awless invaders
had fallen to the lot of a few gallant men of the active militia, the
desire evinced by the whole force called out to be afforded a similar
opportunity of inflicting well-merited punishment on those daring to
invade Canadian soil, was universally and ardently longed for; and,
doubtless, had any attempt been made in force by the enemy to penetrate
into the country, they would have met with heavier punishment than they
experienced in this futile attempt--all classes in the Dominion (both
French as well as English-speaking Canadians) having turned out manfully
in so good a cause; and when it is considered that a great majority of
the militia men called out are farmers, that the call made upon them was
in the midst of their sowing season, that at the first sound of danger
they gave up their work, abandoning their fields and their families,
risking, perhaps, the loss of a whole year's crop, and the manifest
distress which such would have entailed, it is not too much to say that
they have well-earned the gratitude and admiration of their Queen and
country for the self-sacrifice they exhibited, and the courage and
loyalty they displayed.

"As an interesting proof of the loyalty and patriotism displayed by
Canadians who at this period (as in 1866) were resident in the United
States, many of them came home at the first note of alarm to take their
places in the ranks of the active militia force to assist in defence
of their country, for which they received the special thanks of the
Government."

The Lieutenant-General in command of Her Majesty's troops in Canada,
who was in supreme control of the active militia force of Canada, also
recognized their faithful service by issuing the following order:--

HEADQUARTERS, MONTREAL, 4th June, 1870.

GENERAL ORDERS No. 1.

Canada has once more been invaded by a body of Fenians, who are
citizens of the United States, and who have again taken advantage of the
institutions of that country to move without disguise large numbers of
men and warlike stores to the Missisquoi and Huntingdon frontiers, for
the purpose of levying war upon a peaceful community.

From both these points the invading forces have been instantly driven
with loss and in confusion, throwing away their arms, ammunition and
clothing, and seeking shelter within the United States. Acting with a
scrupulous regard for the inviolability of a neighboring territory,
the troops were ordered to the halt, even t