Barb asked if I would help her decipher the handwriting then publish them on The Olive Tree Genealogy pages, and if I could suggest a permanent home for them. With her permission I contacted the Ontario Archives and they began discussions with Barb about providing archival space for the papers. Documents in Ontario concerning the Fenian Raids are rare, and Barb's papers are a treasure trove of historical data and names.

Meantime Barb and I worked together to decipher the handwriting, which was fairly neat when the meeting began in the early evening of June 1st (around 5 pm) but became far less legible as the all-night meeting continued. Finally we have deciphered enough of the document to begin presenting it here.

This is an ongoing work and will be contined as time (and finances!) permit. The last few pages of this entire document consists of lists of men in various patrols who were sent out that night and in the early dawn. Researchers will be pleased to find names they will probably recognize if they have family from this area.

I have placed my notes inside square brackets [ ] and any additional notes from Barb are prefaced with her name. In most cases we agreed on the transcript; in a few we did not. I have also included some of the pages as a graphic which you may consult. And now -- enjoy!

Committee of Safety
June 1st 1866
Present T.W.. Hooker, Esq., John Hellund [?] [Barb's note: I think this is John Hellums], Esq., A.G.. Hill, Esq, E. R Dewhurst, Esq. L. D. Raymond, Esq. I. P. Willson

Unanimously resolved that T. W. Hooker Esq be the Chairman of this Committee and I.P. Willson, Esq. Secy.

Moved by I.P. Willson, seconded by John Hellund [?] that this committee remain in permanent session until the danger appears to have passed. Carried unanimously.

Start of page 3

8:10

News arrived that a vessel had been sighted at Thorold loaded with Fenian crews --

A suspicious circumstance reported -- A man at Railway station in Doans - thought to be a Fenian -- Constable patterson sent to examine him -- he returned and said the man not as supposed --

Patrol East - at Spencers
Patrol South - Holms Corner {Officer of the Day -. -. Paterson}

4 men to each patrol - 2 to remain at Station until relieved - 2 hours at post

1st patrol. Gilchrist in charge. Wm. Arnott [this name crossed out and written above is "J. Brown"] , James Smith, Jacob Weaver - posted 9:30 pm

2nd patrol - G. Robertshaw in charge - J. Brown [this name crossed out] F. White, James Vanwyck, Wm[?] Page [ this name crossed out] A. K. Vanwyck posted 9:30 pm

[? Can't read as not photocopied completely] James Rose & 2 guards - returned - we went to Bucks Station and was told there that the Fenians was 2 miles from them at J. Graham's crossing - we went on to 1/2 mile of Railway & [F- - - - - -] - we was informed that they was watching - we halted them in the edge of the woods - a man came and inquired who we were - Ru-d-- went and ---- him - & hie wanted Rundles [?] saddle -- after talking some time - he saw others of the Fenians in a corner of the [?] not far off. They were all around -- we then fled -- we saw a man by the name of Patrick Cading[?] & he said that he came over with the Fenians last night and there were about 3000 -- and more were coming tonight - Cading [?] said that he had deserted from them - this had not much baggage - [?] had taken about 4 hourses and were taking cattle - Dr. Thompson [?] is not killed but is a prisoner - also Dr. Elliott and Wm Tarbble [?]

Mr. Cafferty reported news confirming other [?] from the committee - he came from Buffalo [illegible]

end of page 3
To be continued as time and finances permit

Disclaimer: Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information on The Olive Tree Genealogy pages, all transcriptions are subject to human error, and researchers should always check the original source of any list.