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The Rebellions of 1837 and subsequent border raids by American sympathizers prompted colonial officials to call out local militia units for extended duty. The threat of armed conflict and political uncertainty heightened the underlying social, class and ethno-cultural tensions that existed in Upper Canadian society. This article examines the impact of the Rebellions in the Peterborough area, particularly among the Irish settlers, and how these tensions were manifested in the actions of the 7th Provisional Battalion during the period they were stationed in Peterborough.
Résumé: Les rébellions de 1837, et les raids menés par la suite par des partisans américains, poussèrent les autorités coloniales à rappeler au service actif les unités de milices locales. Ce danger d'un conflit armé, l'incertitude politique, ravivèrent alors les tensions sociales et culturelles qui existaient déjà dans la société du Haut-Canada, tensions dues aux différences de classe ou d'origine d'ethnique. Dans cet article nous étudions l'impact des rébellions dans la région de Peterborough, particulièrement panni les habitants d'origine irlandaise, et comment ces tensions se sont reflétées dans les actions menées parle 7th Provisional Bataillon pendant la période où il était stationné à Peterborc
In May 1840 Captain P. Maguire of Port Hope wrote to his friend and fellow officer of the Durham County Militia, John Houston,
Whatever arrangements have been made at the meeting of officers from the 2nd [Regiment] Durham respecting the distribution and formation of companies, I suppose is in accordance with the narrow mindedness and long cherished bigotry which has existed in the Regiment since its first organization. However, this is not the time to indulge in any unfriendly feelings - rather let each do what he can to promote unity of feeling for the benefit of all and for the ultimate advantage of our Sovereign whom we are bound to serve and obey.1
With the continued threat of filibustering raids by American sympathizers, loosely organized under the banner of the Hunters' Lodge, and the danger of Canadian reprisals sparking an all out war with the United States, Maguire s pleas for unity among the loyal forces would appear unwarranted. Yet, as recent scholarship has shown, the Rebellions and subsequent border attacks by American sympathizers, did more than threaten the political stability of the...