Tweedsmuir Thursday #4

(click photo to enlarge)

Standing- 1st row, 1st man on right: Captain Dr. D. MacDermid, Centre: Officer Duncan McCuaig, 1st row, last man on left: Officer John McCuaigKneeling- 1st on left: Duncan MacLeod, 5th from left: Alexander MacLeodOther Names: Duncan and John McCuaig (brothers), Duncan and Alexander MacLeod (brothers), John and Sandy Stewart (son of Alex R.), Sandy Stewart (son of Norman), Alex Stewart (son of Alex A.), Murdoch Stewart (son of Peter), Thomas Campbell, Neil MacLean (Fiachaidh) Wild Neil, Farquhar MacRae, Kenneth Campbell, George Day

The above photograph was taken of the Dunvegan Volunteer Infantry Company No. 7 of the 59^th Battalion, who were active in the repulsion of the Fenian Invasion of 1866-1867. The Fenians, composed largely of Irish-Americans, sought to achieve Ireland’s independence from Britain by capturing Canada as hostage.  Between 1866 and 1871, they raided Canadian territory along the borders, known as the Fenian Raids.

The Dunvegan Company of the County of Glengarry Infantry was recruited by Dr. Donald MacDermid, I. P. S., in 1868. This company was composed of three officers: Captain Dr. MacDermid, Lieutenant D.J. MacCuaig, and Ensign J.J MacCuaig. There were also three corporals and forty-nine privates.

The company’s first appearance was for the annual drill in Cornwall in 1869. Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, was visiting Cornwall at the time to inspect the 59^th Battalion, known later as the 59^th Regiment of Active Militia of Canada. The men of the Company were presented with white gloves to shake hands with Prince Arthur.

The following year, the Company was called to the front to act with the other volunteer militia in repelling an invasion of the country. The Fenians had assembled in large numbers at Malone, N.Y., across the St. Lawrence from Cornwall. Without the militia’s presence, there is no doubt that the Fenians would have crossed the St. Lawrence River.

The order to be in Cornwall was received at four o’clock in the afternoon, and the Company arrived at eight o’clock the next morning. The Company marched west through Stewart’s Glen, with Norman MacRae and John Stewart playing the pipes. The tune was “Gabhaidh sinn au Rathad Mor” (We will up and march away).