| 1st | Invasion | Gen. Hull | at Sandwich | with | 3,000 | men. |
| 2nd | Invasion | Gen. VanRansler | at Wodworth | with | 2,000 | men. |
| 3rd | Invasion | Gen. Smyth | at Fort Erie | with | 3,000 | men. |
| 4th | Invasion | Gen. Pike | at York | with | 2,500 | men. |
| 5th | Invasion | Gen. Dearborne | at Fort George | with | 3,000 | men. |
| 6th | Invasion | Gen. Winchester, for Montreal, | at Chryslers Farm | with | 3,000 | men. |
| 7th | Invasion | Gen. Hampden | at Chateauguay R. | with | 8,000 | men. |
| 8th | Invasion | Gen. Brown | at Fort Erie | with | 5,000 | men. |
| 9th | Invasion | Gen. Brown | at Lundy’s Lane | with | 5,000 | men. |
| 10th | Invasion | Gen. Izzard | at Fort Erie | with | 8,000 | men. |
| 11th | Invasion | Gen. Wilkinson | at Lacate Mills | with | 2,500 | men. |
| ——————— | ||||||
| Total number of men | 45,000. |
“The foregoing is an aggregate of the attempt to invade Canada by the United States forces when they sued for peace; and, when such was proclaimed, they did not find themselves in possession of one inch of Canadian Territory.”—(Clark.)
This glorious result was due, in a great measure, to the loyalty and bravery of the Canadian Militia. The first year, the Militia alone saved the Province.
The close of the war left no unpleasant remembrance. Called to arms for the most noble purpose, that of defending their homes, they discharged their duty bravely, but without unnecessary violence. There were no acts of cruelty to be laid to their charge. It was only the unprincipled foe that could be guilty of deeds of barbaric darkness. It remained for the American General Harrison to burn, contrary to the rules of civilized warfare, a peaceful village, and for General McClure to apply the torch to the building which protected the wounded men, women, and children, from the piercing cold of a December night, an outrage only equalled by their firing on a British flag of truce, under General Ross, before the capital Washington. These acts of villany met a just retribution. The former by destroying the frontier settlements from Lewiston to Buffalo, the latter by the destruction of the Capital. Canadians—Britons can deal out just retribution, as well as they can defend their homes. And the Americans ought to know, and remember, that no acts of cowardly villany toward us will for ever go unpunished. They incited rebellion among us in 1837–8. They have encouraged Fenianism, and assisted them as a people to invade our territory, and kill our young men. For this will come a day of judgment. It may not be this century, but it will come. Let but one more attempt be made to secure a footing on our soil, and the Americans will learn that Canadians can, and will, retaliate. The hardy honest Canadian goaded to seek justice, will play the raider also. Ours is a frontier, over which they may come and do much mischief; but their’s is equally lengthy, and exposed. A sheet of flame will burst along their frontier as well as ours, the destruction will not be all one side.
During the Crimean war, the Canadians took great pleasure in giving contributions for the relief of the soldiers, wives and children. But this was only returning a like kindness displayed by England at the time of the invasion and rapine in 1812. The wanton destruction of Canadian homes brought much distress. By the Kingston Gazette of 5th December, 1813, we see “that the total sum subscribed in the City of London for the relief of the sufferers in Canada (which has come to our knowledge), amounts to £10,419 10s. 0d.” And the same year “The General Assembly of Nova Scotia gave to the distressed of Upper Canada £2,500.” An act of fraternal kindness that Canadians have been ready to return during the last year.
DIVISION XI.
ADVANCE OF CIVILIZATION.
CHAPTER LXV.
Contents—Canada’s first step in civilization—Slavery in America—By whom introduced—False charge—Slavery in Canada—History—Imperial Acts—Legislation in Canada—The several clauses—In Lower Canada—Justice Osgood—Slavery at the Rebellion—Among the U. E. Loyalists—Those who held slaves—Descendants of the slaves—“A British slave”—“For sale”—“Indian slave”—Upper Canada’s Record—Compared with the States—Liberty—Why the United States abolished slavery—Honor to whom honor is due.
SLAVERY.
We devote a chapter to the subject of slavery, which may be appropriately noticed under advance of civilization. There can be no greater indication of a truly civilized people than a successful attempt to emancipate those in bondage. In this respect Upper Canada was very far in advance of the United States, and even of England herself.