CHAPTER III.
THE CANADIAN "PATRIOT" WAR.
WHAT was known as the " Patriot" insurrection in Canada, beginning in 1837, and continuing through 1838, was the cause of much excitement and disturbance along this side of the border of that Province. The alleged object of the movement on the other side, was the overthrow of British rule and the establishment of an independent Republican Government, to be known as the "Republic of Upper Canada," with the design, when such should be successful, of extending the movement to Lower Canada. The enterprise, while supported by a few Canadians, more or less sincere in their professions of love for Free Government, depended chiefly for men and means, upon co-operation from this side. At no time had the scheme enough of home support to last 30 days, and most that it did have was due to exaggerated ideas of what was to be done in the United States.
The work of preparation occupied most of the year of 1837, when there was considerable agitation, attended by some collisions in Canada. Meantime, the work of the " sympathizers" progressed on this side. The grossest exaggeration was employed for effect on both sides of the line. Thus, in the United States reports were rile of wonderful "popular uprisings " all over Canada ; while in that Province, equally false accounts of sympathy and assured support from this side were employed to bolster the movement. Whereas, in fact, there was in neither country any support to justify a moment's continuance of the mad scheme.
By December, 1837, such forces as the leaders had been able to raise, were gathered along the line, with the purpose of a "combined movement" of some sort. The recruits from this side consisted mainly of the idle and thriftless, which classes had been swollen in numbers by the serious financial collapse and business suspension of that year. An idea of the sort of material that made up the body of the "Patriot" recruits, may be had, when it is stated, that the distribution of " rations " to a squad of
[74]
these at Norwalk, while on their way from Akron to "the front," consisted of one man passing along the rank with a basket of crackers, followed by another with a pail from which was delivered to each "soldier" a small cup of whiskey. Poultry and young pigs were in constant peril on the line of march, while dealers in clothing, boots, shoes, etc., often had all they could do to maintain and enforce their ideas of right to property so much coveted by the " Patriots " passing through, who could not understand why those who stayed at home, should not contribute more liberally to the aid of those who went to the "battlefields of Freedom."
The two ends of Lake Erie were the scenes of the main movements of the "Patriots." In December they took possession of Navy Island (belonging to Canada), in Niagara River, and from there issued a proclamation gravely announcing that the " Provisional Government of the Republic of Upper Canada" was established that a reward of £500 was offered for the apprehension of Sir Francis Bond Head, then Governor of Canada-that 300 acres of Her Majesty's lands would be freely bestowed by the Provisional Government upon every volunteer who should join the revolutionary forces-adding that " ten millions of those lands, fair and fertile, would speedily be at their disposal, with the other vast resources of a country more extensive and rich in natural treasures than the United Kingdom or old France."
For purposes of communication with the American shore, the "Patriots" employed a small steamboat, the " Caroline," of which Captain "Gil." Appleby (a well-known Lake navigator) had command. This craft proved very useful, and this so far aggravated the British authorities, that on the night of the 29th of December, a British force sent for the purpose, burned the Steamer, while lying at Schlosser, on this side of the river. This action was a god-send never more needed by the failing fortunes of the new-born "Republic," in 4]
THE CANADIAN "PATRIOT" WAR. - 75
inflaming the American people, and arousing our Government in protest against such unwarranted violation of our territorial rights. The question at one time threatened the peace of the two countries.
The Eastern campaign of the " Patriots " collapsed with the loss of the Caroline, and operations were transferred to the West. In February, 1838, the Volunteers from this side made a movement from Sandusky, crossing on the ice to Point an Pellee Island, where they landed on the 25th of that month, and took possession. The Island was the property of a Mr. McCormic, and had been deserted. It was well stocked with provisions, cattle, hogs and poultry-which, as reported, proved a very acceptable prize with the "Patriots." An oxmill and a supply of corn also were found. On the 3d of March, the scene was changed by the arrival of British troops, when was fought the "Battle of Point an Pellee." The engagement took place on the ice. Col. Edwin D. Bradley, now (1887) of Stryker, Williams County, Ohio, was in command of the " Patriot" forces ; and since the Point au Pellee locality is now attracting new attention from Ohio people through its piscatorial advantages, the more interest will be felt in Colonel Bradley's report of that engagement,* which action at the time
* OFFICIAL REPORT OF COLONEL BRADLEY.
To Brigadier- General McLeod, Commanding Western Division of Patriot Service of the Republic of Upper Canada:
DEAR SIR:-I hasten to answer to you for the information of the Commander-in-Chief, that an action was fought on the morning of the 3d instant, at Point all Pellee Island, Upper Canada, between the Patriot force under my command and a detachment of about 400 British Regulars.
At day-break the enemy was discovered in great force a few miles from our encampment, which was at the head of the Island. Their main force, about 700 strong; was marched down quietly in front ; their left, about 200 strong, flanking off in the direction of the light-house at North Point ; and their right, consisting entirely of British Regulars, in sleighs and on horse-back, were pushing on with great speed along the West side of the Island to gain our rear, for the purpose of cutting off our retreat, should the main force succeed in driving us from our position.
After closely examining the force and disposition of the enemy, I did not think it prudent to await the attack of the main body. The men were therefore instantly mustered and filed off toward the Southern end of the Island, a distance of seven miles, to meet and fight the regular force, which had already gained our excited intense interest throughout the border. Colonel Bradley subsequently commanded with credit a Company of Infantry in the Mexican War of 1846-47, and afterwards the 38th Ohio Volunteers in the Union Army, as long as his health permitted.
Coincident with the advance of Colonel Bradley's forces across the Lake from Sandusky, was a similar movement by another "Patriot" command from the Michigan side, to Fighting Island, in the Detroit River, some eight miles below Detroit, where an engagement took place February 25, 1838.
The Detroit Free Press, of February 26th, had the following report of the affair
Yesterday the war commenced in or near Canada. On Sunday P. 31. the Patriot forces, which had been lurking in small and detached squads at various points between Toledo and Gibraltar, collected on the American shore, opposite Fighting Island, belonging to the British, their number amounting to between 200 and 300, without arms, except five or six muskets and a small field piece mounted on two rails. In this condition, after receiving and cheering a patriotic speech from General McLeod, who commanded them, they crossed (oil the ice) and took possession of the Island. They did not, we understand, intend to cross until their arms, which were undoubtedly delayed, bad been received ; but they were forced immediately to abandon the American territory, in order to evade the civil authorities, which, aided by the United
rear. This was effected as speedily as circumstances would admit. When we arrived in view of this force, which consisted of about 350 heavy Infantry and 75 well-mounted Cavalry, drawn up in ordinary battle array on the ice, one and one-half miles from the shore, in the direction of Middle Island-as we had no time for delay, in consequence of the enemy's main force, which was fast approaching-I gave instant orders to form in line of battle, which were cheerfully obeyed by officers and men. When all was in readiness, the line moved forward with a firm and unflinching resolution worthy of tried veterans and advanced within half musket-shot of the enemy, when they opened a tremendous fire on our whole line, checking its progress and compelling us to commence the action at a greater distance than we first intended. Nevertheless (some of our troops having fired without orders), to prevent confusion, it was thought proper that the action should become general. For half an hour we sustained the shock of three times our number of British Regular troops, twice throwing them into confusion, breaking their ranks, and strewing the battle-ground with their dead and wounded. At this time the men remained firm, the ranks unbroken, and all determined to continue the contest. The near approach, however, of the main force in our rear, induced some to leave the
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States troops, were in close pursuit of them. In the course of the night, about 50 stands of arms were conveyed to them on the Island. About daylight yesterday morning, the British troops opened a fire on them with grape-shot from the Canadian shore. After receiving two or three shots and returning as many, the Islanders retreated in confusion to the American shore, with three wounded-one severely, and two slightly. At the shore they were met by the United States troops, who arrested and disarmed them as fast as they landed. The British troops took possession of the Island as soon as it was evacuated. We have seen and conversed with one of the men who was on Fighting Island, and who informs us that they were assured by their officers, that 500 men had crossed into Canada below Malden from Sandusky. This is the prevalent belief here, as heavy cannonading was heard during the forenoon of yesterday, in that direction. Our informant says he knows of no other force in this quarter which has been preparing to enter Canada, except that with which he was connected on Fighting Island, and that which is supposed to have gone over from Sandusky.
General Vernally, of the "Patriot" forces, has been arrested by the United States authorities.
Toledo contributed her quota to the "Patriot" force on this occasion, which was commanded by Captains William Dodd and- Crane, who were strongly endorsed for their bravery and skill, by General McLeod, the '° Patriot " commander, in a letter published in the Blade at the time.
The letter was as follows:
To the Citizens of the City of Toledo:
I beg to recommend to your favorable notice, the gallant and intrepid conduct of Captain William Dodd of this City, and his Company, who so gallantly and intrepidly sustained me in the unequal contest ranks, in spite of their officers. Still, the battle was continued by a few of the men until the greater part of the troops had retired to the Island, where all assembled to deliberate upon the best mode of escape. It was concluded to cross over from the East to the West side of the Island, and under its cover retreat, which was safely effected, although the enemy's Cavalry hung continually on our flank and rear..
I was ably seconded in all my efforts during the engagement by Colonel Ward, Major Lawton and Adjutant Olney, who fought with a bravery unequaled in modern warfare. It is with pain and regret, that I announce the fall of Major Hoadley and Captain Van Rennssalear. The former displayed a coolness during the whole engagement worthy of a better fate. His memory should be engraven on the hearts of his countrymen. Other officers conducted themselves with unexampled bravery. None were willing to give up the contest, till compelled by the superior force of the enemy.
of the morning of the 25th instant. I have seen much service in Europe and America, but never witnessed officers of a commission who conducted themselves so coolly, determinedly, and deliberately, as did Captains Dodd and Crane for three and one-half hours, with 40 men against 500 British troops well armed.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
DONALD MCLEOD,
Brig-Gen. Patriot Army, Upper Canada.
With the Fighting Island fiasco, the "Patriot" folly collapsed in a failure which would have been ludicrous, but for the many deluded victims of its vain hopes, and the peril in which it placed the peace of two Nations. The inspiration of the movement was two fold-a zeal for liberty without knowledge of the means necessary to obtain it, and the spirit of plunder always so ready as an incentive in such cases.
The Caroline affair at Schlosser at once aroused the intensest excitement along the border, and for a time operated somewhat to galvanize the sinking "Patriot" cause. Its national bearing, as was to have been expected, was serious from the question of hostile invasion which grew out of it. Public meetings were at once called at different points along the Lakes, for the expression of the popular feelings as to the matter. Such a meeting convened at Maumee City, January 17, 1838, being held at the American House, the signers to the call being Henry Reed, Jr., J. J. Bingham, David Howe, W. C. White, Geo. Richardson, D. R. Ranney, Jonah Woodruff, D. B. Taylor, A. Clarke, James Wolcott, John Sargent, Ed. A. Pierson, Geo. T. Cose, Alanson Powers, John Furey, L. B. Dean, J. F. Smith, T. W.
Our loss is one Major, one Captain and eight privates killed; one Captain and 15 privates wounded, and three taken prisoners. The enemy's loss, from the best information received, is Major McCormick and other officers (names unknown), and from 50 to 60 rank and file killed, and 75 wounded. I will further state, that we numbered just 150 on the morning of the engagement, officers included.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Yours,
E. D. BRADLEY, Colonel,
In command Patriot Forces Point au Pellee Island,
Upper Canada.
March 5th, 1838.
P. S.-I have just received information from a Frenchman, who was the owner and driver of the teams that carried the enemy from Malden to Point an Pellee. He states that 58 of the enemy were killed and 75 wounded. E. D. B.
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Crowell, Geo. S. Hazard, James F. Shephard, Wheeler French, E. P. Parkman, J. Dwight, F. E. Kirtland, Guy C. Noble, Chas. Woodruff, D. S. Gregory, A. J. Hackley, John Morian, Wm. Copeland, G. B. Warner, Wm. E. Dunham and Stephen T. Hosmer. James Wilkinson was Chairman, and Henry Reed, Jr., Secretary of the meeting thus called. J. J. Bingham, H. L. Hosmer and J. Dwight were appointed the committee on resolutions, whose report was in strong sympathy with the " Patriot " cause.
The people of Toledo were not united in sentiment, as to either the general question of the "Patriot'.' movement or the character of the Schlosser affair. A meeting of about 150 citizens was held January 20th, at the Mansion House, of which Dr. Jacob Clark was the Chairman, and Chas. W. Hill the Secretary. D. O. Morton, C. E. Brintnall, E. B. Dodd, Sam. Allen, and E. S. Dodd, constituted the committee on resolutions, and reported a series of such bitterly denouncing the destruction of the Caroline, as "an outrage upon a body of unoffending and unarmed citizens of the United States," and "an open violation of the laws of Nations," etc., such proceeding being further characterized as " an unprovoked invasion of our soil and wanton massacre of our citizens." With these declarations as to the actions and purpose of the "Patriots," was another by the same meeting, that its members would " use all their power to prevent the unlawful organization of armed forces within our territory, and to avoid any measures calculated to involve our country in trouble or difficulty "-at the same time pledging " sympathy with the people of Canada in their grievances," and whatever aid "a neutral people could consistently" render them. The meeting was addressed by Mr. McDermott, late of London District, Upper Canada, and by several citizens of Toledo.
The Toledo Blade did not sympathize with the "Patriot" movement, as conducted on the South side of the Lakes. On the contrary, it severely criticized all attempts here to raise troops or otherwise aid warlike operations in its support.
Under date of January 17, 1838, the Blade discussed, at some length, the merits of the case, as relating to the duties of American citizens. It said : " Troops had been publicly enlisted at Buffalo-armed and equipped by her citizens, and in broad day, in daring defiance of law and open derision of the civil authorities, had marched out of the City and taken hostile possession of a British Island. Here they proceeded to fortify themselves, and under American leaders, receiving daily reinforcements of American troops, supplied by bountiful donations of provisions, arms and munitions of War from American citizens; and emboldened and urged on by the perverted sympathies of a giddy multitude, and the prevailing tone of a servile and dependent Press, they were meditating a descent upon the shore of Canada, to shed the blood of her unoffending inhabitants. Nor was this all; for this highhanded aggression could only have been con-summated at the almost certain risk of involving the whole country in a war-a war, too, with a friendly Power, to whose generous mediation, but a short time ago, our own Nation had probably been indebted for an escape from the horrors of a sanguinary conflict with France."
Referring to alleged disaffection among the people of Canada, the Blade said : "Moreover, where was the force embodied in Upper Canada, to encourage these volunteers and beckon them on ? Where were the gathered troops of the Provincial ' Patriots,' ready to welcome these partisans to the brotherhood of arms? They were not to be found. There was no sign or trace of internal revolt; much less of a matured and extended insurrection, to afford a shadow of excuse for the meditated invasion. The majority of that people, as we learn, are in favor of reform, but not of revolution. The mass of the people dread nothing so much as the threatened invasion from us. Their shores are lined-not with open arms to receive us, but unbought bayonets to repel the unnatural encroachment, and defend their altars and hearths. And yet, our American volunteers, in the desecrated name of Freedom, are bent upon hostile violation of their territory ; and we are required to applaud their disinterested heroism-to find a model for their leaders in the venerated LaFayette, and to libel the honest and sturdy yeomanry of our own Revolution, who bled for their own firesides, by degrading them to a comparison with these bold crusaders against a foreign soil. We are with the cause of free principles and Republican institutions. We believe in the right of the majority to determine their own
78 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
form of government; and if the majority of the inhabitants of the two Provinces are not satisfied with their connection with Great Britain, and are bent, at whatever hazard, to renounce their allegiance and establish an independent Government, we bid them I God speed.' Our sympathies are with them. We do not, however, believe in that romantic Quixotism, which would compel them to the horrors of revolution against their will. * Now, we put it to the candid sense of every reflecting and considerate member of this community, who believes in the obligations of good citizenship and obedience to laws, what was our duty in such a crisis? Was it, to court the giddy breath of popular favor, by fanning a flame which threatened to subvert all deliberation and self-control, and to lead to utter anarchy? Or was it, to be silent, and through fear of giving offense to a generous, but overheated ardor, stifle our convictions of the wrong committed upon our social obligations, and the shame and dishonor which impended over the National character? Our course was plain. Impelled alike by the strength of our feelings, an ardent love for our country's honor, and an imperative sense of duty, we raised a voice of resolute condemnation against the high-handed enrollment of American Volunteers to invade the coast of Canada. And what was the consequence? A great ferment was raised in Town, among some well-meaning, but impassioned champions of revolution, who seemed to think we had been guilty of some monstrous treason to the-cause of Republican institutions, because we could not approve of the dishonorable divorce of Liberty and Law. We took our position under the laws of the United States, and condemned, as no attempt at intimidation or proscription shall prevent us from still condemning, earnestly and indignantly, the illegal enrollment of American Volunteers." The article closed with the quotation of a sentiment uttered by Henry Clay in the Senate in regard to the demonstrations at Buffalo, to wit "There is no spectacle more unworthy a free people, than that presented by our country at present; where, while the Nation is at peace, the People are at war." The Blade at that time, is understood to have been under the editorial management of George B. Way. The free quotation from his article is made here, as much in consideration of the able and dignified assertion of the true character and office of the Press, as of the just and conservative course adopted for the paper upon an exciting and highly delicate public question ; whereby was furnished a precedent, as well as reasons, which can never be less valuable than they were under the particular circumstances which called them forth.
The end of the so-called "Patriot" movement, as might have been expected, was utter and complete failure-both in its practical results, and in its claims to consideration on the score of merit. The more it was examined as to the grounds upon which it was undertaken, the more causeless and unwarranted it appeared. At the outset, and for a time thereafter, the natural sympathy of the people of the border States of the Union with any subjects of monarchical power, led them to accept the stories of "British tyranny and wrong," and to wish the victims of such oppression success in their supposed attempt at freedom. This sentiment, more or less general, at first materially stimulated the "Patriot" cause, and aided in securing for it both financial support and security for active operations. It was greatly strengthened by the sympathy of the Press, which very generally encouraged the movement. It was only necessary for a few active and persistent men in almost any City or Town along the Lakes, to make the proper appeal, to secure more or less of popular support. It was soon found, however, that the response was more liberal in volunteers for the " Patriot " Army, than in funds for its support. The financial condition of the country was specially favorable for active recruiting of men. The panic and attendant general prostration of trade commencing early in 1837, had deprived large numbers of persons of employment, while throwing many others out of business, many of whom were thus well prepared to accept the plausible promises of the " Patriot" leaders that the property of the hated British, should soon be placed at their disposal. This consideration operated powerfully toward raising socalled "troops." But the essential supplies of the Commissary Department were lamentably wanting, whereby the movement was seriously crippled. The result was, that recruits drawn to the enterprise by hope of plunder or other gain, often without arms, clothing and food, were but a charge upon an illy-supplied ex-
THE CANADIAN "PATRIOT" WAR. - 79
chequer. As a rule, they were anything but a hopeful material out of which to make soldiers. As in the case of some of the officers of the force, many of the rank and file no doubt were sincere in their desire to sustain what they supposed to be a good cause; but the body of them knew nor cared for much beyond the hope for plunder and a love of venture-the more desperate the better.*
The most important event connected with this mad movement, was the burning of the Caroline at Schlosser. But for that, the " Patriot War" would not have attained even to its actual significance, and would have much sooner been lost to popular view. The arrest and trial of General McLeod, by the authorities of the United States, for the part taken by him in that event, led to complications and discussion with the British Government, which for a long time excited more or less alarm and apprehension of serious trouble. The prudence of the two Governments, however, prevailed in an amicable adjustment of the delicate questions involved. Such result was no doubt largely promoted by the action of the United States in protesting against participation by its citizens in the "Patriot" movement, and in the steps taken toward the maintenance of order and peaceful relations with the Canadian Government by citizens of the border States. In securing such end, President Van Buren sent Major-General Winfield Scott to the frontier for purposes of inspection and the repression of participation by American citizens in the acts of hostility to British authority. On such mission, General Scott spent some time along the border, with evident beneficial results.
Prominent in the " Patriot" movement during the Winter of 1838-9, was a Pole, Sholtewsky von Schoultz, who had fled from Poland, to escape the vengeance of the Russian Government, for his participation in the insurrection against that power. He was considered a man of exceptional intelligence and energy, with an earnest, burning zeal for any cause that promised relief of a people suffering op-
* A biographical sketch of General Bierce, who died at Akron in 1876, aged 75 years, says: "The whole movement (against Canada by Americans), was an unadvised one, and plainly a violation of international law, that, in his more mature life, he did not take much pride in." The same view is believed to have been general among the more intelligent American participants in that movement.
pression such as had been forced upon his native land. Volunteering for the "Patriot " service, he was appointed Colonel, with authority to organize a Regiment to be constituted chiefly of Poles. In prompt response to such appointment, Colonel von Schoultz transmitted to Major-General Lucius V. Bierce, of Akron, Ohio, a detailed plan for the operations of the "Patriot" Army, in its advance into Canada. The document has historical interest, as better showing the real character of that movement, and the sort of men who led it, than could otherwise be done. It was as follows
SALINA, N. Y., Sept. 28, 1838.
To Major- General Bierce, Commander-in- Chief:
DEAR SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the 17th of September, which this moment was handed to me, in relation to the organization of my forces and their movements. It is with feelings of gratification and pride I accept the honorable part you have entrusted to me, and I hasten with the utmost dispatch to fulfill my promises.
As the nature of the troops I organize requires officers of a particular description, I confidently trust you will have the goodness to permit me to appoint my officers and staff and report them to you for commissions.
The headquarters of my countrymen being at Philadelphia, I hasten to them through night and day, and will immediately report to you from that place. Your orders regarding the movement of my companies will be punctually obeyed. I hope you will rely with confidence upon my discretion in all that regards the secrecy and security of our noble enterprise.
Permit me, General, to lay before you a plan of attack for the opening of the campaign, and be assured at the same time that the reason why I do it does not originate in a supercilious pride, but that I consider it an imperious duty on my part, thereby to show myself worthy the command wherewith I have been entrusted, and add the experience which during twelve years' active service, I may have acquired in the art of war and military combinations to the talents with which you have surrounded yourself ; and further, that if the service of the detached regiment is a difficult and bloody one, I will regard it as a particular favor to have my regiment ordered to execute it. The plan is the following:
Twenty-four hours before you open hostilities with the main army from Detroit or its neighborhood, a regiment will be detached and sent around by water to Waterloo. There it lands and proceeds immediately to Fort Erie, which is stormed and carried ; a small garrison and the wounded are left there. The regiment will proceed the same night, without repose, toward Queenston (twenty-four miles) ,where it arrives the following day ; attacks, storms, and carries the fortifications and the town. Leaves a garrison and
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proceeds to Fort George; storms and carries it; leaves a garrison, wheels to the left and occupies Port Dalhousie; organizes that Town for defense by throwing up two strong redouts, and abides there the movements of your main army, which will have proceeded in the following manner:
Twenty-four hours after the departure of the detachment, the army is put in motion, storms and carries Fort Malden ; leaves a garrison and proceeds in ordinary marches on the London road leading toward Toronto. Arrived at Ancaster, an express is dispatched to the commander of the detachment at Dalhousie (who will send scouts and reconnoitering parties so far), informing him of the very hour you intend to make the attack on Toronto. The commander of the detachment will in the meantime have arranged means for crossing the lake, and shall at the fixed hour, land his forces at Toronto, thereby operating on the flank of the enemy, and force him to divide his troops. I have no doubt the place will thus be carried. The benefits resulting from this plan are the following : Fort Erie, situated opposite and near Buffalo, enables the patriots there to send their supplies of arms, etc., to a fortified place, and voluntaires can there be taken up, drilled and forwarded ; the same it is with other fortified places. In the meantime, the enemy at Toronto dares not venture to advance against the main army, because he would be taken in the rear by the detachment. Consequently, you can advance undisturbed with your whole force, incorporating all the Patriot forces on your way onward. Your troops will be enlivened and confident of success by the information of the victories of the detachment, thus raising a moral impulse among the soldiers. The Patriots will more readily hasten round your standard, knowing that you have places where, in a movement, they can be in security and near the frontiers ; finally, in case of any reverse, the army can rally round the fortresses, which thus constitute a sure basis of operation and contain excellent depots, Free communications East and West with the United States are also opened.
It is with great anxiety I await your answer, which I beg you to send on to Philadelphia, Penna.
I have the honor to be, General, very respectfully; your obedient servant,
SHOLTEWSRY VON SCHOULTZ, Colonel.
During the following Winter, von Schoultz and his command made the famous attack on Prescott, Upper Canada, in which he at first succeeded so far as to entrench himself at Windmill Point, but was overcome, captured and executed by hanging. Many other prisoners were taken by the British authorities some of whom were discharged, and others banished to the penal Colonies of Great Britain Most of the latter died there, while a very few were permitted, after long years of confinement, to return.