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 2

Mr. Vanderburgh the telegrapher agreed to keep his office open all night - - -

Burgar/Burgur [?] with horse reported - ready for services 7 pm. [he?] will report to Committee at 9 pm

Rice -- do do do 710 pm [note that do is the short form of ditto]

No scouts returned yet - 7:50 pm

Mr. L. Hobson [&?] Sheriff arrived - I stayed at Mr. Grahams [note from Barb: I read this as "R Grahams"] last night - about 4 o'clock this morning Mr. G. awaked me with the report that the Fenians had landed -- the report was brought up to hm by Mr. Murray Officer of the Customs at Fort Erie -- Two canal boats came [- - - - - - - - by a - - -]. He immediately [came off?] to inform Mr. Graham -- and then return. Mr. Vrooman then came and said that they had landed 1000 strong when he came --- and boats had gone back for [- - - -]. Young Johnson then came and said they was 1000 strong and divided into squads -- one squad taking the Gilmore or Anderson road and the other on the Ferry Hilly on the Genison [?] Road -- that they saw him and fired 16 or 17 shots but he esccaped - I then came to Ridgeway and arrived there about 9 am and heard that they had burned the Lowerwin [?] Bridge and saw the smoke - about 8 or 12 to Lowerwin bridge to burn it, got them breakfast of Luckus [?] - took some horses and then went back - I [- - - - ] about 1/2 past 9 - Elliott and Thompson are prisoners I was informed by Adam Graham. He saw [--] lleft the Ferry about 10 amn and that they had possession of all buildings at Fort Erie and a guard over them - A majority were up at the old fort - & the rest scattered along down the [- - -] as far as Millers about 4 miles - [- - - U.S. Gunboat in the [- - - -] to prevent more crossing

D. Rier with hourses reported himself - he is at the City Hotel ready

end of page 2
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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.