My Journey to Fitzgibbon

     Today, I am back home from my journey, and I have lots to talk about! I first set off on a cowpath that led to St. David’s, and then I would go through the Black Swamp from there. I knew I had to avoid main roads, so I wouldn't be caught by officers. I remember getting stopped once by an American officer, asking me where I was going. I told him I was going to visit my brother Charles wounded at the home of Mrs. Stephen Ingersoll in St. David’s. After hearing that, he let me pass, and I hurried to Charles’s home, and told everyone there about my mission.

      My brother’s fiancée Elizabeth volunteered to go with me to Shipman’s corner, and we set off towards the swamp. After arriving at the swamp, I armed myself with a branch to help fight off wild animals, and we walked through mud, bushes, and trees, until we reached the main road that lead to Shipman’s corner. Next, Elizabeth left, and I started down Twelve Mile Creek. Halfway across I lost my shoe in the rushing water, but I went on, remembering the words of the men at my house. 

Black Swamp

     After crossing the creek, I went up a hill, and was surprised of the clusters of tents and groups of men there. At least a dozen men came towards me, and I recognized them as the First Nations Peoples. Although I was so scared, I told them in a firm voice to bring me to Lieutenant Fitzgibbon. And that was exactly what they did. The chief sent one of his men to escort me to the stone house where the Lieutenant was stationed. Once we arrived, he brought me to the Lieutenant, and I remember exactly everything I said:

“I am the wife of Sergeant James Secord, who was wounded in active duty at the Battle of Queenston Heights. Since my husband is not able to travel, I have brought this message. The enemy under Colonel Boerstler and directed by Chapin’s guerrillas plan a surprise attack tomorrow. They have a much larger force than you.” 

James FitzGibbon
(Red)

     After the Lieutenant looked at me for a while, he suddenly blurted out my name, and that was when I realized that Lieutenant James Fitzgibbon was Red! He then sent me to a lady upstairs to Mrs. De Cew, who sent me with a man who brought me in a farmhouse a few fields away from the stone house, in a small clean room. Mrs. De Cew helped me wash my bleeding feet and give me soft shoes to wear. After resting for a bit, I was told that the Americans had surrendered without a battle, and that Red wanted to talk to me. 

     So, the following afternoon, I was at the De Cew house talking with Red about how he came to the British army. He told me that after the sailed to Ireland, the French fleet invaded his area, and troops from England were sent to protect the area. That was when he wanted to join the army. After our little chat, Mr. Turney, the owner of the farmhouse I stayed in let me ride in his wagon to bring me back home. Once I arrived home, James gave me a warm welcome, and now, I am feeling so proud of myself for my contribution to the war. 

A map of my journey