Confrontation at Montgomery's Tavern
Upper Canada, The Confrontation at Montgomery's Tavern
The proposed march down Yonge Street in the colonial capital of Toronto was planned as an attempted revolution to seize the arms and ammunition that were stored in Toronto's city hall, and use those weapons to force the government to capitulate in a bloodless coup (Dr Jonathan F. Vance, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair, Department of History, University of Western Ontario). Such marches had been held in Britain itself between 1830 and 1832. The protesters carried weapons for self defense.
On Monday December 4, 1837, rebels started gathering at Montgomery's Tavern, about 6 km north of the city (now near the corner of Eglinton and Yonge streets), where food and other supplies were to be organized. Men from outlying communities arrived in small and large groups, but others drifted off again. No precise numbers are known. During the week of the rebellion more than 700 men would arrive at the tavern, although it is estimated no more than 500 rebels were gathered together at any one time.
A certain Colonel Moodie with six other loyalists attempted to ride through the rebel roadblock to warn Governor Bond Head in Toronto. Moodie fired his pistol, apparently over the heads of the rebels, the opening shot in the rebellion in Upper Canada. A number of the rebels returned fire killing Moodie. But now Mackenzie hesitated rather than striking directly into the city. This gave Governor Bond Head a chance to organize. The lack of action also led to more desertions from the rebel side. On Thursday, Anthony van Egmond arrived. A veteran military commander--he had both fought for and against Napoleon--he was to be the military leader of the rebellion, but realized the forces on hand were hopelessly inadequate and advised an immediate retreat. Other notable rebel leaders were Samuel Lount and Peter Matthews.
Instead, Mackenzie remained and awaited the government counterattack. Matthews was given 60 riflemen and sent to the Don River Bridge as a diversion, but they were driven off. The move did not divert the main loyalist force, more than 1000 men divided into three columns, supported by two cannon. The main rebel force left at the tavern numbered just 400, with only 200 of those with firearms. Distant bagpipes heralded the oncoming government forces. Still the rebels held only the government forces moved to with range. A brief exchange fore fire occurred, but the heavily outnumbered rebels fled after a few minutes, suffering a number of dead and wounded.
Mackenzie escaped, but Lount, Van Egmond and Matthews were captured.