70 THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



Hamilton in front of Mr. Ussher's house, when a warm firing Com- 

 menced — a ball passed behind us within 60 yards and tore up the 

 ground; the whizzing Noise induced us to put our hands to our ears 

 and I for one involuntarily lowered my head, upon which Dr. Hamilton 

 coolly replied, it was better to walk on quietly upright; he however 

 was used to such Matters in the last war. — Strange as it may appear, 

 I believe now that it is possible even to be fond of the excitement, 

 for Mr. Merritt's son who was up there one day, went away quite 

 disappointed that he could not see them fire, and on those days when 

 the Cannonading did take place, I have heard the byestanders ex- 

 claim "Go it ye Devils and take better aim." — ^There were many hair- 

 breadth escapes and considering the immense number of times they 

 fired, it is extraordinary so few fell a sacrifice. — A short time before 

 the breaking out of the affray, we had built a foot bridge across the 

 Creek at the back of Mr. Ussher's house. Captain Adams told me 

 he was marching his Men across when a Ball struck in the Bank close 

 beside them. I also saw one strike the water under the Bank when 

 three officers were passing on Horseback. 



Doubtless you will ask where the Balls were procured in so short 

 a time for the use of the Ruffians, for I can call them No better. — 

 Some they stole from the Arsenals, but the greater part were cast at 

 a foundry in Buffalo. 



The Insurrection being quelled at Toronto and in the West, the 

 Governor crossed the Lake to take a survey of the frontier. Landing 

 at Niagara, he proceeded to Queenston and from thence to Chippewa, 

 along the shore to Fort Erie, opposite Buffalo, the termination at that 

 time of the guarded Coasts. — On his return, he was accompanied by 

 Mr. Merritt and two other Gentlemen, who pointed out, as they rode 

 along, every thing worthy of Notice on our own frontier, as well as 

 the opposite shore and the Island where the rebels were encamped. — 

 I was standing opposite Mr. Ussher's unconscious of their approach, 

 when the Governor politely withdrew from his Company^shook 

 hands and expressed his satisfaction at finding all along the line so 

 vigilant and at their posts. I asked him when the Marauders would 

 be dislodged, as they were a source of great annoyance to us by their 

 frequent firing; — he replied that in a few days, on the arrival of the 

 artillery, then on its way — it would be effected. — At this Intelligence 

 from the fountain head, we were satisfied. — I have no doubt at the 

 Time, this was fully contemplated, but on a Council of War being 

 held, it was considered advisable if possible to spare the effusion of 



