Patriote popular assemblies

The assemblies, concentrated in the Montreal and Montérégie region, saw votes on resolutions and speeches of some of Lower Canada's most reputed orators.

The text of the resolutions were often prepared by members of a permanent central committee in Montreal.

Often, allusions were also made to the great liberty of the United States of America and the possible support for Lower Canada that could arise in the neighbouring republic.

Ultimately, the United States would be of little help to the coming Lower Canada Rebellion, despite plans by American northeastern citizens to provide weapons and the passive role that country played hosting the Frères chasseurs and the banished and hunted Patriotes (notably Papineau).

The USA eventually proclaimed its neutrality and, in January 1838, American President Martin Van Buren even cautioned Americans against providing any assistance or protection to the rebels, declaring that anyone compromising the neutrality of the United States would expose themselves to arrest and punishment.