François-Marie-Thomas Chevalier de Lorimier facts for kids
François-Marie-Thomas Chevalier de Lorimier (born December 27, 1803 – died February 15, 1839) was a notary. He was also a brave fighter for the independence of Lower Canada (which is now Quebec). He was part of a group called the Patriotes and later the Frères chasseurs. They wanted Lower Canada to be free from British rule. Because of his actions in the Lower Canada Rebellion, he was put in prison in Montreal and later executed by the British.
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About Chevalier de Lorimier
De Lorimier was born in Saint-Cuthbert, a town in Lower Canada. He believed strongly that his home country should be independent.
His Fight for Freedom
He joined the Patriote movement, which sought more rights and eventually independence for the people of Lower Canada. This led to a conflict known as the Lower Canada Rebellion. De Lorimier played an active role in this fight.
Trial and Execution
On January 11, 1839, de Lorimier and some friends faced a British military court. He asked for a trial in a regular court, but this was not allowed. He tried to defend himself against the accusations. However, one person involved, Jean-Baptiste-Henri Brien, confessed. This confession led to de Lorimier and others being found guilty.
On January 21, de Lorimier and his companions were found guilty of treason. They were sentenced to death. The execution happened on February 15, 1839. Others executed that day included Charles Hindelang, Amable Daunais, François Nicolas, and Pierre-Rémi Narbonne.
His Final Message
The day before his execution, de Lorimier wrote a special letter. In it, he said he had no regrets. He only wanted his country to be free from Britain. He believed his actions were honest and good. He hoped his children and friends would see better days. He was sure they would eventually win freedom. He felt joy knowing this, even though he was sad to leave his children. He saw himself as someone who failed, but whose cause was right.
His Legacy
De Lorimier was executed alongside people like Charles Hindelang, who was from France. His story is shown in the film February 15, 1839 by Pierre Falardeau. This film is about the Patriotes who were imprisoned and executed. Today, De Lorimier Avenue in Montreal honors his memory.
See also
- Executions at the Pied-du-Courant Prison
- Patriote movement
- Quebec nationalism
- Quebec independence movement
- History of Quebec
- Timeline of Quebec history
