ARRIVAL OF THE RAKAIA, WITH AMERICAN NEWS. To the 24th June. THE FENIANS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 10, Issue 631, 28 July 1866, Page 2

ARRIVAL OF THE RAKAIA, WITH AMERICAN NEWS. To the 24th June. THE FENIANS.

Files of American papers to the 24th of June, which have been received by the Rakaia, contain news of much importance. The Fenian movement has resulted in the invasion of Canada, and though the attempt failed and those engaged in it are ridiculed on every side, yet there is evidence enough to show that but for the prompt action of the United States authorities in preventing the invaders from receiving either .supplies or reinforcements, they might have indicted serious damage on the,Canadians. Even as it was, the Fenians achieved a tempoi'ary success and beat the Canadians in a few trifling skirmishes. Had this success continued, and the reinforcements been allowed to join the attacking body, a serious struggle could not have been avoided, and the movement would only have been stopped at the cost of much life and bloodshed. The timely proclamation of President Johnston, calling upon the authorities to put an end to such lawless proceedings, and tlm prompt action of the United States troops nipped the rebellion against British power in the bud, and now with its leaders in prison and its small army “sent home again” the Fenian cause looks very hopeless.—‘lndependent.’

FURTHER PARTICULARS. (From the ‘ New York Tribune’ of 2nd June.) A RECONNAISSANCE BY CANADIAN TROOPS. ANTICIPATED ENGAGEMENTS. Clinton, C. W., Friday, June 1, 1866, Six companies of Regulars, three from the 45th Regiment, and three from the loth with a battery of Artillery, in all about 475 men and six guns, have come here by rail and gone to Black Creek, the infantry by the Erie and Niagara Railroad, and the battery by flie River Railroad, to attack the Fenian force. The latter has not advanced more than two miles, being posted at that distance from the position seized by it. The force has had time to retrench, and is likely strongly posted now. A fight will take place to-morrow. Buffalo—Friday morning. •

The first detachment of the Fenian army, Colonel O’Neil commanding, crossed Lake Erie last night without opposition, and established a foothold on the Canadian side. Reinforcements are arriving at different points along the border route, and great enthusiasm prevails among all the Fenian sympathisers. Buffalo, Friday, Juno I—2£1 —2£ a.m.

Reporters of the ‘Express’ have just returned from a point one mile and a half below Lower Black. The head of the Fenian column, 600 strong, had reached that point when they left. Nine wagons, loaded with ammunition and arms, preceded them. They declare that they will effect a crossing before daylight. Buffalo, Friday, June 1, 1866.

Notwithstanding the vigilance of - the authorities in this region, the United States steamer Michigan being under steam and having her ports open, and the fact that the city is swarming with Canadian spies, several regiments of Fenians crossed over into Canada last night, including the troops from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana, a regiment from Ohio, and a regiment from this city. At this point they crossed in canal-boats, drawn by tugs, and when nearing the Canadian side sent up wild cheers, with the green flag floating. Colonel O’Neill, of the 13th Regiment, of Nashville, i 3 in command at Fort Erie. A large number of persons are viewing the sight from this shore. Colonel O’Neill threatened to bayonet a man who attempted to appropriate to him - self the use of a large woollen shawl found in a public house. The Fenians say that no depredations shall be permitted. The approach of a mounted Fenian caused great terror and excitement among the passengers and crew of the International ferry boat, to the merriment of lookers on upon the Buffalo side.

All the telegraph wires to Canada are cut on the Canadian side except those via the Suspension bridge. The agent of the Associated Press has left for the scene of operations. It is reported that tlie mail agent was firsd upon this morning as he was crossing in a small boat. The Fenians are reported marching towards the Suspension Bridge, 22 miles from here. Buffalo, Friday, June 1, 1866. Railroad officials from Fort Erie report that the Fenians have torn up the track in several places ; have burned down some buildings back of the village, and are seizing all the horses within their reach. They have taken 25 or 30 prisoners, but these were released on parole after a few hours detention At 12 o’clock the Fenians started down the river towards Chippewa.

All communication with Canada is now cut off at this point. The United States steamer Michigan is stationed opposite Fort Erie, and commands the river.

Buffalo, Friday, June 1, 1865. The agent of the Associated Press has returned from an interview with a prominent Head Centre, who says that from 1,500 to 3,000 men effected a landing in Canada from this point, and are hourly receiving accessions both in Canada and from this shore. They are well armed, and have six pieces of artillery. It is said to be a general descent along the whole frontier, and that the Fenians have as many as 13 batteries of artillery in Canada. The Fenians have telegraphed from this point to various cities to bring on tlie men and goods, as a landing has been effected. The men that went from here were, apparently, picked, and most of them are said to have served in the Union and Confederate armies,

No decisive action or even skirmish is anticipated for at least two day 3, which will allow the British troops to concentrate and the Fenians to fortify themselves.

The destruction of the Welland canal and a movement on Toronto is thought to be their present object. Head Centres assert that no pillaging will be allowed ; they don’t make war on the people of Canada, but mn the British Government.

Buffalo, Friday, June 1, 1806

Two companies of the 65th National Guard are. guarding our arsenal, but there is no danger that the Fenians will trouble American property. They seized a number of horses belonging to the Niagara street railroad which were pastured on the Canada side ; but when they were informed that they were the property of Americans the horses were returned. At this point President Johnston put a stop to the whole a Fair