Research The Canadian Problem

Lubliner

Major
Forum Host
Joined
Nov 27, 2018
Location
Chattanooga, Tennessee
I would like to begin a discussion on the U. S. diplomacy used for mediation with Canada. It appears Canada was a 'seeding ground' for conspiracies and plots to terrorize the northern cities. I had already heard of the burning of some New England towns during the war, plots that had come to fruition in Canada. Recently I found some references to activities in the Great Lakes region during the winter of 1863-1864 when the rivers were frozen up and making possible some raids. I will give these reference reports with their sources for members that are interested in knowing more about the Canadian problems.

I know very little about our diplomatic policy regarding Canada, and whether it was also a France/England problem to resolve also. Any discussion about ambassadors and policies the U. S. sought during the war is welcome, including thoughtful opinions about the quality or goals being used politically. Of course it is always a boon for the student when these discussions are backed up with source points for further reference and reliability.
Here is the problem that was reported in January of 1864 and Major General Joseph Hooker's response, including some reports by others. I do not know how it was finally resolved, hence this desire to learn.

The first report was on December 3 to Capt. Potter from Lieutenant Colonel B. H. Hill, stated extensive preparations were being made in Canada for burning cities on the lakes, and others; that Greek fire was being prepared in Windsor, and Buffalo, Cleveland, and Detroit were to be the targets, along with armed attempts to rob and plunder. Cincinnati and Louisville were also threatened with burning;
“I am also informed that by some means a large number of rebel soldiers have been introduced into Canada; some, it is said, have been furloughed, and have made their way through the lines.”
[O. R. Series 1, Volume 45, Part 2, page 82-83].

On December 5, 1864 Lieutenant Colonel B. H. Hill notified Brig. General James Fry, the Provost Marshal about the plot and the increased number of rebels in Canada, saying;
“Colonel Butler’s regiment of Kentucky rebel troops had been disbanded in Kentucky, with directions to make their way through the lines and report in Canada, and that they had done so in large numbers, and that Colonel Butler himself has arrived in Canada….I beg also to recommend that the attention of the Honorable Secretary Of State be called to this subject, with a view of presenting it to the Canadian authorities.”
[Ibid., page 69-70].

Major-General Joseph Hooker commanding that District reported this to Brig. General E. D. Townsend, the Assistant Adjutant-General of the Army in Washington, on December 6. He also communicated with Governor Brough of Ohio on December 3 about the plot for plunder and burning cities from rebels in Canada, and threatened retaliation;
“I need not tell you, Governor, that if anything of this sort is attempted I intend that somebody shall be hurt before it is over, if I have to go into Canada to do it. If the Canadian authorities allow our enemies to enter the territory to organize for hostile purposes, I shall exercise the same right, and if exception is taken it can be arranged afterward by negotiation. I am determined that security and tranquility shall prevail along the border while I exercise command of this department.”
[Ibid., page42-43].

The Provost Marshal for the city of Columbus, Ohio, John W. Skiles, wrote to Captain C. H. Potter, an Assistant Adjutant-General in Cincinnati on December 7, 1864 about the need for a guard on an important bridge along the Columbus and Piqua Railroad, saying;
“….Mr. Clement, superintendent of Little Miami Railroad, had informed the railroad authorities here that this band [of confederates] was organized for the destruction of bridges on all roads in Ohio; he did not give any other information.”
[Ibid., page 95].

Thanks,
Lubliner.
 
Back
Top