by birth an Irishman and by settlement a
Canadian, had been compelled to fly into the United States for his share
in the recent rebellion; and "well knowing the feeling of attachment to
the name and memory of General Brock, as pervading all classes of
Canadians, he sought to gratify his own malicious and vindictive spirit,
and at the same time to wound and insult the people of Upper Canada" by
this demon's deed. The universal indignation of that people was aroused,
and a public meeting was appointed to be held on Queenstown Heights, on
the 30th of July following, for the purpose of adopting resolutions for
the erection of another monument, the gallant Sir Allan Mac Nab
especially making the most stirring exertions to promote this great
object. The gathering, as it was called, was observed in Toronto (late
York) as a solemn holiday; the public offices were closed, and all
business was suspended; while thousands flocked from every part of the
province to testify their affection for the memory of one who, nearly
thirty years before, had fallen in its defence! History, indeed, affords
few parallels of such long cherished public attachment. "Steam vessels,
engaged for the occasion, left their respective ports of Kingston and
Coburg, of Hamilton and Toronto, in time to arrive at the entrance of
the Niagara river about ten o'clock in the forenoon. The whole of these,
ten in number, then formed in line, and ascended the river abreast, with
the government steamer, containing the lieutenant-governor, Sir George
Arthur, and his staff, leading the way. The British shore was lined with
thousands, and the fleet of steamers filled with hundreds, each shouting
and responding to the cheers of welcome from ship to shore, and from
shore to ship again. The landing being effected, the march to the ground
was accompanied by military guards, and a fine military band. The public
meeting was then held in the open air, near the foot of the monument,
and Sir George Arthur was in the chair. The resolutions were moved, and
speeches made, by some of the most eminent and most eloquent men,
holding high official stations in the province;[142] and considering
that amidst this grand and imposing assemblage, there were a great
number of veteran officers of the Canada militia, who had fought and
bled with the lamented chief, whose memory they were assembled to honor,
and whose monument they had come to re-establish over his remains, the
enthusiasm with whic