They were becoming turbulent and demonstrative, and it was finally found necessary to invoke the majesty of military power to keep them in subjection.

Desertions were now frequent, and they had become a disorganized mob rather than a disciplined army.

As this state of affairs was a menace to the public safety of the citizens of Malone.Gen.Meade took a firm grasp of the situation and issued the following order: MALONE, N.Y., June 9th, 1866.
All persons assembled at this place in connection with, and in aid of the Fenian organization for the purpose of invading Canada, are hereby ordered, in compliance with the President's proclamation, to desist from their enterprise and disband.

The men of the expeditionary force will, on application to the officer in command of the United States forces, on giving their names and residences, and satisfying him that they are unable to provide their own transportation, be provided with transportation to their homes; and all officers below the rank of field officers who are unable to provide their own transportation, on giving their parole to abandon the enterprise, will be allowed to return to their homes; officers above the rank of field officers will be required to give such bonds as may be satisfactory to the civil authorities; it being the determination of the United States Government to preserve neutrality, and the most stringent measures having been taken to prevent all accessions of men and material, the Commanding General trusts that these liberal offers will have the effect of causing the expedition, now hopeless, to be quietly and peaceably abandoned; and he confidently expects that all those who have any respect for the authority of the United States will conform to the requirements of the President's proclamation; and of this, which if not promptly obeyed, a sufficient force will be brought to bear to compel obedience.
(Signed) GEORGE G.MEADE, Major-General, U.S.A.
In compliance with this order, the majority of the men immediately gave their paroles, and for the next day or two trains were filled with the discomfitted warriors returning to their homes.

All thoughts of the capture of Canada had vanished, and peace reigned once more on the border line.
The day previous, while Gen.