Some of this I knew, some I did not. Very interesting. I'd also like to point out, lest you wish to forget....the Fenian Raids:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fenian_raidsThe Raid on St. Albans:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Albans_RaidAlso, that support in England varied a lot, it wasn't cut and dry. But the Union has a lot of thanks to give Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband and Prince Consort who went to great lengths to keep England out of the conflict. Also the skill of the US Ambassador to the British Charles Francis Adams, Sr.
Of course Canada and the US's history is very intertwined and I actually have enjoyed learning more about the progression to Canadian statehood. The various colonial, provincial holdings and eventual creation. Upper and Lower Canada and the now various provinces who have played a role in US affairs since day one when both were colonized. Loyalist during the American Revolution were quite often found and many went to Canada after the war. I am wondering how much of an impact that had on recruitment.
Folks interested in the Wars that helped shape America and had an impact on the Civil War should check out the
Colonial Campaigns Club (CCC) http://www.wargame.ch/1776/index.html where we play the HPS/JTS Early American Wars series and a few AGEOD games. We are a sister Club of the ACWGC and a lot of our members are members here too. People can email me with questions about the Club at
eric2900@aol.com