Person:Dominique Poissant Dit Boileau (1)

Everywhere in the world at this time, nations under the yoke of the colonial powers wanted emancipation: the Greeks from the Turks, the Polish from the Russians, the American colonists against the English government, the Irish against its British rulers.

In Upper Canada, a certain elite known as "Family Compact" wanted to take control. Taxpayers wanted representation in the local government and participation in its decisions. Mackenzie King, a journalist, headed them. At this time, French Canadians were in majority. British immigration would eliminate their majority. The English conquerors favoured their friends. The leaders of Lower Canada tried to negotiate justice, but with London’s support, the army heads and English businessmen made no concessions.

Taking strength from the discontent that reigned among the population, the leaders of Lower Canada mobilized troops against one of the most formidable armies of the time. After a Patriot victory in Saint-Denis in the Richelieu valley, the English army squashed the rebellion in Saint-Charles. Around 30 Patriots were killed, an equal number of prisoners set out for Montreal. North of Montreal, 200 Patriots from St-Benoit and St-Eustache joined Jean-Olivier Chenier to face 2000 English soldiers with artillery. Jacques Paquin, the parish priest tried in vain to make them realize the strength of their adversaries. They resisted ferociously but had to escape the church where they were entrenched when it was set on fire. There were 70 dead and 120 prisoners. The army then moved on to Saint-Benoit. It met up with 300 men who lay down their arms and waved a white flag. At the beginning of 1838, 200 of 500 prisoners were freed. Another wave of revolts broke out in the region of Napierville south of Montreal. This resulted in 50 deaths, 50 wounded and numerous prisoners.

Following the rebellion of 1837-1838, several French Canadians were brought to trial. On Dec. 8, 1838, Laurent Laboissiere testified against Dominique Poissant (dit Boileau) and Pierre Plante.

Ref. Report from the archivist of the Province, 1925-1926. Mathieu Nichols, U.Q.U.M.-