HISTORICAL EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE ON THIS DAY IN CANADA

13 November

Sir Alexander Campbell, Sir John A.'s law partner

Birge's Plan Fails

Sir John A. Macdonald's place in Canadian history is that of architect of Confederation and the first prime minister. It is easy to forget that he was also a practising lawyer from Kingston, Ontario.

Macdonald lost one of his most important law cases as the result of an incident that took place on November 13, 1838, during the rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada. An American leader of the Brotherhood of Hunters, John Birge, raised a force of 400 men to attack Prescott, Ontario, and thus drive a wedge between Upper and Lower Canada. In recruiting speeches throughout the State of New York, Birge claimed that nineteenth of the population of Upper Canada, and four-fifths of the militia were "oppressed" and ready to join his invasion force.

The invasion force sailed from Sackets Harbour on November 11, 1838, but as it came nearer to Prescott, Birge developed a convenient stomach ache, and asked to be put on shore at Ogdensburg. About half the force deserted with him. Command then fell on a former Polish officer, Von Schultz. He was a brave, competent soldier, and under his direction, the invaders managed to capture a windmill on the river bank below Prescott and some stone houses, which they made into forts. They unfurled a Patriot flag, made by the ladies of Onondaga County, New York, on which was embroidered a star, an eagle, and the words, "Liberated by the Onondaga Hunters." Von Schultz expected help from the Canadians whom Birge had claimed would join them. Instead, a British naval detachment from Kingston arrived on the scene on November 13. It was followed by Canadian militia which, far from being disloyal, attacked the windmill. Von Schultz and his deluded men fought bravely, but had to surrender after three days. British and Canadian troops had seventy-six men killed or wounded, while the Hunters lost thirty-seven.

The invaders were taken to Kingston where the leaders were defended by the young lawyer, John A. Macdonald. Von Schultz was the only one who pleaded guilty. He said he had thought that Canadians wanted to be liberated, but he had been misled by the Hunters. Eight of them, including Von Schultz, were hanged, although Macdonald did his best for them.

13 November

-1637    Newfoundland was granted to Sir David Kirke.

-1689    The Iroquois massacred the settlement at La Chesnaye, 20 miles down the river from Montreal.

-1705    Negro slaves were declared to be "moveable property."

-1775    American troops under General Montgomery occupied Montreal.

-1849    The capital of Canada was shifted to Toronto owing to riots in Montreal.

-1929    There was a second sharp stock market crash (see October 29).

-1953    The American President and Mrs. Eisenhower visited Ottawa.

-1956    Prime Minister St. Laurent announced the creation of the Canada Council.