Fenian Raids, c. June 1866
‘Evacuation of Fort Erie, 3 June 1866’
caricature, lithograph
13 ½” high x 16 ¾” wide
Catalogue Notes: A parallel example can be found in the Manuscript Collection in the Toronto Public Libraries; purchased by them and exhibited in the Baldwin Room in 2001 and described in their annual report of the same year: “Fenian Forces in Flight. This 19th century lithograph, Evacuation of Fort Erie, 3 June 1866, depicts the evacuation of the Fenian forces from Fort Erie, Canada West, across the Niagara River to the United States, the day after the Battle of Ridgeway. Purchased in 2001, it documents a brief passage in the history of Canada which saw American members of this nationalist Irish movement, emboldened by their recent participation in the American Civil War, attempt to a take-over of Canada, which they intended to hold ransom for Ireland’s liberation from English control. Discouraged by the US government, repelled by Canadians, and weakened by informants, the Fenian invasions were short-lived. However, some historians consider the raids to have facilitated the establishment of a united Canada.”
Condition: An Antique it shows expected signs of age and use related wear, there is some water damage, splitting along the creases, and it has at some point been pasted to card. The lithograph itself is strong and the subject important and done with great humour. A previous owner, likely period to the event, has inscribed the lower margin, ‘An accurate caricature.’
