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Cobourg_Conspiracy_proof3 planning for revenge Mackenzie's Rebellion of 1837 was quickly quashed and the involvement of soldiers from Cobourg was chie�y in the mopping-up operation which followed. But unrest continued for some time and the next year Cobourg had its own bit of excitement with what has become known as: Cross border raids against Canada by freewheeling American "buccaneers" as well as by American "patriots" continued for a number of years. It is important to note that citizens of all political stripes were together in wanting Mackenzie's armed rebellion to be put down. Nevertheless, following the release of the Durham Report of February 1839, which recommended many of the reforms for which Mackenzie had campaigned, the moderate Reformers of the province felt encouraged to show their support more openly. In the Cobourg area, such meetings of support were held, a "Lord Durham and Reform" �ag �own, and feelings began to run high. One particular meeting degenerated into "a typical, old-time bloody battle". The Toronto Examiner called it a peaceful meeting "disturbed by a band of Orange ru�ans" , who "at the instigation of the Family Compact" committed "most bloody outrage". Encouraged by all this was one Samuel P. Hart. Hart had been a printer with Reform sympathies, a resident of Cobourg and Belleville. After having his Belleville plant destroyed by loyalists he �ed to the United States and there began to plan revenge with a number of other Patriots. On Saturday morning, July 27, 1838 a schooner left Oswego, New York, ostensibly heading for Niagara. It soon became clear to the crew that the actual destination was Cobourg. "By overhearing chance bits of conversation", the crew "were able to gather that Cobourg was to be burned after the bank had been robbed and two or three individuals plundered or murdered… one for his part in cutting-out the Caroline, the supply boat of the Navy Island Patriots." On landing just east of Cobourg the conspirators made rendezvous at the Joseph Ash farm with some local supporters. Among other things discussed was the plan to rob "Squire" Henry's private bank opposite St. Peter's Church, and further, "to rid Cobourg, in particular, and Upper Canada in general, of two prominent members of the Boulton family, the Hon. George S. and D'Arcy, both strong supporters of the Family Compact". D'arcy BoultonGeorge S. Boulton COBOURG1837 The aftermath of the rebellion "the cobourg conspiracy"