ates or fellow-employees, of the fact that they were aliens,
who were only permitted to reside in the United States on sufferance,
and insults and epithets would be hurled at them because they were
"bloody Canucks." But the Canadian boys always kept a stiff upper lip,
and when insolence became too intolerable they were not afraid to assert
their manhood by the use of a little physical force, and teach their
tormentors that a Canadian has rights which _all_ men are bound to
respect.

Quite a colony of Canadians resided in the City of Chicago, Illinois,
in 1866, many of them holding lucrative positions in employment where
brains, energy and confidence were the chief essentials required. As
a natural result these loyal boys chafed in spirit, and their breasts
heaved in indignation, when they observed the open encouragement
and financial assistance which was being given to the Fenians by the
citizens of that metropolis to enable them to carry out their nefarious
plans to conquer Canada.

For the purpose of meeting together for mutual counsel, and more firmly
welding the bonds of loyalty and unity among themselves, these young
men organized the "Chicago Canadian Society," with Mr. John Ford (an old
Toronto boy) as President. The formation of this Association in one of
the hottest hot-beds of Fenianism in America, required men of courage
and reliance to uphold its principles, and in this they were specially
fortunate. From the President down to the most youthful member they were
all "hearts of oak"--men who unflinchingly stood by their principles,
and had their love of country so deep at heart that they resolved to
sacrifice their positions and return to their native land to offer
their services to the Government as soon as occasion demanded. They
accordingly organized a military company, with the sturdy patriot. John
Ford, as their Captain, and began drilling.

They had not long to wait before the news was received in Chicago that
the Fenians had landed in Canada, and that the time for action had
arrived. So the "Chicago Volunteers" at once decided to individually
resign their situations and leave for "the Land of the Maple" to fight
for their flag. While the Company was making preparations for their
journey, Capt. Ford was sent ahead to make the necessary arrangements at
Windsor for their reception, and to formally offer their services to the
Government. Capt. Ford had a dangerous trip _en route_, as many of the
most vio