Louis Riel Sparknotes
This book was a really interesting it was all about politics. I tell you a story about Louis Riel. The man who harangued the crowd was the same man has urged them, the Sunday before to make this trip across the river. His name was Louis Riel. Once in Quebec, had wanted to be a priest, but the excitement of the North- West had called him back. Now he was one of the most vocal of the Métis leaders. Will we stand for this? Riel demanded. Will we stand here and let someone else tell us what to do, someone who does not care what we want. A great cheer sounded off the wall of the fort. Suddenly the cheer changed to angry shouts. Clerk was calling the name of Guillaume Sayer, Louis Riel senior a Métis
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accused of dealing illegally in furs. The Métis waiting outside demanded the Sayer be tried by a jury of his own choosing and that he be allowed to take some of his man inside the courtroom, Judge Adam Thom tugged the neckband of his robe away from his sweating skin. By the laws of the land and the Hudson Bay’s Company Sayer was guilty as charged. Even the jury chosen by Sayer himself had now found him guilty. But would it be wise or even possible, with the armed men standing in the courthouse to punish Sayer. Guillaume Sayer has been found guilty. The Métis cheered wildly outside the gun were fired in joy. It is just the beginning Louis Riel said to his wife. We have shown the Hudson Bay’s Company that they cannot stamp on us. We are a nation and we have the right to make our own laws. The Riel family was very religious and its members vary close to one another, Louis learned his first lesson at home. Monseigneur Tache, the Bishop of Red River has watched the school careers of Louis and other young Métis boys with interest, he was determined that some of them should be educated further so that they could return to Red River and help their people. He chooses Louis and three other boys to go to school in Quebec where they would study at Catholic Colleges. The parents of one of the boys would not let him go. The other, Riel, Daniel Mc Dougall and Louis Schmidt set off for the fast one spring day in 1885. Once more the wheels of Red River carts screeched as the Métis tripmen headed south. This time, they carried the three boys with them. Every turn of the wheel took Louis farther away from home. As he waved goodbye to his mother and his young sister Sarah. Papa Louis shouted dropping from the carts and facing across the ground toward his father. There was very little time to talk before Louis was to take ferry. I will miss you all very much. Are you sure I should go. Yes, my son the Métis will need educated men to lead them in the times ahead when the entire world is changing. But he was no longer afraid. His father had told him to come back to Montreal. He would make his father and his family proud. He remembered so well the trip from Red River to Montreal six year before his last meeting with his father, the dream his father had for him. Now the news had reached Montreal his father was dead. “Why” Louis whispered to the cold empty room why he had to die. Why couldn’t I have seen him just once more? I would have made him so proud. For almost a year after the death of his father. He left the college and plunged into a world alive with debate and political argument. His long training in logic and politics made his able to debate with almost anyone and he immediately felt at home. He took a job as a clerk in a law office hoping that he might perhaps eventually become a lawyer or a politician. Every evening he met with other young men of Montreal, to argue and question and debate. The voice of Louis Riel rang out over the crowd that had gathered in front of ST. Boniface Cathedral. These men have come from Canada to take our land away from us. We did not ask the Hudson’s By Company to sell us to Canada, they did not own us. We will not let theses Canadian push us around. The Louis Riel who spoke was far different from the uncertain thirteen years old that had left Red River eleven years before. This was tall, handsome man with compelling eyes that caught and held changed as well. Fort Garry was now flanked by the growing town of Winnipeg and settlers had hurried west from Canada to take up land there. Most important the Hudson’s Bay Company had agreed to sell it to North- West territory to Canada it remained only for the transfer to take. In preparation for this transfer the Canadian government had sent a surveying party to Red River. The Métis raced from the building and swung onto their horses. In minutes, they had galloped to Nault land, there eighteen men unarmed, stood in a grim line over the surveyor’s chain. The surveyors looked at each other, then at the crowd of Métis. It seemed wisest to leave Nault land. Not all the battle would be that simple. That same month October 1869, the Métis that learned that the Canadian government was sending William Mc Dougall to take over as lieutenant governor of North- West. They located him just as he crossed the border from the United States. Silently, they handed him a written message. The National committee of the Métis of Red River order William Mc Dougall not to enter the territory of the North- West without special permission of the above mentioned committee, Canada formally took permission of the area. Perhaps he would be wiser to wait. He glared at the Métis a moment longer, and then turned his own horse south, back toward the border. Red River was in turmoil as soon as the news spread that Mc Dougall had been turned back at the border. Riel told them that the Métis had no objection to HBC rule, but that they would not stand idly by while a new government imposed its will on the North- West. The explanation did not satisfy everyone. Dr. John Schultz and Major Charles Boulton, they began to talk about they would stop the Métis from any similar actions. Early one morning, they crossed the river in two and three until more than 100 Métis had slipped into the Fort through the governor’s private entrance. Riel and the other Métis split the community. We are protecting our native land against the danger that threaten us. We want the people of Red River to be a free people. For days, the Metis and the other settlers argued over whether this would be rebellion. Riel lost patience go return peacefully to your farms he boomed out. Stay in the arms of your wives give this example to your children. Dr. Shultz’s store and arrested him and 47 other Canadian they were imprisoned in Fort Garry .the Prime Minister John A McDonald, and his main Quebec lieutenant, George Cartier decided to send Donald Smith, head of the Hudson’s Bay Company in Canada. Riel was suspicious, but he agreed to talk to Smith. Despite his fears. He was impressed by this reasonable calm men. In minus 30 degrees weather, Smith and Riel spoke on for hours to the large crowd that gathered to hear them. Smith convinced the people that their fear were groundless. Governor McDougall they made a plan to attack Fort Garry. On February 12, 1870, they marched from the portage to kildonan Presbyterian Church, a short distance from the fort. Three days later, as they waited for the right moment to attack. He headed blindly for the river. There he saw a Canadian he fired at the Canadian, then ran on. But the other Canadian caught up with him and dragged back to the church and beat him badly. Canadian and they decided to give up their plan of attacking the fort and go back home. Louis Riel was certain that the Canadian had come to attack the fort and he threatened to have Boulton shot. Donald Smith convinced Riel that this would be an unwise move, and Riel backed down. The next man to rouse Riel’s anger would not be so lucky. Thomas Scott was calmly spitting out of the window at the guard feet. Don’t do that again. The guard unslung his rifle. Scott spat again. Who is to stop me? I tell you, do not do that! I’ll do what I like, you dirty half- breed Frenchman. What are you saying? Learn to speak English. I’ll do whatever I like. The guard understood only a few of the word Scott hurled at him in English. Louis Riel had entered the room.
He waved the guards outside. I want to talk alone with Scott. You insult the guards and make them lose their head. Why? We are the government here now and you have no choice but to obey. Can you not see that? You have no choice. Do not push us to far, Mr. Scott. Your life is not worth much to me. The next day, Riel convinced a court- martial, charging Scott with the crime of insubordination punishable by death. The Jury, Scott was guilty of a most serious crime. Smith tried to argue with Riel. This man has given us no choice. He has called us coward. He and all Canadian must learn that the Métis are men of their words. Tomorrow Mr. Scott dies, tomorrow morning a white bandage was placed over his eyes. The rifles were raised. The squad fired. Thomas Scott lay dead, executed by order of Provisional Government, President Louis Riel. Riel did not want to leave his new Province of Manitoba, yet he knew that he must. Every minute that he stayed on Canadian soil his life was in danger. This time Riel was determined to run for election. He returned to Red River, campaigning when he could and keeping out of sight when he thought it wise. He won easily, he could not go openly to claim his seat in parliament for there was still warrant for his arrest in Ontario and $5000 reward offered from his capture. Riel’s friends smuggled him into Ontario but at the last minute Riel decided to return to Montreal to wait for safer
time. God has given me a mission, to save Métis from Canadian who will overwhelm them said Louis. God has chosen me and he will guide me on the way. But O god, let it be soon. I cannot wait forever. Riel arrived at Batoche on Saskatchewan in the beginning of July, 1884. They stayed with Riel’s cousin Charles Nolin. Métis and new settlers alike soon herd of his arrival and came to talk about their problems. This time, Riel did not have to convince the different groups that they should join together. Saskatchewan and acceptance of the French language. They also wanted to be represented on any council that would govern the North- West. The settlers who had come west to take up land along the crops had been good in the ten years up to 1881. The First Nation of the North- West were just as unhappy. Like the Métis, they had relied on the buffalo for food. Once the railway spread west, buffalo had been killed in huge numbers and the great herds destroyed. Now the hunter came home empty handed. The Canadian Government declared that the First Nation should live from farming instead. Many First Nation band had signed treaties with the government, giving up their right to the land in return for reservation and promise of food and help. But a people who have lived all their lives as hunter do not find it easy to become farmers overnight. By 1883 many were starving. On March20, Louis Riel sent a message to Superintendent Leif Crozier of the North West Mounted Police, demanding that Crozier surrender Fort Cartion. If Crozier refused, Riel told him that Métis would attack the fort and begin a war of extermination upon all these who have shown themselves hostile to our rights. Crozier refused the demand. Before hid horse slowed to a stop inside fort Carlton. He had flung himself off and dashed into the room where superintendent crozier was sitting. The Métis have attacked us, he shouted. Where the, man? He said. What happened? That crazy man Dumont and his breeds stopped us on the way to Duck Lake and Dumont fired at us. Crozier strode out of the room. Lieutenant, sergeant muster up all the men and call for volunteers from the town. Lift up the cannon. We’ll be on the trail in half an hour. Two Métis went out with blanket held high. Misunderstanding, a short was fired. Crozier saw the Métis approaching from all sides. Fire he shouted, and the battle was on. From the beginning, the battle went well for Riel and Dumont’s men. The police and volunteers were trapped. Had the fighter looked up through the smoke, they would have seen a strange sight. Louis Riel riding on horse. A cross held high in his hand, advanced slowly toward the enemy. He had no gun, no weapons at all. He was sure that his prayers would protect him. Crozier soon recognized defeat. He ordered a retreat, leaving twelve dead behind him. Five metis were killed. Duck Lake was the beginning of a new dream for Louis Riel. It was also the end. Fifteen years earlier, they show of rebellion had won his victory, as the Canadian government gave in to the demands of Métis and the settlers. Riel would not hear of it. I have prayed to god, he told Dumont and I have been told that I must wait until the soldiers attack us. Then with god help, we will win. Dumont led 150 of his men out to soy on the troops under the command of General Middleton. He found the army and decided to trap it in a coulee, as the Métis had so often trapped the buffalo. This prey fought back. Many of Dumont’s men ran from the unequal battle, and the Métis were killed, but the Métis killed fifty soldiers. Métis had more skill in battle, Middleton had many more soldiers and weapons. Dumont recognised defeat and decide to make his way to the United State. He asked Riel to go with him. But Riel was tired of running away. On May 13, he surrendered to the Mounted Police scouts. Soon after the defeat at Batoche, Pound maker was forced to surrender at Battleford and Big Bear was taken prisoner. The rebellion was over. Louis Riel was charged with treason and taken to Regina, where he was kept in jail for eight weeks. In Quebec, Riel defence committee was set up and three lawyers chosen to defend Louis Riel. Riel was taken to the court. He spoke of everything that had ever happened to him, every event in the North- West, his hopes, his dreams, his prayers, his mission, his god, his plan for the country. No one was listening. Riel was guilty and the excitement was over. No one cared. He sat down. The judge spoke again. You have been found guilty of high treason. On 18th of September next, you be taken to the place appointed for your execution and there be hanged by the neck until you are dead. And may god have mercy on your soul. The execution was now set for November 15. Early that morning, he wrote his last letter, to his mother. In the morning the hangman tied Riel’s hands, masked him and placed the noose over his head. A father Andre recited the Lord’s Prayer, Louis Riel, saint, sinner, rebel, hero, prophet, madman, and visionary, traitor, dropped to his death.
accused of dealing illegally in furs. The Métis waiting outside demanded the Sayer be tried by a jury of his own choosing and that he be allowed to take some of his man inside the courtroom, Judge Adam Thom tugged the neckband of his robe away from his sweating skin. By the laws of the land and the Hudson Bay’s Company Sayer was guilty as charged. Even the jury chosen by Sayer himself had now found him guilty. But would it be wise or even possible, with the armed men standing in the courthouse to punish Sayer. Guillaume Sayer has been found guilty. The Métis cheered wildly outside the gun were fired in joy. It is just the beginning Louis Riel said to his wife. We have shown the Hudson Bay’s Company that they cannot stamp on us. We are a nation and we have the right to make our own laws. The Riel family was very religious and its members vary close to one another, Louis learned his first lesson at home. Monseigneur Tache, the Bishop of Red River has watched the school careers of Louis and other young Métis boys with interest, he was determined that some of them should be educated further so that they could return to Red River and help their people. He chooses Louis and three other boys to go to school in Quebec where they would study at Catholic Colleges. The parents of one of the boys would not let him go. The other, Riel, Daniel Mc Dougall and Louis Schmidt set off for the fast one spring day in 1885. Once more the wheels of Red River carts screeched as the Métis tripmen headed south. This time, they carried the three boys with them. Every turn of the wheel took Louis farther away from home. As he waved goodbye to his mother and his young sister Sarah. Papa Louis shouted dropping from the carts and facing across the ground toward his father. There was very little time to talk before Louis was to take ferry. I will miss you all very much. Are you sure I should go. Yes, my son the Métis will need educated men to lead them in the times ahead when the entire world is changing. But he was no longer afraid. His father had told him to come back to Montreal. He would make his father and his family proud. He remembered so well the trip from Red River to Montreal six year before his last meeting with his father, the dream his father had for him. Now the news had reached Montreal his father was dead. “Why” Louis whispered to the cold empty room why he had to die. Why couldn’t I have seen him just once more? I would have made him so proud. For almost a year after the death of his father. He left the college and plunged into a world alive with debate and political argument. His long training in logic and politics made his able to debate with almost anyone and he immediately felt at home. He took a job as a clerk in a law office hoping that he might perhaps eventually become a lawyer or a politician. Every evening he met with other young men of Montreal, to argue and question and debate. The voice of Louis Riel rang out over the crowd that had gathered in front of ST. Boniface Cathedral. These men have come from Canada to take our land away from us. We did not ask the Hudson’s By Company to sell us to Canada, they did not own us. We will not let theses Canadian push us around. The Louis Riel who spoke was far different from the uncertain thirteen years old that had left Red River eleven years before. This was tall, handsome man with compelling eyes that caught and held changed as well. Fort Garry was now flanked by the growing town of Winnipeg and settlers had hurried west from Canada to take up land there. Most important the Hudson’s Bay Company had agreed to sell it to North- West territory to Canada it remained only for the transfer to take. In preparation for this transfer the Canadian government had sent a surveying party to Red River. The Métis raced from the building and swung onto their horses. In minutes, they had galloped to Nault land, there eighteen men unarmed, stood in a grim line over the surveyor’s chain. The surveyors looked at each other, then at the crowd of Métis. It seemed wisest to leave Nault land. Not all the battle would be that simple. That same month October 1869, the Métis that learned that the Canadian government was sending William Mc Dougall to take over as lieutenant governor of North- West. They located him just as he crossed the border from the United States. Silently, they handed him a written message. The National committee of the Métis of Red River order William Mc Dougall not to enter the territory of the North- West without special permission of the above mentioned committee, Canada formally took permission of the area. Perhaps he would be wiser to wait. He glared at the Métis a moment longer, and then turned his own horse south, back toward the border. Red River was in turmoil as soon as the news spread that Mc Dougall had been turned back at the border. Riel told them that the Métis had no objection to HBC rule, but that they would not stand idly by while a new government imposed its will on the North- West. The explanation did not satisfy everyone. Dr. John Schultz and Major Charles Boulton, they began to talk about they would stop the Métis from any similar actions. Early one morning, they crossed the river in two and three until more than 100 Métis had slipped into the Fort through the governor’s private entrance. Riel and the other Métis split the community. We are protecting our native land against the danger that threaten us. We want the people of Red River to be a free people. For days, the Metis and the other settlers argued over whether this would be rebellion. Riel lost patience go return peacefully to your farms he boomed out. Stay in the arms of your wives give this example to your children. Dr. Shultz’s store and arrested him and 47 other Canadian they were imprisoned in Fort Garry .the Prime Minister John A McDonald, and his main Quebec lieutenant, George Cartier decided to send Donald Smith, head of the Hudson’s Bay Company in Canada. Riel was suspicious, but he agreed to talk to Smith. Despite his fears. He was impressed by this reasonable calm men. In minus 30 degrees weather, Smith and Riel spoke on for hours to the large crowd that gathered to hear them. Smith convinced the people that their fear were groundless. Governor McDougall they made a plan to attack Fort Garry. On February 12, 1870, they marched from the portage to kildonan Presbyterian Church, a short distance from the fort. Three days later, as they waited for the right moment to attack. He headed blindly for the river. There he saw a Canadian he fired at the Canadian, then ran on. But the other Canadian caught up with him and dragged back to the church and beat him badly. Canadian and they decided to give up their plan of attacking the fort and go back home. Louis Riel was certain that the Canadian had come to attack the fort and he threatened to have Boulton shot. Donald Smith convinced Riel that this would be an unwise move, and Riel backed down. The next man to rouse Riel’s anger would not be so lucky. Thomas Scott was calmly spitting out of the window at the guard feet. Don’t do that again. The guard unslung his rifle. Scott spat again. Who is to stop me? I tell you, do not do that! I’ll do what I like, you dirty half- breed Frenchman. What are you saying? Learn to speak English. I’ll do whatever I like. The guard understood only a few of the word Scott hurled at him in English. Louis Riel had entered the room.
He waved the guards outside. I want to talk alone with Scott. You insult the guards and make them lose their head. Why? We are the government here now and you have no choice but to obey. Can you not see that? You have no choice. Do not push us to far, Mr. Scott. Your life is not worth much to me. The next day, Riel convinced a court- martial, charging Scott with the crime of insubordination punishable by death. The Jury, Scott was guilty of a most serious crime. Smith tried to argue with Riel. This man has given us no choice. He has called us coward. He and all Canadian must learn that the Métis are men of their words. Tomorrow Mr. Scott dies, tomorrow morning a white bandage was placed over his eyes. The rifles were raised. The squad fired. Thomas Scott lay dead, executed by order of Provisional Government, President Louis Riel. Riel did not want to leave his new Province of Manitoba, yet he knew that he must. Every minute that he stayed on Canadian soil his life was in danger. This time Riel was determined to run for election. He returned to Red River, campaigning when he could and keeping out of sight when he thought it wise. He won easily, he could not go openly to claim his seat in parliament for there was still warrant for his arrest in Ontario and $5000 reward offered from his capture. Riel’s friends smuggled him into Ontario but at the last minute Riel decided to return to Montreal to wait for safer
time. God has given me a mission, to save Métis from Canadian who will overwhelm them said Louis. God has chosen me and he will guide me on the way. But O god, let it be soon. I cannot wait forever. Riel arrived at Batoche on Saskatchewan in the beginning of July, 1884. They stayed with Riel’s cousin Charles Nolin. Métis and new settlers alike soon herd of his arrival and came to talk about their problems. This time, Riel did not have to convince the different groups that they should join together. Saskatchewan and acceptance of the French language. They also wanted to be represented on any council that would govern the North- West. The settlers who had come west to take up land along the crops had been good in the ten years up to 1881. The First Nation of the North- West were just as unhappy. Like the Métis, they had relied on the buffalo for food. Once the railway spread west, buffalo had been killed in huge numbers and the great herds destroyed. Now the hunter came home empty handed. The Canadian Government declared that the First Nation should live from farming instead. Many First Nation band had signed treaties with the government, giving up their right to the land in return for reservation and promise of food and help. But a people who have lived all their lives as hunter do not find it easy to become farmers overnight. By 1883 many were starving. On March20, Louis Riel sent a message to Superintendent Leif Crozier of the North West Mounted Police, demanding that Crozier surrender Fort Cartion. If Crozier refused, Riel told him that Métis would attack the fort and begin a war of extermination upon all these who have shown themselves hostile to our rights. Crozier refused the demand. Before hid horse slowed to a stop inside fort Carlton. He had flung himself off and dashed into the room where superintendent crozier was sitting. The Métis have attacked us, he shouted. Where the, man? He said. What happened? That crazy man Dumont and his breeds stopped us on the way to Duck Lake and Dumont fired at us. Crozier strode out of the room. Lieutenant, sergeant muster up all the men and call for volunteers from the town. Lift up the cannon. We’ll be on the trail in half an hour. Two Métis went out with blanket held high. Misunderstanding, a short was fired. Crozier saw the Métis approaching from all sides. Fire he shouted, and the battle was on. From the beginning, the battle went well for Riel and Dumont’s men. The police and volunteers were trapped. Had the fighter looked up through the smoke, they would have seen a strange sight. Louis Riel riding on horse. A cross held high in his hand, advanced slowly toward the enemy. He had no gun, no weapons at all. He was sure that his prayers would protect him. Crozier soon recognized defeat. He ordered a retreat, leaving twelve dead behind him. Five metis were killed. Duck Lake was the beginning of a new dream for Louis Riel. It was also the end. Fifteen years earlier, they show of rebellion had won his victory, as the Canadian government gave in to the demands of Métis and the settlers. Riel would not hear of it. I have prayed to god, he told Dumont and I have been told that I must wait until the soldiers attack us. Then with god help, we will win. Dumont led 150 of his men out to soy on the troops under the command of General Middleton. He found the army and decided to trap it in a coulee, as the Métis had so often trapped the buffalo. This prey fought back. Many of Dumont’s men ran from the unequal battle, and the Métis were killed, but the Métis killed fifty soldiers. Métis had more skill in battle, Middleton had many more soldiers and weapons. Dumont recognised defeat and decide to make his way to the United State. He asked Riel to go with him. But Riel was tired of running away. On May 13, he surrendered to the Mounted Police scouts. Soon after the defeat at Batoche, Pound maker was forced to surrender at Battleford and Big Bear was taken prisoner. The rebellion was over. Louis Riel was charged with treason and taken to Regina, where he was kept in jail for eight weeks. In Quebec, Riel defence committee was set up and three lawyers chosen to defend Louis Riel. Riel was taken to the court. He spoke of everything that had ever happened to him, every event in the North- West, his hopes, his dreams, his prayers, his mission, his god, his plan for the country. No one was listening. Riel was guilty and the excitement was over. No one cared. He sat down. The judge spoke again. You have been found guilty of high treason. On 18th of September next, you be taken to the place appointed for your execution and there be hanged by the neck until you are dead. And may god have mercy on your soul. The execution was now set for November 15. Early that morning, he wrote his last letter, to his mother. In the morning the hangman tied Riel’s hands, masked him and placed the noose over his head. A father Andre recited the Lord’s Prayer, Louis Riel, saint, sinner, rebel, hero, prophet, madman, and visionary, traitor, dropped to his death.