[riddell] navy island EPISODE, 1837 65 



near 100 were collected together. I saw one Immense Boat that 

 would hold 50 men, drawn all the way from Hamilton, a distance of 

 44 miles, by 36 oxen, — a sight, I shall in all probability, never witness 

 again. Schooners also were ordered from the shores of Lake Erie, 

 and every other kind of craft that the Country possesed. — The two 

 first Boats were soon brought into service, without waiting for a general 

 attack, which, at one time, was determined on. These were manned 

 by a reconnoitering party ,^ consisting of Intrepid young fellows, who 

 had freely volunteered their services. The current being strong, 

 they were towed up the river a little beyond Mr. Ussher's. — The 

 party, consisting of Six in one boat, and Eight in the other, proceeded 

 towards the Island, intending to row down the stream between Navy 

 and Grand Islands. The object in view, was to ascertain what force 

 was stationed at the back part, where the old lady's cottage stood, 

 then taken possession of by VanRanselaer and Mackenzie, with their 

 aid de Camps. 



No sooner however, had they reached the line opposite the 

 extremity of the Island, than a brisk Cannonading, with 6 pounders, 

 opened upon them. It was an interesting and Novel sight, tho' an 

 alarming one, lest our brave Countrymen should be swamped by a 

 Cannon Ball. At the first fire, we distinctly saw where the ball 

 struck the water, well directed as to the line, but too much elevated, 

 so that the Ball passed over their heads, and struck some distance 

 off^. — The second shot was better directed and fell very near the bow 

 of the Boat. — Finding it would be impracticable to get round, they 

 rowed back and returned to Chippewa, about Midway in the Current 

 on this side, but sufficiently near to the Island for any experienced 

 Rifleman to have done great execution. By this time, a vast number 

 had assembled with their rifles, who kept up one incessant firing, 

 but all to no effect. I should think at the least, there were 200 balls 

 fired, still no harm done, which satisfied us there was less to fear 

 from the Brigands than had, by many, been anticipated, although 

 it had been given out that their aim was as unerring as the Indians. — 

 Whilst the Boats kept gliding along, our fine fellows only laughed at 

 them, twirling, at the same time, a Hat at the End of a boarding 

 Sword, with which they were all well armed, as well as pistols. 

 Before they cleared the Island, another Cannonading commenced, 

 with similar ill-success. The ruffians discharged 7 Six pounders, 

 but none near Enough to either Boat even to splash them. One 

 Ball, I noticed, dropped in the water, midway between the 2 Boats. 

 This was the second best shot that was made. — On reaching Chippewa, 

 they gave 3 cheers, and landed amid the applause of the byestanders. 



