In 1838 Lower Canada was in turmoil with many French Canadians wanting a republic there, thwarting the British administration. Once the rebellion was closed down, 58 French Canadian rebels were sent to Sydney’s Longbottom stockade north of Burwood, where they were given 5 acres of land to work for 5 years. Most families left to return to Canada or France. This is their story, originally published in French in 1845.