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Barb asked if I would help her decipher the handwriting then publish them on The Olive Tree Genealogy pages, and if I could suggest a permanent home for them. With her permission I contacted the Ontario Archives and they began discussions with Barb about providing archival space for the papers. Documents in Ontario concerning the Fenian Raids are rare, and Barb's papers are a treasure trove of historical data and names.

Meantime Barb and I worked together to decipher the handwriting, which was fairly neat when the meeting began in the early evening of June 1st (around 5 pm) but became far less legible as the all-night meeting continued. Finally we have deciphered enough of the document to begin presenting it here.

This is an ongoing work and will be contined as time (and finances!) permit. The last few pages of this entire document consists of lists of men in various patrols who were sent out that night and in the early dawn. Researchers will be pleased to find names they will probably recognize if they have family from this area.

I have placed my notes inside square brackets [ ] and any additional notes from Barb are prefaced with her name. In most cases we agreed on the transcript; in a few we did not. I have also included some of the pages as a graphic which you may consult. And now -- enjoy!

Committee of Safety
June 1st 1866
Present T.W.. Hooker, Esq., John Hellund [?] [Barb's note: I think this is John Hellums], Esq., A.G.. Hill, Esq, E. R Dewhurst, Esq. L. D. Raymond, Esq. I. P. Willson

Unanimously resolved that T. W. Hooker Esq be the Chairman of this Committee and I.P. Willson, Esq. Secy.

Moved by I.P. Willson, seconded by John Hellund [?] that this committee remain in permanent session until the danger appears to have passed. Carried unanimously.

Moved by J. Hellund [?]Esq, seconded by E.R Dewhurst Esq. That scouts be sent out in every direction to obtain information. Carried

Moved by Alex? [ink blot and written over] Hill Esq, seconded by E.R Dewhurst Esq that Mr. Lilly and Mr. L. Garner be appointed scouts in the direction of Ridgeway. Carried

Lilly and Garner dispatched by shortest route in the direction of Ridgeway - gone - 5 p.m.

Chief Constable Patterson called upon to set in his offical capacity

Dr. Schooley was added to the committee by unanimous agreement - In being present - Messrs. Bennet and Potter appointed scouts to go in the directionof Stevensville by shortest route & keep to the left as much as possible without going too much out of the way - gone 6 pm.

Constable Gilchrist directed to get twelve men to act as patrols and report as soon as possible

F. Snider reports - Fenians seen by Robt. Robb - this morning at Riers [?] - Ta- -dell [?] saw them this side of Buck's Tavern - number not known - and further no doubt that Dr. Thompson is shot

B. Diffans [?] sent in direction of Shirk's Crossing by shortest route and Po_s [smear makes this illegible] if necessary - gone 6:30 p.m. [Barb: looks to me like: B. Diffans or Diffens sent in direction of ??? Shirk's, Shirb's ??? Crossing by shortest route and on to Point Abino??? Abiew??? if necessary -- gone 6:30 P.M.]

End of page 1

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Disclaimer: Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information on The Olive Tree Genealogy pages, all transcriptions are subject to human error, and researchers should always check the original source of any list.