Notes of an Exile to Van Dieman's Land

Author Linus Miller

Date1846

Object number00017082

NameBook

MediumMarbled boards, gilt on leather, Ink on paper

DimensionsOverall: 204 x 137 x 30 mm, 0.45 kg

ClassificationsBooks and journals

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionA book by Linus Miller titled 'Notes of an Exile to Van Dieman's Land: Comprising Incidents of the Canadian Rebellion in 1838, Trial of the Author in Canada, and Subsequent Appearance before her Majesty's court of Queens's Bench, in London, Imprisonment in England, and Transportation to Van Dieman's Land. Also an Account of the Horrible Sufferings Endured by Ninety Political Prisoners During a Residence of Six Years in that Land of British Slavery, Together with Sketches of the Island, its History, Productions, Inhabitants, &c. &C'. American Linus Miller was captured when helping Canadians fight for freedom from the British. American citizens formed the Patriot's Army and participated in the Upper Canada rebellion of 1837-1838. In lieu of the death penalty the captured rebels were subsequently transported to Van Diemen's Land as political prisoners, arriving in 1840.HistoryThe Canadian rebellions of 1837 involved the separate uprisings of French-Canadians in Lower Canada, and Canadians and Americans in Upper Canada. Both areas wanted reforms in the British colonial rule. The American citizens involved believed in democracy and were eager to see their northern neighbours achieve independence from the British as they themselves had done in the 18th century. The Lower Canada uprising was better organised and sustained than the Upper Canada rebellion; this action was more a series of border raids launched from the United States. While the British were able to crush the rebellions and capture many of the leaders, they ultimately awarded the Canadians greater self-government, which resulted in the union of the separate provinces in 1867. Linus Miller, an American citizen who participated in the Canadian rebellion of 1837-1838, was transported to the penal colonies in Van Diemen's Land. He was one of nine political activists who published accounts of their experiences. It is a vivid first-hand narrative of the rebellion, his trial, conviction, and transportation, life in the penal colony, and subsequent pardon and return home.SignificanceThis is a rare narrative of a Canadian exile transported for rebellion in 1837 - 1838, and is of interest for both Australian and North American connections.