Chapter IV

_Brigadier Brock to Lieut.-Governor Gore_.

FORT GEORGE, Jan. 6, 1811.

Having lately received a letter from Colonel Vesey, in which
he urges me to ascertain whether it be possible to secure to
his family some benefit from the grant of five thousand acres
he has so long unprofitably held, I am encouraged by the
disposition your excellency has uniformly evinced to serve
him, to renew my earnest request that your influence may be
now exerted in his behalf.

I am given to understand that there are extensive tracts of
excellent land at the disposal of the crown on Lake Erie, and
that a new township is undergoing a survey near the head of
Lake Ontario. Were it possible to ensure Colonel Vesey
eligible situations in those districts, he no longer would
hesitate in incurring the necessary expense.

Your excellency having signified your intention of visiting
England in the course of next summer, I am impelled to the
present application by the consideration that before your
return the land, which I have taken the liberty to point out,
may be disposed of, and Colonel Vesey thereby lose the fair
opportunity of acquiring property upon which he can
confidently place some value.

_Lieut.-Governor Gore to Brigadier Brock_.

YORK, January 21, 1811.

Your letter of the 6th instant should have been earlier
acknowledged, but that I was desirous to render my answer as
satisfactory as possible, and it was necessary to refer to the
offices, on the subject of the grant of land ordered for
Colonel Vesey.

I am very sorry now to be constrained to tell you, that it is
not in my power to comply with Colonel Vesey's wish in respect
of the location, without a special order from the king, as in
the case of Colonel Talbot.

The diagram by which the crown and clergy reserves are
recorded, cannot be dispensed with, so that it is now
impracticable to obtain in any township five thousand acres in
a block.

The townships lately surveyed are partial exceptions to the
general rule, for the express purpose of establishing roads
through the province, and the locations in that exception are
by an act of government expressly reserved for actual
settlers.

The utmost in my power to do for Colonel Vesey is to adopt the
latitude directed by his majesty in favor of General Arnold,
which is to permit his representative to locate his land in
any open township, and to pass the patent without his personal
attendance.

Exclusive of my very strong desire to serve Colonel Vesey, I
beg you will believe that I should have had a very particular
gratification in promoting the success of any measure for
which you are pleased to express an interest.

_Brigadier Brock to his brother Irving._

NIAGARA, January 10, 1811.

I cannot sufficiently thank you for your constant attention to
me; you contribute largely to render my present sequestered
abode tolerable, and let me entreat you to continue the
practice you have lately adopted of sending me a letter every
fortnight. In addition to the last daily paper, send me
likewise the _Observer_, or any other weekly depository of
domestic news. You, who have passed all your days in the
bustle of London, can scarcely conceive the uninteresting and
insipid life I am doomed to lead in this retirement. My
situation obliges me to maintain some sort of establishment,
otherwise I should, from inclination, confine my intercourse
to a very limited circle. I have been for some days projecting
a jaunt into the interior of the States, and I may probably
visit New York before I return, but I shall weigh passing
events well, ere I hazard so long a journey. The heavy rains
which have fallen for the last ten days have delayed my
progress, as I did not choose to undertake the journey on
horseback. I by no means admire travelling alone in so
comfortless a manner, in which the gratification would not
repay the inconvenience.

I purpose directing my steps in the first instance to
Ballstown, a medicinal water of great celebrity, about twenty
miles north of Albany. I then expect to be joined by James
Brock, and probably by some others of the 49th. I shall wait
ten days, not only to give him full time to come up, but
likewise to try the efficacy of the waters, as I have an idea
that they will be serviceable to me. I feel at this moment
infinitely better, but am not quite the thing, without knowing
what ails me. A sound jolting and change of air will produce
wonders, and make me look once more upon a beefsteak with
appetite. At present I live very abstemiously, and scarcely
ever touch wine.

I mentioned in a former letter that the new arrangements
deprived me of the comfort of a companion. Expecting to obtain
leave to visit England, I thought it of little consequence,
but now that such an indulgence is denied me, I feel sadly the
want of a lively, communicative associate. I hardly ever stir
out, and, unless I have company at home, my evenings are
passed solus. I read much, but good books are scarce, and I
hate borrowing. I like to read a book quickly, and afterwards
revert to such passages as have made the deepest impression,
and which appear to me most important to remember--a practice
I cannot conveniently pursue unless the book be mine. Should
you find that I am likely to remain here, I wish you to send
me some choice authors in history, particularly ancient, with
maps, and the best translations of ancient works. I read in
my youth Pope's Translation of Homer, but till lately never
discovered its exquisite beauties. As I grow old, I acquire a
taste for study. I firmly believe that the same propensity was
always inherent in me, but, strange to tell, although many
were paid extravagantly, I never had the advantage of a master
to guide and encourage me. But it is now too late to repine. I
rejoice that my nephews are more fortunate.

The president's address is sufficiently hostile, and if I
thought that he would be supported to the extent of his
wishes, I should consider war to be inevitable. Congress will
hesitate before consenting to go the length he proposes. The
taking forcible possession of West Florida may provoke a war
sooner than any other act, but it is impossible to foresee how
such a step may be viewed by the Cortes. We are at this moment
in awful suspense--the king's illness, the proximity of the
armies under Massena and Wellington, and the measures our
government may deem proper to adopt to meet the hostile
proceedings of the Americans, afford serious matter for
contemplation.

I have seen "Thoughts on Political Fanaticism," in answer to
your admirable pamphlet. The author appears to me to proclaim
his servile attachment to Bonaparte, without in any degree
refuting your arguments. When you tell me that Peter Tupper is
a son of the jurat, and a member of the Junta of Valencia, you
by no means satisfy my curiosity. Is he equal to fill the
situation? Has he discretion, and is he distinguished by a
strong mind and undaunted courage, as these are qualities that
can alone be serviceable at such a crisis? I observed his name
some little time back in the public prints, without knowing
who he could be, and I suppose that he is my junior in age by
several years.[31]

_Colonel Kempt[32] (Quartermaster-General) to Brigadier Brock._

QUEBEC, January 17, 1811.

Baynes tells me that he has written to you repeatedly, and
most fully and confidentially, on the subject of your
application for leave. The letters, which I have received from
home, explicitly state that the last brevet was made so
extensive with the view of doing away with the appointment of
brigadier, so that no general officer under the rank of
major-general will be in future employed; independent of this
circumstance, you have no reason, believe me, to dread being
unemployed in any rank while you have a wish to serve,--this
opinion, my dear general, is not given rashly or upon slight
grounds,--before I came to this country I had, you must know,
several opportunities of hearing your name mentioned at head
quarters, both by General Calvert and Colonel Gordon, who
unquestionably spoke the sentiments of the then
commander-in-chief, and in such a way as to impress me with a
thorough conviction that few officers of your rank stood
higher in their estimation. In short, I have no manner of
doubt whatever that you will readily obtain employment upon
active service the moment that _you do get home_, and with
this view I recommend you to express, through Baynes, your
sense of his excellency's good intentions and wishes towards
you in respect to leave of absence, and your hopes that when
the circumstances of the country are such as will permit him
to grant six months' leave to a general officer, that this
indulgence will be extended in the first instance to you. I am
very happy to find that you are pleased with Mrs. Murray: I
have just received a long letter from her, giving me an
account of a splendid ball given by you to the _beau monde_ of
Niagara and its vicinity, and the manner in which she speaks
of your liberality and hospitality reminds me of the many
pleasant hours I have passed under your roof. _We have no such
parties now_, and the indisposition of Sir James having
prevented the usual public days at the castle, nothing more
stupid than Quebec now is can be imagined.

_Colonel Baylies to Brigadier Brock, at Fort George_.

QUEBEC, February 14, 1811.

From the sincere and lively interest which I am sure you feel
for our worthy chief, I am happy to announce to you that an
important change has taken place in his disease, from which
his medical attendants augur, with great confidence, most
essential and permanent relief. On Sunday last I received a
summons to attend immediately at the castle, where Kempt was
also called, and to our extreme astonishment he informed us
that he was then about to undergo the operation of tapping, as
he fully coincided with his medical attendants who advised it.
Sir James (Craig) proceeded with great calmness to give me
some instructions as his executor, in the event of any fatal
consequence following, which he did with a degree of
composure, and even cheerfulness, which only a mind like his
can assume. We were present, at his request, at the operation,
which appeared to me painfully tedious--but not an expression,
or even a look of impatience, escaped Sir James, whose manner
absolutely inspired spirits and fortitude to those around. At
the close he stood up for several minutes to let the water
drain from the higher parts of the body, and thirty-six pints,
weighing nearly as many pounds, were altogether drawn off.

Sir James lately received accounts of the 14th of November,
that his brother, General Peter Craig, was then so reduced
and weak from a long and severe illness, that no hopes were
entertained of him. You will conceive what a severe shock this
has been, the more so as Sir James never harboured a doubt
that his elder brother, from his apparently stronger
constitution, would have long survived him. Their mutual ties
of relationship were in a manner concentrated in each other,
for Sir James will have none left but of a very distant
degree.

I am happy to find by a long letter from Mrs. Murray to
Colonel Kempt, that you have found the means of enlivening the
solitary scene that has so long prevailed at Fort George. I
assure you that we miss you much here, and that the
fascinating Mrs. de Rottenburg, with all her charms, has not
effaced the very universal regret which your loss occasions in
Quebec.

_Brigadier Brock to his brother Irving_.

NIAGARA, February 19, 1811.

Nothing can be more considerate, nothing more friendly, than
your constancy in writing to me. Your last letter is dated the
26th November. What can I say from this remote corner in
return for the pleasure I experience at the receipt of your
letters? I have already described my sombre kind of life, but
I am sure you will rejoice to hear that my present quiet has
been productive of the essential good of restoring my health.
I now consider myself quite re-established; therefore, my good
Irving, dispel all your alarms on my account. I once thought
of visiting Ballstown, but, as a trial of the springs there
was my chief motive, I gave up the journey the moment I found
there was no medical occasion to undertake it. I do not admire
the manners of the American people. I have met with some whose
society was every thing one could desire, and at Boston and
New York such characters are, I believe, numerous, but these
are the exceptions. Politics run very high at this moment, but
the French faction have evidently the preponderance, and they
style themselves republicans! Was ever any thing more absurd?
A dreadful crash is not far off--I hope your friends have
withheld their confidence in their public stocks. There have
been many failures at New York, and the merchants there are in
a state of great confusion and dismay.

I returned recently from York, the capital of this province,
where I passed ten days with the governor, (Gore,) as generous
and as honest a being as ever existed. His lady is perfectly
well bred and very agreeable. I found ample recompense in
their society for the inconvenience of travelling over the
worst roads I ever met with. The governor was formerly
quartered with the 44th in Guernsey, and recollects vividly
the society of those days.

I seldom hear from James Brock, who dislikes writing to such a
degree, that he hazards the loss of a friend rather than
submit to the trouble; and what is strange, when he sets
about it he expresses himself happily, and is highly
entertaining.

Sir James Craig has triumphed completely over the French
faction in the Lower Province. By their conduct they have
fully exemplified the character of their ancestors. The moment
they found they could not intimidate by threats, they became
as obsequious as they had been violent. The house of assembly
passed every bill required of them, among others one
authorizing the governor-general and three councillors to
imprison any one without assigning a cause. The state of the
country makes such a measure highly necessary. Sir James has
been very ill, and it is supposed that he cannot long survive
the fierce and frequent attacks of his disorder. His death,
whenever it comes, will be bewailed by all who possess the
feelings of Englishmen in this country. He appears determined
to keep me near his person, and I hardly know how to
accomplish my grand object of visiting England in opposition
to his wishes. You may well imagine the regret I feel in being
obliged to submit to a life of such complete idleness--but
fate will have it so.

We are all impatience and anxiety to learn the ultimate result
of the king's indisposition, and the movements of the
contending armies in Portugal. If we are to be governed by a
regent, I trust that ambition, jealousy, or party interests,
will not conspire to diminish or circumscribe his regal
powers. These are not times to slacken the reins.

Colonel Murray, 100th, went home last year, married, and
brought out a charming little creature, full of good sense and
spirit. They dined with me yesterday, and she appeared a
little dejected in consequence of an idle report of the
regiment being destined for the West Indies.

Care ought to be taken to get William Potenger introduced into
a quiet, well-behaved corps; the 49th would do very well, but
I am not partial to Canada for a young soldier; the regiment
has, however, been in it so long, that it cannot be continued
many years. Throw him into the sea rather than allow him to
join a wild Irish regiment.

This country is getting very populous and rich. Great
emigration from the States; Quakers especially come in
numbers, and bring with them large sums. Assure William of my
eternal esteem.

_Brigadier Brock to Sir James Craig, K. B_.

NIAGARA, February 27, 1811.

I have this day been honored by the receipt of your
excellency's letter, dated the 4th instant. The subject to
which it refers has occasioned serious reflection in my mind.
If unfortunately the Indians be determined to commit acts of
hostility in the spring, they are at too great a distance for
us to succeed in any effort we may be disposed to make to
avert so great a calamity. Therefore, the next consideration
is the posture we are to assume in case of such an event;
whether we are to remain in a state of strict neutrality,
which doubtless the Americans will call upon us to observe,
and thereby sacrifice our influence over the Indians; or,
unmindful of the consequences, continue to them the accustomed
supplies of food, arms, and ammunition.

I lament to think that the Indians retired from the council,
in which they declared their resolution of going to war, with
a full conviction that, although they could not look for
active co-operation on our part, yet they might rely with
confidence upon receiving from us every requisite of war.

Our cold attempt to dissuade that much-injured people from
engaging in such a rash enterprise could scarcely be expected
to prevail, particularly after giving such manifest
indications of a contrary sentiment by the liberal quantity of
military stores with which they were dismissed.

I shall not fail in reporting every circumstance that may come
to my knowledge relative to our connections with the Indians,
which I think your excellency may desire to be acquainted
with: I must look to officers commanding at the outposts for
such information, as the lieut.-governor withholds from me all
communications on the subject.

Mr. Elliott, who has the management of the Indian department
at Amherstburg, is an exceedingly good man, and highly
respected by the Indians; but, having in his youth lived a
great deal with them, he naturally has imbibed their feelings
and prejudices, and partaking in the wrongs they continually
suffer, this sympathy made him neglect the considerations of
prudence, which ought to have regulated his conduct. If he had
delayed the issue of presents until he reported their mission
to Lieut.-Governor Gore, they would have returned to their
companions, carrying with them the positive sentiments of
government.

_Brigadier Brock to Major Taylor, 100th Regiment, commanding at Amherstburg_.

NIAGARA, March 4, 1811.

You omitted to report to me the important resolution which the
Indians formally announced last autumn in council to have been
adopted by the different nations, of going to war with the
Americans. Having however received advice of the circumstance
through other channels, I was enabled to communicate the
interesting fact to head quarters, and now transcribe, for
_your individual_ information and future guidance, extracts of
his excellency's _secret_ and _confidential_ answer, dated 4th
ultimo:

"Although the conduct of our intercourse with the Indians is
by his majesty's command vested in the civil government of the
province of Canada, and consequently the interference of
military officers, otherwise than by being present at such
councils as may be held as they are directed to be, would be
improper, I nevertheless desire that you will instruct the
officers in command at the different posts, particularly at
Amherstburg, to report confidentially to you what may pass at
those councils, as well as any other transactions in which the
Indians are concerned, and which may come to their knowledge;
these reports you will forward to me occasionally, as you may
think them of importance."

The conduct which the military are expected to pursue in their
intercourse with the Indian department is so explicitly stated
in the above, that I need not say a word more on the subject.
But I think it highly necessary to put you in possession of
the policy which Sir James Craig is very anxious may be
observed in the present uncertain state of our political
affairs.

"I am decidedly of opinion, that upon every principle of
policy our interest should lead us to use all our endeavours
to prevent a rupture between the Indians and the subjects of
the United States. Upon these considerations, I think it would
be expedient to instruct the officers of the Indian department
to use all their influence to dissuade the Indians from their
projected plan of hostility, giving them clearly to understand
that they must not expect any assistance from us. The
officers, however, should be extremely cautious in pointing
out to them that it is for their own good only that this
advice is given to them, and not from any dereliction of that
regard with which we always view their interests; it will
perhaps require some management to avoid exciting their
jealousy or resentment; the doing so must be strongly
recommended."

I wish you to comprehend clearly the sentiments of Sir James
upon this essential point; because, although I entertain great
respect for the personal character of Mr. Elliott, yet I
should be unwilling to place entire dependance in an affair
of such manifest importance, upon a judgment biased and
prejudiced as his is known to be in every thing that regards
the Indians. To act with due prudence, he participates in and
feels too keenly the grievous wrongs they have suffered.
Should you, therefore, perceive the smallest indication to
depart from the line so strongly marked by his excellency for
the government of the Indian officers, you will, without
creating suspicion of an intention of controlling their
measures, offer friendly advice, and even have recourse to
written protests to deter them from persevering in any act
that may have a tendency to irritate and expose the two
nations to endless controversy. All this you of course will do
as coming from yourself, and you will be very regular in
reporting circumstantially every occurrence that may come to
your knowledge, to enable me to conform strictly with the
instructions of the commander-in-chief.

_Colonel Baynes[33] to Brigadier Brock, at Fort George_.

QUEBEC, March 4, 1811.

Sir James desires me to tell you that he had fully intended
writing to you himself by this day's post, but, from the
arrival of the January mail and the departure of the Halifax
courier to-morrow, he finds himself so much occupied that he
has deputed me to explain to you the cause of his not
announcing to you by his own pen the resolution he finds
himself under the necessity of adopting, of returning to
England early in the summer. I think it probable that he will
leave this by the July fleet; indeed, the extremely weak and
debilitated state of his health will not admit of his
deferring his departure longer, lest it might involve him in
inconveniences attendant upon an equinoctial or fall passage.
It is with the deepest regret I observe that his strength is
visibly sinking under his disease, although the latter does
not appear to have increased in violence; on the contrary, for
this fortnight past he seems in better spirits and to suffer
less pain: the first probably arises from the prospect of his
being speedily relieved from the weight and anxiety of his
public charge, for, with regard to himself, his mind is most
perfectly made up, and resigned to a very speedy termination
of all his sufferings; and his anxiety has been latterly much
excited from the apprehension of his becoming too ill to be
able to undertake the voyage, and being obliged to linger out
the short remnant of his life in this country.

I assure you he is very far from being indifferent in regard
to forwarding your wishes; but from the necessity of his
retiring himself, and even without waiting for leave to do so,
he feels it the more indispensably necessary to leave this
country in the best state of security he can, and that, under
existing circumstances, he cannot attend to your request for
leave. He desires me to say, that he regrets extremely the
disappointment you may experience, and he requests that you
will do him the favor to accept, as a legacy and mark of his
very sincere regard, his favorite horse Alfred, and that he is
induced to send him to you, not only from wishing to secure to
his old favorite a kind and careful master, but from the
conviction that the whole continent of America could not
furnish you with so safe and excellent a horse. Alfred is ten
years old, but being a high bred horse, and latterly but very
little worked, he may be considered as still perfectly fresh.
Sir James will give him up to Heriot, whenever you fix the
mode of his being forwarded to you.

I have requested Sir James to allow me to accompany him home,
a duty I should feel a most grateful pleasure in performing;
but with a kind regard to what he thinks more to my interest,
he will not accede to my wishes, but insists on my remaining
here, as he thinks that my appointment will be considered
permanent. Kempt goes home, his private affairs requiring his
presence, and having strong ground to hope that he will be
able to resign his staff for an active brigade; although his
senior in years and length of service, I must still wait a
long time before I can direct my ambition to so desirable an
object.

You will have seen by Sir James' speech, the very complete
triumph his firmness and energy have obtained over the
factious cabal of their most contemptible assembly. Bedard
will be shortly released--that fellow alone of the whole gang
has nerve, and does not want ability or inclination to do
mischief whenever opportunity offers; the rest, old Papineau
and the blustering B----, are all white-livered runagates to a
man; but when Sir James' back is turned, they will rally and
commence the same bullying attack on his successor, who, I
trust, will follow his example.

_Colonel J.A. Vesey to Brigadier Brock._

HAMPTON COURT PARK, April 9, 1811.

I am bound to Sicily in about a fortnight, as a
brigadier-general on the staff there, and I am told that Lord
William Bentinck, who is destined to command the forces in
that island, will be the bearer of instructions to insist upon
the command of the Sicilian army likewise.

I thank you much for the interesting details of local
politics, both military and civil, which your letter contains,
for I feel a more than common wish to know what passes in
Canada, although I am certainly not partial to that
country--quite the reverse. It is a pity that the 49th should
be detained there so long, as it will interfere materially
with the promotion of your officers. I fear you will have
passed a lonely winter at Fort George, notwithstanding the
addition of my friend Murray and his nice little wife to your
society. Pray remember me kindly to them and to my old
friend, St. George. Mrs. Vesey has charged me to call her to
your recollection in the kindest manner; she and my six
children are as well as possible, and a very nice little group
they are, all as healthy as can be. I wish I had a daughter
old enough for you, as I would give her to you with pleasure.
You should be married, particularly as fate seems to detain
you so long in Canada--but pray do not marry there.

_Colonel Vesey to Brigadier Brock._

HAMPTON COURT PARK, May 9, 1811.

I received a few days ago your letter of the 22d February, for
which I thank you very much. I am very much obliged to you for
taking so much trouble about my grant of land, respecting
which I have not taken any steps whatever here, neither shall
I so long as Lord Liverpool continues to direct the affairs of
the colonial department, for he is not friendly to me, but I
will reserve my claims for a more favorable moment. I am not
the less thankful for your friendship on the occasion.

I quite feel for you, my good friend, when I think of the
stupid and uninteresting time you must have passed in Upper
Canada--with your ardour for professional employment in the
field, it must have been very painful. I did not think Sir
James (Craig) would have detained you so long against your
will. Had you returned to Europe, there is little doubt but
that you would immediately have been employed in Portugal,
and, as that service has turned out so very creditable, I
regret very much that you had not deserted from Canada. I take
it for granted that you will not stay there long, and should
the fortune of war bring us again upon duty in the same
country, I need not say how I shall hail the event with joy.
If you come to England, I would wish you to call upon the Duke
of Kent,[34] who has a high respect for you, and will be happy
to see you.

It seems determined that the Duke of York shall return to the
command of the army; it would have taken place ere now, but
for some ill-natured remarks inserted in some of the
newspapers, produced by an over zeal on the part of his
friends. Sir David (Dundas) will not be much regretted, and it
surely is time that at his advanced period of life he should
be relieved from the cares of office.

I am rejoiced to find that you live so comfortably with my
friend Murray and his nice little wife. Mrs. Vesey and myself
took a great fancy to her the morning she called here, on
their way to Portsmouth.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 31: Peter Carey Tupper, Esq., a native of Guernsey, British consul for Valencia at this time, and afterwards for Catalonia. He distinguished himself from 1808 to 1814, in encouraging the Spaniards to resist the invasion of Napoleon; and his name occurs repeatedly in the Duke of Wellington's Dispatches, recently published, as also in the first and fourth volumes of Napoleon's Peninsular War. He died in Madrid in 1825, in the prime of life. His youngest brother was British consul for Caraccas, and afterwards for Riga.]

[Footnote 32: The present General Sir James Kempt, G.C.B., &c, afterwards governor-general of British America, and subsequently master-general of the ordnance in Earl Grey's administration.]

[Footnote 33: Owing to the communication by post between Lower and Upper Canada being so slow at this period, we observe that many of Colonel Baynes' letters to Brigadier Brock, at Fort George, were transmitted through the United States. There was only a post once a fortnight between Montreal and Kingston, and in Upper Canada the post office was scarcely established.]

[Footnote 34: The father of her present Majesty, Queen Victoria.]