ury. The volunteers were
immediately recalled, and peace was restored to the country.
Among those who took part in the action at Eccles' Hill was Fred
Charlston. He returned to Montreal, bearing along with him as trophies
of war, a Fenian coat, knapsack and rifle. So elated was he on the night
of his return by his fortunate and glorious adventure, that he with
several of his comrades got mortally drunk, so much so that he and two
others had to be taken to the police station for safe keeping, where
they remained until they became sobered off.
Frederick being somewhat of a poet, composed the following song in honor
of those Canadian Volunteers who were brought into action along the
Border.
OUR BORDER VOLUNTEERS.
All hail! our Border Volunteers,
All loyal, true and brave,
Who boldly faced the Fenian foe,
And spurn'd a coward's grave.
All hail to all those gallant chiefs,
Who stood the trying hour,
And bravely led their heroes forth
To crush the Fenians' power.
_Chorus._--Our country's foe we need not dread,
When danger's hour appears,
While guarded by those gallant braves,
Our Border Volunteers.
No menial soldier fills our ranks,
Nor yet a martial slave;
O'er free and independent men
Our banners proudly wave.
They are our country's stalwart sons,
Who love their home and hearth,
Who honour still their Fatherland,
And this which gave them birth.
_Chorus._--Our country's foe, &c.
'Tis not the savage thirst for blood
Which makes our heroes brave,
'Tis not for conquest and renown
Their banners proudly wave.
Their voice proclaims the love of peace,
To all an equal right,
But mercy spurn'd by reckless foes
Empowers their sword of might.
_Chorus._--Our country's foes, &c.
Trout River's banks and Eccles' Hill,
Shall echo forth their fame,
And thousands yet unborn will rise,
To shout our heroes' name.
They form the martial battlements
Of Canada's frontiers,
Those guardians of our household hearths,
THE BORDER VOUNTEERS.
_Chorus._--Our country's foes we need not dread,
When danger's hour appears,
While guarded by these gallant braves,
_Our
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