view, for the purchase of the service of plate for his Excellency, the
Speaker of this House be authorized to give directions to such persons, in
England, as may be best able to execute the same, and that when so
completed, the said service be presented to his Excellency the
Governor-in-Chief, in the name and on the behalf of the Commons of His
Majesty's province of Lower Canada.
* * * * *
"Resolved,
"That an humble address be presented to his Excellency the
Governor-in-Chief, to communicate the above resolutions, humbly praying
that his Excellency will be graciously pleased to advance a sum not
exceeding five thousand pounds sterling, to the order of the Speaker of
this House, for the object stated in the above resolutions; and that this
House doth engage, and hereby pledges itself to make good the said advance
the next ensuing session of this provincial parliament."
* * * * *
_Extract from the Speech of the Speaker of the House of
Assembly, on presenting the Money Bills to the
Governor-in-Chief, 23rd March, 1815._
"Superior to prejudices which had but too generally prevailed, your
Excellency has derived from the devotion of that brave and loyal, yet
unjustly calumniated people, resources sufficient for disconcerting the
plans of conquest, devised by a foe at once numerous and elate with
confidence. Reinforcements were subsequently received; and the blood of the
sons of Canada has flowed mingled with that of the brave soldiers sent to
its defence. Multiplied proofs of the efficacious and powerful protection
of the mother country, and of the inviolable loyalty of the people of this
province, strengthen their claim to the preservation and free exercise of
all the benefits which are secured to them by their existing constitution
and laws."
* * * * *
_Addresses to Sir Geo. Prevost, from the Inhabitants of Quebec and
Montreal, 31st March._
_To His Excellency Sir George Prevost, Bart.
Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief, in and over the
Provinces of Lower Canada, &c. &c. &c._
"May it please your Excellency,
"We the inhabitants of the city of Quebec, most respectfully approach your
Excellency, at the moment of your departure for England, to express the
sentiments which we entertain, of a most profound regard for your
Excellency's person and character, and a lively gratitude for the benefits,
which, in common with our fellow subjects throughout the province, we have
derived from your Excellency's administration.
"At the period of your Excellency's arrival in this country, on the eve of
a war with America, you found the majority of its inhabitants irritated by
the unfortunate effects of misunderstandings of a long duration. Your
Excellency, consulting only the general welfare by a strict adherence to
justice and a well-timed confidence, soon allayed every discontent, and
rallied the whole population for the common defence. Under the happy
influence of harmony thus restored, the militia was assembled and trained,
and an exhausted treasury replenished. The additional means which you
thereby derived from the colony committed to your particular care, enabled
your Excellency to extend the handful of British troops at your disposal,
to the most distant parts of the Upper Province, where the long meditated
attacks of the enemy were met at the onset, and his forces repeatedly
overthrown with disgrace--the happy precursor of the fate which awaited all
his attempts on this province.
"If the smallness of the regular army with which your Excellency was left
to withstand the whole efforts of the United States for two years, and the
insufficiency of the naval force on the Lakes, have exposed His Majesty's
arms to some reverses, it is nevertheless, true, that under the auspices of
your Excellency, the British arms have acquired new laurels, amidst
circumstances of extraordinary difficulty, unprecedented in European
warfare; the name of the people of this country has been rendered
illustrious, and a vast extent of territory protected from the ravages of
war and preserved to the empire.
"Your Excellency's name and services will ever be held in veneration and
grateful remembrance by the inhabitants of Quebec. The whole province has
assured you of its gratitude; and the imperishable evidences of your
Excellency's merits, though they could not appease, will easily overcome
your enemies.
"May your Excellency's voyage be prosperous, and its results correspond
with your wishes. The citizens of Quebec will hail the day of your
Excellency's return to your government, rewarded with the full approbation
of a gracious Prince, as one of the happiest in the annals of Canada.
[Signed by 1420 persons.]
"_Quebec, 31st March, 1815._"
To which his Excellency was pleased to return the following Answer:
_To the Inhabitants of the City of Quebec._
"Gentlemen,
"I thank you for those sentiments of kindness which now, as at all times, I
have had the gratification to receive from the inhabitants of the city of
Quebec. It is at the moment of separation that such expressions appeal most
forcibly to the heart.
"If under the authority which His Majesty has deemed proper to place in my
hands, you have been prosperous and happy, the objects of all my exertions,
and my most earnest solicitude has been attained.
"The time I have spent in your society has taught me at once to appreciate
its worth, and to regret the loss of it; and, be assured, the testimony of
regard you have now given me, will be treasured up among recollections the
most grateful to my feelings."
* * * * *
On Monday last, at twelve o'clock, the Address of the Citizens of Montreal
was presented to his Excellency Sir George Prevost, by their Deputies, J.
M. Mondelet and John M'Donald, Esquires, which Address is as follows:
_To his Excellency Sir George Prevost, Bart.
Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief, in and over the
Province of Lower Canada, Upper Canada, Nova Scotia,
New Brunswick and their Dependencies, Vice-Admiral of
the same, Lieutenant-General and Commander of all His
Majesty's Forces in the said Provinces, and in the
Islands of Newfoundland, Prince Edward, Cape Breton,
and Bermuda, &c. &c. &c._
* * * * *
"May it please your Excellency,
"We His Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, inhabitants of the city of
Montreal and the neighbouring Parishes, have learnt with extreme regret
that your Excellency is unexpectedly about to leave this province.
"We hasten, before your Excellency separates yourself from us, to convey to
your Excellency the expression of our sorrow for your departure, of our
gratitude for the benefits conferred on us, in common with our fellow
subjects, by your Excellency's administration, and our ardent wish that
your Excellency's absence from this province may be of short duration.
"These sentiments are naturally produced in our minds by the recollection
of the public and private virtues which have been displayed by your
Excellency in your exalted station, and by the advantages we have
experienced from your Excellency's wisdom and justice in peace, and your
protecting care in war.
"In your Excellency's civil administration, we have seen conspicuously
evinced an anxious desire to dispense equal justice to His Majesty's
subjects, to obliterate unjust and impolitic distinctions between the
inhabitants of this province, of different origin, and to unite them as
members of one community with the same rights and interests, for the
promotion of their common welfare. Influenced by this wise and just policy,
your Excellency has been enabled to form a correct estimate of the
character and disposition of the population of Canada: and, by reposing in
the loyalty and bravery of His Majesty's Canadian subjects that confidence
which they fully merited, your Excellency has afforded practical evidence
of their devoted attachment to His Majesty's government, and their capacity
to yield it effectual support.
"While exposed to the pressure of the late unjust and unprovoked war waged
by the United States of America against His Majesty, we experienced the
security derived from your Excellency's indefatigable exertions for the
defence of this Province, and have reason to ascribe its preservation, as
well as that of the Upper Province, to the judicious distribution and
arrangement of the Public Force made by your Excellency, by which the
attempts of the enemy were frustrated, and the honourable character, with
the rights and advantages of British subjects has been secured to the
Inhabitants of the Canadas.
"Having the greatest confidence in the skill and judgment of your
Excellency, and being fully convinced of the ability and prudence with
which your Excellency has discharged the military as well as civil duties
of your high office, we anticipate, from the investigation for which your
Excellency is preparing, a result honourable to your Excellency's
character, by which your well-earned reputation will be confirmed, the
voice of calumny and detraction silenced, and your Excellency's merits
conclusively established. We persuade ourselves also that the important
services rendered in this country by your Excellency to His Majesty's
Government will be duly appreciated by His Royal Highness the Prince
Regent, of whose discernment and justice we have had so many proofs, and
will procure for your Excellency deserved approbation, and the high rewards
reserved for distinguished merit.
"We shall not cease to take the warmest interest in the fortunes of your
Excellency; and in expressing our ardent wishes for your prosperity and
that of your family, we join in the general sentiment of the country, whose
affection and unalterable attachment your Excellency will carry with you,
and whose greatest felicity would be experienced in the speedy return of
your Excellency to resume the reins of Government."
(Signed by 1510 persons.)
* * * * *
His Excellency was pleased to make the following answer:
_To the Inhabitants of the City of Montreal, and the neighbouring
Parishes._
"Gentlemen,
"The alacrity with which you have hastened to prevent the distance of your
residence from being an obstacle to the expression of your kind wishes on
my sudden and unexpected departure, gives to them all the additional value
of eager sincerity.
"Your good will is to me a most acceptable offering: and as I am now
content if your good opinion of my services during my Administration is
proportioned to my desire to promote your welfare, so shall I ever be
ambitious that your estimate of my exertions may be found as correct as the
favourable judgment which I early formed of His Majesty's subjects in
Canada, which experience has now fully justified."
* * * * *
_Letter from M. de Salaberry to Sir George Prevost._
A son Excellence Sir George Prevost, &c. &c.
Qu'il plaise a votre Excellence,
Me permettre d'ecrire, puisque je ne peux sortir. J'en suis empeche par une
maladie opiniatre et apparemment dangereuse, puisqu'encore hier j'ai tombe
sans connaissance sur le plancher. Je suis bien peine d'etre prive par les
accidens d'aller vous rendre mes respects, avant que vous vous laissiez.
Sir George, vous portez pour vous justifier--Quoi! une justification de
vous! Qui pouvait s'y attendre? Mais s'il en faut une, la voici d'un mot:
LE CANADA EST ENCORE A L'ANGLETERRE. Cela repond a tout. Le resultat est
tout, il est frappant, il est grand. Voila _un fait_, celui-la: on ne peut
le nier. Devant lui doivent disparaitre les vaines paroles, les accusations
sophistiques; sous lui doivent succomber les efforts de la malveillance,
l'envie, les passions haineuses; mais le merite et la vertu sont sujets a
la persecution. Vous en triompherez glorieusement: j'ose vous le predire
avec assurance, et je la souhaite du profond de mon coeur, comme je
souhaite aussi tous les bonheurs pour vous, Sir George, et pour ce qui vous
est cher. Avec ces vrais sentimens, et ceux du plus grand respect, j'ai
l'honneur de me souscrire,
Mon General,
De votre Excellence,
Le tres-humble, tres-obeissant
Et tres devoue serviteur,
L. de SALABERRY, Col. M. Quebec.
_A Beauport, 28 Mars, 1815._
P. S. Oui, les Canadas sont encore a l'Angleterre, mais n'y serraient plus
sans un effort perseverant de prudence, d'activite, de patience courageuse,
et d'habilite consommee, dans un commandement et un genre de guerre aussi
difficiles, dont la conduite exige un art tant particulier. Voila ce
qu'avoueront tous ceux qui ont de vraies connaissances de la nature de ces
pays de situations si extraordinaires, a des prodigieuses distances, a
travers des forets immenses.
Ce ne sont pas des guerres _d'Europe_, ou sous un beau ciel et dans des
riches plaines cultivees, toutes les parties d'armees se touchent, ou sont
toujours a-portee, de se donner la main, dans des localites rapprochees et
dont les communications sont si faciles. Daignez, mon General, traiter mes
reflexions avec indulgence, puis qu'elles viennent d'un vieux et loyal
soldat, qui a commence a faire la guerre il y a precisement quarante ans
cette annee.
No. XXXIII.
_Extract from Christie's Memoirs of the Administration
of the Colonial Government of Lower Canada, by Sir
James Henry Craig, and Sir George Prevost._
"The administration of the Civil Government of Lower Canada under Sir
George Prevost, was mild, equitable, and unquestionably popular among the
entire mass of the Canadian population, in whose loyalty from the
commencement, he placed the most implicit confidence. To their fidelity,
and to the prudent and conciliating policy of this Governor, Great Britain
is indebted for the preservation of the Canadas, unavoidably left destitute
of money and troops at the outset of hostilities with America, by reason of
the urgent demands of the war in Spain. The Provincial Legislature, by
giving a currency to Army Bills and guaranteeing their redemption,
effectually removed all apprehensions of a deficiency in the financial
resources of the Colonial Government. The organization of a respectable
force of embodied Militia, and the power delegated to the Governor, of
turning out the whole of the effective male population of the Province, in
cases of emergency, enabled him to withstand the efforts of the United
States, during two successive campaigns, with scarcely any other resources
than those derived from the Colony. They who had been partial to the
preceding Administration, and who probably may have been instrumental in
the arbitrary measures with which it is reproached, were, as might be
expected, adverse to the policy of the present Governor, and spared no
pains to represent in England the affairs of the Colony in the falsest
colours. The disappointments experienced at Sackett's Harbour and
Plattsburg, gave occasion to his enemies to discredit his military
character: but whatever may have been his capacity as a general, (which we
leave to the judgment of military men) it must be admitted, that as a civil
governor, at the head of a people irritated by arbitrary measures under the
preceding Administration, he judiciously explored his way through a period
of unprecedented embarrassments and danger, without a recurrence to Martial
Law, or the least exertion of arbitrary power. His manners are represented
by those who were familiarly acquainted with him as unassuming and social.
His public speeches or addresses partook of even classical elegance. His
smooth and easy temper placed him beyond the ordinary passions of men in
power, and though aware of the intrigues of unprincipled and implacable
enemies labouring at his destruction, and loaded with the obloquy of the
press, he is known to have harboured no resentment against the former, and
to have reasoned with that coolness and unconcern with respect to the
latter, which can only spring from a virtuous and ingenuous mind."
* * * * *
_Extract from Bouchette's Topographical Account of Lower Canada, p. 121._
"At a time when the military resources of the Province were so greatly
curtailed by the most arduous continental warfare that ever Great Britain
was engaged in, it is a matter of surprise that so much could have been
effected with such slender means. An enemy, emboldened by possessing an
ample force, and inspired by the prospect of obtaining a fertile country,
long the object of inordinate desire, could only be successfully opposed by
a union of the greatest energy with the most active measures; that such was
presented to him is incontrovertible, and the credit of having brought them
into action by unceasing perseverance, will attach to the judicious
dispositions of the Governor-General, Sir George Prevost, and for his
strenuous efforts in turning the enthusiasm of the people into a bulwark
stronger, and more impenetrable than entrenchments or fortresses against an
invader."
* * * * *
_The following Extract from James's Naval Memoirs, p.
411, shewing the opinion of the American Naval
Commander, as to the result of the action on Lake
Champlain, was intended to form a note to page 175._
"Commodore Macdonough, taking Lieutenant Robertson, when presenting his
sword, for the British Commanding Officer, spoke to him as follows:--'You
owe it, Sir, to the shameful conduct of your gun-boats and cutters, that
you are performing this office to me; for, had they done their duty, you
must have perceived, from the situation of the Saratoga, that I could hold
out no longer: and indeed, nothing induced me to keep up her colours, but
seeing, from the united fire of all the rest of my squadron on the
Confiance, and her unsupported situation, that she must ultimately
surrender.'--Here is an acknowledgment, candid and honourable in the
extreme."
No. XXXIV.
_Inscription on the Monument erected to the Memory of Sir George Prevost in
Winchester Cathedral, p. 177._
Sacred to the Memory
Of Lieutenant-General Sir George Prevost, Baronet,
of Belmont, in this County,
Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of the British
Forces in North America;
In which command, by his wise and energetic measures,
And with a very inferior force,
He preserved the Canadas to the British Crown,
From the repeated invasions of a powerful Enemy.
His Constitution at length sunk
Under incessant bodily and mental exertions,
In discharging the duties of that arduous station,
And having returned to England,
He died shortly afterwards in London, on the 5th Jan. 1816,
Aged forty-eight years;
Thirty-four of which had been devoted
To the service of his Country.
He was interred near the remains of his Father,
Major-General Augustin Prevost,
At East Barnet, in Middlesex.
His Royal Highness the Prince Regent,
To evince in an especial manner the sense he entertained
Of his distinguished conduct and services,
During a long period of constant active employment,
In situations of great trust, both military and civil,
Was pleased to ordain,
As a lasting memorial of His Majesty's Royal favour,
That the names of the Countries,
Where his courage and abilities had been most signally displayed,
The West Indies and Canada,
Should be inscribed on the banners of the supporters,
Granted to be borne by his Family and his descendants.
In Testimony of his private worth,
His piety, integrity, and benevolence,
And all those tender, domestic virtues
Which endeared him
To his Family, his Children, his Friends and Dependants,
As well as to prove her unfeigned love, gratitude and respect,
Catharine Ann Prevost,
His afflicted Widow,
caused this Monument to be erected,
Anno Domini, 1818.
No. XXXV.
_Private Despatch from Sir George Prevost to Earl Bathurst, p. 179._
(Private.)
"_Montreal, 21st Sept. 1814._
"My Lord,
"In my despatch from Plattsburg, of the 11th inst. I reported to your
Lordship the unfortunate event which induced me to withdraw the troops with
which I had advanced into the enemy's territory. My reasons for that
measure I can more fully explain to your Lordship in a private
communication than it might be proper to do in a public letter.
"Your Lordship must have been aware from my previous despatches, that no
offensive operations could be carried on, within the enemy's territory, for
the destruction of his Naval Establishments, without naval support. Having
ascertained that our flotilla was in every respect equal to the enemy's,
and having received from Captain Downie the assurance, not only of his
readiness, but of his ability to co-operate with the army, I did not
hesitate in advancing to Plattsburg, and confidently relying upon the
successful exertions of the squadron, I made my arrangements for the
assault of the enemy's works the moment it should appear.
"The disastrous and unlooked for result of the naval contest, by depriving
me of the only means by which I could avail myself of any advantage I might
gain, rendered a perseverance in the attack of the enemy's position highly
imprudent, as well as hazardous. From the state of the roads, each day's
delay at Plattsburg rendered my retreat more difficult. The enemy's Militia
was raising _en masse_ around me, desertion increasing, and our supply of
provisions scanty.
"Excluded from the use of water communication, and that by roads passing
through woods and over swamps, becoming, from the state of the weather, as
well as from the obstructions made by the enemy, nearly impassable--under
these circumstances, I had to determine whether I should consider my own
fame, by gratifying the order of the troops in persevering in the attack,
or consult the more substantial interests of my country, by withdrawing the
army which was yet uncrippled, for the security of these provinces; in
adopting the latter measure, I feel that I have accorded with the views of
His Majesty's Government, and that a contrary conduct would have been
attended with immediate and imminent danger to this Province.
"The most ample success on shore, after the loss of the fleet, could not
have justified the sacrifice I must have made to obtain it. Had I failed,
and such an event was possible, after the American army had been cheared by
the sight of a naval victory, the destruction of a great part of our troops
must have been the consequence, and with the remainder I should have had to
make a precipitate and embarrassed retreat, one very different from that
which I have made.
"These are considerations which, without doubt, will have their due weight
with your Lordship, and induce you, I trust, to view the measures I have
adopted as those best calculated to promote, as well the honour of His
Majesty's arms, as the safety of this part of his dominions.
"I herewith transmit a comparative state of the force of the two squadrons,
in order that your Lordship may be satisfied with my reasons for not
discouraging a Naval Engagement, in which, if all had done their duty, I
should have had a very different report to make.
"I have the honour to be," &c.
"_The Right Hon. Earl Bathurst_."
FOOTNOTES:
[99] Captain Watson of the Tweed; Tate of the Nancy; and Higgins of the
Betsey.
[100] Compte O'Duin's own expression.
[101] Gordon, Author of the History of the American Revolution, vol. iii.
p. 328, &c.
[102] "On the 9th January, 1808, died General Nagues, first Aid-de-Camp,
&c. &c. His loss was strongly felt. This General had conciliated the esteem
of the public by his inclination to do good, his attention to his duty, and
his strict probity. Before he entered into the service of Holland, he had
been Governor of St. Lucie, which he had defended as a brave soldier, and
where he acquired the affection of the Planters."--_Historical Documents
and Reflections on the Government of Holland, by Louis Bonaparte_, vol. ii.
p. 214.
[103] From Toulon and Rochefort.
[104] A French Squadron was in the West Indies.
[105] These addresses are extracted from a work, entitled, "the Canadian
Inspector," published at Montreal, in 1815, for the express purpose of
noticing and confuting the assertions made by the author of the letters
under the signature of Veritas, respecting the measures of Sir George
Prevost, in the prosecution of the war. Upon the authority of these letters
the Quarterly Reviewer has mainly relied, and has had the boldness to
declare, that "_no reply was ever attempted to be made to the statements
contained in them, or doubt ever expressed in the Provinces of their
correctness_."--Review, p. 408.