The Red River Expedition 1870 | Wolseley's First Command

The Red River Expedition 1870 (in Canada) was the last British-led military campaign in North America.
Join my Supporter's Club.
www.thehistorychap.com/suppor...
It was also the first campaign to be led by Victorian British general, Sir Garnet Wolseley.
Sometimes referred to as the Wolseley Expedition, it was in response to the Red River uprising led by Louis Riel in modern day Montana.
The Red River Expedition in 1870, was the last ever British-led military campaign in North America.
It was also the first campaign led by Victorian military hero - Sir Garnet Wolseley.
Link to my video on the life and career of Sir Garnet Wolseley:
• General Sir Garnet Wol...
It’s fame is not from the battles fought - in fact, there were no battles fought - but in Wolseley’s ability to transport his army over 600 miles through the Canadian wilderness without losing a single life.
His level of planning and sheer audacity became the hallmarks of his future campaigns, and in this Red River Expedition, he started to gather the first officers of his fabled Wolseley (or Ashanti) Ring.
Without losing a single man, Wolseley covered 600 miles across wilderness and through waterways in just 96 days.
And then he had effectively stopped the rebellion (the Red River Rebellion / Red River Uprising / The First Riel Rebellion) in its tracks without firing a single shot.
The campaign had cost £300,000 of which London had only had to fork out £100,000, the Canadians had footed the rest of the bill.
The Canadians were able to continue their westward advance and Manitoba joined Canada as a province not a colony .
And true to Gladstone’s promise, the British troops were soon on their way home. Wolseley had managed to do what most generals don’t: His troops were home for Christmas!
He would go on to lead the attempt to rescue Gordon in Khartoum in the 1880’s.
Once more he decided to conduct a water-born expedition all the way up the Nile.
To assist him, he would call upon those same voyageurs who had helped him achieve his very first success in the Red River Expedition.
Many argue that the delay as those men were gathered and then transported across the Atlantic, lost crucial time and would cost Gordon his life.
Link to my video about General Sir Garnet Wolseley's Nile Expedition:
• The Nile Expedition to...
#redriverexpedition1870 #redriverrebellion #britisharmy #louisriel #garnetwolseley
Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:51 Canadian Confederation
1:40 The Red River Uprising
2:45 Louis Riel
4:40 British Troops Requested
7:14 General Garnet Wolseley
9:50 Red River Expedition
12:40 Voyageurs
15:07 Wolseley's Ashanti Ring
17:40 British reach Fort Garry
20:00 Wolseley the Hero
20:45 Conclusion
21:21 The History Chap
Join my Supporter's Club
www.thehistorychap.com/Suppor...
Follow me at:
www.thehistorychap.com
Instagram:bit.ly/3iySrAj
Facebook:bit.ly/37IUfkH
/ thehistorychap
My name is Chris Green and I am on a mission to share stories from British history. Not just because they are interesting but because, good or bad, they have shaped the world we live in today.
History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
So rather than lectures or KZbin animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.
My aim is to be chat as if I were having a coffee or meal with you. Jean in Maryland, USA recently wrote: "Chris, is the history teacher I wish I had at school!"
Just for the record, I do have a history degree in Medieval & Modern history from the University of Birmingham.
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

[@madenny326]

As an ex-Manitoban and post modern voyageur I have paddled the same route from Thunder Bay to Winnipeg. Indeed it's a tough slog. To move 1200 men and all their supplies would have been an incredibly daunting task. The events of 1870 are deeply rooted in the society there. There is even a Wolsely Ave. not far from where the Riel statue use to be. Thanks for sharing this important piece of Canadian History.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment.

[@drunkasshole2000]

As someone from an old family in southern Ontario I have a little extra information to add to the beginning of the story. Firstly Scott was an orange man. Secondly the orange order was very powerful in upper Canada, think quite literally gangs of new york level politics they represented the interests of middle and lower class protestants against a high Anglican elite that ran the show. After the fenian raids one would have difficulty figuring out where the orange lodge ended and the local militia began in much of the province. A not insignificant number of orange militia men were preparing to head west to deal with the Metis. As was the custom at the time. The new federal government had been devoting a lot of energy trying to stomp out these sort of frontier tendencies. Add to that the main condition of Canada's independence was the new federal government keeping peace between French Catholics and English protestants. This situation had all the makings of a total disaster for the new government. Whether it was Macdonald or Gradstone they managed to keep a lid on the situation by having the orange order stand down and a joint force dealing with the issue. This had real potential to break out into a full sectarian conflict and completely undermine the federal government's authority, possibly permanently in certain areas.

[@thechico2112]

very true ! .. early Canada could have turned out COMPLETELY different. Also American industry and interests from Minnesota were looking to establish a government before the Metis .. The MacDonald government was too weak & divided , (the finians, Orangemen) to prevent the American businessmen from taking over present day Manitoba.... so they made A PROMISE to Riel for a seat in Parliament. That was only to buy time until a military force could muster .. and travel from England .. across the east half of Canada (about 2,000 miles) before coming to Thunder Bay. No roads or trails from there to Winnipeg ,.. 600 kms , (about 450 miles)

[@antonstegen1737]

Were not the Metis half breeds that felt that they were not being treated fairly, but were instrumentally important to trade at that time between Canada and St.Paul, Minnesota. They felt that they needed to have their own government(probably being taxed too much by Canada) and were trying to establish thier own state or country. The Canadian government as with all governments for the people but not necessarily by the people decided to put these upstarts in their place. War broke out and eventually the Metis lost. Correct me if I am wrong.

[@jolouisd]

There was no peace between the french catholics and the english protestants. Thats an english fable.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share and add more detail to the story.

[@scruffscruffeton986]

Having ridden from Toronto out west numerous times, (roughly paralleling the route of the expedition),and visualizing the country these men travelled across with their accruements', equipment, no loss of life, and accomplishing the mission in such a timely fashion just says volumes about the drive, trust, and resolve of all involved. Up north is hard country.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment with your local knowledge.

[@ScaleModelAlberta]

It's May-Tee, not Metee.

[@Slavador2393]

Finally! Being Canadian and of metis descendants on my mother's side of the family, I was happy to see this video pop up. Chris, I found your channel about a week ago and have been binge watching it ever since. Great content!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Dion, thanks for your support. The whole Metis rebellion deserved more time than I could give in this video.

[@Slavador2393]

@@TheHistoryChap I agree. Even though we learned about the Louis Riel revolt in school, in its details, we were not sufficiently told of the entire story. Thanks!

[@timothymooney4466]

Meti is pronounced may-tee.

[@Slavador2393]

@@timothymooney4466 I know

[@timothymooney4466]

@@Slavador2393 Sorry, not meant for you.

[@johnstewartrichards5922]

Pronunciation Tip: Métis = May-Tea. You might enjoy reading Dickens of the Mounted. Francis (Frank) Dickens, 3rd son of Charles Dickens served as a Mountie from 1874-1886. An unspectacular career marked by ineptitude, laziness, reckless behavior, and of course drinking… Louis Riel had a range of serious mental health problems. Many quite rightly regarded him as a lunatic. He also offered to leave Canada, sell out the Métis and move to USA if paid 39,000 dollars… No hero he.

[@tovarish1825]

My reading turned up the opposition leaders (to Riel) thought he had mental issues in 1870. Giving Tom Scott a trial in a language he could not speak (French) with himself as Judge and prosecutor, and his cronies as the jury, certainly didn't appear to be a well thought out action. Cue the outrage in Ontario and off goes an expeditionary force to sort things out. One source says that during the second rebellion (in Saskatchewan to the west) he was excommunicated by the Catholic church - something about claiming he was the messiah. Still a very touchy subject here in Manitoba to this day.

[@keithagn]

In high school ( late 1960's) we were told Riel was a saint; a freedom fighter; a savior of oppressed people, and how bad we English Protestants Canadians were.

[@krisammeter3865]

Thanks for correcting the pronunciation!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@Klaevkhar]

The French pronunciation is May-tiss, roughly

[@billballbuster7186]

This was a remarkable tale of rapidly moving troops in the Canadian backwoods. I had not heard of this expedition before today and was glued to the PC screen, well done keep up the good work!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it and found out something new.

[@Ewen6177]

Once again a truly wonderful story of our Military past. I had heard of this up rising before, but I didn't realise that Wolseley was involved. Great content as ever. Cheers Chris.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching

[@brianspendelow840]

Fascinating story that deserves to be better known. I have looked at your Victorian Wars playlist and have found much of interest plus a notable omission. You have nothing on the New Zealand Wars. I think the pursuit of Rewi Maniapoto by Lieutenant General Duncan Cameron through the Waikato also deserves to be better known. The pursuit ended in the Battle of Orakau.

[@kiwifruit27]

I agree, I would love to hear about NZ history

[@TheHistoryChap]

New Zealand wars will be coming.

[@JoeSmith-or8ns]

This is amazing! But here in Canada ‘Meti’ is pronounced like this; “May-tee”. Cheers and thanks so much for covering this! As an Ontarian, I’ve always been very impressed by the story of the Wolseley Expedition! Such a remarkable achievement. You can really have no idea how impressive it was, until you see the type of terrain they passed through on those river portages. He took the best possible route you could without a railroad. It was the last great adventure in North America before modern technology took over. It was like a dream. As soon as you wake up, it’s gone.

[@rodeastell3615]

Another great video ... thanks for posting.

[@TheHistoryChap]

it's my pleasure.

[@fredazcarate4818]

This man deserves the title indomitable. once again thank you for producing another brilliant video lecture. I have not had this much excitement in years.🧐🤔👌👊👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@fredazcarate4818]

@@TheHistoryChap I was previously understated but yes I enjoyed your video lecture immensely!👍

[@johnwalker4251]

Thrilled for this! Thank you!

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching

[@stevearchtoe7039]

This was excellent. Thank you for making it.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching

[@edwinsalau150]

Thank you so much for a very informative well written and well narrated presentation.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching.

[@andrewsteele7663]

Thanks Chris, another brilliant video. keep them coming, Cheers

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks, will do!

[@jasonbutler7054]

Thanks Chris this was great I really enjoyed it! very well told . . . . great work sir!

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure.

[@Boveyphil]

Another excellent video - thanks.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jackgreenfitness3640]

Fantastic once again! Really interesting

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@johnlustig4322]

Another excellent vlog. Thank you

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@allanchurm]

oh i do love the way you present these storys....thank you

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure!

[@alrude2847]

As usual. Outstanding. 😊

[@TheHistoryChap]

That's very kind of you; thanks

[@atchu5927]

An incredible story and another great video.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed.

[@stigg333]

Another great and interesting video, thank you and stay well.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks, you too!

[@simonkevnorris]

Thanks for another interesting and informative video.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@bobbrown5529]

another epic story . Proves that good Leadership , Planning , supplies etc and more importantly good Soldiers can nearly do anything they are assigned to do .

[@TheHistoryChap]

Interesting point. Thanks for sharing.

[@cameronbrown9080]

What a fantastic story loved it thanks for what you do and keep them coming 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@cameronbrown9080]

@TheHistoryChap I've enjoyed every one of them let's face it you have a fantastic way of telling us the story of these great men 😀 👍

[@adamATOM3]

Fantastic video. I live just a bit further west than Manitoba. I should take a road trip to check out this history. Thanks for your work you put into the channel!

[@TheHistoryChap]

it's mt pleasure. Thanks for your support.

[@reynardthefox]

I have always been interested in Riel and The Red River War...thanks for tying up loose ends

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad it helped.

[@philvanderlaan5942]

A great contrast to the Nathan P Banks 1863 Red River expedition which saw warships captured by cavalry. Obviously a different red River , some 2000 miles away from each other.

[@TheHistoryChap]

And those 2,000 miles make all the difference! Thanks for reminding us of the other Red River expedition during the American Civil War.

[@philvanderlaan5942]

@@TheHistoryChap and the Canadians didn’t have Nathan P Banks as well , that helped out.

[@johndougan6129]

Banks did brevet my Gggf to Major, so I can't fault him for that. 😂

[@nigeldeforrest-pearce8084]

Brilliant Campaign and Video!!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@philslaton7302]

Thank you for covering Wolsey's career in your videos.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Ashanti War to come.

[@philslaton7302]

@@TheHistoryChap Excellent!

[@jb6027]

Another most excellent video!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you think so!

[@jb6027]

@@TheHistoryChap No, I KNOW so!

[@FranciscoPreira]

Just by looking at his service record one can not express other thing than admiration for Wolseley. Great video indeed.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@the5thmusketeer215]

Loved the level of engrossing detail that you put into explaining & narrating this expedition, Chris. It’s that capacity & enthusiasm you have for bringing the minutiae of such historic episodes to life - going far beyond a dry synopsis of the broader events - that is the hallmark of your Channel, & why you have amassed a thoroughly well deserved & ever growing cadre of enthusiastic & loyal followers. 😊👍 Speaking of which… CONGRATULATIONS on reaching your FIRST 100K! 🎊🥂🍾👋🥳🎉 It certainly WON’T be your last… 📈

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for the congratulations and your kind words of support.

[@kiwifruit27]

Really interesting, thanks

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@rickmoore3730]

Another great presentation .A story we learned in school back in the sixties but not as in depth and frankly I had forgotten most of it . I got hooked with " The Thin Red Line " ...and what's not to like with that story . Have been coming back since . Lastly , thanks for the nod to Canada's contribution at the end . That was much appreciated .

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching

[@sasapetrovic1084]

Perfect. As usuall.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you. Thanks.

[@daltonweeks6736]

Another great video, and as a Canadian glad to see it. One thing for prononciation, Sault st Marie. The Sault part of it is normally pronounced like Su or Soo

[@TheHistoryChap]

I bet the yanks can mispronounce it!

[@daltonweeks6736]

@The History Chap of course! Lol!

[@Chiller01]

@@TheHistoryChap No, we pronounce it the same way. There is a Sault St. Marie, Michigan just across the St Mary’s River from its sister city in Ontario. It’s a French word meaning rapids or waterfall so all of us anglophones butcher the pronunciation.

[@lucianemanuel651]

Better than anything on the history channel!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you.

[@johna1160]

Not prefacing the incredible feat of Buller carrying a 300 pound barrel, then two 200 pound barrels with an "allegedly", or "supposedly" is, IMO, a grave omission. Though no distance was mentioned, hoisting a brace of hog's heads more than a few paces in a gratuitous display of strength, is unbelievable. Try it. In addition, Buller was an officer and a gentleman, hardly expected to shoulder such a load. Did crack a smile upon learning how he polished of Riel's breakfast. Cheeky, that.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I'm glad I also brought a smile too :)

[@frankmcdonnell7377]

Great Major, terrible General. Classic example of the Peter Principle.

[@Michael-ws7rc]

You know, I’ve heard this campaign barely referred to as a footnote in treatises on other topics, but could not fill a post card with what I actually knew about it. Really informative, thanks.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@akacadian3714]

Tres Bein! Another excellent video. Maybe one day you do video on Monkton and L"Acadie.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Maybe one day!

[@janlindtner305]

Good story. Well told. Good aftertaste.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@DrexelRingbloom]

Really enjoyed your presentation on the Red River Campaign and in your narration you mention the 2nd Anglo-Burmese War. I’m not familiar with the 1st, much less the 2nd so I hope you will cover these conflicts as well.

[@paulwilson7234]

An excellent video 📹

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you. Thanks

[@jimmorrison5493]

Excellent

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@peterbarker3433]

Brilliant leadership - what an epic tale.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching.

[@andrewp8284]

Very interesting!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@sherwoodprepper2544]

Superb vid.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you. Thanks for watching.

[@timdenommee4305]

Fantastic account. Something like this should be immortalized in film.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@carausiuscaesar5672]

Hoorah for the British Empire!🇨🇦🇬🇧

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for adding this comment

[@DavidBrown-yh4ny]

Great video, small correction Sault Saint Marie , the Sault is pronounced like Soo. I live here and was surprised to see it in this video. I recently subscribed to this channel and love it. Keep up the fantastic work

[@TheHistoryChap]

David, thanks for your support (& your small correction).

[@talpark8796]

i'm not sure if i've heard ''metis'' pronounced that way before. 🤔(😄) thx for the upload, Chris. 🤟 from 🇨🇦

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching.

[@rickklumpenhouwer258]

Great detail and background to this epic Canadian story about the history of the West. As pointed out by others,some of the pronunciations are a bit off. Another niggly point -- Thunder Bay didn't come into being until 1969... The settlement there at the time was called Fort William.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@marymotherofgod1]

Said " may-tee ....French native combined. Wonderful telling of a great story 🍁

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching.

[@groblerful]

Great story

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching. Please subscribe to my channel.

[@chiron14pl]

Hollywood covered the 2nd Riel rebellion in the movie "Northwest Mounted Police," the fabled mounties. I'm impressed by Wolseley, thanks for the video

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching and commenting

[@michaelleblanc7283]

God bless Wolseley. He's a 'spirit' of a brave age. That same spirit still exists in common folks of today but no longer celebrated. Proof ? All who follow this channel.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support

[@TheMartymar1976]

Another smashing episode as always. As an American, I even chuckled when you told off President Grant!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed.

[@markfisher8206]

Excellent Chris another winner! You however failed to mention Wolsey’s greatest achievement the “Wolsey helmet”!! LOL cheers

[@dalereed3950]

Are you talking about those white pith helmets or something else?

[@markfisher8206]

Yes ,still worn today by many reserve units and the RCR when in full ceremonial dress.it was named after him when he was chief of the Imperial General Staff

[@dalereed3950]

Mark Fisher What are those helmets made of? If these are the same as the ones used in the Zulu Wars, they look like hard shell, probably plastic if that's what is used in the movies.

[@markfisher8206]

@@dalereed3950 they are made of pith ,sort of a paper mache material ,painted white ,very light wore them at army cadet camp in Vernon BC as a kid.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed.

[@rickyb5499]

Fantastic story Chris 👍 I had heard of the Red River Campaign, but did not know Wolseley was in command and most of the detail you gave. Thanks 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@trancedarkdust90]

Great stuff. Just one thing…Métis said Maytee.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@larrygiesbrecht3428]

This is excellent that you cover this topic, as I live within 30 miles of the Winnipeg River. I have a minor correction to offer: In the 3rd paragraph of the description under the video you have written "it was in response to the Red River uprising led by Louis Riel in modern day Montana." It should be Manitoba, not Montana. (Although if memory serves me correctly, Riel did end up in Montana USA in between his 1st and 2nd "rebellions".) On a bit of a different note, was Riel completely oblivious to the approach of Wolseley's troops? Surely word would have drifted in and he would have had scouts tracking the progress of Wolseley. Seems strange that his breakfast would've been disrupted.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@connorbeyak5162]

As a Manitoban it’s nice to see a small bit of our history be told. The pronunciation of Métis was a small shock as it is generally pronounced differently here, but it is to be expected as the difference in culture and language between Canada and England does exist.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching

[@connorbeyak5162]

@@TheHistoryChap it was a good video to watch. Keep up the good work.

[@inregionecaecorum]

I only ever knew of the song.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Well, there you go....

[@amotaba]

Didn't know it, very interesting

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you found it interesting.

[@jamesleonard7439]

Redvers Buller , ate the abandoned breakfast, hahahaha 😅. A man after my own heart , love it.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I’m glad you enjoyed that

[@grandadmiralzaarin4962]

Wolseley acquitted himself quite well in this campaign, it is a pity that he would attempt to mirror it too closely in the attempt to relieve Khartoum.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Agreed. As I said in the video, the delay waiting for the Canadian boatmen lost valuable time advancing on Khartoum.

[@beachboy0505]

Excellent video 📹 and story. We know something about the formation of the USA but little of Canada, which is the second biggest country in the world. From a previous video, I think Worsley was a military observer on the confederate side.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Yes he was. I do wonder if Grant bore that in mind with his decision to close the American side of the waterway

[@cs3473]

Thank You sir! I had never realized that the British Military had been involved in North America as late as the 1870's. It is quite a feat of arms that Wolseley pulled off moving through the mostly untamed Canadian Wilderness. You mentioned the Fenian(?) raids. Do you have any further videos on that topic? Not knowing anything about it, would have the raids have something to do with Irish Nationalists? I seem to recall reading about the Union's Irish Brigade during the US Civil war and one of the ulterior motives of forming this unit (and other similar Regiments/Brigades) was to provide a core of men with newly gained combat experience to send back to Ireland and take it back from England by force of arms.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching

[@robvincent2398]

Perhaps you could do an episode on Napier’s Abyssinian expedition of 1868. Another campaign with meticulous planning and very few casualties

[@TheHistoryChap]

It's on my list

[@ken0272]

Excellent, as usual...just to help a tic...soem place names...it's George-Gee-ahn-bay, and Soo-Saint-Marie

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your help

[@tmartin3095]

great piece as always but the Metis is pronounced (mey-tee). Thanks for your work a Canadian fan.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you

[@richardhillman9745]

And sault is pronounced soo

[@turk2902]

Id recommend making more videos about Canada. The Fenian Raids, North West Rebellion, and 1837 Canadian Rebellion all saw British troops defending the empire.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Fenian rates are on my list. Please subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss future videos.

[@deaddocreallydeaddoc5244]

Great video on the "local" history of my home. Interestingly, today, the same region Alberta, and Manitoba are leading a move toward divorce from the Eastern and Westen Provinces, while parts of Quebec also seem to be restive. But this is mostly a reaction to the policies of the PM.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing.

[@doccyclopz]

We have a Family cottage on Georgian Bay..ahem..I meant to say George's Bay 😉. Wonderful video BTW

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching.

[@steveweatherbe]

Like Martin Denny elsewhere on this thread, I have paddled and Portaged much of the way between Lake Superior and Winnipeg, though along an easier route. As tough as it was for an army with artillery, the route this expedition followed was a well established one blazed and used by the Hudson's Bay Company to reach its fur trading forts in the Northwest Territories.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I thought the company route was from Hudson Bay?

[@steveweatherbe]

The trade of furs and manufactured goods went that way. But elite HBC officials went via Montreal and the St. Lawrence system to Lake Superior , the Kaminisquia River and the Hudsons Bay system to Winnipeg. The painting you showed of the big canoe shooting a Rapids is one of a series painted by frances Anne Hopkins, who accompanied her husband and his boss, HBC governor George Simpson , on his journey to assume rulership of the company's huge empire via the old voyageur route.

[@nathanappleby5342]

The expedition shows Wolseley was truly a master logistician, his experiences as a quartermaster in Crimea and in Canada prior to the expedition had paid off and would continue to do so. As for the Nile Expedition, Wolseley should have recruited local boaters to transport his army instead of waiting for the Canadians who were an entire ocean away yet Kitchener for his Omdurman Campaign, specifically recruited Canadian engineers to construct a railroad through the Sudanese desert to supply his army, in itself a smart move. I know I bascially already said it but, it is fascinating if one comes to think of it, two Irish born British Army generals hired Canadians to expertly transport their forces through challenging environments to reach their objective, with two differences, one was through water, the other through the desert. the second is one expedition succeeded with no loss of life, the other ended in success bathed in blood.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Interesting post. Thanks for contributing

[@reddeercanoe]

Welesy was smart enough to listen to the Hudson’s Bay Company and use the men equipment and route that the voyageurs had used to a century before him.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment

[@billevans7936]

❤❤❤❤

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching.

[@kurtkohl151]

Looks like Minnesota got invaded a bit. That's pure wilderness up there till this day from Superior to Lake of The Woods.. heck of a canoe trip.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Heck of a trip indeed

[@raycooke312]

how about a video on Buller. he had an interesting life.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Great idea. Will add to my never-ending list

[@billhall6494]

Liked the video. As a Cdn it is good to get the Imperial Perspective on this, however I have a small quibble - this wasn’t a rebellion. The Hudson’s Bay Company Governor, the previous sovereign authority , left Rupert’s Land in September 1869 to make sure he was on the ship for England before Hudson’s Bay froze over. Canada’s government was not to “take possession” until December when the agreement between the HBC and Canada took effect. Land Surveyors from Ontario showed up in September and ignored the well established property lines the Métis had, figuring that since the HBC had never conveyed title that the farms already there didn’t matter (point of fact, the HBC didn’t convey title to anyone as a way to discourage European settlement and keep the First Nations happy, although the HBC relied on the Métis to supply food to their operations). Legally, the previous authority having abandoned the territory and the Cdn govt not having assumed it, the Metis provisional government were not in rebellion against higher authority, since it didn’t not exist at the time.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Quibble granted. Interesting that it seems to be called a rebellion or uprising in all the sources I read.

[@billhall6494]

@@TheHistoryChap Most of the initial histories were written by people from Ontario - the same people who were calling for Louis Riel to be executed for the murder of Thomas Scott. The tendency was to view the demands by the “Half-Breeds” to negotiate with the federal government as outrageous presumption by the Métis. The belief was that the Métis provisional government was illegitimate and therefore they were in rebellion against the Canadian government. The HBC governor having abandoned his post before the Canadian govt took control meant the Métis provisional govt was not usurping authority, and therefore not a rebellion. They possessed the 4 Westphalian criteria of statehoo: 1. Jurisdiction over a defined territory (the Red River Territory); 2. Jurisdiction over the population of that territory (the Métis and most of the settlers agreed with the Provisional Govt); 3. Control over the territory (they did prevent the LGovernor from taking their seat); and 4. Recognition (the Imperial and Canadian governments negotiated with them to ensure Manitoba’s entry). 19th Century scholars were not inclined to look charitably on First Nations asserting sovereignty like a European state and called it a rebellion. And most of the follow on histories have simply repeated the name given by the original scholars.

[@MrPh30]

Do a episode on the career of the fictional character of Anthony Quayle in Guns of Navarone,and his own ww2 service.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I will add to my list. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@BHam336]

Not hardly 1/4 the way through your quick rundown, here. Wow! This is shocking stuff, canadia (ha) bought the land off HB Co? That land formed Manitoba or other provs as well? Fenian incursions?!? Obviously I’m desperately lacking in my Canadian history, which I remember seeing Canadians saying the same about some American history on your channel too, I’ll take solace in that. Cheers! A good weekend to you & yours

[@TheHistoryChap]

I think Fenian invasion could be a good video.

[@Uncle_Torgo]

Good job, I learned about something new and enjoyed the presentation. I guess the Métis learned why you don't put a 24 year old hot head in charge of anything important, they probably could have negotiated most of what they wanted if he hadn't acted out and gotten the Brits mixed up in it.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Although Louis Riel was to come back for more.

[@rowdyroddy519]

There is a town in Saskatchewan named Wolseley. Also a town named Redvers.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing

[@mrpamcn]

There was quite likely one fatal casualty on the Red River Expedition. A Canadian volunteer was hit in the chest when a pistol accidentally discharged. I uncovered this while researching my book on the Red River Expedition. He was left behind and not mentioned again. This occurred at the time that Wolseley caught up with the British troops at Fort Alexander as they were about to make the final leg of the trip to Fort Garry. It's doubtful he ever heard of it.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing. None of my sources mentioned this.

[@mrpamcn]

@@TheHistoryChap I discovered it in the field diary of one of the Canadian officers of the expedition while researching my book "Journey Through the Wilderness."

[@philipcollins3849]

Bloody minded too right we are 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@TheHistoryChap]

Yeah!

[@thedemartiniteam6034]

Have you done anything about Rogers Rangers and the French and Indian Wars? I’m an American and would love to hear your thoughts about this war about the Colonial’s and British against the French.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I haven’t covered those wars (yet), but all in good time.

[@GrantGillies-cb1xc]

You make it sound like a stroke of genius to move his force by water. The indigenous locals had been doing it for millennia, and the recent colonists, trappers and coureurs des bois for centuries on the same route he took. The river system from Thunder Bay (formerly fort William) was the equivalent of a 4 lane highway.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Although no army had been moved like that. A bit different moving several thousand men to a few trappers.

[@MasculinMatter]

Good content and all of that. Just two little things that I offer to those who may not know better. They are not intended as criticism, just pronunciations First one: Metis (French word) so MAY TEE Second one Sault (French Word) so SUE or SOO (like BOO) as it is known. SOO SAINT MARIE. In Canada this region is often referred to as THE SOO (like BOO).

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for helping.

[@BHam336]

I could carry 400 lbs of pork & 300lbs of supplies at the same time, I just don’t feel like it. On an unrelated note, I understand a lot of hockey players have their houses in Thunder Bay, the end of the line for said contemporary steam ships

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing

[@amg557]

To be fair to President Grant, if he HAD allowed Wolseley's army to pass through US territory, would the US then be taking sides in an internal conflict of a foreign country? After going through all that in the American Civil War (albeit in the reverse direction), perhaps he was sensitive to this issue. Admittedly, the behavior of neutral countries in time of war established by the Hague Convention of 1907 had not been formally agreed upon, but surely conventions for this had already been set? Or no?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment. I'm not sure President Grant was merely trying to keep out of an internal conflict. I have read that he was keen for the Canadians not to move west, leaving a vacuum for...the USA.

[@bobwinters5572]

Looking at the route, there is also the matter of the Rainy River. I wonder if the Americans bothered to send anyone to shadow the expedition and nitpick about the precise pathing of canoes. It's a very remote area so maybe not.

[@grahvis]

Hence, a phrase meaning everything is all right, "All Sir Garnet".

[@TheHistoryChap]

As is mentioned in the video. Did you miss it?

[@grahvis]

@@TheHistoryChap . Must have done, it sticks in my mind because a chap I worked for years ago, used it in an advert.

[@stuartbuxton4316]

Wolseley expedition reminds me very much of the chindit expeditions / raids of WW2.

[@TheHistoryChap]

That’s a good comparison

[@LonelyRanger902]

Carried a 300lb barrel through the wilderness???? I didn’t know that they brought Paul Bunyan along 😊

[@TheHistoryChap]

He was a strong chap...just no good in the Boer War.

[@paulkelly8456]

Another Irish success story in the British Army. Incidentally General Butler's wife Elizabeth was the artist who painted the famous depiction of the Scots Greys charge (as part of the Union Brigade) at Waterloo. The story goes she was a friend of the wife of the then (1880) serving colonel of the Greys who arraigned for a squadron to charge her at the easel. Critics have remarked that the horses are on a collision course and are travelling way too fast for Heavy Brigade troop horses. They might have a point there. Polish Lancers had no trouble in picking them off before the few survivors got back to their lines.

[@blackbob3358]

Said with not a trace of irony, mr kelly.

[@ssrmy1782]

One of the reasons I laugh heartily whenever the Irish, Scots & Welsh bemoan the British Empire -- as though the red coats were filled with English bodies only. The Irish, Scottish & Welsh were at the forefront of the Empire's military history -- both the triumphs, the disasters & the atrocities.

[@paulkelly8456]

@@ssrmy1782 No arguments there buddy. You would not have had an empire without us.

[@ssrmy1782]

@@paulkelly8456 A combined effort I would say. In both the good and the bad. You only have to look at the leading generals of the 19thC. Wellesley & Wolesely, Field Marshal Haigh was Scottish. There were always large elements of English , Irish, Scottish & Welsh at all levels of the British Empire.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@madenny326]

If you plan to do a story on the Northwest rebellion in 1885, please get in touch with me as I have recently shot video and stills of the battle sites. Would love to share them with you if you want.

[@larrygiesbrecht3428]

That sounds very interesting - which battle sites did you get to? Once I have time, I'd like to do a tour of those sites myself. I did a project on the events of 1885 in school, and I think I still have that somewhere.

[@madenny326]

@@larrygiesbrecht3428 sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I was at Batoche as well as Duck Lake and Fish Creek, Batoche is a National Historic Sight and is fascinating. Its a beautiful spot, right on the banks of the South Saskatchewan river.

[@steveouellette6551]

I’m very interested

[@TheHistoryChap]

Drop me a line via my website (www.thehistorychap.com)

[@EdmundAcuto]

May Tee

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.