INTRODUCTION
THE events which have transpired since Canada first conceived the idea
of acquiring possession of the North-West Territory, formerly known as
the Hudson's Bay Territory, are of so much interest and importance that
I have endeavoured to write an account of them. I may claim to have some
little right to undertake this task, as I have myself borne part in many
of the scenes here portrayed, and with the exception of Mr. Mair, of
Prince Albert, who acted as Quarter-Master of the Governor-General's
Body Guard, I am the only one who took an active part in both rebellions
that I am aware of. I, nevertheless, realize the responsibility of
dealing with questions in which so many prominent men of the country
have been actors; but as not a few of the residents came within my own
personal knowledge I have not hesitated on this account to deal with
them. I endeavour to give a detailed and connected account of the
interesting and stirring events which have occurred in the Canadian
North-West, and to add one more book to the many that will go to
make its history. I do so with diffidence, feeling that my literary
ability is not equal to placing these occurrences before my readers in
as attractive a form as would be adopted by one more accustomed to
write; but what is lacking in that respect, I have endeavoured to make
up by interesting fact and anecdote and by truthful narration.
I open my book by giving an account of the raising of the 100th
Regiment, because this circumstance has either been almost forgotten or
is unknown to many of the present generation. For the sake of the corps
also, in which not a few Canadians spent many years of their lives, I
have taken the opportunity of preserving a record of this important
event in the history of the country and because several of its officers
and men held positions of trust in the force that was employed during the
recent campaign.
The responsibility of governing such a large territory by Canadians
who, up to the year 1867, formed a number of separate colonies, and who
lacked experience in dealing with such vast interests, was great; and it
is an evidence of the ability which our people possess in being able to
govern such a Dominion as is now comprised within the limits of Canada.
It would be impossible almost to accomplish the blending of so many
diverse elements and interests without occasionally making mistakes; and
it is manifest that no little wisdom has been displayed, in being able
to correct the mistakes when they occurred. If that wisdom had not been
so effectively displayed the whole current of affairs in Canada might
have been altered. The same remark is applicable to the conduct of the
campaign which has just closed. With the exception of the very few who
had seen foreign service, the officers and men upon whom devolved the
burden of putting down the late rebellion had no experience in dealing
with such an emergency at its commencement or in its suppression.
Nevertheless, few mistakes were made throughout the whole campaign,
including the events which led up to it; and this fact deserves especial
notice.
One prominent object I have in writing my book is to preserve a record
of the services of my own men, that they may have for future reference
an accurate account of the duties they performed, and that the district
in which I live may be able to preserve a history of the late rebellion,
amid some satisfaction in the part the pioneers of the district were
enabled to take in upholding the laws (if their newly-adopted country
and in helping to preserve their settlements from the dangers which
threatened them. In my narrative, if I have given a greater degree of
prominence to their services, it is for their sake, and because I feel
it a duty I owe to them. A great many interesting accounts could be
written by other members of the force, dealing more minutely with
particular events which came under their notice; and it is possible that
I have left out a great deal which I either did not witness or have
overlooked. As I have written this book, however, on my homestead, where
I had no access to documents that would have assisted me, allowance must
considerately be made for any shortcomings in this respect.
The narrative will show how, by the ambition of one man, who was
utterly reckless of the lives and property of others, a country may be
plunged into difficulties. Riel stands out boldly as the chief actor in
the history, and his career shows plainly that if he had applied his
abilities to seek by constitutional means to give expression to the
wants of his people, instead of tyrannically usurping authority to serve
his own ambitious purposes, he might have lived to be useful to his
country.
Riel played for a big personal stake, and hoped by uniting the Indians
and half-breeds to overcome the country and to dictate terms, and he
lost. He now stands as an example to anyone who is foolhardy enough to
pursue the same tactics in Canada. At the end of my book I have added a
chapter upon the social and political life of the country, feeling that
Canada offers the best inducements to intending emigrants to make new
and prosperous homes for themselves. In this chapter I have endeavoured
to give as much information as possible to those of my readers who may
purpose moving from the overcrowded centres of the Old World to carve out
homes for themselves in the New.
I have touched slightly upon political questions, because I believe it
is the duty of every one, no matter in how humble a sphere he may act,
to lead his countrymen to higher hopes and aspirations, when the
opportunity offers.
I have inserted the three addresses which welcomed myself and my corps
on our return home. They are a sample of the patriotic and affectionate
greetings which met every officer and man of the Canadian militia on his
return to civil life after the campaign. The enthusiasm that prevailed
was caused, not only by the admiration of the Canadian people for the
manner in which the troops behaved, but from a sense of relief that a
general Indian rising-thanks to the valour of the troops-had been
averted.
I have also inserted the names of every member of the Canadian militia
who took part in the expedition, so far as I could obtain them, in order
that they may be able to preserve their identification with so
honourable a campaign. As the names, however, are only interesting to
individuals, it will not be considered necessary to insert them for any
longer time than to give each member of the force an opportunity of
purchasing a copy.
I will be glad to receive any corrections or additional incidents from
my readers, to help me to make my work more perfect, in case I might be
encouraged by public favour to issue a second edition. And in
anticipation of a second edition being called for, I beg to offer fifty
dollars for the best verses upon "Patriotism to Canada and Loyalty to
the Empire," in accordance with the spirit of my book, to be written by
the first of July next, for insertion in a second edition, should it be
called for, and forwarded to S. HEATH, 40 Yonge Street, Toronto, or the
the AUTHOR, who will take the best means to secure an unprejudiced
opinion upon the respective merits of the verses offered for
competition.