Canadians at War
Скачать книги из серии Canadians at WarTo Stand and Fight Together
In 1812, a 67-year-old black United Empire Loyalist named Richard Pierpoint helped raise «a corps of Coloured Men to stand and fight together» against the Americans who were threatening to invade the tiny British colony of Upper Canada. Pierpoint's unique fighting unit would not only see service throughout the War of 1812, it would also be the first colonial military unit reactiviated to quash the Rebellion of 1837. It would go on to serve as a police force, keeping the peace among the competing Irish immigrant gangs during the construction of the Welland Canal. Pierpoint and the Coloured Corps are the central focus, but the sidebars featuring fascinating facts about the rise and fall of slavery in North America and the state of African-Canadians in early Canada provide an entertaining and informative supplement. Among other tidbits, readers will find out why «Good Queen Bess» launched the British slave industry and how Scottish pineapples are connected to the American Declaration of Independence.
Captain Fitz
The name James FitzGibbon struck terror in the hearts of U.S. soldiers and this is the dramatic story of his life and his daring exploits. Irish-born James FitzGibbon came to Canada with the 49th Regiment to serve under his hero, Major-General Sir Isaac Brock. After the death of Brock at Queenston Heights and the capture of Fort George in the War of 1812, FitzGibbon spied on the enemy encampment, disguised as a settler selling butter. Armed with his intelligence report, the British launched a surprise night attack, and the Americans were forced to retreat. With his hand-picked band of Green Tiger guerrillas, Fitz fought to stop the U.S. raiding parties. Laura Secord alerted him to an impending attack at Beaver Dams, and with his 50 men and the support of First Nations warriors, he bluffed the 500-strong American Army into surrender. Captain Fitz is full of action: battles on land and lakes, the burning of York (Toronto), the drama of 6,000 American soldiers moving downriver to attack Montreal, only to be defeated at Crysler’s Farm. As well as the pageantry, there’s the misery, suffering, and hunger for honour and glory – all part of the War of 1812.