Lincoln Sneezed

by Brian Boyington

  Physicians from both sides cared for the British and Canadian wounded at the city hospital or field hospitals. The American wounded received treatment at area hospitals or taken to the hospitals in Watertown New York. The enlisted prisoners of war were put to work repairing the damaged Fort Henry barracks, the buildings, and removing the debris. They lived in the barracks after completing the repairs. The officers gave their parole and lived under guard in a hotel.

  General Grant declared Martial Law. He met with the civilian leaders and assured them if no acts of sabotage were committed, they live peacefully. Grant also offered that any municipal workers or school teachers who signed loyalty oaths could keep their jobs. With winter only weeks away, most of them did for the sake of their families.

  Chapter 20

  Ottawa, November 21

  Hearing of the defeats in Montreal and Kingston the Mayor of Ottawa Robert Lyon and the commander of the single Imperial Regiment left in Lower Canada decided on a daring escape. They, with the remaining government officials, their families and leading loyalist families crowded into four troopships. Escorted by two sloops of war the convoy steamed out of the harbor, up the Ottawa River into an approaching blizzard. Using the cover of the blizzard, they navigated the Lachine Canal on the east side of Montreal Island after midnight and most escaped to Quebec City.

  The sloop HMS Astor was unable to escape. Sentinels along the canal heard the steam engines and sounded the alarm. Cannon fire erupted, and the sloop’s captain Horatio Jones courageously placed it between the shore batteries and the troopship ahead. In the confusion of the battle and the poor visibility, HMS Astor grounded and blasted by cannon fire.

  Quebec City, November 24, 1867

  It was a cold and blustery day. The blizzard had passed, leaving over two feet of fresh snow. The sun was shining through broken clouds, and it looked like a winter wonderland. There was a wintry atmosphere hanging over the Citadelle De Quebec as Governor General Monck met with his remaining government officials following the news of the twin disasters.

  In session were the Prime Minister Sir John McDonald, the Quebec Conservative party leader Pierre-Joseph-Oliver Chauveau, Montreal Mayor Henry Starnes, Mayor Robert Lyon and Colonel Phillips, who was the senior surviving Imperial Army officer. Many of the other government leaders had already fled to Halifax. The only functioning legislative body was the Quebec General Assembly, where the Conservatives had won 53 of the 65 seats in the recent elections. Many of them were looking after their families and preparing to leave. Government business was far from their minds, Ulysses S Grant was only 200 miles away.

  Monk began the meeting by asking: “I would like your opinion on what course of action we should consider? If we abandon Quebec City, we lose all of Lower Canada.” Pierre-Joseph spoke up: “Quebec has just attained legitimacy as a Province and now has an elected government. We can’t just run away and leave it to the Americans. There must be a way to hold on to what we have.” He looked to Mayors Starnes and Lyon for support, but as they barely escaped themselves, they shook their heads and turned away. Sir John responded: “No one wants to abandon Quebec City, but by what means can we resist?”

  Looking around the room and realizing they were all looking towards him, Colonel Phillips spoke: “I have five regiments, a total of 7,500 soldiers left under my command. Considering his losses at Kingston, Grant still has at least 60,000 effective veteran soldiers. If we defend, which I strongly advise against, Grant will destroy us as a fighting force. The city is indefensible against such a force. Particularly with that fleet of ironclads. Those heavy cannons could reduce the Citadelle to rubble within a week. The battle will destroy the city, leaving the people without protection with winter only weeks away.”

  Phillips looking around, saw Pierre-Joseph with a look of disapproval, but the others lowered their heads in resignation. He continued: “If we are going to leave, we must do it now. Within three weeks the St Lawrence will begin to freeze over. Ice is already forming on the ponds and streams. Grant also knows this timetable and is probably already making preparations.”

  Pierre-Joseph spoke: “Leave if you must, please take all who want to go with you. My family and I will stay and do what we can to preserve the city.” Sir John spoke: “Pierre that is madness, Grant will have you arrested and interred back in the United States. When we leave, you will be powerless to have any effect.” Pierre-Joseph replied: “Be that what it may, my mind is made up … Be gone and be damned!” He then turned and walked out of the Citadelle. On December 1, 1867, a convoy evacuated the English speaking population the government officials and the British Military to Halifax.

  Kingston Ontario, November 25

  The blizzard had passed, it was a clear and cold day. More than two feet of fresh snow blanketed the area. Burial teams were busy interring the dead. The British dead were interred respectfully in mass graves, marked by their regimental insignia. Names, if known, were recorded for future transfer to British authorities. General Whitehall was in a separate grave, presuming his family might want his remains.

  In a separate cemetery, the American dead laid in graves in regimental sections. Simple crosses with their name and rank marked their final resting place. Plans had been drawn up to place large regimental monuments, with the names engraved alphabetically. Plainly, the Americans had plans to stay.

  Grant held a council of war in his headquarters. Attending were General Sherman, General Meade, General Sweeney, Admiral Lee, Edmund O’Callaghan and Louis-Joseph Papineau. Grant began: “We have come a long way, but much needs doing, and winter is fast approaching. Admiral Lee, your reduction of Kingston’s defenses made its capture less costly. It also allowed us to capture the city almost intact. Please accept my appreciation for your efforts and those of your crews. My reports to President Lincoln speak highly of you.”

  Turning to General Sweeney, he said: “General Sweeney, Congratulations on your capture of Montreal. You’re bridging of the Lachine canal and then damming the rapids was brilliant. You forced the British to evacuate without much of a fight. That left the city mostly undamaged and spared the population severe hardship.”

  Then turning to O’Callaghan and Louis-Joseph Grant asked about the reception of the populace. Luis Joseph spoke: “They were tentative at first, but they began to celebrate when we raised the Stars and Stripes and the Parti Patriote flags. The celebrations and parades marched up and down the streets into the night.” Grant smiled broadly, very pleased with that outcome.

  He then turned to General Sweeney and said: “Please elaborate on the reports indicating the evacuation of Ottawa.” General Sweeney replied: “Three nights ago during the height of the blizzard, lookouts on the canal heard steam engines. The alarm sounded, and we fired rockets into the air. Several transport ships were hugging the south bank of the Lachine Canal. The shore batteries began to fire into the storm, and at least one British warship responded. The warship was struck numerous times and then grounded. The gunners concentrated fire on her until only a hulk remained.

  Interrogations of the surviving crew indicated that four transport ships and one other warship escaped. The ships contained a regiment of redcoats, government officials, and leading families. I do not know if we hit any of the other ships. Searches of the riverbanks did not indicate evidence of other wrecks.”

  Grant replied: “Their escape was unfortunate, but I do not attribute any blame to you. Who could have known they would take such a risk with their families. They all could have lost them all.” Turning to Admiral Lee Grant said:

  “Admiral, please assign two of your ironclads to escort two troopships, with two regiments to Ottawa. Be prepared to leave tomorrow. We must make sure the British have left. If they have, secure the Capitol. We will try to salvage the British Telegraph lines between Ottawa and Kingston. I suspect the British cut the lines before they left, but probably only the ones near the city. Take enough supplies to provision the troops for the winter, as they will be the garrison.
After you land the troops, and the supplies have been warehoused the troop ships must return as I will need them.”

  Then addressing the gathering, Grant resumed. “I have commandeered the steamships on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario to transport troops up to Quebec. I expect them to be here within three days. We have about three weeks to secure the city before the ice begins to form on the St Lawrence. I hope to be able to move at least 20,000 up the river to Quebec. The trip is about 200 miles, and I plan to be there in five to seven days.”

  December 3, 1867 - Quebec City

  On a bitterly cold morning with light snow falling from thickening clouds, the fleet led by Admiral Lee in USS Mackinac approached the Planes of Abraham, which were a 240-acre high plateau. The city was deathly quiet, and examination of the battlements of the Citadelle by telescope did not observe any sentries or defenders. The Citadelle was a large star shaped fortress with a dry moat. The drawbridge over the moat was down. The Union Jack was hanging limply from the flag staff.

  Grant landed 5,000 of his soldiers, commanded by General Sweeney at Anse Du Foulon which was a narrow access pass up the steep sides of the plateau. General Wolfe used this same pass in the Seven Years War, also known as the French and Indian War. General Wolfe died while leading his troops during the capture the city.

  Sweeney was determined not to have history repeat itself. With the “Plains” empty and the Citadelle ghostly quiet, Sweeney sent skirmishers ahead, but there was no opposition. In pairs, the skirmishers crossed the outer dry moat up to the main gate. They crossed the drawbridge to a strange spectacle. A lone man sat at a table under a tent in the middle of the courtyard. More skirmishers entered and climbed the stairs to the parapet on top of the wall and sent the all clear signal. Others approached the tent, but the man ignored them. He also sat impassively as the Union Jack was hauled down and replaced by the Stars and Stripes.

  General Sweeney walked across the drawbridge. The lone man was still sitting at the desk. General Sweeney walked up to him and said: I am Brigadier General Thomas Sweeney, United States Army. Whom do I have the pleasure of meeting? The lone man stood and said I am Chairman of the Quebec National Assembly, Pierre-Joseph-Oliver Chauveau. I am here to offer terms. Sweeney smiled broadly and said: “I am sure that General Grant will be delighted to meet with you and listen to your proposal. For now, why don’t we go inside? I would love to have a tour.

  Two hours later, Pierre-Joseph, General Grant, General Sweeney, Edmund O’Callaghan, Louis-Joseph Papineau and Admiral Lee sat at a large table in the Citadelle commandants’ office. Pierre-Joseph Chauveau knew Edmund O’Callaghan and Louis-Joseph Papineau. They greeted each other warmly. The negotiations went very quickly. Pierre-Joseph agreed a military occupation was inevitable.

  He addressed Grant and began: “General as a conquering army, I acknowledge you can do almost anything you desire. I beseech you to listen to me. The people of Quebec have always been restive under the British yoke. Edmund and Joseph will testify to that. If you respect our rights and allow us limited self-government, this can be a peaceful occupation. I ask that our elected assemblies continue to do what they were elected to do, serve the people. Our police speak both French and English, please let them work with your military to maintain order.”

  Edmund O’Callaghan and Louis-Joseph Papineau both agreed that this proposal would benefit both sides. The people would peacefully respect the United States military as liberators. Being allowed limited self-government would allow them a sense of normalcy.

  Weight lifted off Grant’s shoulders. He had accomplished a bloodless conquest of Quebec City and with it most of Lower Canada. Grant agreed to leave a 5,000 man garrison in the Citadelle and required the use of neighborhoods abandoned by the English-speaking Canadians as military housing for another 2500. He also agreed to appoint General Sweeney as the military commander, with Pierre-Joseph Papineau as his civilian liaison. The elected assembly would be in control of the local government, and the Quebec Police would participate in law enforcement. Pierre-Joseph would accompany Grant back to Washington DC to meet with President Lincoln and Secretary of State Seward.

  The word soon spread throughout Quebec City. The people emerged from their homes and celebrated. The new garrison marched to the government building. The flag raising ceremony for the Stars and Stripes and the tricolor flag of the Parti Patriote drew large cheers. The celebrations went on throughout the night. Two days later Grant, Pierre-Joseph-Oliver Chauveau, his family and the rest of the Army and Navy steamed up the river to Watertown New York en route to meet with President Lincoln.

  Washington, DC December 3, 1867

  After an intense political campaign regarding the proposed 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, the United Senate scheduled a vote. That amendment would provide the right to vote to the former slaves. Previously free blacks in the northern states had been permitted to vote, as they were citizens. President Lincoln adroitly utilized the power of the Presidency to grant political favors, made political appointments and if needed, twisted political arms. His most successful tactic when needed was to threaten individual Senators with the loss of their seat. Their home state legislature selected senators. Political pressure was placed on them to force the senator to provide a favorable vote.

  After a rancorous debate, engineered by the Senate Majority Leader Charles Sumner, the Senate voted Aye by a margin of 53 to 24. Previously The House of Representatives, under the leadership of The Speaker of the House Thaddeus Stevens, had voted 194 to 80. These votes exceeded two-thirds of both Houses, which was required to pass the resolutions.

  The debate now shifted to the state legislatures. Three-fourths would be needed to ratify the legislation. The six New England states scheduled special sessions along with Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Delaware, where ratification was certain. Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska California, Nevada, and Oregon were also considered to be very favorable towards the amendment. Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin favored ratification. However, efforts there were needed to solidify the support.

  Five states were in doubt including Maryland, Missouri, New York, New Jersey and Tennessee. Major efforts were needed there, as Lincoln needed two out of these to ratify the amendment. The newly re-admitted southern states, excepting Texas, were certain to vote no.

  Most state legislatures would be in session in January 1868. President Lincoln organized a campaign to have the states vote before April. That way the former slaves would be eligible to vote in the elections to be held in November. Nebraska citizens would be voting in Presidential elections for the first time, and those voters were very excited to participate.

  Democrats, on the other hand, were trying to delay the vote in the legislatures. They feared that the enfranchisement of the former slaves would result in millions if new Republican voters. That would tip the scales of national politics towards the Republicans.

  Chapter 21

  Washington DC - December 18

  Ulysses S Grant, the newly appointed Secretary of War rode in a carriage with a cavalry escort towards the White House for a meeting with President Lincoln. The former Secretary, Edwin Stanton, had resigned to administer the efforts of President Lincoln’s campaign to gain the required number of states to ratify the 14th Amendment. Grant, who was tired of the constant campaigning, welcomed the appointment. After several years in the field, he was anxious to spend time with Julia. They were planning to spend the Christmas Holiday together with their children and grandchildren.

  President Lincoln’s steward met Grant at the door and ushered him into the East Room. Grant was the last to arrive and was met warmly by President Lincoln. Also present were Admiral Farragut, Admiral Porter, Admiral Dahlgren, General Chamberlain, Secretary of State William Seward and Secretary of the Navy Gideon Wells.

  President Lincoln began. “I want to congratulate all of you for your contributions to the successful campaigns in Canada and the hard-fought defeats of the British assaul
ts on Maine and Massachusetts. General … I mean Secretary Grant, your capture of Upper Canada provides us with total command of the Great Lakes and the St Lawrence River. Winning Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City gives us control of Lower Canada and reduces Great Britain’s power and influence in this hemisphere. I look forward to your plans for coordinating next year’s campaign to eliminate their remaining possessions.” Then looking over to Seward he said: “Mr. Seward, please provide us with the diplomatic view.”

  Secretary of State Seward stood up and began: “Mr. President, Great Britain’s declaration of war on us after their defeat in Liberia was a colossal mistake on their part. It allowed us to exercise our just grievances over the ‘Alabama Claims.’ Their actions at that time which permitted the Confederate commerce raiders to be built, sail and be armed prolonged the war, cost us over 100,000 lives and $200,000,000 in lost treasure. Then they not only refused to acknowledge our claims but dismissed them. That dismissal gave us the right to take Canada. Their declaration of war provided us with the obvious opportunity to exercise that right.”

  The dramatic pause rewarded Seward with comments including: “Our Manifest Destiny” … “Our right to take” … “Too Right” … “Just Compensation.” Seward continued: “Diplomatically, I think we are on solid ground. I have been meeting with the foreign ambassadors. The North German Confederation is behind us. Chancellor Bismarck has a vested interest in a weakened Great Britain.