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SWANTON, VT. MAY 15, 1&39.
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I-IT Ium.N TI li: TVRAXTS l
T'.f ti'Tcf fiil who dm io jrreat caute ;
Tse tV:' my r'1 ,he,r fore
Ihnr hcd may dden o the tun ihcir litiibs
Vi ) n:'": a!!. b"t iheir tjiiril wilkn abroad ;
Ì botati )!," n1 oi''Cr bare aa dark a
tiootn ,
1- bai uimnU ih dep anJ awecpinf tliought
Wt.icfi o'rrpiM l othr, and wìiicu conduci
The worid il lt lo frecdora. Uritos.
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IVojiIc of Canada ! Remembcr that the
li! xmì if martyrs in the cause of Freedom
sii oloud for vengeance at your banda.
The following is a list of those who have
f alien victim3 of despoiÌ9ff), in the Lower
IViviiice :
Cli's Ovido Pcrrault, m. p. r.
.Icari Olivier Chcnicr, m. d.
Joscj)Ii Tcussaint Urolet, mpp.
Pierre Amiot, m. p. p.
Jean Francois Lionnais m. d. .
Joseph Narcisse Cardinal, mpp.
Joseph Duquette, Major ofp.A.
FierrreTheophilc Decoigne np
Ambroise Sanguinet, Capt. p.a
Charles Sanguinet, Lt. p. a.
Francois Xavier Hamclin, do.
Jacques Robert, Major p. a.
Chcvalier Delorimier, p. ,
Ch's Ilindenlang, Brig. p. a.
Francois Nicolas, Capt. do.
Amable Daunais, Licut. do.
Rvmy Narbonne, Col. do.
Joseph Morin, Capt. v. A.
Narcisse Grcgoire, do. do.
Isaiah Boudrcau, n. p. ,
ORIGINAI BIOGRAPIIY.
Francois Marie Thomas Chevamer
De LnamiER iva a native of the City of
Montreal. Ile was horn in the year 1305,
und was a descendantof the ancient F rendi
nohility. The name stili ranks high in the
French Arniy. When Canada was ceded
t F.iigland, the De Lorimier family was
continued in o.lìce by the Englih Govern
ment, and there are a great many of them
yet receivinj ealaries from the present
government for their services, more par-
ticularly in the Military Department.
The subject of this biography completed
hia classical studies in 1824, at which time
he hegan bis Notarial studies, under the
late Pierre Ititchot, oflhe city of Montreal,
the same who acled os secretary of the
celebrated meeting: ol the radicala of that
city holden on the 13th Dee. 1327.
Òr, the Sd day of August, 1329, Mr
De Lorimier was admitted to practice as
public Notary. His talents and honesty
soon gained him very extensive practice,
He alterwarda became the partner ofMr
Rilchot ; and it is worlhy of remark that
thia amiable young man after the Death
of bis partner took it uiSon himself to sup
port bis family. Mr. De Lorimier was
loo kind, too generous, too grateful to
abandon the bereaved widow and fatherless
children of his patron and friend till he saw
them well provided for.
In 1932, on the lOth ol Jan. he married
the eUest daughter of the late J. M. Cad
ieux, Esq. one of the wealthiest Notaries
of the City of Montreal. Mr. De Lori
mier's professional reputaiion was sudi,
that he was consulied in almost every dif
ficult case. Allhough belongmg to a fam
ily in the employment of the British Gov
ernment, he was always a Reformer. As
soon as he could take an active part in
politica, he always advocated the rights of
nis country, and opposed the tyranny and
oppression of the British Government.
Doring the election fof the West Ward
of the City of Montreal" in 1832, he was
foremost io supportine the late Daniel
Tracey, Eaq. who hai suiTereJ imprison
ment for having dared to 6ay that the
Legislative Council was a nuitanee. Mr.
De Lorimier'a exertions were incessant in
favor of Dr. Tracey 'a election. In 1834,
we again findour laoienled friend usingali
bis iallufcce (which was very great) in
favor of the candidales, whosupporled the
principles conlained ita the 92 resolutions.
It would be tedious perhaps to enume
rate bere ali the services Mr. De Lorimier
rendered to his country, we abati therefore
try to be brief and come at once to those
acts which rendered him odious lo the
English Government and which finally
brought upon him the cruel and vindictive
treatment which ended his precious life.
Mr. De Lorimier partook oflhe feelings
of the great mass of the Beformers of the
Province, in regard to the injustice and
unconstitutionality of the resolutions which
had been adopled by the English Parlia
nient againsi Lower Canada in March,
1837, denying those reforms which vvere
asked, aod aulhorising the pillage of ils
public revenues. Being afreeholder in the
counly ol Montreal, he altended the great
meeting of that county, which was holden
at St. Laurent, on the 15th May, that
sameyear. ilispopuiarity anu tus politicai
honesty led the people to name him Secre
tary oflhe meeting. Ile discharged his
dulies wilh great credit.
At this meeting among other resolutions
one was adopted to form a permanent and
centrai committee for the county of Mon
treal, which was to sit weekly in the city
of Montreal, for the purpoae of watchiug
ali movements of the gov'mt, and to cor
respond wilh ihe several committees which
might be cstablished in the difl'erent coun
ties of the Province. A Secretary of tal
ents and great integrity, lo whom imoi-
tant business could be entrusted, was want
ed ; the honor was unanimously conferred
upon our departed friend. At each nieet.
ing of the permanent and centrai commit
tee, Mr. De Lorimier was always found at
his post, ready to discharge the artluous
duties liis countrymen had imposed upon
him.
The citizens of the city of Montreal met
on the 29ih June following io disapprove
ol the arbitrary conduct of the metropoli.
lan eovernment lowarus its Lanauiar. L-ol
onies and a!so to prolest solemnly against
the passing by the Imperiai Parliament of
resolutions which annihilate constitutional
rights in the Province. Mr. De Lorimier
was again chosen Secretary of ihis meeting,
and the manner in which he discharged his
duties, entitled him to the thanks of the
reformers. On the Cth Nov. 1837 when the
Sons of Liberty were attacked while peace-
ably assembled, Mr. De Lorimier was in
volved in the general fight which ensued.
He then showed that he f'eared not death.
He was seen exposed to the utmostdan-
ger, and he did not leave the baule field
lill he had been disahled by a musket ball
which he received in one of hislegs.
He continued to act as Secretary of the
centrai and permanent committee of the
Counly of Montreal till the sittings of that
6erviceable and patriotic body werebroken
up by the tyrannical measures of the locai
government. Warrants of High Treason
were issued against ali the Radicals who
had made themselves conspicuous by the
active part they hadtaken in the measures
to relieve their onnressed country. 1 he
nameof Mr. De Lorimier was too notori
ous to escape the notice ol the tyrant Gos-
ford, and a mandate was issued for his ap
prehension. His noble devotedness to his
country's cause was to be rewarded by a
duni?eon or bv the scafTold. Our friend
o 1
learning the designa of the government
left the city and directed his course to-
wards the county of Two Mountams,
where he arrived on the 15th Nov.
His patriot ism and his decision of charac
ter were duly appreciated by the people
among whom he went to fight or die for his
country '8 liberty. He was soon raised to
the rank of Captain, and was ordered to
join the divisiou at St. Eustache under the
brave and immortai Chenier.
At the battle of St. Eustache on the 14th
Dee, he seconded as long as it was in his
Dr. Tracey was etected, but the election re
ohed io ibe massacre of ihree Canadians bj the
British Troor. Duriti the Brine, Mr. De Lori
mier had the handle ofhis umbrella cut off by a
muskel ball, and hia eseape from deaih wu on
that occuioo, .ry prondantial.
power, the noble efTorts of those worthy
and courageous patriot who preferred a
desparate fight lo a dithonorakle flihl,
But the late of the battle was against
them, being overpowered bv superior force;
and it was not ti!l then that our friend
made bis escape to St. Benoit. Finding
thatit was useless to make any further at
tempts to repel the troops, with sev'ral other
dislinguished patriota he made his way to
the United States. From St. Benoit they
carne down to Berthier, and from ihcnce
they went asfar down as Three Rivers.
They then crossed the St. Lawrence,
passed through Drummond and Sher
brooke, and after mudi fatigue, and seve
ral hair-breadlh escapes they arrived in Ca
naan Vt. Ali this long and tedious route
was performed at the expense of ali com
lorts, and with the privation of nearly ali
the necessaries of lift;, more particularly in
the Eastem Townshìps where they were
stopt many limes by guards, who detained
them till they were satisfied that they were
not connected with the rebellion. It was
about Christmas that they found them
selves in the land of freedom.
As 6oon as Mr. De Lorimier had crossed
the lines, he carne to Montpelier Vt. where
he was hospitably received. We have of-
ten heard him expressing his gratefulness
for the hospitality of the people of that vil-J
lage. He felt very grateful for the kindness
of Mr. J. A. Vail towards himsell and his
brother refugees.
On the lstof January, 1933, Mr. De
Lorimier was present at a meeting of the
Canadian refugees at Middlebury Vt., and
his hopes for the emancipaiion of his coun
try vvere raised very high by the flatlerinp
manifestalionsof certain persons, who had
it then in their power to do mudi gocd, bui
who in aftertime seemed to have forgotien
their grandiloquent promises. Our friend
was not of those men whose only wish is
to fight with words. Finding that he was
deceived in his expcciaiiotis, he lei t, and
joined Dr. Robt. Nelson at Pittsburgh
N.Y., where the Doctor was then engaged
in planning an attack upon the Brilish foe.
Mr. De Lorimier was one of those true
Canadian Patriots who werenever dishear
tened by the sad reverses their cause had
been subjected to. Independence and liber
ty he believed could not be bought too dear;
and he always considered his life asof very
little value while his country wasoverrnn
by a foreign foe. Wilh such sentiments
the reader may imagine that our friend
was never inactive. Night and day he
was constantly busied in preparing materi
ata to enable him to take deep revenge
upon the oppressors of his native land for
the horribie cruelties they had practised
upon the patriots. ' Ali his thoughts and
ali his means were absorbed in the busy
preparatoli for slriking again for ihe "inde
pendence of his country, and the punish
mentofits oppressors." On the 23th of
February he entered the Province at Beach
Ridge, under the Command of Dr. Robert
Nelson. He then held the rank of Cap.
tain. While the patriot army was on the
Ridge, several alarms were given, more
parteiularly during the night. Mr. De
Lorimier was cairn and fearless, always
encouraging his men, to whom he had be
come very dear by his kindness and affa
bility. When, by the treachery and scan
dalous conduct of Gen. Wool, who had
seized ali the ammunitions and nearly ali
the fire-arms of the patriots, it became
necessary to retreat to the United States,
disappointment with ali ita pangs was de
picted in Mr. De Lorimier's countenance.
He of course submitted to necessity and
carne back to PJattsburgh. In the tnonth
of May his lady carne to join him, and to
the month of August he resided with ber
at that place. About that time he went to
Ste. Scholastique, in the county ofTwo
Mountains, on a special mission. He how
evej very soon carne back to the States,
where he remained till a little time before
the outbreak, when he again returned to
the county of Two Mountains.
On the rising of the 3d of November
last he was at Beauharnois, in the county
of Beauharnois, where he acted as Briga
dier General. His courage was surpassed
by no one, and his bkill was admired by ali
those who had an opportunity of judging
of hia military capacity. Ab order iiaving
been received to concentrate ali the patriot
forces at Napierville in the county of
L'Acadie, Mrl De Lorimier ordered bi$
men lo this place. He look with him the
several prisoners they had made arxul
Beauharnois and matched accordingto the
orders he had received. On his ariival
at Lapigeonniere, he heard that th
patriot forces had been disbamled and that
Sir John Colborne with a strong force wai
marcliing on Napierville. Ili men werl
few and but poorly armed. His oflìceri
were called together & it was deeined ad
visable to disband & to release their prison
ers, among whom was Mr. Eilice, a nephew
to Lord Durham. Under these perples
ing circumstances our friend with several
other patriota took the direction of the
State of New York. They were very
near the lines in Odelton when they were
challenged by a British guard who not re
ceiving a proper answer, fìred upon them.
The night was very dark, the companions
ofMr. De Lorimier continued their route
to the States but unfortunately our friend
rctreated towards the interior, and between
1 and 2 o'clock on the morning of the 1 2th
Nov., he was made a prisoner. His arma
were immediately pinioned and he was ta
ken to the guard-house, where he was oh-
liged lo put up with ali kinds of insults
from the loyalists, but with that compo
sure which characterizes every true patriot.
He was taken to Napierville jail, and
had to walk fifteen miles on foot. The
ropes with which he was tied were so tight
that it was wilh great dilficulty thai they
could be taken off, so deeply buried were
they in his arms. He was thrown into a
cold dungeon without lire and with no
other victuals than bread nnd water, and
had but the bare ground to sleep upon.
After an cxamination before thè military
authorilies who were there. I ""a ecnt
on thè 22d Nov., wilh several of his com
panions to Montreal jail, where he was
thrown into a lonely dungeon.
On the 8th January, 1839, he was of
ficially notified to be prepared for his tri
al, which was to take place three days af
terwards on the 11 ih. On the day ap
pninted he was dragged before the Court
Martial whose jurisdiction he recused. He
denied the powers of a military body to de
cide upon his life or death, and cited legai
authorilies he had in his favor. But ali
was of no avail. His death was predeter
mined by the sanguinary and blood thirsty
Colborne, and the military officerà, who
composed the infernal inrjuisition, the
Court Martial, were but the tools oflhe
despot who rules Lower Canada. So he
found it was useless for him lo combat any
longer. As therè were tvvelve other pri
soners besides him who were arraigned at
the same time, the trial was prolonged till
thc20lh.' During that long and tedious
business Mr. De Lorimier behaved like a
true patriot who forsaw that his life was
to be sacrifieed lor his country. The
Crown-Officers used every exertion to
make it appears that of ali the patriot
leaders, he was the most guilty, and no
extenuation conld be offered, to prove lln's
assertion we copy word for word a certain
part of the address of Mr. Day, the Judje
Advocate to the Court Martial, which is
in ihe following terms :
"But we feel that we cannot in the
strici discharge of our public duly, supprfss
the opinion that there exisls sulfìcient evi
dence to warrant the belief that the prison
er De Lorimier is one of the most dangr
ous class of criminale, wbose machinalions
have put into operation the detestable re
bellion which left behind it destruction and
ali kind of miseries inflicted upon society
in this land who ought to expiate, BY
DEATH, the loss oflhe lives of the vie
tims who perished on the battle field, as
well as of the lives of their companions in
crime, less intelligent perhaps than them,
who have paid by the scafTold, crimes to
which they had been compelled." And a
little further he adds " We are inclined to
say that among those who accordine to
our conscience appear lo bemost guilty
are : Brien byhis intellectual faculties and
his presumed knowledge of "his social du
ties: Delorimier for thesame reason, to
gether wilh the circumstance to which we
have alrrady made allusion, that he had
lefl the city to go to thp seat nf rebrllion.'
Il was easy to fortee by this addres of
ti. Judg Advocate that our lamentai
friend would b sacrifieed. Durine his tri
al the Herald and the L'Ami di Peuple
announced wilh enphasis and a fiendifJi
plrasnro tliat Mr. De Lorimier wouM be
found " guilty." They could well ray so,
thev who are in ali the secreta of the san
guinary administration of Sir John Co'
borne, one being the organ of the violcnt
tory party, and the other being supported
chiefly by the Calholic Priests of the Se
rninary of St. Sulpice al Montreal.
Their awful predietion about the fate of
Mr. De Lorinver was fulfìlled; and on the
12ih of Feh., at three o'clock in the after
noon sentenre of death was offìcially com
municated to him, who was told thnt on the
next Friday bis noble ar.d virluous life
should be ended on the gibbet. This news
he received with apparent indiflerence.
He knew the cruel and bloody disposition
of the foe in whose banda he was, and he
expected nothing from them but death.
He wrote immediately to his wife so as
to have ber and his family prepared for the
awful blow they were to receive. We
shall quote bere the words of his belo"ed
sister to a friend in the Slates " When we
received hia letter, hia halfdead wife and
niyself went to see him. But, alaa!
What a meeting ! AH the prisoners were
shedding tears. He alone" with his bravo
and (infortunate companion and friend
Ilindenlang seemed to be indifferent lo their
fate. 0! Almighty power, how this re
membrance inakes me shed tears."
His tender wile left Pittsburgh N. Y.,
as soon as shr heard that hia trini wes to
take place, but she was not ollowed to see
him lill the last day ofhis trial. When
for the first lime since his captivity he be
held the tender companion of his lieart.'
After she had received the terrible iritelli-
gnoo of bis ontlOTnnation,' ha ron l'I
thejail to presa once more to ber bosom
ber unfortunale but beloved companion.
Butalas! under what circumstances were
they to nieet! ali their happy days were
gone, nnd ali was now bui gloom nnd des
pair. Mr. De Lorimier received hia wife
howevcr with fortitude, and when in ali
the agony of mind which it can bo eup
poscd the circumstances would produce, she
said,my dear husband thou art to die an ig.
Dominious and cruel death: " he answered
rier " a cruel death? yes, my dear Har
riet, but not ari ignominiovs one. Idia
for my country I die on a scafTold, but it
ia for liberiy's sake. No! there is no dia
honor in dying on a gibbet, when it is for
freedom's cause. No, no, the death of
Lount and Mathevvs, or Cardinal and Du.
quette is more honorable than to live the
slaves of a despotic government. May
my death help thedownfall of British pow
er in the Canadas & I shall die contenied."
On the day he received notice of bis ex
ecution, his sister went to see him. He
spoke of his approaching fate with great
tranquility of mind. Ile begged from ber
to write to his brother Gideon who Isa
politicai refugee at Sheldon Vt.,and to teli
him, "not to be disheartened by my execu
tion but on the contrary that it should in
crease bis courage and his desire for ven
geance on the British government. Let
him be prudent and discreot : give him my
best wishes and my eternai farewell, I thall
never see bim more."
Fearful that his politicai sentimenti!
would be misrepresented if he addressed
the multitude when he tdiould appear on
the scafTold, he wrote a long letter, (which
we give below,) to he published in the
United States after bis death. He knew
that the tory papera had miconstrued and
disfigured the speech, hia late and la
menled friend Mr. Decoigne made on the
scaflold, on the 18th January preceding,
and he took this precaution that his senti
ments bhould not Le misrepresented after
after bis death. Having aettled ali bis pro
fessional business, he prepared himself to
meet the awful moment with courage and
foriitude, epeaking with great composure
lo the few friends who were allowed to
visit him before leaving the world.
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