There’s more to Laura Secord than just chocolate
REENA BESA
Issue date: 3/5/02 Section: Features
It is believed, Laura did not take the quickest route to see Fitzgibbon at DeCew House, to avoid being found by other American soldiers. Her alibi was visiting her ill half-brother in St. Davids, as an explanation for her trip, which she also managed.
The 32-km excursion lasted over 18 hours as Laura endured the intense heat of the sun, possibility of confronting hostile Indians, blistering bloody feet, untamed wilderness; rattlesnakes, wolves, wildcats and the probability of being questioned as a female walking alone near enemy lines. She also risked being caught and accused of spying with the punishment of death by firing squad.
Laura was successful in reaching Fitzgibbon when she encountered and was escorted by an allied native of the British to DeCew. Because of her warning, the Americans were defeated at the Battle of Beaverdams, June 24, 1813, allowing Upper Canada to remain independent. As plausible as this story may seem, controversy exists whether Lt. Fitzgibbon was already aware of the American’s plan to attack. This would mean that Laura’s journey was necessary.
As history shows, the humble heroine of the War of 1812 who sought to protect her country did not publicly record her story. She returned home after her duty and did not ask for anything for herself. She did request petitions for her husband to obtain a job.
“The commemoration of Secord as an Upper Canadian heroine didn’t begin overnight, it did not begin for some decades actually… from 1821 in various petitions to the Upper Canadian government for patronage positions the Secords, mentioned her contribution and service to her country. These petitions weren’t really about commemoration but rather part of find some type of gainful employment for James whose wounds made it difficult to take up farming again,” stated Morgan, to the attentive audience.
Her story began to appear mid 19th century in the press and in histories of Canadian and American versions of the War of 1812. It was not until 1860, 47 years later, that Laura has been formally recognized for her courageous act.
The 32-km excursion lasted over 18 hours as Laura endured the intense heat of the sun, possibility of confronting hostile Indians, blistering bloody feet, untamed wilderness; rattlesnakes, wolves, wildcats and the probability of being questioned as a female walking alone near enemy lines. She also risked being caught and accused of spying with the punishment of death by firing squad.
Laura was successful in reaching Fitzgibbon when she encountered and was escorted by an allied native of the British to DeCew. Because of her warning, the Americans were defeated at the Battle of Beaverdams, June 24, 1813, allowing Upper Canada to remain independent. As plausible as this story may seem, controversy exists whether Lt. Fitzgibbon was already aware of the American’s plan to attack. This would mean that Laura’s journey was necessary.
As history shows, the humble heroine of the War of 1812 who sought to protect her country did not publicly record her story. She returned home after her duty and did not ask for anything for herself. She did request petitions for her husband to obtain a job.
“The commemoration of Secord as an Upper Canadian heroine didn’t begin overnight, it did not begin for some decades actually… from 1821 in various petitions to the Upper Canadian government for patronage positions the Secords, mentioned her contribution and service to her country. These petitions weren’t really about commemoration but rather part of find some type of gainful employment for James whose wounds made it difficult to take up farming again,” stated Morgan, to the attentive audience.
Her story began to appear mid 19th century in the press and in histories of Canadian and American versions of the War of 1812. It was not until 1860, 47 years later, that Laura has been formally recognized for her courageous act.
