CHAPTER V.
THE ONTARIO FRONTIER VIGILANTLY GUARDED--VOLUNTEERS ON SERVICE AT DANGER POINTS ALL ALONG THE LINE.
On the frontier of the Province of Ontario the danger of invasion was just as imminent as in the East, as Fenians were assembling at all points with definite objects in view.

The invasion was well planned, but its execution was very poorly managed.

It was not the intention of the Fenian leaders to bring on battles at either Eccles' Hill or Trout River unless success was well assured.

These were only intended to be feints to draw the attention of the Canadians, while the main attacks were to be made at Cornwall and Prescott, with another heavy attack on the Niagara frontier if opportunity offered.

Their object (as in 1866) was to destroy the St.Lawrence and Welland Canals and cut railway communication wherever practicable, thus preventing rapid concentration of Canadian troops while they proceeded to occupy the country.