June 11, 1836, a “Declaration of Independence” was written and signed by the “Division of The Staff of The Union Fear Naughts”. Joshua Ferris Lovejoy (Warren and Charles’ half-brother) was a member of this group and was one of 10 signatures. It’s unclear if Lovejoy was the author, but it can be assumed because the document is held in the family papers.

Historian Suzanne Starling wrote a wonderful book about Warren Angus Ferris entitled “Land is the Cry”. On pages 40-42 and 82 she explains that Joshua Lovejoy moved to Michigan to work for a Quaker cousin named Nelson H. Wing. While in Michigan. he became involved in the Democratic Party politics and plotted to free Canada. He participated in a secret fraternity of which he was chaplain, called “Staff of Union Fear Naughts”. He went by an alias “Elder Finney”. The group was comprised of friends from Detroit, Dexter, and Ypsilanti. Apparently, he was very involved in the campaign to liberate Canada, a movement in support of William L. MacKenzie and the so-called “Patriot rising” or Upper Canada Rebellion of  of 1838.

This document is a formal written declaration by a group called the “North Western Division” of the Union Fear Noughts, stating that they were separating themselves from the rest of their organization due to disputes over authority, treatment, and decision-making.

It was written at Camp Dupont on June 11, 1836, in Michigan Territory.

This is the ChatGPT transcription. There are some errors in here. So read with that in mind.

Official
No 9

Declaration
“Independence.”

Of the “North Western Division” of The Staff of
“The Union Fear Noughts”

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When, in the course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one Division of “The Staff” to dissolve the Bonds of “Union” and “defense” which have connected them with another, and to assume among powers of the Earth, the separate and equal station, which of right belongs to them, a decent respect for the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident — that all “Officers of the Staff” are created equal, that they are endowed by their “commission” with certain unalienable rights; that among these are liberty, “aristocracy,” and an equal voice in all proceedings connected with “the Staff.” That to secure these rights the “Staff” was organized deriving its powers from the voices of a majority of the “Officers,” approved and signed by the General; That whenever any “Division or Divisions of The Staff” arrogate to themselves a power, with the design to trample upon the rights of another Division, it is the privilege of the party insulted, to protest against the arbitrary measure in such manner as shall to them seem most likely to revoke the tyrannical proceeding and secure to them forever the enjoyment of inestimable blessings which are the birthright of every citizen in “the land of the free” and the home of the brave.”

Prudence, indeed, will dictate, that they should not for light and transient causes take any hasty step that may have a tendency to promote the dissolution of “the Staff.”

But when by an act of usurpation bearing on its front the evident design of one “Division” to dictate, and triumph over another, and to thwart the plans adopted for their mutual benefit and aggrandizement — It is their right, it is their duty, to dissolve their connection with “The Staff” and to provide new guards for their future welfare.

Great has been the sufferance of the North Western Division of The Staff of “Union Fear Noughts” at the “Council Chamber” recruiting station “Camp Dupont”; — and such is now the necessity which constrains them to dissolve their connection with “The Staff.”

The history of the proceedings of a portion of “The Staff” under the assumed title of a “Council of War” is the history of an attempt to usurp power, dictate terms, and to thwart the purposes of the “North Western Division of The Staff” without a parallel in the annals of history — To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world —

They have caused a meeting, without notifying the Staff generally, and to give dignity to the proceedings of such meeting have seen fit to invest it with the name and title of “Council of War.”

They have without a shadow of legal authority, at the organization of said meeting, appointed “President” and “Secretary of Council,” enacted laws to the injury of this Division, and endeavoured to enforce them, this Division not being represented in said meeting.

They have at said meeting appointed “Grand Parade” at or near “Head Quarters” contrary to former arrangements and in direct opposition to the known wishes of the North Western Division —

When “grateful for past favors,” soon after the memorable 22nd the officers of this Division pledged themselves that should “Grand Parade” be held at “Head Quarters” on the 4th day of July 1836 they would unite with, and do all in their power for the extension of the authority and grandeur of “The Staff” —

The Officers of the Staff at Head Quarters by and with the advice and consent of the “Major General” explicitly declined holding “Grand Parade” at or near “Head Quarters” and urged the necessity of holding said “Parade” on the North Western frontier at this “Camp” — Soon after, this Division, through their authorized agent [illegible — possibly “Col. ___”] assented to the proposition for holding “Grand Parade” at this “Camp”; at which time the Maj. Genl. and other members of “The Staff” at “Head Quarters” pledged their entire support and cooperation with this Division in any arrangements to give éclat to the “Parade” and render it such as should comport with the honour and dignity of “The Staff” —

In consequence of which, extensive arrangements have since been made by this Division for holding said “Parade” at this “Camp.” Notwithstanding such honorable arrangement; notwithstanding “The Staff” at “Head Quarters” and also at the Garrison at [illegible — possibly “Ypsilanti”] had previously expressed their unqualified approbation of the above arrangement, and pledged their entire support & cooperation in the event of the “Parade” being held at this “Camp”; measures have since been taken by members of the Central and Eastern “Divisions” to derange the plan of the “Campaign” and render inoperative and nugatory the efforts of this Division in reference to said “Parade.”

This Division, in the person of one of its members, considers itself insulted from ungentlemanlike treatment of its “Chaplain” by a member of the “central Division” while at “Head Quarters” on the 18 of June inst.

In every stage of these breaches of Military Etiquette we have protested against such treatment in strong terms; our protests have been answered only by repeated insults.

“The Staff” knows that it is aware that the North Western Division have never been wanting in efforts to advance the interests and sustain the reputation of “The Staff” but they have of late been deaf to the voice of Justice and to the warnings of this Division —

We therefore acquiesce in the necessity which impels us to the Separation — And hold them as we hold the rest of mankind Enemies in war — in peace friends —

We Therefore the “North Western Division” of “The Staff” of “Union Fear Noughts” in “Camp” assembled do, in accordance with our reserved rights, Solemnly publish and declare that the connection heretofore existing between this and the other “Divisions” of “The Staff” is and of right ought to be dissolved; And for the support of this Declaration with a firm reliance on the rectitude of our intentions We mutually pledge to each other our influence, our hearty cooperation and our Sacred honour —

Dated Camp Dupont
June 11th 1836
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Approved — June 11th 1836

Jas M. Welch
B. S. Dove
E. M. Stone
Charles Eaton
C. Craft
N. Jordan

Written stated Members of
“The Staff”