Chapter V

On the 4th June, 1811, Brigadier Brock was promoted, and appointed by the prince regent to serve from that day as a major-general on the staff of North America. On the 19th of the same month, Sir James Craig embarked on board his majesty's ship Amelia for England, leaving Mr. Dunn in charge of the government of the Lower Province, and Lieut.-General Drummond in command of the forces in the Canadas, consisting of 445 artillery, 3,783 regular troops, and 1,226 Fencibles; in all, 5,454 men. He seemed disgusted with the cares of a government, in which he had experienced only crosses and mortification, as his administration was decidedly unpopular among the great mass of the French Canadians. His health had long been wasting away with a dropsy and other infirmities, and he doubted whether he should live to reach England, where he however survived several months, and met with a most gracious reception from his immediate superiors. Sir James Craig had been from his youth in the service of his country,[35] and he owed to merit alone his rank and consideration in the army. He was corpulent in person, and rather below the middle stature; his features were strong and regular, his aspect was severe and imposing, his deportment, manly and dignified; in society he was polite, frank, and affable. He is said to have been positive in his opinions, and therefore prompt and decisive in his measures. To a clear and comprehensive judgment, he united the best qualities of the heart, and though hasty in temper, he was easily reconciled to those who might involuntarily have incurred his resentment. In fine, he seems to have possessed all the sterling and undisguised virtues that distinguish the soldier, and some of the qualities that constitute the able statesman. Although many differed widely in opinion with respect to his government, yet few could deny him the merit of disinterestedness and integrity in the discharge of his public duties. He may have erred in the performance of the important and complicated functions of his post, but he was guided by sincerity; and it is due to his memory to add, that the objects of his administration, however erroneous the means he pursued for their attainment, were the concord, the happiness, and the prosperity of the people whom he governed for nearly four years.[36]

_Major-General Vesey to Major-General Brock_.

PORTSMOUTH, June 10, 1811.

I congratulate you on your promotion, and you may return me
the compliment. I did not expect to appear in the same brevet
with you as a major-general; it has so happened, however, and
I am not at all sorry to go out to Sicily as major-general
instead of a brigadier. You have such a lot of generals in
Canada at present, that it is impossible to continue them all
upon the staff. Your wish will be to come home, I dare say,
and very glad I should be if you were in England at present,
while all the arrangements are making. It may perhaps be your
fate to go to the Mediterranean, but the Peninsula is the most
direct road to the honor of the Bath, and as you are an
ambitious man, that is the station you would prefer--so should
I, but I have been advised not to solicit for it, but to go
where I was ordered; therefore, am I proceeding. I need not
say how rejoiced I should be if you were of the party.

The return of the duke of York to the head of the army gives
general satisfaction to all military people, and indeed to
most others I fancy: his old worn-out predecessor has long
been superannuated. I still retain my appointment of deputy
barrack master-general in Nova Scotia, to the astonishment of
every body, because I suppose they do not like to take it from
me _par force_, without giving me something in lieu of it. I
have told the treasury that I would not give it up upon any
other terms than for my lieutenant-colonelcy, but that they
had the power of taking it from me if they chose to do me that
injustice: I suppose they will as soon as my back is turned.
Lord William Bentinck is expected down to-day; he goes to
Sicily in the Caledonia, with Sir Edward Pellew. As it is
possible you may have left Canada, I shall enclose this letter
to our friend Bruyeres; bid him read it and forward it if you
are yet in that country.

_Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock, at Montreal_.

QUEBEC, August 3, 1811.

We were very much surprised on Thursday last by the arrival of
the Racoon, sloop of war, from Jamaica, with the duke of
Manchester on board, who is come with the view of visiting the
lions of Canada previous to his return to England; he is gone,
attended by General Drummond, to see the falls of Montmorenci,
and the general desires me to let you know that his grace
intends leaving this in the stage on Tuesday morning for
Montreal. The duke has no attendant except a Colonel Gold,
_ci-devant militaire_; he appears to be very affable, and
perfectly _sans façon_; he particularly requested that no
compliments or ceremony of any kind might be shown him, and
that he might be permitted to indulge his fancy by going about
as he pleased. His grace is not likely to have many volunteer
aides-de-camp, for he treated those who formed his suite
yesterday to a walk of half a dozen hours in the sun at
mid-day round the works, the towers, plains, &c.; and from
which he did not appear to experience the slightest
inconvenience, being in the habit, we are told, of taking
similar rambles even in the West Indies. The duke will pay you
but a very short visit, being limited for time, and anxious to
make his tour as extensive as possible. He seems to like a
glass of Madeira, and would match any of the Canadian tribe in
smoking cigars; he walks about with one in his mouth at all
hours in the day. He begs you will have the kindness to secure
for him a boat and a good Canadian crew to proceed to
Kingston, and to facilitate his progress from that place,
inasmuch as it may be in your power to do so. I apprehend that
the movement of the troops may very materially interfere with
him, but the duke will not object to embarking with any of the
detachments if no other vessel can be spared.

_Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock, at William Henry, Sorel_.

QUEBEC, August 12, 1811.

I have to acknowledge and thank you for your letter of the 8th
instant. I regret much that you did not find it convenient to
remain at Montreal to receive the duke of Manchester, as I
think you would have felt gratified; and if you could have
reconciled to your own feelings the want of due preparation
for the reception of so great a personage, I am sure, from
the specimen we had of his grace here, that he would have been
perfectly satisfied, and happy to have shared your fare. He
does not appear to be a lady's man--perhaps a little too much
the contrary, and I am confident that a dinner with a few
gentlemen, and an invitation to smoke, would suit his taste in
preference to a formal fête. On an excursion to the Chaudière,
of which Mrs. Drummond and other ladies formed part, his grace
appeared to be very little at his ease until he effected his
escape out of the frigate's barge into one of the small boats
that was in attendance with his _compagnon de voyage_ and the
commander of the sloop, when, with the aid of his favorite
cigar, he appeared to be perfectly happy. I mention these
traits in order that you may be prepared to receive him or not
on his return, as you think best. I am sure he would prefer
William Henry to sleep at in preference to Montreal.

* * * * *

After an inter-regnum of nearly three months, Sir George Prevost arrived at Quebec in September, and assumed the government of Lower Canada, having succeeded Sir James Craig in the chief command of the British North American provinces. The known mildness of his character, and the popularity of his administration in Nova Scotia, from which he had been just promoted, afforded a hope that his government of Lower Canada would prove more auspicious to the internal union of the people than that of his predecessor. Sir George Prevost had moreover the advantage of being, we believe, a Canadian born, and, as his name indicates, his family was doubtless of French origin, a circumstance which the French Canadians could not fail to appreciate. Soon after his arrival, Major-General Brock, in addition to the command of the troops, was appointed president and administrator of the government in Upper Canada, to which office he succeeded on the 9th October, 1811, in place of Lieut.-Governor Gore, who returned to England on leave. At the close of the year, his royal highness the duke of York expressed at length every inclination to gratify Major-General Brock's wishes for more active employment in Europe, and Sir George Prevost was authorized to replace him by another officer; but when the permission reached Canada, early in 1812, a war with the United States was evidently near at hand, and Major-General Brock, with such a prospect, was retained both by honor and inclination in the country.

_Lieut.-General Drummond[37] to Major-General Brock_.

QUEBEC, August 31, 1811.

I have just been favored with your kind letter, and return
many thanks for your friendly congratulations. Under present
circumstances, it must be the wish of every military person
to seek active employment; I should most willingly sacrifice
many domestic comforts to obtain it, but I fear the rank I
have just attained will interfere with my prospects. I have
often regretted, during my residence in this country, that we
have been so much separated, which has deprived me of the
opportunity of cultivating your friendship, which I shall ever
feel anxious to possess; and be assured it will always afford
me the most sincere satisfaction to renew an acquaintance with
one for whom I have so great a regard. Captain Glegg's
appointment will be in general orders to-day. Captain and Mrs.
Fulton arrived this morning: I have not seen him yet. I
understand Sir George Prevost was to embark three days after
the Hunter sailed. I shall probably embark in the Melamphus,
for Halifax, and from thence in the packet for England: should
you have any commands, I shall be happy to charge myself with
them. Mrs. Drummond unites with me in sincere wishes for your
health and happiness.

_Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock_.

QUEBEC, October 7, 1811.

I have a letter from Thornton of the 2d of August; the party
arrived at Deal on the 27th of July. Sir James (Craig) bore
the passage remarkably well, and he has received the most
flattering and satisfactory assurances that his conduct, civil
and military, has met with the most unqualified approbation.
Kempt has experienced a very honorable reception: the duke
told him he would give him a _carte blanche_ as to his future
destination; he has requested to have a brigade under Lord
Wellington, and was preparing to go to the Peninsula. Thornton
does not allude to the probability of its effecting his
present post, as he says Kempt writes to you at length, and
will tell you of himself. Ellice[38] has found great
difficulty in effecting an exchange. Dalrymple, Sir Hew's
eldest son, had no objection till he found that the duke set
his face against the continued exchange of that post, and that
he would not permit it to be made a mere stepping stone for
the brevet rank. He in consequence declined it, and Ellice is
on the hunt for a lazy married major of dragoons, who has no
objection to obtain it as a fixture. Thornton has been
appointed to a regiment, but he neglects to mention the
number, although he enters into a long explanation respecting
it, viz. that it is of two battalions, the second in Portugal
and the first in the East Indies, but, by a recent regulation,
the senior lieutenant-colonel has the option of remaining in
command of the second in Portugal if he chooses. Thornton has
obtained leave to go, in the first instance, to his corps in
Portugal, so as to endeavour to persuade his senior that India
is a more desirable quarter: if he fails in his rhetoric, he
expects shortly to travel that route himself.

The following paragraph is copied verbatim from Thornton's letter; he is connected with Torrens and in habits of familiar intimacy, so that I am inclined to think he draws his inference from that quarter: "Pray give a hint in private to Generals Brock and Sheaffe, that if the former were to ask for a brigade at home, or on European service, and the latter to be put on the staff in Canada, I am almost certain they would succeed."

_Lieut.-Colonel Torrens to Major-General Brock_.

HORSE GUARDS, October 17, 1811.

I have had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 6th of
July, and I beg you will be convinced that I should derive
much satisfaction from the power of complying with your wishes
as far as my situation might enable me to facilitate the
accomplishment of the object you have expressed of returning
to England.

I have made known your wishes to the commander-in-chief, and
his royal highness has expressed every inclination to comply
with them. But until another officer shall join the station,
you will be readily aware of the difficulty his royal highness
would have in withdrawing you, by leave of absence or
otherwise, during the present state of public affairs with the
American government.

Should you wish, however, to quit the Canadian staff with a
view to serve in Europe, his royal highness will not object to
your return to this country, under the arrangement of your
being immediately succeeded by another officer. And as
Major-General Sheaffe is on the spot, and has strong claims to
employment on the staff, his royal highness will have no
objection to furnish Sir George Prevost with an authority to
employ that officer in your room, provided he has not yet left
Canada.

I trust this arrangement may be acceptable to you. An official
communication to the effect of this note will be made to Sir
George Prevost.

_Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock_.

QUEBEC, November 21, 1811.

We fortunately received yesterday the last batch of recruits
for the 41st regiment, as from the present state of the
weather and appearance of the river, I fear their situation
would have been very desperate. They have, poor devils, been
sixteen weeks and four days on their passage, and have
suffered much from dysentery. Four men have died, and several
are sick; but as the former detachment recovered fast when
landed and taken care of, I doubt not that these will also:
they amount to three hundred, and are in general very fine
young men. What a noble battalion they will make when brought
together; and the officers say that about 200 more were left
at the depôt, for want of room in the transport.

What do you think of the president's speech? In any government
more consistent, it would mean war. I think that he has
committed himself more openly and more unjustifiably than
could have been expected, in the relation of the affair of
the Little Belt, by accusing that poor little sloop of a
wanton act of aggression by attacking a huge American frigate,
when Commodore Rodgers himself admits that he was for nearly
eight hours the chasing vessel.

Governor Gore has revived the formation of the Glengary
Fencibles, and I have shewn Sir George what passed on a former
occasion. I hope the latter will be able to provide for his
school-fellow, Major-General Sheaffe,[39] and he expresses
himself very anxious to do so.

_Major-General Brock to Lieut.-General Sir G. Prevost, Bart., at Quebec_.

YORK, December 2, 1811.

The information contained in the message of the president to
congress, relative to the existing differences between England
and the United States, will justify, I presume to think, the
adoption of such precautionary measures as may be necessary to
meet all future exigencies. Under this impression, I beg leave
to submit to your excellency such observations as occur to me,
to enable you to form a correct judgment; of the actual state
of this province.

The military force which heretofore occupied the frontier
posts being so inadequate to their defence, a general opinion
prevailed that no opposition, in the event of hostilities, was
intended. The late increase of ammunition and every species of
stores, the substitution of a strong regiment, and the
appointment of a military person to administer the government,
have tended to infuse other sentiments among the most
reflecting part of the community; and I feel happy in being
able to assure your excellency, that during my visit last week
at Niagara, I received the most satisfactory professions of a
determination on the part of the principal inhabitants to
exert every means in their power in the defence of their
property and support of the government. They look with
confidence to your excellency for such additional aid as may
be necessary, in conjunction with the militia, to repel any
hostile attempt against this province.

I shall beg leave to refer your excellency to the
communications of Lieut.-Governor Gore with Sir James Craig,
for a correct view of the temper and composition of the
militia and Indians. Although perfectly aware of the number of
improper characters who have obtained extensive possessions,
and whose principles diffuse a spirit of insubordination very
adverse to all military institutions, I am however well
assured that a large majority would prove faithful. It is
certain that the best policy to be pursued, should future
circumstances call for active preparations, will be to act
with the utmost liberality, and as if no mistrust existed;
for, unless the inhabitants give an active and efficient aid,
it will be utterly impossible for the very limited number of
the military, who are likely to be employed, to preserve the
province.

The first point to which I am anxious to call your
excellency's attention, is the district of Amherstburg. I
consider it the most important, and, if supplied with the
means of commencing active operations, must deter any
offensive attempt on this province, from Niagara westward. The
American government will be compelled to secure their western
frontier from the inroads of the Indians, and this cannot be
effected without a very considerable force. But before we can
expect an active co-operation on the part of the Indians, the
reduction of Detroit and Michilimakinack must convince that
people, who conceive themselves to have been sacrificed, in
1794,[40] to our policy, that we are earnestly engaged in the
war. The Indians, I am made to understand, are eager for an
opportunity to avenge the numerous injuries of which they
complain. A few tribes, at the instigation of a Shawnese,[41]
of no particular note, have already, although explicitly told
not to look for assistance from us, commenced the contest. The
stand which they continue to make upon the Wabash, against
about 2,000 Americans, including militia and regulars, is a
strong proof of the large force which a general combination of
the Indians will render necessary to protect so widely
extended a frontier.

The garrisons of Detroit and Michilimakinack do not, I
believe, exceed seventy rank and file each; but the former can
be easily reinforced by the militia in the neighbourhood,
which, though not numerous, would be ample for its defence,
unless assailed by a force much superior to any we can now
command. The Americans will probably draw their principal
force, either for offence or defence, from the Ohio, an
enterprising, hardy race, and uncommonly expert on horseback
with the rifle. This species of force is formidable to the
Indians, although, according to reports which have reached me
by different channels, but not official, they lately repelled
an attack of some magnitude. Unless a diversion, such as I
have suggested, be made, an overwhelming force will probably
be directed against this part of the province. The measure
will, however, be attended with a heavy expense, especially in
the article of provision, for, not only the Indians who take
the field, but their families, must be maintained.

The numeral force of the militia in the vicinity of
Amherstburg exceeds by a trifle seven hundred rank and file;
consequently, very little assistance can be derived from that
source in any offensive operation. Should, therefore, the
aspect of affairs hereafter give stronger indications of a
rupture, I propose augmenting the garrison of Amherstburg
with two hundred rank and file from Fort George and York. Such
a measure I consider essentially necessary, were it only
calculated to rouse the energy of the militia and Indians, who
are now impressed with a firm belief, that in the event of war
they are to be left to their fate. Great pains have been taken
to instil this idea into their minds, and no stronger argument
could be employed than the weak state of that garrison.

The army now assembled upon the Wabash, with the ostensible
view of opposing the Shawnese, is a strong additional motive
in my mind in support of this measure; for I have no doubt
that, the instant their service in the field terminates, a
large portion of the regulars will be detached to strengthen
the garrison of Detroit. I have prepared Colonel Proctor for
such an event, and after weighing the inconvenience to which
the service would be exposed if the district were placed under
a militia colonel, (an event obvious, unless superseded by a
regular officer of equal rank) I have directed Lieut.-Colonel
St. George to be in readiness to repair to Amherstburg and
assume the command; and I hope his situation of inspector of
militia will not be considered a bar to the arrangement. The
state of the roads will probably stop this projected movement
until the end of this month or beginning of the next; nor do I
intend that the troops should leave their present quarters,
unless urged by some fresh circumstances. I therefore look to
receive your excellency's commands previous to their
departure.

From Amherstburg to Fort Erie, my chief dependance must rest
on a naval force for the protection of that extensive coast;
but, considering the state to which it is reduced,
extraordinary exertions and great expense will be required
before it can be rendered efficient. At present, it consists
only of a ship and a small schooner--the latter of a bad
construction, old, and in want of many repairs; yet she is the
only king's vessel able to navigate Lake Huron, whilst the
Americans have a sloop, and a fine brig capable of carrying
twelve guns, both in perfect readiness for any service. If,
consequently, the garrison of St. Joseph's is to be
maintained, and an attack on Michilimakinack undertaken, it
will be expedient to hire, or purchase from the merchants, as
many vessels as may be necessary for the purpose. The
Americans can resort to the same means, and the construction
and number of their vessels for trade will give them great
advantage: besides, their small craft, or boats, in which
troops could be easily transported, exceed ours considerably;
indeed, we have very few of that description. I therefore
leave it to your excellency's superior judgment to determine
whether a sufficient number of gun-boats for both lakes, so
constructed as to draw little water, ought not be added to our
means of offence and defence. It is worthy of remark, that the
only American national vessel on Lake Ontario, built two years
ago, and now lying in Sackett's harbour, has remained without
seamen until within the last fortnight, when the officers
began to enter men as fast as possible. A lieutenant with a
party came to Buffalo, a tolerably large village opposite Fort
Erie, and procured several hands, but, not satisfied, a petty
officer was sent to our side to inveigle others. The
magistrates, hearing of this, sent to apprehend him; but he
escaped with difficulty.

The strait between Niagara and Fort Erie is that which, in all
probability, will be chosen by the Americans for their main
body to penetrate with a view to conquest. All other attacks
will be subordinate, or merely made to divert our attention.
About three thousand militia could, upon an emergency, be
drawn by us to that line, and nearly five hundred Indians
could also be collected; therefore, with the regulars, no
trifling force could hope for success, provided a determined
resistance were made; but I cannot conceal from your
excellency, that unless a strong regular force be present to
animate the loyal and to control the disaffected, nothing
effectual can be expected. A protracted resistance upon this
frontier will be sure to embarrass the enemy's plans
materially. They will not come prepared to meet it, and their
troops, or volunteer corps, without scarcely any discipline,
so far at least as control is in question, will soon tire
under disappointment. The difficulty which they will
experience in providing provisions will involve them in
expenses, under which their government will soon become
impatient.

The car brigade will be particularly useful in obstructing
their passage; and I cannot be too urgent in soliciting the
means, both as to gunners and drivers, and likewise as to
horses, to render this arm complete for service. A small body
of cavalry would also be absolutely necessary, and I have
already offers from many respectable young men, to form
themselves into a troop. All they seem to require are swords
and pistols, which the stores below may probably be able to
furnish.

The situation of Kingston is so very important in every
military point of view, that I cannot be too earnest in
drawing your excellency's attention to that quarter. The
militia, from the Bay of Quinti down to Glengary, is the most
respectable of any in the province. Among the officers several
are on half pay, and still retain a sound military spirit.
Those from the Bay of Quinti would be properly stationed at
Kingston, but all downwards would naturally desire to be
employed to resist any predatory excursions to which their
property would be so much exposed from the opposite shore.
Besides, I have always been of opinion that a strong
detachment would follow the route of Lord Amherst, and attempt
to enter the province by Ozwegatchie.[42] The militia on the
whole of that communication cannot, therefore, be more
usefully employed than in watching such a movement; and should
the enemy direct the whole of his force by St. John's, the
greater part can with the utmost facility join the army acting
upon that frontier.

The militia act, which I have the honor to enclose, provides
for such an emergency, but your excellency will readily
observe, that among many wise and salutary provisions, there
are but few means of enforcing them. No exertions, however,
shall be wanting in my civil capacity to place that body upon
a respectable footing. Mr. Cartwright, the senior militia
colonel at Kingston, possesses the influence to which his firm
character and superior abilities so deservedly entitle him;
but as I cannot possibly give the necessary attention to so
distant an object, and as a regular officer will be
indispensable to direct the operations, one of high rank
ought, if possible, to be nominated to that command. So much
will remain to be done, and such high expenses to be incurred
in the quartermaster-general's departments, that I cannot too
earnestly request your excellency to select an officer who may
be equal to discharge the various duties of that office. A
head to the commissariat will be likewise indispensable.

I have trespassed greatly on your excellency's time, but I beg
to be permitted to entreat your excellency to honor me with
such advice and counsel as your experience may suggest, and be
assured it will ever be my utmost pride to meet your views and
to merit your approbation.

_Major-General Brock to Lieut.-General Sir G. Prevost._

YORK, December 3, 1811.

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
excellency's dispatch, dated the 11th ultimo, with its
enclosures.

My first care, on my arrival in this province, was to direct
the officers of the Indian department at Amherstburg to exert
their whole influence with the Indians to prevent the attack
which I understood a few tribes meditated against the American
frontier. But their efforts proved fruitless, as such was the
infatuation of the Indians, that they refused to listen to
advice; and they are now so deeply engaged, that I despair of
being able to withdraw them from the contest in time to avert
their destruction. A high degree of fanaticism, which had been
for years working in their minds, has led to the present
event.

_Major-General Brock to Lieut.-General Sir G. Prevost._

YORK, December 11, 1811.

I had the honor yesterday of receiving your excellency's
letter of the 1st ultimo, stating your intention of
establishing depôts of small arms, accoutrements and
ammunition, at the different posts in Upper Canada.

Since the settlement of the province, several hundred stands
have been at different times issued to the militia, and I have
given directions for collecting them, but in all probability
great deficiencies will be found; indeed, it has already been
ascertained that those delivered in 1795 by the late
Lieut.-General Simcoe are wholly lost to the service. To
obviate for the future such an extensive waste, I propose
fixing upon proper places at each post, wherein the arms may
be deposited after the militia have exercised; and I have to
request your excellency's permission to direct the field train
department to attend to their preservation, and keep them in a
state of repair, in the same manner as those remaining in
store. The expense cannot be great, and in all such cases the
infant state of the country obliges the militia to have
recourse to the military.

I have recently had occasion to report for your excellency's
information, the total want of stores at this post, beyond
those immediately necessary for the commissariat. I shall
consequently be much at a loss to find accommodation for the
2,329 French muskets which your excellency has directed to be
sent here; and as the only magazine is a small wooden shed,
not sixty yards from the king's house, which is rendered
dangerous from the quantity of powder it already contains, I
cannot but feel a repugnance to lodge the additional 13,140
ball cartridges intended for this post in a place so evidently
insecure. But as these arrangements cannot conveniently take
place until the opening of the navigation, there will be
sufficient time to contrive the best means to meet your
excellency's wishes.

_Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock._

QUEBEC, December 12, 1811.

[OFFICIAL]

I am directed to transmit herewith a copy of proposals for
raising a corps of Glengary Fencibles. The commander of the
forces has selected an officer of the king's regiment, a
Captain George M'Donnell, an avowed catholic, and a relation
of the Glengary priest of that name, to attempt the formation
of a small battalion, to be in the first instance under his
command with the rank of major; and in case a more respectable
body can be collected, a lieutenant-colonel commandant will be
appointed. Captain M'Donnell will leave this in a few days,
and he will be directed to take an early opportunity of
communicating with you as soon as he has felt his ground a
little in Glengary, and is able to form a correct idea of the
prospect and extent of success that is likely to attend his
exertions.

I shall have the honor of sending you by the next post a
regulation for the payment of clergymen performing religious
duties for the troops at the different stations in Canada. The
officiating clergyman at York will receive the garrison
allowances of a captain, together with a salary of £70 army
sterling per annum.

[PRIVATE.]

Sir George will fill up the new Glengary corps with as many
officers as he can from the line, with permanent rank, and I
have availed myself of the opportunity to propose one, in
whose advancement I know you feel an interest. He has allowed
me to note Lieutenant Shaw, of the 49th, for a company, and
you are at liberty to inform his father, the general, of Sir
George's favorable intentions towards his son.

_Sir George Prevost to Major-General Brock._

QUEBEC, December 24, 1811.

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
the 2d instant, which reached me by the courier on Saturday,
and I have not failed to give it that consideration which the
importance of the several points, to which it alludes,
entitles it.

In addition to the president's message being full of
gunpowder, the report made to congress by its committee on the
state of the foreign affairs of the United States, conveys
sentiments of such decided hostility towards England, that I
feel justified in recommending such precaution as may place
you in a state of preparation for that event; and with this
view you must endeavour to trace an outline of co-operation,
compensating for our deficiency in strength. I agree with you
as to the advantages which may result from giving, rather than
receiving, the first blow; but it is not my opinion war will
commence by a declaration of it. That act would militate
against the policy of both countries; therefore, we must
expect repeated petty aggressions from our neighbours, before
we are permitted to retaliate by open hostilities. It is very
satisfactory to observe the professions of the inhabitants of
Upper Canada in defence of their property and in support of
their government.

I will look into the correspondence you refer to, which took
place between Sir James Craig and Lieut.-Governor Gore, in
1807, 1808 and 1809, respecting the temper and disposition of
your militia, and the policy to be observed in your
intercourse with the Indians.

Your views, in regard to the line of conduct to be observed
towards the militia forces, notwithstanding some existing
circumstances unfavorable in their composition, are in my
estimation wise, and on such conceptions I have hitherto
acted.

There are too many considerations to allow me to hesitate in
saying we must employ the Indians, if they can be brought to
act with us. The utmost caution should be used in our language
to them, and all direct explanation should be delayed, if
possible, until hostilities are more certain; though whenever
the subject is adverted to, I think it would be advisable
always to intimate that, as a matter of course, we shall, in
the event of war, expect the aid of our brothers. Although I
am sensible this requires delicacy, still it should be done so
as not to be misunderstood.

I shall call the attention of the commissariat to the supply
of provisions that may be required in the Upper Province; and
I had, previously to the arrival of your letter, given
directions for the building of another schooner for Lake Erie.

[The remainder of this letter is of no interest.]

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 35: While Colonel Craig, he was lieutenant-governor of Guernsey, in 1793, but only for a few months.]

[Footnote 36: Memoirs of the Administration of the Colonial Government of Lower Canada, by Sir James Henry Craig and Sir George Prevost, from the year 1807 until the year 1815; comprehending the Military and Naval operations in the Canadas during the late War with the United States of America. By Robert Christie.--Quebec, 1818.]

[Footnote 37: The present General Sir Gordon Drummond, G.C.B., colonel of the 49th foot. He succeeded to the command of the forces in Upper Canada in December, 1813.]

[Footnote 38: Lieut.-Colonel Ellice, inspecting field officer of militia.]

[Footnote 39: The present General Sir Roger H. Sheaffe, Bart., colonel of the 36th regiment, born at Boston, United States, 15th July, 1763, and entered the British army on the 1st May, 1778.

N.B.--On the day on which the last sheet was printed, we discovered that we had been misled by the _Times_ of 24th November, 1835, in stating our belief that Sir George Prevost was "Canadian born." He was born at New York, May 19, 1767--his father, a native of Geneva, settled in England, and became a major-general in the British army--his mother was Dutch, and as regards nativity, Sir George Prevost was certainly not an Englishman, so that our remark at page 95 on this point applies almost equally. Sir G. Prevost was created a baronet in 1805.]

[Footnote 40: Miami affair.]

[Footnote 41: Doubtless the afterwards celebrated Tecumseh, or his brother.]

[Footnote 42: An American fort on the river St. Lawrence, about seventy miles from Kingston, and one hundred and twenty-five miles from Montreal.]