Committee of Safety June 1, 1866 page 3
The following minutes were found by Barbara Wilson Smith, a descendant of Isaac P. Willson (Secretary of the meeting). Barbara contacted me in March 2000 about these unpublished and previously unknown documents (6 numbered legal size pages plus 3 unnumbered letter size!) which had sat in an attic for over 130 years. They turned out to be the minutes of a 17 hour meeting (beginning at 5 p.m. June 1st, ending at 10 a.m. June 2) in the Welland area of Ontario in the 24 hours preceeding the Battle of Ridgeway! These are extremely important historical documents and Barbara is to be commended for her dedication to seeing that they are preserved.
Barb asked if I would help her decipher the handwriting then publish them on The Olive Tree Genealogy pages, and if I could suggest a permanent home for them. With her permission I contacted the Ontario Archives and they began discussions with Barb about providing archival space for the papers. Documents in Ontario concerning the Fenian Raids are rare, and Barb’s papers are a treasure trove of historical data and names.
Meantime Barb and I worked together to decipher the handwriting, which was fairly neat when the meeting began in the early evening of June 1st (around 5 pm) but became far less legible as the all-night meeting continued. Finally we have deciphered enough of the document to begin presenting it here.
I have placed my notes inside square brackets [ ] and any additional notes from Barb are prefaced with her name. In most cases we agreed on the transcript; in a few we did not. I have also included some of the pages as a graphic which you may consult. And now — enjoy!
Committee of Safety
June 1st 1866
Present T.W.. Hooker, Esq., John Hellund [?] [Barb’s note: I think this is John Hellums], Esq., A.G..
Hill,
Esq, E. R Dewhurst, Esq. L. D. Raymond, Esq. I. P.
Willson
Unanimously resolved that T. W. Hooker Esq be the Chairman of this Committee and I.P. Willson, Esq. Secy.
Moved by I.P. Willson, seconded by John Hellund [?] that this committee remain in permanent session until the danger appears to have passed. Carried unanimously.
Start of page 3
8:10
News arrived that a vessel had been sighted at Thorold loaded with Fenian crews —
A suspicious circumstance reported — A man at Railway station in Doans – thought to be a Fenian — Constable patterson sent to examine him — he returned and said the man not as supposed —
Patrol East – at Spencers
Patrol South – Holms Corner {Officer of the Day -. -. Paterson}
4 men to each patrol – 2 to remain at Station until relieved – 2 hours at post
1st patrol. Gilchrist in charge. Wm. Arnott [this name crossed out and written above is “J. Brown”] , James Smith, Jacob Weaver – posted 9:30 pm
2nd patrol – G. Robertshaw in charge – J. Brown [this name crossed out] F. White, James Vanwyck, Wm[?] Page [ this name crossed out] A. K. Vanwyck posted 9:30 pm
[? Can’t read as not photocopied completely] James Rose & 2 guards – returned – we went to Bucks Station and was told there that the Fenians was 2 miles from them at J. Graham’s crossing – we went on to 1/2 mile of Railway & [F- – – – – -] – we was informed that they was watching – we halted them in the edge of the woods – a man came and inquired who we were – Ru-d– went and —- him – & hie wanted Rundles [?] saddle — after talking some time – he saw others of the Fenians in a corner of the [?] not far off. They were all around — we then fled — we saw a man by the name of Patrick Cading[?] & he said that he came over with the Fenians last night and there were about 3000 — and more were coming tonight – Cading [?] said that he had deserted from them – this had not much baggage – [?] had taken about 4 hourses and were taking cattle – Dr. Thompson [?] is not killed but is a prisoner – also Dr. Elliott and Wm Tarbble [?]
Mr. Cafferty reported news confirming other [?] from the committee – he came from Buffalo [illegible]
end of page 3
June 1866 Committee of Safety Meeting Minutes
Volunteers on the Patrol Guards
Choose from List Of Officers Of The Sedentary Militia Of Lower Canada, 1862 ~ Canada, Fenian Raids Bounty Applications, 1866-1871 ~ Battles ~ Muster Rolls ~ Photos