Butler’s6 Earl Plato
Last of the Cruikshank series: This writer has visited Cherry Valley, New York on two occasions. The first was in 1956 when I still believed in the American rendition of the Cherry Valley Massacre. Again in 1973 I visited the cemetery again. There proclaimed on the huge stone cenotaph was the sad story, You can see this site on line. Just type in Cherry Valley Massacre. It was in November 1778 that Walter Butler and Joseph Brant approached the beautiful little Cherry Valley. The Ranger/Indian plan was to capture the fort and lay waste to the settlement. This was war and terrible things are done in its name. Colonel Briggs U.E., curator of Johnson Hall, N.Y., in his letter to me told me to look more closely at the records. Contemporary American historian, Jared Rosman , blames Walter Butler, son of Colonel John Butler for what happened at Cherry Valley. Rosman contends that Walter Butler in a fit of revenge struck down the Cherry Valley Wells family because of the rough treatment he had received in the Albany prison of the Rebels. Wait. The Wells were Tory (that’s our side) sympathizers and friends of John Butler. Why would Walter tomahawk family friends? Many innocent people died at Cherry Valley. Motive? The American rebels had totally destroyed the Iroquois villages of Oquaga, Unandilla, Tioga and other Indian villages. Joseph Brant and his Mohawks had been accused also and Rosman says, “... he (Brant) was the vicious, bloodthirsty ringleader of the Cherry Valley Massacre.” Brant knew the Wells family too and denied the accusation all his life. Who then? We have a clue from American records. “...Senecas could take the opportunity to start the massacre.” Rosman still blames Walter Butler. Why? He and other American historians claim that he made no effort to stop them (the Senecas.) Walter Butler a monster? I don’t think so. Remember that Colonel Briggs U.E., curator of Johnson Hall, told me to check out the book, War Out of Niagara, by Howard Swiggett. Swiggett is an American historian who like Cruikshank had access to colonial records not in Ottawa but overseas in England. This is a well researched book and worthy of your reading. What does Swiggett say of Walter Butler’s death? On page 42 he wrote, “ This was the end of it all, the bright soldiery hopes of the little boy who had seen the red-coat riders coming home twenty years before from Niagara. The cool effrontery of a young man who had walked into the enemy lines with a flag to get prisoner exchanges.” Swiggett said of Walter Butler, “There was no question who was the best officer in command.” Thank you Ernest Cruikshank for finally trying to give us the truth.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Butler's 5
Butler’s5 Earl Plato
Fort Erie’s historian Cruikshank had much to say about the so-called Wyoming Valley Massacre of northeastern Pennsylvania. I say ‘so-called’ because a true historical perspective from our viewpoint and respected Americian historian, Howard Swiggett says otherwise. Located on the Upper Susquehanna River that flows southwards from the New York Colony this fertile valley was a valuable source of grain for Washington’s army. Two of my Fort Erie rangers ancestors, Christian Plato and Cornelius Bowen were present at Wyoming serving under Lieutenant John Hare. Ironic is the fact that the Wintemutes a Tory (our side) family, held the fort there known as Fort Wintermoot (Wintemute). My wife, Elaine, is a descendant of the Wintemute clan Butler Ranger Philip Wintemute. Again he and his brothers were with the first soldier/settlers of Fort Erie. Cruikshank and more recently American historians said the following: “ The Wyoming Valley Massacre” was a military battle in the American Revolutionary War that took place on July 3, 1778. American Patriots called it a “massacre” but historians (2005) generally believe that it was primarily a battle. This is what Colonel Briggs U.E. maintained back in the 1970’s. Joseph Brant was called a “monster” because he was supposedly there at Wyoming. Not so. Brant was not present and facts back it up. What about Walter Butler? Again he claimed the following after the Wyoming Valley Battle: “ We deny any cruelties to have been committed at Wyoming either by whites or Indians, ... Though should you call it inhumanity the killing of men in arms in the field in that case (we) plead guilty.” War is war and terrible things happen.
Writer’s Note: Cruikshank in his book gives us some attributes of Colonel John Butler - “... Decision, firmness, courage were undoubtedly characteristics of the man.” We descendants of members of Butler’s Rangers are proud to be part of a U.E.L. Branch that bears his name. What happened to his son Walter?
Next: Cherry Valley, New York
Fort Erie’s historian Cruikshank had much to say about the so-called Wyoming Valley Massacre of northeastern Pennsylvania. I say ‘so-called’ because a true historical perspective from our viewpoint and respected Americian historian, Howard Swiggett says otherwise. Located on the Upper Susquehanna River that flows southwards from the New York Colony this fertile valley was a valuable source of grain for Washington’s army. Two of my Fort Erie rangers ancestors, Christian Plato and Cornelius Bowen were present at Wyoming serving under Lieutenant John Hare. Ironic is the fact that the Wintemutes a Tory (our side) family, held the fort there known as Fort Wintermoot (Wintemute). My wife, Elaine, is a descendant of the Wintemute clan Butler Ranger Philip Wintemute. Again he and his brothers were with the first soldier/settlers of Fort Erie. Cruikshank and more recently American historians said the following: “ The Wyoming Valley Massacre” was a military battle in the American Revolutionary War that took place on July 3, 1778. American Patriots called it a “massacre” but historians (2005) generally believe that it was primarily a battle. This is what Colonel Briggs U.E. maintained back in the 1970’s. Joseph Brant was called a “monster” because he was supposedly there at Wyoming. Not so. Brant was not present and facts back it up. What about Walter Butler? Again he claimed the following after the Wyoming Valley Battle: “ We deny any cruelties to have been committed at Wyoming either by whites or Indians, ... Though should you call it inhumanity the killing of men in arms in the field in that case (we) plead guilty.” War is war and terrible things happen.
Writer’s Note: Cruikshank in his book gives us some attributes of Colonel John Butler - “... Decision, firmness, courage were undoubtedly characteristics of the man.” We descendants of members of Butler’s Rangers are proud to be part of a U.E.L. Branch that bears his name. What happened to his son Walter?
Next: Cherry Valley, New York
Butler's 4
Butler’s4 Earl Plato U.E.
Ernest Cruikshank, as stated before, did not footnote his Butler’s Rangers book, No headings. No chapters. No index. But at least it is his historical expertise that chronicled the Rangers’ history. As Butler Ranger descendants we are thankful for his efforts. I will quote from his book about two incidents. Let us look at some of the American viewpoints about this revolutionary era.
Writer’s Note: In a previous column I used the word “myth” to describe some of Butler Ranger activiries. Wrong. This was war and Butler’s Ranngers were a devastating force. No myths. Their attacks were documented by both sides - British and American. My contention is that many of the American writers were not always fair in their assessement of the Rangers.
***
E.R. Eastman, an American historian writer in the 1940’s, told about Butler’s Rangers and Joseph Brant’s Mohawks. He gives reasons for the American revolutionists to send a mission in 1779 against the Tories (Butler Rangers) and the Mohawks. I quote part of his foreword to his book, The Destroyers. Eastman is one of many Americans who have a one-sided view of the British forces of the time. Remember “War is war!” Eastman wrote, “ The massacres at Wyoming, Pennsylvania and at Cherry Valley, New York, during 1778 climaxed a long series of atrocities by the Indians and Tories. For several years they had descended upon lonely cabins, burning them and murdering the settlers or taking them prisoners. Many of the frontier homes were defenseless because the able-bodied men were with Washington’s army fighting the British.”
Writer’s note: Yes, attacks there were by Butler and Brant. Planned attacks against rebel strong holds occurred. Remember the Colony of New York was like a “bread basket” to the Americans. Wheat and other grains helped supply Washington’s army. Keep the settlers from planting or harvesting crops and seriously affect the rebel cause. So the stories of massacres helped to inflame the Americans. Walter Butler was portrayed now as a monster. Eliminate the Tories and Indians. That was the plan in 1779. Joseph Brant and his loyal Mohawks had experienced the treachery of some of the Americans such as Klock at the outset of the Revolution. A trap had been set but Brant had escaped. Now his ancestral lands were being taken over by the Americans. Systematically the anti-British forces drove the Mohawks westward after destroying their villages. Would they resist and fight for their centuries held lands? Of course. Cruikshank does not mention the justified fervor of the Mohawks in trying to retain their lands. Just as my ancestors hated to relinquish their Mohawk and HudsonValley lands so did Brant and his loyal Mohawks. I don’t intend to forget that our lands were seized through rebellion. Never any compensation to the Indians or Butler’s Rangers for lost lands. How about it Americans ? You drove us out. How about a measly $1000 an acre for our losses? That’s a steal, eh? Next. Wyoming Valley and Cherry Valley. Massacres?
Ernest Cruikshank, as stated before, did not footnote his Butler’s Rangers book, No headings. No chapters. No index. But at least it is his historical expertise that chronicled the Rangers’ history. As Butler Ranger descendants we are thankful for his efforts. I will quote from his book about two incidents. Let us look at some of the American viewpoints about this revolutionary era.
Writer’s Note: In a previous column I used the word “myth” to describe some of Butler Ranger activiries. Wrong. This was war and Butler’s Ranngers were a devastating force. No myths. Their attacks were documented by both sides - British and American. My contention is that many of the American writers were not always fair in their assessement of the Rangers.
***
E.R. Eastman, an American historian writer in the 1940’s, told about Butler’s Rangers and Joseph Brant’s Mohawks. He gives reasons for the American revolutionists to send a mission in 1779 against the Tories (Butler Rangers) and the Mohawks. I quote part of his foreword to his book, The Destroyers. Eastman is one of many Americans who have a one-sided view of the British forces of the time. Remember “War is war!” Eastman wrote, “ The massacres at Wyoming, Pennsylvania and at Cherry Valley, New York, during 1778 climaxed a long series of atrocities by the Indians and Tories. For several years they had descended upon lonely cabins, burning them and murdering the settlers or taking them prisoners. Many of the frontier homes were defenseless because the able-bodied men were with Washington’s army fighting the British.”
Writer’s note: Yes, attacks there were by Butler and Brant. Planned attacks against rebel strong holds occurred. Remember the Colony of New York was like a “bread basket” to the Americans. Wheat and other grains helped supply Washington’s army. Keep the settlers from planting or harvesting crops and seriously affect the rebel cause. So the stories of massacres helped to inflame the Americans. Walter Butler was portrayed now as a monster. Eliminate the Tories and Indians. That was the plan in 1779. Joseph Brant and his loyal Mohawks had experienced the treachery of some of the Americans such as Klock at the outset of the Revolution. A trap had been set but Brant had escaped. Now his ancestral lands were being taken over by the Americans. Systematically the anti-British forces drove the Mohawks westward after destroying their villages. Would they resist and fight for their centuries held lands? Of course. Cruikshank does not mention the justified fervor of the Mohawks in trying to retain their lands. Just as my ancestors hated to relinquish their Mohawk and HudsonValley lands so did Brant and his loyal Mohawks. I don’t intend to forget that our lands were seized through rebellion. Never any compensation to the Indians or Butler’s Rangers for lost lands. How about it Americans ? You drove us out. How about a measly $1000 an acre for our losses? That’s a steal, eh? Next. Wyoming Valley and Cherry Valley. Massacres?
Butler's 3
Butler’s3 Earl Plato
Do you know the Mohawk Valley of New York? It’s where many of our Niagara ancestors who were in Butler’s Rangers came from in the late 1700’s. It’s easily reachable via the New York Thruway in four or five hours. In the summer of 1973 Elaine and I and our young family travelled to Johnson Hall on the Mohawk River. Colonel Charles B. Briggs, retired U.S. army officer, was the curator of the historic hall.
What a greeting when he found both of us were descendants of Butler’s Rangers! He said proudly, “I am a U.E. descendant too. I am a member of the Toronto U.E.L. Association.” We had a grand tour of Sir William Johnson’s home. He told us of the many aberrations written by many American historians about Butler’s Rangers activities during the American Revolution. “Massacres were not always massacres,” he said. I wasn’t sure what he meant at that time. I was excited with his words.
“We are having over 100 loyalist descendants from across Canada coming to Johnstown come this October 6th. It will be the first time that such a group has been here since the Revolution. I personally invite you to be here too.” It was our Canadian Thanksgiving time and Elaine and I accepted the invitation. Colonel Briggs welcomed us and gave a stirring speech about John and his son Walter Butler. Next day in the Johnstown paper no mention was made of his speech but rather it highlighted a Mark Boatner of Arlington Va. author of the Dictionary of the Revolution. Figures, eh? Sad. I heard that many old timers ( Americans) at the banquet did not appreciate Colonel Briggs’s attempt to clarify Mohawk Valley history. After almost 200 years had passed and American ‘spin’ and mindset about Butler’s Rangers hadn’t seemed to change. However, In a letter dated January 1st, 1974 to me from Colonel Briggs U.E. in which he said, “As to the descendants of “The Rangers” meeting here, I must say “EXCELLENT !” He gave me many sources to look up my Plato, Bowen, Jansen (Johnson) and May ranger ancestors. Thank you, sir. We returned home and I pursued my family research. The Ottawa and Toronto Archives provided the data and later that year I received my U.E. designation from the Grand River U.E.L. Association Branch. Today I am a proud member of the Colonel John Butler U.E.L. Branch of Niagara Falls. Next: War is war!
Do you know the Mohawk Valley of New York? It’s where many of our Niagara ancestors who were in Butler’s Rangers came from in the late 1700’s. It’s easily reachable via the New York Thruway in four or five hours. In the summer of 1973 Elaine and I and our young family travelled to Johnson Hall on the Mohawk River. Colonel Charles B. Briggs, retired U.S. army officer, was the curator of the historic hall.
What a greeting when he found both of us were descendants of Butler’s Rangers! He said proudly, “I am a U.E. descendant too. I am a member of the Toronto U.E.L. Association.” We had a grand tour of Sir William Johnson’s home. He told us of the many aberrations written by many American historians about Butler’s Rangers activities during the American Revolution. “Massacres were not always massacres,” he said. I wasn’t sure what he meant at that time. I was excited with his words.
“We are having over 100 loyalist descendants from across Canada coming to Johnstown come this October 6th. It will be the first time that such a group has been here since the Revolution. I personally invite you to be here too.” It was our Canadian Thanksgiving time and Elaine and I accepted the invitation. Colonel Briggs welcomed us and gave a stirring speech about John and his son Walter Butler. Next day in the Johnstown paper no mention was made of his speech but rather it highlighted a Mark Boatner of Arlington Va. author of the Dictionary of the Revolution. Figures, eh? Sad. I heard that many old timers ( Americans) at the banquet did not appreciate Colonel Briggs’s attempt to clarify Mohawk Valley history. After almost 200 years had passed and American ‘spin’ and mindset about Butler’s Rangers hadn’t seemed to change. However, In a letter dated January 1st, 1974 to me from Colonel Briggs U.E. in which he said, “As to the descendants of “The Rangers” meeting here, I must say “EXCELLENT !” He gave me many sources to look up my Plato, Bowen, Jansen (Johnson) and May ranger ancestors. Thank you, sir. We returned home and I pursued my family research. The Ottawa and Toronto Archives provided the data and later that year I received my U.E. designation from the Grand River U.E.L. Association Branch. Today I am a proud member of the Colonel John Butler U.E.L. Branch of Niagara Falls. Next: War is war!
Butler's Ranger Part 2
Butler2 Earl Plato
Cruikshank’s work about Butler’s Rangers helped me to pursue some background history of a few of Fort Erie’s first soldier settlers. Two ancestors that I researched decades ago are listed in the document - NEW YORK STATE-CONFISCATION OF LOYALISTS (copied by Dr. H.C. Burleigh from original lists) 1780-1783: Burleigh used the following headings: Name; Town; County; Addition; Indictment When Found; Judgment When Signed:
BOWEN, Cornelius; Tribes Hill; Tryon; Yeoman; 14-5-5; 14-7- 1783. - PLATO, Christian; West District Manor; Albany; Yeoman; 9-6-4; 29.12. 1783. Plato had a $100 reward ( a considerable amount for the day) on his head. He was a recruiter for the British Crown and was coonsidered a spy according to the American documents. Both men served in Butler’s Rangers throughout the American Revolution. Both men were yeomen free holders in the Colony of New York at that time. Both these men had pledged allegiance to the British Crown and when the American Revolution broke out they had property and homes confiscated. They would fight for their losses and loyal they would remain.
***
Years ago a locally respected lady in our Bertie Historical Society castigated me when she said, “You’re not a descendant of Butler’s Rangers are you?” I said, “Yes,” proudly. “They were a terrible bunch!” She proceeded to inform me of some of the exploits of my forefathers. In the years that passed I learned that most of her knowledge had come from American publications. She had relatives across the border. Cruikshank had worked in the U.S.A. for some years and doubtless knew the “spin” American historians had portrayed about Butler’s Rangers. The old b&w motion picture- Drums Along the Mohawk - starring the late Henry Fonda helped to promote the concept of a cruel, vengeful, ‘commando-like’ elite, military group known as Butler’s Rangers. Cruikshank systematically tried to dispel many of the American entrenched view of the Rangers after over a hundred years of what I feel consisted of much historical ‘brainwashing’by many American historians. Cruikshank uses the military records of both British and American sources to make his case. Thank goodness he did or I would have had to accept the distorted picture of Butler’s Rangers.
Next: A different view
Cruikshank’s work about Butler’s Rangers helped me to pursue some background history of a few of Fort Erie’s first soldier settlers. Two ancestors that I researched decades ago are listed in the document - NEW YORK STATE-CONFISCATION OF LOYALISTS (copied by Dr. H.C. Burleigh from original lists) 1780-1783: Burleigh used the following headings: Name; Town; County; Addition; Indictment When Found; Judgment When Signed:
BOWEN, Cornelius; Tribes Hill; Tryon; Yeoman; 14-5-5; 14-7- 1783. - PLATO, Christian; West District Manor; Albany; Yeoman; 9-6-4; 29.12. 1783. Plato had a $100 reward ( a considerable amount for the day) on his head. He was a recruiter for the British Crown and was coonsidered a spy according to the American documents. Both men served in Butler’s Rangers throughout the American Revolution. Both men were yeomen free holders in the Colony of New York at that time. Both these men had pledged allegiance to the British Crown and when the American Revolution broke out they had property and homes confiscated. They would fight for their losses and loyal they would remain.
***
Years ago a locally respected lady in our Bertie Historical Society castigated me when she said, “You’re not a descendant of Butler’s Rangers are you?” I said, “Yes,” proudly. “They were a terrible bunch!” She proceeded to inform me of some of the exploits of my forefathers. In the years that passed I learned that most of her knowledge had come from American publications. She had relatives across the border. Cruikshank had worked in the U.S.A. for some years and doubtless knew the “spin” American historians had portrayed about Butler’s Rangers. The old b&w motion picture- Drums Along the Mohawk - starring the late Henry Fonda helped to promote the concept of a cruel, vengeful, ‘commando-like’ elite, military group known as Butler’s Rangers. Cruikshank systematically tried to dispel many of the American entrenched view of the Rangers after over a hundred years of what I feel consisted of much historical ‘brainwashing’by many American historians. Cruikshank uses the military records of both British and American sources to make his case. Thank goodness he did or I would have had to accept the distorted picture of Butler’s Rangers.
Next: A different view
Butler's Rangers Part 1
, Butler’s Rangers1 Earl Plato
Sir Ernest Cruikshank from his Garrison Road Fort Erie home made the following statement in February 27th, 1893. “The story of the Butler’s Rangers has never yet been told from a sympathetic or even a fair-minded point of view. The present narrative is based chiefly upon unpublished official documents but every book and pamphlet bearing in any way upon the subject within this writer’s reach has also been consulted.”
Writer’s Note: No foot notes or references throughout his book - Butler’s Rangers. Remember he had direct access to first hand documents in the Ottawa National Archives where he researched for his 121 page book. I will use his definitive work in the weeks ahead. My hope is to inform the readers of our Fort Erie heritage. Following are part of his opening words:
PREFACE: “Many thousand descendants of the brave men who formed Butler’s Rangers are now living in Ontario and other provinces. I hold that they have no reason to be ashamed of ancestors who were eminently distinguished by the none too common virtues of inalterable loyalty, unfailing courage, and unconquerable endurance, and who sacrificed everything for the cause which they embraced.” Wow! That’s quite a sentence above Sir Ernest. Just a thank you.
I will look only at a few of the raids made by Joseph Brant and the Butler Rangers in the Mohawk Valley of New York and environs. Along with Cruikshank’s work I will cite from American historians Howard W. Swiggett and E.R. Eastman. Swiggett in his well foot noted War Out Of Niagara gives a fair view of Butler’s Rangers exploits while Eastman like many American historians of the day gives a one sided view of the Corps in my estimation. Thanks to Lt.Colonel William Smy U.E. we now have the recently published book, Year of the Hangman, by Glen F. Williams. Smy in a book review says this, “... he ( Williams) deals with Joseph Brant and John Butler in a very fair and even handed way.” That’s good to know. ***
First the setting: It begins in the Mohawk Valley of Colonial New York in the 1770’s. Remember the majority of the first soldier/settlers of Fort Erie were from this British Colony of New York. Quoting from Cruikshank we read the following: “In the year 1774 the Province of New York although probably the wealthiest and undoubtedly the most flourishing of the British Colonies in America, did not contain a population much exceeding a quarter of a million. Of these 39,000 were freeholders, entitled to vote at elections.”
Writer’s Note: I know at least two of these freeholders who would lose their homes - two men who served in Butler’s Rangers and who settled in Fort Erie after the American Revolution. Next: Search your roots.
Sir Ernest Cruikshank from his Garrison Road Fort Erie home made the following statement in February 27th, 1893. “The story of the Butler’s Rangers has never yet been told from a sympathetic or even a fair-minded point of view. The present narrative is based chiefly upon unpublished official documents but every book and pamphlet bearing in any way upon the subject within this writer’s reach has also been consulted.”
Writer’s Note: No foot notes or references throughout his book - Butler’s Rangers. Remember he had direct access to first hand documents in the Ottawa National Archives where he researched for his 121 page book. I will use his definitive work in the weeks ahead. My hope is to inform the readers of our Fort Erie heritage. Following are part of his opening words:
PREFACE: “Many thousand descendants of the brave men who formed Butler’s Rangers are now living in Ontario and other provinces. I hold that they have no reason to be ashamed of ancestors who were eminently distinguished by the none too common virtues of inalterable loyalty, unfailing courage, and unconquerable endurance, and who sacrificed everything for the cause which they embraced.” Wow! That’s quite a sentence above Sir Ernest. Just a thank you.
I will look only at a few of the raids made by Joseph Brant and the Butler Rangers in the Mohawk Valley of New York and environs. Along with Cruikshank’s work I will cite from American historians Howard W. Swiggett and E.R. Eastman. Swiggett in his well foot noted War Out Of Niagara gives a fair view of Butler’s Rangers exploits while Eastman like many American historians of the day gives a one sided view of the Corps in my estimation. Thanks to Lt.Colonel William Smy U.E. we now have the recently published book, Year of the Hangman, by Glen F. Williams. Smy in a book review says this, “... he ( Williams) deals with Joseph Brant and John Butler in a very fair and even handed way.” That’s good to know. ***
First the setting: It begins in the Mohawk Valley of Colonial New York in the 1770’s. Remember the majority of the first soldier/settlers of Fort Erie were from this British Colony of New York. Quoting from Cruikshank we read the following: “In the year 1774 the Province of New York although probably the wealthiest and undoubtedly the most flourishing of the British Colonies in America, did not contain a population much exceeding a quarter of a million. Of these 39,000 were freeholders, entitled to vote at elections.”
Writer’s Note: I know at least two of these freeholders who would lose their homes - two men who served in Butler’s Rangers and who settled in Fort Erie after the American Revolution. Next: Search your roots.
Fenian Invasion Part 5 Earl Plato
Part 5: The Plan
The Fenian Brotherhood (the I.R.A.) had extensive plans for the invasion of Canada. Their documents in late 1865 read: “ There are to be lands chosen at the head of Passamaquoddy Bay; Saint John; the Chambly close to the foot of Lake Champlain; Prescott on the St. Lawrence; Wolfe Island at the foot of Lake Champlain;
Writer’s Note: Wolfe Island location? Check it Fenians. It’s no where close to Lake Champlain!
Also there was Hamilton; Coburg; Goderich; and Windsor all in Upper Canada ( Canada West). All the above are within convenient distances of the United States and afford by water an east retreat, as well as cunning receptacles for fresh American levies.” Our province, Ontario, would appear to be the main focus of a Fenian attack. We read on that the Irish Republican Army had by the first of April 1866. 15 million dollars that was at its disposal in ready cash. This amount would give transportation and maintenance for one month yo 30,000 men. Of this force 8,000 would carry the line of the Grand Trunk Railway west of Hamilton; 5,000 crossing Lake Ontario from Rochester, New York to Coburg. This latter force would act jointly with 3,000 men from Wolfe Island upon Kingston or to take part with the western detachment in the capture of Toronto. Believe it? Blarney? They said about the above plans. “ All this, it is believed will be the work of two weeks.” The ultimate blarney, eh! What’s missing in the plans above? Buffalo, New York is not mentioned nor is Fort Erie of our Niagara Peninsula where the actual invasion occurred on June 1st, 1866. Was this Fenian document just pure propaganda (blarney) for our Canadian spies to report back with the frightening news of an impending invasion. Would we Canadians be frightened into submission? The Fenian dream included more in that document, “ The green flag of Ireland will scour all the bays and gulfs in Canada; a Fenian fleet from San Francisco will carry Vancouver and the Fraser River country.“
Writer’s note: Do you get the picture? Blarney or not Canada was being threatened. Reality? Eventually O’Neil and only some 2,000 Fenians crossed the Niagara River north of Fort Erie. The little Battle of Ridgeway followed. Important in our history? I think so. A year later July 1st, 1867 four colonies, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia joined in Confederation.
Did you visit historic Fort Erie and see the Battle of Ridgeway Re-enactment? It’s your history.
***
A plaque was unveiled by Lincoln Alexander, Chairman of our Ontario Heritage Trust, on rainy Saturday, June 3rd, 2006. Finally a greater recognition of our stand against the Fenian invaders. The plaque will eventually be on the Friendship Trail at the site of where the Ridgeway Rail Station once stood. This is where our soldiers disembarked for the Battle. Next: The Epilogue
Part 5: The Plan
The Fenian Brotherhood (the I.R.A.) had extensive plans for the invasion of Canada. Their documents in late 1865 read: “ There are to be lands chosen at the head of Passamaquoddy Bay; Saint John; the Chambly close to the foot of Lake Champlain; Prescott on the St. Lawrence; Wolfe Island at the foot of Lake Champlain;
Writer’s Note: Wolfe Island location? Check it Fenians. It’s no where close to Lake Champlain!
Also there was Hamilton; Coburg; Goderich; and Windsor all in Upper Canada ( Canada West). All the above are within convenient distances of the United States and afford by water an east retreat, as well as cunning receptacles for fresh American levies.” Our province, Ontario, would appear to be the main focus of a Fenian attack. We read on that the Irish Republican Army had by the first of April 1866. 15 million dollars that was at its disposal in ready cash. This amount would give transportation and maintenance for one month yo 30,000 men. Of this force 8,000 would carry the line of the Grand Trunk Railway west of Hamilton; 5,000 crossing Lake Ontario from Rochester, New York to Coburg. This latter force would act jointly with 3,000 men from Wolfe Island upon Kingston or to take part with the western detachment in the capture of Toronto. Believe it? Blarney? They said about the above plans. “ All this, it is believed will be the work of two weeks.” The ultimate blarney, eh! What’s missing in the plans above? Buffalo, New York is not mentioned nor is Fort Erie of our Niagara Peninsula where the actual invasion occurred on June 1st, 1866. Was this Fenian document just pure propaganda (blarney) for our Canadian spies to report back with the frightening news of an impending invasion. Would we Canadians be frightened into submission? The Fenian dream included more in that document, “ The green flag of Ireland will scour all the bays and gulfs in Canada; a Fenian fleet from San Francisco will carry Vancouver and the Fraser River country.“
Writer’s note: Do you get the picture? Blarney or not Canada was being threatened. Reality? Eventually O’Neil and only some 2,000 Fenians crossed the Niagara River north of Fort Erie. The little Battle of Ridgeway followed. Important in our history? I think so. A year later July 1st, 1867 four colonies, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia joined in Confederation.
Did you visit historic Fort Erie and see the Battle of Ridgeway Re-enactment? It’s your history.
***
A plaque was unveiled by Lincoln Alexander, Chairman of our Ontario Heritage Trust, on rainy Saturday, June 3rd, 2006. Finally a greater recognition of our stand against the Fenian invaders. The plaque will eventually be on the Friendship Trail at the site of where the Ridgeway Rail Station once stood. This is where our soldiers disembarked for the Battle. Next: The Epilogue
Fenian Invasion
Fenian Invasion Part 5 Earl Plato
Part 5: The Plan
The Fenian Brotherhood (the I.R.A.) had extensive plans for the invasion of Canada. Their documents in late 1865 read: “ There are to be lands chosen at the head of Passamaquoddy Bay; Saint John; the Chambly close to the foot of Lake Champlain; Prescott on the St. Lawrence; Wolfe Island at the foot of Lake Champlain;
Writer’s Note: Wolfe Island location? Check it Fenians. It’s no where close to Lake Champlain!
Also there was Hamilton; Coburg; Goderich; and Windsor all in Upper Canada ( Canada West). All the above are within convenient distances of the United States and afford by water an east retreat, as well as cunning receptacles for fresh American levies.” Our province, Ontario, would appear to be the main focus of a Fenian attack. We read on that the Irish Republican Army had by the first of April 1866. 15 million dollars that was at its disposal in ready cash. This amount would give transportation and maintenance for one month yo 30,000 men. Of this force 8,000 would carry the line of the Grand Trunk Railway west of Hamilton; 5,000 crossing Lake Ontario from Rochester, New York to Coburg. This latter force would act jointly with 3,000 men from Wolfe Island upon Kingston or to take part with the western detachment in the capture of Toronto. Believe it? Blarney? They said about the above plans. “ All this, it is believed will be the work of two weeks.” The ultimate blarney, eh! What’s missing in the plans above? Buffalo, New York is not mentioned nor is Fort Erie of our Niagara Peninsula where the actual invasion occurred on June 1st, 1866. Was this Fenian document just pure propaganda (blarney) for our Canadian spies to report back with the frightening news of an impending invasion. Would we Canadians be frightened into submission? The Fenian dream included more in that document, “ The green flag of Ireland will scour all the bays and gulfs in Canada; a Fenian fleet from San Francisco will carry Vancouver and the Fraser River country.“
Writer’s note: Do you get the picture? Blarney or not Canada was being threatened. Reality? Eventually O’Neil and only some 2,000 Fenians crossed the Niagara River north of Fort Erie. The little Battle of Ridgeway followed. Important in our history? I think so. A year later July 1st, 1867 four colonies, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia joined in Confederation.
Did you visit historic Fort Erie and see the Battle of Ridgeway Re-enactment? It’s your history.
***
A plaque was unveiled by Lincoln Alexander, Chairman of our Ontario Heritage Trust, on rainy Saturday, June 3rd, 2006. Finally a greater recognition of our stand against the Fenian invaders. The plaque will eventually be on the Friendship Trail at the site of where the Ridgeway Rail Station once stood. This is where our soldiers disembarked for the Battle. Next: The Epilogue
Part 5: The Plan
The Fenian Brotherhood (the I.R.A.) had extensive plans for the invasion of Canada. Their documents in late 1865 read: “ There are to be lands chosen at the head of Passamaquoddy Bay; Saint John; the Chambly close to the foot of Lake Champlain; Prescott on the St. Lawrence; Wolfe Island at the foot of Lake Champlain;
Writer’s Note: Wolfe Island location? Check it Fenians. It’s no where close to Lake Champlain!
Also there was Hamilton; Coburg; Goderich; and Windsor all in Upper Canada ( Canada West). All the above are within convenient distances of the United States and afford by water an east retreat, as well as cunning receptacles for fresh American levies.” Our province, Ontario, would appear to be the main focus of a Fenian attack. We read on that the Irish Republican Army had by the first of April 1866. 15 million dollars that was at its disposal in ready cash. This amount would give transportation and maintenance for one month yo 30,000 men. Of this force 8,000 would carry the line of the Grand Trunk Railway west of Hamilton; 5,000 crossing Lake Ontario from Rochester, New York to Coburg. This latter force would act jointly with 3,000 men from Wolfe Island upon Kingston or to take part with the western detachment in the capture of Toronto. Believe it? Blarney? They said about the above plans. “ All this, it is believed will be the work of two weeks.” The ultimate blarney, eh! What’s missing in the plans above? Buffalo, New York is not mentioned nor is Fort Erie of our Niagara Peninsula where the actual invasion occurred on June 1st, 1866. Was this Fenian document just pure propaganda (blarney) for our Canadian spies to report back with the frightening news of an impending invasion. Would we Canadians be frightened into submission? The Fenian dream included more in that document, “ The green flag of Ireland will scour all the bays and gulfs in Canada; a Fenian fleet from San Francisco will carry Vancouver and the Fraser River country.“
Writer’s note: Do you get the picture? Blarney or not Canada was being threatened. Reality? Eventually O’Neil and only some 2,000 Fenians crossed the Niagara River north of Fort Erie. The little Battle of Ridgeway followed. Important in our history? I think so. A year later July 1st, 1867 four colonies, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia joined in Confederation.
Did you visit historic Fort Erie and see the Battle of Ridgeway Re-enactment? It’s your history.
***
A plaque was unveiled by Lincoln Alexander, Chairman of our Ontario Heritage Trust, on rainy Saturday, June 3rd, 2006. Finally a greater recognition of our stand against the Fenian invaders. The plaque will eventually be on the Friendship Trail at the site of where the Ridgeway Rail Station once stood. This is where our soldiers disembarked for the Battle. Next: The Epilogue
Fenian Invasion Part 5
Fenian Invasion Part 5 Earl Plato
Part 5: The Plan
The Fenian Brotherhood (the I.R.A.) had extensive plans for the invasion of Canada. Their documents in late 1865 read: “ There are to be lands chosen at the head of Passamaquoddy Bay; Saint John; the Chambly close to the foot of Lake Champlain; Prescott on the St. Lawrence; Wolfe Island at the foot of Lake Champlain;
Writer’s Note: Wolfe Island location? Check it Fenians. It’s no where close to Lake Champlain!
Also there was Hamilton; Coburg; Goderich; and Windsor all in Upper Canada ( Canada West). All the above are within convenient distances of the United States and afford by water an east retreat, as well as cunning receptacles for fresh American levies.” Our province, Ontario, would appear to be the main focus of a Fenian attack. We read on that the Irish Republican Army had by the first of April 1866. 15 million dollars that was at its disposal in ready cash. This amount would give transportation and maintenance for one month yo 30,000 men. Of this force 8,000 would carry the line of the Grand Trunk Railway west of Hamilton; 5,000 crossing Lake Ontario from Rochester, New York to Coburg. This latter force would act jointly with 3,000 men from Wolfe Island upon Kingston or to take part with the western detachment in the capture of Toronto. Believe it? Blarney? They said about the above plans. “ All this, it is believed will be the work of two weeks.” The ultimate blarney, eh! What’s missing in the plans above? Buffalo, New York is not mentioned nor is Fort Erie of our Niagara Peninsula where the actual invasion occurred on June 1st, 1866. Was this Fenian document just pure propaganda (blarney) for our Canadian spies to report back with the frightening news of an impending invasion. Would we Canadians be frightened into submission? The Fenian dream included more in that document, “ The green flag of Ireland will scour all the bays and gulfs in Canada; a Fenian fleet from San Francisco will carry Vancouver and the Fraser River country.“
Writer’s note: Do you get the picture? Blarney or not Canada was being threatened. Reality? Eventually O’Neil and only some 2,000 Fenians crossed the Niagara River north of Fort Erie. The little Battle of Ridgeway followed. Important in our history? I think so. A year later July 1st, 1867 four colonies, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia joined in Confederation.
Did you visit historic Fort Erie and see the Battle of Ridgeway Re-enactment? It’s your history.
***
A plaque was unveiled by Lincoln Alexander, Chairman of our Ontario Heritage Trust, on rainy Saturday, June 3rd, 2006. Finally a greater recognition of our stand against the Fenian invaders. The plaque will eventually be on the Friendship Trail at the site of where the Ridgeway Rail Station once stood. This is where our soldiers disembarked for the Battle. Next: The Epilogue
Part 5: The Plan
The Fenian Brotherhood (the I.R.A.) had extensive plans for the invasion of Canada. Their documents in late 1865 read: “ There are to be lands chosen at the head of Passamaquoddy Bay; Saint John; the Chambly close to the foot of Lake Champlain; Prescott on the St. Lawrence; Wolfe Island at the foot of Lake Champlain;
Writer’s Note: Wolfe Island location? Check it Fenians. It’s no where close to Lake Champlain!
Also there was Hamilton; Coburg; Goderich; and Windsor all in Upper Canada ( Canada West). All the above are within convenient distances of the United States and afford by water an east retreat, as well as cunning receptacles for fresh American levies.” Our province, Ontario, would appear to be the main focus of a Fenian attack. We read on that the Irish Republican Army had by the first of April 1866. 15 million dollars that was at its disposal in ready cash. This amount would give transportation and maintenance for one month yo 30,000 men. Of this force 8,000 would carry the line of the Grand Trunk Railway west of Hamilton; 5,000 crossing Lake Ontario from Rochester, New York to Coburg. This latter force would act jointly with 3,000 men from Wolfe Island upon Kingston or to take part with the western detachment in the capture of Toronto. Believe it? Blarney? They said about the above plans. “ All this, it is believed will be the work of two weeks.” The ultimate blarney, eh! What’s missing in the plans above? Buffalo, New York is not mentioned nor is Fort Erie of our Niagara Peninsula where the actual invasion occurred on June 1st, 1866. Was this Fenian document just pure propaganda (blarney) for our Canadian spies to report back with the frightening news of an impending invasion. Would we Canadians be frightened into submission? The Fenian dream included more in that document, “ The green flag of Ireland will scour all the bays and gulfs in Canada; a Fenian fleet from San Francisco will carry Vancouver and the Fraser River country.“
Writer’s note: Do you get the picture? Blarney or not Canada was being threatened. Reality? Eventually O’Neil and only some 2,000 Fenians crossed the Niagara River north of Fort Erie. The little Battle of Ridgeway followed. Important in our history? I think so. A year later July 1st, 1867 four colonies, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia joined in Confederation.
Did you visit historic Fort Erie and see the Battle of Ridgeway Re-enactment? It’s your history.
***
A plaque was unveiled by Lincoln Alexander, Chairman of our Ontario Heritage Trust, on rainy Saturday, June 3rd, 2006. Finally a greater recognition of our stand against the Fenian invaders. The plaque will eventually be on the Friendship Trail at the site of where the Ridgeway Rail Station once stood. This is where our soldiers disembarked for the Battle. Next: The Epilogue
Monday, July 30, 2007
Fenian Invasion Part 4
We know who the Fenians were. What should we do? Writers Note: We were not a nation yet in 1865 but we were not going to sit around and let the Fenians do as they pleased. In the weeks and months that followed the end of the Civil War we sent spies ( I’ll call them Canadians) to many northern American cities. The reports that came back were disturbing, There were increased Fenian activities in the winter of 1865-66. The spies heard again of grandiose schemes to attack Canada from Detroit and Rochester and take Upper Canada (Ontario). In Lower Canada (Quebec) armies would attack from Ogdensburg, Plattsburg and Portland and take Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Quebec. The Fenian military strategy in both cases was to attack in s ‘pincers” movements.
Writer’s note: Lest we underestimate the Fenians remember they were mainly tried and hardened Civil War veterans. They had Spencer repeating rifles and superior equipment. We had not fought a war since 1812-14. We still used the old muzzle loading musket - the “Brown Bess” Once a year or so we would have a gathering of local militias. It appeared that the Canadian colonies would be no match for trained Civil War army veterans.
***
History often repeats itself. I believe that the Fenian leaders followed the same mind-set as other American invaders - that Canada was for the taking. “Blarney” is defined as smooth deceitful talk. I believe that the Fenians knew that to realize their dream of a new Irish Republic in North America they had to use the “Blarney” approach. Their method was to create in the minds of their “would-be” followers that such a grand scheme of theirs was possible. Using “blarney and more “blarney” would be their ploy.
***
The Fenian dream included this recorded statement” The Green flag will scour the bays and gulfs in Canada. A Fenian fleet from San Francisco will carry Vancouver and the Fraser River country.” Think big was the Fenian Brotherhood plans for Canada. What was reality? Again according to their documents of their war department (I.R.A.) we read, “ The Canadian and provincial borders once crossed bases of operation will be established in the enemy’s country so that the international quarrels with Washington may be avoided.” How? More “blarney” from the would-be invaders.
Next: The Invasion Plan
Writer’s note: Lest we underestimate the Fenians remember they were mainly tried and hardened Civil War veterans. They had Spencer repeating rifles and superior equipment. We had not fought a war since 1812-14. We still used the old muzzle loading musket - the “Brown Bess” Once a year or so we would have a gathering of local militias. It appeared that the Canadian colonies would be no match for trained Civil War army veterans.
***
History often repeats itself. I believe that the Fenian leaders followed the same mind-set as other American invaders - that Canada was for the taking. “Blarney” is defined as smooth deceitful talk. I believe that the Fenians knew that to realize their dream of a new Irish Republic in North America they had to use the “Blarney” approach. Their method was to create in the minds of their “would-be” followers that such a grand scheme of theirs was possible. Using “blarney and more “blarney” would be their ploy.
***
The Fenian dream included this recorded statement” The Green flag will scour the bays and gulfs in Canada. A Fenian fleet from San Francisco will carry Vancouver and the Fraser River country.” Think big was the Fenian Brotherhood plans for Canada. What was reality? Again according to their documents of their war department (I.R.A.) we read, “ The Canadian and provincial borders once crossed bases of operation will be established in the enemy’s country so that the international quarrels with Washington may be avoided.” How? More “blarney” from the would-be invaders.
Next: The Invasion Plan
Fenian Invasion Part 3
Who were the Fenians? What about Canada? The Irish Fenian Brotherhood of North America were now split into two factions over their next move. At a meeting held in Chicago in 1863 the Roberts faction of the Brotherhood decided to seize Canada as a home for the Irish Republic. By the end of the Civil War in 1865 the Robert’s faction were convinced that the Washington officials of the victorious North were in no mood to enforce neutrality laws. What better way for the I.R.A.(Irish Republican Army) to get even with Great Britain than to capture British North America’s colonies - Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia for a start!
Writer’s Note: This writer has examined the American Civil War through visitations to battle sites and numerous articles for the Review. The North with its powerful Union Army led by General Ulysses S. Grant emerged victorious in April 1865. Grant noted that many of the Union army regiments were made up entirely of Irish men. So? The optimism of the Fenian Brotherhood’s leaders grew immensely as a result of the crushing North victory. Funds began pouring into its coffers. We read that they began to draw up more grandiose plans for the conquest of Canada, The Fenian leaders in 1865 believed that they had the expertise to wage a successful attack on Canada won by the success of “their boys in blue”. It was expected that once the invasion began several thousand men of Irish desert would desert the standing British military force in the colonies. Note: This never happened. If it had it would mean that fewer than 50,000 British regulars would be left for the defence of Canada. The optimism of the Fenians was unabated - Canada, they believed, was theirs for the taking!
Next: Part Four: What do we do?
Writer’s Note: This writer has examined the American Civil War through visitations to battle sites and numerous articles for the Review. The North with its powerful Union Army led by General Ulysses S. Grant emerged victorious in April 1865. Grant noted that many of the Union army regiments were made up entirely of Irish men. So? The optimism of the Fenian Brotherhood’s leaders grew immensely as a result of the crushing North victory. Funds began pouring into its coffers. We read that they began to draw up more grandiose plans for the conquest of Canada, The Fenian leaders in 1865 believed that they had the expertise to wage a successful attack on Canada won by the success of “their boys in blue”. It was expected that once the invasion began several thousand men of Irish desert would desert the standing British military force in the colonies. Note: This never happened. If it had it would mean that fewer than 50,000 British regulars would be left for the defence of Canada. The optimism of the Fenians was unabated - Canada, they believed, was theirs for the taking!
Next: Part Four: What do we do?
Fenian Invasion Part 2
Who were the Fenians? by Earl Plato
In the 1860’s smart politicians in the Northeastern U.S.A. saw that this Irish “clannishness” helped to deliver the Irish vote as a block. One of the best ways to maintain this Irish cohesiveness was to encourage the Fenian plan for another Irish revolution against Great Britain. We read that where there was a large Irish population congressmen would have “a legitimate political” reason for ignoring the enforcement of neutrality laws. Other congressmen not dependent on the Irish vote for their seats also openly sympathized with the Fenians’ plan to free Ireland. Historian Walker stated,“ The Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 had left a reservoir of resentment between England (Great Britain) that had not fully evaporated.” Many young Irish Americans joined Union militia companies to gain military training in preparation for a revolution in Ireland. Men like Stephens had assured them that would soon be launched. Irish militia such as the New York “Fighting 69th Regiment were among the first at the front in the American Civil War. The Irish were fierce fighters.
Writers’ note: It is estimated over 2 million men of Irish descent fought for the North’s Union Army - 1861-65.
Fenian Brotherhood agents recruited heavily at home and Irish emigrants increased markedly during the war. Government officials in Washington were pleased with the large flow of badly needed manpower for the Union Army. They were grateful to the Fenian Brotherhood for doing something that official Washington could not do openly. The British, with substantial economic ties to the Confederate South, pointed out that the recruiting in Ireland by the Fenian Brotherhood broke neutrality laws between the U.S.A. and them. Washington officials, including President Lincoln and Secretary Seward, said it was difficult to preserve neutrality when the British had not prevented the warship Alabama and other cruisers from leaving British ports to fight for the South against the North. By the end of the Civil War relations between the United States and Britain had become strained.
The Fenian leaders on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean believed the time had come to begin the great revolution against the British. Large sums of money and many Civil War seasoned military officers were sent back to form the I.R.A. Yes, those letters say the Irish Republican Army. The Fenians were not able to smuggle enough military supplies and the revolt failed.
Part Three: What about Canada?
In the 1860’s smart politicians in the Northeastern U.S.A. saw that this Irish “clannishness” helped to deliver the Irish vote as a block. One of the best ways to maintain this Irish cohesiveness was to encourage the Fenian plan for another Irish revolution against Great Britain. We read that where there was a large Irish population congressmen would have “a legitimate political” reason for ignoring the enforcement of neutrality laws. Other congressmen not dependent on the Irish vote for their seats also openly sympathized with the Fenians’ plan to free Ireland. Historian Walker stated,“ The Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 had left a reservoir of resentment between England (Great Britain) that had not fully evaporated.” Many young Irish Americans joined Union militia companies to gain military training in preparation for a revolution in Ireland. Men like Stephens had assured them that would soon be launched. Irish militia such as the New York “Fighting 69th Regiment were among the first at the front in the American Civil War. The Irish were fierce fighters.
Writers’ note: It is estimated over 2 million men of Irish descent fought for the North’s Union Army - 1861-65.
Fenian Brotherhood agents recruited heavily at home and Irish emigrants increased markedly during the war. Government officials in Washington were pleased with the large flow of badly needed manpower for the Union Army. They were grateful to the Fenian Brotherhood for doing something that official Washington could not do openly. The British, with substantial economic ties to the Confederate South, pointed out that the recruiting in Ireland by the Fenian Brotherhood broke neutrality laws between the U.S.A. and them. Washington officials, including President Lincoln and Secretary Seward, said it was difficult to preserve neutrality when the British had not prevented the warship Alabama and other cruisers from leaving British ports to fight for the South against the North. By the end of the Civil War relations between the United States and Britain had become strained.
The Fenian leaders on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean believed the time had come to begin the great revolution against the British. Large sums of money and many Civil War seasoned military officers were sent back to form the I.R.A. Yes, those letters say the Irish Republican Army. The Fenians were not able to smuggle enough military supplies and the revolt failed.
Part Three: What about Canada?
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Fenian Raid at Fort Erie Part 1
by Earl Plato
It was 141 years this past June 2nd, 2007 that the Fenians fought our Canadian troops at the Battle of Ridgeway.
Who were the Fenians and what prompted this attack?
Writer’s note: This is a synopsis of a series of articles I wrote 16 years ago. That was the year of the Re-enactment held on the Ridgeway battlefield. It was attended by many onlookers. Many of us have good memories of those warm summer-like days and David Owen’s stirring narrative
***
It is simply stated by some writers that the Fenian Movement began on St. Patrick’s day in 1858 by one James Stephens. However, there are other historical writers such as Mabel Walker in her book, The Fenian Movement and Hereward Senior in his work, The Fenians and Canadians. who go back further in Irish history to account for the creation of this revolutionary movement known as the Fenian Brotherhood. Following the terrible Potato Famine in Ireland (1845-1847) in which hundreds of thousands died. There was an unsuccessful Irish revolt against British rule in1848. Emigration from Ireland to North America greatly increased at that time. It was estimated that over two million of them came to the United States by 1865. Most of these newcomers settled in the industrial North eastern states. This was the time when the demand for labourers was growing. The earlier settlers of that area were leaving for new lands in the western U.S.A. Employers welcomed the Irish immigrants as replacements. History recorded, however, that there were others who saw the newcomers with “jaundiced eyes.” The native-born Protestant population of the north eastern states who had not followed the exodus to the American west deplored the increasing number of Roman Catholic churches and parochial schools. One writer of that day stated “ We objected to the noisy celebrations the Irish held on Sundays.” The ostracized Irish reacted to the openly displayed Protestant prejudice by forming societies which “became exceedingly clannish.”
Next: The Fenian Brotherhood
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