distance of a mile's run, were under a heavy fire of musketry from the Canada shore; we passed without any casualties worth mentioning and arrived safely at Port Colborne, at half-past six, p.m. of same day, and delivered the prisoners over to Lieut. Col. McGiverin, with commitment and names inserted.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
- ↑ Captain Crowe's Field Battery, 4 Guns and 200 47th Regt. under Major Lodder.