Toward 1812, the prospect of war with the United States and a possibility of invasion from them posed a major threat to the liberties of black Canadians, leading many black men to join militias. Many understood that an American victory would lead to re-enslavement of them and their families
Free black men had served in the Canadian militia since its organization in 1793. However, the formation of an independent unit consisting solely of Blacks was not proposed until the eve of the War of 1812 when Richard Pierpoint offered to raise a corps of black men in the Niagara region.
The offer was initially refused by the Canadian government, but reconsidered upon the American occupation of Sandwich (Windsor) on 12 July 1812.
By late August, the core of the all-black company had formed in Niagara, as part of the 1st Lincoln militia.
Next: Who is to command the company?
--Brock-Perry
No comments:
Post a Comment