American Civil War Game Club (ACWGC)

Canada Was Involved in the War

Everyone knows Canada accepted draft dodgers and deserters from the conflict. Most are also aware that Canada was a destination of the underground railroad of slaves escaping from the South. But did you know Union recruiters who came to Canada were successful in enlisting between 33,000 and 55,000 Union troops? To put this contribution in perspective the Bureau of Colored Troops reports there were (roughly) 175,000 men of African descent that served in Union uniforms in the last two years of the war. The contribution to the Union war effort of Canadian men may have been as high as 1/3 as many African Americans that fought in the conflict. Many of the Canadian recruits were people who had migrated up from the States at some point in their family history.

English Neutrality

There was considerable sentiment in England towards the South. England came very close to recognizing the Confederate States in 1861-62. The Americans were clear this meant a declaration of war. England was afraid Canada might be invaded and seized so they maintained neutrality in the conflict.

The Canadian National Anthem "O Canada"

The Canadian National Anthem was composed in 1880 by Calixa Lavalle, a French Canadian man who fought for the Union side in the civil war. His rank was Lieutenant. Calixa had moved to Rhode Island to live and when the war started he joined the 4th Rhode Island Volunteers. Calixa became an accomplished musician and directed the Grand Opera House in New York. He died in Boston in 1891.

The Officer Who Caught John Wilks Booth

Edward P. Doherty was a Canadian born Union officer who led the detachment of troops that captured and shot John Wilkes Booth. Officer Doherty enlisted as a private in the 71st New York Volunteers at the outbreak of hostilities. He was captured at the 1st Battle of Bull Run but made a daring escape. For rest of the war he served as an officer in the 16th New York cavalry whose principal activity was to defend Washington.

But Were Canadian Troops Really Brave?

In the conflict 29 Canadian born men were awarded the Medal of Honor. That we know of.

How Canada Became A Country

In 1867 the leaders of the Provinces of British North America decided it was time to cease being a colony of England and form a country. Very concerned by what they saw occur in the American Civil War, the founding fathers determined that Canada would be a place where the central government was strong. Roles and responsibilities of the central government and the provinces were clearly laid out to eliminate potential disputes. There have been two attempts by Quebec to leave Canada - but those have been resolved by the ballot not the bullet.

Some of this I knew, some I did not. Very interesting. I'd also like to point out, lest you wish to forget....the Fenian Raids:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fenian_raids

The Raid on St. Albans:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Albans_Raid

Also, that support in England varied a lot, it wasn't cut and dry. But the Union has a lot of thanks to give Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband and Prince Consort who went to great lengths to keep England out of the conflict. Also the skill of the US Ambassador to the British Charles Francis Adams, Sr.

Of course Canada and the US's history is very intertwined and I actually have enjoyed learning more about the progression to Canadian statehood. The various colonial, provincial holdings and eventual creation. Upper and Lower Canada and the now various provinces who have played a role in US affairs since day one when both were colonized. Loyalist during the American Revolution were quite often found and many went to Canada after the war. I am wondering how much of an impact that had on recruitment.

Folks interested in the Wars that helped shape America and had an impact on the Civil War should check out the Colonial Campaigns Club (CCC) http://www.wargame.ch/1776/index.html where we play the HPS/JTS Early American Wars series and a few AGEOD games. We are a sister Club of the ACWGC and a lot of our members are members here too. People can email me with questions about the Club at eric2900@aol.com

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General Scott Ludwig
4/II/ANV