und
prepared to accept their share of responsibility in defending their
country in times of peril and danger.

The Fenian Raid of 1870

CHAPTER I.

GEN. O'NEIL PREPARES FOR ANOTHER RAID ON CANADA--SECRET SHIPMENT OF ARMS
TO THE FRONTIER.

In the early spring of 1870, the irrepressible General O'Neil (who was
then President of the Fenian Brotherhood) decided that another diversion
should be made on the Canadian frontier, and actively began making
preparations to mass his forces for the invasion.

During the fall and winter of 1869 and 1870 all of the "circles" and
existing military organizations were busy raising the necessary funds
and gathering together the war equipment. The utmost secrecy was
observed on this occasion, as the Fenian leaders were very careful to
avoid a repetition of the intervention of the United States authorities
in thwarting their plans, to cross the border, as was the case in 1866.
So they worked unceasingly and enthusiastically in maturing their plans,
while they maintained absolute silence as to their intentions. The
boasting bombast which had been so largely indulged in previous to the
Raid of 1866 was not manifested on this occasion, consequently little
interest was taken by the general public in Fenian affairs.

During the month of December, 1869, the Ninth Annual Convention of the
Fenian Brotherhood was held in New York City. At this convocation there
was a large gathering of delegates, every State in the Union being
represented. All wore an air of confidence and suppressed emotion. While
enthusiastic and determined at heart, they were careful to conceal their
feelings, so as to avoid betrayal, by the least sign or word, of the
result of their deliberations or the designs of their leaders.

At this meeting the Fenian Senate announced that complete arrangements
had been secretly made for the second invasion of Canada, and asked that
the delegates should ratify the programme. The announcement was hailed
with great satisfaction by all present, and for some moments a regular
pandemonium of cheers and yells of approval prevailed.

After order had been restored, Gen. O'Neil and others vehemently
addressed the delegates, and worked up their patriotic feelings to such
a hot pitch that each and every man present pledged himself to assist in
the enterprise to the fullest extent of his power, even unto death.

A Council of War was then held, when it was resolved to begin active