Laura Secord
Posted: Sunday, February 08, 2009
by David Pekrul
Here is a little bit of Canadian history that my American friends might not know about. It's quite an interesting story, and if you're inquisitive after reading this short poem, you can find more information on the internet.
To America they were traitors,
With the likes of Benedict Arnold,
And all those Yankee haters.
With the States she had some discord,
From Massachusetts she moved up north,
A girl called Laura Secord.
In 1812, in the midst of the war,
With America fighting the British,
And Yankees attacking again and again,
The Empire was getting skittish.
They captured the home of Laura's folks,
To harbour their sick and dying,
And Laura heard them discussing their plans,
They didn't know she was spying.
She made an excuse to leave her home,
To visit a brother for days,
The Yankees said, "She's just a girl".
So they let her wander away.
For many days she walked the land,
"Til she came to a Mohawk camp,
She told them all she heard and saw,
And became a Canadian champ.
The Yankees came to fight again,
And this time they were beat,
Because of the courage of one small girl,
The battle was complete.
If this article is used in any publication, please send a copy of the publication to David Pekrul at
170 Carr Cres.
Okotoks, AB
T1S 1E3
Canada
E-Mail:dpekrul@gmail.com
Wow David, a piece of history that I have to research, now your gonna make me do the work huh? lol.....I loved this piece, and it was so descriptive. Wonderfully done, and that poetry talent is indeed kept shining......your friend in pen, GaryThanks Gary. When I was in school we learned a lot of American history and only a little bit of Canadian history. (I guess our textbooks must have been American made). Canada has a rich history with many exciting characters. I'll have to get studying a bit more.Hey there Gary,I found a short history of Laura Secord on the internet and included it with my comments to Jane Bullard, who also commented on my little poem. Take a look and see if you find it interesting.David
David, this is informative and interesting and well-done. I admire your poetry and love the way you give credit and respect to little Laura. This is a story never heard before in our house.Thanks for reading and commenting, Jane.Here is a short version of the story of Laura Secord, which I found on the internet. Hope you find it interesting.Although most Canadians recognize Laura Secord as a wartime hero, they do not know the bravery, courage and strength of her amazing story.Her story begins with the War of 1812 in the Queenston area, now known as the Niagara Peninsula. Laura’s husband James was a militia sergeant in the army. When James went missing after a battle, Laura searched among the dead and wounded left on the battlefield and found him bleeding from gunshot wounds. Laura helped James home where she lovingly dressed his wounds and cared for him.
As James recuperated, the war continued and their homelands became hostile territory. Neither the American nor the British had firm control. One day, in June 1813, American officers forced their way into the Secord home and demanded dinner. While Laura served them, she listened carefully as they talked of plans to lead a surprise attack on the British outpost at DeCew House led by Lieutenant James Fitzgibbon.
The Secords, who were fiercely loyal to the British Crown and the defence of the colony, knew Fitzgibbon must be warned of the impending attack. If he wasn’t, the entire Niagara Peninsula would be lost to the Americans. Since James was still crippled from his wounds and unable to walk any distance, Laura took it upon herself to make the trek to DeCew House.
At dawn the next day, Laura began her astonishing 32 km, 18 hour journey. She walked the roads to the home of her sister-in-law where her half brother lay ill, knowing that this would serve as a compassionate excuse should the American patrols ask questions. Once there, Laura revealed the true purpose of her mission and her niece, Elizabeth, offered to accompany her.
Now avoiding main roads, Laura and Elizabeth chose a difficult path along the course of Twelve Mile Creek, which flowed past DeCew House. But Elizabeth did not have the stamina of her aunt, and after tramping through fields and forest, she collapsed, leaving Laura to complete the most hazardous part of the journey alone.
Towards evening, Laura stumbled weary and hungry into a Native encampment and convinced the chief to take her to the British headquarters where she told the British officer of the surprise attack.
Two days later, on June 24, 1813, the British and Natives intercepted the Americans and forced their surrender at the Battle of Beaver Dams. By 1814 the peace treaty became a reality and the boundary between the USA and Canada has never seen hostility since.
Although in 1860 Laura Secord received 100 pounds from England’s Prince of Wales, it was not until many years later that this brave woman’s feat was recognized as an act of heroism. After her death, two monuments were erected in her memory - one at Queenston by the Canadian Government and one at Lundy’s Lane by the Ontario Historical Society.
Wow David, she really was a heroin, and this would make a great story to post as well. I had no idea, what a brave woman to trek the woods alone, especially with hostiles moving around. Isn't history grand....many brave people have died for us...what a story and thank you for sharing it with me.....Your friend in pen, Gary....thanks again
it really helped me....lol who ever u areThanks, Diana.Glad you liked it.