Q2 JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS. 



" The enemy retreated next morning, followed by droves of 

 Indians and militia, who, on hearing of the fight, gathered from all 

 parts." 



The defeat of the British at Moraviantown forced them to con- 

 tinue their retreat from the west. After a long and toilsome journey, 

 during which they endured severe privations, and suffered greatly 

 from the hardships incident to a march through an almost unbroken 

 forest, they reached the village of Ancaster on the 1 7th of the same 

 month. When the inhabitants of this quiet country place heard of 

 the reverses in the west, and saw the straggling groups of soldiers as 

 they entered the village, their minds were filled with grave appre- 

 hensions as to their own safety. It seemed to them inevitable that 

 they should witness the destruction of their homes and property. 

 The panic spread rapidly, but as no victorious army followed, quiet 

 was soon restored. The remnant of Proctor's army reached Burling- 

 ton Heights, where they met the Centre army on their retreat from 

 Niagara, for Sir George Prevost had issued orders to General 

 Vincent to evacuate all the British posts, and to retire to Kingston 

 with the least possible delay. At Burlington Heights they held a 

 council of war, when it was decided that the western part of the 

 province should be defended at all hazards. 



A picture with true perspective gives to the eye an accurate 

 representation of the scene which it depicts, so the placing of the 

 battle of Stony Creek, and the council of war at Burlington Heights 

 in their true historical perspective, enables us to form a more correct 

 estimate of their importance. The time at which these events 

 occurred was undoubtedly the crucial period^of our history, and the 

 loyalty and devotion of the people were tried as if by fire. The 

 crisis of the war was safely passed, although unknown to the actors 

 in the struggle. These two places are indeed historic ground, and 

 as Canadians we should show our appreciation of their true worth 

 by erecting some monument to commemorate these events. 



"Yet this 'battle' sways the future, and behind the dim unknown 

 Standeth God within the shadow keeping watch above His own. 

 We see dimly in the present what is small and what is great, 

 Slow of faith, how weak an arm may turn the i>ron helm of fate." 



