American Citizens, British Slaves
The work explores the complex historical relationship between American citizens and British colonial authority in the context of the 1837-1838 rebellions in Upper Canada. It details the motivations and actions of American sympathizers who sought to assist Canadian rebels against British rule, highlighting figures like William Lyon Mackenzie and Daniel Heustis. The narrative unfolds through the lens of various American participants who crossed the border to support the Canadian cause, driven by ideals of liberty and democracy. The text delves into the socio-political landscape of Upper Canada, where many American settlers, originally loyalists, became disillusioned with British governance. It describes the grievances that fueled the reform movement, including taxation without representation and the influence of the conservative Family Compact. The failed rebellions of 1837, marked by Mackenzie's insurrection, are recounted, emphasizing the lack of support from the broader Canadian populace and the swift suppression of the uprisings. The narrative shifts to the American response, detailing the formation of secret societies like the Hunters' Lodge, which aimed to mobilize support for the Canadian rebels. The text illustrates the fervor and idealism of American volunteers, who believed they were fighting for a noble cause, only to face disillusionment as their efforts were met with hostility from Canadians and indifference from the U.S. government. The consequences of these actions are explored through the lens of the captured Patriots, who were subjected to trials and harsh sentences under the Lawless Aggressions Act. The work examines the legal and moral implications of their treatment, contrasting their experiences with those of other convicts in the penal system of Van Diemen's Land. The narrative highlights the harsh realities of convict life, including the brutal assignment system and the psychological toll of imprisonment. Ultimately, the work serves as a critical examination of the intersections between American and Canadian identities, the complexities of colonial governance, and the enduring struggle for political autonomy and human rights. It underscores the paradox of American citizens fighting for freedom abroad while grappling with their own status as prisoners in a foreign penal system.
By Cassandra Pybus · First published 2008 · Genre: Historical Non-Fiction, Social History, Biography · 19 chapters
Contents
- Patriot Hunters
- Theatre in the Short Hills
- Mr Capper's Discretion
- Great Hunt in the North Woods
- The Caprice of the Mercenaries of Royalty
- Bound for the Fatal Shore
- Mysteries of a Penal Colony
- Ben Franklin's Nephew
- The Land of Nod
- The Poor Children of Israel
- Scourge of the Old World
- Lovely Banks
- Green Ponds
- Among the Thieves at Jerusalem
- Sir John's Indulgence
- Hopes again Blasted
- ‘I Could not Blame the Rangers'
- Free Pardon
- Introduction