The moral effect, however, was better. The sup pression of the rebellion by mere volunteers, or rural soldiery, opened the eyes of the Canadians, and convinced them that there was enough of loyalty in the country to preserve its integrity. The Chartists in England were taught the same practical lesson a few years ago, when a demonstration was intended, and the arrangements for it all concluded. Their plan was to go through the streets of London in solemn procession. The Government wisely resolved to prevent it-a measure which they accomplished, not by squadrons of cavalry, and battalions of infantry; but by a corps of special constables, among whom was the present Emperor of France, Napoleon III. This circumstance exhibited, in a striking manner, the power of conservatism, and how deeply rooted that principle is in the English mind. At this period the whole continent was convulsed-sceptres were broken to pieces, and thrones were pulled down-Kings and Queens were flying before their indignant and exasperated subjects—and institutions, forms of government, and dynasties paralysed and degraded by their own corruptions, had fallen before the popular will, and lay in shapeless masses at the feet of the sovereign people. But in England, order prevailed; the loyalty of the people maintained the public tranquillity, and the flexibility of the constitution saved the Empire.

CHAPTER VI.

REBELLION-BATTLES OF LA COLLE AND ODELL TOWNSUBSEQUENT DEATH OF SOME WHO TOOK PART IN THESE ENGAGEMENTS-APPOINTED TO STANSTEAD MILLERISM, &c.-CHURCH ESTABLISHMENTS.

THE writer does not intend to open wounds that are healed, or to disinter remembrances that are buried. He does not allude to the battles of La Colle and Odell Town, from any pleasure the retrospection affords; but because he feels it to be a bounden, though painful duty. The memory of the brave men who fell on these occasions-the patience and constancy-fealty and courage of others-the bodily sufferings of those who were maimed and wounded -and above all, the irreparable loss of those who were bereaved of husbands and fathers, call loudly for such a tribute.

On the 7th of November, early in the forenoon, sympathizers and rebels, amounting to more than four hundred, entered the Province from Rouse's Point, State of New York. They were well provided with arms and assorted ammunition, and were supported by a field piece. After a short time, they took up a good position between Mr. Mussen's farm and the high road leading to Champlain; but

they had scarcely executed this manœuvre, when the Hemmingford volunteers, two hundred strong, and commanded by Major Scriver arrived in Odelltown, thus augmenting the force in that place to 350 equipped and effective men. A party not included in this number, under Major Stott, of Saint Valentine, attacked the advanced post of the insurgents, and forced it to retire upon the main body, while Colonel Odell, supported by Majors Scriver and March, fell upon the remainder, and rendered the action general. The arrangement on this occasion evinced a good deal of judgment, and tended to secure the result that followed. Major March and Captain Straker occupied the right, the men under Major Scriver, composed the centre and the left, and to Captains Fisher, Weldon, and Hays was assigned the hazardous duty of flanking.

The numerical force on both sides was nearly equal, but the insurrectionists had certainly the best position, and this important circumstance, together with their piece of ordnance, gave them a decided advantage.

The action continued for nearly an hour, when the rebels fled in the utmost confusion, leaving eighteen of their party dead on the field, besides nine wounded, two of whom died soon after. Among the fruits of this victory were the cannon,

a large quantity of ammunition, nearly three hundred stand of arms, and several prisoners.

Napierville, at this time, was the head quarters of the revolutionary army, and also the seat of the Provisional Government. When the news of this signal defeat reached here, a force of more than six hundred strong was hastily collected together, in order to renew the attack upon Odell Town, and avenge the loss they had sustained. To meet this formidable onset, some of the volunters entrenched themselves in the Wesleyan Church, a large stone edifice, while others selected the best positions in the immediate vicinity. Their whole number did not exceed two hundred; but notwithstanding this fearful odds against them, they resisted the enemy for more than two hours, and eventually compelled them to retreat, broken and discomfited.

In these disastrous affairs several of the volunteers were killed and eleven wounded; none severely however, except Lieutenant Hiram Odell, and private James Kidd. Many were saved as by the skin of their teeth, as the following instances will abundantly prove. A rifle ball tore open Major March's cap, and was found in the lining. A musket ball entered the cartouche box worn by Ensign Van Vleit, and dropped down among the rest of the ammunition. A bullet struck the breast plate of

Private Armstrong, of Captain Straker's company, with such force, that it was indented, and his breast discoloured. The captured gun was effectively served by Lieutenant Curran, of the Hemmingford militia, assisted by Sergeant Beatty, of the first Royals; and all cheerfully and efficiently performed the duty which as loyal British subjects devolved upon them.

Upwards of forty of the insurgents were killed, chiefly Canadians, many were wounded and taken prisoners-the latter were forwarded to Montreal, and tried by Court Martial. Some were discharged, but the greater number were transported to different penal Colonies, and five were executed, among whom was a Captain Hindenlang, a native of France, and who on the scaffold, and when he was about to be turned off, shouted" Vive la Liberté." "Bas les Bureaucrats.” "Liberty for ever""Down with the government."

In these constitutional endeavours to preserve Canada to the British Crown, the Wesleyans bore an honourable and distinguished part. They comprised nearly all the Protestants in the seigniory; and were all on the side of law and order; and although many of them were in both of the engagements, to which we have alluded, not one of them was killed. The Lord was on their side of a truth.

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