http://metis.tripod.com/Louis.html
The Hanging of Louis Riel
In 1885, front page headlines across Canada, The news stories reported on one of the most important events in the history of Canada, the execution of Louis Riel. At the time of the execution many newspapers across Canada printed accounts and reactions to the hanging of Riel.
At the time, The Manitoba Daily Free Press located in Winnipeg printed a total of 12 separate stories on the execution. In the March 16, 1997 issue of the The Winnipeg Free Press, these original stories were reprinted.
http://metis.tripod.com/
MDumont.html
Michel Dumonts Report
St. Vincent, Minn, Nov 16. Michel Dumont, half brother to Gabriel, arrived at St. Vincent yesterday, and went to Neche today expecting his family. He says there is no question of RielÕs insanity even at the time of the rebellion, that they know of his intention to surrender at Batoche, and that they searched three hours for him before leaving intending to tie him on a horse and take him with them to Montana.
Photo of Gabriel Dumont brother of Michel Dumont
http://metis.tripod.com/The_interview.html
An Interview - Toronto, Nov. 10,1885
The Globe this morning containing a telegram from its Regina correspondent giving what is declared to be a bona fide interview with Riel. After referring to the reasons which led him to cross the line, he said, When I was asked to come from Montana the half-breeds wanted me to petition, and I did so, and an answer resulted in an increase of police. I had no protection at all, and reports and threats came from all quarters about me, and agitation was considered a thing out of place by many in Saskatchewan, and the Government began having special constables at all meetings. The police are out of place. If they would give us our rights instead of keeping guard over us, men so employed could be kept to much better purpose in developing the country.
I wish the Dominion Government would book one seventh of our land and compute that as capital and give us for the present what interest they could on that capital, and as the country became more prosperous increase that interest, still retaining the capital. He then wandered off on the subject of Divine mission, and said, Since December 8, 1875, the year I was banished, God has appointed me his prophet, and all my points are as clear as water of the purest fountain. With the many interests bound against us it was impossible man should succeed, and I was praying day and might that God would grant me mercy and help men in my extremity. Before consenting to the invitation I told them to give me six hours for prayer and confession, and next morning, with Gabriel Dumont and Michael Dumais, went to confession and received communion. When twenty-four hours had expired, God showed me what good I would be doing the country. In the Gospel it is said: From him that asketh thee turn not against. They wanted to borrow my help, and I thought it not christianlike for me to refuse to give it. The first difficulty arose a Duck Lake, where Major Crozier came with cannons to fetch oats from our settlement. If he was justified in using cannon to fetch oats, why were we not justified in using small guns in defending our lands.
The parish of St. Louis de Langevin had been completely sold with the property of twenty-four families, and they could not get even an appearance of a title, and chapel, priests house, all ground, and everything were taken away, and this only is an instance of the injustice under which we labored. Then followed some revelations, after which the guard notified me that my time had expired. As I turned to go away Riel said: I want to tell you one thing more; last night I had a vision and way the bucket, but did not kick it. It was another man who kicked it. I think it was Langevin. This was symbolical of his belief that he would not hang.
http://metis.tripod.com/another_account.html
Another Account - Regina, N.W.T. , Nov. 16
Louis David Riel was executed on the scaffold at the barracks of the Mounted Police, for high treason against the Queen of Great Britain, at 8:23 0 clock. The same extraordinary precaution against the possible escape of Riel or intrusion into the barracks by unauthorized persons, was observed again this morning. At a mile from the barracks mounted patrols challenged all persons and compelled them to disclose written passes. Two other lines of guards were stationed at points nearer the posts. Here the same precautions were observed. No one was permitted to enter the guard room until 8:12 O clock. The scene presented there was Riel on the scaffold with Pere Andre and Father McWilliam with him celebrating mass, Riel on bended knees, wearing a loose woollen surtout, gray trousers and woollen shirt. On his feet were moccasins, the only feature of his dress that partook of the Indian that was in him. He received the notice to proceed to the scaffold in the same composed manner shown the preceding night on receiving warning of his fate. His face was full of color, and he appeared to have complete self-possession, responding to the service in a clear tone. The prisoner decided only a moment before starting to the scaffold not to make a speech. This owing to the earnest solicitation of both priests attending him. He displayed an inclination at the last moment to make an address, but Pere Andre reminded him of his promise, and he then arose and walked toward the executioner, repeating prayers to the last moment. The final words escaping him being Mercie Jesus. He died without a struggle. Not to exceed twenty persons were admitted within the confines of the barracks to witness the execution.
Before the Execution - Regina Nov.16
Riel has been confined in the guard room of the Mounted Police barracks, whose headquarters post is located on the open prairie, three miles west of the city, ever since the conclusion of his trial here in the month of July. The leader of the Metis in their second revolt against the authority of the Canadian Government has been kept under the closest surveillance by the force stationed here. Ever since the denial of the Imperial Council of Great Britain to overturn the verdict rendered against him, capionage has been more strict than before, both to guard against the escape of their state prisoner and to prevent any attempt at rescue which might be made by his countrymen in Canada or over the American border. Ninety men were told off for this duty, on Saturday might and last night even this number was increased, videttas occupying commanding points a mile from the barracks and a double cordon about the camp proper.
The prison of Riel is a long wooden structure, one story in height, with long slanting roof and small windows under the eaves, grated with iron. The two reliefs of the guard occupied the rooms in the front portion of the building, while six sentinels paced up and down continuously outside the structure. Another sentinel paced in front of the cell of the condemned half-breed and the precautions extended as far that the officer of the guard was compelled to visit and certify that he had visited his prisoner each quarter hour. Never was a captive more zealously guarded, and possibly never was a captive during the full period of his imprisonment less in need of watchmen in his outward department. Whatever his character may have been in the field as a martial leader of his countrymen, in prison he has fallen little short of a religieux. His time has been devoted assiduously to prayer. Even when given his constitutional on the open ground adjoining the guard-room for an hour each morning, he has paced back and forth with his hands clasped together in front, his head bowed with prayers issuing from his lips, voiced in either the French or Indian Cree tongue. Soon after his capture by the Canadian troops he professed to throw off his allegiance to the Roman Catholic Church and took the guise of a prophet, claiming to see various and foretelling events. latterly, as his fate seemed more surely sealed, he has sought comfort again of his original faith, and his constant and almost only companion for the past two weeks has been Pere Andre, from Prince Albert, close to the scene of the recent rebellion. The churchmanÕs visits have been paid twice daily, and in his absence Riel was frequently kneeling at his couch in prayer.
The remainder of his time has been spent in writing out predictions of the future and a defence of his conduct in leading the half-breeds twice to war. These papers have all bee entrusted to Pere Andre, and will doubtless be produced at some time in the future, although the prelate refuses what his credentials, was permitted to surrender them now. No one, no matter what his credentials, were permitted to passed through the guard room to see the prisoner in his cell, and the immediate friends of the condemned man even did not see him, though no restriction was placed upon them. He received a few days ago a letter from his aged mother which affected him visibly, but at no other time during his confinement did he show any signs of the weakness which was imputed to him after his capture by the Canadian scouts.
The strict privacy of the prisoner was broken down for the first time yesterday when the representative of the associated press was permitted to visit the prisoner in company of the sheriff and the commandant of the mounted police. This was on the occasion of the formal announcement that his death warrant had arrived, The charm of the rebels manner was undeniable. He anticipated what the sheriff would say in his own greeting: Well, you have come with the great announcement. I am glad. He spoke slowly, but very distinctly, looking at the Sheriff with resolute eye and without a tinge of braggadocio. He rallied the Sheriff when the latter suggested that he should not speak too long. You think I will speak too long; that I will be unnerved. Oh, no At the last moment I will be firm, There was a trace of the French patois in his accent which did not lessen the charm of his speech. His beard was dark brown, neatly trimmed, and his hair was brushed back from his high forehead with a tendency to curl in contrast to the straight hair of his Indian progenitors. His nose was slightly Roman, and his skin dark but not swarthy. Looking at him and witnessing his manner it was easy to discern the influence he had with his people.
His address was that of a skilled courtier, and his college training had never deserted him in the perfection and grace of his speech, all the more remarkable in contrast with that of his followers. While it has been charged that he showed a lack of spirit on the battle field or in the presence of danger, no one would urge it against him in witnessing the non-chalance in his bearing and the suavity of his speech in acknowledging the fiat of his doom. The stoicism lent by the savage strain in his blood, it would be conceded stood him in good stead as he made his final plea, that he was urged on in his career by the motive of a patriot. I have only the, (striking his breast) to leave: and this I tendered to my country fifteen years ago, am willing to give now.Ó Beyond the prelate who wisited him it was the fate of Riel that there were none of his former companions, either from political or personal fear, that found their way to his cell, and beyond the announcement of the results of the various stages of his trial he had no knowledge of passing events or criticism passed upon his career. His concluding hours were passed in the sole company of his spiritual adviser, who performed masses for hime during the early portion of the night. Riel then lay down and appeared to sleep soundly, awaking at an early hour, and again resuming his devotions.
http://metis.tripod.com/Chronology.html
Chronology of Riels Life
The chronology of RielÕs life, up to the time of the rebellion, is as follows:
1847 - Born at St. Boniface
1853 - First attends school at St. Boniface town hall
1856 - Goes to Montreal and attends the Jesuit college
1866 - Returns to his home in Manitoba
1867 - Clerk in a store in St. Paul, Minnesota
1868 - Returns home and becomes a farmer in St. Vital
1869 - July 29 - First meeting of half-breeds and others at court house, St. Boniface to demand a portion of the money the Hudsons Bay Company was to receive from Canada
Oct 19 - Hon. William Macdougall warned not to enter the Northwest
Oct 20 - Riels followers assemble on the banks of the River Salle to oppose McDougalls advance
Oct 20 - McDougall retreats across the lines to Pembina
Nov 3 - The insurgents take possession of Fort Garry
Nov 16, 17 - Meeting of 24 deputies at St. Boniface to arrange a programme in Riels interest
Dec 1 - Mr. McDougall issues a proclamation against the rebels
Dec 6 - A Government proclamation of amnesty granted
Dec 7 - Dr. Schultz and forty-four Canadians captured and imprisoned by Riels force.
Dec 8 - Riels Provisional Government formed
1870
Jan 7 - Archbishop Tache asked to mediate by the Government of Canada
Jan 11 - The Archbishop agrees to do so
Feb 14 to 16 - Major Boulton attempts to organize a force to march against Riel. Sir John Macdonald authorizes Archbishop Tache to proclaim a general amnesty, and to assure the insurgents the Canadian Government would stand between them and all harm
Feb 17 - Major Boulton and 47 others captured and imprisoned by Riel
Mar 4 - Archbishop Tache arrives at Red River and in a letter written June 9, states that he promised, in the name of Imperial and Canadian Governments, both to the insurgents generally and to Riel and Lepine in particular, a full amnesty for every breach of the law of which they had been guilty, including the murder of Scott.
Mar 11 - Archbishop Tache meets Riel and Lepine and others, and promises them an amnesty in the name of the Governor-General
Mar 24 - Father Ritchot, Judge Black, and Mr. A. Scott start for Ottawa as delegates to present the claims of the Provisional Government to the Dominion authorities
April 11 - They arrive at Ottawa
June 17 - They return to Fort Garry, and Father Ritchot assures Archbishop Tache that a full and complete amnesty was promised by the Governor-General and Sir Clinton Murdoch in the name of the Queen
June 24 - The Red River delegates make their report to the representatives of the river settlement and the Provisional Government notifies the Secretary of State that the people of the settlement agree to enter into the Canadian Confederation
July 12 - Sir George E. Cartier, in a letter to Archbishop Tache, corroborates Father Ritchots statements regarding the amnesty promised
Aug 24 - Arrival of WolseleyÕs force at Fort Garry
Oct 3 - Proclamation issued by Lieutenant-Governor Archibald asking for volunteers to serve against the Fenians
Oct 4 - Meeting at St. Vital, at which Riel urges his friends to aid the Government against the Fenians
Oct 7 - Lieutenant-Governor Archibald receives a letter from Riel and Lepine and Parenteau announcing the organization of several companies of Metis for service against the Fenians, and containing assurances of loyalty
Oct 8 - The Lieutenant-Governor accepts the proffered assistance, and, through his Secretary of State, addresses Riel and Lepine an official reply, complimenting them on the loyalty they had shown and the assistance they had rendered. He also reviewed the troops under Riel and Lepine and their companions, and publicly shook hands with them. In his communication to Sir John Macdonald on the subject, he said, If the Dominion has at this moment a province to defend and not one to conquer, they owe it to the policy of forbearance. If I had driven the French half-breeds into the hands of the enemy, O Donohue would have been joined by all the population between the Assiniboine and the frontier. Fort Garry would have passed into the hands of an armed mob, and the English settlers to the north of the Assiniboine would have suffered horrors it makes me shudder to contemplate.
Dec 27 - Sir John Macdonald, sends a private and confidential communication to Archbishop Tache, announcing that her has made an arrangement regarding Riel, and enclosing a sight draft on the Bank of Montreal for $1,000 to aid him in leaving the country.
1872
Jan 1 - Archbishop Tache consults with Riel and Lepine, and they are finally prevailed upon to leave the country on condition that they are furnished with $1,600 each.
Jan 1 - At the suggestion of Lieutenant-Governor Archibald, Donald A. Smith advanced 600 pounds to be added to the $1,000 provided by Sir John Macdonald, the understanding being, that Mr. Smith was to be reimbursed by the Dominion Government.
Feb - Riel and Lepine leave the Northwest by private conveyance, Mr. Plainval, chief police, sending several of his men with them to protect them in case of danger.
Sept 14 - Riel declines the nomination for the House of Commons for Provencher in favor of Sir George Cartier.
1873
June 4 - the Imperial Government is asked by order-in-council, approved by Lord Dufferin, to deal with the question of amnesty for Riel and his associates.
July 24 - Lord Kimberly, Secretary of State for the Colonies, reports the Imperial authorities willing to do so.
Oct - Riel is returned for Provencher by acclamation
1874
Jan 22 - Riel is again returned for Provencher
Mar 28, 29 or 30 - He signs the roll in the Clerks room, House of Commons.
April 16 - He is expelled from the House by a vote of 124 to 68
Sept 3 - He is again elected for Provencher
Oct 10 - Lepine is capitally convicted of the murder of Scott at the Winnipeg assizes
Oct 15 - A warrant of outlawry is issued by the Court of QueenÕs Bench of Manitoba against Riel
Dec 10 - Lord Dufferin sends a dispatch to Earl Carnavon, Secretary of State for the Colonies, reviewing at length the circumstances which were urged as entitling Riel and Lepine to clemency, placing special stress upon Lieutenant-Governor Archibalds acceptance of their services on the occasion of the threatened Fenian invasion, and the public expression of confidence and thanks tendered them by the representative of the Crown in Manitoba. In reference to the commutation of LepineÕs sentence he said: This commutation, when the proper time arrives, I propose to order on my own responsibility, under the powers accorded to me by my instruments.
1875
Jan 14 - Earl Carnarvon, in a dispatch to Lord Dufferin, states that in LepineÕs case neither amnesty nor entire pardon is possible, but that his sentence should be commuted, that Riel should have similar punishment, and that both should be politically disqualified.
Jan 15 - LepineÕs sentence is commuted to two years imprisonment and forfeiture of his political rights.
Jan 26 - Lord Carnarvon cables Lord Dufferin: I fully approve the course taken by you in LepineÕs case.
Feb 12 - Amnesty granted to Riel and Lepine on condition of five years banishment and forfeiture of political rights, and in fulfilment of pledges made by Sir John Macdonald and his Cabinet to Archbishop Tache and the Red River delegates, and of those of Lieutenant-Governor Archibald to Riel, Lepine and his associates.
1877 - Riel spends several months in Beauport Asylum, Quebec
1878 - Riel engages at farming at St. Joe, Minn.
1879 - He removes to the Sun River settlement, Montana, and takes a situation as teacher in an industrial school.
1981 - He marries a half-breed named Marguerite Bellimeure, daughter of Jean Baptiste Bellimeure, of Fort Ellice.
1884 - Returns to Saskatchewan
1885 - Engages in the resistance in Saskatchewan
No comments:
Post a Comment