ublican Army," and
was commanded by Gen. Spier, with Gen. Mahon, of Boston, as his Chief
of Staff. By noon of the 1st of June over 800 men had reported to Gen.
Spier, and during the following twenty-four hours their number had
increased to about 1,800. Like their comrades who had assembled at
Buffalo, they travelled in small squads and companies, unarmed, and
were reticent as to their intentions while in American territory.
They quietly scattered about the town in groups and made no disorderly
demonstrations, as they seemed to be under some sort of military
restraint or orders. Every train that arrived from the east or the south
brought in fresh contingents, who on arrival received their orders and
silently distributed themselves among the small towns and villages along
the Vermont border. For some time previous cases of arms and ammunition
had been shipped to convenient points where they would be ready for
distribution, and staff officers were busy looking after this war
material and getting everything ready for the equipment of the
expedition. For a day or two matters looked very promising for Gen.
Spier. Thirteen thousand troops had been promised to him by Gen. Sweeny,
with an unlimited supply of arms and ammunition, and his hopes soared
high. But alas for human reckoning! The fates proved unkind, as
subsequent developments proved.

On the 4th of June the Boston contingent of Fenians, about 400 in
number, arrived at St. Albans, without arms. Of this command about 200
were sent to Fairfield, Vt., a village eight miles east of St. Albans,
and quite close to the Canadian frontier, where a column was being
mobilized to cross the border.

At East Highgate, Vt., the Fenians established a camp and made
preparations for an advance into Canadian territory from that point.

All along the border of Missisquoi County, in Quebec, the invaders
gathered in groups, companies and regiments, awaiting their arms and
orders to move. Finally a sufficient force was equipped to make a
forward movement, as the men were getting impatient, and on the 4th
of June Gen. Spier led his advance guard across the frontier into St.
Armands, where he established his camp and set up his headquarters at
Pigeon Hill, from the summit of which he flaunted a large green flag.

There were about 1,000 men in this brigade, which was officered by
several old soldiers who had achieved distinction in the American Civil
War, among whom were Gen. Mahon, of the 9