Robert Nelson (August 8, 1794 – March 1, 1873) was a prominent Anglo-Quebecer physician who carved out a significant, albeit tumultuous, place in 19th-century Quebec history. He is best remembered as a leading figure and military leader in the dramatic Lower Canada Rebellion, a pivotal struggle for political reform and national self-determination.

Early Life, Education, and Wartime Service

Born in Sorel, a town situated not far from Montreal, Robert Nelson's lineage connected him to both sides of the Atlantic. His father, William Nelson, was an immigrant to Colonial America, hailing from Newsham, North Yorkshire, England. His mother, Jane Dies, brought a different background; she was a teacher and the daughter of an influential landowner in the New York area. This Anglo-American heritage likely shaped his perspective on the burgeoning political landscape of Lower Canada.

Nelson pursued a distinguished medical education, first in Montreal and then further honing his skills at the prestigious Harvard University in Massachusetts. His medical expertise was put to practical use early in his career during the War of 1812, where he served as a surgeon. He provided vital care to soldiers, notably for the Deschambault Corps and the Indian Braves Corps, gaining valuable experience under challenging circumstances.

Entry into Politics and the Patriote Movement

The year 1827 marked a turning point in Robert Nelson’s life as he transitioned from medicine to the volatile world of politics. His entry was not by chance but at the explicit invitation of his older brother, Wolfred Nelson, himself a respected physician and a vocal member of the reformist Parti Patriote. The Patriotes advocated for greater democratic representation and autonomy for the francophone population within the British colony of Lower Canada. On November 24, 1837, the growing tensions between the colonial government and the Patriotes erupted, leading to Robert Nelson's arrest alongside other political figures. Initially, he was quickly released, as he had not been directly involved with the armed rebels, unlike his brother Wolfred, who famously participated in the Battle of Saint-Denis. However, this arrest served as a catalyst, pushing Nelson into the very insurrection he had initially avoided. He joined other Patriote leaders who had sought refuge in the United States. In a bold strategic move, the exiled leaders voted to establish a provisional government and launch an attack from American soil. Although some prominent Patriotes, like Louis-Joseph Papineau, opposed this aggressive approach, Robert Nelson emerged as a key figure. He was appointed General of the army and elected as the future President of the proposed Republic of Lower Canada, a testament to his leadership qualities and the desperate hopes of the rebels.

The First Invasion Attempt and Its Aftermath

Emboldened by his new role, General Robert Nelson wasted no time. On February 28, 1838, he encamped near Alburg, Vermont, with approximately 300 men. There, he took the momentous step of proclaiming the independence of the Republic of Lower Canada, distributing copies of a detailed declaration of independence. This ambitious declaration outlined the aspirations for a democratic and sovereign nation, free from British colonial rule. However, their revolutionary zeal was soon met with an unexpected obstacle: the U.S. Army. Nelson and his forces were arrested for violating the United States' strict law of neutrality, a significant setback for the nascent republic. Despite the legal entanglement, their cause found sympathy. A jury, understanding and perhaps even supportive of the Patriotes' struggle, acquitted Nelson and his compatriots, allowing them to remain free.

The Second Uprising and Later Life

Undeterred by the initial failure, Robert Nelson and other insurrectionists regrouped, determined to mount a second, more organized strike. They formed a clandestine paramilitary association known as the Frères chasseurs (Hunters' Lodges), an underground network dedicated to overthrowing the British colonial governments in both Lower and Upper Canada and establishing independent, democratic republics. The second invasion was launched on November 3, 1838. Unfortunately for the rebels, this attempt also faltered; their invasion forces were compelled to retreat in the face of better-prepared colonial defenses. Ultimately, with the rebellion quelled, Nelson and many others involved were granted a general amnesty by the British colonial government, allowing them to return home without facing further prosecution.

Robert Nelson lived out his later years away from the political turmoil, passing away on March 1, 1873, at the age of 78, in Staten Island, New York. His body was then brought back to Quebec, where he was laid to rest in the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery in Montreal, a city he had both studied in and sought to liberate.

Frequently Asked Questions about Robert Nelson

Who was Robert Nelson?

Robert Nelson was an Anglo-Quebecer physician and a leading figure in the 19th-century Lower Canada Rebellion, serving as a general and elected president of the proposed Republic of Lower Canada.

When and where was Robert Nelson born?

He was born on August 8, 1794, in Sorel, near Montreal, in what was then Lower Canada.

What was Robert Nelson's profession?

Robert Nelson was a highly educated physician, having studied medicine in Montreal and at Harvard University.

What was his role in the War of 1812?

During the War of 1812, he served as a surgeon for the Deschambault Corps and the Indian Braves Corps.

How did Robert Nelson get involved in the Lower Canada Rebellion?

He entered politics in 1827 at the invitation of his brother, Wolfred Nelson, a member of the Parti Patriote. While initially not directly involved with the rebels, his arrest in 1837 led him to join the Patriotes, who subsequently elected him as general of their army and future president.

What significant actions did he take during the Rebellion?

In February 1838, he led an invasion from Vermont, proclaimed the independence of the Republic of Lower Canada, and distributed a declaration of independence. He also helped establish the clandestine Frères chasseurs for a second invasion attempt in November 1838.

Did Robert Nelson succeed in establishing the Republic of Lower Canada?

No, both of his invasion attempts failed, and the proposed Republic of Lower Canada was never established. He was arrested by the U.S. Army for violating neutrality laws but later acquitted.

When and where did Robert Nelson die?

He died on March 1, 1873, at the age of 78, in Staten Island, New York, and was interred in Montreal.