Rebellion of 1837 in Upper Canada

   Almost the exact counterpart of the revolt in the lower province. The leaders here were William Lyon Mackenzie, Samuel Lount, Van Egmond, and Rolph. The plan was to march upon Toronto, seize the city, and proclaim a republic. This was early in December. On the night of the 5th, the insurgents marched on the city, were met on the outskirts by a small body of Loyalists, and ignominiously fled. The following day, having gained reinforcements, they made a stand at Montgomery's tavern, and were completely routed by the militia under MacNab. Mackenzie, Lount, and Rolph made their escape. Lount was afterwards captured, tried, and hanged. Spasmodic efforts were made in this and the following years, with the aid of American sympathizers, to keep the Rebellion alive, but the movement had no serious support in Canada, and in every case ended in disaster to the rebels.

   Index: Mc Excuses for, 12; history of, 12-13; Globejustifies, 13; J. S. Willison's view, 14; Lord Durham on the power of rebellion, 14, 15; Lord Dalling and Bulwer on, 15, 16; Goldwin Smith's view, 18, 27; how far justified, 23, 24; Edward Blake on, 26-27; Chamberlain's view of, 28-30; Laurier's view of, 30, 31; "first low murmur of insurrection," 300. B Attributed by Durham to ascendancy of Family Compact, 11. MS Responsibility of Family Compact, 242; Hudson's Bay Company influence supports government, 242. BL Mackenzie's and Rolph's connection with, 43-45; Van Egmond leads rebel forces, 43; attack planned at Toronto, 43; rebels gather at Montgomery's tavern, 43; and are dispersed by loyal troops under MacNab, 44; Baldwin's and Lount's connection with, 44-45; general pardon, 287-288. E Its causes, 17, 18-21; the Sherwoods and Sir Allan MacNab take a conspicuous part in suppressing, 31; aftermath of, 62-63; contrasted with disturbances of 1849, 75-76; spirit of its leaders, 91-92. R Mentioned, 113, 143. Md Militia and volunteers called out, 7; John A. Macdonald serves at Toronto, 7; trial of Von Schoultz, 8-9; passions kindled by, 13; and responsible government, 23. See also W. L. Mackenzie; Rolph; Lount; Grievances.

   Bib.: Dent, Upper Canadian Rebellion; Head, Narrative; King, Other Side of the Story; Ryerson, Affairs of the Canadas; Glenelg, Despatches to Sir F. B. Head; Read, Rebellion of 1837; Lizars, Humours of '37.