"Canada’s connections" Topic

Subject: Canada's Connection

Of possible interest

link

"African Canadians in Union Blue" looks quite interesting.

Yes, had never thought much about this except for St Albans. Good stuff 35th!

Thanks, me either.

They also provided trained personal from the British Army who deserted and joined the US Regulars.

American press gangs, "crimpers", would kidnap young men from Canada and force them to join the Union army, sometimes crossing the border to do so in nighttime raids.

Very interesting, I'd never know any of these facts before. I'm not an ACW buff so haven't read as many books on the period than those who are, but definitely more than the average non historian. Thanks for sharing.

Interesting post – as well, in Western Canada post ACW a lot of the settlers were American, including some ACW vets or their kids (like my great-grandpa)

Interesting. Thanks!

Can't say I've heard anything about American press gangs, but yes, quite a number of British troops who were sent to Canada after the Trent Incident deserted, crossed the border, and joined a new regiment of US Regulars that was recruiting in New England. The short enlistment period in the US Army was very attractive compared to the 21 year enlistment in the British Army at that time.

Excellent report 35th OVI,i reside in Windsor,Omtario- not far from where the Lake Erie incident conspirators met and formulated the scheme to hijack the federal gunboat USS Michigan.

Welcome