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CHAPTER XXVIII: Canada

In 1837, the Canadian Rebellion broke out, and aroused the sympathies of the American people. McKenzie, in Canada West, and Papineau, in Canada East, controlled the resisting forces. Meetings were held in the United States, volunteers were eager to enlist, and money and arms were contributed for the Canadian Patriot cause. rebels, so-called, did not wish to precipitate difficulties, but insisted, like the Americans of 1775-6, on no taxation without representation. The

President Van Buren issued a proclamation, refusing the protection of the Republic to those who should aid the Canadians, and Gen. Scott was sent to the frontier to preserve the peace. The result was the consolidation of the Provinces of Upper and Lower Canada 1841; which, in 1867 resulted in Confederation.

In October 1838, Lord Auckland, Governor-General of India declared war against Afghanistan, on the ground that Dost Mohammed had unlawfully attacked the British ally Runjeet Singh; that the military operations of the Afghans had betrayed a purpose hostile to India; and that Shah Sujch, as the rightful heir to the Afghan throne, had placed himself under British protection. Cabul was captured, but an insurrection broke out in the winter when no aid could be expected from India, and the British forces, numbering 16,000 men, or with women children 26,000, left the Afghan capital Jan. 6, 1843. The fanatical tribes harrassed the army in the mountain passes, and slew men, women and children. Only one man Dr. Brydon, escaped to carry the dismal tidings to general Sale, who still held his position, in Jelalabad.