Some of the supporters retreated to the Thousand Islands, and "caused Canadian authorities much anxiety" in mid-1838.[6] In the United States, Hunters' Lodges were established along the frontier border, some also operating in Upper Canada. The organization of these societies was headquartered in Cleveland, and its principal mission was to "emancipate the British Colonies from British Thraldom".[7] On 16 September 1838, a convention attended by 160 delegates of the organization was held in Cleveland,[8] during which it elected Abram D. Smith the first president of the Republic of Canada.[9] The organization also defined plans for a Republican Bank of Canada, which would use gold, silver, and its own currency as money, and pledged "the whole wealth, revenue, and resources" of Upper Canada as collateral for loans.[8] Its first banknotes were to feature Samuel Lount, Peter Matthews, and James Morreau, all of whom were executed for their part in the rebellion.[10]