James Bicket letters, 1836-1838
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Cameron, Chantal
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Abstract
Two letters written by James Bicket with descriptions of the politics in Canada shortly before and after the Rebellions of 1837-1838. The first letter is dated at Toronto, 19 September 1836 and is addressed to Peter Pollock, Ferguslie, Paisley, North Britain. The second letter is dated at Toronto, 7 March 1838 and is addressed to Alexander Pollock, Ferguslie, Paisley.
Description
A desire for democratic reform brought about the rebellions in 1837-1838 in Upper Canada. William Lyon Mackenzie, one of the more extreme leaders of the reform movement, organized an armed rebellion in Toronto in December of 1837 at Montgomery’s Tavern. The rebels were quickly dispersed by the militia and soldiers, but another uprising occurred near Brantford a few days later. Mackenzie retreated to Navy Island in the Niagara River with his supporters, and the Americans brought supplies to the island using the steamer Caroline. In an attempt to hinder the rebels' efforts, Commander Andrew Drew of the Royal Navy led a group of the Upper Canada militia to Fort Schlosser on December 29, 1837, where the Caroline was moored. A brief skirmish with the Americans ensued, during which an American citizen, Amos Durfee, was killed. The Caroline was then set on fire and cut loose, drifting down the River towards the Falls.
The government in Canada feared that the rebels' American allies might gain the support of the U.S. government, who might then seize this opportunity to invade Canada. The House of Assembly considered these American citizens to have breached neutrality laws and wanted assurances from the U.S. government that it had no intention of supporting the rebels. To this effect, the House of Assembly passed resolutions in 1838 on the subject of breach of neutrality and aggression. The uprisings continued in 1838 but were swiftly extinguished, and ceased altogether by 1839.
James Bicket was secretary of the Toronto Curling Club and author of The Canadian Curler’s Manual, published in Toronto in 1840.