THE FENIANS.

Grey River Argus, Issue 86, 31 July 1866, Page 3

THE FENIANS.

(From the "Panama Mercantile Chronicle, " June 24.) The Fenian movement is "a fizzle," a failure ; but they have done something at last, and -made war on Great Britain by an INVASION OF CANADA WBST. The " warlike " General Sweeney, determined upon doing something f/ gave prders, in spite of Stephens' protests and counter-orders, for an invasion of Canada, and during the night of May 31, crossed the Niagara River, landed on British soil, and captured Fort Erie. But the high-sounding name is only a poor miserable village, not a defensive post, and the capture was not worth much, except as . a'Joothold. Flaming despatches were sent abroad, and the New York Herald came out with a big head. " The forces were s"aid to number 1500 men, and "the army under General O'JSeil was advancing, into the interior " — but they didn't. The United States authorities prevented reinforcements and . supplies from reaching the invaders, and on the 2nd of June the Canadian Volunteers came upon them at Ridgeway, and a battle, or rather a goodly-sized skirmish was -the. results-several being killed and wounded--The Fenians were reported successful, but, strange to say, the invaders evacuated their captured post, and, on the 3rd, had taken refuge under the American flag— that is they (700 men and the gallant General' O'Neil) were made prisoners under the guns of the U.S. steamer Michigan ; their companions," either dead or prisoners, left in the hands of the "hated Saxon." \ ANOTHER MOVEMENT — CANADA EAST.. General Sweeny, with a number of sub- ' ordinate Generals led another wing-— the main one— by Avay'of St Alban's, Malone, &c, with the intention of invading Canada East, but General Grant, with General Meade, and Generals Barry, Vodges, &c, started for the scene of action with: a large force of regulars. Fenian arms, ammunition, and supplies were seized, while en route, and as soldiers are not of much use without these the movement was stppped in this direction. 1 ' If the Government had'nt seized the ar-rms — bad luck to them — its the Faynians that would have slaughtered the British Lion." Oh, that word "if." Reports w£re telegraphed that Kingston and Montreal were captured ! Fenian bonds were at a premium' and excitement raiuhigh ;-but the next dayj dispelled the visions of glory. . i -- (From the "Panama Star and Herald," .June.24:) New York, June 11. .. The Fenian excitement has had its nin<j

days' run, and has run out. The party that crossed from Buffalo to Fort Erie advanced a short distance into Canada, and v were met by ■ twice their number of Canadian Volunteers ; an engagement ensued, when the Cuftadians were put to rout in less than. 20 minutes, and driven pell mell from thejield. The Fenians not having artillery, returned to Fort Erie to await reinforcements; but' the United States authorities by that time, set ou foot their forces and - prevented the further crossing of reinforcements or nmnitiong,, of war. Einding themselves exposed to captiirc by the British, .who were gathering in large force, about them, the Fenians at : tempted to Tecross into United States territory, but were all captured by' the United States gunboats. Some who could not get across were captured by the British — some ..shot, and others imprisoned. Orders were then issued by the United States authorities to arrest all the leaders whereever found, and the President issued a proclamation denouncing the movement as a breach of ,our neutrality laws. The leading generals, and the President of the Brotherhood, were arrested, but still' large numbers, of Fenians gathered on the Borders, 'at half-a-dozen different points, to fight. A large forco gathered at St. Alban's, Vermont, and advanced into .Canada at that point. Here, too, they had one or two small fights, each time whipping the Canadians. But here, as at Fort Erie, the United States^ authorities interfered against reinforcements or munitions crossing, and of course, the consequence was, they were obliged to return. This ended the .movement, and now the Fenians are being sent home. It is said the British pursued the rear, guard into our territory, and killed some of there, for which they will be called to account. A proclamation has been issued by President Johnson, in which he .warns "all good citizens of the United States against . taking part in, or countenancing the Fenian movement.''' In spite of the proclamation, however, General Jim Kerrigan began recruiting in the city of Kew York, and raised *& force of 1500 laborers to go to Canada. The strong hand- of the law was raised, and the gallant General disappeared. General Sweeney was arrested on June 7. He had just ordered an advance, and Canada was to be taken in spite of British Regulars and the President's proclamation. On June Bth, General Spear led a number of men from Vermont, and captured a few villages. "President' 1 Roberts is now in gaol, and still asserts that, in spite of' the world, the Feniau movement will prove to be a success. He preferred martyrdom by refusing bail in 10,000 dollars to keep the peace. The Fenian Generals defied General Meade, and thicatened to fire upon the United States troops if they interfered with them. /._ ■ The Habeas Corpus Act has been suspended in Canada.