Canadian and Americans Banished to Australia in 1839

Did you know that after the Rebellion of 1837 (also referred to as The Patriot War) dozens of American and Canadian prisoners were banished to Australia? These men who had fought against the British Crown were put with other prisoners from England.

Taken to Tasmania and New South Wales, they were put to work as forced labour, for which they were paid a minimal wage. Most of the surviving prisoners  were eventually pardoned in 1848

For lists of men on  Ships transporting rebels who were banished, see the following 3 ships lists:

* Canadian Convicts to Australia 
* List of men on Marquis of Hastings 1839 Canada to Van Dieman's Land, Australia 
* The Canton 1839 Canada to Van Dieman's Land, Australia

To read about the Rebellion of 1837 see the historical overview.

Traces found from 24,000 books lost when Canadian parliament in Montreal burned down

This is something we rarely read about. Archaeologists have uncovered traces of books lost when the Canadian parliament in Montreal burned down in 1849. So far the charred remains of seven books have been found.

The fire started when English speaking protestors set fire to the building over their rage at Francophones being compensated for losses in the 1837 Rebellion (also called the Patriot War in America)

Parliament eventually moved to Ottawa but for a short time Montreal was the home.


Credits: "Bonfire" by Simon Howden on FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Bill of Treason from 1837 Rebellion Found

A historical glimpse of Canadiana – a bill of treason connected to the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837 – has been found among the archives at McMaster University.

Written on parchment and dated March 1838, the bill was filed against William Rogers, a yeoman living in or near Albion, York Township, Upper Canada.

Rogers was arrested for treason on December 13, 1837, for plotting an insurrection against the Queen, persuading others to join him, and assembling with about 50 other people.

In the indictment, Rogers is described as "not having the fear of God in his heart but being moved and seduced by the instigation of the Devil."

He was tried April 18, 1838, and ultimately acquitted.

Read more about the Rebellion of 1837 and see a list of names of those Canadians tried and convicted of treason at The Canadian Military Heritage Project

Continue reading this story Bill of Treason from 1837 Rebellion