Canadian Battlefields And Other Poems

BY LIEUT.-COL. J. R. WILKINSON PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR BY WILLIAM BRIGGS TORONTO 1899

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Entered according to Act of the Parliament of Canada, in the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety-nine, by John Richardson Wilkinson, at the Department of Agriculture.

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PREFACE.

In submitting “Canadian Battlefields and Other Poems” to a discerning public, I realize it may be marred by many errors; the harp may not always be in tune—some chords may jar upon the fastidious ear. Rhythm and harmony may not always present that mysterious appeal to the soul that approves, and proves the worth of all. Yet, withal, I feel that some thoughts and emotions of patriotism, love of home, the song of nature, the mystery of creation, and the impenetrable depths of infinitude, may be found and approved.

The subtle voice of nature, the voices of love, home, and country, have ever appealed to me, and impelled me to sing my humble song. And thus, in doubt and uncertainty, I cast it out on the world—the reading, critical public—asking that the pure, white veil of charity may conceal its rough edges and inequalities.

Leamington, 1899.

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CONTENTS.

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WHAT SHALL I SING?

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SPEAK NOW.

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THE BATTLE OF CHATEAUGUAY.

Fought October 26th, 1813. American Force, 3,500; British, 400.

THE DEEP MINES.

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LAURA SECORD; OR, THE BATTLE OF BEAVER DAMS.

Fought June 24th, 1813. British, 47 Regulars and 200 Indians Americans, 570, with 50 Cavalry and 2 Guns.

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THE BATTLE OF LUNDY’S LANE.

Fought July 25th, 1814. American Force, 5,000; British and Canadians, 2,800.

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MY WIFE.

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