Piratical Doings on the River St. Clair. Submitted photo. Piratical Doings on the River St. Clair. Submitted photo.
Sarnia

New book recounts armed conflict in St. Clair Township

An author and historian is recounting the largely untold story about an armed conflict on the shores of St. Clair Township.

Dr. John Carter has written a book called "Piratical Doings on the River St. Clair" which documents the tale of armed invaders from the U.S. attacking the Sombra area back in 1838.

It was one of at least 14 incursions into Canada from the U.S. by members of the Patriot Army, including four locally.

Dr. Carter said this piece of history about the Upper Canada Rebellion was not well documented, noting it isn't taught in schools.

"I hope that there will be some provincial plaques put up," said Dr. Carter. "There's the local historical plaque at Sombra, but that would be a goal to get them up. All of the other events in the rebellion of 1838 do have provincial plaques and I think that's important to raise awareness."

Dr. Carter donated the book to Heritage St. Clair who polished it up with some illustrations and published it.

He'll be signing copies at the Sombra Museum at a later date. The first edition is limited to 120 copies, and they cost $45 each.

Payments will be processed through the St. Clair Township Municipal Office, and pickups will be arranged on an individual basis.

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