to
hurry up the laggards, but the morning of the 25th dawned without the
arrival of the expected soldiers. Gen. O'Neil then became so impatient
that he could bear the suspense no longer. He was fearful of the
interposition of the United States authorities, and resolved to
immediately advance into Canada with the force present under his
command, and leave his reinforcements to follow.

The Fenian camp was located at Hubbard's Farm (about half a mile
from Franklin), and the officers were busy there distributing arms,
ammunition and equipment. They had collected armament for about
3,000 men, and the cases were opened and scattered along the road
to facilitate the quick issue of rifles and cartridges to the
reinforcements as soon as they arrived.

On the 24th of May President U. S. Grant had issued his proclamation
forbidding a breach of the Neutrality Act. and the United States
officials were prompt in their endeavors to stop the raid. Gen. George
P. Foster (United States Marshal) called on Gen. O'Neil at Franklin,
and after reading to him President Grant's proclamation, endeavored
to dissuade him from advancing over the line. But the Fenian General
refused to comply with his advice, and expressed his contempt for the
President in language more forcible and profane than polite. As Gen.
Foster had no troops at his command to compel obedience by the Fenian
leaders, he crossed over the line and informed the Canadian commander
(Col. Chamberlain) of O'Neil's designs and his inability to stop the
raiders.

About 11 o'clock on May 25th Gen. O'Neil mounted his horse and rode down
from Franklin to the Fenian camp. He realized that if he did not move
quickly there was a probability of the arrival of United States troops
to stop the expedition; therefore he gave immediate orders to his men to
"fall in" for the advance across the border. When the troops were formed
up, he addressed them as follows:--

"Soldiers! This is the advance guard of the Irish-American army for
the liberation of Ireland from the yoke of the oppressor. For your own
country you enter that of the enemy. The eyes of your countrymen are
upon you. Forward--March!"

At the word of command the column moved promptly, with Gen. O'Neil and
Gen. Donnelly (his Chief-of-Staff) at the head, and the green flag of
the Irish Republic flapping in the wind. The Fenian column was formed in
three divisions, consisting of an advance guard of skirmishers, a strong
support of ab