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Page:La rebellion de 1837 à Saint-Eustache.djvu/313

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of St’Eustache volunteers, whose bayonets theyhad seen glistening from the St-Eustache church belfry.

The rebels having so far not perceived the advance of the troops on the north bank, orders were given to unlimber one of the guns which was loaded with bail and fixed at them. The rebels seeing the forces advan- cing took to their heels and fled some up the river not to return, and others were forced to retire in the church,

After the fixing of the gun and the retreat of the rebels, the cavalry was ordered to make a détour and surround the village to prevent the escape of any runaways from the enemy.

We remained at our post until nearly 4 p. m., when we were ordered to quarters, the skirmish then being almost over, Girod, Charretier and others having made their escape early in the day towards the Grand-Brulé (St- Bénoit).

Being at liberty I, about 4 p. m., walked through the village towards the church. The Dumont house was then in ashes, as well as the presbytère, the church being at the same time on fire.

While looking on I was in for m ed that Chénier had been killed, trying to escape from the church and that his body, having been recognized, had been carried to the Black Bull tavem kept by one Addison.

When I saw him he was stripped and laid out on the bar coimter. After looking and examining the body I found that the bail that had killed him had entered 17