John Rolph: Difference between revisions

Rolph joined the rebellion to bring more independence to the legislature which would then more closely resemble the British governance system.{{sfn|Mills|1988|p=[https://archive.org/details/ideaofloyaltyinu0000mill/page/98/ 98]}} He was hesitant to immediately begin the rebellion and wanted to survey support in rural areas. He sent Mackenzie north of Toronto to determine the level of support among farmers.{{sfn|Schrauwers|2009|p=197}} Having learned Mackenzie planned to hold the rebellion in December, Rolph insisted that [[Anthony Van Egmond]], a retired military officer from the [[Napoleonic Wars]], should lead the military operation.{{sfn|Godfrey|1993|p=152}}

 

 

On 2 December 1837, Rolph learned the government was going to arrest Mackenzie. He sent a message to warn him and suggested starting the rebellion on 4 December.{{sfn|Craig|1976}}{{sfn|Read|1982|p=[https://archive.org/details/trent_0116300717018/page/82/ 82]}} [[Samuel Lount]] received the message and told the rebels to gather in Montgomery's Tavern north of Toronto to begin the rebellion.{{sfn|Craig|1976}} Rebel leaders met on 4 December. After learning that the Lower Canada Rebellion had failed, Rolph advised abandoning their plan and dispersing the assembled troops.{{sfn|Kilbourn|1967|p=[https://archive.org/details/firebrandwilliam00kilb/page/164 164]}} The other leaders convinced him to support the plan{{sfn|Godfrey|1993|p=155}} and Rolph returned to Toronto.{{sfn|Sewell|2002|p=153}}