FORT ERIE, CANADA, JUNE 1866
“How many men?” Jack peered over at Fort Erie. “They"re using the trenches we built, the rascals!” He focused on the Union Flag the Canadians had raised. “I can"t see many men there at all, but they might be in hiding, waiting to ambush us.”
“They"re blocking our return,” O"Neill said. “We"ll have to drive them away.”
Once again, Jack had mixed emotions. Part of him hoped there were sufficient British soldiers in the garrison to end the Fenian incursion here and now, while he did not wish the Fenians to suffer. Ireland and the Irish had endured too much already.
“Ready, boys,” O"Neill said tersely. “Get the sharpshooters forward.”
The Fenians moved like the veterans many were, advancing in short rushes under covering fire. The Canadians responded with voll
